SPRING 2020
NEWS MAGAZINE OF THE NORTHSTAR PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION
18 TRWC - EPIC PROMISE FOUNDATION 19
22
Northstar Golf Clubs
7th Annual Northstar Day www.npoa.info | Spring 2020 | 1
2 | Northstar Living | News Magazine of the Northstar Property Owners Association
npoa
SPRING 2020
inside this issue
04 | President’s Perspective 06 | GM Report 07 | Liberty Utilities 11 | NCSD Update
18
12 | Strategic Planning & Vision Committee Report 14 | Trash Disposal In Our Community 15 | Fitness Corner 16 | Tennis News 18 | TRWC - Epic Promise 19 | Northstar Golf Clubs 20 | Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation
19
22 | 7th Annual Northstar Day 24 | Condominium Updates 25 | The Bridge Table 29 | Fire Department
meetings 2020 dates March 31, 9am Design Review Committee Adult Center April 4, 9am NPOA Board of Directors Adult Center April 28, 9am Design Review Committee Adult Center May 26, 9am Design Review Committee Adult Center June 13, 9am NPOA Board of Directors Adult Center
22 community comments policy
June 30, 9am Design Review Committee Adult Center Meeting dates are subject to change. Please check www.npoa.info for updated information.
Northstar Living welcomes your comments that are pertinent to the Northstar community and will publish those comments on a spaceavailable basis. Comments must be written by members in “good standing;” generally articles will be limited to 250 words. 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or incorrect statements, lacking clarity or having no pertinence to the Northstar community or the Association will not be published.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 nancy@npoa.info; or by fax to 530.562.0324. Disclaimer : Readers are advised that the opinions expressed are those of the individual, not of all the association. The original content of these comments has not been edited.
www.npoa.info | Spring 2020 | 3
npoa
president’s perspective This will bring you up to date on a number News Magazine of the Northstar Property Owners Association Board Members Michael Plishner, President mplishner@npoa.info John Bowe, Vice President jbowe@npoa.info
of initiatives the Board and staff have been
working on and some other current issues. Technology and Communications Improvements: Our Technology
and Membership Communications
Committees (led respectively by Steve Klei and Peter Morris) are currently working
Sue Cordonnier, Secretary-Treasurer scordonnier@npoa.info
on a new member website, which will
Steve Klei, Board Member sklei@npoa.info
more useful information and allow for a
Peter Morris, Board Member pmorris@npoa.info Don Schreuder, Board Member dschreuder@npoa.info Paul Schumacher, Board Member pschumacher@npoa.info
be far more interactive, contain much
“members only” section which will permit
communications with our homeowners of more sensitive information which would
not be made available to the outside world (as everything on our current website now is). This will also allow us to post more
of the information which has previously
Staff at NPOA Tim Fulton NPOA General Manager tim@npoa.info
been sent to you in email blasts in a
Nancy Barna NPOA Administrative Manager nancy@npoa.info
and communications with our staff. Look
Lisa Gaulin NPOA Operations Manager lisa@npoa.info Contact NPOA Northstar Living 2200 North Village Drive Truckee, CA 96161 P| 530.562.0322 F| 530.562.0324 website www.npoa.info
better organized format. Eventually, the
website will also have a portal to permit making online payments, reservations
for changes starting later this Spring or
Summer. In addition, we are proceeding
on a selecting a vendor for a new property management software system, which
will allow us to significantly upgrade our financial, accounting and budgeting
systems (which are over 20 years old and require almost every piece of data to be entered manually), as well as integrate
directly with our entry access and security
systems, web site data and the like. Finally,
Office Hours 8am – 4pm, Monday – Friday
we just completed installation of new
Recreation Center Hours 8am – 9pm, Daily 7am – 9pm, Daily starting June 6
more functional, and save us considerable
NPOA Spring Maintenance Week May 4 – 7 Advertising Sales CCMedia Every Impression Matters P| 775.327.4200 Cover Photo Olof Carmel of Carmel Gallery "Daybreak Lake Tahoe"
digital/VoIP phone systems, which are costs from the analog system we previously used.
Near-Term Facilities Upgrades: As
you know, when we passed the 2020
budget last Fall, we included a total of
approximately $100,000 for near-term capital improvements. I noted in the
Winter edition of Northstar Living that one of the items we might use these funds
for was some permanent shade cover by
the pool area. This was one item which was overwhelmingly supported by the
community in the survey results in the Fall. We are now working with our architect
and a contractor on this, and if all goes
well, hope to have a solution which would permit a first phase of this project – by the shallow end of the pool area below the
tennis courts -- to be completed before the Summer season. We are hoping to have a
specific proposal for the Board to approve in early April, obtain County permits after
that and start the work as soon as possible. Depending on the projected cost and
member feedback after this first phase,
we hope to be able to expand this further to other areas around the pool as future funding permits. We are also looking at some other smaller projects, such as a
climbing structure for pre-teenage kids
and additional equipment for the Snack
Shack, but whether we can do any of those this year will depend on the cost of the
initial shade structure, given the modest amount of funding we are starting with. Strategic Planning and Visioning (SPV) Committee Work on Possible Future Projects: Led by chair Steve Klei, this
Committee has been very, very active since the Fall. As you know, following
the member survey, in which almost 700 homeowners participated, we held two
workshops over the Christmas holidays – which about 100 members attended. There we received a huge amount of
individual input, which was very useful in continuing to refine the possible largerscale projects we are studying. In mid-
January, the SPV Committee sent out a
detailed summary via email to you on the
ideas under consideration. (That summary
is available to you on the NPOA website, if you missed the earlier email version; see the “Winter Workshop Summary” under Latest News.) Please also take a look at
the separate section later in this issue of Northstar Living from the Committee,
4 | Northstar Living | News Magazine of the Northstar Property Owners Association
which summarizes where we are and
significantly from one condo association
these services, but others which are rented
a further survey of all members which
family homes are ever rented out.
need to find a local operator willing to take
the next steps. A key next step will be
to another), while only about 25% of single
incorporates what we will have learned over the next few months about what
some of the possible changes might cost,
and how they might be phased over time. This will allow us to determine whether
some, most or all of these projects have sufficient community support for us to
continue further. We are still some months away from an actual membership vote on any specific proposals, but we think this process will allow to see how or if they should be pursued.
Short-Term Rental (STR) Ordinance: In Tim Fulton’s General Manager report
in this issue, he provides background
information on the new Placer County
ordinance which went into effect earlier
this year and which included new County requirements for those who rent their
homes or condominiums. We also sent out a detailed email blast on this topic in February, including links to relevant
information from the County. Just to put
this issue in perspective, data from our Fall survey, as well as other available County
data, suggests that about one-half of the condos at Northstar are rented at least
occasionally (the percentage does vary
individually or through online services will on this role.
There has been an understandable
amount of confusion about the new
County officials have told us that if an HOA
rent, and about the ability of homeowners
associations applied for an “exemption”
live within an HOA such as NPOA or the
homeowners, the HOA would then have
at Northstar. Our staff has had a number of
and the “responder” for any complaints – in
of the STR program at Placer County to
for compliance with and enforcement of
mean if NPOA applied for an “exemption”
example of the issues the ordinance
the major requirements of the new STR
complained to the County hotline about
must provide a 24/7 contact person who
numerous cars were parked up and
neighbors, the County’s hotline personnel
progress, the HOA would be expected to
of a problem and be onsite within 60
would be at the property within 60 minutes
person must have access to the home or
condo and deal with the situation. A few
management of the unit to remedy any
or their condominium associations, ought
rented here at Northstar are rented
and staff considered these suggestions
ordinance and its impacts on those who
like NPOA or the individual condominium
to be “exempted” from its terms if they
from these requirements for their
individual condominium associations here
to assume the role as the “contact person”
conversations with the officials in charge
other words, the HOA then is responsible
clarify the requirements and what it would
the County’s regulations. To take a typical
on behalf of the entire community. Two of
is meant to deal with, if neighbors
ordinance are (1) that the homeowner
a home or condo being rented out where
is able to respond to complaints from
down the street while a noisy party was in
or local law enforcement in the event
have a 24/7 contact person available who
minutes to deal with it, and (2) the contact
and was authorized to go into the home/
condominium and authority to assume
homeowners have suggested that NPOA,
complaints. Many of the homes or condos
to provide this service. The NPOA Board
through local property management
companies which can readily provide
Continued on page 8
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npoa
general manager's report Winter 2019-2020 started out strong,
serviced with broadband Charter. In
in addition to the Transient Occupancy
strong start was followed by many weeks
available via a modern office phone
County. Included in the memo were
abundance of sunny days and groomed
is a fraction of the operating cost of the
awaiting Ullr’s return, we continue to push
the most recent invoice from AT&T had
with a good base early in the season. The
addition to many more features now
of spring like conditions including an
system, at $200 a month, the new system
runs. With the powder skis on the rack
previous phone system. For example,
forward on many projects.
increased to almost $1,400 a month!
Technology: As mentioned in the
system. We are optimizing the current
Second, is a new time and attendance
President’s Perspective, we have been
Paychex payroll system by replacing paper
moving forward with a new website.
time cards with a Paychex employee
Concurrently we continue to interview
technology companies for a new property management system. Our goal is to roll out the first phase of the new website
property management system is in place, we can continue to roll out additional
features within a members only password protected portal of the website.
into the payroll system, utilize biometric ensure compliance. In other words, this will be much more efficient use of staff time to process payroll with better accountability for hours worked.
Placer County Short-Term Rental
In the meantime, the network and wi-
Ordinance: In February, NPOA sent
fi improvements completed in 2019
an eblast memo to membership with
positioned us to move forward with
several smaller technology improvements. First, was an update to the office phone
system. The current office phone system is about 10 years old and consists of analog
account. This system was replaced with an Intermedia Unite cloud-based platform
tracking and reporting, easy import
technology to clock in/out, and helps
this spring. Once a newly integrated
lines serviced by an AT&T commercial
time clock. This will allow for automated
information pertaining to the short-term rental ordinance recently adopted by
Placer County. The new ordinance went into effect January 1, 2020. Short-term
rentals were required to obtain an STR
permit beginning January 20, 2020 with a final deadline to obtain an STR permit of March 31, 2020. This new permit is
Tax (TOT) certificate required by Placer links to information on both Placer
County’s website as well as the Northstar
Community Services District website. We hope you found this information helpful to answer many questions within the
community regarding this new ordinance. The NPOA Board's position regarding
seeking an “exemption” was also included
in this important communication. If you did not receive this eblast, please let our office know and we are happy to pass along this information again.
We further wanted to note that since the communication in February, we
understand the various condominium associations within the Northstar
community have been discussing
the subject of whether or not to seek
association exemptions. Further, Placer
County officials have been meeting with local property management companies
regarding the STR ordinance. If you utilize a short-term rental property management company, we suggest you talk to your
property management company about the STR process.
Continued on page 10
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6 | Northstar Living | News Magazine of the Northstar Property Owners Association
Liberty Utilities
The Future Is Looking Bright
Liberty Utilities is proud to announce that its recently constructed Turquoise Solar Facility has been brought online, adding an additional 10 megawatts of solar to our renewable energy
portfolio. With the new facility producing at full capacity, Liberty Utilities increases its total solar generation to 60 megawatts,
unequivocally committed to adopting sustainable energy sources for current and future generations.
To learn more about Liberty Utilities’ renewable energy goals
and eco-sustainability efforts, please visit LibertyUtilities.com and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
or approximately 30 percent of customers’ total energy consumption.
Located off Interstate 80, just east of Sparks, Nev., the Turquoise
Solar Facility is comprised of 160,500 solar panels. It will provide power alongside the Luning Solar Facility, which first introduced
50 megawatts of renewable energy to the grid in February 2017. “Liberty Utilities is committed to clean and renewable power
generation,” said Travis Johnson, Vice President of Operations
for Liberty Utilities. “The addition of the Turquoise Solar Facility brings us one step closer to our goal of providing 100 percent renewable energy.”
In addition to our Turquoise and Luning projects, more than 200 Liberty Utilities customers have installed solar panels at their
homes or businesses and opted into net metering, a program in which over-produced electricity is sold back to the gird.
“In the last five years, we have made significant progress to
bring the greater Sierra region one step closer to 100 percent renewable power,” says Lindsay Maruncic, Sr. Manager
Renewable Energy and Assets for Liberty Utilities. “We still have a lot of work to do, but Liberty Utilities’ solar future is looking bright.”
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president's perspective continued from page 5 at both the December and February meetings and concluded we did not wish to do this, for a variety of reasons: First, we do not
have the staff to provide this kind of 24/7 contact and coverage
for individual property owners, nor would we want to hire the staff to do this; second, to provide the kind of round-the-clock staffing
this would require would be an unnecessary financial burden on all
her new endeavors. We’ll be looking to replace Donielle’s position, with perhaps some changes in scope and emphasis. One part of
her past role, overseeing the Design Review process, will be filled instead by a part-time consultant who has done this kind of work for other entities.
homeowners for the benefit of those who happen to rent; third, it
At the same time, we are very pleased to welcome Lisa Gaulin as
naturally come with having access to enter individual homes and
where she was in charge of various member programs and special
it wise for NPOA to get into the “property management business.”
the 2020 budget. Lisa will fill a variety of roles, including helping
this issue and will report to their members on it, if they have not
the upgrading of our systems and overseeing our summer staff
to NPOA’s not to take on this role.
Please stop by and meet her when you are at the Rec Center.
would be unwise for us to take on the liability issues which would
our new Operations Manager. Lisa comes to us from Schaffer’s Mill,
dealing with potentially unruly renters. Simply put, we do not think
events. As you know, this is a new position which we approved with
The individual condominium associations are also considering
get our new web site up and running, helping lead the charge on
already; we know that some have already made a decision similar
and programs. We’re excited to have Lisa join the NPOA team.
NPOA Staffing: Finally, a few words about staffing to add to
Tim’s comments in the GM Report. We were sorry that long-time employee Donielle Summers decided to move on to a new
chapter in her life and has left NPOA; Donielle was a wonderful
person for all of us to work with and we wish her the very best in
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8 | Northstar Living | News Magazine of the Northstar Property Owners Association
Mike Plishner, Board President
general manager's report continued from page 6 Trash: As we head into the spring season, our local wildlife
Following numerous interviews, we were fortunate to find an
this issue related to proper disposal of trash.
Lisa Gaulin as the newest member to the NPOA management
becomes much more active. Please be sure to read the article in
NPOA Staff Update: Over the past 10 years, many NPOA
homeowners and return guests have become good friends
with NPOA administrative assistant Donielle Summers. Donielle has been an integral member of the team and has been very
interactive with our membership. Be it assisting homeowners and guests with various member services at the front desk, summer
activities for kids, escrow inspections, or processing Design Review Requests, we appreciate all of her contributions over the years.
For many different reasons, Donielle has decided it is time for a
new path in both her personal and professional life. While she has decided to pursue other endeavors, we all wish her much love
outstanding local candidate. The first week of March we welcomed team! Lisa is a graduate from the University of Nevada – Reno with a degree in Business Administration. She has worked the past 7
years as the Member Services Director at Schaffer’s Mill Golf, Lake, & Ski Club. In this role she planned, organized, and facilitated
major events; managed the on-site event venues including all
aspects of operations and vendor / member communications; new member engagement, membership sales, and communication. In her new role as NPOA’s Operations Manager, Lisa will jump right
in to our various technology related projects this spring help hire summer seasonal staffing, and plan out new, fun activities for the 2020 summer season!
and the very best in the next chapter of her life. While we take a moment to re-evaluate job responsibilities, we have engaged a
local professional to manage the design review process on a parttime basis.
Tim Fulton, General Manager
As mentioned in numerous previous communications, an
additional position was added to the operating budget for 2020.
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10 | Northstar Living | News Magazine of the Northstar Property Owners Association
npoa
ncsd update
Green Waste Recycling Program
As part of the Northstar Community Services District Defensible Space and Forest Fuels Management programs, residential curbside yard debris pick up service is available to all NPOA members. This service is limited to pine needles and other green waste that originates on the property and is being removed for defensible space and/or forest health reasons. Pine needles are to be placed in bags free from dirt, rocks and other foreign debris. Slash is limited to tree limbs, branches, wood lengths, tree bark, old firewood, and tree rounds providing the material is stacked in an organized manner and can be lifted by
SPECIALIZED CARE WHERE YOU NEED IT
one person and placed in piles not to exceed 4’x 4’ x 4’. Please do NOT include grass clippings as they can be a source of ignition. Material should be placed near the front of the property, adjacent to, but not on the street. A maximum of four bags of pine needles and four piles of slash per week will be picked up by District crews on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays beginning May 3rd through October 4th. Material in excess of these limitations may be deposited by property owners and/or their contractors at the District’s seasonal green waste recycling site at the Castle Peak parking lots where it is stockpiled, processed and transported to a regional bio-mass energy plant. Keys to access this facility are available at the District’s Administration office at 900 Northstar Drive during normal business hours (8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday). The District appreciates the attention to these programs to help make the community fire-safe.
Mike Staudenmayer, NCSD General Manager
Concussion Management Elbow Foot & Ankle Hand & Wrist Hip Joint Replacement & Revision Knee Orthopedic Trauma Pediatric Orthopedics Shoulder Sports Medicine
(530) 213-0225 | www.tahoeorthopedicsandsports.com www.npoa.info | Spring 2020 | 11
Next Steps. As we begin to get clarity on preliminary estimated costs, we will convene another workshop to share the observations and discuss potential options. We expect this in the April time frame. You will receive an email if you have signed up and we will also post on the website.
Committee Work Continuing Our focus now is to explore, with our architects, potential options based on all the feedback to date. We will start to accumulate preliminary cost information, with the help of contractor consultants, that we can then assimilate into the process. We will still be working with higher level estimates since there will be many unknowns, but we believe it will help guide decision making and allow us to proceed.
Once through the workshops we expect to be in a position to send out another survey with more definitive information than the previous survey and accumulate Member feedback. Strategic Planning and Visioning Committee Steve Klei, Chair Sue Cordonnier John Bowe
12 | Northstar Living | News Magazine of the Northstar Property Owners Association
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Proper Disposal of Trash In Our Community Given the relatively mild weather this
For single-family residences, if you do
If inappropriate disposal of trash is
we wanted to address one recurring
Tough Trash Cans are available. These
homeowner. In the event of repeated
available in 96-gallon or 64-gallon sizes.
issue fines to ensure compliance.
winter and with spring around the corner, topic within the Northstar community which is the proper disposal of trash.
All Northstar Property Owner Association (NPOA) single-family residences and
condominiums are part of the Northstar Community Services District (NCSD).
Trash is billed annually by NCSD through each property owner’s county tax bill. Note that your property tax bill lists a
“Northstar CSD solid waste fee” which
not already have a bear box, Toter Bear
observed, NPOA staff will contact the
wheeled garbage containers are typically
problems, NPOA may utilize its ability to
These may be securely stored in garages and rolled out the morning of trash
service and returned to your garage at the end of the day. One local option
for purchasing this container is through
Ace Hardware. These containers may be purchased on-line with free delivery to
the Ace Hardware store in Kings Beach.
funds the Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal
Trash bags left curbside outside of
The solid waste or trash removal
observed on several occasions recently.
(TTSD) services provided at Northstar.
services provided by TTSD includes the dumpsters in the gated dumpster area,
service to single-family residences, and
dumpsters at the original condominium complexes. Trash service at single-
family residences includes a) curbside service of trash placed in bear proof
trash containers left at the curb and b)
trash removal services from bear boxes attached to or adjacent to residences
(though note bear boxes located more
bear resistant containers have been
Unfortunately, these are often torn open and disbursed by wildlife, and then
further disbursed by snowplows. We
would like to remind all homeowners
to either deliver all trash to the gated
dumpster location on Northstar Drive, or to place all trash in bear proof
containers. Homeowners are also
responsible for the activities of any guests or renters at their homes.
The NPOA CC&Rs address the proper
disposal of trash as well as the potential
of fines for improper disposal. The NPOA Fine Schedule permits NPOA to issue
fines for violations in the range of $250
- $1000. While this may be an option for repeat offenders, our preference is to
educate the community about proper disposal.
Additionally, Placer County has an ordinance that deals with various
complaints, including inappropriate garbage disposal. According to our
service provider TTSD, if the County has
two documented complaints at the same address, they have means to require the installation of an approvable bear box
among other measures. Environmental Health Complaints can be reported to
Placer County at following link: https://
www.placer.ca.gov/FormCenter/Health-
Human-Services-Environmental-Heal-20/
than 25’ from the curb require the
Environmental-Health-Complaints-119.
homeowner to agree to additional terms and fees by TTSD).
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14 | Northstar Living | News Magazine of the Northstar Property Owners Association
- CALL US TODAY -
530 . 214 . 4133
npoa
fitness corner
Effects of Exercise
When we think of the effects of exercise,
3. Spend time outdoors. Take advantage
we usually think of the physical effects.
of this beautiful place we live and
far beyond the physical. Our mind,
breathing in the clean mountain air.
positively impacted by being physically
time in nature. If you meditate, doing
and outdoor activity to those who suffer
meditate, there are some amazing
However, the benefits of exercise extend
spend time outdoors each day
emotions and overall well-being are all
Nothing is more restorative than quiet
active. Doctors now prescribe cardio
so outdoors is incredible. If you don’t
from anxiety, depression and other mood
meditation apps you can try.
disorders. Exercise has been a proven remedy for low energy and chronic
fatigue. Even spending a short amount of time each day outdoors, getting
your blood flowing can do wonders
for your mental and emotional health.
I have a Spring Challenge for all of us.
I’ve highlighted some simple things we can all do to use exercise to benefit us completely:
1. Get moving! EVERYDAY. It could be a
short walk, a YouTube yoga session or
4. Allow your exercise to clear your mind. While you are exercising, focus on the exercise, the way it makes you feel
physically and mentally. Don’t let the
thoughts of to-do lists, work projects,
etc. creep in. Just stay focused on the activity you are engaged in.
5. Lastly, HAVE FUN! A smile cures a
More than a great home addition for entertainment, a quality spa is an investment in your well-being.
thousand ailments. Whatever activity or exercise you choose, just enjoy it, smile and have fun.
going to the gym, just get that blood flowing!
2. Mix it up. Vary your work outs so that you are incorporating different parts
of your body and mind throughout the week.
Guillaume Tonelli, Tennis Director
tennisnorthstar@gmail.com
www.npoa.info | Spring 2020 | 15
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npoa
tennis news I hope everyone is as eager as we are for
Adult Camps - all levels
behalf of Northstar Tennis, I would like to
9am – 12pm
the tennis season to start at Northstar. On welcome back our returning members,
5-Day Camps: Monday - Friday
Cardio Tennis
Friday and Saturday 8 - 9am
Juniors
Junior camps all week and weekends
and to the new members, welcome to the
2-Day Camps: Saturday and Sunday 9am – 12pm
Private lessons: please call for availability
We would like to invite all of you to
Clinics
1 hour, 2 hour
best tennis facility in the Tahoe area.
our first social mixer on Memorial Day
weekend. Saturday May 23rd, at 12pm at the tennis courts. We will have food, drinks, and a lot of fun on the tennis/
Monday - Saturday 1 - 2pm Monday: Skill Development level 1.0 – 2.5
racquetball court for you.
Tuesday: Level 2.5 to 3.5
Here is an overview of what will be offered
Wednesday: Level 3.5 and above
this summer. For details and pricing visit www.northstartahoetennis.com
We look forward to another exciting
season at Northstar tennis. See you on the courts!
Individual, or group privates: 30 minutes,
Pickleball
Private and group lessons: 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hour
Thursday: Improve your doubles tennis game
Friday: Altitude acclimation Friday and Saturday: 12pm - Margarita social mixer - round robin
16 | Northstar Living | News Magazine of the Northstar Property Owners Association
Guillaume Tonelli, Tennis Director
tennisnorthstar@gmail.com
SHERIDAN BROKERS—DICKSON REALTY
Northstar Real Estate
We believe that a keystone of building a community is being active and engaged in the community. The scope of this service is not and should not be defined or limited. Additionally, we seek ways to partner and work with local non-profit organizations and it is not enough to solely fund/donate to them. We believe in taking an active role in making our communities better.
California Association of Realtors • CATT-Affordable Housing Solutions • Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe • Cub Scouts Troop 734 • Donner Summit Association • Excellence in Education Foundation • Good Morning Truckee • Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe • KidZone • Lions Club Annual Sight Night Eye Glass Drive • Meals on Wheels • National Association of Realtors • Sierra Community House • Sierra Senior Services • Soroptimist International of Truckee Donner • Tahoe Donner Architectural Standards Committee • Tahoe Donner Election Committee • Tahoe Donner Giving Fund • Tahoe Forest Health System • Tahoe Kidz • Tahoe Sierra Board-Local Government Relations • Tahoe Sierra Board of Realtors • Tahoe Sierra Board of Realtors Foundation • Tahoe Sierra Multiple Listing Service • Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation • Tahoe Truckee Community Scholarship • Tahoe Truckee Waldorf • Trails & Vistas • Trout Unlimited • Truckee Chamber of Commerce • Truckee Community Christmas • Truckee Community Theater • Truckee Day • Truckee Donner AAUW Tech Trek • Truckee Donner Land Trust • Truckee Donner Park & Recreation • Truckee Follies • Truckee Optimist Club • Truckee River Watershed Council • Truckee Rotary Club • Truckee Tahoe Air Show • Truckee Tahoe Community Chorus • Truckee Tomorrow • Truckee Tribe Lacrosse Club • Truckee Volleyball Foundation • Truckee-North Tahoe Emergency Warning Center
11836 Donner Pass Road, Truckee 15947 South Shore Drive, Truckee 100 Northstar Drive, Truckee 289 Commercial Street, Portola
530.587.7444 | DicksonRealty.com www.npoa.info | Spring 2020 | 17
Truckee River Watershed Council Positive Impacts in 2019
In the Martis Wildlife Area, the TRWC and its partners, funders and volunteers, have: Restored 70 acres of meadow (.54 football fields) Created a gradual slope on the floodplain that reconnects streams and rivulets, reducing erosion and sedimentation Repaired 2 miles of streams and revived wildlife habitats Reconnected broken channels that slows run-off and prevents erosion making our water cleaner and keeps meadow wetter Re-established native species Put native plants, like lupine and rushes, back into the meadow which helps prevent invasive species from taking over
Epic Promise Foundation
Restored wet meadow which allows birds to nest, bugs to support the food chain, fish & frogs to thrive and wildlife to return
helps fund and support the Truckee River Watershed Council in
A functioning wet meadow buffers the effects of drought, thwarts fast traveling wildfire and abates downstream flooding.
Northstar California / Vail Resorts EpicPromise Foundation has
order to restore, protect and enhance the Truckee River watershed. One example is our project work in the Martis Wildlife Area,
Mitigated drought, fire and flood
including Truckee River Day.
local “River Talk” -- an educational presentation on the state of
Martis Wildlife Area is in the heart of our community where
newsletter to stay informed about our ongoing projects at: www.
we recreate. Locals and visitors alike are drawn to its big sky
beauty, wildlife viewing and easy access. It’s also one of the most
the Truckee River and its surrounding land. Or sign up for our truckeeriverwc.org
environmentally significant parts of the watershed. It stores and
cleans water and nurtures plants and wildlife. It even helps mitigate the threats of wildfires, drought and flood.
The Martis Wildlife Area has been damaged from a long history of grazing and highway expansion. Meadow and forest habitat
is degraded, the stream is disconnected from its floodplain, and wildlife species are disappearing. The TRWC works to fix this.
Northstar California/Vail, through their EpicPromise Foundation, helps fund TRWC environmental restoration projects like this. In
addition, Northstar provides 200 lunches for our annual Truckee River Day, where many of Northstar’s employees volunteered the equivalence of $8,000 in labor, participating in hands-on
restoration work in Martis Wildlife Area to restore and protect these areas for our future.
Liberty Utilities’ customers are reducing our state’s carbon footprint one step at a time. All residential customers receive a climate credit twice a year on their bill, and eligible small business customers receive this credit on their monthly statements.
Our entire community comes together for Truckee River Day to participate in the hard work and process of restoration in
one of our favorite local recreation areas. Local families spend time together with their kids doing something great for the
What does this mean to you? It means real savings you can use to make energy efficient changes to your home or business — AND a cleaner planet for all of us.
environment, preserving the resiliency of nature and creating the
Local and Responsive. We Care.
next generation of stewards for our environment and outdoor recreation lovers.
To learn more about the work the Truckee River Watershed
Council (TRWC), its funders and partners do, sign up for the next 18 | Northstar Living | News Magazine of the Northstar Property Owners Association
www.libertyutilities.com
npoa
northstar golf Northstar Women’s Golf Club (NWGC) Players in August 2019 Club Championship. L-R: Carol Pawlak, Marian Hansen, Anne Middleton, Sandy Campion, Julie Bryant, Jo Ann Polverari, Margie Lockwood, Susan Safipour, Linda Morris, Marcia Gallagher, Astrid Cousins and Kathryn Jaeger.
Membership in the Northstar Golf Club is open to all levels of play. We have
members fine-tuning their single digit
handicaps but we also have plenty with 20+ indexes that are confidant that this will be the breakthrough year. The cost
remains $75 for those wanting to establish their NCGA GHIN with the Northstar Golf
Northstar Women's Golf Club
If you’re interested in joining the Northstar
Club and only $55 for those who have their
is recruiting new and existing members
Anne Middleton, NWGC President,
Contact Peter Morris 530.330.4300 peter@
to begin when the Northstar Golf Course
me.com. You can join anytime during our
or to become a member of the Northstar
Tuesdays, and our first tee time is generally
to play with us on Tuesdays, so call Anne
the Northstar Golf Course this summer as
The Northstar Women’s Golf Club (NWGC)
Women’s Golf Club, please contact
GHIN established at their home course.
for the 2020 golf season, which is slated
at 858.229.2140 or anne.middleton@
plmrealestate.com for more information
opens this spring. Our Play Days are
golf season. Guests are always welcome
Golf Club. We may see increased play at
about 8:30-9 am.
ahead of time.
another local course is closed for needed
Our ladies’ group is friendly yet plays by
Northstar Men's Golf Club
played over at Old Greenwood.
USGA rules. While Northstar is a public
course, NWGC members enjoy amenities more common at private clubs – a
convenient golf bag drop off, talented
golf professionals who offer individual and
group lessons, a restaurant/bar, and a wellequipped pro shop.
NWGC members range from those with
long-established handicaps — to those who did not have a handicap before joining the NWGC. So, if you’re thinking about
establishing a handicap for the first time,
come do it with us. NWGC annual dues of $70 include: membership in the Northern Nevada Golf Association (NNGA), GHIN
handicap services and reduced green fees at Northstar on NWGC Play Days.
Looking out over the 8th fairway and
seeing it almost devoid of snow gives me hope of an early start to the golf season this year. But we’ll have to wait and see what tricks Mother Nature has up her
2020. It needs mention that Dr. Richard
Park came very close to shooting his age
as he won the Senior Division in the Club Championship. Congratulations to each
of the Club Champions! I’m guessing the members will be vying to have either of
those two playing in their foursomes as we contest the ongoing weekly challenges summer.
Nine wherein members gathered for
a social lunch on the clubhouse patio
On NWGC Tuesday Play Days, you can use
around 12:30pm followed by a relaxed 9
“Mid-Week Morning pass; or pay a NWGC
We are planning to send at least one team
member discounted rate for the day. The
2020 NWGC discounted rate on Tuesday Play Days is $60 ($30 off the early season rate) through June 23. Starting June 30,
the discounted rate on NWGC Play Days is $70 ($35 off the summer rack rates).
ways of summer!
and carrying the Champion honor into
Last summer saw the start of the Monday
a Northstar “Unlimited,” “Late Morning,” or
season before you know it!…Till the fair
fall with Bill Anttila taking the overall win
of the Club Championship, members will the Northstar Clubhouse.
keep an eye on the fairways, it’ll be golf
The Club Championship was played last
played every Thursday throughout the
enjoy lunch and an awards ceremony at
Enjoy the balance of the ski season, but
sleeve for the remainder of this ski season.
The 2020 NWGC Club Championship will
be held on Aug. 25 & 26, 2020. After Day 2
renovations and a PGA Tour event is to be
holes of golf.
to represent the Northstar Golf Club at
the NCGA Senior Four-Ball Net qualifying tournament in the third week of August, with the Championship to be played at
Poppy Ridge in the middle of September.
www.npoa.info | Spring 2020 | 19
Truckee Tahoe Community Foundation | by Ashley A. Beck AI thought leaders have been working
for more than two decades to understand successful rural community strategies.
After years of working with rural leaders, AI identified an innovative approach
that drove success in rural community
development and coined the term Rural
Development Hubs. These organizations transform their communities by working Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation, a Rural Development Hub, launched the Mountain Housing Council in 2017. The Council convenes regional stakeholders and community members in collaborative action to accelerate housing solutions.
Rural America And Those Who Serve It For a long time, people thought of “rural”
financial resources. Philanthropy spends
even insignificant. Most policies translate
investors and big banks invest where they
at the root of local challenges. These hubs are any type of place-based organizations
that improve prosperity and well-being by harnessing local and outside resources to
design and deliver services and products.
areas as geographically isolated and
less than 5% of its giving here. Most private
AI developed the following common
“rural” to middle-America and agriculture.
know they’ll get impressive returns: cities.
Hubs:
However, Tahoe-Truckee is rural, and our culture, identity, and economy are all
linked to mountain recreation, tourism, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
As Rural America takes center-stage in
conversations of the media, politics, and
investment tables, who really understands what’s happening there? What is Rural America- and its people- all about?
So how do rural areas tackle challenges like poverty, housing crises, substance abuse, healthcare issues, and
1. Hubs use a regional mindset and pursue regional action that sometimes crosses town and state lines.
environmental concerns with fewer
2. Hubs assemble regional stakeholders
work?
3. Hubs are of their region: they know their
resources to do so? Who is doing the The Aspen Institute (AI) released a report in November 2019 to answer these
questions. AI is a widely-respected global
Rural communities operate differently than
nonprofit committed to realizing a free,
people to get the work done and fewer
through dialogue, leadership, and action.
cities and suburban areas. We have fewer
themes shared among Rural Development
just, and equitable society; it drives change
20 | Northstar Living | News Magazine of the Northstar Property Owners Association
for dialogue and collective action.
home and are deeply trusted there.
4. Hubs think long-term and guide
community change strategies across decades.
5. Hubs bridge issues and silos across
social, geographical, and cultural gaps.
6. Hubs take a systems-level view
to identify and address potential opportunities and gaps.
7. Hubs collaborate and create structures, products, services, programs, and tools that foster collaborative doing.
8. Hubs translate, span, and integrate
action between local and national actors.
9. Hubs flex, innovate, and become what they need to become to get the job done.
10. Hubs take and tolerate risk. 11. Hubs hold themselves accountable to
the community — the whole community.
Rural America matters within the political, economic, environmental, and social tapestry of our country. It is just as
intelligent, inspired, and innovative as
other parts of America. Rural Development
Hubs are transforming their communities
Thanks to our donors, board members,
stakeholders and community members.
partners, we celebrate this recognition by
by working in collaboration with regional
The Institute declared that if America
wants to create stronger rural ecosystems, it needs to start with Rural Development Hubs . In the report, AI outlines ways for
investors, policy-makers, and organizations to effectively invest and work with Rural
staff, community members, and regional the Aspen Institute. To learn more, read
the Aspen Institute’s Rural Development
Hubs Report at https://www.aspeninstitute. org/blog-posts/rural-development-hubsreport/#spot
America.
Tahoe Truckee
Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation
Foundation
(TTCF) is honored to be listed as one of
43 Rural Development Hubs working to better Rural America. TTCF was formed
by and for our community in 1998. It has a track record of local impact that includes over $28 million in grantmaking and
scholarships, as well as significant work in housing, forest stewardship, impact
investments, and family strengthening.
Community
connects people
and opportunities generating
resources to
build a more caring, creative, and effective community. With $31 million in assets and
a history of community impact, TTCF is your partner in philanthropy. 530.587.1776 | Box 366 Truckee, CA 96160 www.ttcf.net
www.npoa.info | Spring 2020 | 21
7th Annual Northstar Day June 8, 2020
Monday, June 8, 2020 9am-12pm then lunch
Meet at NPOA Recreation Center parking lot for registration
Weeding isn’t sexy or enticing. Why then has Northstar Day increased
participation from forty people the
first year to sometimes more than one
hundred in subsequent years? Simple;
it is fun. Homeowners meet neighbors,
our firefighters, NCSD maintenance crew, and employees of Vail and Welk Resorts. Often we have the General Managers of Northstar and NCSD plus our fire chief.
This is an opportunity to meet those who
call Northstar home and who work to keep this place great.
Ridding Northstar’s common areas and roadsides of bull thistle and poison
hemlock has been our primary goal. After
We have hire professionals, caterers, or
inundated with these noxious thistles and
people will enjoy. Call it bribery, if you will.
six years, we have transformed sites once poisonous plants to healthy habitats by
order from restaurants to serve a hot lunch
letting the native plants flourish without competition from weeds. A diverse and
Have you been reluctant to participate? You may be thinking...
native flora is important for a healthy ecosystem.
I can't tell one plant from another. Each targeted area has a site captain to help
Last year some referenced the experience
as a challenging Easter Egg Hunt because our target weeds were hard to find.
So why continue? Just one plant can
produce thousands of seeds reversing
our accomplishments in a single season. Monitoring the target sites is key to
our success: an easy job when many volunteers cover a lot of ground.
Then as a reward after a morning of
weeding, we gather at NPOA’s Adult
Center for a scrumptious buffet lunch.
22 | Northstar Living | News Magazine of the Northstar Property Owners Association
with identification. You also will be given an informative booklet “Invasive Weeds
of the Tahoe National Forest” which helps distinguish native species from our target weeds. After you become a pro, you can monitor your own property. Participants
often say Northstar is not viewed the same after learning more about the native and invasive plants.
I can't lift heavy objects. We have
young, strong volunteers who can lift the container of weeds for you.
Northstar Property Owners Association
for their monetary support and use of the facilities. We also wish to thank Truckee River Watershed Council for loaning
tools and providing plant identification booklets; Vail Resorts for use of safety
vests, road signage and to their employee volunteers; Northstar Community
Service District (Fire Department and Maintenance) for weed bags and the I want to help weed, but I only can work
after six years, as mentioned, volunteers
close to my home.We have a variety of
food through a caterer or restaurant. No
on mostly level land‌ in shady places‌ sites. Some with slopes, steps, ditches. Other sites have flat areas like the golf
course or shady places near creeks. Just let
have high expectations. We purchase the cooking, just setting up the buffet and helping clean up afterwards. We also
need help with publicity and our volunteer
disposal of weeds plus the workforce of
volunteers, and Welk Resorts for providing employee volunteers. Also a special
thanks to professional photographer, Riley
Bathurst who memorializes our event each year at no cost except a nice dinner.
registration.
Please contact Linda Morris
I can't physically weed, but want to help in
Many local agencies and dedicated
questions or volunteer opportunities.
for all the volunteers is important and
of Northstar Day. A special thanks to
us know your preference.
some other way. Serving a delicious lunch
volunteers contribute to the success
(LindaMorris96161@gmail.com) for
Hope you can join us for the 7th Annual Northstar Day.
www.npoa.info | Spring 2020 | 23
Condominium Updates
Indian Hills
Life is good at Indian Hills with the Board actively engaging
February was one for the record books with the least amount of
aggressive identify and repair program on our siding as well as on
groomers at Northstar that maximize the snow we get and add to it
and reserve budgets.
Last year we had days when the roads were closed because they
unless we get some great spring storms after the writing of this
Well we started the winter off right with some great snow and
homeowners in the improvements in our community. With an
snow we have seen for many years. Luckily, we have the great
the roofs we are in a more confident position on our maintenance
with snow making when possible. What a difference a year makes!
We unfortunately may have budget savings in snow removal
could not clear them. The pictures are of a condo entryway last
article. We are also happy that the NPOA Improvement Project has
year and this year. Looks like Olaf may find out what summer is like sooner than expected!
scaled back to reasonable improvements and abandoned the idea Continued on page 26
CSLB #974246
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530 582.7428 bassettflooring.com
530.581.4031 www.mrhoneydo.biz info@mrhoneydo.biz PO Box 5247, Tahoe City, CA 96145
24 | Northstar Living | News Magazine of the Northstar Property Owners Association
npoa
the bridge table
This issues bridge article is by Michael
Berkowitz written on 2/22/2019. Michael is a well-known and respected bridge
teacher and writer. He grew up in a bridge playing household - both parents are
World Champion players - and learned to play bridge at age of seven, considered
himself a good player at 14 but didn’t get serious until after college. He worked as a
teacher and director at Honors Bridge Club in NYC and later become Head Director
for both Aces and Cavendish Bridge Clubs. He’s known as New York’s most-loved
director for his friendliness, quick wit and compassion.
Opening 1NT with somewhat unusual hands can solve lots of problems: Q8
AQ76
AK743
Before picking your first bid (or pass), think
J6
You have two doubletons, so would you describe your hand as balanced?
Absolutely! 15 – 17 points? Yup! Those are our two requirements for opening
notrump. 1NT will save us an awkward rebid. Imagine 1 – P – 1 – P? Similarly, K7
AQ
J109765
AJ5
opening NT here avoids having to bid a
junky looking diamond suit twice. Having a six-card minor doesn’t disqualify our hand from being balanced.
Aside from saving us rebidding problems
Planning Ahead
“It’s easy,” my Grandmother explained as
I watched on. “You put oil in a pan on the
fire then you use a food processor to shred potatoes and onions and then add a few things. By the time the oil is hot you’re
and conveying our hand nicely to partner in one go, opening NT allows partner to place the contract most of the time. We
have lots of good tools available: Stayman, Transfers, etc.
ready to fry up latkes.” Going to school in
If we are worried that our opponents will
friends to this Jewish treat. I invited a dozen
With 5
put some oil in a pan on the stove and
possible. This will show your shape nicely. If
North Carolina, I was eager to introduce my or so people over, got all the ingredients,
looked around my dorm kitchen for a food processor. Then I calmly said “Oh $!&#!”
In cooking and in bridge it’s I important to
look to the next step before you commit to a course of action. Otherwise you may find yourself with hungry friends and a flaming pan of vegetable oil.
crowd out the bidding, get started early. AK953
K10986
The Bottom Line
about the way you will show your hand to your partner. If your ‘standard’ option is
going to leave you at a loss, consider doing something else.
Northstar Bridge Club plays on
Wednesdays from 1:30 – 4:30pm at the NPOA Adult Center. You do not need a
partner or have to live in Northstar to play.
Contact Astrid Cousins at 530.913.4020 or
astridwc@aol.com for more information and to sign up to play. Cost is $2.
Play is ‘duplicate style’ the first Wednesday of the month and can sometimes go until
5pm. You play with the same partner all day with duplicate boards following duplicate guidelines. Astrid Cousins runs the duplicate game.
Kathleen Semrad, The Bridge Whisperer
76
open 1 then bid diamonds when
you wait, you may never get a chance.
With two five-card suits, you will always start with the higher ranking suit. If you
have a six-card and a five-card major, make your plan before your first bid. With 5 K10843
AQ9854
7 you might
open 1 to allow yourself a diamond rebid.
GLOBAL RECOGNITION. LOC AL EXPER TISE.
Susan Safipour Global Real Estate Advisor
If you’ll have no clue what to rebid after a
Or you could open 1, but when partner
a different starting point!
diamonds rather than showing your five-
No Trump
showing a much stronger hand).
Chair of the Northstar Ski & Snowboard Team Foundation Auction and Founder of the Tahoe Peak Pickleball Tournament
If you have a hand that is 6-4 like
15-Year Homeowner
particular opening bid we should consider
card major (which would be a reverse
Consider this hand: KJ4
AQ1094
AQ
bids 1, you might get stuck repeating
876
5
Q1087
62 and
If you are one of those people who
KQJ954
important question is:
preempting one level HIGHER (3) than
this hand, if you instead open 1, it’s hard
this if your four-card suit is a minor or a
partner bids 1 or 1NT do you bid 2NT?
open two you will be tempted to bid again
to 2? Do you invite? That’s one reason it’s
free rein. Try to preempt as high as possible
doesn’t open NT with five-card majors, the
you’d like to preempt, you might consider
What is your next bid going to be? With
you would normally. You should only do
to know what to do after partner’s bid. If
really ugly looking major suit. If you only
Do you raise spades? What if partner raises
later on, giving your opponents too much
better to open 1NT.
the first time.
C o n n e c t e d . D r i ve n . S u c c e s s f u l .
+1 925-586-3812
susansafipour.com • susan.safipour@evrealestate.com
10091 Donner Pass Road Truckee, California 96161 CA DRE #02052939 ©2019 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated.
www.npoa.info | Spring 2020 | 25
Condominium Updates continued of creating a restaurant/bar. We look forward to working with the
The final phase of our paver pathway project is also scheduled
improve our community. As we say goodbye to Springtime, we
pavers and then completed the first phase of our pathway
Condo Committee and Improvement Committee to continuously look forward to all the great thing Summer will bring to Indian Hills!
for this summer. We previously replaced all stairways with heated replacement last summer. We are hoping to complete all of the
remaining pathways prior to next winter. Water drainage is being
Aspen Grove
addressed with this project to avoid pooling and to direct water
season. We have a home-owners cleanup day scheduled for
New signage has been completed throughout our Association,
We cleaned up our common areas and significantly reduced
Grove and Silver Strike. These are on schedule to be competed
At Aspen Grove we are excited about the upcoming summer
away from our buildings.
Saturday, June 27, 2020. Last year’s cleanup was very successful.
except for the new monument signs at the entrance of Aspen
the fire danger by removing a truckload of pinecones and other
this spring or summer.
flammable materials. We hope to do the same this year.
The last phase of our repainting project is scheduled for this
summer. This should complete the repainting and staining of all of our buildings. We are also planning to repair six additional
foundations this summer that had been previously damaged by
increased ground-water levels. This will only leave four additional
foundations that need to be repaired next season. Water drainage is currently being addressed throughout the Association. We then hope to be able to coat these foundations with a more attractive
lots, we are looking into putting gates at the entrance of both Aspen Grove and Silver Strike. The decision to do so has not
yet been made, but we are currently studying the feasibility and desirability of doing so to limit unauthorized parking and trash.
Aspen Grove is located within walking distance of the Northstar Village and the NPOA Recreation Center and parking has been
difficult to enforce. We are proud of what we have been able to do to improve our community over the past few years, and plan even more improvements in the coming years.
Continued on page 28
C EL 15 EB YE RA AR TI S! NG
material on all of our buildings.
Finally, with Northstar charging parking fees at all of their parking
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26 | Northstar Living | News Magazine of the Northstar Property Owners Association
Condominium Updates continued
Gold Bend
codes. Other long-term projects being
in the mountains, CAMCO will begin
pathways with new asphalt or replacing
As we wrap up another glorious Winter ramping up the ongoing improvement projects to our community this Spring.
considered are either repaving exterior
the asphalt with pavers that are similar to what’s in the Village.
The roof repair and staining projects will
And a few housekeeping notes /
will provide owners with a schedule of
• If you are interested in becoming a
continue through the Fall of 2020. CAMCO when work is expected to begin on your unit. Owners who rent their units should arrange their rental reservations around
the work schedule, so their renters aren’t
inconvenienced. Please understand that, for logistical reasons, the schedules are difficult to change once set.
The Board is also continuing to explore
potential future upgrades, including new railings for the exterior stairways and
decks on each unit. This would not only
be an aesthetic improvement but would
also bring the railings up to current safety
reminders:
• If you are planning to do any
remodeling, please be sure and obtain
an Architectural Review of any planned
upgrades, regardless if County permits are required. Information on the
Architectural Review process can be found on the Gold Bend website.
• Mark your calendars! The next Gold
member of the Gold Bend Board of
Bend Board of Directors Meeting will be
commitment is minimal (4 scheduled
be sending out dial in information closer
to stay up-to-date with all the behind
to participate in the meeting via phone.
makes our community stronger and
participate and, as always, if you have
neighborhood wants and needs. The
to contact the Board via email. Email
at the July Board meeting for owners
Bend website (under “Contacts”).
Directors, please let us know! The time
held on Tuesday, April 21st. CAMCO will
meetings per year) and it’s a great way
to the date for any members who want
the scenes planning. Your participation
The Board encourages all owners to
more representative of what our
any questions or suggestions, feel free
Board will be hosting an “Open House”
addresses can be found on the Gold
to learn about serving on the Board.
Details, including the date, to follow.
Get up to the mountains and enjoy all that Gold Bend and Northstar have to offer!!
Ask about monthly specials, and Northstar resident discounts.
Indian Hills
At the time of writing this article, we only
Locally since 1976 CSL #400342
• Large Projects • Handy Work, Repair • New Construction • Home Additions • Kitchen & Bath Remodeling • Maintenance • Decks - Build & Repair • Tile/Stone • Drywall/Painting • Electrical/Plumbing
have signs of winter coming and the hope for many feet of snow falling in our near future! One sign that is c
• Locally owned HVAC Company (Tahoe Donner resident)
• 30 years experience
• Specialize in repair, maintenance & replacement • Service all makes & models
• We understand the challenges of second home owners
• We do our best to accommodate individual needs
Northstar Experienced since 1989
530.546.7030
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28 | Northstar Living | News Magazine of the Northstar Property Owners Association
npoa
fire department
I urge you to check it out: NorthstarCSD.
life safety requirements. The Northstar Fire
significant overhaul of the website. The
over the next three years to schedule their
org. The department just completed a
number one goal was to make information quick and easy to find. Everything from
emergency notifications to homeowners' insurance and everything in between. If you have comments or suggestions for improvement to the site, please email them to the fire chief.
Figure 1 Angora Fire South Lake Tahoe 2007 Photo Taken by Northstar Fire Department
Summer is just around the corner. Here are a few items to be aware of.
Fire Department Website Overhaul
If you have not been to the fire
department’s website in a few months,
Short Term Rental Fire and Life Safety Inspections
Placer County passed a Short Term Rental (STR) ordinance that went into effect in
January. As part of that ordinance, all STR
owners are required to complete a fire and life safety STR Self-Certification form every year. In addition, local fire departments are required to inspect all STR’s every
three years for compliance with fire and
Department will reach out to STR owners inspections.
Defensible Space Inspections
Defensible space inspections will begin in early May. Defensible space requirements within the community go above and
beyond the state and county codes. I urge all homeowners to go to the Northstar Fire Department’s website regarding
defensible space before starting any work. The department is here to help.
Every year the department selects an
area to focus on for our defensible space inspections and enforcement. This year’s focus area includes Big Springs Drive,
Woods Point, Gray Wolf, Red Tail, Eagle Continued on page 30
www.npoa.info | Spring 2020 | 29
Northstar Fire Department continued Feather, Grouse Ridge, Overlook Place,
round Professional Forester? Joe Barron,
Safe Council (federally funded) project
one of these streets, expect your property
California, has served the community
the Ritz Carlton, improve the reservoir
and North Summit. If you own a home on to be inspected for defensible space. Owners will be receiving an email or
mailer (as early as late March) requesting a Right of Entry (ROE) to be signed and
returned to the fire department. A signed and returned ROE will allow the fire
department to come onto an owner’s
property. Even though we can still record violations from the street and common space, by allowing the fire department
to go onto your property to perform the inspection, you will significantly help
reduce the amount of uncertainty and
inaccuracies you or the contractor may have when completing the defensible space mitigation work.
a licensed Forester with the State of
for more than a decade by overseeing
the Fuels Management Department. His
commitment to the community and forest is evident in the open space common
areas within Northstar. The primary goals of the Fuels Management Department
are reducing the threat of wildfire while
restoring and improving forest health. In
the last twelve months, fuels management work has included the following:
• A California Fire Safe Council (federally
funded) project focusing on forest fuels reduction in the areas of Porcupine
Hill, U.S. Highway 267, and Northstar
Drive. Additionally, work is taking place
above the Ritz Carlton, the Aspen Grove
To help mitigate the cost, a Community
Condominium Complex, the NPOA
available to all residents of Northstar
Northstar Village.
Green Waste Recycling Center will be from May 1st through October 2nd.
Property owners can get a key from the fire department and take the material themselves to the location, utilize a
“curbside pick-up,” which will be available 3-days a week or have a contractor take the material to the center.
Fuels Management Work
Did you know the Northstar Fire
Department has its own full-time, year-
Recreation Center and east of the
• A collaboration with CAL FIRE and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers along
the Northstar’s northwestern boundary,
just west of Basque and Martis Landing, is underway. This project consists
of 78-acres of forest fuels reduction
and forest restoration. This project is
expected to be completed in the Spring of 2020.
• Another recently awarded California Fire
30 | Northstar Living | News Magazine of the Northstar Property Owners Association
will expand acres to be treated above habitat and work with our neighbors
in Martis Camp by strengthening our western boundary.
• All of these projects couldn’t be
completed without the relationships and assisted funding of Vail Resorts (Northstar California), the Northstar Property Owners Association
(NPOA), Mountainside Builders, the
Condominium Association Management Company (CAMCO), and the Community of Martis Camp.
• During this dry winter period, forest
fuels reduction work has begun and
will focus on the forest fuels reduction
projects identified above. It will continue to focus on dead, diseased, dying, and
pest infected trees. If you have a tree or
forested area of concern, please contact the Fuels Management Department or go to the Forestry/Fuels Management
tab under the fire department’s website.
Homeowners’ Insurance
If you receive a non-renewal of your
homeowners’ insurance, you are not alone.
The Northstar Fire Department may be able
to help. Please check our website or contact Joe Barron jbarron@northstarcsd.org for assistance.
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News Magazine Of the Northstar Property Owners Association 2200 North Village Drive Truckee, CA 96161