In The News – Keep Tahoe Blue responds to Lake Tahoe Clarity Report
June 9, 2026 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 6/9/2026, Staff Report
Today, the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency released findings from the 2025 Lake Tahoe Clarity Report, which showed annual average clarity — or how deep a 10″ white disk can be lowered into Lake Tahoe before it becomes invisible from the surface — was statistically unchanged compared to the year prior. This continues a trend since the late 1990s of relatively stable, but not improving, Lake clarity.
After decades of steady water clarity loss in the latter half of the 20th century, organized efforts by Keep Tahoe Blue and other partners in Tahoe’s Environmental Improvement Program (EIP) helped stabilize Lake Tahoe’s world-famous water clarity. EIP projects to restore damaged ecosystems — especially in the Upper Truckee River watershed, Tahoe’s largest tributary — have been effective investments. As have policies to limit urban runoff and improvements to stormwater treatment infrastructure.
Incline Green Clean: Join the Community Cleanup This Saturday
June 9, 2026 | Kristin Derrin
As summer gets underway, it’s time to come together and help beautify Incline Village and Crystal Bay.
Join fellow residents, families, outdoor enthusiasts, and community volunteers for Incline Green Clean on Saturday, June 13, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This annual community cleanup is an opportunity to spend a few hours outdoors, connect with neighbors, and help care for the place we all enjoy.
Whether you spend your days on the trails, at the lake, on the golf course, or simply enjoying life in Tahoe, we all benefit from a cleaner community. Volunteers will help remove litter from neighborhoods, roadways, trails, and public spaces throughout town.
Check in at the Incline Village Library (845 Alder Avenue) to pick up gloves, bags, waivers, and cleanup assignments. All supplies will be provided.
After the cleanup, stick around for the Incline Village Library Block Party and Summer Reading Kickoff, featuring family-friendly activities, community booths, music, and plenty of opportunities to connect with friends and neighbors.
One of the things that makes Tahoe special is the willingness of community members to pitch in and lend a hand. Incline Green Clean is a simple way to make a positive impact while spending a morning with others who care about our mountain community.
Event Details
Saturday, June 13 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Check-In Location: Incline Village Library, 845 Alder Avenue
All cleanup supplies will be provided. Waivers are required, and children must be accompanied by an adult.
For more information, call 775-832-1284 or email msh@ivgid.org.
Grab a friend, bring the family, and join us for a morning of community cleanup.
In The News – ‘Let’s get curious’: Two Incline Village students create a podcast exploring AI’s effects on future careers
June 9, 2026 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 06/09/2026, Written by Victoria Mastrocola
For Acadia Holve, 14, and her sister, Alora, 12, a future dominated by artificial intelligence (AI) appears to be imminent.
Often described as “the train you can’t stop”, the AI boom can be seen nearly everywhere we turn. Record-breaking private investments, spikes in technology stocks, the alteration of assignment formats in schools, massive infrastructure investments like data centers – the train is on the tracks.
This is why Acadia and Alora decided to set out on a mission to create a cohesive platform where they could share and talk with experts in their field about the changes AI has made already, and what the future looks like for youth growing up in a conceivably AI-dominated job market.
In The News – ‘No parking’ signs along east Tahoe corridor spark access questions
June 8, 2026 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 06/05/2026, Written by Katelyn Welsh
As Tahoe’s peak season approaches, parking signs stand along Tahoe’s east shore corridor in an attempt to curb dangerous off-shoulder parking along the winding and narrow highway.
The new “No Parking” signs and “20-minute Parking” signs were installed on State Route 28 from south of Sand Harbor to the Carson City line last fall.
Since their placement, parking citations have almost quadrupled compared to a year prior, according to data from the Nevada Highway Patrol. Traffic citations have increased by close to 30%, and crashes have decreased by 24%. The full impact of these changes will become clear as peak season comes into full swing.
For forty years I honored an imperative that every other book I picked up to read would be a non-Twain book. This little rule of mine kept me from going down the rabbit hole and not coming up. But now that I’m retired and contended in welcoming small groups into my home for An Evening with Mark Twain, I feel free to skip along happy-go-lucky, and revisit my favorite Twain books, interspersed only by the likes of Michael Makley’s excellent book, Saving Lake Tahoe.
In Twain’s A Tramp Abroad, Sam visits the Sea of Galilee, and suggests that Lake Tahoe throws Sea of Galilee into the shade…
“And when we come to speak of beauty this sea is no more to be compared to Tahoe than a meridian of longitude is to a rainbow.”
As one lucky boy who has been in love with Lake Tahoe since that wonderful summer of 1961 when I was a seventeen-year-old lifeguard at South Shore, I could not agree more heartily. I oftentimes picture Sam gazing out across Tahoe in 1861, thinking to himself, “This must surely be the fairest picture the whole earth affords.”
In a letter to his sister, Samuel lavishes praise upon his newfound talisman, “Mela, you must come out here to Lake Tahoe…inside of three weeks you’ll have the strength to knock a bull down with your fist if you want to. Three weeks of camp life at Lake Tahoe will restore an Egyptian mummy to its pristine vigor. I don’t mean the oldest and driest of mummies -but the fresher ones.”
In his western memoire, Roughing It, Sam lays it out there for us…
“We never slept in our Tahoe home. We didn’t want to strain it. Yet if there is any happier life than the life we led on our timber ranch for those two or three weeks, it must be the sort of life which I have not read of in books. The eye suffered but one grief, that it must close sometimes in sleep. It was a veritable habitation with the gods. No, if Lake Tahoe does not cure whatever ails you, I’ll bury you at my own expense.”
Doesn’t that make you love Mark Twain almost as much as you love Tahoe? Me too.
It’s been a while since I was up there in that lifeguard tower, but when I walk to the lake these days, I feel a little like that seventeen-year-old kid again. There’s something about our lake that imbues a youthful ambiance, makes us feel like Olympians, and the lake is our coach.
How thankful I am to have The Lady of the Lake so close as to be able to feel her power each and every day of my long life. In fact, were you to ask me to what I attribute my longevity, I might like to answer, “Probably the air that angels breathe. I’m no angel, but for a few moments each day, I can feel like one, thanks to Lake Tahoe, and Mark Twain.”
In The News – Celebrate Sand Harbor at the Sunset Release Party of new Nevada State Park-inspired craft beer
June 5, 2026 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 06/04/2026, written by Victoria Mastrocola
Celebrate Sand Harbor State Park this Friday, June 5 as the Nevada State Parks Foundation, in partnership with Shoe Tree Brewing Company, debuts their first in a lineup of state-park inspired craft beers, the Sand Harbor Helles, at their Sunset Release Party.
The Nevada State Parks Foundation is made up of three retired state park employees and three current employees, all volunteers. Their mission is focused on helping Nevada State Parks. They’ve implemented improvement and cleanup projects throughout the park system in addition to previously facilitating restroom installments across several state parks.
“We’re all passionate about state parks. We truly believe in our mission to help Nevada State Parks preserve and enhance the experience for visitors, and we’re hoping to meet people, to get our name out there, and of course any fundraising we’re able to do, 100% of that goes back into Nevada State Parks,” said Dale Conner, President of the Nevada State Parks Foundation who was also a ranger at Sand Harbor for 10 years.
Only a moment ago, I was enjoying a jazz recording from some sixty years ago, when I noticed credit was given to the drummer, Buddy Rich, whom I idolized sixty years ago…
A delicious memory came flooding back to my mind’s eye of a night out on the town, Chi-town, with my Marine Corps compadre, Ginzo, both of us fresh from the triple canopy forests of Vietnam…
The moment we wandered into the Scotch Mist, everybody in the place jumped up to welcome their favored son, Ginz, back home to the Windy City…
The guys behind the bar hailed him, ladies serving drinks blew kisses his way, even the paying customers joined in a warm embrace. Then the exalted drummer who was driving the dance band, shouted, “Welcome home, Ginzo! Meet me in the greenroom during the break!”
Well, during the break, while Ginzo and Buddy reunited, I whipped out a pen and asked Buddy to sign a Scotch Mist coaster for a blind friend of mine who also idolized Buddy Rich.
When the band started up again, Ginzo was possessed by an impulse to do the Bunny Hop, and off he hopped, out the door and onto the sidewalk.
Everybody jumped up and hooked up behind Ginz, including Buddy Rich with his snare drum, and along came the entire dance band. The waitresses and bar keepers were not far behind, and by the time Buddy’s band reached the stop light, everybody in the Scotch Mist had joined Ginzo’s Bunny Hop and the Scotch Mist was an empty space. It was probably the first and maybe last time that a Chi-Town night spot fell silent…
We hit a couple more clubs that night, including My Father’s Mustache, and it was the same story wherever we went, everybody knew and loved Ginzo.
I don’t know what Ginz did for others while living in Chicago before he became a Marine, but whatever he did there, he must have put his whole oversized heart into it, to earn the esteem and respect lauded upon his return. It did my weary heart a world of good to see it too, for warm welcomes home from a misguided war came far and few between. Warfare is such a travesty! There never will be a just one on the part of the instigator…
The good news is, Ginzo is alive and well today. I know this for a fact as I just got off the phone with him, and I can attest to the undeniable fact that he is as swashbuckling today as he was on that memorable night when he led the Scotch Mist Bunny Hop out onto the streets of Chicago…
And for pardonable sarcasm we might leave the last word right here to Buddy Rich, who was asked by a nurse while being wheeled in for some surgery, “Is there anything you can’t take?”
Orvis School of Nursing expands Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program to Lake Tahoe campus
June 5, 2026 | Member Submitted
The University of Nevada, Reno’s Orvis School of Nursing is bringing nursing education to the Sierra Nevada with the launch of a new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at the University’s Lake Tahoe campus. Designed to prepare nurses for careers serving rural and mountain communities, the program will welcome its first cohort of students in Spring 2027.
The new Lake Tahoe BSN option expands access to nursing education while addressing the growing need for healthcare professionals in rural regions throughout Nevada and the Sierra Nevada. Students will complete the same rigorous, nationally accredited nursing curriculum offered at the University’s Reno campus while gaining specialized preparation focused on the unique healthcare needs of rural and mountain populations.
“This program offers students an opportunity to learn nursing in a close-knit, supportive environment while serving communities that greatly benefit from skilled healthcare professionals,” Julie Sawyer, BSN Track Leader for the Lake Tahoe Campus, said. “Our goal is to prepare nurses who are clinically excellent and deeply connected to the rural and mountain populations they will serve.”
Students enrolled in the Lake Tahoe program will benefit from small class sizes, personalized faculty support and integrated clinical experiences with healthcare partners throughout the region. The Orvis School of Nursing will coordinate all clinical placements and provide transportation to clinical sites, ensuring students receive hands-on experience in a variety of healthcare settings.
“From the Lake Tahoe Basin to the I‑80 corridor, this program transforms nursing education into an adventure in purpose, connection and community impact,” Dr. Shannon Richard, associate dean of Undergraduate Programs, said.
Students admitted to the Lake Tahoe cohort will live on campus at Prim-Schultz Residential Hall and participate in a campus meal plan throughout the intensive program. The residential model is designed to foster collaboration, academic success and a strong sense of community among future nurses while taking advantage of the Lake Tahoe campus’s unique setting in the heart of the Sierra Nevada.
The accelerated 16-month BSN pathway is designed for students who have completed the required prerequisite coursework and are ready to enter the professional phase of nursing education. Applications for the inaugural Spring 2027 cohort will open Aug. 1 and close Sept. 7, 2026. The first class will include 16 students who will begin coursework in January 2027.
Prospective students interested in learning more about the program are invited to attend a virtual information session on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, from noon to 1 p.m. The session will provide an overview of the curriculum, admission requirements, student experience and career opportunities available through the new program. Attendees will also have the opportunity to submit questions in advance.
As Nevada’s oldest nursing school, founded in 1956, the Orvis School of Nursing has a long history of preparing nurse leaders who improve health outcomes across Nevada and beyond. The addition of the Lake Tahoe BSN program advances that mission by creating new pathways for students while helping meet critical workforce needs in rural and mountain communities.
Lithium-Ion Battery Safety: Small Batteries, Big Fire Risks
June 5, 2026 | Member Submitted
The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) encourages residents to use caution when charging, storing, and using lithium-ion batteries. These batteries power many everyday devices, including cell phones, laptops, cordless tools, e-bikes, e-scooters, electric vehicles, power banks, and household equipment.
While lithium-ion batteries offer convenience and performance, damaged, defective, or improperly charged batteries can pose a serious fire hazard. These fires can ignite quickly, burn intensely, and be difficult to extinguish.
Lithium Batteries Are Everywhere
Most homes contain dozens of lithium-ion batteries. As battery-powered devices become more common, incidents involving lithium-ion battery fires have increased nationwide, making safe use and storage more important than ever.
Charging Safety Matters
Many lithium-ion battery incidents occur while a battery is charging. NLTFPD encourages residents to follow these important safety practices:
Always use the charger designed for your device or battery.
Purchase replacement batteries and chargers from reputable manufacturers or retailers and look for UL-certified products.
Avoid generic or universal chargers unless approved by the manufacturer.
Charge batteries on hard, non-combustible surfaces away from combustible materials.
Do not charge batteries while sleeping or leave them charging unattended.
Know the Warning Signs
Lithium-ion batteries often provide warning signs before a fire occurs. If you notice any of the following conditions, stop using the device immediately and move it to a safe location if possible.
Excessive Heat
Bulging or Swelling
Unusual Sounds
Strange Odors
Poor Performance
Smoke
If a battery begins smoking, move away immediately, alert others, and call 911. Smoke may indicate thermal runaway—a dangerous chain reaction that can lead to fire or explosion.
Special Considerations for E-Bikes and E-Scooters
E-bikes and e-scooters typically contain larger lithium-ion battery packs than many household devices. Because of their size and energy capacity, these batteries require additional attention.
Residents should:
Follow manufacturer charging instructions
Avoid modifying batteries or electrical systems
Never use damaged batteries
Store batteries in cool, dry locations
Have batteries inspected by qualified technicians if concerns arise
Disposal Is Important Too
Damaged, recalled, or unwanted lithium-ion batteries should never be placed in household trash or recycling bins. Improper disposal can lead to fires in garbage trucks, recycling facilities, and landfills. Residents should utilize approved battery recycling or hazardous waste disposal programs for lithium-ion batteries.
Stay Alert. Stay Safe.
A Message from NLTFPD
“Lithium-ion batteries have become part of everyday life, but safe charging, storage, and maintenance practices can significantly reduce the risk of fire. If something seems off, do not ignore it,” said NLTFPD Fire Marshal John James. “Heat, swelling, unusual odors, or smoke are all warning signs that a battery may be failing. Early recognition and proper action can prevent a serious fire and protect lives and property.”
We made it! The Gateway Roundabout is officially complete. The granite boulders, the trees, the bronze animals (originally designed by June Brown in 2012), and the flowers all came together. Thank you for your patience as we crossed the finish line.
UPDATE: MAY 20, 2026
Trees and boulders are installed. The bronze animals are repositioned for better viewing. The trench for water to the roundabout is completed and awaiting connection with irrigation equipment. Final step is planting shrubs and perennial flowers!
UPDATE: MAY 13, 2026
Construction on the Gateway Roundabout improvements continues this week with the addition of granite boulders. Trees will be installed this week as well. A signature fir tree will be the focal point of the traffic circle, along with complementary aspen trees.
The boulders were generously supplied by Realberry and transported by SMC and SNC construction companies. FW Carson also donated boulders and the labor to place them. The bronze animals designed by June Brown in 2012 are being repositioned on the roundabout for safety and better visibility.
Incline Village Main Street, a program of IVCBA Community and Business Association, undertook this project to improve the safety and aesthetics of the roundabout. Thank you to the generosity of the Sierra Giving Circle donors, along with agency and building partners.
