Truckee Magazine
Chamber of Commerce
C O N N E C T I O N S Q U A R T E R LY | F A L L 2 0 2 6
Fall A Collective Exhale
Legends & Lore - Truckee's Ghosts Summits & Solitude - Hiking in Shoulder Season Scholarships with Heart - Helping Local Students Fall 2026 | 1
Truckee Magazine Connections Quarterly Fall 2026
EDITOR Jessica Penman President & CEO Truckee Chamber of Commerce jessica@truckee.com MANAGING EDITOR Melissa Williams melissa@truckee.com EDITORIAL/WRITER Tiffany Connolly InBloom Marketing PUBLISHER & AD SALES CCMedia Publishing 775.548.6562 www.cc.media Sales: Peggy McElfish peggy@ccmpublishing.com Design: Tina Cutler CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS P. 3 top, Stella Restaurant at Gravity Haus; p. 3 bottom, Aimee Schaller; p. 3 middle, 11, 18, 20, 21, 22, 29, 32 © Scott Shots Photography; p. 4 top, 5, 12, 26 bottom, Melissa Williams; p. 8, © silent A photography; p. 10 right © Court Leve Productions; p. 24, 26 top © Paul Hammill Photography; p. 24 bottom, Paul Carland; p. 25, Ali Carland; p. 27 top, Tahoe Donner Association; p. 27 middle and bottom, Isabella Ferrera; p. 30, Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation. All other photos courtesy of the featured organizations. Truckee Magazine is a quarterly magazine published by CCMedia and the Truckee Chamber of Commerce TRUCKEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 10065 DONNER PASS ROAD TRUCKEE, CA 96161 530.587.8808 | INFO@TRUCKEE.COM
Contents 4 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Fall - A Collective Exhale 5 WHAT’S HAPPENING Fall Events
6 A Taste of Truckee — Restaurant Month 11 LOCALS TO KNOW Kristin York — Sierra Business Council + Truckee-Donner Recreation Foundation 12 EXPLORE Supporting Student Success
6
From Preschool to College
18 HISTORY Legends & Lore —
Visiting Truckee's Ghosts
24 Play Summits & Solitude — Find Peak Happiness in Truckee's Shoulder Season 25 LOCALS TO KNOW Greg Zirbel — Truckee Cemetery + Truckee-Donner Historical Society
18
28 Scholarships with Heart — TTCSC + TTCF Partner to Help Local Students 32
LOCALS TO KNOW Kristin Kempt — Cultural Threads
33 TOWN CORNER Preparing for Wildfire in Truckee Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within Truckee magazine. The Truckee Chamber of Commerce and CCMedia assume no responsibility for misinformation. Please contact the Chamber with any additions or corrections. Printed in the USA on recycled paper with soy-based inks.
Truckee.com
The official website of the Truckee Chamber of Commerce.
28 On the Cover: Kristin Kempt of Cultural Threads ©Scott Shots Photography
Fall 2026 | 3
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR There’s something about fall in Truckee that feels like a collective exhale. The summer crowds begin to thin, mornings get a little crisper, and suddenly we remember just how lucky we are to call this place home. It’s the season for squeezing in one more hike before the snow flies, lingering over dinner with friends, watching the aspens change, and if you’re brave enough wandering downtown after dark wondering whether every shadow is really just a shadow. Taste of Truckee Truckee Restaurant Month We’re kicking off October with something new and delicious: Taste of Truckee, a month-long celebration created by the Truckee Chamber and Visit Truckee Tahoe to encourage all of us to get out and experience our local dining scene. Restaurants, chefs, brewers, bartenders, and more are creating special menus, pairings, and experiences throughout the month. Consider this your excuse to revisit an old favorite or finally try the place you keep saying you’re going to try. Turn to page 6 to learn all about it! From Preschool to College Supporting Student Success Education is a journey, and having the right support along the way can make all the difference. In “From First Steps to Next Steps,” we highlight local businesses helping students thrive, from their earliest days in preschool to tutoring and the college application process. Turn to page 12 to read about the people in our community who are helping students build confidence, discover their strengths, and prepare for what comes next.
HOME
Summits & Solitude - Fall Hikes
Of course, fall is also what many of us affectionately call “locals’ summer.” Turn to page 24 to discover some of the area’s best hikes to enjoy when the temperatures cool and the trails quiet down. From an ambitious 16-mile peak to peak adventure to shorter outings surrounded by brilliant fall color, there’s something for nearly every kind of explorer.
Legends & Lore Truckee’s Ghosts As Halloween approaches, we’re also embracing Truckee’s slightly spookier side. Turn to page 18 to uncover some of Truckee’s favorite ghost stories and discover how local legends and lore are woven into the historic places we pass every day. Whether you believe in ghosts or simply appreciate a great Truckee story, our colorful past provides plenty of material.
Community Foundation connect local generosity with students pursuing college and vocational training. In 2026 alone, community donors awarded 252 scholarships totaling almost $1.9 million to 143 students; a remarkable example of what this community can accomplish together. So grab a sweater, get outside, order something you’ve never tried, learn a little local history, and enjoy this brief and beautiful season. Happy fall, Truckee!
Scholarships with Heart Finally, we look at one of our community’s most meaningful traditions: helping local students pursue what comes next. The Tahoe Truckee Community Scholarship Committee and Tahoe Truckee
4 | Truckee Connections Magazine | www.truckee.com
Jessica Penman
President and CEO Truckee Chamber of Commerce Editor, Truckee Magazine
What's Happening!
FA L L 2 0 2 6 SEPTEMBER
20 25 26 26
KidZone Family Farm Festival Top of the Town 73rd Annual Chamber Awards Celebration Oktoberfest at the Village at Palisades Tahoe Great Trail Race, Run, Hike, Walk
OCTOBER
1 - 31 Taste of Truckee Restaurant Month 3 Truckee Wine, Walk & Shop 10 & 11 Made in Tahoe Festival 15 & 16 Truckee Historical Haunted Tour 17 Heart of Gold Gravel Race 17 Big Truck Day 18 30th Annual Truckee River Day & Fair 30 Downtown Park Halloween Party & Trick-or-Treating
NOVEMBER 7 17 19 20
Truckee Ski Swap Good Morning Truckee: Ski Resorts Update Soroptishop Annual Bud Fish Tree Lighting and Holiday Festival
DECEMBER 4, 11, 18
Festive Fridays
Scan to see all the events going on this Fall
For details and complete list of events, visit truckee.com/events
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C R E AT I V E M E N U S , L O C A L TA L E N T, O N E D E L I C I O U S M O N T H ALIBI ALE WORKS
If you’ve lived in Truckee for any number of years,
something new, experimenting with limited-time
you surely have a favorite spot for a romantic night
menus, creating thoughtful pairings, and offering
out, cold beer, craft cocktail, or savory dish. You
experiences you won't find the rest of the year.
might know many local menus by heart, who will be tending bar on Thursday night, and what specials you can find on Sundays. While having all of this knowledge is one of the wonderful things about living in a small town, sometimes we find ourselves in a culinary rut.
We've highlighted some of the many great Truckee restaurants participating in A Taste of Truckee. Scan the QR code for a complete listing of participating restaurants and specials that they are offering in October. Also check out our Dining Guide on Truckee.com - Truckee's only complete
This October, the Truckee Chamber of Commerce
listing of restaurants, organized by neighborhood
and Visit Truckee Tahoe are giving locals and
with live links to their websites.
visitors an opportunity to shake things up.
So loosen your belt, grab a
Taste of Truckee is a month-long celebration of
friend, make a reservation,
the people, creativity, and passion behind our
and taste what happens when
local dining scene. Chefs, bartenders, bakers,
Truckee's dining scene gets a
brewers, and restaurant owners are showing off
chance to unleash.
6 | Truckee Connections Magazine | www.truckee.com
ALIBI ALE WORKSTRUCKEE PUBLIC HOUSE When they have their turkey burger on their rotating menu, get there fast. If not, that’s ok, because the rest of their menu is prepared just as lovingly, and the vibe is all about the community.
BAR OF AMERICA Who doesn’t love walking into Bar of America and seeing Amanda’s smiling face or two guys playing guitar in the back? Maybe you come here for football, maybe for the craft cocktails. Either way, this corner spot is a lively downtown dining staple.
BUOY AND TRAP The freshest catch in town is located in the Pioneer Center. Haven’t been in to visit founder Zack Duksta yet? Hailing from a long line of Rhode Islanders, Zack is here to share his love of oysters, fish, and briny, salty goodness with you.
COTTONWOOD This is the place you take first-time visitors to Truckee. History, fireplaces, local vibes, all the views, and of course their famous Frenchie margarita.
BAR OF AMERICA
CRAFT & LOGIC With a clean and modern vibe and 30+ rotating beers on tap, Craft & Logic is a chill hangout for craft brew lovers and impromptu conversation.
FIFTYFIFTY BREWING COMPANY The oldest brewery still in operation in Truckee is now located in the newest happening spot at The Old Lumberyard. Fresh cocktails, juicy beers, and a new menu make FiftyFifty Brewing a must-visit this fall. Continued on page 8
Fall 2026 | 7
FIRESIDE PIZZA COMPANY Perfect for a family night out in Olympic Valley, with majestic mountain views included, Fireside Pizza is the perfect bite after an outdoor adventure
HEY CHEF! Hey Chef! invites you to “be the guest at your own party.” As a private chef company, clients get to choose their menus, with the help of their knowledgeable staff. It’s a hyperpersonalized dining experience perfect for celebrating or wowing guests.
MEHFIL INDIAN BISTRO Flavorful Indian food that’s perfect for those nights when you are craving delicious Indian food -- you can have it right here in town. Check out new owner, RJ's Crew Night specials all day Tuesdays, with eat-in complimentary meals for first responders and $15 meals for hospitality and local staff workers who keep Truckee running.
MOODYʼS BISTRO BAR AND BEATS A community staple for chatting up the who’s who at the bar, catching a cool live band, or treating guests to one of Truckee’s best dinners. Chef William Burns, a graduate of the
MEHFIL INDIAN BISTRO
French Culinary Institute in New York, has been a featured chef at Pebble Beach Food and Wine several times, and he’s ready to share something new with you.
THE POUR HOUSE A cozy little historical house on Jiboom Street you can’t help but fall in love with once you visit. Their focus is on smaller production wines from around the world and delicious cheese, chocolates, and charcuterie.
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8 | Truckee Connections Magazine | www.truckee.com
PIANETA RISTORANTE Loved by locals for special occasions and a treat-yourself moment at the bar. Executive Chef Bill Arnoff ensures pasta is made fresh daily. Pianeta’s bartenders are some of the best in Truckee, delivering perfectly balanced craft cocktails, martinis, and wine recommendations.
RUBICON PIZZA COMPANY Located at Northstar California Resort, locals love Rubicon for those days when they want the feeling of getting out of town, but don’t want to go far.
STELLLA AT GRAVITY HAUS Seasonally driven and locally inspired, Stella brings a fresh California sensibility to mountain dining. Look for creative dishes showcasing regional ingredients, from hearth-roasted vegetables and hamachi crudo to salmon, scallops and mushroom risotto, served in a warm, contemporary setting.
THE LODGE RESTAURANT & PUB Set against the scenic backdrop of Tahoe Donner, The Lodge pairs relaxed mountain ambiance with contemporary American fare. Shareable starters, hearty favorites, seasonal entrées and craft cocktails make it an inviting choice for everything from a casual gathering to dinner overlooking the golf course.
UNCORKED This little wine hangout is a locals’ favorite for trying limitedproduction wines from around the world. Inside, historic downtown charm meets a clean, modern aesthetic. Uncorked introduced a new small plates menu this summer, featuring tapas items that complement their wines. Find them in downtown Truckee next to Sweets Handmade Candies.
THE LODGE RESTAURANT & PUB
TRUCKEE COOKIES For dessert, Truckee Cookies delivers pure, fresh-baked comfort. Cookies are baked to order for warm, chewy, melty goodness, with favorites including Classic Chocolate Chip, Salted Dark Chocolate Walnut and Snickerdoodelish. Order for delivery weekends, for pickup, or ahead for special events. Even sweeter, this homegrown business gives back to Truckee nonprofits. Continued on page 10
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STELLA
OLD TOWN TAP
We’ll see you making the Taste of Truckee circuit! If you have guests coming to Truckee this October, bring them along. If they’re not staying with you, encourage them to book their lodging through the Visit Truckee Tahoe website. If they do, they’ll get a Sustainable Truckee gift card, good at 70+ Truckee businesses, including some of these restaurants.
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LOCALS TO KNOW
k r o Y n i t s
Kri
OCCUPATION Vice President, Sierra Business Council and Board Member, Truckee Donner Recreation Foundation ORIGINALLY FROM San Mateo, CA HOW LONG IN TRUCKEE? 25 years
FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT TRUCKEE The fantastic, hearty, and active people. This community inspires me every day. And all of my favorite things to do are here! Nordic, alpine, and backcountry skiing, mountain biking, road biking, trail running, wildflower hikes, swimming in high alpine lakes, and being able to take my dog on most adventures. Then there's the amazing farmers market and food hub, great restaurants, award-winning rec center, awesome coffee everywhere, meaningful nonprofits, a spectacular river, my beloved Donner Lake, and just good allaround vibes. Super excited about the new Library and finding time to take up an indoor hobby in the Roundhouse. I love to travel, but there's no place like home.
© SCOTT SHOTS PHOTOGRAPHY
WHY TRUCKEE? Primarily to raise my kids in the mountains instead of the urban zoo. In the Bay, I was commuting 2- 3 hours a day to a very stressful, soul-sucking job and the maternal guilt and exhaustion were crippling. My ex-husband grew up in Tahoe City and always wanted to move back. My kids came back after college, but ironically, he moved to another country!
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EXPLORE
Supporting Student Success FROM PRESCHOOL TO COLLEGE From the first day of preschool through college acceptance or career path plans, students and families face important ne
O
choices at every stage of education. Fortunately, the Truckee community is home to businesses that help make those
Lo ve Ch ildca re Center
transitions a little easier. Local preschools
One Love Childcare Center, Preschool
give young children a strong start, Clever
www.onelovechildcarecenter.com
Minds provides personalized academic
The preschool years are a time of tremendous growth. Children are developing language and motor skills, building friendships, learning to express themselves and discovering how the world around them works. One Love Childcare Center supports this development through experiences that encourage curiosity, creativity, and independence, while recognizing that every child learns at their own pace.
support, and college advisors help high school students navigate the often complicated process of choosing schools and applying. Together, these local businesses share a common goal: giving students the support, confidence, and tools they need to take their next step.
One Love also fills a much-needed role in the Truckee community by providing childcare designed to support working families. Hours from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. accommodate parents’ workdays, while discounts
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Little Gems of the SierraThe Preschool www.littlegemstruckee.org Little Gems, Tahoe Truckee's Waldorf early childhood program, offers infant care and preschool in a warm, nurturing environment where learning unfolds through play, creativity, and connection with nature. With locations in Northstar and Tahoe Donner, both adjacent to natural spaces and trails that keep children immersed in nature, families can find a setting that fits their needs. Little Gems of the Sierra
for public service workers help make care more accessible to those who serve the community. That commitment was recognized when One Love Childcare received the Truckee Chamber of Commerce’s
2025 New Business of the Year Award. By providing a supportive place for children to learn, play and grow, One Love is helping both Truckee’s youngest students and the families who depend on quality local childcare.
From infancy through the preschool years, children experience a consistent daily rhythm and a thoughtfully prepared environment that supports physical and social development through imitation, imaginative play, and guided discovery. Free play is balanced Continued on page 14
Fall 2026 | 13
with group activities that include circle time, songs, plays, movement, painting, crafts, bread baking, storytelling, and puppetry. Outdoor play is also an essential part of each day. For families who choose to continue their Waldorf journey, Little Gems offers a seamless transition into Wild River's TK/K program, allowing children to grow within a familiar educational philosophy and community. A child can move from their earliest years all the way through eighth grade in one connected, supportive environment.
Clever Minds Educational Services www.cleverminds.org For more than two decades, Clever Minds Educational Services has helped students in Truckee and the surrounding region strengthen academic skills, build confidence and find an approach to learning that works for them. Founded by Vicki Isacowitz in 2004, Clever Minds serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade with personalized educational support. Clever Minds offers one-on-one and small-group tutoring, homework assistance, and enrichment across a wide range of subjects, including math, language arts, reading, writing,
Clever Minds Educational Services
science, social studies, and foreign languages. Students work with experienced educators, with individualized goals designed around their academic needs and learning styles. Programs extend beyond traditional tutoring. Clever Minds provides homeschool and independent study support, test preparation, college application and essay assistance, and specialized academic support for competitive winter athletes whose training and travel schedules require greater flexibility. Summer programming helps students keep their skills sharp between school years, with grade-readiness camps and individual tutoring available. Vicki Isacowitz was recognized in 2025 as Business Leader/ Entrepreneur of the Year at Truckee Chamber’s Top of the Town Annual Awards for her excellence and contributions to the families in our community.
The College Collaborators www.thecollegecollaborators.com Applying to college can be one of the most exciting and overwhelming times in a student's life. The College Collaborators help families navigate the process with confidence through personalized guidance, expert advice, and a student-centered approach. Founded by experienced college counselors Jen Brookover, Karen Rowe, and Katy Watts, The College Collaborators brings together more than 75 years of combined experience. Unlike many college counseling companies where students work primarily with one counselor, The College Collaborators 14 | Truckee Connections Magazine | www.truckee.com
takes a team approach. All three counselors bring their expertise and perspective to each student. Their experience spans UC admissions, including firsthand work as UC application readers, student-athlete recruitment, essay development, international schools, AP and IB curricula, and support for students with IEPs and 504 plans. They also help families build strategic college lists to maximize merit scholarship opportunities and support students applying to graduate and professional programs, including medical school and MBA programs. The College Collaborators believe the process should be personal and, when possible, fun. They host relaxed, interactive events in family homes where parents and students can learn, ask questions, and connect without the pressure of a formal presentation. These group gatherings help make college planning feel more approachable and manageable. Based in Truckee and working with students online from Alaska to Texas, The College Collaborators help reduce stress, encourage students to take ownership of the process, and Karen Rowe and Katy Watts of The College Collaborators
CO N T E M P O R A RY
Continued on page 16
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focus on finding colleges that fit each student’s strengths, interests, and goals. Families interested in learning more can visit The College Collaborators website and fill out an information form. Mention the Truckee Chamber to receive 5% off any grade-level packages for families who sign up by November 1.
Expert Admit www.ExpertAdmit.com College admissions may be filled with transcripts, test scores, applications, and deadlines, but Danielle Arca believes a student is much more than a collection of numbers. Known affectionately as “Mama D,” Danielle is the founder of Expert Admit and has been advocating for students since 1997. An internationally experienced college and guidance counselor, she approaches admissions as both an educator and as a student’s “advertising agent”—helping young people discover what makes them distinctive and communicate that story authentically to colleges. That philosophy is what sets Expert Admit apart. Danielle looks at the student’s entire high school experience, helping
BUILD & TRANSFORM CONSTRUCTION
Expert Admit
identify strengths and interests, make thoughtful academic and extracurricular choices, develop study strategies, and ultimately find colleges that fit the student academically and personally. She brings an unusual depth of experience to that relationship. Danielle holds a Master of Counseling from Arizona State University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Tulane University. She has worked as a school college and guidance counselor, founded a preparatory school counseling department, taught at the community college level, and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She is also fluent in Spanish, German, and French.
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16 | Truckee Connections Magazine | www.truckee.com
For Truckee-Tahoe families, that combination can be especially valuable during a process that can easily become stressful for both students and parents. Expert Admit offers support beginning as early as freshman year and continuing through applications, essays, interviews and the final college decision. At the heart of “Mama D’s” approach is a simple idea: help students recognize what they have to offer—and make sure colleges recognize it, too.
Fall 2026 | 17
©SCOTT SHOTS PHOTOGRAPHY
HISTORY
LEGENDS & LORE
V ISIT I N G T RU C K E E ’S G H OSTS As the sun descends behind the mountain peaks and the temperature dips, a chill passes over Donner Summit, rides the surface of Donner Lake, sweeps through town to disturb the fallen autumn leaves, and brushes against our faces in the night. As the shadows of historic buildings grow long in downtown Truckee, one can imagine they've been swept back in time, when gunslinger shootouts were normal, red light district cat calls filled the air, 18 | Truckee Connections Magazine | www.truckee.com
and piano music and inebriated railmen tumbled out of the many local saloons. Truckee's wild, and often brutal, history has given rise to countless stories of hauntings, lingering spirits, and local legends. And whether you believe in ghosts or just love a good tale, there’s no shortage of stories that refuse to stay buried.
The Truckee Hotel and Moody's Bistro Bar & Beats Few buildings have welcomed more travelers, or collected more legends, than the historic Truckee Hotel. Since opening its doors in the late 19th century, when it was a popular stagecoach stop, it has weathered fires, changed ownership, and hosted lively guests, not all of them living. Today it's home to some of Truckee's best-known ghost stories. Local lore tells of unexplained cold
THE TRUCKEE HOTEL
spots, chandeliers that sway without explanation, freshly made beds found mysteriously rumpled, and the spirit of a young girl said to wander the upper floors. Others have reported hearing footsteps echo through empty hallways or catching a fleeting glimpse of someone who disappears as quickly as they appeared. On the first floor, Moody's Bistro Bar & Beats has its own ghostly tale to tell. In a 2019 interview with Moonshine Ink, restaurant manager JJ Morgan shared that the building's fourth floor
THE KRUGER HOUSE
can still feel unsettling when he's there alone. He also recounted a remarkable experience during renovations in 2002, when he and his business partner were tearing up the bar floor. Although the front door was locked, an elderly man suddenly appeared and told them a mural was hidden behind one of the building's walls. Moments later, he had vanished. About a week later, a contractor opened the very wall the man had described and uncovered a beautifully preserved mural, hidden beneath layers of sheetrock for nearly 80 years.
The Kruger House (AKA C. B. White House) Currently housing RMU, this Victorian house in Truckee’s Brickletown has been the center of ghost stories for years. Built in the mid 1870s, the Kruger House is one of Truckee's bestpreserved historic homes, and with that history comes a dose of local lore. Old-timers used to tell the story of C.B. White's elegantly dressed wife greeting passengers arriving by train. Long after the piano was removed from the home, Continued on page 20
Fall 2026 | 19
some have claimed they could still hear music drifting through its rooms. Over the years, visitors and employees have reported unexplained lights, faucets turning on by themselves, and strange sensations inside the house. One of the building's most enduring legends holds that Mrs. White's spirit never truly left after the tragic loss of her young child. Whether
THE OLD TRUCKEE JAIL
rooted in fact or folklore, the stories have become part of the home's legacy.
The Old Truckee Jail The Old Truckee Jail Museum on Jiboom Street has a long history of keeping criminals and the infirm. In 1901, a second story was built and served as an infirmary during influenza outbreaks. Some patients never recovered. Walk by when they’re open, and maybe you’ll run into Greg Zirbel, President of the Truckee- Donner Historical Society. Ask him about the time he took one visitor through the museum who spoke of an unexplained presence, especially upstairs, in the former infirmary.
THE KRUGER HOUSE
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One of several Donner Party winter camps, the Murphy Cabin site at Donner Memorial State Park holds one of the most poignant reminders of the tragic winter of 1846–47. Today, all that remains of the cabin itself is a boulder that once formed a wall as part of the pioneers' shelter. A plaque dons its facade, listing the names of those who survived and those who did not.
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Greg has described the site as "the most haunted place in Truckee" he has ever experienced. Follow the path to the memorial, pause at the plaque, and take in the weight of the history that unfolded there. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, it's a place where the past feels like it just might reach out and grab you. Maybe these stories are imagined, or they are born out of coincidence or a trick of the eye. Either way, they aren't tales meant to frighten. They remind us that history has a way of
THE MURPHY CABIN SITE
staying with a place, and speaking through its buildings, its streets, and the people who continue to tell its stories. Truckee’s ghosts come to life each fall during the Trails & Vista’s Truckee Historical Haunted Tour, when characters from the town’s past return to tell their tales in some of downtown’s most storied places. No two tours are the same. The stories change, and in the spirit of a good ghost story,
For generations, Tahoe Forest Health System has been part of this community, caring for neighbors and families across the Truckee-Tahoe region. As our community grows and healthcare needs evolve, we are focused on making it easier for people to get the care they need, when and where they need it. This fall, that commitment takes another step forward with the opening of the new Sierra Center in Truckee. The completely renovated facility will bring Urgent Care, Outpatient Laboratory Services, Community Pharmacy, Occupational Health, Health & Wellness, and Cardiac Rehabilitation together in one convenient location with ample parking and easier access for patients.
may be embellished along the way. But behind the theatrical flourishes are real people, real places, and records drawn from Truckee’s colorful past.
Some ghost stories and historical accounts were compiled from interviews as reported by Moonshine Ink and the Sierra Sun.
A significant part of the project is the expansion of Urgent Care. The new facility will increase Urgent Care capacity by more than 30 percent, strengthening our ability to provide convenient, responsive care to our community 365 days a year. Sierra Center is one of several investments Tahoe Forest Health System is making to improve access to care across the region. It reflects our commitment to keeping high-quality healthcare close to home and creating a health system that continues to evolve alongside the needs of the people and communities we serve. The Sierra Center is expected to open in October 2026.
Fall 2026 | 21
LOCALS TO KNOW
l e b r i Z g Gre OCCUPATION Manager of the Truckee Cemetery; President & Curator of both the Truckee-Donner Historical Society and the Museum of Truckee History (Volunteer) ORIGINALLY FROM Oakland, California HOW LONG IN TRUCKEE? 64 years, minus a few years living in the Santa Rosa and Mill Valley areas between 1983-2011, but always had family living in Truckee so it never really felt like I left.
22 |
FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT TRUCKEE? I’ve always loved the fact that we live right where the Donner Party was stranded, and that no matter what direction you head out of town you’ll find awesome places to explore. I also like that we have clearly defined seasons here, where you can feel the changes transitioning from one season to another almost on a daily basis. And I must admit, I just love using snowblowers, it’s such a rewarding activity.
SCOTT SHOTS PHOTOGRAPHY
WHY TRUCKEE? I was just two weeks old when my mother and father moved us (my two older brothers and I) from Oakland to Truckee, living just behind the Old Truckee Jail on High Street as my father had a job offer to manage the new Safeway store that went in for the 1960 Winter Olympics. Today Mountain Hardware and Sports occupies the building.
©Paul Hammill Photography
PLAY
Summits & Solitude
Find Peak Happiness in Truckee's Shoulder Season
T he rapid-fire heartbeat of summer is behind us, and the energy around Truckee is slowing. We’ve traded peak tourist season for locals’ summer, one of the best times of year to play outside. Take advantage and explore some of Truckee’s busiest trails with fewer footprints in the loam. Summit popular peaks at any time of day, enjoying cool mountain air that still lets you huff and puff, just without the relentless heat of the summer sun. If you've skipped these hikes because of the crowds or the temperatures, fall is your chance to rediscover your own backyard. The brilliant reds, yellows, and oranges of Sierra fall foliage are just a bonus. 24 | Truckee Connections Magazine | www.truckee.com
Before heading out, pack plenty of water and snacks, know your route, and let someone know where you're going and when you expect to return. You can find detailed maps and current trail information for every hike featured on the AllTrails app.
Donner Pass to Olympic Valley Along the Pacific Crest Trail One of the most spectacular point-topoint hikes in the Sierra, this classic Pacific Crest Trail route traverses from Sugar Bowl to Palisades Tahoe. Along the way, you'll hike Donner Summit, pass Anderson Peak and Tinker Knob, and take in views of the Granite Chief Wilderness and Royal Gorge of the American River. It's a challenging fullday adventure (plan for 8 to 9 hours), and many locals consider it one of the Donner Pass to Olympic Valley via PCT
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Castle Peak Castle Peak
best hikes in the region. You’ll need to arrange a shuttle or leave a car at each end. The route is approximately 16 miles with about 3,000 feet of climbing. ⊲Distance: 16 miles point-to-point ⊲Difficulty: Challenging ⊲Trailhead: Pacific Crest Trail at Donner Pass, near Sugar Bowl
Mount Judah Loop If the Donner Pass to Olympic Valley traverse sounds a little too ambitious, but you still want to experience some of the Sierra's most inspiring scenery, the Mount Judah Loop is a lovely alternative. Beginning from the same trailhead, this loop follows the Pacific Crest Trail to the Mount Judah Loop toward Donner Peak. Enjoy views of Donner Lake before continuing clockwise to Mount Judah. For the history buffs, you’ll love that the emigrant wagon trail used by pioneers is visible. Eventually, you'll end up back on the PCT to make your way down to your car.
Castle Peak You’ve seen it plenty of times on the east side of I-80 — the three turrets that spike at 9,103 feet. A summit at aptly named Castle Peak will require significant scrambling, but those who choose to tackle this adventurous summit attempt will be rewarded (on a clear day) with views of Mount Diablo, the Coast Range, Mt. Lassen, and Mt. Rose. Start the hike by following the dirt road off the Boreal Exit along I-80. The Castle Pass junction is about a mile and a half up. Follow the ridge line up to Castle Peak. Mount Judah Loop
⊲ Distance: 5.2 mile loop ⊲ Difficulty: Moderate ⊲ Trailhead: Pacific Crest Trail at Donner Pass, near Sugar Bowl 26 | Truckee Connections Magazine | www.truckee.com
⊲ Distance: 5-6 miles round trip ⊲ Difficulty: Moderate to challenging ⊲ Trailhead: I-80 Boreal Exit
Johnson Canyon to Summit Lake A local’s favorite, hardly any tourists seem to hike this compared to Castle Peak. It’s the Wendin Way Trail you’ll be climbing up through Johnson Canyon before connecting with the Donner Lake Rim Trail. At the connector, head west to access Summit Lake. This trail is open to mountain biking as well, so
if you’re not feeling the hike, jump on your bike and make your way to this tucked-in lake that offers a quiet respite. ⊲ Distance: 7.6 miles round trip ⊲ Difficulty: Moderate ⊲ Trailhead: I-80 Donner Lake Exit
Five Lakes As one of the most popular hikes in the Granite Chief Wilderness, Five Lakes packs a punch with huge rewards in a short distance. The trail climbs steadily through forest, then hugs a ridge with views of the canyon below. Step back into the forested surroundings as you pass by five alpine lakes. Bring a swimsuit and pack a lunch; the lakes are perfect for a refreshing dip and relaxing lounge.
Whoop It Up
Whoop It Up We can’t write a story about fall hiking without including the mother of Truckee fall foliage hikes. Multiple interconnected trails let you choose the distance on Tahoe Donner's Whoop It Up trail, making it perfect for everyone from casual walkers to experienced hikers. Watch out for mountain bikers, though.
⊲ Distance: About 5 miles round trip ⊲ Difficulty: Moderate ⊲ Trailhead: Five Lakes Trailhead off Alpine Meadows Road
Shirley Canyon
Shirley Canyon to Shirley Lake
Shirley Canyon
Since this is a super popular spot all summer long, the shoulder season is the perfect time to explore this hike. You don’t even have to do the entire thing if you don’t want to; the rewards of just walking along the creek at the start are worth every minute. But if you do make it up those steep granite slabs, you’re in for another treat; the views from up there are seriously majestic. ⊲ Distance: 4.5 miles round trip ⊲ Difficulty: Challenging ⊲ Trailhead: Palisades Tahoe Base Area
Fuel up before or after your hike with delicious options at the Alder Creek Cafe, open Wednesday-Sunday in the fall. ⊲ Distance: Your choice; there are multiple options ⊲ Difficulty: Easy ⊲ Trailhead: Alder Creek Adventure Center These are just a handful of the trails that really shine this time of year. Pack a lunch, and head somewhere you've never been, or return to a favorite with fresh eyes, fewer crowds, and the cooler vibes that come with fall in Truckee.
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SCHOLARSHIPS WITH HEART TTCSC & TTCF PARTNER TO HELP LOCAL STUDENTS
Each spring, as graduating seniors across the Tahoe Truckee region prepare to leave high school, hundreds of scholarship awards help turn their plans for what comes next into something more attainable. For some students, that means a four-year university. Others are headed to community college or pursuing careers in welding, automotive mechanics, firefighting, cosmetology and other skilled trades. Their goals may be very different, but many of them have something important in common: a community that has decided to invest in their future. This year alone, 143 students received 252 scholarships totaling nearly $1.9 million. Some awards provide support for a single year, while others follow students for two or four years. Behind those numbers is a remarkable local collaboration, one with roots stretching back more than half a century. The Tahoe Truckee Community Scholarship Committee (TTCSC) and Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation (TTCF) work closely throughout the year to make the annual scholarship
process possible. Truckee-Tahoe schools, community organizations, foundations, individual donors and a dedicated group of volunteers collaborate to make this scholarship program a community-wide effort to help local young people continue their education and career paths.
finances. For first-generation students especially, this support can open doors to opportunities that may otherwise feel out of reach. Fortunately, because of TTCSC and TTCF, last year 51% of North Tahoe-Truckee high school graduates were awarded some type of scholarship assistance.
Many local families work hard simply to cover housing, food, transportation, and other everyday expenses, leaving little opportunity to save for college. Scholarships reduce the financial burden, allowing students to focus more on their education and less on
A TRADITION THAT BEGAN WITH EDUCATORS
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TTCSC began informally in 1970, when a group of local educators came together around a simple goal: providing scholarships to students in the Tahoe Truckee Unified School
District. The committee formally organized in 1979 as a tax-exempt nonprofit devoted to that purpose. One of the people involved in those early years was Leonora Ferrari. More than 50 years later, the Ferrari family's connection to the program continues. Family members still provide annual scholarship funding, with Ferrari relative Kari Michaels among those working with the committee today. It's a striking example of the continuity behind the scholarship program. Over the years, TTCF became an essential partner in that work. Today the two organizations collaborate closely, each playing a different role in bringing the scholarship program to students. One of TTCF's most important contributions is the scholarship software that serves as a central
The scholarship team at work. Phyllis McConn of TTCF, Kim Szczurek and Brianne Hipsley, TTCSC volunteers, and Dana Crary of TTCF.
application portal. Instead of navigating a maze of separate forms and deadlines, students complete one application that can be considered for multiple scholarships. Behind that streamlined experience, however, is a considerable amount of work. TTCSC receives scholarship funds from TTCF and donors through various
sources and distributes the awards to students. In a typical year, the volunteer organization can write as many as 350 checks. The work doesn't begin and end with graduation season. TTCSC Chair Kim Szczurek describes the collaboration among herself, TTCF representatives Phyllis McConn and Dana Crary, and Continued on page 30
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TTCSC Treasurer Brianne Hipsley as nearly daily at times, with work continuing throughout the year. Although Phyllis and Dana work for TTCF, they spend many personal hours dedicated to students. They hold countless after hours interviews with students and scholarship donors and then make many calls, often on the weekends, to give students award information. The schools are another essential part of the partnership. High school principals and counselors help students learn about the scholarships and application process, while Tahoe Truckee Unified School District provides additional support, including the work of Lupita Vasquez Gomez, TTCSC's committee secretary and a district executive assistant. Together, those many hands make a complicated process appear relatively simple to the students it serves.
A SCHOLARSHIP CAN TELL A STORY Some awards come from individuals and families. Others are supported by local service organizations, foundations and nonprofits. Some commemorate people whose lives left an imprint on the community, like the Ian Casey Foundation Scholarship. Anyone can explore details of the many scholarships available on TTCF's Scholarships page on their website. Longtime community organizations including Soroptimists, Optimists and PEO also support scholarships. The Martis Camp Foundation provides substantial awards, as does the Tahoe Donner Giving Fund. TTCF donors fund many significant scholarships as well. And then there are many individual donors who collectively make the program possible.
Faith Anderson (left), recipient of the Wild Cherries Scholarship, and Alexis Cota Serrano, recipient of the Jackson Ferree Scholarship, both for 2026.
The PAX Scholarship originated from the sale of a house that students from UC Berkeley lived in for 70 years. The beneficiaries decided to create a scholarship to help the community they loved. Behind the variety is a common motivation: helping local students and families manage the increasingly daunting cost of education and career training. That support isn't reserved for students following a traditional fouryear college path. Many scholarships help students enter the trades or pursue specialized training. Recent applicants have sought education and credentials in welding, automotive mechanics, hair and nail services, firefighting and other fields. “All of these skills we need here in Truckee,” Szczurek says.
ONE APPLICATION, MANY POSSIBILITIES Students are invited to apply for scholarships each January through the centralized online portal. Applications are confidential, and the process is designed to provide fair and equitable consideration while making it as manageable as possible for students. TTCF works closely with school counselors to make sure students
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know when and how to apply. From there, volunteers and scholarship providers use the shared system to make award decisions. Receiving a scholarship also comes with responsibility. Students must provide proof of enrollment and a thank-you letter each year before receiving their funding and they are treated as adults and are expected to complete those steps themselves. The process culminates in awards celebrations at the schools, giving students, families and the community a chance to celebrate what's ahead.
NEARLY $1.9 MILLION IN OPPORTUNITY In 2026, nearly $1.9 million was awarded through 252 scholarships to 143 students. Approximately $1.1 million went to students from “Truckee side” schools, including Truckee High School, Sierra High School, Cold Stream Alternative School and Truckee River School. Students from Forest Charter School also receive awards. What began in 1970 with a group of educators wanting to help local students has grown into a scholarship effort distributing close to $2 million in a single year. We have the community and the dedicated TTCF staff and TTCSC volunteers to thank for helping our students take their next steps.
Kris
OCCUPATION Founder & Creative Steward, Cultural Threads and Nonprofit 14,000 FT ORIGINALLY FROM Auburn, California HOW LONG IN TRUCKEE/TAHOE? 21 years WHY TRUCKEE? Growing up in Auburn, I was lucky to spend much of my childhood in the mountains. After graduating from Sacramento State and several months traveling through Latin America, the mountains were the natural choice for my next chapter. Like many, I originally came for the snow, but it was the summers that made me stay. I first settled on the West Shore, but an ideal housing opportunity that eventually brought me to Truckee became an unexpected gift, giving me a place to put down roots and build a life on my own terms. It is an opportunity I am still incredibly grateful for. FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT TRUCKEE When I moved from the West Shore, people said, “You won’t really be living in Tahoe anymore,” but I quickly learned that moving to Truckee didn’t mean leaving Tahoe behind. What I love most about Truckee is the balance: incredible access to the outdoors, a deeply supportive community, and the freedom to create a life outside a traditional workweek. Truckee has also been an incredible place to grow Cultural Threads, with Reno nearby and the Bay Area within reach. Building a business across cultures is not always easy, but Truckee has given me the connection, inspiration and space I’ve needed to keep pursuing this dream.
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© SCOTT SHOTS PHOTOGRAPHY
LOCALS TO KNOW
t p m e K n ti
TOWN CORNER Preparing for Wildfire in
Truckee
Living in Truckee means living with wildfire. Elevated fire weather, smoke from fires across the region and nearby wildfire
Start With Your Household
activity are reminders that
There are several important steps every household can take now. Start by making sure you are registered for Nevada County Alerts. Emergency alerts are one of the primary ways you may receive critical information about an incident affecting our community. Don’t assume you are already registered. Take a few minutes to make sure your contact information is current.
conditions can change quickly. Preparedness starts well before smoke is visible or an evacuation warning is issued. September is National Preparedness Month, making this a good time to check in on something we should be thinking about throughout the year: Are we ready? Preparedness happens at many levels. As individuals, we can make sure our households are ready to respond. As your local government agency, the Town of Truckee is working with our public safety agencies and regional partners to strengthen the systems, planning, and infrastructure that support our community before, during, and after an emergency.
Know your evacuation zone. Truckee and Nevada County use preestablished evacuation zones to help communicate which areas are under an evacuation warning or order. Knowing your zone before an emergency makes it easier to quickly recognize when instructions apply to you. Knowing your zone does not mean relying on one predetermined evacuation route. Follow official evacuation instructions and be prepared to use an alternate route based on emergency conditions. Next, develop a wildfire action plan for your household. Think through how you would leave, where you would go, how you would communicate if family members were separated and what you would need to take with you. Consider children, older adults, family
members who may need additional assistance, pets and large animals. Keep emergency supplies and a Go Bag ready, including medications, important documents, water, food, clothing, chargers and other essentials. Keeping basic supplies in your vehicle can also help you respond quickly. Red Flag Warning days are an especially important time to be ready. Consider loading your Go Bag, keeping your vehicle fueled and positioned so you can leave easily, keeping pets nearby, and making sure everyone in your household knows the plan. Maintaining defensible space and taking steps to harden your home against embers can make a meaningful difference in reducing wildfire risk. The Truckee Fire Protection District website is a great resource to support your home preparedness.
Looking at Evacuation Across Truckee Truckee’s mountain setting, limited routes in and out of town and neighborhoods, wildfire risk, and seasonal increases in population all make large-scale evacuation challenging. That is why the Town of Continued on page 34 Fall 2026 | 33
Truckee, in coordination with Tahoe Donner Association, launched a Comprehensive Large-Scale Evacuation Study earlier this year. The study is looking closely at how people could move safely out of harm’s way during a major emergency. While wildfire is the primary focus, the study is also considering other incidents that could require a large-scale evacuation covering neighborhoods throughout the Town of Truckee. This is not simply a study of maps. The project examines roadway capacity, traffic movement during different emergency scenarios, potential bottlenecks and other constraints affecting residents, visitors, and emergency responders. Importantly, the process also incorporates something a computer model cannot provide on its own: local experience and input. Earlier this summer, to help inform recommendations, the Town invited residents, second-home owners, employees, businesses, and visitors to identify locations where they have experienced or anticipate congestion, limited access, or other evacuation challenges. Through the fall, the project team will continue analyzing findings and identifying potential actions. A community town
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hall will provide an opportunity to share what has been learned and discuss proposed recommendations before the study is finalized. The goal is not to create one evacuation plan or predict exactly how every future emergency will unfold. Instead, the study will help the Town and regional partners identify constraints and establish priorities for future improvements.
Preparedness Is Something We Build Together The Town will continue working with our public safety agencies and regional partners to prepare for emergencies, improve our systems and plan for the future. Community resilience also begins long before an emergency, with actions taken by individual households. Sign up for alerts. Know your zone. Make a plan. Prepare your Go Bag. Reduce wildfire risk around your home. Talk with your family and neighbors about your exit plan. When both households and our community systems are prepared, Truckee is better positioned to respond when conditions change. For preparedness information, evacuation resources, and updates from the Town of Truckee, visit townoftruckee.gov/ ready.
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