HAPPY AUGUST!
2022 LAKE TAHOE SUMMIT
On Tuesday, August 16 a number of Placer County staff, Supervisor Suzanne Jones, and I attended the 26th annual Lake Tahoe Summit at Sand Harbor Nevada State Park. This annual summit is a chance for local officials to meet with our Federal and State leaders to discuss the challenges and efforts underway to ensure the improvement and protection of Lake Tahoe.
In addition to remarks from Senators Rosen, Cortez-Mastro and Padilla, Nevada Governor Sisolak, and Congressmen McClintock and Amodei, we also heard from White House National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy who gave the keynote address. McCarthy, who is tasked with coordinating the Biden administration’s domestic climate agenda, previously served as President and CEO of the Natural Resources Defense Council and Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in the Obama Administration.
This year’s summit theme “Protecting Lake Tahoe’s Future,” was a chance to reflect on the progress made to restore the Tahoe Basin over the last two decades, discuss current challenges that the surrounding communities face, and find ways to preserve and protect Lake Tahoe in the years to come. There was much discussion on: advancing the pace and scale of work in our forests; addressing transportation solutions and educational opportunities to meet the growing demands from day visitation to the region; and, continuing and advancing the efforts to improve water quality and protect the Lake from aquatic invasive species. Each of the speakers articulated their individual and collective efforts to secure Federal support for the region.
In my role as the current Chair of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, I was proud to support all of these discussions and in addition remind our State and Federal leaders of the critical issues we face with workforce housing shortages.
The partnership of Federal, State, and local leaders, which is renewed each year at the summit, is absolutely essential to protecting the region and moving us forward in a collaborative manner to address the immense issues facing the region. LEARN MORE
MARTIS VALLEY TRAIL GRAND OPENING
After the Summit concluded we joined our local partners, along with Congressman Tom McClintock, and Deputy District Commander Lt. Col. Dianna Lively of the US Army Corp of Engineers in the ribbon cutting for the 4.6 mile section of Martis Valley Trail. As another example of partnership, we recognized the remarkable efforts of Mike Staudenmayer, General Manager of Northstar Community Services District (NCSD), along with his Board of Directors, for the 20-year effort to connect a trail from the Town of Truckee to Northstar. Federal assistance for the trail was needed to secure the preferred alignment through the Army Corp land in the Martis Valley. The Washoe Tribe’s support was absolutely essential to the final route that crosses through their ancestral lands. A cultural pavilion will be placed along the trail to educate users on the significance of the site to the Washoe people.
The trail will eventually continue another 1.2 miles to the Northstar Village, and in the future, into the Lake Tahoe Basin. A new trailhead for improved access to the trail is also being planned in the Martis Valley. Other sections of trail are being designed and developed to connect the entire Resort Triangle of Tahoe City, Kings Beach, and Truckee.
While Placer County was not the lead in all phases, we did support NCSD in a variety of capacities and through various departments including the efforts of: Placer County Parks, Department of Public Works, and the CEO and Board offices. Each played a strong role in the funding, permitting, and construction of the trail.
The regional Class 1 trail network being developed throughout the Truckee-Tahoe area unites our communities as well as allowing those of all abilities and mobilities to enjoy our region without being dependent on an automobile. LEARN MORE
In service,
Supervisor Cindy Gustafson
HELP FIND KIELY RODNI
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Kiely Rodni. Our local, regional and Federal agencies have committed all available resources to the effort. We are so very thankful for the countless hours of incredible volunteer effort to assist in locating her. Please make sure to provide any information you might have: call (530) 581-6320 Option 7 or email Sheriff_TahoeInvestTips@placer.ca.gov. Submit photos or videos that may assist the investigation here. You can remain anonymous.
VISIT FINDKIELY.COM
PLACER CREATES NORTH TAHOE TRUCKEE BIOMASS TASK FORCE
The Placer County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted to create the North Tahoe Truckee Biomass Task Force – a regional effort to reduce catastrophic forest wildfires while reducing local green waste tipping fees for customers and agencies. A major goal of the task force is the establishment of biomass facilities. These facilities can create renewable energy or heat by converting wood scraps left over from forest clearing and defensible space efforts, which then help remove hazardous sources of fuel from wildfires. LEARN MORE
It is absolutely clear that there is a massive need for a biomass facility in North Lake Tahoe. I am excited to see all of our North Lake Tahoe local governments and the Community Foundation working together to find solutions.
2022 ENVISION TAHOE ECONOMIC SUMMIT | SEPTEMBER 7
WHEN: Wednesday, September 7 @ 9am
WHERE: Gralibakken Tahoe
Lake Tahoe may be made up of many communities, but we are one lake and one regional economy, so what affects some of us, affects all of us. The annual Tahoe Economic Summit is an opportunity to catalyze change and take action for the benefit of our regional economy while supporting our community, quality of life and environment. The theme for 2022 is “Envision Tahoe.” Due to the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, plus the recent Caldor Fire, it is more critical than ever to look at economic diversification and recovery. Government leaders, local residents, business owners, young professionals, start-up companies, developers, investors, and entrepreneurs are all encouraged to attend to help us build a resiliency strategy that will benefit Lake Tahoe and all our communities. LEARN MORE
TAHOE ONE BIG BIN PROGRAM
You Toss. We Sort. During covid, there was a large surge in trash and litter within the Tahoe public area, including overflowing public solid waste bins. In order to find creative ways to solve this issue, we moved forward with hiring the supplemental waste services of the non-profit Clean Tahoe and gained approval for rebranding the public solid waste bins to showcase Placer County’s One-Big Bin program. This simple rebranding will encourage trash and recyclables to be placed in both sides of the bin, which is consistent with the One-Big Bin program where both trash and recycling are commingled upon pickup and then sorted at our Eastern Regional Materials Recovery Facility (MRF). Watch this short video and see for yourself! This shift will instantaneously increase our solid waste capacity by fully utilizing the “Recycle” side of the public bins. Our team has worked hard to design the rebranding with the Tahoe Fund’s Take Care Campaign to keep messaging similar within the region. We are happy to announce this rebranding is currently being installed and you can enjoy the freedom of allowing Placer County to take care of the recycling for you. LEARN MORE
Wildfire Updates + Resources
FIRE SEASON IS UPON US – STAY PREPARED AND INFORMED!
Be fire safe and vigilant with your actions and evacuation plans. SIGN UP FOR PLACER ALERT – it is the single best way to stay informed in an emergency.
IMPORTANT WILDFIRE RESOURCES:
• Placer Sierra Fire Safe Council
• Ready for Wildfire webpage
• Homeowner’s checklist
• Defensible space information
• Prepare for quick evacuation
• Build an emergency kit
SHORT TERM RENTAL UPDATE
PERMIT STATUS:
Issued permits: 2,051
Total applications received: 3,082
STR ENFORCEMENT/COMPLIANCE:
Complaint Type:
- Noise: 45
- Trash: 25
- Parking: 21
- Occup.: 3
- Other: 8
ADDITIONAL UPDATES:
- Team has been enforcing new STR ordinance since March 11
- Initially focused on enforcement of operational standards
- STR Enforcement hours – 7 days/nights a week including holidays (until midnight; sheriff responds after midnight)
- STR Enforcement goal = out patrolling 80% of shift time
SHORT TERM RENTAL PROGRAM WEBSITE
Contact information:
175 Fulweiler Ave., Auburn, CA 95603
Supervisor Cindy Gustafson: cindygustafson@
District Aide Sophie Fox: sfox@placer.ca.gov
District Aide Katelynn Hopkins: khopkins@placer.ca.gov
Assistant District Aide Lindsay Thayer: lthayer@placer.ca.gov
