Too many local families have faced the difficult choice of leaving Tahoe – the place that they love – to find steady affordable housing. Those who choose to stay often bounce from rental to rental, believing home ownership is an impossible dream. Down payment assistance programs like WHPP (Workforce Housing Preservation Program) offered through Placer County are providing a pathway to home ownership in the North Lake Tahoe region. In this episode of Voices for Housing we meet Katie and Mike. The WHPP program helped them make homeownership a reality. Click on the photo above to watch the full video.
The Reno Jazz Orchestra will present two themed summer concerts in Reno and Lake Tahoe: A Jazz/Rock Odyssey in July and A Tribute to George Benson in August.
A Jazz/Rock Odyssey will be performed July 28 at Sand Harbor State Park in Incline Village, Nevada at 7:30 pm and July 29 at the Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater at Bartley Ranch Regional Park in Reno at 7:00 pm.
The orchestra will return in August with A Tribute to George Benson, scheduled for Aug. 23 at 4 p.m. at the University of Nevada’s Nightingale Concert Hall in Reno and Aug. 24 at 7:30 p.m. at Sand Harbor State Park in Incline Village, NV.
Singer Matt Mauser will join the 17-piece orchestra for A Jazz/Rock Odyssey, a program that moves from swing to retro horn-driven music to classic rock.
“From Frank Sinatra’s smooth swagger to Elvis’ rock ‘n’ roll grooves, and Tom Jones’ powerhouse hits, Matt Mauser brings the music of these unforgettable artists to life through dynamic performances that entertain audiences across every generation,” Music Director Greg Johnson said.
Johnson said Mauser brings both crooner and rock sensibilities to the performance.
“There are very few entertainers who can traverse the vocal versatility terrain in the manner Matt can,” Johnson said. “Without missing a beat, he can casually croon Sinatra’s ‘Fly Me to the Moon,’ then roll into a toe-tapping rendition of Johnny Cash’s ‘Folsom Prison Blues.'”
For A Tribute to George Benson, guitarist Colin Cook and vocalist Kyle Rea will perform with the orchestra at both concerts. The program will celebrate Benson’s blend of jazz and R&B with selections including “Breezin’,” “Give Me the Night,” “This Masquerade,” “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and “Never Give Up on a Good Thing.”
“Both concerts will feature big band classics, smooth grooves and iconic hits celebrating one of music’s most influential artists,” said Dr. Greg Johnson, music director of the Reno Jazz Orchestra.
Cook, a Los Angeles-based guitarist, is a member of the Stanley Clarke Band and appears on Clarke’s forthcoming 2026 album Last Train to Sanity. He has performed in more than 20 countries and has appeared at the Newport Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival and NPR’s Tiny Desk series. He also is an instructor for the music-learning platform Rocksmith.
Rea studied opera, jazz and piano at the University of Nevada, Reno, and leads the 25-piece Kyle Rea Orchestra. He has headlined concerts at Reno’s Artown Festival, performed at private events and appeared with the Reno Jazz Orchestra.
Founded in 1997, the Reno Jazz Orchestra continues a big band tradition shaped by musicians who performed with artists including Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and Luciano Pavarotti. The orchestra says its mission is to create big band performances featuring jazz standards, contemporary works and selections from the Great American Songbook.
In The News – Incline Village REALTORS Meet with lawmakers in Washington, D.C.
June 22, 2026 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 6/22/2026, Staff Report
The CEO and five members of Incline Village REALTORS® traveled to Washington, D.C., for the 2026 REALTORS® Legislative Meetings, where they met with members of Congress and Congressional staff to advocate for policies that increase housing supply, build stronger communities, and support self-employed professionals.
During meetings on Capitol Hill, members and staff of the Incline Village REALTORS® met with Senators Jacky Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto and urged support for:
The More Homes on the Market Act, which would update the tax exclusion on the sale of a primary residence and incentivize more long-term owners to sell their homes. Updating America’s tax law is a key pathway to more supply.
In The News – Pet Network Humane Society, Washoe County Regional Animal Services partner to strengthen lost and found pet services in Incline Village
June 19, 2026 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 06/19/2026, Staff Report
New agreement expands collaboration to reunite lost pets with their families and provide a seamless safety net for animals in the community
Pet Network Humane Society and Washoe County Regional Animal Services (WCRAS) are proud to announce a new partnership designed to enhance services for lost and found pets in Incline Village and surrounding areas of Washoe County. Through a newly established Memorandum of Understanding, the organizations will work together to ensure that stray animals receive compassionate care, increased reunification opportunities, and a clear pathway to adoption when needed.
I am writing about my Dad today. It’s Father’s Day on Sunday, AND he is my Hero!
I can’t say I knew that when I was little. He worked 6 days a week to feed our family of 5 kids. I knew him more as a teenager, sitting around the kitchen table having rousing discussions with my parents and my siblings. He challenged us to be independent thinkers and certainly to be our own person. It was only as I got older, raising my own children with Richard, that I realized how much I was like him.
My children got to know their Grandpa Dutch very well, between visits to Minnesota and to Arizona in the winters. He challenged them to think as well, and it was fun to see the interaction between those generations.
That phrase, “everything I know, I learned in kindergarten”…so much of who I am, I got from my dad. Some of my core qualities are his: opinionated and never afraid to take action (but not always right), that driving passion toward doing stuff that needs doing, a strong work ethic, gregarious and outgoing personality, and a heart full of love for the people around me, even though I don’t always show it.
Take a moment to think about that strong person who shaped your life and be sure to tell them how grateful you are!
Also, at Incline Center, remodeling is starting in the old Rookies building. Finally! It will take all summer, but we can look forward to the opening of a new restaurant called Maddy’s. It will have an Eastern Mediterranean vibe and flavor!
IVCBA is the Community and Business Association that promotes our local businesses and nonprofits, organizes community events, and produces the Weekly SnapShot!
If you are a subscriber and regular reader, please join as a Community Supporter for $50. If you are not a subscriber, do for free! Go to IVCBA.org.
We are financially supported by our local agency “investors”, and our business community and residents. Please help!
Looking for a last-minute Father’s Day gift or a fun way to celebrate together?
Spoil Dad this Father’s Day at Wine on the Water! Join us this Sunday for an afternoon on the shores of North Lake Tahoe featuring exceptional wines, delicious food, live music, exciting silent auctions, and breathtaking lakeside views—all while supporting local youth and teens at the Boys & Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe.
Whether you’ve joined us before or it’s been a few years, we’d love to welcome you back for another incredible afternoon of great wine, great company, and giving back to our community.
Sunday, June 21 VIP Admission: 1:00 PM General Admission: 2:00–5:00 PM North Tahoe Event Center
Thank you for supporting the Boys & Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe. Every ticket helps provide local kids and teens with safe spaces, caring mentors, nutritious meals, and life-changing opportunities.
We can’t wait to raise a glass with you this Sunday, June 21!
The Kids Bike Parade, organized by our community event partner, the Diamond Peak Ski Education Foundation (DPSEF), invites children of all ages to lead the Local Heroes Parade on Friday, July 3. Decorate your bike, scooter, wagon, or tricycle in patriotic style and help kick off one of Tahoe’s most beloved community celebrations.
Whether it’s streamers, flags, pinwheels, or plenty of red, white, and blue, this is a chance for kids to celebrate alongside the firefighters, veterans, first responders, teachers, and community heroes who make Incline Village and Crystal Bay such a special place to call home.
Bike Decorating Kits Support Local Athletes
Need a little extra flair? DPSEF will be selling festive Bike Decor Kits for $15 at the staging area on the morning of the parade.
Every purchase helps support the Diamond Peak Ski Team, funding training, travel, and race opportunities for local youth athletes.
Event Details
Friday, July 3
9:15 a.m. — Check-in and bike decorating
10:00 a.m. — Kids Bike Parade begins
Where to Meet
Walk or ride to the IVGID Administration Building – 893 Southwood Boulevard
Please note that no vehicle parking or drop-offs are permitted at the staging area.
When the parade arrives at Village Green, IVGID will have a designated bike parking area at the entrance to the Community Fair.
We encourage families to park bikes here before enjoying the festivities. It helps keep walkways open, creates a safer space for everyone, and makes it easier for kids and families to enjoy all the games, activities, food, and entertainment throughout the fair.
After parking your bike, head into the Community Fair and celebrate with the entire community.
Thank you to the Diamond Peak Ski Education Foundation for organizing this fun tradition and helping create another memorable Fourth of July for our community.
Shop the Limited Edition Local Heroes 4th of July Collection
June 17, 2026 | Julie Malkin-Manning
Shop the Limited Edition IVCBA × TAHOE-LOVE Collection
For the first time ever, the Local Heroes 4th of July Celebration has its own merch. The Limited Edition IVCBA × TAHOE-LOVE Collection was created with our friends at Tahoe-Love to honor America’s 250th – and the everyday heroes who make Incline Village and Crystal Bay home.
These are one-time commemorative pieces – they won’t be reprinted. Every dollar goes directly back into keeping the parade free for our community.
The Collection
America 250 T-Shirt – $30. Co-branded IVCBA × TAHOE-LOVE. 100% cotton Gildan Softstyle in Sand. Sizes YXS–3XL.
Dad Cap – $25. Low-profile, embroidered with the Local Heroes logo. The piece you’ll reach for all summer.
Clappers – $5. Make some noise. Cheer on your heroes.
Buy One for a Hero in Your Life
Think of someone. The firefighter on your block. The teacher who showed up for your kid. The veteran at the end of the road. Grab a tee or hat as an honor tribute – hand it over before July 3, or surprise them at the parade and watch them light up.
• Saturday, June 27 – T-shirts, Dad Caps & Clappers
Parade Day, Friday July 3: Find the IVCBA × TAHOE-LOVE Swag Street Team at the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District Pancake Breakfast (8–10AM), then at the TAHOE-LOVE booth at the Community Fair while supplies last.
Get Yours Before They’re Gone
These won’t last, and they won’t come back. Catch us at the June 20 or June 27 pop-up or find us on July 3. Every purchase keeps the parade free and our heroes celebrated.
Shop, show up, wear it proud, and tag us: @tahoe-love @ivcba
With heartfelt thanks to Tahoe-Love – our co-marketing partner who helped bring this collection and celebration to life. See you on July 3.
If you shop at a grocery store, rely on snow plow service, need health care, have kids who go to school here—all the people who provide those critical community services need housing. Without a vibrant workforce, our local economy suffers. Tahoe Housing Hub is covering stories like these. View the series here.
PINE NUTS – An Open Letter from America 250 to America 300
June 16, 2026 | McAvoy Lane
Dear celebrants of America 300,
It saddens me that I cannot be there to honor this cordial occasion with you, but I have been called home, and will have to witness your grand arrival to pier 300 from afar, don’t ask me where…
First, may I congratulate you on your quaint little colony on the moon. It wasn’t that long ago that we thought the moon was made of Swiss Cheese…
And compliments are due to you for implementing open primaries. I remember with a grimace how I registered as “No Political Party” and was granted the opportunity to vote for a lonesome dog catcher, running unopposed.
Encomiums should be coming your way for banning humans from driving cars and trucks. I’m still proud to be remembered as Nevada’s slowest driver ever. My one claim to fame was to drive around the village and see people pointing and exclaiming, “Ma, Look! The McAvoy Parade!” I’m hoping the Village of Incline might erect a statue this year at the roundabout, of my old Ford, followed by a long line of Burnt Cedar ducks.
Exaltations are in order for increasing the number of disagreements resolved in year 300 without the use of force. Kindness is becoming coin of the realm, and this sea change is admired and emulated the world over…
Kudos for figuring out how to get the salt out of water. Pabst Blue Ribbon was all that saved me from dying of thirst in 2050.…
The jury is still out on AI. Personally I never liked it, never used it, and did not suffer any from the depredation. The 19th century was always home to me…
I do wish I could have the leisure of examining what sorts of books are being written and consumed in America 300. It would not surprise me if books are scarce as hen’s teeth, and libraries scarcer yet, but you can probably find a video game store on every corner. I hope cage fighting will have gone the way of Gladiators, and that chess is making a grand comeback.
The music of America 300? Sorry, but all possible chords pleasant to the human ear have already been recorded. Still, you must keep composing and recording because it’s in your blood. With apologies, the music of the 1960’s was the best that ever was…
Making babies? Each generation thinks they have discovered the best possible way to make babies. We used to fear we would be overrun by babies. But the birthrate is falling, and a manageable population without extreme poverty is finally within reach. Well done!
I only wish I could join you in lifting a glass to the next generation of American experimenters, but they don’t have glasses where I am, only shovels to keep the embers glowing…
Finally, congratulations to the New York Knicks on making their first trip to the NBA finals since that epic comeback of 250. Enjoy a happy 300th birthday America. Happily, your grand experiment is percolating along jaunty-jolly…
