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Personalized owner support with a dedicated owner liaison
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Effective multi-platform marketing for maximum exposure
Transparent rental splits with no hidden fees
Consistent property inspections, including arrival and departure inspections
Accurate and detailed financial reporting
Regular maintenance and prompt repairs ensure your property stays well-cared-for 24-hour emergency hotline
Clear and timely communication about property status
Experienced housekeeping & maintenance
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Active community involvement supporting local initiatives
News
Board Members
Jackie Apple, President japple@npoa.info
Association
Chris Somers, Vice President csomers@npoa.info
Gene Roeder, Secretary/Treasurer groeder@npoa.info
Colette Findley, Board Member cfindley@npoa.info
Dan Cox, Board Member dcox@npoa.info
Al Roth, Board Member aroth@npoa.info
Jim O’Gara, Board Member jogara@npoa.info
NPOA Staff
Tim Fulton General Manager tim@npoa.info
Nancy Barna Administrative Manager nancy@npoa.info
Sean Cutunilli Operations Manager sean@npoa.info
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
Summer Recreation Center Hours (subject to change)
7am – 9pm Daily
For up to date information please visit the NPOA website www.npoa.info
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Cover Photo
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inside this issue
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.
June 24 @ 9am Design Review Committee
June 29 @ 9am
Design Review Committee
August 16 @ 9am NPOA Board of Directors
August 26 @ 9am
Design Review Committee
August 30 @ 9am
Annual Membership Meeting
September 2 @ 8am NPOA Board Meeting
September 30 @ 9am Design Review Committee
October 18 @ 9am
NPOA Board of Directors
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.
of the individual,
president’s perspective
Summer at the Rec Center
We are very excited to welcome back some of our favorite vendors as well as some new vendors and services. Here is the lineup for this summer -
Northstar Racquet Club
We are thrilled to welcome James Craft as our new Director of Tennis & Pickleball! James brings 20+ years of experience in racquet sports, including coaching at private clubs, leading youth clinics, and running community programs. A former collegiate athlete and 5.00-rated tennis player, James is passionate about creating fun and inclusive programs for all levels and he's ready to energize our courts this summer.
James will operate as an independent contractor, like our summer deli services. You can reach him at the Pro Shop at 530.562.0321 or by email at NorthstarRacquetClub@gmail. com. Program information and event registration are available at www. NorthstarRacquetClub.com.
Tennis and Pickleball Courts
Keeping the courts crack free is nearly impossible. The severe weather requires us to patch and resurface continuously. In May we repaired and resurfaced some of
our pickleball and tennis courts. We started by patching up the cracks on the lower six pickleball courts by the pool. These courts take a beating during the winter months and are very difficult to maintain crack-free due to their location, but they are now ready to be played on. Additionally, we resurfaced 3 of the tennis courts at the top of the property – courts 6, 7 and 8. While courts 7 and 8 will continue to function as tennis courts, we have striped court 6 with 4 new pickleball courts due to increased interest in our community. We encourage you to try them out and enjoy the quiet surroundings away from the hustle and bustle of the pool area.
Food and Beverage Vendor
We are excited to welcome back Northstar Poolside as our food and beverage vendor, operated by Inclined Burger. The menu consists of fresh snacks, salads, sandwiches and smoothies, and of course some kid-friendly menu items as well. Poolside will be open all summer from June 14th through September 1st from 11am to 5pm Thursday - Monday. Their beverage offering will include both beer, wine and soju cocktails as well as soft drinks. On Tuesday and Wednesday when Northstar Poolside is closed, we encourage you to check out the food locales in the
Village. Please ask our Front Desk for more information.
Yoga: For all the yoga enthusiasts, Tahoe Yoga and Wellness is back, starting on Saturday, June 28th through Sunday, August 31st. This class will take place in the Lounge and will almost always be on Saturday mornings at 9:30am with a couple of Sunday mornings due to other events taking place in the lounge on Saturdays. Don’t forget to bring your mats! You can sign up by calling the Front Desk at 530.562.0320. The individual cost per class will be $20 and an $80 punch card is available offering 5 classes for the price of 4.
Massage And Skincare Services (NEW!)
Last summer Tahoe Yoga and Wellness (TYW) began offering massage services at the Rec Center. TYW has highly skilled massage therapists who use a variety of modalities, including deep tissue, sports massage, and relaxing Swedish techniques. They also offer high quality enhancements, including cupping, hot stones, and organic CBD balm. New to this summer TYW will also be offering skincare services, which will include individualized facials and peels. We hope all of you
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take advantage of TYW services and support this local business. Appointments will be available from 9am to 5pm. To schedule a massage or skincare service please call 530.550.8333 or go online to www.tahoeyoga.com. TYW offers PREFERRED PRICING for Northstar Homeowners! Show your NPOA Access card at your first massage or skincare service for your special rates.
Please note that Tahoe Yoga and Wellness operates as an independent contractor for massage and skincare services. The Front Desk will not be able to assist in booking appointments.
Special Events
We are delighted to announce this summer’s event schedule. The ice cream giveaways have become very popular these last few years, so this summer we have scheduled three giveaways on 7/4, 7/25 and 8/15. Please keep in mind that ice cream is available for children 17 and younger. One July 19th we will have a Homeowner BBQ with some carnival activities for both kids and adults. Our annual Homeowner Cocktail Party will take place on August 9th, and will finish the summer with our Homeowner Annual Meeting on August 30th. This year marks 50 years since we started this amazing NPOA community, and we hope to have some special entertainment to celebrate this milestone at the
Annual Meeting. We will keep you informed on upcoming events throughout the summer with eblasts, so please watch your inbox for updates or reach out to the Front Desk at 530.562.0322 to sign up to receive email communications.
Financial Update
In our first fiscal quarter of 2025, we trended under budget and as of May we are continuing to stay on track and under budget. In April we completed our 2024 Audit. Our audit was performed by McClintock Accountancy. They deemed that our financial statements for 2024 were presented in a fair manner and conform with generally accepted accounting principles. The final audit results were distributed to members in late April and can be found on our homeowner portal for your perusal.
Maintenance Projects
We have several maintenance projects scheduled for this year as well. A list of them can be found under the General Manager’s Report with descriptions and timings. All these projects are funded by our Reserve Fund or as part of Minor Improvements in our Operating Budget.
Women’s Bathroom Remodel
We announced earlier this year that we are planning to remodel the Women’s Bathroom. We initially thought that we might be able to start work on this project in September 2025, however, we are still interviewing and evaluating contractors for this project. As soon as we have an update, we will inform the community.
We look forward to seeing you at the Rec Center this summer. Be sure to take advantage of our the amenities offered and also attend one of the upcoming scheduled events!
Jackie Apple, Board President
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general manager's report
As of mid-May, we are experiencing typical spring weather with strong wind, snow and cold temps one day followed by sunny skies and warm weather the next. The fluctuations have definitely impacted spring projects. Every project this spring has had weather delays, but our team continues to work hard to prepare the recreation center for another fun-filled summer season. Following are a few updates:
Spring/Summer Reserve Projects
There are several reserve projects occurring late spring and early summer.
• Concrete work - This includes a reconfiguration and new concrete walkway from the entry building to the pickleball courts. There will be a new concrete curb along the walkway allowing for a continuous railing down these steps. This project also includes the relocation of the gate, for better flow directly onto the courts. The steps from the deli to fitness center are also being replaced.
• Office Kitchen – The office kitchen is being updated and reconfigured to allow for a full-size fridge and the addition of a dishwasher which will allow for staff use of much more earth friendly reusable dinnerware and cutlery.
• Pickleball Courts – repairs to the playing surface.
• Upper Tennis Courts – Resurface of all courts. With one tennis court converted to four pickleball courts.
• Fitness Center – Cardio area reorganized, allowing stretching area to more than double in size.
Summer Operations
the NPOA Recreation Center facilities for the 2025 summer season. Tasks include: dethatching, aerating, soil/grass restoration of the lawns; irrigation start up and repairs; raking debris from the many landscaping beds; adding yards of mulch throughout the property; cleaning and maintenance on all patio areas; pulling patio furniture and signage from storage areas and setting up on the Main Pool and Lap Pool deck; setting up lifeguard equipment; spring cleaning the Bear Hut and purchasing inventory for summer activities; clearing all tennis/ pickleball courts of landscaping debris; setting up nets, dividers, windscreens, benches, etc. for tennis and pickleball courts; prepared our seasonal spaces such as the Tennis Pro Shop and Deli space for summer operations. We will also have the parking lot and basketball court area crack filled, sealed, and striped.
Summer Staffing
We start recruiting summer seasonal staff late winter season, with interviews starting in February. We have several returning but mostly new lifeguards this summer. We also have some great returning staff lined up to provide some fun activities at the Bear Hut. As previously communicated and mentioned in the President Perspective, we welcome several returning and several new independent contractors this summer. We are excited to have James Craft as the Director of Tennis and Pickleball. Inclined Burger will be back to provide food and beverage services for the deli area and special events this summer. And finally, Tahoe Yoga & Wellness will be back to provide weekly yoga services as well as massage services!
Financial Update
The great news is through April 2025, NPOA is trending very well to budget. Many variable expenses and revenues occur during the summer season, so by mid-September we typically
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have a very good projection for the remainder of the fiscal year. Work has already started on updates to the reserve study and preparing the 2026 budget, which will be approved during the Board of Director’s meeting in October.
Defensible Space
In addition to the great defensible space work being completed throughout the community again summer 2025 through the cost-share agreement with NCSD for Measure U work, there is a significant amount of dead tree removal that will need to be completed on the recreation center parcel. There will be some large dead trees removed this spring that will require a crane. Then a large amount of work south of the covered spa area and along the nature trail area will be will be completed this summer/ fall.
Nature Trail
Adjacent to the Recreation Center is the Nature Trail, or West Martis Creek Trail, which crosses parcels owned by multiple different entities including NPOA. I walked the trail this spring and removed fallen debris except for one large tree that as of mid-May still needs to be removed. Please note Martis Valley
Trail Segment 3F is under construction in 2025. Segment 3F will extend this fabulous class 1 trail from the round-about at Northstar Village / Castle Peak Lots to the lower paid parking lot of the village. This new trail will cross the nature trail at two locations. So please be aware of this on-going construction project in 2025.
Fall Reserve Projects
As already communicated multiple times, the lap pool and covered spa are scheduled for new plaster, tiles, and coping this fall. This project will start after Labor Day Weekend. The demo and construction will take approximately 3-4 weeks. They are then filled with water for the plaster to cure for 30-days prior to use. So, the Main Pool and other spas will be open through late October, when the Lap Pool and Covered Spa will be reopened for the summer season.
Tim Fulton, General Manager
Get Involved with the Truckee River Watershed Council's Efforts!
There are many ways to get involved with supporting efforts toward maintaining a sustainable community where nature and humanity thrive together:
• Attend River Talks to stay informed of past and present threats to the Truckee River Watershed and learn how you can protect and restore it.
• Participate in the Adopt-A-Stream program to monitor water quality in creeks and streams using fun and easy-to-learn scientific techniques.
• Help our ecosystem by planting native plants and trees, stabilize streambanks, and improving habitat on Truckee River Day!
To learn more, subscribe to our newsletter or get involved: www.truckeeriverwc.org
Beauty & Benefits of a Healthy Mountain Meadow
When you spend time hiking in the Truckee River watershed, there’s a good chance you will find your way to a mountain meadow. There are few places as majestic as a mountain meadow - the beauty and lush contrast of meadows compared to the surrounding forest make them favorite destinations.
Meadows cover only a small fraction of the landscape but are critical to the health of rivers and downstream water supplies. There are few landscapes that safeguard our rivers’ headwaters as well as a healthy meadow. Healthy meadows provide outstanding natural benefits:
• Meadows store spring floodwater and release cool flows in late summer.
• Grasses and soil filter out sediment and pollutants.
• Flowers and plants provide high-quality forage and habitat for all species.
These delicate ecosystems have been disrupted by human activities that include grazing cattle that can alter the landscape, stream alteration due to historic mining, and conifer encroachment because of fire suppression. These factors can influence meadows in the region by degrading streams, drying the meadow surface, decreasing carbon sequestration, lowering the groundwater table, increasing susceptibility to invasive species, and diminishing aspen communities. Drought and flood cycles accelerate degradation. Over the last 10 years, a series of large-scale meadow restoration projects have improved water supply, water quality and habitat for fish and wildlife.
Learn More — Come to a River Talk
Join the Truckee River Watershed Council for a short, informative River Talk about past and present threats to the Truckee River. Learn what you can do to help restore and protect this natural resource. At this informal, 45min presentation, you will:
• Learn how human impact has damaged the Truckee River Watershed.
• Hear about the work the Watershed Council is doing to reverse this damage and protect the Truckee River now and in the future.
• See the results of our restoration projects and outreach programs.
• Meet and socialize with fellow nature -lovers and become part of the solution.
RSVP: info@truckeeriverwc.org
WHERE: Truckee River Watershed Council office, OR host one at your home!
WHEN: Next River Talk dates here: www.truckeeriverwc.org/getinvolved/river-talks
adopt STREAM
You're Invited!
Adopt-A-Stream Volunteers
Are you looking for ways to support watershed health? Join us for water quality sampling!
Multiple project sites across the Truckee River watershed.
Monitoring Dates
June 12,13,14 (pick a day)
July 10,11,12 (pick a day)
September 11,12,13 (pick one day)
Sign Up Today!
Contact Michele at
Volunteer Wish List
20 Ambassadors over the next twelve months
Invite 10 of your friends to a one-hour informational River Talk by Truckee River Watershed Council.
10 Adopt-a-Stream Team Leaders
To lead important biological and chemical monitoring at various streams within the Truckee River watershed.
20 new Truckee River Day Group Leaders
To lead volunteers in the field on our project sites each year in October to help with planting, mulching, and restoring habitat.
Together, we can protect, enhance, and restore the Truckee River watershed so nature and humans can thrive together for generations.
recreation center
Beloved writer, Somerset Maugham once said, “Bridge is the most diverting and intellectual card game that the wit or man has so far devised.” He also said, “when all else fails – sport, love, ambition – bridge remains a solace and an entertainment.”
The NPOA Recreation Center is now accepting applications for all summer employment positions. Many of our summer staff come from the families of our members, so it is never too early to consider us at the Rec Center!
Summer Employment at the NPOA Recreation Center
If you or anyone you know is interested in any of the following positions, please visit www.npoa.info/jobs, or contact our Admin office at 530.562.0322. You may also email our Operations Manager directly at sean@npoa.info.
• Lifeguard/Head Lifeguard
• Swim Instructor
• Bear Hut Activity Leader
These positions provide for a lot of fun in the sun and help us give our Members and their Guests a lasting summer experience!
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. Our group is quite friendly and social and play Chicago style Bridge. 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.
Be Prepared—
A Guide to Emergency Readiness & Evacuation
Emergencies can strike without warning, disrupting lives and threatening homes and communities. Northstar property owners should begin preparing to enter wildland fire season again. As such, being ready can make all the difference in ensuring the safety of your family and property. For all of us, readiness isn’t just a precaution; it’s a responsibility. Here’s how you can prepare for an emergency and be ready to evacuate if necessary.
Create or Review Your Emergency Plan
The first step in emergency preparedness is to develop a clear and actionable plan. Identify potential risks. In the case of our District and the approaching summer months - tailor your plan to address those hazards associated with wildfires. Ensure all household members know the evacuation routes, meeting points, and contact information. Practice the plan regularly to keep everyone familiar with the steps they need to take.
Assemble an Emergency Kit
A well-stocked emergency kit is essential for every household. Include basic supplies such as:
Non-perishable food and water (enough for at least three days per person)
First aid supplies
Flashlights and extra batteries
Personal hygiene items
Medications and copies of prescriptions
Important documents, such as insurance policies and identification, stored in a waterproof container
Keep your emergency kit in an easily accessible location, and check it periodically to ensure supplies are up to date.
Prepare Your Property & Possessions
Protecting your home and possessions from a wildfire can reduce the risk of damage and provide critical time during an emergency. Here are some pursuits to consider:
Create defensible space by clearing vegetation from around your home, using fire-resistant materials for roofing and siding, and keeping gutters clean.
Remove combustible material (outdoor furniture, lumber, firewood, etc…) from underneath decks and/or within 0-5’ of the structure.
Continued on page 14
Multi-purpose tools and a manual can opener
Extra clothing and sturdy shoes
Pet supplies, if applicable
- Emergency Preparedness
Consider protecting your valuables. (Just in case we do not have enough time to collect everything… My wife and I like to place some of our valuables and important papers/ documents in a bag within a fireproof safe.)
Stay Informed
Sign up for local emergency alerts and monitor weather updates through trusted sources. Familiarize yourself with the warning signals for different types of emergencies and follow the instructions of local, county and state authorities promptly.
Know When to Evacuate
Evacuation warnings and orders are issued to save lives. You need to know the difference between the two. Specifically, it’s crucial to know when to prepare versus when to go. Have your vehicle ready with a full tank of gas and keep a "go bag" with essential items for each family member. Make arrangements for pets, as many shelters do not accept animals without prior notice. Consider leaving early to avoid being trapped by road closures or worsening conditions.
After the Emergency
Stay tuned – listening for when evacuation orders have been
lifted and it is safe to return home. Inspect your property for damage, document it for insurance claims, and be mindful of lingering hazards such as downed power lines or unstable structures.
Emergency preparedness is not just about individual readiness; it’s about contributing to community resilience. Encourage neighbors to prepare, share resources, and support each other in times of need. By working together, we can continue to offer a safer and more resilient Northstar community.
Emergencies are unpredictable, but preparation is the key to reducing their impact. By taking proactive steps to safeguard your family, home, and our community, you’ll be ready to face any challenge with confidence and resolve.
For more information regarding:
• The differences between evacuation warnings vs. orders
• How to receive emergency alerts
• Our district’s evacuation routes
• Tips on emergency preparedness
Scan this QR for more information.
community reminders
NPOA Frequently Asked Questions
RV & Boat Storage
There are few better places in the world than Lake Tahoe for boating and camping . As a reminder, please be sure to appropriately store your boat and RV within the Northstar community. The NPOA CC&R’s Section 8.09 Parking and Vehicle Restrictions addresses restrictions on the size and type of vehicles allowed and prohibited which include trailers, campers and recreation vehicles, commercial vehicles and inoperable vehicles. Campers and recreation vehicles may be kept upon a lot or parked along the street only for brief periods for the purposes of loading and unloading. Trailers of any kind including boat trailers are allowed to be stored within an entirely enclosed garage. Otherwise, boat trailers are only allowed in the driveway of the lot (not the street) for brief periods again for the purposes of loading and unloading. If you or your guests are in need of storage for RVs, boats, etc. either overnight or for a longer period of time during the nonwinter seasons, please contact Northstar Public Safety at 530-562-2259 to make arrangements for overnight or long-term storage at the Castle Peak Parking Lot sections 11 & 13.
Trash Disposal
Please remember to completely close and latch dumpsters after every use at the dumpster Site on Northstar Drive and at all the Condominium complexes. It is extremely important to secure and close lids as tightly as possible, as bears will reach through even small openings and pull trash from the top of the dumpster. Please see the Design Review Committee section in this edition of Northstar Living for more information. And a reminder for single-family residences that trash cans installed inside Bear Boxes, Bear Sheds, or placed curbside the day of trash service (currently every Monday) may be
no larger than 32 gallons or 60 pounds in weight. TTSD will service trash cans left the morning of service curbside or from the Bear Box within 25’ from the edge of the roadway. If a Bear Box or Bear Shed is located more than 25’ from the edge of the roadway, there are three service options available:
1) homeowner must bring trash cans to the curbside by 6am day of service
2) sign a waiver with TTSD to allow them to drive on your driveway closer to your shed or bear box or
3) set up an account with TTSD and pay a monthly trip charge for collection personnel to walk to your bear box or shed. If the bear box or shed is more than 25’ and one of these three options are not selected, TTSD personnel will not service your residence. If you would like to have TTSD personnel inspect your lot and possibly sign a waiver or set up an account, please contact TTSD at 530.583.7800.
Recreation Center Access
For our members and their immediate family members on their access list, please remember bring in your member card when visiting the Rec Center. We also ask that you convey to your rental guests to bring in one of the guest access cards and inform them that each guest 5 and older will pay an $10 per person guest fee to use the facility. We continue to have many short-term rental guests who show up at the Recreation Center with no guest card and no rental confirmation information to identify where they are staying. So again, please be sure to provide information for your guests if you would like for them to have access to the Recreation Center. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Single-Family Residence Exterior Projects
A Project Review Application and accompanying fees must be submitted for
project approval, and when appropriate issuance of a Permit, prior to starting any maintenance or improvement work on the exterior of single-family residences. Waiver
As mentioned in many minutes and board reports along with numerous communications this spring, the NPOA Board has implemented a waiver system for all homeowners and their guests. Information for the waiver is posted on the NPOA website www.npoa.info, flyers and signage posted at the recreation center, and by the tablet for signature. If you haven’t already signed it, we encourage all homeowners and their family members to go website, scan the QR code, and sign this waiver prior to their next visit to the recreation center.
Northstar California Golf Course Summer 2025
Once we open and are fully operating with paid golfers; walking, jogging and bicycling are prohibited on golf course property. The full driving range will also be available June 5 with normal hours with the exception of Sundays closing at 3pm and opening on Mondays at 10am. Majority of the golf course has come out of winter in great condition. The maintenance crew is working hard to get the product ready for play.
Once again, homeowners can enjoy a discount on season passes. Tee times are now available online 30 days in advance. Season passes will be available for purchase on or after opening day. We look forward to seeing you on the links, on the driving range or enjoying a cold drink on the deck! We also offer a great variety of golf brand merchandise in the golf shop.
Specializing
Welcome back to another golf season at Northstar! Opening day for the 2025 golf season is June 5. The delayed opening is due to a light winter which caused some ice damage on the greens. In addition to that, we have several projects around the clubhouse and on the course to complete before opening.
Please don’t hesitate to contact the golf shop at 530.562.3290 or go online for more information at northstarcalifornia.com/golf 530.562.3887
Jarrett.k.bower@vailresorts.com
TIMELESS DESIGN | MODERN LIVING
CARSON CITY | CAUGHLIN RANCH | DAMONTE RANCH | DOWNTOWN RENO | GARDNERVILLE
INCLINE VILLAGE | MONTRÊUX | NORTHSTAR
PORTOLA | SOMERSETT
SPARKS | TRUCKEE
Northstar Fire Department
Northstar Fire Department Green Waste Curbside Pick Up
Rules of the Program
There is no cap on the amount of pine needles each property owner can leave curbside per pickup, so long as those needles are raked from a single parcel. Also, 55-gallon trash bags are now required for downed woody debris. Permissible downed woody material including tree limbs/branches, pinecones, bark, and brush will need to be broken down and placed in up to five (5) 55-gallon trash bags to be picked up.
What Material is Accepted Per Pick Up?
• Pine Needles: Quantity Restrictions - None. NOTE: Pine needles can be left curbside in either a neat pile OR in 55-gallon trash bags.
• Downed Woody Debris: Quantity Restrictions – Maximum of five (5) 55-gallon trash bags per pickup. Acceptable material includes tree bark, pinecones, limbs/branches 4” or less in diameter, and brush. NOTE: Downed woody debris MUST be left curbside in 55-gallon trash bags. Piles will not be picked up.
What Material Is Not Accepted for Curbside Pickup?
• Tree rounds or tree stumps
• Rocks, soil, or grass clippings
• Garbage or construction wood/material
Green Waste Dumpster Rebate Program
Northstar Fire Department has separately allocated additional funds to reimburse District residents for the rental of a 6-yard green waste dumpster from Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal (TTSD). Dumpsters are meant to provide Northstar residents with additional disposal options when the type or quantity of material does not meet Curbside criteria. Refunds must meet specific conditions and will be available until all program funds have been exhausted.
For further information regarding the Dumpster Rebate Program and how to seek reimbursement, please scan this QR code.
Northstar Fire Department Updates
2024-2025 Northstar Fire Department
Fuels Management/Fire Prevention
The 2024-2025 Measure U Forest fuels reduction project season was the third year of the Tax Measure, continuing our focus on forest fuels reduction treatments establishing 300’ buffer zones to protect residential/commercial structures and infrastructure from wildfire and improve the ability to perform a community wide evacuation and provide fire suppression efforts.
The 2024-2025 project season’s forest fuels reduction work included the following from two contractual crews:
1. Hand crew work thinning and limbing trees, flammable brush and downed forest fuels with chipping and broadcasting.
2. Mastication of flammable brush and reducing the level of downed forest fuel components.
3. Pile burning within areas where the topography is too steep to chip or haul away the biomass.
Northstar Fire Department, Fuels Management HUB
Since the inception of the Northstar Fire Department, Fuels Management HUB, Forestry Assistant Cooper Johnson continues to enhance the HUB providing a “one stop shop” to provide information that is beneficial to know.
Scan this QR code to find the following information:
• Progress in forest fuels management treatments by project year.
• Pile burning which includes where pile burning operations will occur and when.
• The Measure U program with an ESRI based Storymap application.
• Measure U Green Waste Curbside Pickup dates and statistical data on the program.
• Hazard tree reporting in interactive format to identify the location and identify who’s the responsible landowner.
Additional tabs will provide you with information such as wildfire history, risk assessment, response capabilities, active fires, as well as our Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), Firewise information and a valid copy of the 2024 certificate to provide to your insurance provider if they offer a discount.
Summer, 2025-2026 Project Work and Beyond
Map One (See page 21) is the proposed project areas for the 2025-2026 project season. Project work will be based on funding from Measure U, and grant funding from CAL FIRE and the Truckee Tahoe Airport District.
Map Two (page 23) is the history of Measure U as to what has been completed and where future treatment locations will be.
2025 Curbside Pickup Program
The 2025 Curbside Pickup program will resume on June 2nd and will have five curbside pickup sessions that will last until August 25.
It is important that every property owner in the Community have their properties prepared for the wildfire season.
If you have more material than the curbside pickup allows or missed the dates, there is a 6-yard dumpster rebate program and the option to drop off 6-yards of green waste at the Tahoe
Continued on page 20
Truckee Sierra Disposal’s Eastern Regional Landfill (ERL). To view these additional options, please scan this QR code.
Firewise Program and Evacuation
The Community of Northstar has been a FIREWISE Community since 2010. The nationally recognized program is designed to help prepare communities in protecting their structures and properties from wildfire by means of education.
Most insurance companies provide a discount for being a recognized FIREWISE Community.
To learn more about FIREWISE and obtain a certificate, see the HUB’s Resources by scanning this QR code.
Do you know what to do in the event of an emergency and evacuation? In preparing your property for wildfire, it is important to know what to do if a community wide evacuation is necessary. Please review the link and be prepared: https://www. northstarcsd.org/EmergencyandEvacuationMethods
Fire Prevention
Wildfire season is upon us and even as it is spring and snow is melting wildfires have been reported in the area.
Don’t wait to do your annual defensible space clean up on your property, be prepared now in the event of wildfire.
This year’s annual focus area defensible space inspections will occur throughout Zone 3 of the District (Grouse Ridge and up). Additionally, defensible space inspections will be available for voluntary, insurance, STR and other related requests.
You can schedule an appointment by scanning this QR code.
Burn Ban
Each year as wildfire season approaches, a burn ban is issued by CAL FIRE which is recognized by the fire agencies in the Truckee/ Lake Tahoe region. The Northstar Fire Department will institute the Seasonal Burn Ban for our District. Historically, the Burn Ban goes into effect mid-June. An additional announcement will be sent to all owners/stakeholders once the date has been
Meghan and Skyler are taking care of your homes!
WHAT IS ALLOWED
• Outdoor gas appliances
• Gas portable fire pits
• Gas BBQs
• Pellet burning devices
• Wood pellet fuel-based
• BBQs and smokers
determined. The Burn Ban usually stays in effect until the severe threat of wildfire has dissipated or decreased to a point where the reduction in fire hazards favor lifting such ban. (Typically, sometime in the month of November.) For more information, please scan this QR code.
If you are a Short-Term Rental owner, your renters are banned from performing any of the “banned” items 365 days of the year –regardless of the Burn Ban implementation to the left.
We have received more snow in May than we had in January. The daffodils have come and gone and now the mule ears are beginning to bloom. The ski racks have been replaced with bike racks.
While we waited for the golf course to open (scheduled for June 6), the ladies group planned a few trips to Reno and now that the Ponderosa course is open, we have been playing there. The Ponderosa is a bit rough and we have decided that the greens are two putts, but it has been fun getting out and swinging those clubs again, and they do have a special rate on
Thursdays for the ladies.
The Northstar Women’s Golf Club (NWGC) will be playing every Tuesday once the course is open until they close in October and we would love to have you join us (sorry, just the ladies are welcome). We are a really fun, low-pressure group who are there to encourage players of all levels. If you have not played the Northstar course in a while, join us on a Tuesday and we help you navigate the course. We try to schedule the first tee time around 9am and we will pair you up with players of similar abilities. The group will hold its
Championship tournament tentatively set for August 26. We will have prizes for longest drive, closest to the pin and Gross and Net scores, and we will continue our Buy a Mulligan format which has been so much fun. If you would like information on joining the Northstar Golf Club or playing with the NWGC on a Tuesday, send an email to Marian Hansen at sidebcorp@aol. com. The cut-off to play on a Tuesday is the Saturday prior.
Membership in the Northstar Women’s Golf Club automatically enrolls you in the Golf Handicap Information Network (GHIN). So, if you don’t have an established handicap, this is a great way to get that created. Many of us get season passes (which are very reasonable for the area) and we will get together for one or two other days during the week.
Joining the NWGC allows you a discount for daily rate Tuesday play and being a member allows you to bring a guest and they also receive the same discount. The cost to join will be $75.00, but feel free to come out on a Tuesday and meet some of the players before you join. You do not need to be a Northstar Homeowner to join, so if you know someone who could be
Carol Pawlak, Sheree Rife & Marian Hansen enjoying a cold but fun day at Wolf Run in Reno.
Northstar Community Service District - Facility Projects Update
Trail and Wood Energy Facility Projects
Northstar Community Services District (District) staff are working diligently to deliver two community projects. Project summaries are as follows:
• Martis Valley Trail Segment 3F - This project entails extension of the Martis Valley Trail (paved Class 1 multi-purpose trail) from the Castle Peak Parking Area to the Northstar Village (approximately 7,036 feet). The project was publicly bid in March, 2025, and a contract has been awarded to C&D Contractors for construction totaling $4,598,192. Work commenced in early May, and the project is anticipated to be completed in November.
• Wood Energy Facility – The facility is designed to convert forest waste from local fuels management projects into renewable energy. Once complete, it will provide heat for pools and buildings throughout the Northstar Village and generate electricity to power the facility itself. Installation of underground energy distribution piping was successfully completed in summer 2024. On-site construction will resume
later this summer and continue through 2026, with the facility expected to be operational and delivering heat by fall of that year. Detailed project information is available on the District’s website or by scanning this QR code.
As always, the District will manage projects to minimize
The District will manage projects to minimize disruption as much as possible; however, inconveniences within the project areas may be unavoidable. We ask that you please be patient and take caution within construction cone zones.
disruption as much as possible; however, inconveniences within the project areas may be unavoidable. We ask that you please be patient and take caution within construction cone zones to help make these projects a success.
For specific questions/concerns related to the upcoming project activities, please contact NCSD at 530.562.0747 or customerservice@northstarcsd.org
Summer at Northstar Village
Summer is here, and there is a full calendar of exciting events coming up at Northstar this season!
Northstar Golf Course
The golf course opened on June 5, and Northstar Bike Park kicks off the season on June 13.
Northstar Bike Park
The bike park is open Thursday – Monday, with extended twilight hours on Fridays in July and August.
Live Music in the Village
In the Village, live music is in the air! The Village will host live music 7 days a week in July & August, so stop by any night to enjoy dining al fresco along with great performances. Rubicon Pizza will host music Monday – Thursday from 5 – 8pm, and there will be performances on the Village Stage every Friday – Sunday.
Saturday Skate Nights
We are also excited to introduce a Saturday Skate Night series. On Saturday nights in July & August, swing by to the Village Rink to listen to live music and roller skate the night away. Each weekend will have a special theme, so dress up to really get in the spirit! Lineup to be announced soon.
Bike Events
On mountain, Northstar will host a full schedule of new and returning bike events. Back again are the fan-favorite Downhill and Mini Enduro series, and this year we are introducing a Junior Downhill series and a Cross-Country event.
Northstar will also host several visiting bike events, including the Tahoe 100 on July 19 & 20, California Enduro on August 23 & 24, and the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) on September 6.
Women's Pedal Clinics
The Progression on Pedals clinics return this year, with 8 sessions hosted on Friday afternoons through July & August. These sessions are designed for women riders who are looking to progress their downhill biking skills with the guidance of our toptier female Bike School coaches.
In addition to the packed events calendar, Northstar is your home for summer fun anytime with shopping, hiking, scenic lift rides, roller skating, bocce, star gazing, and more. To stay up-to-date on all the happenings at Northstar this summer, check out the events calendar at northstarcalifornia.com/events.
Liberty Utilities
Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), Staying Informed Power outages can occur at any time of year and for many reasons. It is important to be prepared for potential power outages, including Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). A PSPS is a lastresort safety procedure utilized by electric utilities to proactively turn off power when and where conditions present an increased wildfire risk.
Staying informed is an important part of being prepared. Liberty will attempt to provide customers who may be impacted with information about the potential or active outage, using the contact information on file. If a customer’s account has incorrect or missing contact information, the customer may not receive outage information directly. Liberty encourages customers to confirm and update their contact information by calling customer service at 1.800.782.2506 or through My Account by scanning this QR code.
Liberty has additional communication safeguards for customers who may be more vulnerable, including Access and Functional Needs (AFN) customers and Medical Baseline (MBL) customers. AFN customers include individuals who are or have physical, developmental, or intellectual disabilities; chronic conditions or injuries; limited English proficiency; older
adults; children; people living in institutionalized settings; lowincome, homeless, or transportation-disadvantaged including, but not limited to, those who are dependent on public transit; or pregnant. If a customer or someone in their household falls into any of these categories, they are encouraged to self-identify at https://libertyutilities.com/afn/english/. When customers selfidentify as AFN, Liberty will attempt to provide early and more frequent notifications about potential PSPS events as well as provide information about assistance programs.
MBL customers include those who have special energy needs due to qualifying medical conditions. Certified MBL customers receive an increased baseline allowance that is charged at the lowest possible rate. In addition, MBL customers may receive early and more frequent notifications about potential PSPS events and prolonged outages. Customers must certify or recertify as MBL to receive or continue receiving these benefits. Visit libertyutilities.com/mbl for more information on the application and certification processes, please.
Liberty encourages customers to update their contact information to receive important outage information. Liberty works hard to support its customers and encourages those who may qualify as a MBL or an AFN customer to please visit libertyutilities.com/psps to learn more and register or call 1.800.782.2506 for more information.
condominium updates
Aspen Grove
Northstar has experienced a unique winter season with an unexpected snowfall at the tail end of April. Now that the weather has become warmer, Aspen Grove can look forward to some new and continued projects beginning in later spring and continuing into summer/early fall.
In January, the Aspen Grove Board of Directors approved the reconstruction of both Aspen Grove and Silver Strike parking lots. Both lots have reached their maximum efficiency and product life. Reconstruction began in May with scheduled and limited access to homeowners, guests and vendors at certain times and in certain areas. Completion of both parking lots has aesthetically enhanced the look and feel of our Aspen Grove community.
The Landscape Committee has been working hard on plans for additional planting of Aspen trees. In 2023, 34 trees were planted in Silver Strike which are doing well with lots of sunshine and an above ground drip system. Project details for 2025 will be presented to the Board of Directors at their next meeting in July. If the committee’s plans are approved, additional Aspen trees will be planted in early fall in selected areas where landscaping will improve the ground aesthetics, increase property value and provide long-term benefits. Additionally, wood chips will be spread and an above ground irrigation drip system will be installed.
The 7th annual work party was cancelled this summer due to the asphalt paving work. Please stay tuned as we consider additional defensible space options and clean-up efforts for next year.
The Landscape Committee invites members of the Board and homeowners to join in their annual walk through on Sunday, August 3 at 10am in the Silver Strike parking lot. The purpose is to continue to maintain compliance according to our currently adopted CC&R’s where it is stated that all decks and common areas surrounding buildings must be clear of all items not specifically allowed in the CC&R’s. Thank you to all homeowners in their efforts to maintain uniformity within our Aspen Grove community for the benefit of everyone.
Additionally, on Monday, August 4 at 10am, there will be a general clean-up of garbage around our grounds. We will meet in the Silver Strike parking lot. All are welcome to join.
Indian Hills
Summer is heating up in Tahoe, and so is the market of buyers and sellers. Below is an insurance update every homeowner can use. The Indian Hills Board of Directors was recently informed by one of our owners that additional policy coverage was needed to maintain financing eligibility through major banks and lending giants. Knowing that additional insurance coverage could impact buyers, sellers, and owners wanting to refinance, as well as property values,
Parking lot reconstruction at Aspen Grove
Reminder - do not leave large items by the dumpster
the Indian Hills Board of Directors acted quickly, contacted our policyholder, and obtained a quote. We are happy to report that the “Ordinance or Law Policy” needed to maintain our development’s financing eligibility with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac has been reinstated.
What is an Ordinance or Law Policy cover?
The Ordinance or Law Policy has three parts:
A – Coverage for the undamaged portion of the building
B – Cost to demolish the undamaged portion of the building
C – Increased cost of construction to meet building codes
It provides an additional layer of coverage to our homeowners with rebuild-to-code protection and keeps our HOA eligible for traditional competitive market interest rates while maintaining property values for those looking to buy, sell, or refinance.
This Summer, Indian Hills will also be treating our roofs to extend the life of the shingles. The roofs will be treated with a penetrating plant-based bio-oil to replace the oils that degrade over time. This is the second time we have treated our roofs, allowing us to extend the life of the roofs and postpone the date when we will need to consider re-roofing.
We are also conducting another professional examination of our siding to identify areas that need repair/replacement. This ongoing campaign to identify and repair/replace siding is a costeffective way to maintain our buildings.
Keep your eyes open this summer. We will be prototyping a new entryway design with similar features to our back decks. Our original entryways are showing their age, and we want to
learn what it will take to update them. The prototype will give us insights into engineering issues and help fine-tune cost estimates.
Trash management is under better control with an additional dumpster on upper Rocky Point. Education and reminders to our neighbor homeowners that our dumpsters are for condo owners only, and that they are directed to use the community dumpsters on Northstar Drive, seem to be working, too. A reminder - please do not leave large items by the dumpster, they need to be disposed of properly and not in our household trash dumpsters.
Members of the Indian Hills Board participate in the NPOA Condo Committee and want you to be aware of some recommendations that have been made to the NPOA Board of Directors.
The first recommendation is to get more community input on a decision that was made by the NPOA Board to replace all our Northstar resort-style street signage with the standard metal green signs used throughout the County. The NPOA Board has put that decision on hold at the time of the writing of this article. Some of our signage needs repair or replacement, but not all of it. The NPOA Condo Committee believes you, as homeowners, should have the opportunity to weigh in on the decision that would change the look and feel of our resort community to the look of a regular Placer County neighborhood.
The second recommendation is to re-examine the use of space at the Recreation Center. We are coming up on two years of the experiment of moving the game room up next to the fitness center and the adult lounge to the front building. Our
Condominium updates
observation is that the adult lounge is almost always empty, and the game room is busy and crowded into a smaller space. Any of the events we saw could have easily been accommodated in the space of the original adult lounge where a full kitchen and ice machine are available.
Moving the adult lounge back to its original location would provide more flexible use of an underutilized resource and provide space for stretching, as well as create a better flow with the new outdoor seating and shade being installed in that area. Moving the game room back to the front building provides more space for the games, which generate revenue, and allows for additional games to reach a wider age group. One of the original concerns was the noise of the games interfering with the staff; current games are much quieter than previous generations of games and can be set not to make noise unless being used. Returning the gaming area to the original location would also make the upper pool quieter by having youth closer to the front pool, the family spa, and the Bear Hut.
The recommendations were referred to the Strategic Planning Vision Committee. The NPOA Condo Committee requested the opportunity for owners to participate in the committee
Remodels & home additions. More than 27 years experience in Northstar. Customer referrals available.
meetings, similar to how we can participate in Board meetings. Unfortunately, the Committee “politely” declined our request to allow owners to participate in early planning.
We encourage you to share your thoughts on these and other issues with the NPOA Board of Directors. As the Indian Hills Board of Directors, we welcome and encourage your input!
Happy Summer, Be Active, Be Safe!
Placer County sign installed by Northstar Village Condominium Association
