Sewage Spill Prompts Health Advisory
TAHOE CITY
At approximately 8 p.m. on July 18, a private contractor working in Carnelian Bay struck the North Tahoe Public Utility District’s main sewer export pipeline. Sewage from the pipeline overflowed into the nearby parking lot and reached Lake Tahoe. The pipeline has been repaired.
Placer County Environmental Health, the California Tahoe Conservancy, and NTPUD reported on July 25 that bacteria levels present in water quality tests taken at Patton Landing Beach and east of the spill site have returned to a normal range and are within California beach water quality standards.
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Placer County’s health advisory area has been reduced to the area between 5146 North Lake Blvd. and 4600 North Lake Blvd. This advisory is anticipated to remain in place through at least Sunday, July 28. This area includes Carnelian West Beach and the immediate surrounding area extending west along the Lake Tahoe shoreline to Watson Creek.
Bacteria levels present in water quality tests at the Carnelian West Beach spill site are still elevated and remain above California beach water quality standards. To continue to protect the public and all Lake Tahoe residents and visitors, Carnelian West Beach will remain closed through at least Sunday, July 28. Residents and visitors are advised that contact with the lake water in the updated advisory area could cause illness due to elevated bacteria levels.
Water quality samples are continuing to be taken from the Lake Tahoe shoreline inside and outside the advisory zone. The results have a required minimum processing time of 24 hours.
There is no risk to the public drinking water system.
For public questions about the advisory and related health risks, contact environmentalhealth@placer.ca.gov. For questions about the beach cleanup efforts, sewer impacts, or beach closures, contact Justin Broglio at (530) 414-8401 or jbroglio@ntpud.org.
~ Placer County and NTPUD press releases
SEWAGE SPILL: While Patton Landing Beach is now open to the public, Carnelian Bay West Beach remains closed due to a sewage spill that occurred on July 18. Image courtesy NTPUD
Endurance Ride Community Grapples With Loss of Two Horses
AUBURN
The Tevis Cup community is mourning two horses that died while attempting to complete a 100-mile endurance trail on July 20. According to a Western States Trail Foundation statement, Max Merlich lost his horse Laylas Knightly Getaway, known as Layla, in the Swinging Bridge Canyon near Devil’s Thumb, more than 50 miles into the ride. Caroline DeBourbon lost her mount (owned by Melissa Montgomery), MV Im Hot N Bothered, also known as Phoenix, on the California Loop, more than 75 miles from the start. Both horses tragically fell off the trail in precipitous locations after reacting violently to issues on the ground and with tack.
While animal rescue teams that included emergency veterinarians were dispatched immediately to both locations, neither horse was recoverable, and both were euthanized in place in accordance with their owner’s wishes, according to the same statement.
“We ask the endurance community to come together as a family and take care with the raw emotions of owners and riders,” Jenni Smith, Western States Trail Foundation Board of Governors member, told Moonshine Ink. “And, of course, all of them have deep but abiding regret.”
While no responsibility for the incidents has been placed on the event or the trail itself by those involved, WSTF has launched a formal investigation. Currently, they are receiving and reading the public’s thoughts and recommendations submitted through email via wstf@teviscup.org.
Since 1955, the Tevis Cup, or Western States Trail Ride, has challenged horses and their riders to complete a 100-mile endurance ride within 24 hours. The trail starts at Robie Park in Truckee and ends at the Auburn Fairgrounds. This year’s event drew over 140 riders and 900 volunteers, including several veterinarians staged throughout the course.
“At every vet check, it takes more than a village,” Smith said. “And all of those people … are so emotionally connected to the ride and engaged in the amazing event.”
Smith acknowledged that dangers are inherent in being on mountain trails, whether on a horse, motorcycle, or on foot. Seven horses have died since 1997 (data prior to that date is not available) in more than 4,000 starts, which equates to .17%.
She is unsure of the future of the event. “Could we get to a consideration where we stopped staging the Tevis Cup? I don’t know. I mean, just even saying that out loud would break the hearts of thousands of people,” she said. “I’m certain that we want to find a compromise that improves the safety of the animals on the trail but still allows this historic event to go forward.”
~ TC
SHARE THE TRAIL: Signs on popular multi-use trails remind users to be courteous to others. Courtesy photo
Initiative Launched in Response to Trail Conflicts
LAKE TAHOE
Users of popular multi-use paved trails throughout the Tahoe Basin and Truckee will find new messages stenciled in chalk along the trails encouraging trail etiquette. The messages, tested last summer on the Legacy Trail in Truckee and later on the Pope-Baldwin Trail in South Lake Tahoe, encourage users to share the path, keep right, pass left, and more. Messages have been stenciled in English and Spanish. Take Care Tahoe launched the Trail Etiquette Stencil program last summer.
Some of the biggest problems the initiative aims to address are large groups blocking the entire trail by walking side-by-side, and bikes or other types of wheels going too fast around pedestrians.
~ Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship Council press release
Target Shooting Presents Danger During Fire Season
RENO
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office and Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue are reminding residents to be cautious when participating in outdoor target shooting activities this summer.
When a bullet hits a metal target or solid rock, friction can create hot fragments of lead or copper that are small enough to glow and hot enough to start a fire. A stray bullet can also seriously injure or even kill a bystander.
It is unlawful to discharge any gun, pistol, rifle, shotgun or other firearm within any congested area of the county, and to discharge any gun, pistol, rifle, shotgun, or other firearm in, on, or across any county road or highway.
Additionally, it is unlawful to discharge in the unincorporated area of Washoe County any gun, pistol, rifle, or other firearm within 5,000 feet of any occupied residence.
~ Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue press release
Hospital Asks for Community Stories
TAHOE/TRUCKEE
This year marked Tahoe Forest Health System’s 75th anniversary. To commemorate the occasion, the hospital is inviting members of the community to share personal stories and experiences with the health system.
Do you have a story about the health system? Were you born at or did you give birth at Tahoe Forest Hospital? Did you or a family member receive a service that made a profound impact on your life? Perhaps you are or were an employee with fond memories of your time working there. Whether your story is recent or from years past, they want to hear them all.
Story submissions can be made anonymously. Submit stories by Sept. 30 at tfhd.com/75th-anniversary-form.
~ Tahoe Forest Health System press release
Environmental Leadership Scholarship Awarded
TRUCKEE
Truckee Sanitary District announced True Laboissonniere as the winner of the TSD Environmental Leadership Scholarship for the Class of 2024. Laboissonniere graduated from Truckee High School on June 8 and plans to attend Cal Poly Humboldt in the fall where he will be studying mechanical engineering.
Since 1906, TSD’s mission has been the protection of Truckee’s public health and environment. To help grow local environmental leaders for the future, TSD, working together with the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation, created the TSD Environmental Leadership Scholarship in the amount of $4,000 over 4 years.
~ Truckee Sanitary District press release
TRUE LABOISSONNIERE (center) with Blake Tresan, Tahoe Sanitation District general manager, and TSD Directors Marcus Waters, Brian Smart, and Denny Anderson (left to right). Courtesy photo
Wildfire Prevention Grant Recipients
TRUCKEE
Truckee Fire announced the third round of recipients of its annual Measure T community wildfire prevention grants to support forest fuel reduction and wildfire preparedness projects. The agency also presented the 2024 Community Wildfire Protection Plan priority fuel reduction projects to be awarded.
Truckee Fire will fund two projects for a total of $557,736 to treat 161 acres. The Tundra-TDPUD Partnership Fuels Reduction Project will receive $334,036 to treat the central Truckee area, adjacent to Pine Forest Homeowners Association and Tahoe Donner HOA in the lower Alder Hill area. The Glenshire to Brockway Fuelbreak Extension project will receive $223,700 to treat the Glenshire and Juniper Hill neighborhoods.
Landowners, managers, and Truckee residents can apply again in Spring 2025. Complete information on the grant program requirements can be found at truckeefire.org/grants.
Measure T funded projects include fuel reduction in Sierra Meadows, thinning in Armstrong Tract, and a roadside fuel break at Martis Peak. The 2024 projects will be jointly funded by Measure T and the Truckee Tahoe Airport District for a total of $788,875, $305,000 of which is provided by TTAD.
For more information on Truckee Fire and Measure T, visit truckeefire.org.
~ Truckee Fire press release
Review Committee Sought
AUBURN
Placer County residents are invited to take part in a review of the Placer County Charter, a governing document that guides the organizational structure, duties, and responsibilities of the county’s elected and appointed officials. This review happens once every 5 years.
The county opened recruitment for members of the charter review committee, which will be charged with reviewing the charter and making recommendations of any changes or additions if they determine the changes are appropriate.
The committee will consist of seven members — one member from each of the county’s five supervisorial districts and two at-large members. Should the board choose to adopt any changes recommended by the committee, those changes must be approved by Placer County voters through ballot measures.
The deadline for applications is 5 p.m. on Sept. 6. To apply, candidates should complete an application, available here, and return it to the clerk of the board’s office by email to boardclerk@placer.ca.gov or by mail to:
Placer County Clerk of the Board
175 Fulweiler Ave.
Auburn, CA 95603
~ Placer County press release
Festival to Showcase Culinary Scene
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
The Sample the Sierra Farm-to-Fork Festival is back with an array of local flavors and artisanal products. Set at Bijou Community Park, this year’s festival will take place on Sept. 21 from 1 to 4 p.m.
The festival, which showcases Sierra Nevada’s culinary scene, pairs local chefs and restaurants with regional growers and producers, creating samples that highlight local ingredients. Attendees will enjoy a diverse range of food and beverages from gourmet dishes to craft brews, exquisite wines, and artisanal spirits.
Learn more about tickets and see the lineup at samplethesierra.com.
~ Tahoe Chamber press release
Photo Contest Winners to Be Announced
TRUCKEE
The Town of Truckee will announce the winners of its Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark photo contest at a community reception planned for July 26. The competition, which garnered 88 submissions, was launched earlier this year to encourage residents and visitors to limit light pollution and enjoy the natural beauty of the night sky.
The winning photographs, along with other notable entries, will be unveiled at a public reception on July 26 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the main hallways of the Truckee Recreation Center on Truckee Way. The community is invited to attend this free event to celebrate the photographers, view their work, and learn more about the importance of preserving dark skies.
The exhibit will remain on display through Labor Day weekend.
For more information about the Dark Skies Initiative, the photo contest winners, or the lighting rebate program, visit townoftruckee.gov.
~ Town of Truckee press release
MURAL MARATHON: Five exterior wall murals were created in 48 hours by five different artists on the side of the historic Sutter Theater in Yuba City. A regional conversation on the arts is coming up on Aug. 3 at the Museum of Northern California Art in Chico. Courtesy photo
Artists Invited to Conversation on the Arts
NEVADA CITY
Nevada County Arts Council and Upstate California Creative Corps have partnered with California for the Arts to bring the next regional conversation on the arts on Aug. 3 at the Museum of Northern California Art in Chico.
The event begins with a celebration of the Upstate California Creative Corps grantees, totaling 80 projects across 19 counties whose grant activity period has just ended. Project themes include houselessness and affordable housing, mental and behavioral health, protection of native and endangered species, resource and forest management, social services, water diversion, ancestral practices and knowledge, anti-racist programming and curriculum, circular economies, climate mitigation, holistic watershed health, and more.
These convenings take place across the state each year and serve to bring together artists, arts organizations, creative workers, businesses, and supporters of arts and culture across the state to hear updates on legislation affecting the art sector, to learn about advocacy, and to share what is impacting arts and culture in communities.
Nevada, Placer, El Dorado, Sierra, and Yuba counties are included in the Northern Region.
~ Nevada County Arts press release
New District 4 Planning Commissioner
Auburn
AMBER BECKLER has been appointed to the Placer County Planning Commission representing District 4. Courtesy photo
The Placer County Board of Supervisors took action Tuesday, July 23 to appoint Amber Beckler to the Placer County Planning Commission representing District 4.
Beckler lives in Granite Bay and works as a management consultant and part-time faculty member at the UC Davis Graduate School of Management. She holds master’s degrees in both business and geography and a bachelor’s in environmental management.
Beckler has served on a variety of boards and committees in Granite Bay, Roseville, and for the greater Placer County community. She is currently a member of the Granite Bay Municipal Advisory Council, vice chair of the Placer Conservation Authority Advisory Committee, and a Placer County District 4 Fish & Game Commissioner.
Beckler replaces Daniel Woodward, who served on the commission since 2021.
~ Placer County press release
Reggae Festival Features Shaggy, Rebelution
Taking place at Palisades Tahoe Aug. 3 and 4, the Lake Tahoe Reggae Festival will feature multiple-time Grammy-winner Shaggy, Rebelution, Atmosphere, Cypress Hill, and more.
Both days will be hosted by Otis Otes and DJ sets from Squarefield Massive.
The Lake Tahoe Reggae Festival lineup for Aug. 3 includes Shaggy, Atmosphere, Collie Buddz, Protoje, Jesse Royal, Eli-Mac, and Arden Park Roots. The lineup for Aug. 4 includes Rebelution, Cypress Hill, Tribal Seeds, Mike Love, Aurorawave, and Lizano.
Passes for the Lake Tahoe Reggae Festival are available here. For more information, visit laketahoereggaefest.com/summer.
~ Palisades Tahoe press release
CELEBRATE AND SHOP: Natural Grocers invites the community to its grand opening celebration in Incline Village. Courtesy graphic
New Grocery Store Grand Opening
INCLINE VILLAGE
Natural Grocers announced the opening of its new store in Incline Village scheduled for July 31 at 873 Tahoe Blvd. This will be Natural Grocers’ fourth store in Nevada. Community members are invited to the grand opening event that will feature giveaways, savings, samples, and more.
The festivities begin at 8:15 a.m. with a $2,500 donation presentation to the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, followed by an official ribbon-cutting ceremony with the store manager, additional community leaders, and special guests.
The company has built this store using sustainable building features and energy-saving innovations, such as non-toxic building materials and 100% LED lighting. Later this summer, local artist Sara Smith will enhance the outside of the store with a mural and community art project.
Natural Grocers will partner with the Food Bank of Northern Nevada for its Bring Your Own Bag Program to serve people in the Incline Village area who are facing hunger. Each time a customer brings their own shopping bag, Natural Grocers will donate 5 cents per shopping trip to this organization. Learn more at naturalgrocers.com.
~ Natural Grocers press release
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