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Transportation and Restoration Move Together

September 7, 2026 | Member Submitted

Originally published by TRPA ENews – September 2026

When U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg gave the keynote address at the Tahoe Summit in 2024, he told the crowd of 1,200 people how he would explain his visit to his 3-year-old daughter.

“I went to a place full of people who are working to make their roads safer, to make their air cleaner, and to keep their lake safe,” said Secretary Buttigieg.

His words capture the interconnectedness of transportation and environmental protection in Tahoe. How people move through the basin affects the air we breathe, the water we protect, and the communities we call home.

Tahoe’s seasonal influx of visitors puts significant pressure on the region’s environment, roads, recreation sites, and communities. Through the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program(EIP), TRPA and Team Tahoe partners are working together to create safer, more connected, and more sustainable ways to get around the basin.

Whether it’s building bike trails and shuttle systems that reduce vehicle use or upgrading trailheads to improve parking and signage, Team Tahoe transportation partners are helping people enjoy Tahoe without losing what makes it special.

One of the most transformative examples is taking shape along Tahoe’s iconic East Shore.
Photos by: TRPA and Brandi Caskey / Indigo Photography

A Safer, More Connected East Shore

The 28-mile Nevada State Route 28 (SR 28) corridor serves more than 1 million recreation visitors and 4 million vehicles each year. It’s a National Scenic Byway and an iconic stretch of Tahoe shoreline, connecting visitors to some of the region’s most popular recreation destinations. But accommodating that demand while protecting this extraordinary landscape is a complex transportation challenge. Limited parking and pedestrian facilities have created significant safety, congestion, and environmental challenges.

In 2013, 13 partner agencies came together to develop a shared vision for the corridor: safer travel, better recreation access, less impact on Lake Tahoe, and more transportation choices. That collaborative vision continues today through a suite of projects being advanced by partners throughout the corridor.

The Tahoe East Shore Trail was the first major milestone, opening its first 3 miles between Incline Village and Sand Harbor State Park in 2019. The trail, combined with managed parking areas at the north end and active parking enforcement outside of the park, effectively eliminated unsafe roadside parking along a key section of SR 28 and helped manage capacity at Sand Harbor State Park.

The trail is now being extended with funding from a federal grant and significant philanthropic support through the Tahoe Fund, creating more opportunities to walk and bike along the shoreline. Work is underway to expand the East Shore Trail from Sand Harbor to Thunderbird Lodge and eventually all the way south to Spooner Summit, where the Nevada Department of Transportation is constructing the Spooner Mobility Hub. This managed parking area will also house a permanent aquatic invasive species watercraft inspection station.

Other pieces of the vision are coming together, too. The U.S. Forest Service and partners recently completed improvements to the Chimney Beach trailhead parking area, providing safer off-highway access to popular recreation areas. 

The East Shore Express, operated by the Tahoe Transportation District, offers another way to access the corridor and leave personal vehicles behind. The Express is planned to extend beyond its current route between Tunnel Creek and Sand Harbor State Park, connecting more recreation sites to new and planned parking areas along the corridor.

Together, these projects are transforming SR 28 from a challenging two-lane highway into a safer, more connected, and sustainable gateway to Tahoe’s abundant public lands.


Graphic by: Tahoe Transportation District

The improved Chimney Beach parking (left) and the in-progress Spooner Mobility Hub and Aquatic Invasive Species Inspection Station project (right) showcase how EIP investments can improve safety and recreation access while protecting Lake Tahoe’s water quality and supporting more sustainable transportation. Photos by: TRPA

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In The News – Lake Tahoe otter attack highlights the importance of swimming and self-rescue skills

September 4, 2026 | Member Submitted

Origionally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 9/4/2026, Written by Petra Molina

A routine swim in Lake Tahoe turned into a frightening fight for survival for Reno woman Lynnette Bellin, who was attacked by an otter near Hidden Beach in Incline Village. The attack was a “humbling reminder” that knowing how to swim and respond to an emergency are essential life skills, she said.

Bellin, a swim instructor who has spent more than two decades swimming in Lake Tahoe, said the attack happened Aug. 30.

She said she fought off the otter in the water before climbing onto the rocks to escape. But the animal followed her out of the water and continued attacking. She eventually managed to get away and make her way to the East Shore Bike Trail, where she encountered first responders. She was taken to the emergency room, where she received 38 stitches for her injuries and rabies shots following the attack.

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In The News – River Otters: Larger than thought, feistier than expected, and definitely in Lake Tahoe

September 2, 2026 | Member Submitted

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 9/2/2026, Sarah Hockensmith | Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS)

When you think of a badger or a wolverine, you probably picture a fierce, powerful predator and you’d be right. These tough mammals are part of the family Mustelidae, the weasels, and can occasionally be found in Tahoe alongside several other members of the weasel family. The longest of them all, with some adults reaching four feet in length, is the River Otter, which has certainly been making headlines lately.

The Tahoe region is home, at least occasionally, to seven species of mustelids, including not only the aforementioned North American River Otter, American Badger, and Wolverine but also their cousins, the Long-tailed Weasel, American Short-tailed Weasel, American Mink, and Pacific Marten. Some of these animals can look quite similar, while others appear very different from one another, but they all share characteristics typical of the family: elongated bodies, relatively short legs, small rounded ears, short skulls, and dense fur. Depending on the species, mustelids can be terrestrial, arboreal, or aquatic, with river otters and mink particularly well adapted to life in and around water.

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In The News – Keep Tahoe Blue Fashion Show raises record-breaking $1.67 million for Lake Tahoe conservation 

September 2, 2026 | Member Submitted

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 9/2/2026, Written by Victoria Mastrocola

It’s safe to say that the 57th annual Keep Tahoe Blue Fashion Show, held on August 1 in partnership with Oscar de la Renta, was an all-around success as the event marked a record-breaking $1.67 million to support Keep Tahoe Blue’s mission of preserving Lake Tahoe. 

First created in 1969, the Keep Tahoe Blue Fashion Show started with only 100 guests. Bill Blass, the original designer for the Fashion Show, made an iconic appearance on Rubicon Beach.

“They threw down plywood right onto the beach and Bill Blass presented his collection, barefoot, with just a handful of models,” said Kristin Keane, Major Gifts Officer for Keep Tahoe Blue. “People were sitting at picnic tables with boxed lunches. It was very humble beginnings, very lowkey grassroots, and suffice it to say, it’s been growing ever since.”

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Photo: A model in an Oscar de la Renta design on the runway.Provided / Katy Jo Caringer

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In The News – Incline Village REALTORS® use money from Placemaking Grant to honor veterans in Incline Village

September 1, 2026 | Member Submitted

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 8/27/2026, Laura Vitencz | CEO of Incline Village REALTORS®

The Incline Village REALTORS® announced it has received a $7500 Placemaking Grant to support the Veterans War Memorial in Incline Village, helping transform underutilized public land into a vibrant community space designed to bring people together.

The local grant award is made possible through funding support provided by the National Association of REALTORS® as part of its Community Development Advocacy program, which empowers REALTOR® associations to strengthen their communities through effective advocacy, partnerships, and on-the-ground initiatives.

Through this initiative, Incline Village REALTORS® provided two matching benches for veteran families to rest and view the memorial, working collaboratively with local stakeholders, the IVGID the Incline Village Veterans Club and the Military Officers Association to deliver a project that reflects local needs, community input and shared stewardship.

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We want your feedback from the IVGID Community Open House

September 1, 2026 | Member Submitted

Dear Community Members,

If you were one of the 405 community members who joined us on Tuesday at the IVGID Community Open House event, thank you for coming out and learning more about upcoming projects and other important topics that IVGID is involved in.

We would love your feedback on any of the topics or projects you heard about that afternoon.
Click here to leave feedback
Recap of the Open HouseIf you missed the Open House event, or if you just want to see some of the storyboard displays we had at the different stations again, we have an Open House Recap post on our website here.


Projects and updates covered at the Open House:Incline Beach House construction updatesDiamond Peak’s Snowflake Lodge Replacement ProjectDiamond Peak Snowmaking Project & Lower Mountain Access ConceptTennis Court Replacement ProjectFinance:IVGID Facility Fee information & historyFiscal Watch updatesDistrict Strategic Planning (with GM Robert Harrison)Utilities Billing updatesCompleted Capital Improvement Projects:Incline Village Skate ParkOngoing Capital Improvement Projects:Holman Family Bike ParkPotential Future Projects:Ice Skating RinkWaste Management (Trash Service) updatesFood & Beverage updates and plansHuman Resources updates and jobsIncline Tahoe Foundation partnership projects
Open House Recap

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Lake Tahoe School – Welcome Back to School!

September 1, 2026 | Member Submitted

Submitted by Lake Tahoe School for the Education & Families Edition of LIVE.WORK.PLAY Magazine

As summer dwindles down and children shake off the last of their summertime wiggles, we are thrilled to kick off our 29th academic year at Lake Tahoe School. Opening the doors of our independent PreK3 – 8th Grade school with 241 total students in the 2026-27 school year, we pride ourselves on nurturing a close-knit community of lifelong learners. Beyond the classroom, we also have a robust Outdoor Education program that takes our students from exploring our local Tahoe surroundings and fostering lake sustainability to navigating deeper waters as they take their service and adventure learning all the way to Costa Rica in 8th Grade. These signature experiences give students hands-on opportunities to build confidence, leadership, and a deep appreciation for the world we live in, and enhance our mission to create a joyful and academically challenging learning environment that echoes the wonder of Lake Tahoe, cultivates community, and sparks personal discovery that leads to an extraordinary future for every student.

This fall, we are excited to expand our team with two wonderful new faculty members. Sydney Nagy, longtime educator and parent of one of our students, will be joining us as the 7th- and 8th-grade English teacher. Sara Litteken will also be joining our team as the new Student Wellness Coordinator, dedicated to supporting the emotional well-being of our students and developing programs that help further serve our community.

While Lake Tahoe School operates as an independent school, we have various community-friendly events throughout the school year. Mark your calendars and join us for these upcoming autumn traditions:

  • 11th Annual High School Fair: October 20,  6:00 pm -Free. Open to the public.
  • Lake Tahoe School Turkey Trot: November 26, 9:00 am  Registration fee: $25 pp, $90 per family of four. Proceeds go to the LTS Tuition Assistance Program.
  • Lake Tahoe School Winter Market: December 4, 5:00 pm – A shopping event in partnership with Tahoe Family Solutions. Free. Open to the public.

Here’s to a wonderful year of learning, growth, and community connection!

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North Tahoe Hebrew Congregation Invites the Community to “Brisket & Brews” Sukkot Celebration

August 26, 2026 | Member Submitted

TAHOE VISTA, Calif. — North Tahoe Hebrew Congregation will host Brisket & Brews, a community Sukkot celebration, on Saturday, September 26, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the congregation in Tahoe Vista. The afternoon will feature slow-smoked brisket, a craft beer tasting, live music, and crafts for children. Music will be provided by Subra Doyle and Joey of local rock band, The Wreckords.

The event is open to the public, and no membership or religious affiliation is required to attend. Advance brisket platters are $25, discounted from the $36 door price, and children’s plates are $18 and include a drink ticket. Beers will be available for $5. Tickets are available at https://qrco.de/brisketandbrews Proceeds support the congregation’s programming and mission.

Sukkot, the weeklong Jewish harvest festival, begins at sundown on September 25 this year. It is traditionally observed by gathering, sharing meals and welcoming guests – a custom the congregation says shaped the event from the start.

“Sukkot is the holiday where you build a structure called a Sukkah, with the roof left open and then invite people in. Hospitality isn’t a nice extra on this holiday – it’s the whole assignment. So, we put the brisket on the smoker for a few days, we open the doors, and whoever walks through them is a guest at our table, whether we’ve known them for thirty years or thirty seconds.”

— Stephanie Silver Koehler, Event Chair, Board of Directors, North Tahoe Hebrew Congregation

The brisket will be smoked on site by local smoker Carl Stump. Music will be provided by Subra Doyle and Joey of local rock band, The Wreckords, canned craft beers will be provided in partnership with Incline Spirits & Cigars, and the pumpkin decorating station is sponsored by Grocery Outlet – Incline Village. 

The congregation is also seeking craft sponsors or providers for the event, local businesses to take part. Sponsors receive recognition on event signage and in the congregation’s social media and community email. Businesses interested in sponsoring can get more information on the ticket form. 

North Tahoe Hebrew Congregation serves Jewish families and individuals across the North Lake Tahoe and Truckee region and welcomes visitors and second-home owners throughout the year. North Tahoe Hebrew Congregation has served the North Tahoe and Truckee communities for more than forty years, beginning with holiday services in members’ living rooms in 1979 and formally organizing in 1982, and has gathered in its own synagogue and community center in Tahoe Vista since 2002. The Reform congregation welcomes Jewish families, individuals, visitors and second-home owners throughout the year.

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In The News – Incline Village Community Hospital earns Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation

August 26, 2026 | Member Submitted

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 8/26/2026, Staff Report

Tahoe Forest Health System announced that Incline Village Community Hospital’s Emergency Department has achieved Level 3 Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation (GEDA) from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP).

The bronze-level accreditation recognizes emergency departments that have established practices and resources designed to support the care of older adults. Incline Village Community Hospital’s achievement reflects the collaboration and dedication of its interdisciplinary team and its efforts to continually strengthen emergency care for the community.

“Older adults can face distinct challenges in an emergency setting, and our team is committed to making sure their care reflects those needs,” said Anna Roth, President and CEO of Tahoe Forest Health System. “We are proud of the Incline Village Community Hospital team for earning this accreditation and for the expertise and compassion they bring to caring for our older patients and their families.”

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The Local Lens – Wildfire Doesn’t Respect Property Lines

August 26, 2026 | Member Submitted

Written by Tom Millhoff

We longtime locals have watched our wildfire reality change—from distant risk to smoky summers, insurance non-renewals and increasingly frequent hot, dry, windy Red Flag Warning days. The recent Reno fires and  Public Safety Power Outages are a useful reminder: here in Incline Village and Crystal Bay, we are living with fire.  

Choking smoke from the 2020 Caldor and Dixie fires clouded sparked my motivation. Since then, our Upper Tyner neighborhood – the epitome of the wildland-urban interface, worked with the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) and the Tahoe Resource Conservation District (TRCD) to become Incline’s first Firewise USA AND Fire Adapted Community.  We’ve become safer, more resilient and insurable… even more neighborly.  

Our NLTFPD has earned the highest possible insurance rating, and is doing extraordinary work to reduce wildfire risk on public lands surrounding and within our neighborhoods. As I write this, Forester Jason Furmaniak’s aptly named “Worm,” a remote-controlled masticating machine, is munching through manzanita below my house, helping create a 132-foot mosaic of healthier forest and defensible space around Incline’s “Halo” neighborhoods above Mt. Rose Highway.  But even the top-rated fire district in the basin can’t do it all.

Wind-driven fires such as the Hawk, Bug, Davis and Caldor fires can throw burning embers a mile or more ahead of the flames. Those embers can jump roads, fire lines and fuels-reduction projects and land directly in our yards.  Wildfire resilience is a team sport – we win together.

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: wildfire doesn’t respect property lines.  Our individual decisions affect our neighbors. The greatest ignition threat to your home is on your own property; the largest fuel source threatening you may be the house next door. The forest may bring wildfire to Incline, but we residents can help determine whether it becomes a house-to-house neighborhood fire.  Working together, we can make our communities safer, and our homes more insurable.  Fortunately, you can make meaningful progress without a major landscaping project or a huge check.

Start with one easy step: create an Ember-Resistant Zone immediately around your home. Remove needles, leaves, wood mulch and other combustible material where wind-blown embers are most likely to collect. It’s inexpensive, it’s effective, and we’re in peak fire season, so there’s no better time than this weekend.

Ready for step two? Visit the Living With Fire–Tahoe website for practical guidance on home hardening and defensible space.  Better yet, call NLTFPD and schedule a free Defensible Space Inspection. Fuels Mitigation Specialist Ryan Dominguez and his inspection team understand our local wildfire ignition and spread risks better than anyone. Why wouldn’t we welcome expert advice to protect our homes and neighborhoods?

No single homeowner can make Incline fire adapted. No fire district can do it for us. But if each of us takes one or two meaningful steps—and encourages the neighbor next door to do the same—the effect multiplies from home, to street, to neighborhood, to community.

That’s how we learn to live with fire.  That’s how we protect one another.  And that’s how Incline Village & Crystal Bay become a Fire Adapted Community.

About the Author
Tom Millhoff has lived in Upper Tyner since the last millennium.  He and the Incline High School Wildfire Ambassador team support development of local Fire Adapted Communities.  

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