In The News – Lake Tahoe Travel announced as new brand for North Lake Tahoe
October 3, 2025 | Member Submitted
Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 10/03/2025, Staff Report
Tourism authority debuts new name and brand identity, inviting visitors to ‘Dive In’ to the Lake Tahoe experience
Lake Tahoe Travel has been unveiled as the new brand for the region’s destination management organization (DMO), formerly known as North Lake Tahoe. The new identity reflects both the diversity of its communities and the depth of the Lake Tahoe visitor experience. Representing the west, north, and east shores — from Emerald Bay to Spooner Summit, covering nearly 70% of the lake’s shoreline — Lake Tahoe Travel unites 12 distinct towns under one cohesive brand while continuing its mission to inspire, elevate, and promote responsible tourism across the region.
Lake Tahoe Travel is a DMO encompassing both the California and Nevada sides of the region and is operated through a cooperative of two organizations: North Tahoe Community Alliance and Travel North Tahoe Nevada.
In The News – Saving Lives, One Pet at a Time: The Village Pet Foundation’s Impact in the Tahoe Basin
October 2, 2025 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 10/02/2025, Written by Zoe Meyer
For pet owners in the Tahoe Basin facing unimaginable choices between costly veterinary care and losing their companions, the Village Pet Foundation (VPF) is a lifeline. Since its founding in July 2023, this volunteer-run nonprofit has saved 120 pets—and counting—by providing funding for emergency veterinary care that prevents euthanasia. In just under a year, VPF has far surpassed its original goal, bringing relief and hope to families in need.
Operating across the Tahoe Basin and beyond, VPF partners with six veterinary clinics to fund critical treatments for animals at risk of being put down. The average cost per case is $2,000, a sum many pet owners simply cannot afford. Funding comes from thrift stores, community fundraisers, and private donations. The need is urgent—95% of the pets VPF assists would not have survived without this intervention.
Chairperson Pat Abbey, motivated by the overwhelming number of pets euthanized due to financial hardship, has vowed to never turn away an animal in need. As the demand for services grows, so does the foundation’s reach. For Abbey and her dedicated team, the impact of their work is evident in the lives they save. Every rescued pet represents a family kept whole. Among the stories that have recently come to light, three remarkable cases—Remmy, Stitch, and Gordo—stand out as powerful examples of survival, resilience, and the difference VPF is making.
We’re proud to share that so many of our IVCBA members were recognized in the 2025 Best of North Lake Tahoe & Truckee awards. These awards celebrate the people and businesses that make our region such a vibrant place to live, work, and visit. From lively music venues and family-friendly entertainment to award-winning dining, unique shopping, and trusted local services, our members were highlighted across nearly every category.
Whether it’s enjoying a night out at Crystal Bay Casino, grabbing coffee at Happy Tiers, dining at Rosewood or Sage Leaf, exploring Thunderbird Lodge, or enjoying some fun at Bowl Incline or Iron and Wood, these businesses and individuals represent the best of who we are. Their recognition is a win for all of us — locals, visitors, and the greater community that supports them.
Here’s a look at the IVCBA members who were honored as winners and finalists this year:
In The News – Ribbon cutting ceremony marks transformational advancement in animal care
September 30, 2025 | Member Submitted
Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 09/30/2025, Staff Report
Pet Network Lake Tahoe is proud to announce the unveiling of its newly revitalized Medical Treatment Areas and Surgical Suite, marking a transformational leap forward in animal care for the Tahoe Basin. Made possible through the generosity of donors, as well as community partners and foundations, this extensive remodel establishes Pet Network as a national leader in shelter and community medicine.
On September 18, Pet Network’s most dedicated champions gathered for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to celebrate this milestone. Guests toured the state-of-the-art facility, which now houses advanced diagnostic and treatment tools including a CT scanner, ultrasound, endoscope, ventilator and a new ICU unit. Each addition expands Pet Network’s ability to diagnose complex conditions, perform lifesaving surgeries, and provide critical care to injured or ill animals for community and shelter pets alike.
In The News – Tahoe’s Sage Leaf restaurant to open in Reno’s old Laughing Planet location
September 19, 2025 | Member Submitted
Originally published by KUNR at Lake Tahoe, 09/19/2025, Written by Maria Palma
A restaurant in Incline Village is joining a growing trend of Tahoe businesses making it down the mountain. Sage Leaf is expanding into Midtown Reno this fall.
It’s afternoon at Sage Leaf, a cozy restaurant nestled along Tahoe Boulevard. Behind the counter, chef and owner Shane Hammett flips a burger. Its toasted bun is stamped with the restaurant’s logo, a small touch, but one that says a lot.
Sage Leaf is a family-run restaurant that has become a local staple over the past five years. Shane and his wife Lara, originally from Northern California, had a dream of moving to Tahoe to settle down.
“We would talk about it and fantasize about opening a restaurant together, and we just were, I guess, scared to take that huge leap of faith in doing that, because it’s scary opening a business,” she said.
Since taking ownership of the Cal Neva, the McWhinney team has advanced its commitment to revitalize and preserve the iconic property. To date, much of the team’s efforts have focused on stormwater infrastructure, grading, site utilities, structural enhancements, and Wellness center construction. These improvements are being made with the goal of honoring the site’s legacy, historic preservation, protecting environmental health, and investing for the long-term in this community.
“We’re focused on preserving the quality of the natural space, scenic views, as well as the historic architecture,” said Jason Newcomer, Senior Vice President of Hospitality Development with McWhinney.
McWhinney is no stranger to historic preservation in a hospitality setting. The company was a key partner in the award-winning redevelopment of Denver’s Union Station, a landmark transformed into a mixed-use transit hub featuring retail, dining, and the 112-room Crawford Hotel. Building on the legacy of thoughtful restoration and placemaking, McWhinney is channeling this generational perspective into Cal Neva’s successful restoration and longevity.
As part of the restoration, McWhinney has engaged Proper Hospitality, a luxury lifestyle hospitality company known for its locally inspired properties, as the operator. Operating acclaimed hotels from Santa Monica to San Francisco, the company’s emphasis on “uncommon luxury” makes for an ideal partner for Cal Neva’s next chapter.
Recently, Proper’s Jamie Mark, Vice President of Community Development and a project team member, even relocated to Incline Village and is now a full-time resident. Mark brings an extensive background in hospitality and a community-oriented approach to development. “It has been a wonderful experience meeting so many great people who have welcomed us here to Tahoe,” she added.
Together, McWhinney and Proper are working to begin the design process for modernizing the resort. The team aims to reopen in late 2027, celebrating more than 100 years of Cal Neva. While key aspects of the revitalization are still being finalized, the team continues to make plans to restore and enhance the resort’s most iconic features and gathering places, including upgrading and modernizing the existing 10-story hotel tower, the showroom, circle bar, historic lodge, theatre, three-meal dining, and meeting/event spaces. Plans also include restoring a portion of the original tunnels beneath the lodge. Along with maintaining its historic significance, the team is also exploring a world-class spa, wellness center, and upgraded outdoor lounge areas. The property will feature chef-driven dining, arts and culture programming, and amenities that reflect North Lake Tahoe’s character and charm.
The community’s enthusiasm has been a significant driver of decision-making on this project – the outpouring of support and the invaluable input have helped to inform how the project moves forward. Since purchasing the property, the team at McWhinney has engaged extensively and enthusiastically with the local community throughout the design process, hosting (literally) hundreds of meetings, conducting tours and open houses. Many people have shared their treasured memories about Cal Neva.
McWhinney has welcomed this local input and is working to bring back beloved events and traditions in the theater and social spaces. Plans for new lodging options are designed to support residents and visitors alike, offsetting the region’s recent loss of 400 hotel rooms and helping to reduce reliance on short-term rentals. A ’Park Once’ philosophy will encourage walkability and multi-modal transportation in and around the town center.
The revitalization is not only about preserving history—it’s also about supporting economic growth, making environmental improvements, and adding new amenities for both locals and visitors. The project is designed to contribute to the long-term vitality of the region, with a focus on sustainability, accessibility and community connection.
St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, located in Incline Village, is pleased to announce the availability of its newly refurbished parish hall/meeting room. With over 1,800 square feet of space, and a capacity of 130 persons, it’s a perfect place to hold meetings, parties or dinners. The meeting area has a commercial kitchen that is perfect for your cooking or catering needs!
This indoor meeting space is a complement to the outdoor sanctuary and amphitheater that the church remodeled in 2021. The 150-person outdoor event area features bench seating, outdoor sound and unsurpassed beauty. Already having hosted Tahoe’s Mark Twain and a series of weddings, the park-like setting under the trees provides a perfect Tahoe setting for all-kinds of events.
Located at 341 Village Blvd, steps from downtown and a short drive to the lake, the combination of outdoor and indoor meeting facilities is unmatched. And to make your planning complete, we are one of the few facilities that offers a “Plan B” in case your special event comes with Mountain rain, snow, sleet or hail. We can switch from outside to inside venues as quickly as the weather changes!
As part of the facility updates, St. Patrick’s opened its back deck and lower patio venue. With an upper deck capable of hosting 70 and a lower patio area capable of hosting up to 150 persons for dinner or entertainment, the combination of outdoor chapel and patio is an attractive site for locals and visitors alike. All outdoor venues can be equipped with outdoor heaters while the deck can feature umbrellas and lighting.
These amenities combined with a traditional sanctuary, indoor chapel and exquisitely appointed bride’s room provides unparalleled entertainment options
Interested in booking events? Call 775-831-1418 for more information
Tahoe Gifting Co, Expands with New Event & Workshop Space – The Cut
September 10, 2025 | Member Submitted
Tahoe Gifting Co, known for its custom and artisan-made gifts, has expanded with a brand-new event and workshop venue called The Cut, located at 868 Tahoe Blvd, Ste 8, Incline Village—right next door to its retail shop.
The Cut offers three ways to enjoy it: private rentals for community, corporate, birthday, and bachelorette gatherings—with the option to bring in an artisan for a private workshop; Tahoe Gifting Co–hosted events such as spirits tastings and product launches; and hands-on workshops led by local artisans and the Tahoe Gifting Co team, ranging from candle making to ceramics and jewelry.
The community is invited to celebrate at The Cut’s grand opening party on September 20 at 6 pm. A calendar of events will be posted soon online and on the bulletin board between Suites 8 and 9.
Meanwhile, Tahoe Gifting Co’s retail shop remains a hub for unique gifts, continuing to offer custom holiday and large-scale gifting with nationwide shipping.
Tahoe Gifting Co.
Tahoe Gifting Co began in 2020 when founders Darya Shahvaran and Matthew Rautio set out to bring local artisans and small businesses together under one gifting roof—at a time when small businesses needed it most. As a woman- and veteran-owned business, their mission was to showcase the community’s creativity while making gifting feel personal and unique. Over time, Shahvaran layered in her graphic design background, and in December 2022 the company welcomed its laser engraver, affectionately named Ruth, which transformed the business by enabling personalized gifts from water bottles to cutting boards. By fall 2023, Chelsey Elkik joined the team, adding her creativity and heart, and today Tahoe Gifting Co stands as a circle of friends, partners, and collaborators who make it what it is.
In The News – North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District receives $700k grant for emergency systems upgrades
August 10, 2025 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 08/10/2025, Staff Report
The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District has been awarded a $700,000 grant from the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation to support critical emergency systems enhancements throughout the District.
The grant supports NLTFPD’s ongoing efforts to modernize equipment and infrastructure, enhancing emergency communication and response systems to improve public safety and operational efficiency in the Incline Village and Crystal Bay communities. These upgrades will strengthen the District’s ability to respond to emergencies and build long-term community resilience.
“This generous funding is a significant step forward in advancing the District’s commitment to protecting life and property,” said Fire Chief Ryan Sommers. “We are deeply grateful to the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation for recognizing the importance of investing in community safety and for their ongoing support of our mission.”
Submitted by IVCBA Member, Barton Health, Written by Dr. Zachary Child
Your back plays a vital role in nearly every movement you make, but it’s easy to overlook until pain strikes. Once discomfort sets in, you may wish you’d paid more attention to protecting your back. While you can’t undo the past, you can adopt habits now to safeguard your back and maintain an active, pain-free lifestyle.
Back pain is one of the most common causes of disability, and it can stem from a variety of factors. Poor muscle tone, excess weight, and improper lifting techniques can strain your back muscles. Aging also increases the risk of injury. Sometimes, though, back pain occurs without a clear cause.
The good news is a strong, healthy back is within reach. Regular care and strengthening exercises can help your back function efficiently and with fewer complaints. Strengthening your core and back muscles through consistent exercise reduces the likelihood of injury and improves overall stability.
Follow the steps below to strengthen your back and prevent discomfort:
Practice good posture: Stand tall with your weight evenly distributed on both feet. When sitting, choose a chair that supports your lower back or place a small pillow or rolled towel behind your lower back for added support.
Exercise regularly: Engage in activities that strengthen your back, abdominal, and leg muscles. Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or stationary biking improve circulation and reduce the risk of injury.
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise program.
Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight puts added strain on your back. Your healthcare provider can offer guidance if weight loss would benefit your back health.
Lift objects properly: When picking up items — even small ones — bend at your knees, not your waist, and keep your back straight. Hold objects close to your body to minimize strain on your back muscles.
Listen to your body: If you feel pain or discomfort during an activity, stop and rest. Ignoring pain can lead to more serious injuries.
By adopting these habits, you can help your back stay strong and support you through your daily activities. Investing in your back health today will pay off with better mobility, comfort, and overall well-being.
Dr. Zachary Child is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon with Tahoe Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, practicing at Barton Health’s orthopedic offices in South Lake Tahoe and Carson City. To learn more about expert orthopedic spine care, call 530.543.5554. And join Dr. Child for his free webinar, “Summer Strains: How to Prevent Back Injuries in the Warmer Months,” on Thursday, July 10 from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. Details can be found at BartonHealth.org/Lecture.
