In The News – Meet the Tahoe-made Valkyrie, a women’s ski designed for the fierce
July 28, 2026 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Sierra Sun, 07/28/2026, Written by Katelyn Welsh
What started as an observation on a chairlift turned into the development of a women’s ski designed to hold up to the strength and speed with which hard-charging female skiers attack the mountain.
“When we go to ski out there,” She-Shredz founder Constance Traynor said, “sometimes it feels like you might be going to war a little bit, and when you go into battle, you want something that’s going to keep up with you and that you can trust.”
Meet the Valkyrie, a collaboration of She-Shredz, a Truckee-based and global-reaching online platform for all things women’s ski and snowboard, and Praxis Ski, a factory handcrafting skis out of Incline Village.
In The News – USDA announces $50 million investment to expand timber production, enhance forest health in Nevada
July 28, 2026 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 7/27/2026, Staff Report
U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Nevada State Director Alida Ceballos today announced that Tahoe Forest Products, LLC. will receive $50 million to expand timber processing capabilities at its business in Carson City. This significant investment comes through a partnership between the USDA and MapleMark Bank and will enable the business to access guaranteed loan funds to support domestic timber production.
Ceballos said, “Thanks to the leadership of Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and President Trump, USDA is partnering with lending institutions to make this substantial investment in new and upgraded timber processing equipment for Tahoe Forest Products, LLC. This investment supports sustainable timber harvesting that improves forest health, reduces wildfire risk, and strengthens rural prosperity by creating jobs for hardworking Americans. Nevada is proud to further the Trump-Vance investments into our great state.”
Lake Tahoe’s best summer days are worth protecting. A beach day, trail walk, paddle, or dog-friendly outing all depend on clean beaches, healthy forests, clear water, and shared respect for the places we all love. Those conditions are shaped by the small choices made before and during your time exploring Tahoe.
Bring reusables instead of single-use plastics
Use lake-friendly transportation when you can
Clean, Drain, Dry gear before it touches the water
Clean up after your pet so Tahoe’s dog-friendly areas stay clean, open, and welcoming.
Pick it up, pack it out, and toss it in the trash
This month’s Spotlight highlights the everyday choices and dedicated people who help Tahoe stay enjoyable, safe, and protected. From wildfire awareness and aquatic invasive species prevention to the volunteers, Tahoe Blue Crews, and interns working behind the scenes, these efforts are making a difference. Meet the stewards and discover the small actions that add up to a better Tahoe for everyone.
Growing to Meet the Community’s Mental Health Needs
July 28, 2026 | Member Submitted
For many years, the Tahoe Family Solutions (TFS) mental health team has worked within limited office space, making it difficult to keep pace with the growing need for counseling services in the North Lake Tahoe community.
That changed this month when we moved our entire mental health program into a dedicated counseling center less than a mile from our main office on Incline Way. The new location features a welcoming reception area, private offices for every clinician, and a dedicated play therapy room designed specifically for children.
Tahoe Family Solutions was founded in 1991 with the primary goal of providing mental health services to the community. As additional needs emerged, we expanded our programs to support children, families, and individuals in new ways while remaining committed to that mission. Today, we serve approximately 200 mental health clients each year, and demand for counseling and related services continues to grow.
The expanded facility is more than a new address. It’s part of our ongoing commitment to making quality mental health care more accessible, comfortable, and effective for everyone who walks through our doors.
Creating a Safe, Consistent Space for Healing
One of the biggest benefits of the new office is consistency.
Previously, therapists often had to share space, which meant clients might meet in a different office from one appointment to the next. Now, each therapist has a dedicated office where clients know exactly where they’ll be every visit.
Katie O’Hara, MA, LCPC, who serves as a mental health therapist and clinical manager for Tahoe Family Solutions, while maintaining her private practice, works with adults, couples, teens, and children. She believes the new location will create a more welcoming, consistent experience for both clients and clinicians.
“This way everyone gets their own space and our clients know where they’ll be every time,” O’Hara said. “There’s something about consistency that I think makes clients feel safe. They’ll be able to look forward to being in the same room every time they meet with their therapist.”
Each office has been designed to feel warm and welcoming, with comfortable furniture, sensory tools, and personal touches.
“Even something as small as having a couch and little fidgets can make a difference,” she said.
The new play therapy room gives younger children a dedicated space where they can process emotions and experiences through play in a developmentally appropriate setting.
Expanding Access to Care
Getting care isn’t always as simple as making an appointment. Transportation, cost, language, and availability can all stand in the way. The new counseling center helps remove many of those barriers.
Located on the public bus route, the office is easier to reach for clients without reliable transportation. Counseling services remain free, ensuring finances are never a barrier to receiving care.
The expanded space will ultimately allow us to increase appointment availability and reduce wait times.
“With the additional money we’re able to get from grants and private donations, we’ll be able to add more hours for our therapists,” O’Hara said.
Language access is another important part of expanding care. The team includes three Spanish-speaking clinicians, allowing many bilingual and bicultural clients to receive services in the language they’re most comfortable using.
“There are just as many Spanish speakers as there are English speakers on the waitlist, so having bilingual therapists providing their services has been incredible,” O’Hara said.
While Tahoe Family Solutions has provided interpreters when needed, she says speaking directly with someone who understands both their language and culture creates a different experience.
“It’s an unmatched experience being able to sit across from someone who you share a similar cultural background with,” she said.
The expanded services have been made possible through generous community support, including funds raised through Shabby Chic, grant funding, and donor contributions.
Comprehensive Mental Health Services
Working with a team of professionals, TFS offers mental health care for children, adolescents, and adults through a range of services, including:
Child, Adolescent and Family Counseling
Parent and Child Interactions
Healthy Family Relationships
Success in School
Play Therapy
Conflict Resolution
School Adjustment
We also provide psychiatric care through licensed psychiatric provider Dr. Sukhi Johal, who works with children, teens, and adults to evaluate symptoms, diagnose mental health conditions, and develop individualized treatment plans.
Psychiatric services include:
Comprehensive psychiatric evaluations
Medication management for anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, and more
Ongoing support and check-ins to ensure treatment is working
Collaboration with our in-house therapy team for integrated care
The Importance of Mental Health
Although awareness of mental health has improved in recent years, O’Hara believes there is still work to do.
“If someone has a broken bone, they’ll go to the doctor,” she said. “But if someone is going through a broken heart, they’re more likely to think, ‘I’ve got this. I can handle this.’”
She encourages people to think of therapy as routine care rather than a last resort.
“I think going to therapy is kind of like going to the dentist, but for your brain,” she said. “Our mental health is everything. It’s how we interact with the world. It’s how we perceive things. It’s how we form connections, or sometimes struggle to form connections. Our mental health is at the forefront of everything, and it’s just as important as our physical and spiritual health.”
We hope the new counseling center will help even more individuals and families find the support, healing, and hope they need.
Mental health services are currently provided free of charge through Tahoe Family Solutions, although donations are always appreciated. Community support helps us continue expanding access to quality mental health care for everyone who needs it.
Contractors Association Of Truckee Tahoe Debuts New Digital Hub
July 28, 2026 | Member Submitted
“CATT Bid Connect” will help local homeowners find professional contractors
The Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe (CATT) is expanding and modernizing its bid request program with the launch of CATT Bid Connect, a new digital platform designed to help local property owners find the right CATT professional for any project, regardless of size or budget.
The platform gives homeowners and property owners a simple front door into CATT’s network of more than 400 qualified local building professionals. Whether the need is landscaping, repairs, a specialty trade, a remodel, or a larger high-end residential construction or commercial project, property owners can submit a single request and let CATT point them in the right direction.
“CATT has always helped connect our community with qualified local building professionals,” says Denise Van Beek, CATT membership manager. “This new platform expands that capability by giving property owners one simple place to start, whether they have a small property need or a major construction project. It also helps our members receive more relevant opportunities based on the type of work they actually do.”
How It Works
The process is easy. Property owners can request a bid online, by phone, or by texting BID to CATT at (530) 536-1115. They simply provide details on the job they need done and their request is organized by project type, trade category, location, and scope, and then routed to the CATT members who actually perform that kind of work.
“Our goal is to make CATT the easiest and most trusted starting point for local property owners who need help with a project,” says Van Beek. “This platform helps us quickly connect requests with our trusted list of local professionals, so it takes the guesswork out of finding a contractor.”
Another benefit of the new platform is that it expands the variety of projects for which property owners can submit requests. A traditional bid request form can feel like it is only meant for larger, serious construction jobs. CATT Bid Connect broadens that idea. The platform can take in a wide array from requests, from small, quick fixes, to larger and more complex long-term jobs.
Examples include:
Handyman jobs
Defensible space
Tree work
Landscaping
Repairs and maintenance
Decks and exterior improvements
Roofing, windows, doors, and specialty trades
Remodels and additions
High-end residential construction
Commercial tenant improvements
Larger commercial or custom construction projects
The platform is powered by Bedrok Labs, a local technology company founded by Bevan Waite that builds intelligent communication and intake tools for contractors and construction organizations.
About CATT
The Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe is a regional trade association dedicated to promoting a positive business environment for the building and housing industry. CATT connects property owners with hundreds of qualified and reliable member businesses for remodeling and new construction projects throughout the Truckee-Tahoe region, while providing its members with advocacy, education, networking, and business resources. Learn more at ca-tt.com.
In The News – Incline Village REALTORS® leverages Fair Housing Grant to advance education, training
July 28, 2026 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 7/28/2026, Staff Report
The association of Incline Village REALTORS® (IVR) received a $3,000 Fair Housing Grant to support national speaker Nate Johnson Overcoming Barriers to Fair Housing, at the Chateau in Incline Village Lake Tahoe, reinforcing its commitment to fair housing education, professional responsibility and housing access.
The grant award is made possible by the National Association of REALTORS® as part of its Community Development Advocacy program empowering REALTOR® associations to strengthen their communities through effective advocacy, partnerships, and on-the-ground initiatives.
“Nate engaged with all of us in a space of openness, safety & genuine inquisitiveness. The training was informative and interesting… I really appreciated the way Nate encouraged discussion and made everyone feel comfortable participating,” said Heather Bacon, Compass Real Estate Advisor.
As Nevada’s economy continues to evolve, understanding the experiences of business owners has never been more important. The survey provides entrepreneurs with an opportunity to share the challenges they face, from access to capital and workforce shortages to inflation, marketing, regulatory issues and business growth opportunities.
The information collected will help Nevada SBDC and its statewide network of partners better understand emerging trends, prioritize technical assistance programs, inform educational offerings and advocate for resources that directly support Nevada’s entrepreneurs.
“Small businesses are the foundation of Nevada’s economy, and the best way to understand their needs is to listen directly to the owners who are creating jobs and strengthening their communities every day,” said Winnie Dowling, state director of the Nevada SBDC. “The insights gathered through this survey help ensure that future programs and services are responsive to the real-world challenges Nevada businesses are experiencing.”
Each year, thousands of Nevada entrepreneurs contribute valuable feedback that helps paint a comprehensive picture of the state’s small business landscape. The results are used by economic development organizations, policymakers, community partners and business assistance providers to better align resources with the needs of local businesses.
Nevada SBDC encourages business owners of every size and in every industry, from startups and home-based businesses to established manufacturers, retailers, restaurants and professional service firms to participate.
The survey runs from July 20 through Aug. 30 and takes only a few minutes to complete. Responses will help strengthen Nevada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem for years to come.
Business owners are encouraged to share their feedback through the survey, available in English and Spanish.
– @unevadareno –
The University of Nevada, Reno is a public research university that is committed to the promise of a future powered by knowledge. As a Nevada land-grant university founded in 1874, the University serves 21,000 students. The University is a comprehensive, doctoral university, classified as an R1 institution with very high research activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Additionally, it has attained the prestigious “Carnegie Engaged” classification, reflecting its student and institutional impact on civic engagement and service, fostered by extensive community and statewide collaborations. More than $800 million in advanced labs, residence halls and facilities has been invested on campus since 2009. It is home to the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and Wolf Pack Athletics, maintains a statewide outreach mission and presence through programs such as the University of Nevada, Reno Extension, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Small Business Development Center, Nevada Seismological Laboratory, and is part of the Nevada System of Higher Education. Through a commitment to world-improving research, student success and outreach benefiting the communities and businesses of Nevada, the University has impact across the state and around the world. For more information, visit www.unr.edu.
About the Nevada Small Business Development Center The Nevada Small Business Development Center is a statewide business assistance program hosted by the College of Business at the University of Nevada, Reno. Nevada SBDC provides no-cost, confidential business advising, training and resources to help entrepreneurs start, grow and sustain successful businesses throughout Nevada through a network of offices and partners serving communities across the state.
Media Contact: Brad Scribner Community Project Manager Nevada Small Business Development Center bscribner@unr.edu (775) 784-4748
I wanna live on a houseboat with a dog, surrounded by lots of water and love. What could be more tranquil and ideal? I don’t know if statistics will bear me out, but I suspect nobody who has lived on a houseboat has ever started a fight with a neighbor or waged a war. Water is a calming elixir, and an enduring peacekeeper. Just walking to the shores of Lake Tahoe each day makes me feel terrific and ten years younger.
Perhaps it all started for me when I was a teenage lifeguard and pool rat who could sniff the air of a natatorium and tell you the chlorine count. As a water safety instructor I taught senior lifesaving, and was in hog heaven while floating in my clothes between classes…
In those three idyllic guarding years, I only had to make one save, and that was while vacationing in Hawaii. A Philippine gentleman got caught up in a rip tide off Pe’ahi, and instead of riding it out, he was panicking and fighting it. I kicked off my rubber slippers and went after him of course, but when I reached him, he was frantic and went grasping for me.
I shouted for him to relax and assured him I would take him in, but he did not understand English, so I let him thrash around a little longer. But he managed to get hold of me and wrestled us into a tight death grip. I knew I had to get him off me or we were both going to visit Davy Jones down there in his locker, so I took a large gulp of air and let us sink together. He didn’t struggle long before abandoning me and paddling for the surface. Had he been able to hold his breath longer than me, well, I suppose we would both be down there playing poker with Davy. But I was finally able to grab him from behind and haul him in…
Once safely ashore, that Philippine gentleman, Catalino, gave me a genuine hug and fixed us both a bowl of Bebinca that was the best I ever had…and he told me, in his personal sign language, that his mother was one hundred years old and still smoking cigars. She was so weak that she had to rest her cigars on the windowsill while smoking them, but if I were to visit them in Manila, she would fix me a bowl of Bebinca that would beat anything I ever tasted before. Well, I was too busy to visit back then, but now that I’m retired, I could go visit, and savor Mom’s Bebinca, but then she would be 160 years old now, and probably smoking her cigars up there alongside Mr. Twain and Mr. Churchill…
So I will close here with apologies to the Bard. Instead of, “Get thee to a nunnery!” May I close with, “Get thee to a watery way!”
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Promotes Jessica Hillman to Wellness and Adventure Lead Specialist
July 22, 2026 | Member Submitted
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino, an award-winning resort nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of North Lake Tahoe, announces the promotion of Jessica Hillman to Wellness and Adventure Lead Specialist. In her new role, Hillman will lead the resort’s growing portfolio of immersive wellness experiences, curating innovative programming that blends movement, mindfulness and Lake Tahoe’s spectacular alpine landscape while mentoring her team, fostering collaboration across resort departments and developing new signature experiences.
“Jessica has played an integral role in shaping the exceptional wellness experiences our guests have come to know at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe,” said Andrew DeLapp, Resort Manager of Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino. “Our spectacular setting naturally inspires relaxation, reflection and adventure, and Jessica’s passion, expertise and creativity will continue to elevate the meaningful experiences that help guests connect with both our destination and themselves.”
Raised in Incline Village, Hillman developed a lifelong appreciation for the mountains, forests and waters of North Lake Tahoe. She joined Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe more than a decade ago and quickly discovered a passion for creating experiences that encourage guests to slow down, embrace the outdoors and reconnect with themselves through intentional moments of movement, mindfulness and exploration.
Throughout her career at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, Hillman has led many of the resort’s signature wellness experiences, including sunrise yoga, mindful forest walks, sound baths, breathwork sessions and seasonal wellness programming. She also helped launch the resort’s popular Sauna & Soul experience, a thoughtfully curated wellness program held during the new moon that combines guided journaling, sound healing, and access to the spa’s sauna and steam room, creating a restorative journey for both body and mind.
Hillman has continually expanded her expertise in holistic wellness throughout her career. She is a certified 200-hour yoga instructor, sound healer and Reiki master, with additional training in yoga anatomy, self-myofascial release, restorative yoga and accessible yoga. In 2025, she received Hyatt’s Wellbeing Award, recognizing her dedication to creating meaningful experiences that support the wellbeing of both guests and colleagues.
“There’s something truly sacred about the energy here, and it’s a joy to share the magic of my hometown with guests from around the world,” said Hillman. “More travelers are seeking experiences that foster restoration, connection and presence. I’m excited to continue evolving our wellness offerings by creating thoughtful experiences that encourage guests to slow down, reconnect with nature and themselves, and discover Lake Tahoe in a meaningful and lasting way.”
For more information or to book a getaway to Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, please visit HyattRegencyLakeTahoe.com, or call (775) 832-1234.
About Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino
Situated among the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the award-winning Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino offers a premier destination based in the nature-infused setting of North Lake Tahoe. The resort is home to an on-site Adventure program offering daily guided activities to help guests explore the Tahoe outdoors with everything from group hikes to meditation sessions. Guests can enjoy premium amenities such as a year-round heated lagoon-style pool, two hot tubs, and a 25,000 square-foot Grand Lodge Casino. The resort also boasts the 20,000 square-foot Stillwater Spa featuring a variety of relaxing massages, facials and body treatments as well as state-of-the-art touchless therapies including the Cryobuilt Cryochamber, “Pearl” a revolutionary float orb, and the “Harmony” bioacoustic mat. The property showcases premier dining opportunities at the brand-new Osteria Sierra offering elevated Italian cuisine, pub-style fare at Cutthroat’s Saloon, and grab-and-go selections at Tahoe Provisions. Additional culinary delights include afternoon tea service on the weekends and a selection of world-class pastries created by the resort’s renowned team of pastry chefs. Recognized for excellence, the resort has garnered numerous awards including Travel + Leisure’s 500 Best Hotels in the World, Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best, Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards, Smart Meetings Smart Stars Awards, and U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hotel Awards.
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino is located on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, at 111 Country Club Drive, Incline Village, NV, 89451. For more information, visit HyattRegencyLakeTahoe.com or follow the resort on Facebook or Instagram.
About Hyatt Regency hotels
The Hyatt Regency brand is a global collection of hotels and resorts found in more than 200 locations in over 40 countries around the world. The depth and breadth of this diverse portfolio, from expansive resorts to urban city centers, is a testament to the brand’s evolutionary spirit. For more than 50 years, the Hyatt Regency brand has championed fresh perspectives and enriching experiences, while its forward-thinking philosophy provides guests with inviting spaces that bring people together and foster a spirit of community. As a hospitality original, Hyatt Regency hotels and resorts are founded on openness—our colleagues consistently serve with open minds and open hearts to deliver unforgettable celebrations, effortless relaxation and notable culinary experiences alongside expert meetings and technology-enabled collaboration. The brand prides itself on an everlasting reputation for insightful care—one that welcomes all people across all countries and cultures, generation after generation. For more information, please visit hyatt.com
Originally published in Moonshine Ink, 7/9/2026, written by Jon Grant
There was a moment at the second-ever Gambler’s Run in 2024 when The Main Squeeze was covering Pink Floyd’s “Have a Cigar” and it all kind of came together for Crystal Bay Casino’s production/marketing manager Sam Shear.
“It was right at dusk,” he said. “The golden hour light. The energy of the band, the energy of the crowd. It was epic. All the work we’d done, a lot of things had to line up to make that moment happen.”
Things did line up and that moment did happen. More moments happened last year and more moments will happen in 2026, the festival gaining momentum like some incendiary fiddle solo played against a devil down in Georgia. This year, the String Cheese Incident leads its biggest lineup yet, headlining three days of deep-pooled musicality with their Thursday night set.
