Northstar Living FALL 2025

FALL 2025

NEWS MAGAZINE OF THE NORTHSTAR PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION

NPOA Board of Directors Election Results 06 Friends of the Truckee Library 16 Measure U Oversight Committee Review 17

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npoa

FALL 2025

News Magazine of the Northstar Property Owners Association Board Members Jim O’Gara, President jogara@npoa.info Chris Somers, Vice President csomers@npoa.info Gene Roeder, Secretary/Treasurer groeder@npoa.info Dan Cox, Board Member dcox@npoa.info Doug Kohen, Board Member dkohen@npoa.info Jim Kooler, Board Member jkooler@npoa.info Al Roth, Board Member aroth@npoa.info NPOA Staff Tim Fulton General Manager tim@npoa.info

inside this issue 04 | President’s Perspective 06 | GM Report 08 | TRWC - Forest Restoration in the Truckee River Watershed 10 | NPOA Design Review and Compliance 14 | NPOA - Employee Spotlight and Bridge Club 15 | Northstar Golf Clubs 15 | Northstar California Golf Course

Nancy Barna Administrative Manager nancy@npoa.info

16 | Friends of the Truckee Library

Sean Cutunilli Operations Manager sean@npoa.info

17 | Northstar Fire Department

John Forni Maintenance Manager john@npoa.info Alex Case Design Review & Community Compliance Manager alex@npoa.info Contact NPOA/Northstar Living 2200 North Village Drive Truckee, CA 96161 P| 530.562.0322 website www.npoa.info Office Hours (Subject to change) 8am – 4pm, Monday – Saturday Fall Recreation Center Hours (subject to change) 8am – 9pm Daily For up to date information please visit the NPOA website www.npoa.info Advertising Sales CCMedia Publishing - Peggy McElfish 775.548.6562 | www.cc.media peggy@ccmpublishing.com Cover Photo Olof Carmel of Carmel Gallery "Little Truckee River in Autumn"

18 | Liberty Utilities 20 | Condominium Updates

meeting dates 2025

Meeting details will be sent via Eblast prior to meeting dates. If you are not signed up for electronic communications please contact the NPOA Office for a form: npoa@npoa.info or 530.562.0322.

October 18 @ 9am NPOA Board of Directors October 28 @ 9am Design Review Committee November 11 @ 8am NPOA Board of Directors (if necessary) November 25 @ 9am Design Review Committee December 13 @ 9am NPOA Board of Directors December 30 @ 9am Design Review Committee

community comments policy

Northstar Living welcomes your comments that are pertinent to the Northstar community and will publish those comments on a space-available basis. Articles should be addressed to Northstar Living; signed by the author, unless sent electronically; and should include the writer’s name, his or her Northstar address and the telephone number at which the writer can be reached most easily.

Comments not meeting these requirements or containing solicitations, inaccuracies, libelous or incorrect statements, lacking clarity or having no pertinence to the Northstar community or the Association will not be published. Comments must be received by February 1, for spring issue; May 1 for summer, August 1 for fall or November 1 for winter. Comments are accepted in person at the NPOA office, by mail to NPOA, Attn: Community Comments, 2200 North Village Drive, Truckee, CA 96161; by email to sean@npoa.info.

Disclaimer : Readers are advised that the opinions expressed are those of the individual, not of all the association. The original content of these comments has not been edited.

www.npoa.info | FALL 2025 | 3

npoa

president’s perspective To all those who attended the Annual

myself. Gene, Dan, and I have been on the

family, friends, and guests. To those who

want to thank you for your interest in this

residents.

watched the evolution of our property and

NPOA meeting, on-site or virtually, I

community and the organization. Always keep in mind, we represent you!

Announced at the meeting, we saw the departure of both Jackie Apple (Board

President) and Collette Findley. Both Board members have served our community

for four years, and we truly thank them for their hard work and dedication throughout.

The election this summer saw the return

of two board members: Al Roth and Chris Somers. We also added 2 new team

board since last year and are all full-time As is the custom, the new Board met on

I also want to recognize the NPOA staff

election to elect new officers. Both Gene

Manager for the past seven years, Tim has

board meeting following the Board

and Chris were reelected to their positions of Treasurer and VP, respectively, and I

was confirmed as the new President of the Board. I’m grateful for the opportunity to

serve NPOA in this capacity and excited to know that both Gene and Chris returned to their positions to help me guide this year’s NPOA agenda.

Northstar is one of the truly great locations

will bring true value to this year’s board.

treasured part of this mountain community.

The seven-member Board is rounded out with Gene Roeder, Dan Cox, and

recognize what a gem it is.

September 2nd for an organizational

members: Doug Kohen and Jim Kooler.

Both are long-term property owners and

have been owners for some time, you’ve

in the Tahoe valley, and NPOA is a

For those new to Northstar, you recognize the beauty and the amazing facilities

we operate while playing host to our

4 | Northstar Living | News Magazine of the Northstar Property Owners Association

headed up by Tim Fulton. As General

done an amazing job taking care of all the

day-to-day responsibilities, but also is also critical to supporting the NPOA strategic initiates directed by the Board.

Besides dozens of small operational

activities, this year the NPOA team will be

focused on three main goals: (1) Securing cost-effective bids and targeted dates

for the renovation of the women’s locker room, (2) the repair and extension of

the deck to the right of the game room, and (3) the reconditioning of the NPOA parking lot.

The lady’s locker room has been the

biggest challenge from a price standpoint due to the regulatory requirements of commercial facility work, but also the

dramatically increasing costs of materials and construction.

The deck repair and the extension of the deck next to the Game room have been

viewed as an opportunity to slightly extend the area for the main pool use.

Finally, the NPOA parking lot is one that has been slated for reconditioning for

several years, but now is the time since

we’ve maximized patching for as long as we can.

The Board operates over 12 different committees spanning Strategic

Planning and Design Review, all the

way to Community Development and

Special Events (e.g., Holiday Party). Each

committee has Board representation and is

As we start this new season, I sincerely

to execution of their charter and measured

you can. We are refreshing the NPOA

chartered to drive its respective committee results of the same.

We also run 6 bi-monthly Board Meetings with shorter, offsetting bi-monthly

meetings added if required for time-

ask you to get involved to the extent

website (NPOA.info) with the new Board pictures and bios. We are also updating

the responsible board members for each committee.

sensitive items. These open Board

You have elected a great Board this year,

Annual Meeting, where again all are

season.

meetings are in conjunction with the encouraged to attend. If you have an

and I’m confident that we will have a great

issue and/or petition, join in. We also

have regular participation and updates from NCSD, Vail Resorts, and the North

Tahoe Regional Advisory Council (NTRAC) at each of these meetings. We run the meetings in the Lounge with room for

Jim O’Gara, Board President

all members, in person or virtually. You

are also welcome to just sit and observe.

You can also reach each board member

by email or phone, and we welcome the interaction.

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npoa

general manager's report As our summer season comes to a close, I would like to time a moment to share

some recognition and provide you all with some key updates as we move into our fall and winter operations at the NPOA Recreation Center.

all of whom that were able to attend either

Fall Recreation Center Operations

milestone year in style! This event is always

initiates the beginning of fall operations at

in-person or virtually to help celebrate our a tremendous opportunity to meet and

mingle with your NPOA Board members and staff, as well as fellow neighbors

Staffing & Vendors

or other community organizations and

amazing staff. These individuals have

future annual meetings/BBQs.

The conclusion of Labor Day weekend also the NPOA Recreation Center. This results

in updated hours of operation moving to 8 AM to 9 PM and the closures of the Kiddie Pool and Pro Shop. The Playground and

I hope you all join me in recognizing our

stakeholders, so you won’t want to miss

worked tirelessly behind the scenes this

For those who were not able to attend this

permits. The Lounge, Game Room, Fitness

Rather than have the BBQ on the already

round through the winter. Additionally,

keeping both the meeting tent and the

season, but will remain open through

pickleball courts. This location allowed

Lap Pool and Covered Spa are closed for

from the meeting to the BBQ, in creating

Lap Pool and Covered Spa are able to be

I’d also like to briefly thank the various

and all of the seating outside and under the

winter season.

we had this summer for their many great

this location provided a more private

This summer has also been quite an

provided at the facilities. Our full summer

additional pickleball courts added to the

possible with their assistance.

deli operations in place, this also minimized

Annual Membership Meeting & Homeowner BBQ

weekend operations for all of our guests.

Tennis, Pickleball, Basketball, and Bocce Ball Courts will remain open as weather

year, we tried something a little different.

Center, and Spas will remain open year-

busy pool deck, we experimented with

the Main Pool typically also closes for the

BBQ in the same location on the lower

approximately November 14th while the

much more room to improve the flow

new plaster, tiles, and railings. Once the

multiple lines for drinks and food service,

reopened, the Main Pool will close for the

vendors and independent contractors

tent. In addition to being better organized,

Completed Reserve Projects

contributions in services and offerings

atmosphere for our members. With the

active one in finishing many various

operations and programs are made

upper tennis courts this spring and normal

summer (even through some crazy July

hailstorms) to maintain the facilities and provide a wonderful experience for all

homeowners and guests that visit the Rec Center. Our management, maintenance

and front desk staff members, along with

our seasonal lifeguards and bear hut teams did an amazing job in keeping things running smoothly.

We had another amazing turnout for our 50th Annual Membership Meeting and

Homeowner BBQ this year, with about 250 members in total attending. Thank you to

any disruptions to ongoing Labor Day We were pleased with the results and

received a lot of very positive feedback. As a result, we anticipate using this setup for future annual meetings and BBQs.

6 | Northstar Living | News Magazine of the Northstar Property Owners Association

replacement reserve projects throughout

the NPOA Rec Center facilities. Highlights

of these finished projects include updated patio furniture on the pool deck near

the deli area, refurbished office kitchen,

reconfigured concrete steps and railings to the pickleball courts, replaced the

concrete steps to the fitness center from

the deli area, resurfaced tennis courts #6-8

election results including converting court 8 to pickleball

be provided on the Website and Resident

systems, repaired lower pickleball courts,

closure.

and purchased 4 more pickleball net

fitness center trellis repair, exterior painting of all buildings, replaced the bottle filling station in the fitness center and main

room, peloton bike installed in the fitness center, updated facility security system

and various pool & spa components as

needed. If you have already, please take

Northstar-California plans to begin

during your next visit to the Rec Center.

Fall Clean Week is scheduled for October 27th – 31st. This clean week provides

staff the opportunity to deep clean the

facilities before launching into the winter season and tackle larger scale projects

the facilities. An email notification will go

Al Roth – 359 Chris Somers – 368 Quorum only – 27

Jodee Brydges (1), Colette Findley (1), Rona Gundrum (1) and Julie Hulin (1) also received write-in votes.

Members of the Recreation Center Parking

NPOA Standing Special Resolution:

Our staff would like to remind all of our Lot Policy. This policy gets emailed or

For – 352 Against – 13

year as part of the annual disclosure

Congratulations to Doug Kohen, Jim Kooler, Al Roth and Chris Somers for their election to the NPOA Board for a two-year term. We also thank Steve Klei for his commitment in running for the NPOA Board.

packet. As the parking policy states, and as

Fall Clean Week

Directors:

Steve Klei – 289 Doug Kohen – 341 Jim Kooler – 291

November 21st (weather permitting).

mailed out to every NPOA Member each

a look at some of these improvements

out to membership and an update will

Parking Lot Policy

winter operations at Northstar on Friday,

pool plus added a station in the game

without significant traffic entering into

Portal to inform members of the scheduled

2025 NPOA Annual Board Of Directors Election Results

the signage within the parking lot indicates, this parking lot exists to provide access to the Recreation Center. Last winter alone, there was over 200 violations observed

from homeowners and guests misusing the lot for skiing and long-term village parking, so please help us maintain an accessible parking area for the Recreation Center.

Tim Fulton, General Manager

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www.npoa.info | FALL 2025 | 7

Truckee River Watershed Council While beautiful, this photo shows a closed-canopy forest with a significant amount of snow in the treetops. When the sun melts this snow, much of the water will be lost to the atmosphere through transpiration, instead of melting and soaking into the ground to nourish the soil and support vegetation.

Forest Restoration in the Truckee River Watershed Resilient forests are an integral part of a resilient watershed.

That’s why we partnered with the National Forest Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, Truckee Meadows Water Authority, and the U.S. Forest Service – Tahoe National Forest to form the Middle

Truckee River Watershed Forest Partnership (MTRWFP). Together, we are increasing the pace and scale of critical forest health

projects and working towards treating 60,000 acres of forest in

the Middle Truckee River Watershed in the next decade. Through this partnership we were awarded $3.8 million in state funding

from the California Wildlife Conservation Board, the National

Forest Foundation, and Sierra Nevada Conservancy to take the lead on these 3 restoration projects, now in process at various phases of assessment, permitting and design:

Sayles Forest and Meadow Restoration – 3,000 acres: is just north of Stampede Reservoir. Large meadow complexes are found

here, providing the opportunity to significantly enhance high-

quality habitat conditions, while also reducing potential wildfire severity.

Boca Forest and Meadow Restoration – 2,000 acres is just west

of Boca Reservoir and north of Interstate 80. Overall tree health

in the watershed has declined due to high stand density, recent drought, insects, and disease. Road networks have bisected

existing meadows and disrupted the natural flow of surface and ground waters.

Hobart Forest and Meadow Restoration – 2,541 acres is north

and west of Prosser Reservoir. The area has experienced a long history of human-use impacts from logging, railroad building,

and an obsolete dam. Also, forest health conditions were further

impacted by the 1960 Donner Ridge Fire, leaving homogeneous stand conditions.

Join a River Talk in the Northstar Village!

The Truckee River watershed is a place full of beautiful meadows, streams, and forests that we love. Join us for a 45-minute

presentation about past impacts to the Truckee River watershed,

ongoing threats, what we are doing to protect and restore it, and how you can help. Hear about restoration projects and connect with fellow nature-enthusiasts. Appetizers and drinks provided.

When: Saturday, December 6th, 5-6pm Where: Tahoe Mountain Realty office, 3001 Northstar Drive. First building on left in the Village at skier drop-off Sign up: info@truckeeriverwc.org

truckeeriverwc.org | 530.550.8760 x5

8 | Northstar Living | News Magazine of the Northstar Property Owners Association

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npoa

design review & compliance

Fall in Northstar is a great time to look around, button up those

to-dos, and ensure your homes presentation supports our shared standards before winter arrives.

enclosed area, or screened appropriately.

Signs of a Well-Kept Listing

That same expectation applies when a home is listed for sale.

Firewood Storage: Covered, Compliant, and Safe

Curbside presentation includes signage that meets Northstar’s

which carries both aesthetic and safety implications.

When listing your home, NPOA Design Review Guidelines

One detail worth highlighting this season is firewood storage,

standards.

Improperly stored firewood is a common issue in the community:

(DRGs), found on our website www.npoa.info, permit one

are stored directly on porches—which is not permitted. These

like rider boards or brochure boxes are not permitted. Signs

create serious fire risks during the summer months.

must be removed promptly once the listing ends. The sign must

piles are often left uncovered or under damaged tarps, and some

professionally made real estate sign per property. Attachments

choices not only detract from neighborhood appearance but also

must not be nailed to trees or placed in common areas, and

To meet community standards and defensible space

requirements (NPOA, Northstar Fire), firewood stored outdoors within 30 feet of a structure must be neatly stacked and fully

be placed entirely within your lot, and adhere to the size limits

specified within the DRG. This ensures marketing efforts remain

functional yet harmonious with the visual standards in Northstar.

wrapped with a fire-resistant, weatherproof tarp. Piles should also

Review Once, Measure Twice

buffer of clear ground free of needles, cones, or other debris.

windows, or a larger undertaking such as an addition, all exterior

be placed at least 10 feet from brush and trees, with a 10-foot

For those who no longer want firewood on-site, removal can be arranged through local hauling services or by coordinating a

pickup with someone who can give it a second life. This is a great time to schedule cleanup and hauling before winter conditions complicate service.

Whether it’s a small refresh like re-staining siding or replacing

projects for Single Family Homes at Northstar must go through

the NPOA Design Review process before any work begins. This

requirement applies to every project, regardless of size, location, or visibility.

By following the established workflow, owners help ensure

their improvements align with community standards, respect

Beyond First Impressions

Curb appeal at Northstar isn’t just about looks—it’s also about

safety and being a good neighbor. Consistent with the CC&Rs, homes should present a neat, orderly appearance year-round, which means keeping visible clutter to a minimum. Items like

neighboring properties, and preserve the quality and character

that define Northstar. Our office is here to provide clear guidance at each stage, keep projects organized, compliant, and moving forward smoothly.

As always, thank you for helping keep Northstar

bins, tools, tarps, ladders, building materials, furniture piles, or

beautiful and safe.

seasonal gear should be stowed away. Items tucked into side or back yards are subject to these same rules; if they are visible to

Alexander Case, Design Review & Community Standards Manager

neighbors or create hazards, they should be stored indoors, in an

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10 | Northstar Living | News Magazine of the Northstar Property Owners Association

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npoa

employee spotlight Hello NPOA home owners and

guests, my name is Trevor Payne.

I’m very excited to be a part of

the team, making trips to the rec center fun and easy.

Born and raised in Clovis, CA,

neighboring to Fresno. I grew up in the Sierras camping, enjoying the lakes, snowboarding every

winter at China Peak Resort, and annual summer trips to Boreal

for WoodWard Tahoe. These experiences got me interested in working in the resort industry.

Nowadays you can find me snowboarding and working towards PSIA certifications in the winter. Otherwise, I’m usually hiking,

creating in the arts, listening to music, or doing some thrill seeking with my friends.

Here’s to growing and learning from this great mountain family of NPOA.

Chicago Style Bridge At NPOA Recreation Center

In Northstar, we have a group of players who meet every Wednesday from 1:30pm – 5pm in the Member’s Lounge at the NPOA Recreation Center. The entry fee is $2, and we offer light snacks, and cash prizes are paid out to the winners. If you may be interested in playing or joining our club, please call 530.913.4020 or email Astrid Cousins at astridwc@aol.com if you have questions.

14 | Northstar Living | News Magazine of the Northstar Property Owners Association

Northstar Women's Golf Club

Front Row: Sandy Campion & Kerri Utsumi Back Row: Ruta Rudisill, Carol Pawlak, Cindy Denham, Marian Hansen, Astrid Cousins, Jen Polishook)

NWGC enjoying lunch at Rubicon following the Championship)

Another Spectacular Golf Season for the Northstar Women’s Golf Club is Nearing the End

Hansen had the longest drive on #7. An enjoyable time was had by

By Marian Hansen

We would like to thank all of the employees of the golf course

all especially with the “buy a mulligan” format that has continued

for the last four years, with the funds going towards lunch following the tournament. The mulligan fund covered the bar bill.

from the cart people, to the grounds people to the staff that works

While we are a small group, we have big fun and hope to see more

Aubriana Dunn who drives the beverage cart, she always stops to

options of courses to play in our area, but none are closer or as

our Tuesday play days ideal.

beautiful course to play. You do not have to live at Northstar to join

in the pro shop and on the course, and a special thank you to

women join us next season. We understand that there are many

say hello and offer words of encouragement. You have all made

reasonably priced as Northstar. Not to mention it is a challenging,

The course opened late this year, with our first Tuesday play date

on June 10. Some of us took advantage of the Thursday discount

NWGC, so if you have friends or family in the area who are looking for a group to play with, pass this along.

days at the Ponderosa while we waited for Northstar to open.

To everyone who joined us this year, thank you for your support,

winter with the warm and then freezing conditions. We are looking

like information on joining the group for the year, or just for a day,

closes in October.

gmail.com. We play every Tuesday with tee times starting

Many felt the delay helped the course recover from the interesting

and we look forward to playing with you next year. If you would

forward to the final gorgeous autumn days before the course

contact Marian at sidebcorp@aol.com or Carol at pawlakcarol@

The NWGC held its Championship Tournament on August 19. This year, the low gross winner was Carol Pawlak, and low net winner was Astrid Cousins. Carol not only won the Championship, she

had closest to the pin on 6 & 15 and longest drive on #18. Marian

Northstar California Golf Course

around 9:00 am. Membership in the Northstar Women’s Golf Club (NWGC) automatically enrolls you in the Golf Handicap

Information Network (GHIN), a service offered by the USGA to golf associations worldwide, which tracks scores and ranks handicaps.

Soon it will be time to wax up those skis or pack up for better weather and more golf.

As we approach the end of the golf season with the October 19

around the golf course as pedestrian traffic must stay on the cart

as schools are back in session as fall approaches. We appreciate

It was a short season this year due to ice damage on the greens, so

closing date, the course is in great shape. Volume is slowing down everyone who came out this season and there is still time to enjoy the course. Fall rates will kick in on September 26.

Foot traffic and non-golfers are prohibited from walking/riding on the golf course. With maintenance staff working and golfers out

there it’s very unsafe. Come November, we will post winter signs

paths.

we are hoping for a better winter and more snow coverage. Thanks again for the great season and support and as always NPOA

discounts will be offered on season passes only next season.

Jarrett Bower, Director of Golf

Jarrett.k.bower@vailresorts.com | 530.562.3887

www.npoa.info | FALL 2025 | 15

Friends of the Truckee Library the project. Town and county leaders are fully engaged, providing guidance and

partnership as we move forward. While

work remains to secure full funding, these steps show that the library is a tangible,

achievable project with real momentum.

This is, at its core, a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build the social

infrastructure our region deserves. A place where seniors can meet friends to play

board games, alongside a second grader discovering the joy of reading. A place

where visitors can access resources just as

The Truckee Regional Library: A Hub for Learning, Connection, and Emergency Preparedness

By April Cole Executive Director, Friends of the Truckee Library For nearly fifty years, Truckee’s library has

served us as best it could. Built in 1975 for a town of just 2,000 people, it was never

designed to meet the needs of the 20,000 residents who now call our region home— or the thousands of visitors who come

here throughout the seasons and rely on our shared resources. With a maximum occupancy of 54, a children’s area that

regularly overflows, and a teen “space”

made up of a single table and four chairs,

the building simply cannot keep pace with the community we have become.

That’s why the Friends of the Truckee

Library, in partnership with the Town of Truckee, Nevada County, and Placer

County, are leading the effort to create the

Truckee Regional Library—a 20,000-squarefoot, modern facility that will serve the entire region, from Donner Summit to

Martis Valley, from Truckee to Northstar. It will be a space for residents and visitors

alike, open and accessible year-round, and designed to reflect both the character and the needs of this community.

And let me be clear: we don’t just want

this building—we need it. Today, too many households lack reliable internet for

school, study, or work. When storms knock

out the power, there is no public place with heat, filtered air, and connectivity where

people can safely gather. And our students

easily as full-time residents. A place where families can shelter during storms and

where neighbors can come together in celebration.

don’t have equitable study spaces where

The Truckee Regional Library is not a

together to collaborate and learn. The new

families, opportunity for youth, resources

Community Emergency Resource Center,

all. Together, we can create a space that

full accessibility. As the Truckee Office of

who is part of it—through every season,

facility within town limits currently provides

get involved, or contribute to this legacy

functions in one place.

About the New Truckee Regional Library

kids from all backgrounds can come

luxury. It is a necessity. It is about equity for

library will fill these gaps—and serve as our

in emergencies, and connection for us

equipped with backup power, HVAC, and

will serve our community—and everyone

Emergency Services has noted, no existing

for generations to come. To learn more,

all of these essential community resource

project, visit www.truckeefol.org.

The new library will provide expanded

Project

workspaces, private study rooms,

aims to create a state-of-the-art facility

multipurpose room for performances,

and community engagement. With an

Families and visitors will have access to

incorporates community input to reflect

entire community can rely on the library as

addressing the needs of its diverse and

and in emergencies.

About the Friends of the Truckee Library

spaces for children and teens, flexible

The Truckee Regional Library Project

outdoor learning areas, and a 300-person

that serves as a hub for literacy, learning,

community gatherings, and cultural events.

emphasis on inclusive design, the project

reliable technology and internet, while the

the unique character of Truckee while

a place to come together in everyday life

growing population.

We have already taken meaningful steps

The Friends of the Truckee Library is

for the building are complete, shaped

to supporting the cultural, social, and

across our region. Early supporters

Through advocacy and fundraising, FOTL

gifts, including a $1 million anchor gift,

modern library that meets the needs of the

toward making this vision a reality. Designs

a nonprofit organization dedicated

by the input of nearly 4,000 residents

educational well-being of the community.

have contributed millions in private

is spearheading efforts to build a larger,

reflecting strong community belief in

Truckee community. For more information,

16 | Northstar Living | News Magazine of the Northstar Property Owners Association

visit www.truckeefol.org.

Northstar Fire Department Dear Northstar Property Owner,

We, the members of the Measure U Citizens Oversight Committee (MUOC), completed our annual meeting with the Northstar Fire Department (NFD) and Northstar Community Services District on May 19, 2025. The following letter is intended to provide

the public with an overview of the MUOC’s findings, while also including insight into Measure U’s path moving forward.

As a reminder, Measure U is a 10-year tax measure that collects $240 per parcel and provides up to $496,000 annually in local funding for wildfire prevention efforts. For land that falls within 300 feet of private property lines with habitable structures, a funds program was developed to offer 50% matching costs

for forest fuels reduction work. Areas beyond 300 feet, which

are fully funded by the tax measure, have also been prioritized

and treatments have begun. These two prioritizations for forest

fuels reduction are intended to tie multiple fuel breaks together to strengthen Northstar’s buffer from a potentially threatening

The MUOC is committed to overseeing Measure U’s budget while providing thoughtful recommendations into prioritized projects along the way. The MUOC has produced two annual reports for Measure U activities during FY 2023 and FY 2024, intended to

provide a narrative overview and analysis of the operational and financial aspects of Measure U, including the District’s utilization of Measure U funding. They are available at the hyperlink at

the bottom of the page. We have concluded that NFD is using

Measure’s U’s funds efficiently, responsibly, and consistent with Measure U’s requirements.

Thank you to members of the community and the major

stakeholders at Northstar for their continued diligence in creating a safer and more resilient tomorrow.

Sincerely,

Members of the Measure U Citizens Oversight Committee

wildfire. NFD’s scope of work has primarily focused on removing

highly combustible ground vegetation and improving tree density inside the Wildfire Prevention Zone (WPZ).

In year one (FY 2023: July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023), 80 total

acres were treated and funded by Measure U. The Green Waste Curbside Pickup Program collected and disposed of 708 cubic yards of material from private properties.

In year two (FY 2024: July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024), 83 total

acres were treated and funded by Measure U. The Green Waste Curbside Pickup Program collected and disposed of 702 cubic yards of material.

In year three (FY 2025: July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025), 77 acres

have been treated and funded by Measure U. An additional 87

acres were treated along the WPZ’s western boundary by other

funding sources. In total, 164 acres have been treated. There are 18 treatment acres remaining and will be completed by June

©VanceFox.com

30, 2025. Through three pickups, the Green Waste Curbside

Pickup Program has collected and disposed of 283 cubic yards of material.

In year four now (FY 2026: July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026), Measure U is treating and funding up to 68 acres. An additional 134 acres are scheduled to be treated using other funding sources. The Green Waste Curbside Pickup and any unforeseen overages

will be covered by other funding sources. The FY 2026 Measure U Work Plan that was created and presented by NFD to the

Oversight Committee is available by scanning the QR code at the end of this letter.

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www.npoa.info | FALL 2025 | 17

Liberty Utilities new, more advanced hardware and equipment.

• The installation and implementation of advanced technology to better monitor and detect adverse conditions.

Affordable rates

Reliability, sustainability, and safety of our electric system requires investment, but Liberty is working hard to minimize the impacts on rates by: • Proactively working with legislatures to gain access to the California Wildfire Fund.

• Proactively seeking and utilizing federal and state grants.

Investing in the Electric System = Investing in Your Community At Liberty, the customers and communities we serve are our top priority. That’s why we prudently invest in the electric system to reduce the risk of wildfire in the Tahoe/ Sierra region and provide safe, reliable service to our customers.

It’s also the reason why we strive to keep rates affordable while still maintaining the safety and reliability of the service we provide. Liberty’s rates are the second lowest in California, compared to other investor-owned electric utilities.

Here’s how we do it:

Wildfire mitigation investments

We proactively invest in the electric system to reduce the risk of an electricalinfrastructure ignited wildfire, to withstand wildfire that may impact the electric system, and to protect our customers and communities before, during, and after wildfire. This includes: • Top tier vegetation management around our electrical infrastructure.

• The replacement and installation of

18 | Northstar Living | News Magazine of the Northstar Property Owners Association

• Presenting and negotiating with underwriters all over the world to obtain optimal insurance premiums and coverage.

Financial assistance options

Liberty understands that rate increases can be challenging. We offer a variety of financial assistance programs for incomeeligible customers, as well as flexible payment plans. Visit our website or contact our Customer Care team at 800.782.2506 to learn more.

Scan this QR code to learn more.

415 Lodgepole 4 bed • 3.5 bath • 3,650sq.ft.

Set for completion in 2026. This rendering is for illustrative purposes only. All details, including finishes and specifications, are subject to change. DRE 01995145

MEET YOUR NORTHSTAR EXPERT 415 Lodgepole is set along the Northstar Golf Course — what makes this new build a standout addition to the community?

This home represents a rare chance to own new construction on the golf course. Designed

by Josh Horne and built by Alpen Homes, the residence showcases their craftsmanship through clean, modern lines, expansive windows, and thoughtful details that frame the Tahoe setting while delivering a refined, livable retreat.

How do you see new builds like this shaping the future of Northstar real estate?

New construction on Northstar’s golf course is rare, and Alpen Homes has set a new standard with this project.

While much of the recent building has centered near the Village and Mountainside, this home signals fresh energy for the golf course community. It’s drawing buyers toward the more expansive side of Northstar, where space, views, and a quieter resort experience converge for the perfect family retreat.

What do you think continues to make Northstar a strong choice for second-homeownership compared to other Tahoe communities?

Northstar offers a level of convenience that’s hard to match. Once you arrive, you can put the car away and rely on the shuttle, ski trails, and Village amenities to move seamlessly between recreation and relaxation. Families appreciate the independence it gives kids and the peace of mind it gives parents. Coupled with a true year-round lifestyle — world-class skiing in winter, golf and trail access in summer — Northstar continues to deliver the balance of ease and experience that secondhomeowners value most.

Christopher Botto

What is the current market like for Northstar properties?

Prices remain strong, and wellpriced homes continue to move quickly.

Today’s buyers are especially drawn to new builds and refreshed designs that make recreation seamless — from skiin/ski-out access in winter to golf course living in summer.

npoa

condominium updates

our community safe from the threat of

wildfires. Pine needles and pine cones

will be raked and removed 10ft from all buildings, as well as trimming, limbing,

and pruning dead and overgrown shrubs.

Additionally, we are working to have dead and hazardous trees removed from areas

that are in conflicting locations throughout

the property near existing buildings, which pose a threat to the safety of homeowners and their property.

Painting of building structures continues each year on a regular maintenance

schedule. We are very fortunate to have

Aspen Grove

Our community of Aspen Grove has been busy as usual. In June, both the Silver

Strike and Aspen Grove parking lots and

entrances were completely reconstructed.

Additional French drains were installed to mitigate water runoff and shoulder

backing was applied in strategic locations.

In August, the final seal was applied

with striping painted near stairways and

dumpster locations. Completion of both areas has aesthetically enhanced and

brought a more pleasing and refreshed look and feel to our property.

In July, the Board of Directors approved a contract with a local vendor to focus on defensible space work to keep

an ongoing contract with a local vendor who concentrates on keeping buildings in good shape. Touch-up work on

foundation walls, stairways, entry porches, deck balconies, and front doors is a

priority each season, as well as repainting entire walls that have faded or become

sun-bleached over the years. His quality of work and professionalism are truly an asset that can only increase the value of our property.

are thriving and growing taller each year, bringing a nice canopy-like feel to this

area. Thank you to CAMCO for installing an above-ground irrigation system that has benefited and stimulated healthy

growing Aspens. Phase II was presented to the Board of Directors at the Annual Board Meeting. The project included

planting an additional 15+ or so Aspen trees along with some flowering small

shrubs in an area that has been bare for many years. If the plan and budget are

The Landscape & Aesthetic Committee

continues to work hard to bring additional

planting projects throughout Aspen Grove.

In 2023, Phase I was completed when

34 Aspen trees were planted in an area defined by many as a desert. The trees

approved, planting could begin in the

fall. This project would also include an

above-ground irrigation system and the

spreading of wood chips throughout the planting area.

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20 | Northstar Living | News Magazine of the Northstar Property Owners Association

In August, the Landscape Committee met

instituted the Short-Term Rental policies

do a walkthrough around the property.

impact of rentals in residential areas.

cleanliness of the grounds surrounding

placing the round blue stickers in the front

more homeowners to become involved

nuisance problem with a renter, or the

involvement, we notice that homeowners

sticker, please notify the County using the

put towards keeping a clean and healthy

448-8003. You can also submit a complaint

on site to do some general cleanup and

with the intent to assist in managing the

Members were impressed by the

Rental properties must be identified by

the buildings. We continue to encourage

windows or on bear boxes. If there is a

in community activities. With greater

rental property does not display the blue

appreciate the work and effort being

Short-Term Rental Nuisance Line at (530)

environment, as well as upholding

at www.hostcomplianace.com/tips.

expectations that common space areas are

As we head toward another great ski

properly maintained for the benefit of all

season, you are likely preparing all your

to enjoy.

equipment. That may include many

Indian Hills

Fall is one of the best times at Northstar

battery-operated devices, such as heated

and Indian Hills. The colors are beautiful,

doors to the dumpsters click shut and

to live in a community filled with natural

it can attract bears. Some single-family

the area is less crowded. We are so lucky

no trash is left outside the dumpsters, as

beauty and healthy lifestyle activities.

homeowners who didn’t install bear boxes

Congratulations to Steve Anderson, Jim

continue using the condo trash bins when

Kooler, and Gary Neiman for being re-

elected to serve another two-year term

on the Indian Hills Board of Directors. The officers for this year will be Bryan MillerPresident, Gary Neiman- Vice President,

Steve Anderson Treasurer, Jodee BrydgesSecretary, and Jim Kooler- Member at Large.

With many visitors to Indian Hills and Northstar, trash and noise remain

concerns. It is important to make sure the

and the cleaners of those properties

gloves, heated boot liners, helmet

speakers, and extra battery banks to keep you going all day long on the slopes. The charging of these lithium-ion batteries

Continued on page 22

they should be using the community

dumpsters at the entrance to Northstar. If

you are a single-family homeowner, please install a bear box and arrange for trash

pickup, or use the community dump site.

The dumpsters in the condo areas are there for the use of the condos only.

If you rent your condo or single-family

home, you are required to have a valid Short-Term Rental permit from Placer

County. Please note that the County has

www.npoa.info | FALL 2025 | 21

Condominium updates continued can cause a fire hazard from overheating. You can protect yourself

One change to the Board this year: John Levine has decided

home and charging them in a fireproof bags. Search Amazon for

countless hours of service will be deeply missed. Among his

and your neighbors by not charging these batteries unless you are a lithiom-ion charging bag and you will see lots of options under $20 that could prevent a disaster!

Speaking of fires and disasters, if you look around Indian Hills and the Northstar community, you will notice that lots of defensible space work was done. Removing the manzanita is an ongoing

to step down. John’s creativity, experience, wisdom, and

many contributions, John was the driving force behind our

recent parking enforcement efforts, managed our skitrailshoa. com website, and fostered community connection through

our NextDoor page. We thank John for his years of collegial, thoughtful, and committed service to us all.

effort to ensure the forest floor near our properties does not have

In his place, Beth Ham will be rejoining the Board. Beth is a local

Department and helps us maintain our good standing with our

Board for many years and will be able to hit the ground running.

fuel to spread. This defensible space is guided by the NS Fire

insurance company. We are doing all we can in Indian Hills to

navigate the volatile insurance market. Because of our efforts, our insurance policy was renewed!

Keep your eyes open for the demonstration replacement front entryway! This improvement project of our front entryways

will begin with a demonstration to help better estimate the engineering challenges and establish costs.

Indian Hills Owners, keep your eyes open for a survey from the

Board of Directors to get your input to help guide decisions. While we are elected and empowered to make decisions on behalf of

all owners, we do not have the opportunity to hear directly from

you often enough. In addition to completing the survey, feel free to reach out to CAMCO or Board Members anytime you have a suggestion or concern.

Indian Hills would like to thank Jackie Apple and Colette Findley for their service on the NPOA Board as they finished their terms.

This year, Chris Somers and Al Roth were re-elected to the NPOA Board, and they will be joined by Doug Kohen and Jim Kooler as new members. We look forward to the new NPOA Board being

welcoming of homeowner input and being judicious with the use of our funds. We encourage Indian Hills owners to participate

in our Board meetings and encourage all Northstar owners to participate in NPOA Board and Committee meetings.

Begin your snow dances early as we head through fall, and look forward to a wonderful ski season!

Ski Trails

With the passing of Labor Day, it’s clear that fall has fallen. The

leaves are changing colors, the flows in the creeks have slowed to trickles, and the mountain biker slopes are less crowded.

But, of course, the biggest indicator of the fall season is that the

Ski Trails Condominiums Homeowners Association had its annual

meeting! That meeting took place on August 30 and was attended by about two dozen homeowners, plus another dozen virtually.

who owns a couple of Ski Trails units. She previously served on the Welcome Beth!

Remember that the Ski Trails Board can be reached at board@

skitrailshoa.com. Please let them know if you have any concerns, questions, or ideas for improving Ski Trails.

There have been several important accomplishments in the last few quarters:

• The stairs from the parking lots to several of our buildings have been replaced or repaired with heavy metal treads covering

each step to resist traffic from ski boots and winter freeze and thaw cycles.

• Maintenance to repair or resurface the epoxied pebbled

entrance pathways is being planned with a contractor right now.

• Board member Mike Kim completed an additional round of

negotiations with our internet and TV provider (Spectrum). As

a result, internet speeds have increased to 600 Mbps, and local

channels are now included in our new 5-year contract, while our monthly costs have decreased by 27 percent. The savings that began in January 2025 will be passed on to owners through a year-end credit that can be applied to this year’s dues.

• Negotiations are underway with Northstar Public Safety to

extend the hours of coverage by the entrance guards for the coming winter season. New guest hanger tags and owner

windshield stickers have been ordered and should be available for shipment to our owners in the October/September time frame.

• And to top it all off…thanks to the hard work and fiscal prudence of our Board and CAMCO, the Ski Trails monthly owner

assessments, including fees and HOA dues, are projected to be

nearly unchanged for fiscal year 2025-26! This is a huge win in a time when almost everything seems to cost more every month.

Enjoy the fall shoulder season, everyone!

Thanks to everyone who participated.

22 | Northstar Living | News Magazine of the Northstar Property Owners Association

News Magazine Of the Northstar Property Owners Association 2200 North Village Drive Truckee, CA 96161

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