NOBODY KNOWS NOBODY KNOWS BETTER BETTERNorth Northstar star
With over 20 years of experience, you can trust our local team to take the helm. Our expert, detail-oriented management and personalized, hands-on approach helps you maximize your investment through ski leases or vacation rentals.
Personalized owner support with a dedicated owner liaison
Maximized rental income using dynamic pricing strategies
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
Experienced, professional sales team for Purchase and Sales
Active community involvement supporting local initiatives
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
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 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
Publisher | Advertising Sales CCMedia Publishing Sales: Peggy McElfish Design: Tina Cutler 775.548.6562 | www.cc.media peggy@ccmpublishing.com
Cover Photo
Olof Carmel of Carmel Gallery "Brilliant Waters"
inside this issue
meeting dates 2026
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 13 @ 9am
NPOA Board of Directors
June 30 @ 9am
Design Review Committee
July 21 @ 8am (If needed)
NPOA Board of Directors
July 28 @ 9am
Design Review Committee
August 22 @ 9am
NPOA Board of Directors
August 25 @ 9am
Design Review Committee
September 5 @ 9am
Counting of Election Ballots
September 5 @ 3pm
Annual Membership Meeting
September 8 @ 8am
Special Board Meeting To Elect Officers
September 29 @ 9am
Design Review Committee
October 17 @ 8am (If needed)
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.
expressed are those of
president’s perspective
The Summer Season
It’s a great time to be at Northstar. The weather is spectacular and there are dozens of ways to enjoy yourself.
Vail and the Larger Northstar Property
The roller-skating rink is open daily and there is live music in the Village every Thursday through Sunday. The Village stores and restaurants are also open to shop and dine at your leisure. There is also organized stargazing twice a week during the season and the golf course is now open.
The shuttle service provided by Vail is now available and I encourage all to use the service when able to versus trying to use of one of only 40 spots in our lot.
It’s a great time for you, your family, and guests to just relax and enjoy oneself.
NPOA Recreation Center
All Recreation Center activities are open and the spring cleaning of our facility is complete. Painting of the fences, repair of the kiddie pool, repair of pickleball courts and the middle level tennis courts, and a myriad of smaller, but needed repairs are done.
Two of the three major projects for the 2026 season have also been completed. The deck repair and extension next to the game room has been completed giving us more outdoor space. We also completed the repair of the NPOA parking lot which included grinding down the existing lot, resurfacing, and striping of the parking spots.
The third major project, the refurbishment of the Ladies Locker Room is currently out for bid and we expect to begin this work shortly after the Annual Meeting.
Summer Food Service
Food service next to the main pool is available Wednesday through Sundays, provided by Northstar Poolside (Inclined Burgers and Brews), and the menu has been enhanced to offer a wider selection. NPOA also invested in some new slushie machines, soft serve ice cream machines, and panini presses to enhance the fun while lounging at the pool.
NPOA BBQ and Cocktail Party
The Summer Homeowner BBQ is schedule for July 11th and there will be no charge this season for the meals and refreshments. We also have a Homeowners Cocktail event on August 8th in the Lounge. I encourage all to attend as it’s a great way to meet up with old friends and introduce yourself to some new owners.
Tennis, Pickle Ball and other activities.
Our Tennis & Pickleball Director, James Craft, is back once more for this season. James will be running tennis camps and adult pickleball camps as well as a variety of other activities. For those who love these activities, most of our courts have been repaired and/or reconditioned.
The lower pickleball courts alongside the Recreation Center lounge are scheduled for a major uplift in 2027.
Some Last Thoughts
My family has been coming to Northstar since 1989 and have been full-time residents since 2019. As guests and owners, we’ve witnessed some dramatic changes. From a sleepy little ski resort with outdoor ticket booths and a largely California clientele to today’s much larger resort with National and International owners and visitors.
Vail’s ownership certainly changed the look and feel of the overall resort, but the NPOA facilities have maintained that quiet community feel. Yes, we’ve made some changes and upgrades but you still get a sense that this is one of the great Lake Tahoe communities.
We have a great NPOA Board and the NPOA staff does an amazing job of keeping everything in order and running smoothly. So, enjoy the season, join in our NPOA events, and offer a welcomed handshake to old and new friends.
As always, if you have any issues or want to discuss anything, please reach out to me or the staff.
Jim O’Gara, NPOA Board President Jogara3@gmail.com
4083.981.9851
general manager's report
Spring in March. Winter in April. And now mild weather as we head into another action-packed summer season at the NPOA Recreation Center.
Summer Staffing & Contractors
We start recruiting summer seasonal staff late winter season, with interviews starting in March. We have several returning and many new lifeguards this summer. We also welcome great new staff members to provide some fun activities at the Bear Hut. Lastly in addition to the contractors discussed in the President Perspective, we also welcome back Tahoe Yoga & Wellness to offer yoga services as well as massage services that are offered year-round!
Nature Trail
Adjacent to the Recreation Center is the Nature Trail, also called West Martis Creek Trail, which crosses parcels owned by multiple different entities including NPOA. I walked the trail this spring and removed fallen debris. One large tree was removed mid-May, with several smaller trees still needing to be removed.
Financial Update
The great news is through April 2026, NPOA is trending very
well to budget. Many variable expenses and revenues occur during the summer season, so by mid-September we typically 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 2027 budget, which will be approved during the Board of Director’s meeting in October.
Defensible Space
After many years of defensible space work on the recreation center parcel, we are finally seeing a healthier forest and fewer trees dying. Hopefully we are now in a regrowth stage and will not having a significant loss of tress going forward. Outside the Recreation Center parcel, the Measure U work allocated in the NPOA cost-share agreement with NCSD will be completed this summer and will be moving into “maintenance mode” for the NPOA common areas, although Measure U cost share and grant work will continue on some Trimont parcels. Please see the Measure U Oversight Committee update starting on page 10 for more information.
Defensible Space, Tax Credits, & Insurance
Did you know you may be eligible to receive tax credit available for defensible space work and home hardening?
SB 269 (Fire Safe Home Tax Credits Act). This bill creates temporary California state income tax credits to encourage homeowners to reduce wildfire risk. From 2026 through 2030, eligible homeowners can claim tax credits for 1) Home hardening (making structures more fire-resistant) & 2) Vegetation management (clearing and maintaining defensible space). The credit covers 50% of eligible costs. Northstar is located in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) which allows for 1) a home hardening maximum credit up to a $2,000 and 2) a vegetation management credit of $500 per year. There are eligibility requirements, such as the property being a primary residence and income limitations. In addition, you must apply in advance (reserve the credit) through the Franchise Tax Board. For more information, please refer to SB-269 by scanning this QR code.
US HR4181 WILTR Act of 2025 Wildfire Infrastructure and Landowner Tax Relief Act of 2025. If passed by Congress, this bill will provide an incentive for proactive measure in highrisk fire areas. The bill may include tax-free mitigation grants for reducing wildfire risks and tax deduction for costs associated with certified improvements against wildfires.
Northstar has been a National Firewise USA Program Certificate holder since 2010. A copy of the current certificate issued October 2025 is available on the NPOA website. In addition, the California Board of Forestry has approved Northstar Fire Department submittal for the Northstar community to be added to the Fire Risk Reduction Community List effective July 1, 2026. Both of these programs may earn discounts on property insurance coverage, including the California FAIR Plan. Please be sure to share this information with your licensed insurance broker and apply for these potential discounts. In addition, NCSD is updating their “insurance packet” and plans to offer customized packages specific to your residence. Please refer to the NCSD website for these additional resources that may assist with your next property insurance renewal.
Tim Fulton, General Manager
event dates 2026
July 11 @ 12pm
Summer Homeowner BBQ
August 8 @ 5pm Homeowner Cocktail Party
September 5 @ 5pm
Annual Membership Meeting BBQ
If I can do this, I can do anything!
ACHIEVE TAHOE o ers year-round adaptive, inclusive recreation programs designed to serve people with intellectual, sensory, and physical disabilities. We strive to serve all ages and all disabilities in their individual quest to build health, con dence, and independence through outdoor recreation.
Summer programs are now available for archery, climbing, hiking, horsemanship, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, seadoo, tubing and waterskiing.
Learn more at AchieveTahoe.org or contact us today at 530.581.4161.
PARTICIPATE VOLUNTEER SUPPORT
A Season of Summer Fun Awaits at Northstar
Summer is just around the corner, and we’re excited to welcome you to another season of mountain adventure, community connection, and memorable experiences.
Season Kickoff
Summer operations begin on Friday, June 12, with mountain biking, hiking, and scenic lift rides—offering something for every pace, from adrenaline-filled trails to relaxing scenic views.
Twilight Fridays & Multi-Day Passes
Running July 3 through September 4, Twilight Fridays feature extended hours from 5:00–7:00 p.m., giving you more time to enjoy the mountain during cooler summer evenings.
New 2-, 3-, and 4-day pass options also provide flexible ways to get out and ride throughout the season.
Live Music in the Village
Live music returns to the Northstar Summer Stage beginning
opening weekend, with performances every Friday through Sunday all season long. Sponsored by the North Tahoe Chamber.
Tahoe Wine & Feast
A new two-day festival, Tahoe Wine & Feast, arrives in the Village this summer on August 21 & 22. The event will feature wine seminars on Friday and Saturday, and a Grand Tasting on the Overlook on Saturday. It will be a unique opportunity to enjoy exceptional food and wine in our beautiful alpine setting. Tickets available at tahoewinefeast.com.
Mountain Biking & Programs
This summer brings exciting updates to Northstar’s bike park, including the full opening of the new Playground intermediate trail and a refreshed Livewire, reimagined in partnership with expert local trail-builder and pro rider Steve Wentz. Together, these enhancements add new flow, progression, and variety for riders of all levels.
Measure U Oversight Committee
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 5, 2026. 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 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).
UNLOCK
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), 72 acres were treated and funded by Measure U. An additional 201 acres were treated by other funding sources. In total, 273 acres were treated. The Green Waste Curbside Pickup Program collected and disposed of 867 cubic yards of material.
In year four (FY 2026: July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026), 68 acres have been treated and funded by Measure U. An additional 52 acres have been treated by other funding sources. There are 86 treatment acres remaining and will be completed by June 30, 2026. Through three pickups, the Green Waste Curbside Pickup Program has collected and disposed of 319 cubic yards of material.
Contact Steve Today! 530-214-5547
steve schmidt@skyrun com skyrun com/north-lake-tahoe
In year five now (FY 2027: July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027), Measure U is treating and funding up to 57.5 acres. An additional 269 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 2027 Measure U Work Plan that was created and presented by NFD to the Oversight Committee is available at the hyperlink at the bottom of the page.
The MUOC is committed to overseeing Measure U’s budget while providing thoughtful recommendations into prioritized projects along the way. The
MUOC has produced three annual reports for Measure U activities during FY 2023, FY 2024, and FY 2025. These reports are 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 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.
For more about Measure U scan this QR code.
Sincerely, Members of the Measure U Citizens Oversight Committee
Summer 2026 at Northstar Racquet Club
Happy Summer 2026, NPOA Community! I'm James, your Northstar Racquet Club director, and I'm thrilled to share what we have in store for Summer 2026. Alongside my partner Paige, our Director of Social, we've spent the off-season building out a program calendar that's equal parts great tennis and pickleball, and an even greater sense of community. If you've spent time on or off the courts with us before, you know the vibe: competitive enough to keep things challenging, and social enough to feel like something special.
We have several key events and lineups going on this Summer that we hope you join us for.
Signature Pickleball Experiences
Our Signature Pickleball Experiences are curated two-day retreats combining hands-on instruction, competitive play, and the kind of off-court hospitality you don't typically find at any racquet club.
Each experience runs Saturday and Sunday morning (9am –12pm), and is intentionally capped at just 8 players, so you get intimate coaching, lots of reps, and real connection with the group. Paige handles all the off-court curation, and they are a highlight in themselves:
• European-style mid-morning breakfast board (yogurt, berries, pastries, cheeses)
• Après-play mimosas, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options on the sundeck
• The Northstar Signature Player Kit
Premium apparel, tournament-grade pickleballs, and gear for the Tahoe playing season
Three weekends available this summer:
• June 27 & 28
• July 18 & 19
• August 8 & 9
Ideal for Advanced Beginner to Intermediate players (2.75–3.75 level).
Grand Slam Tennis Clinic Series
This summer, we transform the tennis courts and environment into a Grand Slam experience. Each event is a full-morning tennis clinic themed around one of the season’s iconic Grand Slams, complete with on-court coaching, competitive play, and a postplay social. Full lunch and drinks menu available after play.
• French Open — Saturday, June 6 & Wednesday, June 10 9am – 12pm
Clay-court point development with focus on ground strokes, drop shots and lobs. A full menu of French café refreshments, Bordeaux, and Champagne on the sundeck.
• Wimbledon — Saturday, July 11 & Wednesday, July 15 9sm – 12pm
Wear your Wimbledon whites. This themed clinic focuses on serve & volley strategies, fast points, and finishing at the net. Strawberries and cream, with bubbles and more after play.
• U.S. Open — Wednesday, August 19 & Saturday, August 29 9am – 12pm
High-energy hard-court match play, focused on offensive court positioning and aggressive point construction. American craft food, craft beers and Napa wines to close the summer.
Each event includes three hours of coached tennis with on-court video feedback, a themed breakfast board, a full après-play lunch and drinks social, and a post-play raffle featuring gear, apparel, and private lesson prizes. Limited to 10 players per event.
Summer Socials
If you ask me what sets Northstar Racquet Club apart, the answer is our community. As our Director of Social Events, Paige is the reason every clinic and event ends with something worth sticking around for and helps create the atmosphere that keeps our community coming back weekend after weekend.
Here's what we have lined up this summer:
• Memorial Day Madness (May 23 – 24) — Round robin pickleball and tennis to open the season, followed by a BBQ with margaritas, mimosas, beer, and wine.
• Red, White & Boom (July 4 – 5) — 4th of July round robins with a festive BBQ social. Same format, same great crowd.
• Margs & Matches Every Saturday, 4 – 6pm, all summer long. Pickleball round robins with margaritas, music, and chips & salsa. Drop in any week.
Jr. Tennis Camps
Our Junior Tennis Camps offer a fun, social, and high-energy learning environment for players ages 8 –13. Limited to just 6 players per day, camps emphasize individualized instruction, skill development, match play, and confidence-building to help juniors progress to the next level.
Camps begin the week of June 29 and run Monday – Friday through August 7. Families may register for full-week sessions or individual drop-in days.
We can't wait to see you on and off the courts.
The full summer schedule, program details, and registrations are all at www.northstarracquetclub.com. For questions or private lessons, email us anytime — we’re a family-oriented operation, and you’ll hear back from one of us directly.
James & Paige
Northstar Racquet Club northstarracquetclub.com · NorthstarRacquetClub@gmail.com
Weathering Storms together for over 35 years
NORTHSTAR
FIRE DEPARTMENT
For more information on Measure U, the Annual Report, and Work Plan scan this QR code.
inspected. Defensible space inspections are compulsory governed by Northstar Ordinance 38 22,
For more information on the Green Waste Curbside Pickup and Dumpster Rebate Program(s), scan this QR code.
To request/schedule a defensible space inspection with NFD, scan this QR code.
For more information on Insurance Packets, scan this QR code.
design review & compliance
Summer at Northstar — Fire Season & What to Know
Fire
Season & the Burn Ban
Northstar Fire Department (NFD) seasonal burn ban takes effect in June and runs through November meaning no campfires, no charcoal BBQs, no open burning. Gas and propane appliances are permitted, as are pellet smokers, but NFD can still call shortterm preemptive bans ahead of Red Flag conditions, so check the NCSD site when conditions look uncertain. For STR owners, Placer County's ordinance adds a separate layer: charcoal and open wood burning are permanently banned for rental guests year-round, fire season or not. That information belongs in any guest packet.
structure must be wrapped on all sides, including the bottom, with a fire-retardant tarp. Partial wrapping doesn't meet the standard. NCSD's Measure U crews are also active this summer with fuels reduction work along Beaver Pond, Grouse Ridge, Wolf Tree, Martis Landing, and Indian Hills Road. This work addresses community-level fuel reduction, while individual lot requirements run on a separate track.
Routine Work Still Needs a Sign-Off
Summer is when exterior maintenance projects such-as restaining, window replacements, driveway resealing kickoff and it's easy to assume that like-for-like work doesn't need a sign-off. It does, and the reason is practical: stain products get reformulated between batches, and the approval is what keeps the record current. For routine maintenance it's a staff-level submission. Typically, color samples provide a quick turnaround without a Design Review Committee meeting required. Landscape and hardscape projects require approval from both NPOA and NFD before work can begin. Reach out to our office before anything is scheduled and we can walk through what your project needs for compliance and approval.
Wildlife & Your Guests
TAHOE HOME
Permits, inspections, and late-night guest calls are draining. ManageHome handles compliance, guest care, and property management — so you can enjoy your Tahoe home stress-free. Please reach out for a free consultation. Ask us about our new Co-Hosting services!
High season brings more people and more bear encounters — more visitors mean more attractants, and the bears know it. A trash bag left out overnight, a cooler on the deck, a car left unlocked with food inside; each example reinforces behavior that makes the next interaction harder to otherwise manage. Guests are often the variable, not because they don't care, but because nobody told them. Welcome materials should advise guests to place trash in the bear-resistant enclosure until pickup, and avoid leaving scented items in vehicles or on decks overnight.
Questions or Planning a Project?
Visit the Design Review tab at npoa.info, or contact the NPOA office. We'll help align scope, timing, and approvals so your project starts clean and stays compliant.
As always, thank you for keeping Northstar beautiful and safe.
Alexander Case, Design Review & Community Standards Manager
Summer is upon us and the grass is green and the birds are chirping. Who’s ready for opening day on May 22, 2026? The golf course is in great condition and happy to say the best conditions I have seen coming out winter since I took over as Director in 2022. Obviously, a light winter helped the turf recover quickly with little to no damage.
Our team is very excited for the upcoming golf season and summer months. Once we start operation all non-paying golfers are prohibited from walking or biking on golf course property. We appreciate homeowners and guests obeying these rules throughout the season. This is for the safety of everyone.
I want to note a list of available rates and items coming available.
• Opening day was May 22, 2206 – all 18 holes and full driving
• Season passes can be purchased in the golf shop with homeowner discounts available
• Online bookings are live https://northstar.quick18.com/ teetimes/searchmatrix up to 30 days out for public and 14 days out for passholders
• Local rates are available with no restrictions throughout the season (proof of local address on driver’s license in the north lake Tahoe area
• 18-hole ladies’ club is on Tuesday mornings
Please reach out with any questions by calling the golf shop at 530.562.3290. I look forward to seeing you on the links!
Jarrett Bower, PGA, Director of Golf
Jarrett.k.bower@vailresorts.com Northstarcalifornia.com/golf
Just like last year, we received more snow after the resort closed than we did in January. The ski racks have been replaced with bike racks, and the golf course is looking great.
The course opened on May 22. The NWGC plays every Tuesday from May 26 until the golf course closes in October. 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 Northstar in a while, join us on a Tuesday and we will 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 25. 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 to join the Northstar Golf Club, you can go to https://nevadagolf.org/ member-club-north/#northstar If you would like to come out on a Tuesday and play with the group, send Marian Hansen an email at sidebcorp@aol.com. The cut-off to play on a Tuesday is the Saturday prior. The cost to play with the ladies on Tuesday is $85. If you have a driver’s license with a local address (not Incline), check with the Pro Shop for $75 rate.
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. The cost to join NWGC is
The course opened on May 22. The NWGC plays every Tuesday from May 26 until the golf course closes in October.
$75 and as a member, you can bring a guest on Tuesday, and they get the same discounted rate.
For the gentlemen, you can join the Northstar Golf Club, but Tuesday at 9 is only for the ladies. It has been many years since there has been a Men’s Club, but I’m sure Jarrett in the Pro Shop would help you get that established.
You do not need to be a Northstar Homeowner to join, so if you know someone who could be interested, please share this with them.
Hope to see you out there.
From our 2025 Championship (left to right) Front Row: Sandy Campion, Kerrie Utsumi. Back Row: Ruta Rudisill, Carol Pawlak, Cindy Denham, Marian Hansen, Astrid Cousins, Jen Polishook.
community reminders
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 non-winter 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.
Trusted Construction In Northstar For Over A Decade
Remodels & home additions. More than 27 years experience in Northstar. Customer referrals available.
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 singlefamily 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 6:00 am 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.
Single-Family Residence Exterior Projects
A Project Review Application and accompanying fees must be submitted for review and approval prior to starting any maintenance or improvement work on the exterior of single-family residences.
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 a $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.
Waiver
The release & waiver system has been in place now for over a year. We thank all of our members who have completed the waiver. Please remind any guests or renters that they will need to sign this release and waiver on their first entry to the recreation center.
Trail and Wood Energy Facility Projects
Tomkins Memorial Trail
Spring cleanup has commenced along the trail network. Boardwalk improvements are coming soon in the vicinity of Pappe’s Bridge where beaver activity has raised the water table significantly over the past few years. Trail Maps are available on the District’s website by scanning this QR code with your mobile device:
Martis Valley Trail Segment 3F
This extension of the Martis Valley Trail runs from the Castle Peak Parking Area to the Northstar Village. Snow removal was performed over the winter providing an additional recreation opportunity. Bollards were recently installed to prevent vehicles from accessing the trail.
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. With permits in hand, staff went out to public bid in March in hopes of starting construction on May 1. Unfortunately, bids received significantly exceeded the engineer’s estimate, and additional funds are being pursued to continue with construction.
For specific questions/concerns related to District activities, please contact NCSD at 530.562.0747 or customerservice@northstarcsd.org
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
At first glance, our Middle Truckee River Watershed may seem simple: rain and snowmelt run into the Truckee River. But what happens next? Who has a say? And what are the many factors that shape the final outcome?
If you picture the mountains surrounding the Truckee River like an oddly shaped bowl, then any drop of water that falls on that bowl and rolls down toward the Truckee River is part of our watershed. Each and every detail informs our watershed health – from which plants grow on riverbanks to where snow lands to when dams open or close.
Think you know it all? Test your knowledge of our watershed below!
Think You Know It All?
Test Your Knowledge of Our Watershed
How many outlets flow out from Lake Tahoe? And where do they end?
Only one: the Truckee River! While 63 consistent streams and creeks feed water into Lake Tahoe, the Truckee River is the only body carrying water out from the lake. The Truckee River is part of what we call a ‘closed system,’ traveling 121 miles northeast to reach its final destination: Pyramid Lake.
How are water flows
In the Truckee River managed?
Ten times per year, the Truckee River Watershed Council convenes the Truckee River Basin Water Group (TRBWG) to negotiate and establish flows out of our region’s six major dams: Tahoe, Donner, Independence, Prosser, Stampede, and Boca.
Is the Truckee River considered pristine? If not, why?
No. In fact, the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the State of California have both designated the Truckee River as ‘polluted’ as a result of too much sediment. While some sediment occurs naturally, the long histories of mining, logging, and railroad construction in our area have altered our landscape, both exacerbating soil erosion and
inhibiting natural stability. This sediment reduces overall water quality and chokes out aquatic insect larvae, starving fisheries and producing a ripple effect across the rest of the food web.
What can be done to protect, enhance, and restore our Middle Truckee River Watershed?
The Truckee River Watershed Council is hard at work doing just that! With over three decades and 50 large-scale restoration projects under our belt, we know how to effectively and efficiently restore important ecosystem functions, increase habitat, improve water quality, and re-establish natural sediment capture processes in our area.
And our work doesn’t only benefit fish and wildlife in our watershed…
it benefits people, too! From Tahoe City to Pyramid Lake, everyone who enjoys and relies on the Truckee River can depend on us to safeguard this place for generations to come.
Want to Learn More? Join Us on a Restoration Site Tour!
Come and see the impact of our work, yourself. Join TRWC for a visit to one of our restoration sites and learn more about how TRWC is helping protect, enhance, and restore our watershed.
• June 12, 9am – 12pm at Coldstream Canyon
• July 8, 4 – 7pm at Lower Hoke Meadow
• August 18 9am – 12pm at Perazzo Meadows
RSVP at info@truckeeriverwc.org
Liberty's Programs Can help You save Energy
From EV charging to heat pump rebates, Liberty offers practical ways to reduce energy use and take advantage of available incentives.
Liberty’s energy efficiency and electrification programs are designed to help you lower your monthly costs by saving energy, while keeping your home comfortable year-round. Whether you’re planning a home upgrade now or simply want to understand your options, check out the programs that are currently available, plus what’s coming next.
Electric vehicle (EV) charger rebate
If you drive an electric vehicle or you’re thinking about making the switch, Liberty’s EV charger rebates can help offset the cost of installing a charger at your home or business. Residential customers may receive a rebate of up to $1,500, and small businesses may receive a rebate of up to $2,500. Eligible expenses may include the charger, installation, permitting, and even certain panel upgrades.
To learn more about the program and see if you’re eligible scan this QR code.
Residential heat pump incentive program
Heating (and water heating) can be one of the largest sources of energy use in a home. Upgrading to high-efficiency heat pumps can reduce energy consumption and improve comfort by maintaining more consistent temperatures.
Through this program, qualifying customers may be eligible to receive a rebate of up to $4,000 when upgrading an existing electric system. To learn more and apply, visit the Energy Efficiency Programs page at libertyenergyandwater.com. For any questions, email CAEnergyEfficiency@ libertyutilities.com.
Home energy audits (program update)
Home energy audits will help you identify energy inefficiencies (like insulation gaps, air leaks, or outdated equipment) and provide home-specific recommendations to improve efficiency, resulting in potential savings opportunities.
While home energy audits are not currently available, Liberty is preparing to launch an updated program by summer 2026. Keep an eye out for announcements and check the Energy Efficiency Programs page at www.libertyenergyandwater.com for the latest information.
Want to see which programs may be the right fit for you? Scan this QR code to view available resources and programs, check your eligibility, and apply.
Summer and fall historically see double the transaction volume of winter and spring, but low inventory overrides seasonality. With only a handful of competing listings right now, your home commands more attention from every serious buyer in the market.
Achieve Tahoe— Pushing Past Limitations
Achieve Tahoe is a nonprofit dedicated to making outdoor recreation accessible for people with disabilities. For more than five decades, Achieve Tahoe has provided affordable, inclusive physical and recreational activities that build health, confidence, and independence. Through adaptive instruction and specialized equipment, participants are supported in discovering their own capabilities and pushing beyond perceived limitations. Programs include adaptive skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and activities such as hiking, climbing, sailing, paddle sports, archery and horsemanship throughout the rest of the year.
Founded in 1967 by
Jim Winthers, a World War II veteran of the 10th Mountain Division and former ski school director at Soda Springs, Achieve Tahoe
Achieve Tahoe
Through adaptive instruction and specialized equipment, participants are supported in discovering their own capabilities and pushing beyond perceived limitations.
began with a simple but powerful idea: everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy a breath of fresh air, regardless of disability. What began as a small adaptive ski school has grown into a year-round organization serving over 800 participants with physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities annually.
Continued on page 28
The true impact of Achieve Tahoe is best seen in the stories of the people it serves. Families often share how their children, once sidelined by medical diagnoses or mobility challenges, are now confidently skiing alongside siblings or friends. Adults recovering from injury or living with progressive conditions describe finding renewed purpose and community through adaptive sports. For
many veterans, Achieve Tahoe provides not only physical rehabilitation, but also a supportive space to reconnect with others and rebuild confidence.
These success stories are made possible by a dedicated team of instructors, volunteers, and supporters who believe
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in the power of access and inclusion. Every lesson is tailored to the individual, ensuring that each participant is met where they are, and encouraged to go further than they thought possible.
At its core, Achieve Tahoe is about more than sport. It’s about health, confidence, independence, community, and the belief
that outdoor recreation should be open to everyone. By removing barriers and creating opportunities, Achieve Tahoe continues to transform lives, one experience at a time.
Slide into summer with
A few small steps could help you save, which may also lower your bill. Scan the QR code or visit www.libertyenergyandwater.com to get started.
condominium updates
Indian Hills
Nothing Beats Summer at Indian Hills Summer might be the best time of the year at Indian Hills. The days are long, the skies are blue, and there are lots of things to do! There are great opportunities for hiking, biking, tennis, pickleball, swimming, rafting, boating, fishing, and spectacular stargazing.
Indian Hills is continuing to plan for our front entryway replacements, check out the one that was completed as a demonstration on Feather Ridge!
As the cost of everything seems to be going up these days, Indian Hills is looking at changing how we obtain internet and television services. A bulk bundle package may be obtained by the Association that could reduce our costs significantly.
As we all know, we live in a forest and the risk of fire is real. Thanks to all our combined efforts, we are a Fire Safe Community. Guests and visitors need to be reminded to help keep our area safe. We recently had a guest put an open flame
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fire pit on the deck of a condo. Fortunately, the material we used on the decks is fire rated Class A, and the decking was damaged but did not catch on fire or cause damage to the condo. This should help show why open flame fire pits are not allowed in Indian Hills. Smokey the Bear is right— only we can prevent forest fires!
Enjoy your Summer at Indian Hills and get out and see Lake Tahoe!
