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
Winter Recreation Center Hours (subject to change) 8am – 9pm Daily
For up to date information please visit the NPOA website www.npoa.info
Advertising Sales
CCMedia Publishing - Peggy McElfish 775.548.6562 | www.cc.media peggy@ccmpublishing.com
Cover Photo
Olof Carmel of Carmel Gallery "Morning Glow Northstar"
community comments policy inside this issue
meeting dates 2025/26
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.
December 13 @ 9am NPOA Board of Directors
December 30 @ 9am Design Review Committee
2026 Meetings:
January 27 @ 8am (If needed) NPOA Board of Directors
January 27 @ 9am Design Review Committee
February 21 @ 9am NPOA Board of Directors
February 24 @ 9am Design Review Committee
March 17 @ 8am (If needed) NPOA Board of Directors
March 31 @ 9am Design Review Committee
April 18 @ 9am NPOA Board of Directors
April 28 @ 9am Design Review Committee
Northstar Living welcomes your comments that are pertinent to the Northstar community and will publish those comments on a space-available basis. Articles should be addressed to Northstar Living; signed by the author, unless sent electronically; and should include the writer’s name, his or her Northstar address and the telephone number at which the writer can be reached most easily.
Comments not meeting these requirements or containing solicitations, inaccuracies, libelous or incorrect statements, lacking clarity or having no pertinence to the Northstar community or the Association will not be published. Comments must be received by February 1, for spring issue; May 1 for summer, August 1 for fall or November 1 for winter. Comments are accepted in person at the NPOA office, by mail to NPOA, Attn: Community Comments, 2200 North Village Drive, Truckee, CA 96161; by email to sean@npoa.info.
Disclaimer : Readers are advised that the opinions expressed are those of the
president’s perspective
Join us at Board Meetings
Board meetings have historically been sessions where we comb through over 200 pages of documentation. As a board member, it is tough to drive meetings like this with meaningful dialogue and decision making.
In an attempt to make the meetings more engaging, we purchased new video technology and drive the meeting’s agenda in a presentation (PowerPoint) format. This has allowed board members to summarize the salient issues of their respective committees and provided more discussion of key issues. Our next meeting is December 13th and I’d encourage all to join us in the lounge or on Zoom to test drive the new format.
Making Progress on Key Projects
The Strategic Planning and Visioning committee, this year headed up by Dan Cox with Doug Kohen and Jim Kooler, is responsible for setting the priorities and getting board approval for the projects and investments.
In any one year, there are dozens of projects that get handled without a lot of fanfare. These can be as simple as additional towel racks by the spas or
to the less visible pool and spa motors and general upkeep.
The larger projects are the ones that owners remember and we are making progress here as well.
Lap Pool & Covered Spa After the annual meeting and the close of the summer season, we immediately engaged a company to replaster and re-tile the lap pool which was long overdue for a face lift. I am happy to report that the lap pool and covered spa re-opened on November 8th. For those who are avid swimmers, we kept the large pool opened for the 75 days required to complete this work then give it time to cure.
Ladies Locker Room This is the perennial project that for one reason or another seems to be delayed season after season. This being our 2026 #1 priority, we’ve engaged a local firm to build a design spec and RFP that we hope to put out for bid no later than mid-December. The goal is to award the contract in January with the hope of being underway with the remodel in early March. This is a very aggressive timetable and if it goes to plan, this may impact some use of the locker room in the late winter / early spring season.
Optimistically, we like to have the locker room completed and ready for use by Memorial Day.
Main Deck Repair and Extension The deck to the right of the Game Room has started to weather and will need repair. Additionally, the remaining open space adjacent to the deck is currently blocked off by a railing that is failing and also in need of repair. We decided that it would be in the best interest of the community to repair the weathered part of the existing deck and extend this decking over the aforementioned open space. This will give us a better looking and safer deck while providing some additional space for a multitude of activities. Again, we’ve engaged an engineering team to scope this and look to the spring to start this effort.
Parking Lot As mentioned in the fall Northstar Living, our parking lot has now reached the point where it will require a full scraping and reset. We’ve spoken to several companies willing to do the work but none will bid the project until the spring to better assess the fluctuating cost of materials. Since we believe this project is critical, we expect to get some
Continued on page 6
competitive bids at that time and move to undertake this renovation as soon as possible.
Holding the Assessment While Balancing Critical Spending
As both homeowners and board members, we try to balance assessments and other sources of income (e.g., access fees and interest income, other) against the cost of operations and the strategic initiatives listed above.
With a careful look at our sources of income, strategic initiatives and our current levels of reserves/capital, we were able to hold the 2026 annual assessment steady at $1,700 per household. Many of the strategic projects listed above will use a significant amount of our reserves and a modest sum from our capital budget, but we are confident that with prudent management of resources, we can accomplish these projects and replenish the reserve funds over time.
For a deep dive on all information, the annual financial package has been distributed for your review.
Enjoy the Season and Join Us at the Holiday Party
While Northstar is a destination site yearround, we have both the winter ski season
and the summer multi-sport season that have the greatest levels of attendance and activities.
As homeowners, I encourage you to join in the many fun activities offered by Vail Resorts as well as our own NPOA holiday party scheduled this year on December 13th from 4-7pm in our lounge. We provide appetizers, libations, and good company. Last year, we had over 165 residents attend. Please help us break that record this season. It is a great way to reengage with old and new friends as well as meet face-to-face with board members.
Respecting Our Neighbors
Northstar is home to over 672 condo homeowners which is 45% of our total population. In addition to the standard NPOA annual assessments, condo owners face additional condo assessments for property maintenance, limited parking and for some associations a separate fee for additional trash pickups.
During the high vacation periods, parking spaces in the condo sections are limited and can be over crowded with their own families and guests. Use of the condo dumpsters can also be a challenge.
A request to all would be to respect both the parking spaces within the condo
areas and dumpsters within each condo grouping. For all single-family homes, one can move to a bear box collection on your property or take refuse to the large dumpsters on Northstar drive.
Final Comments
Northstar is a unique and beautiful site. As always, the board is focused on maintaining and where it makes sense, enhancing our facilities. We work closely with Vail, NCSD, and NTRAC to ensure we are in synch and doing the best for all.
Much of what we do and accomplish is driven by a talented and dedicated operations team led by Tim Fulton, our General Manager, as well as the Administration and Maintenance teams. They truly put forth a remarkable effort to ensure your Northstar experience is the best it can be.
So, enjoy the season and our facilities.
Jim O’Gara, NPOA Board President Jogara3@gmail.com
From shoveling driveways to weekend getaways in the mountains, make winter easier (and cozier) with top gear and friendly advice from Mountain
general manager's report
Welcome to the winter edition of the Northstar Living Magazine. I would like to summarize 2025, include some important information for the upcoming year, and a few winter time reminders.
2026 Annual Disclosure & Communications
The 2026 Annual Disclosure packet was distributed in late October. We encourage you to take a few minutes to review these important documents. If we have an electronic transmission consent form on file, you received this information via an eblast. If you do not have an electronic transmission
2026 are again $1,700 for the year. As in the past, payments are due January 1, and are considered late past January 1st. Outstanding assessments automatically become delinquent and receive late fees posted on February 1, 2026, so please make sure to factor in processing time and potential U.S. mail delays if scheduling a payment close to the delinquent deadline date. Included with the statements was a return envelope for those wishing to mail a payment with the perforated coupon from your statement to the NPOA lockbox. You may also refer to the “Online Payment Reference Guide” which details how you can make an online payment. For whatever reason, if you did not receive the Annual Disclosure packet or that Annual Assessment statement, please contact our office at 530.562.0322 so we can
complimentary shuttle service provided by Northstar-California Resort as skier/snowboard parking is not allowed in the 40 parking spots at the NPOA Recreation Center.
Recreation Center Hours of Operation
The NPOA Recreation Center is currently within its winter daily hours of operation of 8am – 9pm. Individual amenity hours can be located on the NPOA website. Additionally, the rec center will have limited hours of operation on the following holidays. Note that any day not listed below will maintain the normal hours of operation:
Thanksgiving Day (November 27) – Closed Christmas Eve (December 24) – 8am – 4pm Christmas Day (December 25) – Closed New Years Eve (December 31) – 8am – 6pm New Years Day (January 1) – Closed
Homeowners that are signed up for email correspondence will receive bulletin reminders for the holiday schedule.
In closing, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of our wonderful staff members as well as the many hours your Board members volunteer on a very successful 2025. On behalf of myself and the entire NPOA team, we wish you a safe and joyful holiday season and a prosperous 2026.
Tim Fulton, General Manager
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Now o ering lessons at Palisades Tahoe , Northstar California and Mt. Rose resorts. Learn
at 530.581.4161.
Winter is officially underway at Northstar California! With fresh snow on the ground and an exciting calendar of events ahead, Northstar is the place to be for unforgettable experiences, festive celebrations, and meaningful community moments.
Live Music Every Weekend
Northstar’s Village Stage is once again alive with the sounds of live music every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout
the season. Whether you're winding down after a day on the slopes or just soaking in the village ambiance, these performances are the perfect way to end your day.
New! Reimagined S’mores Experience
This season, Northstar is sweetening your après-ski tradition with an exciting new s’mores experience! Guests can enjoy daily s’mores served at 4pm in the Village, featuring a rotating array of delicious
flavors, from classic marshmallow and chocolate to fun seasonal twists. Just look for the gold umbrella to find your way to this cozy treat station.
Winter Wonders Holiday Series
December 19 to January 4
The holidays at Northstar are nothing short of magical. Kicking off on Friday, December 19, the festivities begin with our annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and photos with Santa at the Rink, followed by 17 days of live music and holiday cheer.
New Year’s Eve Celebration
December 31
Ring in 2026 at Northstar’s Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration, a highlight of the season. This year, the celebration returns with a spectacular fireworks display, a rocking live band, a 360° photo booth, and plenty of exciting fun to make the night unforgettable.
Women’s Weekend & New Sunday Sessions
Northstar’s Women’s Weekend returns the first weekend of March, coinciding with International Women’s Day. This empowering event offers a dynamic mix of ski and ride clinics, wellness activities, and community-building opportunities, all designed to celebrate and support women on the slopes.
Northstar’s 2025–2026 Winter Season: A Look at What This Season Has in Store
New this season, Northstar is introducing Sunday Sessions, a three-part series held on three dates in December, January, and February. These one-day events will feature small group clinics, followed by an après moment to celebrate the day and encourage connection.
Registration for all programs can be found at www.northstarcalifornia.com/events.
Celebrate a Day Well Spent at Tōst
Don’t miss Northstar’s signature Tōst experience, where guests can enjoy a champagne toast at the top of the mountain five days a week. It’s the perfect way to celebrate a great day on the slopes with a little sparkle, stunning views, and friends old and new.
Plan Your Season at Northstar
With so many exciting events on the horizon, now is the perfect time to plan your season. From holiday delights to New Year’s Eve and beyond, there’s something fun in store for everyone at Northstar this winter.
Choosing & Using Ski Poles
By Andrew Bavetta, PSIA Level II Alpine Northstar Skier & Truckee Local
Pole Length
Getting your pole length right makes a big difference in comfort, balance, and rhythm on the slopes. Here’s your quick guide to finding the perfect fit.
The 90-Degree Rule
Stand in your ski boots (or sturdy shoes). Flip the pole upside down so the grip rests on the ground, and hold it just below the basket (the ring near the tip). If your elbow forms a 90-degree angle, your pole is the correct length.
Classic Sizing Guide
5’0” – 5’2” 110–115cm
5’4” – 5’6” 120cm
5’8” – 5’10” 125cm
6’0” – 6’2” 130cm
6’4”+ 135cm
When in doubt, go a little shorter. Shorter poles promote a more athletic stance and improve control—especially in moguls, trees, and powder.
Adjust for Your Skiing Style
• Freeride & Powder: Try poles about 5cm shorter for easier planting and better maneuverability in deep snow.
• Racing & Carving: Stick with your standard pole length or even 5cm shorter. A compact stance keeps you balanced and quick through turns.
• Backcountry & Touring: Adjustable poles (roughly 100–140cm) are ideal—shorten them for climbs, lengthen for traverses.
Pole Materials: Strength vs. Weight
The two most common materials for downhill ski poles offer different benefits.
Aluminum
Pros: Affordable, durable, and bends before it breaks.
Cons: Heavier, and once bent, difficult to straighten perfectly.
Best for: Recreational skiers and those prioritizing toughness and value.
Carbon Fiber
Pros: Extremely lightweight, reducing fatigue and improving swing weight.
Cons: Pricier and more brittle—it can snap under high stress. Best for: Advanced skiers, racers, and backcountry users who count every gram.
Basket Size: Match the Terrain
The basket—the ring near the tip—keeps the pole from sinking too deep into snow.
Small (Standard) Baskets: Under 5cm diameter. Best for groomed runs, ice, and racing—light and low drag.
Large (Powder) Baskets: Around 7–8cm diameter, often flexible or star-shaped. Best for deep powder and tree skiing, offering extra flotation and a solid plant.
Pole Straps & Attachments: Stay Secure, Stay Safe
Using your pole straps correctly improves control—and prevents dropped poles in deep snow—but there’s a right and a wrong way to wear them.
Conventional Straps:
Slip your hand up through the strap loop from underneath, then grip the pole handle over the strap.
This way, the strap supports your wrist, and if you release your grip, the pole will hang naturally without twisting or pulling at your hand.
Avoid grabbing the pole grip through the strap as that can cause serious thumb injury in a fall or make it harder to let go quickly.
Quick-Release Systems (e.g., Leki Trigger, Scott SRS):
Many modern poles connect directly to special gloves or a small wrist harness. These systems provide a secure yet releasable connection, improving swing efficiency and safety.
In a fall or avalanche, the pole detaches automatically, reducing the risk of wrist or thumb injury.
Tree Skiing
When skiing in the trees, it’s best to remove your pole straps entirely—even quick-release systems. This allows you to let go immediately if a pole catches on a branch or root. Staying strapfree in the woods reduces the risk of shoulder or arm injury and helps keep your upper body free to maneuver safely between tight lines.
Final Takeaway
Choosing and using your poles right may seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference in your balance, rhythm, and confidence—helping you ski more smoothly and enjoy every run.
design review & compliance
Snow Season Playbook
On the roadways and at home, winter season puts the Northstar standard to work.
The Berm Stops Here
Seasonal parking restrictions keep plows working edge-toedge, and sightlines open. Vehicles parked on shoulders or in the right-of-way can delay service for an entire street. These rules are largely enforced by Placer County and apply to all-size vehicles. Park entirely off-street or in an approved lot, and keep lanes wide for shuttles and local transit.
On storm days, the Northstar Village Transit app provides on-demand transit, and supports local circulation. Regionally, Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit (TART) and TART Connect provide fixed routes and on-demand zones that reduce individual trips during heavy weather and weekends.
Parking at the NPOA Recreation Center is designated for Recreation Center use only; ski parking is not permitted.
If you rent your home—short-term or long-term—please share these winter parking and right-of-way rules with your guests and leaseholders.
Winter in Tahoe: A Practical Checklist
Access and utilities: keep electric meters/panels and a safe path to them clear for crews; ice-packed service points slow restoration and creates hazards. Around natural gas service, protect meters and regulators from roof-shed and keep clear with a broom. Report hazards immediately, and make sure your address is visible so responders can find you in poor visibility.
Heating and fire safety: place fireplace or stove ashes in a lidded metal container on bare ground or another noncombustible surface, well away from structures, decks, and woodpiles—coals can smolder for days. Test carbonmonoxide alarms (required in California homes with fuelburning appliances or attached garages) and refresh batteries before peak heating season. These small, repeatable habits meaningfully reduce risk across the neighborhood.
May 1st: Plan & Review
Grading and digging in the Tahoe Basin generally run May 1–October 15 when soils are dry enough to prevent erosion and protect lake clarity. Outside that window—and any time conditions are wet—soil-disturbing work is prohibited and active sites must be winterized. Exposed soils and unprotected slopes can cause track-off into the roadway, so stabilize early and maintain controls throughout the season.
Use the off-season to finalize NPOA Design Review submittals so your project is queued up for spring. Align plans with NPOA Design Review and Placer County requirements, and coordinate staking and material lead times now. For DRC scheduling, submittals received by the 15th are eligible for that month’s agenda (last Tuesday); later submittals roll to the following month.
As always, thank you for helping keep Northstar beautiful and safe. Locally-Owned Vacation Rental Management
Contact Steve Today! 530-214-5547
steve schmidt@skyrun com skyrun com/north-lake-tahoe
Alexander Case, Design Review & Community Standards Manager
After only a 4 month season the golf course officially closed on October 19. It was a great season overall following ice damage from the frosty winter months. The maintenance team worked hard to winterize the golf course including posting winter signs, aerifying and drilling the greens, aerifying the fairways, roughs and tee boxes and staking the cart paths and greens with STAY OFF signs.
We encourage any homeowners or guests to stay on the cart paths always if you choose to walk the golf course during the winter. I cannot emphasize enough how damaging it can be to walk on the grass when the snow falls. The impact to the ice layer below can severely damage the growth of the grass coming out of winter. Three staff members are here year-round, and anyone caught on the turf will be asked to leave and could result in consequences. The golf course is NOT a snow play area and again anything off the cart path is always prohibited.
We had a setback this year on four greens because of a mild winter and more than expected ice. As we take pride in the golf course and continue to try and improve conditions, we need everyone’s help during the winter. Thanks for a great summer season and we hope to see everyone on the links in Spring 2026!
Jarrett
Bower, Director of Golf Jarrett.k.bower@vailresorts.com | 530.562.3887
Happy Holidays to the NPOA Community!
In the blink of an eye the summer golf season is over. We have said goodbye to our snow bird friends as they fly off to warmer weather and the full timers are looking forward to the snow flying and getting together for ski days. The clubs have been stowed away for the winter, waiting for either a warm day in Reno or the opening of the Northstar course this Spring.
We would like to thank Jarrett for keeping the course open for a few extra days in October. The course was closed from October 13-15 due to weather, but they reopened on October 16 which was still extremely cold. Those who played on Thursday could not feel their fingers, but closing day on October 18 turned out to be a beautiful Autumn Day.
Women’s Golf Club (NWGC) plays every Tuesday from opening to closing with a very fun tournament played on the 4th Tuesday in August. 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 Tuesday play and allows you to bring a guest and they also receive the same discount. The cost to join should be $75.00. Some of the monies collected are used for Tournament Prizes plus we should have a couple of games in September with smaller prizes. Membership also gives you access to the Northern Nevada Golf Association (NNGA) where you will receive notifications about discounts to golf courses and merchandise. It also gives you access to the USGA GHIN App that allows you to establish or maintain your handicap index.
It has been many years since there was a Northstar Men’s Golf Club, but if anyone wants to reach out to Jarrett Bower, Director of Golf, at jarrett.k.bower@vailresorts.com I am sure he can assist with getting that started again. We watch many men play as singles, the women really enjoy the camaraderie of playing together, plus it makes it easier to find your ball when you play with others.
If you would like to be included when the applications are sent out, or know someone who might be interested, please send an email to Marian Hansen at sidebcorp@aol.com to get added to the distribution list.
If you have not played the Northstar course, or not for a while, come out and give it a try next year. You should find it challenging and fun. The members are there to help you navigate the course and share a lot of laughs.
Carol Pawlak, Astrid Cousins, Marian Hansen and Sandy Campion after a cold day of golf on September 30.
Pile Burning Background
The 2025-2026 Measure U Forest fuels reduction project season is nearing completion of “on the ground” forest fuels reduction work, and soon it will be time for winter operations which include pile burning operations.
Pile burning is a controlled method of disposing vegetation debris, such as branches, brush, and conifer trees, by burning them in held piles. It is commonly used in forestry, land management, and agricultural settings to reduce fuel loads, manage wildfire risk,
and clear land after logging or forest fuels reduction operations. When conducted properly, pile burning can be an efficient and environmentally responsible way to manage biomass waste.
The Purposes of a Pile Burning Operation
The main goals of pile burning include:
1. Fuel Reduction - Removing excess vegetation from the forest reduces the likelihood and intensity of future wildfires.
2. Site Preparation - Pile burning piles help restore the land to historic standards. Additionally, it is beneficial to prepare land for replanting conifer seedlings in addition to native grasses and forbs. Pile burning assists in re-establishing wildlife food sources and Native American cultural practices.
3. Pest and Disease Control – Pile burning removes infected or infested wood and biomass. Additionally, pile burning prevents the spread of insects or pathogens.
4. Waste Management – Pile burning offers a practical way to dispose of logging/fuels management biomass and other organic debris in remote areas where mechanical removal is costly or inaccessible.
How Pile Burning Operations are Created
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Used in Forest Fuels Reduction - When pile burning is incorporated in the forest fuels reduction prescription, the following happens:
1. Pile Construction - Biomass material is gathered into burn piles ranging from 6’x6’ to 12’x12’ in size and resemble charcoal kilns. Once created, they are left to cure over the summer, becoming dry and are covered with manufactured material to ensure that part of the pile stays dry for ignition. The created burn piles are free of soil, large stumps, and trash, which can hinder combustion and increase smoke.
2. The Fuels Management department requires that crews create burn piles a safe distance away from residential/commercial properties and that they are created and spaced adequately to minimize scorch to residual trees and to mitigate convective heat.
3. Seasonal Timing – The Fuels Management department manages pile burning operations starting in the fall and can last into early spring. This is a window of opportunity when fuel moisture is higher, air temperatures are lower, and there’s less risk of fire spread. Typically, there is snow on the ground when there is a pile burning operation.
4. Weather Conditions – The Fuels Management department will check the weather forecast 48-72 hours in advance to ensure low wind speeds, favorable wind direction(s), stable atmospheric conditions, and proper smoke dispersion. Pile burning in
Continued on page 20
optimal weather conditions is required by the Placer County Air Pollution Control District (PCAPCD) and CAL FIRE, and the Northstar Fire department must obtain a burn permit from these entities.
5. Ignition – Burn pile ignition starts with a test pile to decide if there are favorable conditions for a safe operation. If favorable, piles will be lit, and ignitions will cease between 11:00 am and 12pm.
7. At the end of day, the burn piles are placed in a manner to ensure they burn down clean, they are contained, and patrols begin. Our unit CAL FIRE dispatch is notified at the beginning and end of each day of operation.
Environmental Considerations
6. The afternoon part of pile burning involves merging burn piles to ensure 100% consumption and to mitigate smoke dispersal.
While pile burning releases carbon dioxide and particulates, it can still be beneficial overall when compared to uncontrolled wildfires or open burning without oversight. Best practices such as burning dry material, using the correct burn pile size, and choosing best weather can reduce smoke and emissions.
Additionally, agencies involved in burning are experimenting with biochar production from partially burned piles, turning waste wood into carbon-rich soil amendments instead of ash.
Pile Burn Monitoring and Data
1. To follow pile burning operations that will occur within the District’s Wildfire Prevention Zone (WPZ), please view the following link: https://fuelsmanagementhub.northstarcsd.org/ pages/operations
2. Additionally, please see the map showing pile burning locations for the 2025-2026 project season. This map will be updated at the link above throughout the project season.
3. To see who is burning in the State of California, please scan the QR code below. This link will show what agency is burning, what type of burn it is and how large the operation will be.
Pile burning is an essential tool in land and forest management, balancing ecological health, fire safety, and practicality. When pile burning is done responsibly, it reduces hazardous fuels, supports ecosystem restoration, and helps maintain resilient landscapes. Ongoing education, regulation, and research continue to improve pile burning techniques for safety and environmental sustainability.
condominium updates
Aspen Grove
It's winter time at Northstar and here's hoping the mountain is covered in snow welcoming skiers from all over to enjoy the beautiful family-friendly and challenging terrain overlooking Lake Tahoe from Mt. Pluto.
Phase II of our landscaping project was completed in October. Nineteen Aspen Trees and several native shrubs were planted within our Aspen Grove Community. All the trees have been staked, above ground irrigation has been installed and several loads of wood chips have been spread in surrounding areas throughout. The area looks amazing and we all look forward to watching the trees and plants thrive as they become an integral and natural part of our common area landscape.
Park Tree Service located in Truckee
completed its defensible space work throughout Aspen Grove in September. They also removed approximately 66 dead and hazardous trees as well as trim and limb many of our larger willows. Several large mounds of remaining wood chips were spread around many locations near building structures and paths paralleling the creek. Their work was professional, efficient and thorough. Many thanks for the work that was accomplished to meet the standards required for defensible space mandates as well as to make sure we are safe from falling dead trees and large branches.
All of our heated stairs that needed repair are now operable and include new and improved heating elements with larger paver stones. For safety reasons, it was important to have the stairs functioning properly during the winter season when
snow and ice can build up on the steps from our parking lots onto pathways leading to condo units.
A BIG thank you to our Board of Directors who work effortlessly throughout the year to provide a collective vision for our community. Special thanks to Andrew Sackheim for his wisdom and countless hours of service. You will be missed on the Board. Welcome to our new member, Linda Duste, who will also serve as liaison to the Landscape & Aesthetic Committee. We also welcome Linda Benzing to the Landscape & Aesthetic Committee.
Finally, it's important to acknowledge the many homeowners who recognize the value of maintaining a clean and healthy environment throughout our Aspen Grove Community. This combined effort allows everyone to enjoy the benefits of well-kept shared spaces.
Tahoe
Indian Hills
Indian Hills and Northstar are enjoying a winter wonderland! But did you ever wonder who to call if you had a problem with utilities while staying in Northstar? The Indian Hills website (www. indianhills.net) offers valuable information to everyone, as well as additional information for Indian Hills owners upon login. Indian Hills owners, please email the webmaster at webmaster@ indianhills.net or gserafini@gmail.com if you have not yet set up your owner account, forgotten your access credentials or encounter access problems.
“Who you gonna call?” is not as easy as calling Ghostbusters! It depends on what you need help with:
Electricity Liberty Energy 844.245.6868
Gas Southwest Gas 877.860.6020
Water CAMCO for Indian Hills 530.587.3355
NCSD for wider community 530.562.0747
Cable/Internet Spectrum 833.780.2020
Road Conditions CA 800.427.7623, NV 877.687.6237
NPOA Rec Center 530.562.0322
Northstar Shuttle download the Northstar Transportation app Snow Report 530.562.1010
Public Safety Emergency 911
Behavioral/Mental Emergency 988
You can sign up for outage alerts from the utility companies and emergency alerts from the State of California at www.ready.ca.gov and from Placer County www.placer-alert.org.
And while the internet provides great information, nothing beats being connected to your neighbors! Exchange contact information so you can watch out for each other. Join the Neighbor to Neighbor Meet 6 Neighbors challenge (www.californiavolunteers. ca.gov/meet-6-neighbors). Knowing at least 6 neighbors is associated with improved physical and mental health and wellbeing, and helps communities be better connected, more resilient, and better prepared for disasters.
A reminder to all residents and guests in Northstar, the dumpsters in the condo areas are exclusively for the use of those condos. Single-family homes either have bear boxes for trash disposal or can use the Northstar drive disposal area.
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CONTEMPORARY ART FOR MOUNTAIN LIVING
If you are in Indian Hills, check out the prototype of the new entryway stairs and walkways at units 6133 and 6134 on Feather Ridge! This project helps us optimize design and engineering details and construction costs for replacing our entryways. You will notice the materials and style match the rear deck project we completed a few years ago. We are excited to see progress on this project, and Indian Hills Owners will begin to get more information on the cost and timeline. The Indian Hills Board of Directors has reached out to owners with a survey that includes a question that will help assess preferred funding options for the entryways. The survey helps the Board better understand the interests and priorities of owners.
This winter enjoy all Northstar and Indian Hills have to offer! Stay connected. If you are skiing in the woods, do it with a buddy, get to know your neighbors, and participate in the business of your homeowners’ associations. The Indian Hills Owners Board of Directors welcomes your input and participation in our meetings. The NPOA Board needs your input too! Your participation in the community contributes to the wonder of Northstar!
Ski Trails
As the air turns crisp and the peaks begin to sparkle with early snow, our community is gearing up for another exciting ski season! Here’s what’s happening around the Ski Trails Condominiums as the winter chill approaches…
We’ve extended the hours of parking lot monitoring provided at the entrance to our parking lots to ensure that we and our guests and renters have parking spots in the coming winter season. The new annual owner windshield stickers and guest parking hanger tags and will be available by the time this issue of the magazine
reaches its readers. Homeowners should share these hanger tags with their property managers and guests to assure easy access and avoid erroneous tickets.
As mentioned in recent issues, the replacements and repairs to stairways and entrance pathways continue to proceed. This makes access to and from our condos safer and easier – especially important in ski boots, when carrying a snowboard, or when exhausted from a day on the slopes.
Our renewed internet and TV provider (Spectrum) agreements have kicked in, giving us speedier service, free local tv channels, and a ton of streaming services at no additional cost! These channels include AMC+, HBO Max, Disney Plus, Hulu, ESPN, Paramount+, and Peacock – a tremendous benefit to homeowners, who may not even need their own individual plans anymore.
In another bit of good news, our Ski Trails Board member Al Roth was also elected to the Northstar Property Owners Association’s (NPOA) Board of Directors, joining Jim Kooler as another condo owner on that larger Association’s Board. Having two of the seven NPOA Board members be condo owners (as opposed to singlefamily residence property owners) is important because our owners have different needs and deserve strong representation within the larger Northstar community.
Al and the rest of the Ski Trails Board can be reached at board@ skitrailshoa.com. Owners and potential owners should feel free to let them know if you have any concerns, questions, or ideas for improving Ski Trails.
Our terrific membership, strong Board, perfect location, and beautiful buildings make Ski Trails the best spot on the mountain! Come join us for another beautiful winter!
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). Work commenced in early May, and the project is anticipated to be completed in November. The trail is currently
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rough graded with paving completed in October after rockery walls, bridges and drainage features are installed.
• 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 be performed next summer, with the facility expected to be operational and delivering heat in late 2026. Detailed project information is available on the District’s website by scanning the QR code.
As always, 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 to help make these projects a success.
For specific questions/concerns related to the upcoming project activities, please contact NCSD at customerservice@northstarcsd.org or 530.562.0747.
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Liberty Encourages Customers to Prepare for Winter and Potential Power Outages
Winter is just around the corner, and with winter weather comes the potential for power outages. Poor road conditions, challenges accessing remote areas, heavy snow, falling trees, and/or the nature of repairs required can result in extended power outages. It is important to be ready when winter arrives.
Here are some tips to help you prepare:
• Put together an emergency kit with flashlights, a battery-operated radio, extra batteries, bottled water, warm clothing, blankets, and more.
• Store at least a 48-hour supply of nonperishable food and water.
• Create a plan to safely heat your home. Avoid burning coal or wood in an indoor area without proper ventilation. For carbon monoxide safety tips, please visit our Carbon Monoxide Safety page at www.libertyutilities.com under safety, electrical section.
• Keep your contact information on file with Liberty up to date to receive text, email, and voice notifications in the event of an outage. Call customer care at 1.800.782.2506 or visit the Outage
Center at www.libertyutilities.com to update.
• View outage updates on our outage map at www.libertyutilities.com and follow us on X, formerly Twitter (@LibertyUtil_CA) or Facebook (@LibertyUtilitiesLT).
• For more helpful information, visit our Outage Tips section of the outage center at www.libertyutilities.com.
In the event of a power outage, here are some tips:
• First, check to see if the power failure is limited to your home or business. If your neighbor's power is still on, check your circuit breaker panel or fuse box. If the problem is not a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker, call Liberty to report the outage.
• If you are not in the area and your camera system or smart home devices are not working, call your internet provider first to check if communications are down. Then check Liberty’s outage map at www.libertyutilities.com prior to calling Liberty to report an outage.
• Report power outages by calling 1.844.245.6868 or visiting the Outage Center at www.libertyutilities.com.
• Stay at least 30 feet away from downed wires and report them by calling 1.844.245.6868.
• Estimated restoration times (ERT) may not be available right away as crews need to assess the situations to determine repairs needed. Liberty will provide an ERT when available.
• ERTs are subject to change as new developments arise. Power restoration may occur before or after an ERT depending on weather, access, and repairs.
We understand that losing power is inconvenient. Our Liberty team works hard to provide you with safe and reliable service and prepares for potential impacts from winter weather.
In the event of an outage, our crews will work to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.
Keep Your Meter Clear
Liberty’s meter readers stop by your home or business about once per month to read your meter. Access to your meter is necessary to determine how much electricity your home or business used during the month.
Some meters are easy to access but many are on the side or the rear of the home or business. These locations are more difficult for meter readers to access, especially during winter when there is snow and ice buildup. Regardless of your meter’s location, Liberty asks that you keep the meter, and access to it, clear of snow, ice, and any obstacles so it can be read, checked, and maintained.
When meter readers cannot safely access your meter, Liberty may need to issue an estimated bill. Estimated bills are based on your usage history and may not accurately reflect your actual usage for the month. Once the meter is accessible and able to be read, Liberty will provide an adjusted statement to reflect your actual consumption and an accurate billing.
Please help Liberty’s meter readers and field service technicians by providing a clear path and unobstructed meter so they can safely do their job.
