And just like that, another winter is coming to an end! In this quarter's magazine, we’ve rounded up some seasonal information about why the spring runoff is so important to our community, the best places in Truckee to enjoy a glass of wine, fun activities to try with friends, and more.
The Best Pour Decisions
If you have ever met me, you know my hometown is Napa, California, or better known as Wine Country. When we moved to Truckee, I was pleasantly surprised at the great wine culture that exists in our community. Turn to page 6 to learn more about some of the best wine spots in Truckee.
The Local Watershed, Spring Melt, and Our Impact
The health of the Truckee River Watershed is profoundly influenced by the surrounding community. Turn to p. 12 to learn ways that we can protect our watershed.
This One’s for the Grownups
Do you ever just need a night off and away from your responsibilities? Whether that is kids, cleaning, or dogs, sometimes we adults just need a chance to have some fun. And luckily for us, Truckee has lots of opportunities for that. Turn to page 18 to read about some of our favorite activities for the grownups out there.
The Tahoe-Truckee Climate Transformation Alliance: A Regional Push Toward Carbon Neutrality
Have you heard of the Tahoe-Truckee Climate Transformation Alliance (CTA)? In this issue, we give an update on this essential model for collective climate action from our own backyard. CTA is a vital public-private partnership focused on achieving carbon neutrality for the Truckee and North Lake Tahoe region by 2045. Turn to page 30 to learn all about the amazing work they are doing in our region.
I want to encourage all of us to think about how we can support our community after a slower-than-normal winter. “ ”
Whether we are ready or not, spring is just around the corner. This winter might have been a little milder than our last few, but I hope you still got in a few turns and some perfect bluebird days. As we head into “mud season,” I want to encourage all of us to think about how we can support our community after a slower-thannormal winter. Our businesses are what make this community so special, so go downtown for happy hour, buy that new hiking shirt locally, and make a point to support all of our small businesses this spring. I hope to see you around town!
Jessica Penman President and CEO
Truckee Chamber of Commerce Editor, Truckee Magazine
What's Happening!
The Best
Pour Decisions
Swirl, Sip, and Soak-in Truckee's Wine Spots
ThePourHouse
Wine has this incredible knack of taking a basic experience to a new level. If you’re alone, a glass of wine is like an old friend. When you’re with a group, it’s like a common thread. And while we might have our go-to blends, regions, and grapes, trying something new can be a surprisingly great experience. To enjoy wine is to have an experience and fortunately for us, Truckee has several venues that only add to those moments, each in its unique way.
THE POUR HOUSE
Fun, funky, and right in line with the historic Truckee vibe, The Pour House on Jiboom Street is a local favorite. It’s the go-to stop for anyone needing to bring a last-minute bottle of wine (or cheese)to a gathering. But it’s also a warm and welcoming space to try something new and chat with the owners. You’ll always be greeted with a smile and you can’t help but smile yourself as you pull open the squeaky door and step into the historic building. Owner Linda Baumgardner will likely be pouring something from the shelf and your experience here will be cozy, charming, and always fun. And the best part? You don’t have to worry about choosing what wine to try. Tell Linda what you are interested in and she will pop a bottle and pour you a glass.
The Pour House offers 350 selections from all over the world with a focus on smaller production wines. Pair your choice with their wide selection of chocolates,
Truckee River Winery
olives, nuts, salami, crackers, and all the yummy cheeses, curated by The Wheyfarer.
The Pour House Wine Club
Three wine club options offer members carefully curated wines, 10% off all bottles, and discounted tastings with a fun crew of wine lovers. From $90 to $240, there is a wine club suited for your wallet and your palate. Plus, each month, members receive a very detailed newsletter that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the thought process that went into that month’s selections.
Events at The Pour House Tastings are held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. Get four little pours and light snacks to pair with them for $20, or $10 for Wine Club Members. See all upcoming events at thepourhousetruckee.com/events.
UNCORKED
While out on the town (downtown Truckee that is), pop into Uncorked, where the lighting is low, the vibe upscale, and the bartenders know their wines. The owner, Chris, has done an excellent job of creating a welcoming yet refined space
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for sipping, trying, and purchasing wine without being stuffy. If you’re something of a sommelier already, you’ll find what you’re looking for here. If you’re not sure which wine will complement your grilled halibut best, their staff is incredibly helpful in finding you the perfect pairing, and at your ideal price point.
The Uncorked Wine Club
The goal of the Uncorked Wine Club is to introduce members to new regions, appellations (geographic area where grapes are grown), and varietals (grape variety used to produce the wine). Members receive two hand-selected bottles of wine each month for $55, or they can opt for 3 bottles for $83.
Events at Uncorked
Every month, Uncorked puts together fun events that often combine wine knowledge with culinary education. Past events include a Pasta Making Class, Food and Wine Pairing Discussion, and a Charcuterie and
Cheese Board making class. Check their schedule for upcoming classes and events that are fun to do with your Truckee visitors at uncorkedtahoe. com/events. Be sure to visit their other locations: Petra at Northstar, Uncorked Tahoe City, and Uncorked Olympic Valley.
MOUNTAIN BREW
If you’re on the west side of town and craving a glass of wine and a chill atmosphere, Mountain Brew also acts as a bottle shop, where you can enjoy a glass on premises. Their focus is on European wines, in line with their seasonally fresh European/
Mountain Brew
Mountain Brew
Alpine food menu, which allows them to offer wine bottles at a lower price point. Their selection is curated from the wine selection at Zander’s The BottleShop, and changes based on popularity. Mountain Brew owners Jaime Legare and Stacey Larson also own Zander’s, a specialty liquor store known for its carefully curated selection of beer, wine, and spirits, and it’s just across I-80 in the West Truckee Center. Stacey has been known to run over and grab more bottles when Mountain Brew diners are enjoying a certain vintage.
Mountain Brew is a nice little spot when you want to get out of the chaos of downtown for a quiet moment to yourself or with friends. It’s also a great spot to get a healthy bite before or after a day at Donner Lake. Bonus — they offer wine in
cans and non-glass bottles so you can grab a little libation for your day at the lake. Learn more at mountainbrewcoffee.com.
COFFEEBAR
With two locations on either side of town, Coffeebar carries a line of Italian wines that can stand on their
own but also pair well with food (like Italian wines do). If it’s a nice day, enjoy the patio at their OG downtown Truckee location and pretend you’re at an Italian bistro. If it’s on the cooler side, cozy up indoors and enjoy the wafting aromas of their coffees, baked goods, and hot meals made with
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5 3 0 - 4 4 8 - 8 5 3 2
TRUCKEE BREWING COMPANY
locally-sourced produce. Coffeebar owner Greg Buchheister recently opened DOPO Pizza & Pasta in The Old Lumberyard downtown. DOPO has a similar, but more extensive, Italianfocused wine list. Learn more at coffeebar.com
TRUCKEE RIVER WINERY
SINCE 2018 DOG FRIENDLY PATIO SEATING SOURDOUGH PIZZA FRESH OUT OF OUR BRICK OVEN
DINE IN OR TAKE OUT
The only winery in Truckee since 1989, the Truckee River Winery offers high altitude single vineyard wines from their micro-winery and homestead in downtown Truckee on South River Street. The location is unique and well-suited for tastings, relaxing with a book, or meeting up with friends. Their hours are Thursday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (subject to change), with reservations highly recommended. They offer outdoor garden seating with firepits and blankets, and limited indoor seating inside their famous red barn.
They offer a selection of small bites to pair with their awardwinning Truckee Family Wines, but guests are welcome to bring their own picnic items to enjoy, provided they are selfcontained and ready to eat.
The Wine Club
Members enjoy exclusive access to limited-edition releases, handpicked vintages delivered quarterly, invites to private events with gourmet pairings, discounts on purchases, and exclusive tastings. Learn more at truckeefamilywines.com.
Truckee River Winery
AprilCole
OCCUPATION
Executive Director, Friends of the Truckee Library and Group Fitness Instructor, Liv Studio Truckee (Because you're not a true Truckee local if you don't have at least two jobs, right?)
ORIGINALLY FROM Rocklin, CA
HOW LONG IN TRUCKEE? 16 years
WHY TRUCKEE?
My family moved to Truckee after my then-job asked if I would relocate when the office moved here. I hesitated - not a fan of being cold - so they sweetened the deal by offering my family an allexpenses-paid trip anywhere in Southeast Asia (I worked for a travel company). I countered with: "How long do I have to commit to living in the snow?" They said one year. I figured I could survive a year in Truckee... and, as anyone who's ever come here for "just one year" knows, the rest is history.
FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT TRUCKEE
There has never been a day living in Truckee when I haven’t had at least one moment of thinking, "I am so lucky to live here". Sometimes it’s when the alpenglow lights up the mountains or when the sun sparkles across Donner Lake. Other times, it’s a friend calling to ask if I can work remotely from a little sandy beach along the Truckee River, and the answer is obviously yes. What really sets this place apart is how much people care: neighbors pitching in, volunteers showing up for Truckee Day to pick up trash, and a community that actively works to protect what makes this place special. The combination of breathtaking beauty and people who show up for it, again and again, is my favorite thing about Truckee.
TO KNOW
From Your House to theTruckee River
THE LOCAL WATERSHED, SPRING MELT, AND OUR IMPACT
Imagine releasing a droplet of water on the rim of the bowl, and it runs down the inside of it, following a natural path. Now, imagine that bowl is the Donner Crest, and that droplet of water is the snow, melting off and running down the mountainside. If that water runs into the Truckee River, it’s part of the Truckee River Watershed. And we play a major part in its health.
Nature’s Reset
Every year, watersheds hit the reset button, thanks to spring runoff. This water recharges meadows, floodplains, groundwater, streams, and wetlands. It’s not an isolated event; spring runoff is driven by a combination of factors that include snowpack amount, soil moisture (how much water is already held in the soils), temperature, timing (early vs late melt), rainon-snow events, and unseasonably warm conditions (which stress ecosystems).
Meadows in particular play an essential role. “Meadows have a natural filtration system,” explained Michele Prestowitz, Executive Director of the Truckee River Watershed Council (TRWC). “They’re the best water filter around.” Meadows are pretty to look at, but they also operate as a high-functioning ecological system that filters, stores, and cools water while releasing it slowly.
The Importance of a Healthy Watershed
When the watershed system is healthy, runoff spreads out into meadows and floodplains, soaks into soil, rejuvenates groundwater, and feeds streams slowly throughout summer.
Remember that single droplet of melting snow? It connects all of us, from mountain meadows to our homes to the Truckee River. Thanks to restoration efforts and growing community awareness, the watershed is becoming more connected and resilient each year.
This creates a regenerative cycle of water storage, clean summer flow, healthy wetlands, and a balanced habitat.
If the system degrades, then water rushes off too quickly and causes erosion, damages trails, increases the possibility of flooding, and picks up and carries pollutants downstream instead of filtering them through healthy soil.
As a population that lives and recreates within the Truckee River Watershed, our choices make a huge impact.
From the Road to the River
When stormwater drains in town (for example, along Donner Pass Road), it flows, untreated, directly into the Truckee River or Donner Lake. That means that much of what’s on the ground (oil, metals, trash, bacteria) is going into our rivers and lakes, including other pollutants and trash.
With mindfulness and care, locals and visitors to Truckee can take practical steps to help keep the lake and river clean. This includes refraining from pouring anything into storm drains, managing household chemicals and pollutants properly, addressing vehicle leaks and spills quickly, and paying attention to where stormwater flows.
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There’s also the issue of dog waste. While it may seem like a natural element out in the forests, because dogs don’t eat a natural diet, their waste isn’t equivalent to wildlife scat. Dog waste on trails and at home adds bacteria and pollutants to the watershed, which is why it’s so important to pick up after your pup, even if you’re out on a hike in the forest.
Spring trail usage can also affect the watershed, which is why knowing when to turn around and give muddy trails a chance to dry out plays a key role in keeping our water clean and ecosystems healthy.
Got Mud? Turn Around
As snow melts, ski resorts close, and cheeseburger birds start singing their songs, the itch to get on the trails is real. However, standing water and muddy trails are a signal telling us that the system is vulnerable and should not be used. Trail damage caused during the spring mud season can last years, not just days or weeks.
While it might seem reasonable to go around the mud, one person doing it creates a new side path that other people follow, which creates a braided trail. This causes the trail to widen, compaction to spread, and meadow edges to degrade,
SWEP helps students check water quality.
which results in habitat damage and ongoing erosion.
So, instead of going through or going around, it’s best to just turn around and give the trail some time to dry, while also honoring seasonal closures.
We All Play a Role in a Healthy Watershed
After 30 years of work, the Truckee River Watershed Council is now seeing more connected and resilient ecosystems. Their work prioritizes meadows, floodplains, and headwaters because they influence how spring runoff moves through the watershed. By restoring natural processes in these areas, TRWC helps spring runoff sustain healthy habitat, clean water, and resilient landscapes, which are benefits that extend well beyond the spring melt and into the dry summer months.
For example, the Euer Valley in Tahoe Donner was experiencing significant trail braiding. Trail users were crossing old culverts, and as it got wetter and more compacted, the trail sank below the meadow’s surface. Working with Tahoe Donner Association, TRWC built a boardwalk to raise recreation impacts off the meadow surface, giving the meadow a chance to recover.
Educating the Watershed's Future Stewards
Sierra Watershed Education Partnerships (SWEP) connects students to the environment and the Truckee River Watershed through hands-on outdoor education and stewardship experiences. By partnering with local schools, families, and organizations like the Truckee River Watershed Council, SWEP helps students engage in real restoration work — removing invasive weeds, planting native species, and learning how everyday actions impact water quality and ecosystem health. These experiences create deeper meaning and a lasting connection to the places that sustain our community, inspiring a ripple effect of stewardship for years to come. Learn more about SWEP’s programs at 4swep.org.
Inspired? Get involved in watershed health by participating in TRWC’s annual Truckee River Day held every October. Or consider signing up as a volunteer as part of their Adopt a Stream program and help monitor water quality in the same creeks four times a year. You can help right at home as well. TRWC has a library of resources for River-Friendly Landscaping at truckeeriverwc.org/ library.
Remember that single droplet of melting snow? It connects all of us, from
mountain meadows to our homes to the Truckee River. Thanks to restoration efforts and growing community awareness, the watershed is becoming more connected and resilient each year. By understanding how spring runoff works and how our everyday actions shape its health, we can help protect the clean water, healthy meadows, and thriving ecosystems that make Truckee one of the best places to live.
Thank you to Michele Prestowitz at TRWC for taking the time to speak with us and share her expertise for this article.
8 GUEST ROOMSBook a weekend getaway or the entire property.
Who says the kids get to have all the fun? This is your excuse to try something new, dust off an old hobby, or finally show off that hidden talent. Book the babysitter, rally a few friends, brush up on your trivia skills, tune up your instrument, or simply show up ready to laugh a little louder than usual. Whether you’re competitive, creative, or just craving a night out with other adults who also need to escape the house for a bit, this is your chance to reconnect, recharge, and remember that fun isn’t just for the under-18 crowd.
Here are a few of the best ways to play in Truckee, for grownups.
THIS ONE'S FOR THE
Grownups
Test Your Knowledge at Trivia Nights
Know a thing or two about geography, science, or movies? Trivia nights are fun whether you’re rolling solo or coming in with a team, and Truckee has its fair share of opportunities to test your skills. Be sure and confirm dates and times at each venue, as they are subject to change.
Alibi Ale Works Truckee Public House
Tuesdays | 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Updates at: alibialeworks.com/events
Craft & Logic Taproom
Wednesdays | 7:00 p.m.
Updates at: instagram.com/craftandlogictaproom
Good Wolf Brewing
Wednesdays | 6:30 p.m.
Updates at: thegoodwolfbrewing.com/event-list
RMU
Mondays | 7:00 p.m.
Updates at: rmumtnculture.com/pages/rmu-truckee
Good Wolf Brewing
Life’s busy, but Truckee makes adulting so much fun. Go throw the axe, join the league, thrive at open mic, and laugh at Don’t Tell Comedy.
Try Out a New Song, Poem, or Comedy Routine at Open Mic Nights
Strap on your guitar, flute, banjo, or whatever it is you make music out of, and get yourself to an open mic night. Or you don't have to perform at all — just enjoy Truckee's rising talent from the comfort of a bar stool.
Good Wolf Brewing
Thursdays | Sign-ups at 6:00 p.m.
Bring your original songs, poetry, comedy, or covers. This is a celebration of all spoken and sung words. A full backline of microphones, instruments, and professional sound is provided for all skill levels.
Alibi Ale Works Truckee Public House
Every 2nd and 4th Monday | Sign-ups at 5:40 p.m., full bands start at 7:00 p.m.
Bring your full band or just yourself. Drum kit, amps, piano, and mics are provided, just bring your own guitars and bass. All ability levels and styles are welcome. Hosted by Mountain Style Music. Alibi also hosts a poetry & reading open mic hosted by Nevada County Poet Laureate Karen Terry on the 2nd Thursday of each month from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Hosted by the Tahoe Truckee School of Music, this weekly open mic is perfect as a practice space. Open to beginners
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Open mic night at Alibi Ale Works
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Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar Thursdays | 6:00 p.m.
and experienced musicians, it’s a safe place to try out new tunes. Plus, you can enjoy happy hour food and drink specials in the bar all evening.
RMU
Wednesdays | 7:00 p.m.
RMU’s open mic night welcomes musicians, comedians, poets, and storytellers; honestly, anything goes. It’s casual and welcoming for firsttimers, new material, or just messing around.
Get Competitive With Adult Sports Leagues + Drop-Ins
More fun than working out at home, more social than shooting hoops alone. The Truckee Donner Recreation & Park District adult leagues are competitive and they get your body moving. Careful, though, some people still play like it’s the championship game. Join an existing team or put together your own. Leagues include soccer, bocce, softball, volleyball, futsal (smaller indoor soccer), 3-on-3 basketball, full-court basketball, and hockey (bookmark this sport for next winter). Most leagues run for several weeks with scheduled evening games, making them easy to fit around work and family. Games are typically held at local spots like the Truckee River Regional Park fields, the Steve Randall Community Recreation Center gym, and the Truckee Regional ice rink in winter. Not ready to commit? Try a drop-in session instead: pickleball, cornhole, table tennis, or Qi Gong.
Learn more at tdrpd.org/179/Adult-Sports
Truckee Rec Center Activities for Seniors
TDRPD also offers regular activities designed for seniors who want to
Co-ed ping pong sport league at the Veteran's Hall
Men's basketball drop-in at the Steve Randall Community Recreation Center, Truckee
Co-ed pickleball drop in
stay active, social, and engaged. Programs include fitness classes, gentle movement like Tai Chi and yoga, drop-in pickleball, board games, bingo, and a free weekly coffee social from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Thursdays. Learn more at tdrpd.org/288/Senior-Programs
Get Out Your Frustrations and Throw an Axe or Practice Your Golf Swing
Need to blow off a little steam? Go throw large, sharp objects at a target at Alpenswing, Truckee’s newest indoor recreation spot in The Old Lumberyard. There’s something wildly satisfying about hurling an axe and landing a perfect throw. Not feeling feral? Try out your golf swing. Alpenswing also has three golf simulator bays featuring TrackMan technology that can help you improve your game by providing, high-precision, real-time data on over 40 key metrics—such as club path, face angle, attack angle, and spin rate—using dual radar systems. Plus, they have adult beverages and light snacks. Reservations recommended. Learn more at alpenswing.com
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Golf sim & axe throwing at Alpenswing
Discuss the Meaning Behind the Story at Book Club
Are you part of a book club? There are several new popular informal book club gathering spots - upstairs at Raley's McKinney Loft, Truckee Teas, or the new FiftyFifty to name a few. Enjoy a change of scenery without the hassle of hosting and support our local businesses during the shoulder season.
So your friends won’t go all in on a book club. All good, because you are invited to join the readers at Truckee’s monthly public book club at Craft &
Logic, held on the 2nd Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. How to join? Read or listen to the book, and then show up! Past reads include “Bear” by Julia Phillips, “After Taste” by Daria Lavelle, and “The Correspondent” by Virginia Evans. Stay up to date and learn what book to read at instagram.com/ craftandlogictaproom.
Shhhhh … This One’s a Secret
If you’re looking for a good laugh, book yourself a spot at a Don’t Tell Comedy Show. They pop up in Truckee on occasion, and part of the fun is that you won’t know the comedians or the location until 8:00 a.m. the day of the
ic
BookclubatCraft&Log
A book club gathering in the McKinney Loft at Raley's O-N-E Market.
show. Their surprise lineups are always a hit, and past events have taken place at local venues like Donner Creek Brewing and Mountain Brew.
Local comedian Andrea B occasionally produces pop-up comedy shows at Donner Creek Brewing and other venues and Next Stop Comedy, another national pop-up comedy series comes through Truckee-Tahoe with nationally-touring comedians.
Learn more and book at donttellcomedy.com/cities/truckee and nextcomedy.com
Life’s busy, but Truckee makes adulting so much fun. Go throw the axe, join the league, thrive at open mic, and laugh at Don’t Tell Comedy. You might just become part of another local microcommunity while making new friends and exploring your hidden talents.
Visit for a courtesy Pit Stop Service
A Higher Level of Service
LOCALS TO KNOW
KeithMasuda
OCCUPATION
PE/PLS, Land Survey Manager
Auerbach Engineering Corp.
ORIGINALLY FROM
West side of the crest, born in Auburn and grew up in Loomis.
HOW LONG IN TRUCKEE?
Coming here since 1986; moved to Truckee permanently in 1999.
WHY TRUCKEE?
It was practical and convenient to be in Truckee, because of the easy freeway access to get over the summit in the winter. Back in those days, 80 didn’t close in a heartbeat with three inches of snow.
FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT TRUCKEE
I like the proximity to the number of ski resorts and wilderness areas for alpine and Nordic skiing in the winter. In the summer, the number of lakes and trails for hiking and biking. The other thing I love about Truckee is how dog friendly the area is.
CHAOS& ENDURANCE
THE STORY OF THE TRUCKEE HOTEL
O n Easter Sunday in the late 1970s, newlyweds staying at the Truckee Hotel drew a bath in their bridal suite. At the same time, downstairs, just below the couple’s room, the hotel’s restaurant was filling up with locals, tourists, and skiers. “It was a great ski season,” remembers Stefanie Olivieri, the Truckee Hotel’s owner at the time.
The arriving guests were streaming in to enjoy Easter brunch. Stefanie was seating her patrons throughout the restaurant, and just as she sat a couple at one end of the restaurant, a crash came roaring in from the other side.
Stefanie remembers it clearly with humor, although at the time, there was nothing funny about the wreckage.
“I was helping seat people, and all of a sudden, the Sheetrock over this large table full of 12 family members completely collapsed on the table,” her eyes opened wide in memory.
“Oh my God, water was everywhere, and Sheetrock had spattered on everyone, all over the walls, all over the restaurant, all over these people’s food, and even on me.”
The newlyweds must have become occupied, forgetting to turn off the tub’s faucet. It overflowed, bringing the
Donner Summit Historical Society
Sheetrock crashing down through the ceiling. Fortunately, the tub remained upstairs.
BUILD. BURN. REBUILD. REPEAT
The Sheetrock debacle was a relatively minor incident in the Truckee Hotel’s long life thus far. Long before Stefanie Olivieri ever walked through the doors, the hotel had lived many lives and was rebuilt after several disasters.
The name “Truckee Hotel” was first used for a hotel located near today’s Jax at the Tracks, along the railroad tracks. This structure burned down in 1900 and was not rebuilt. The first record of a hotel opening on the current Truckee Hotel site dates back to August 27, 1873, when it was known as the American House. It must have been a lively venue, as this early hotel’s guests frequented the saloons along Front Street (today’s Donner Pass Road), as well as the red-light district’s dance halls and boarding houses on Jibboom Street.
In 1877, the hotel was remodeled by Stuart McKay, who purchased the building for $2,364.71 in 1875. The new threestory structure offered board and lodging for $6 per week and meals for 25 cents. Then, in March of 1878, the hotel burned in the Bridge Street fire. McKay rebuilt and renamed it the Pacific House.
Thomas Whitney eventually took over ownership and remodeled it again around 1889, turning it into its current four-story iteration. He named it the Whitney House, and it served as a stagecoach stop for those traveling through the Sierra. It was again damaged by fire, this time on August 15, 1909. Whitney quickly rebuilt and added modern conveniences like electric lights, hot and cold running water, and steam heat. He renamed it the New Whitney House.
Rebirth. Again and Again.
By the 1920s, the railroad and automobiles made travel to Truckee much easier, and the building continued to host lodgers. It changed names several times, including the Blume Hotel from the 1920s to 1933, and the Riverside Hotel from 1934 to 1943. In 1944, Mrs. Minnie Coleman and Mrs. Ruth Notley bought the building, and it served as lodging and a Greyhound bus depot.
When the building entered its “Alpine Riverside Hotel” era (1956–1977), during the time that the Olympics came to town, the facade of the building had been changed in the style of a chalet, with the goal to make it “look like something out of Austria or Switzerland,” Stefanie laughed.
By 1977, the building’s facade “stood out like a sore thumb in downtown Truckee,” said Stefanie. “The building was quite neglected.” Stefanie was running Cabona’s, and in order to help revive downtown Truckee, she and a friend formed the Downtown Merchants Association.
“One way I thought to beautify downtown Truckee was to purchase and restore this giant building,” she said. What Stefanie didn’t fully understand yet, and laughs about now, was that she had bought a living, breathing challenge, and it
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was about to demand everything she had, including her energy, time, profits, and patience.
“I was young and naive and energetic,” she said, “and really had no idea what I was getting myself into.”
The Pains of Restoration
Once Stefanie, her husband, and a business partner bought the Truckee Hotel in the late 1970s, restoration began. Inside, the scope was enormous. Three floors of guest rooms needed attention, and the ground floor had to function as a working restaurant. A month into the project, the state enacted a new law requiring sprinkler systems in all hotels. “That about broke our back,” she said.
The building also required exterior fire escapes. One of Stefanie’s earliest guests experienced a tragic accident when a child pulled the fire escape release and lost two fingers.
Stefanie also inherited long-term tenants. Among them was Helmer DeRoth, a Swedish immigrant and former lumber worker who had lived for years in a small third-floor room. A familiar face around town, Helmer ate breakfast at the Squeeze In every morning.
Downstairs, Stefanie opened and ran various restaurant concepts herself. After an initial steakhouse-style restaurant called Truckee Livery and Feed, she pivoted, this time recruiting
Our Tahoe Truckee community continues to grow—and with that growth comes an even greater need for exceptional, accessible healthcare close to home. The Tahoe Forest Health System Foundation is proud to support our hospitals in delivering high-quality, lifesaving care right here in our region. Together with our generous donors, we are strengthening local healthcare today and ensuring it remains available for generations to come.
As National Doctors’ Day on March 30 approaches, we are reminded of the extraordinary physicians and care teams who serve our community with skill and compassion. One grateful oncology patient shared this about Dr. Thomas Semrad: “Integral to the care of his oncology patients, Dr. Semrad brings compassion, empathy, knowledge, and respect. As a physician and individual,
a Chinese chef from San Francisco and relocating his family to Truckee in order to open a Chinese restaurant. However, communication was difficult, the family disliked the climate, and one morning Stefanie arrived to find they had vanished. “They left in the middle of the night and never came back,” she said. “They were gone along with everything that was in the pantry.”
By the late 1980s, Stefanie was ready to sell, and a deal was made between Stefanie and Mike and Dawn Anderson, who were excited about the possibilities of running a quaint hotel.
It was later purchased by Jeff and Karen Winter for close to $2.4 million. In 2006, they sold it to the current owners, Truckee Hotel Partners LLC, a small group of investors from across the state.
Throughout it all, including collapsed ceilings, vanished furniture, fleeing chefs, fires, rebuilds, and reinvention, the Truckee Hotel stands proudly on the corner of a historic crossroads. It can be seen as a metaphor for our town, where a varied past hasn’t been erased, but woven into its very character.
he shines.” Stories like this reflect the profound di erence our providers make in the lives of patients and families.
Gratitude is central to our mission. Through our Grateful Patient Program, patients and families can honor caregivers who made a meaningful impact during a critical time. A gift made in a provider’s honor not only recognizes exceptional care—it also supports vital programs, services, and equipment that keep our community healthy and thriving. With 100% of every donation directed to the area you choose, your generosity directly benefits your loved ones, neighbors, and friends. This National Doctors’ Day, celebrate the healthcare professionals who make a di erence. Make a Grateful Patient gift at t d.com grateful patient. Together, we ensure exceptional care remains accessible to all.
Après Season at Its Finest
Discover the best seat in all of après. After a long day on the slopes, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe invites you to après ski, featuring experiences for all ages and desires. Savor gourmet s’mores as you gather for a private firepit experience. Cozy up with fur throws, bubbles, and a private heated oasis from the comfort of a Veuve Clicquot Cabana Chalet. Enliven the night with friends and family in a virtual gaming experience at the Topgolf Swing Suites. Celebrate with tacos and tequila at our new slopeside restaurant, Montesa, Cantina Moderna. Warm up at The Noodle Bar pop up in Manzanita, complete with house-made broths and Tin Wah Co. noodles. Whatever après adventure you seek, create endless memories at our winter haven.
We appreciate the continued support of our neighbors and are delighted to extend Locals Card benefits, featuring exclusive offers for local residents. Contact us at 530-562-3051 to learn more.
The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Lake Tahoe
Rejuvenate your mind and body this winter season at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Lake Tahoe. Indulge in one of our new signature offerings designed to be enjoyed after a day on the slopes, or a custom seasonal treatment.
Montesa, Cantina Moderna
Recently opened, Montesa, Cantina Moderna is The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe’s new slopeside restaurant, serving elevated takes on traditional Mexican street food and cocktails. Whether you’re skiing in or passing through, Montesa is the place to indulge in bold flavors, refuel, and raise a glass to the moment.
Climate Transformation Alliance
TAHOE-TRUCKEE COLLABORATION AND PROGRESS
“Climate change is a crisis already reshaping our region–how Truckee Tahoe responds in the next few years will be critical for generations to come.”
— Climate Transformation Alliance Program Manager, Kayleigh Reynolds
Climate Threats in Truckee-Tahoe Include
INCREASING TEMPERATURES, PROJECTED TO RISE UP TO 4-9℉ BY THE END OF THE CENTURY. THAT MEANS:
⊲ More winter days above freezing.
⊲ Longer summer heat waves.
⊲ Increased stress on forests, wildlife, and water systems.
⊲ Higher energy demand for cooling.
DECREASING SNOWPACK, PROJECTED TO DECLINE BY ~50% BY MID-CENTURY. THAT AFFECTS:
⊲ Ski resorts and winter recreation.
⊲ Spring and summer water supply.
⊲ Hydropower generation.
⊲ Forest moisture levels going into fire season.
MORE PRECIPITATION FALLING AS RAIN VERSUS SNOW, ESPECIALLY AT LOWER ELEVATIONS. THIS SHIFT INCREASES:
⊲ Flood risk in winter.
⊲ Reduced late-season water availability.
⊲ Infrastructure strain during heavy storm events.
INCREASING WILDFIRE THREAT. WILDFIRES THREATEN:
⊲ Homes and businesses.
⊲ Tourism and recreation.
⊲ Air quality.
⊲ Critical infrastructure.
⊲ Carbon stored in forests.
The Climate Transformation Alliance (CTA) launched in mid-2022 as a formal collaborative platform with a purpose to coordinate climate action across jurisdictions and sectors.
DECLINES IN ECONOMIC DRIVERS (TOURISM, RECREATION, REAL ESTATE). CLIMATE IMPACTS CAN MEAN:
⊲ Shorter ski seasons.
⊲ Smoke-filled summer weeks.
⊲ Insurance cost spikes.
⊲ Reduced property values in high-risk zones.
⊲ Volatile visitation patterns.
INCREASED COST OF LIVING, HOUSING CRISIS, WORKFORCE SHORTAGE. CLIMATE STRESS COMPOUNDS AN ALREADY TIGHT HOUSING MARKET.
⊲ Insurance premiums increase.
⊲ Energy costs fluctuate.
⊲ Housing supply remains constrained.
⊲ Workforce recruitment becomes harder.
DISRUPTIONS IN ENERGY SERVICES.
⊲ Extreme weather strains power systems. Heat waves increase demand. Wildfires can threaten transmission lines.
⊲ Mountain communities need reliable, resilient energy systems. As electrification expands, that need only grows.
What Is the Climate Transformation Alliance and Why Does It Matter?
Founded through a charter and strategic plan developed in 2021 by Truckee Mayor, Anna Klovstad, Truckee Tahoe Airport District Board Director, David Diamond, and Truckee Donner Public Utility District Board Director, Christa Finn, with facilitation by Sierra Business Council—the Climate Transformation Alliance (CTA) launched in mid-2022 as a
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Havoc Hendricks
formal collaborative platform. Holding quarterly meetings, CTA’s purpose is to coordinate climate action across jurisdictions and sectors by sharing knowledge, identifying effective local solutions, and advancing greenhousegas reduction and climate resilience through shared strategies rather than isolated efforts.
The Climate Transformation Alliance is working to catalyze action in the face of these daunting challenges by leveling up our region's technical capacity, providing education and a space for resource sharing, growing local partnerships and collaboration, and celebrating our region's successes.
The alliance recognizes that no single agency or organization can carry the entire burden of climate mitigation and adaptation, especially in a complex environment like the Tahoe-Truckee region, where seasonal recreation, transportation patterns, housing, and natural systems are all intertwined with
Truckee Mayor Anna Klovstad (right) speaking at a quarterly meeting.
the local climate. CTA serves as both a convener and an action hub, helping stakeholders align around common data, policy options, and programs.
Recent Progress: Tools, Data, and Strategy
In 2025, CTA rolled out two important public tools:
A Regional Greenhouse Gas Dashboard
This online dashboard allows users to view emissions inventories across jurisdictions, including per-capita data for the Town of Truckee, Nevada County, and unincorporated Placer County.
It creates:
⊲ A shared baseline.
⊲ Transparent metrics.
⊲ A way to track progress over time.
A Policy Clearinghouse
The clearinghouse compiles emission-reduction policies already adopted locally. If one agency has implemented a successful measure, others can replicate or scale it. Instead of reinventing the wheel, partners build on each other’s research, community outreach, financial investments, and work.
CTA has also expanded its communications strategy and begun presenting at statewide climate conferences, bringing Tahoe-Truckee’s rural mountain perspective into broader policy discussions. This is critical because the Truckee Tahoe Region is impacted by what is happening across the rest of the state and country.
Founding Partners Report
Regional climate transformation has begun within the founding partners’ own organizations. Here’s a snapshot of their progress over the past few years.
TRUCKEE TAHOE AIRPORT DISTRICT
Cutting Aviation Emissions
⊲ Beginning in 2024, Truckee Tahoe Airport leads the nation and the world as the first airport selling only blended
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Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The Truckee Tahoe Airport is achieving about a 23% lifecycle carbon reduction per gallon compared to conventional Jet A.
⊲ Completed a transition to 100% blended SAF for a major customer in 2023, reducing that customer’s Scope 3 emissions by 31% for the year.
Cleaning Up Operations
⊲ Replaced four internal combustion vehicles with electric vehicles.
⊲ Installed electric ground power units, efficient airfield lighting, and EV chargers.
Measuring and Managing Impact
⊲ Partnered with NZero to track Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.
⊲ Funds large-scale wildfire mitigation projects, including shaded fuel breaks and forest treatments across multiple fire districts and state lands to reduce high-severity fire risk and protect stored forest carbon.
TOWN OF TRUCKEE
Tracking and Reducing Municipal Emissions
⊲ Maintains greenhouse gas inventories (2008, 2016, 2022) covering buildings, fleet, employee commute, and waste.
⊲ Uses the data to guide operational decisions.
Electrification and Building Decarbonization
⊲ Leads Go Electric Truckee Tahoe, offering contractor training, online courses, and one-on-one electrification coaching.
⊲ Helps building owners plan heat pump installations and transition away from fossil fuels.
Behavior and Infrastructure Programs
⊲ Extended the Dark Sky Outdoor Lighting Rebate Program, replacing 134 fixtures and encouraging motion-sensor upgrades to reduce wasted energy.
⊲ Supports bike infrastructure, Bike Month events, and integration with Truckee BCycle.
⊲ Keep Truckee Green facilitates composting, promotes and supports reusable dining ware at businesses and restaurants, is instrumental in supporting and promoting the ban of single-use plastic water bottles and promoting Tahoe tap water and refilling stations, and much more.
Fleet Decarbonization
⊲ Transitioned to renewable diesel fuel, reducing the carbon impact of each gallon of fuel by 50%. This fuel is now servicing Truckee Fire Protection District and Truckee Donner PUD vehicles as well.
⊲ Transitioning fleet vehicles to EV. Currently 11 light-duty EVs, 2 electric motorcycles, and 6 electric transit vans.
⊲ Charger installation at Town Hall, the Corporation Yard, and public parking areas in downtown Truckee. An EV charging master plan is being developed.
TRUCKEE DONNER PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT
Applying a “GHG Filter”
⊲ Maintains comprehensive greenhouse gas inventories (2008, 2012, 2022) across Scopes 1–3.
⊲ Uses a net-carbon-reduction lens to evaluate capital investments and programs.
Electrification and Efficiency
⊲ Conducts annual evaluation of conservation and electrification programs to track kWh savings and GHG reductions.
⊲ Added electric Chevy Silverado trucks to its fleet in 2024.
⊲ Launched new time-of-use rates to support electrification while balancing affordability and reliability.
Resilient Infrastructure
⊲ Built new water system infrastructure with efficiency and long-term resilience in mind.
⊲ Continues working to secure more carbon-free electricity resources for customers.
Community and Business Engagement
CTA extends beyond public agencies. Any Tahoe-Truckee organization is encouraged to participate.
⊲ The CTA dashboard highlights initiatives like renewable diesel programs and sustainable purchasing policies.
⊲ Northstar Community Services District advanced a Wood
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Energy Facility using locally sourced woody biomass for heat and energy, linking wildfire mitigation with renewable energy generation.
New: Project Incubator Workshops
In the past, CTA hosted accelerator sessions where local groups pitched climate solutions and received funding. Winning ideas included composting programs and Northstar Community Services District’s biomass utilization efforts - that program was up and running within 18 months. But the Climate Transformation Alliance is not a funding source for projects. Their work is targeted on sharing information from climate experts, sharing ideas, and finding grants and funding opportunities to share with organizations and then providing guidance and support to get funding-ready projects approved. It’s much more effective to have a good project idea and find funding for it than to try to mold a project to an available grant. CTA’s new initiative is Project Incubator Workshops. The first Project Incubator Workshop will take place on Friday, April 10, from 9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
The Project Incubator Workshop will focus on moving climate ideas that could be implemented in the region by existing agencies and organizations into funding-ready projects. Prework is encouraged for a productive workshop. If you would like to participate in the Project Incubator Workshop, please contact CTA staff at CTA@sierrabusiness.org to ensure you receive all the prep materials. All are invited to attend and join a workshop group to lend expertise and ideas, or to simply find out about CTA projects.
Carbon neutrality by 2045 is ambitious. But in a region where climate so greatly affects our environment and economy, standing still isn’t an option. Tahoe-Truckee is choosing to move together with the Climate Transformation Alliance. For more information about how you can get involved, visit climatetransformationalliance.org/
Scan to see a video about CTA.
full service pest control inside & out your local plant/tree health care specialist residential & commercial
DeannaNeu
OCCUPATION
Owner of DeLux Landscaping, Level 3 Ski Instructor & Mountain Guide at Palisades Tahoe
ORIGINALLY FROM Walnut Creek, CA
HOW LONG IN TRUCKEE? 35 years. I’m one of “those.” I moved to Tahoe for one year, to get skiing “out of my blood”—35 years later it’s still in my blood!
WHY TRUCKEE? I lived in Tahoe City, Alpine and Olympic Valley originally. When it came time to buy a house, Truckee was the affordable place to buy at the time. Truckee is an amazing place to come home to, we are so fortunate! It’s also the best place to raise kids; I have 2 beautiful daughters, Magnolia and Aliza, who are living their best lives right now, hopefully returning home over the next five years. Truckee is also the best place to adopt fur babies! All of our dogs and cats, Lupita, Ripple and Monie, have been rescued. Jamie and I were married here in 2019; the support and love from the community is very genuine and special. We feel safe, loved, and uplifted by our Truckee community.
FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT TRUCKEE
I believe life is about having fun, being kind, and loving one another. Truckee has such a close-knit community built on helping and supporting each other, and in our beautiful mountain environment, it’s easy to find fun year-round. As Truckee continues to grow, the heartbeat of this community will never be lost. I love living in a place where you can make eye contact in passing, share a smile with strangers and friends, and come together not only in times of celebration, but also in times of need.
I also love being part of such an active and healthfocused community. Living in a mountain town naturally attracts inspiring athletes and like-minded, motivated people. My company motto is “Work Hard. Be Kind.” It’s a simple principle, but one that guides everything I do.
Scan to read about Deanna's wife, former big mountain/ freeskier, Jamie Burge.
The Hows and Whys of Truckee
How to Be A Great Trail User: Trail Etiquette 101
As the snow starts melting off and trails begin to open up, Truckee starts thinking about running shoes, hiking boots, and mountain bikes. Being a great trail user means understanding signage, user right of way, directionality, spring melt conditions, your impact on the environment, and sometimes, simple common sense. Here’s a little refresher for you and your Truckee visitors.
Hiking, Biking,
or E-bikes,
Oh My...
Before you jump on the trail, take a minute to ensure it’s suited for your sport. While most Tahoe Truckee trails are multi-use (meaning they’re open to hikers, runners, mountain bikers, and dogs), some are user-specific. It’s no fun to be caught walking on a mountainbike-only trail; it’s also very dangerous. And vice versa, mountain bikers should always check if biking is allowed on certain trails. For example, the Tahoe Rim Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail have sections that are closed to bikers.
What about e-bikes? Again, different trails have different rules. A great place to find out what you can do on any particular trail in the area is on the Trail Forks app or specific trail websites, like tahoerimtrail.org and tahoedonner.com/ trails.
Maps posted at trailheads also give a ton of information, so take the time to stop and read them before heading out.
Trail Flow: Who Yields + Where to Ride
If you learn two things before hitting the trails, make it these: who yields, and which way you’re supposed to go.
Who has the right of way?
The rules here apply to every trail, everywhere. All users yield to equestrians. Bikers pull over for hikers. If two bikers meet head-on, the rider climbing uphill has the right of way, which means downhill riders should pull over and let them pass. Dogs count as hikers, so they have the right of way, too. E-bikes can get a little murky depending on the trail, but the best rule of thumb is to be courteous, especially to riders grinding uphill in front of you.
Trail Direction
Some trails are one-way only and activity-specific. For example, Donkey Town and Happy Face (off the 06 fire road) run in a single direction. Before you drop in, take a minute to confirm which way the trail flows so you don’t accidentally ride against traffic.
Pack it Out
Carry a pack and leave no trace, other than your footprints. That means picking up after your dog and packing out the poop bag. Please don’t stash the bag on the trail and save it to be picked up on your way out. Many poop bags get forgotten and left.
What About Muddy Trails?
We caught up with Matt Chappell of the Truckee Dirt Union and Michele Prestowitz of Truckee River Watershed Council. Here’s what they told us:
MUD: If you encounter muddy sections on a trail, the best choice is to turn around and come back another day. Those conditions are a clear signal that the landscape is vulnerable (the soils
are saturated and easily compacted) and when bikes or boots leave ruts in spring melt season, that damage can last for several years. And while it may feel harmless to detour around the muddy spot, that’s actually how trails get “braided” over time: one person steps or rides around the edge, the next person follows, and soon the trail spreads wider and wider into nearby vegetation and meadow surfaces, multiplying erosion, compaction, and habitat disturbance.
CLAY: In the Tahoe region, the intent is to keep our trails in good running shape and to lessen the maintenance burden. Typical Tahoe trails are built from a mixture of natural soils, but there are some trails that have more clay content than others. These are the ones that stick to your shoes and tires, bog down your bike, and are not usable during the wettest storm cycles. If you notice your tires getting stuck with clay, then it’s safe to say you should not be on that trail at that exact time. ~ Matt Chappell
When everyone is using proper trail etiquette, experiencing the outdoors with others is more enjoyable, safer, and better for our environment. Happy running, hiking, and riding!
RNO Puts
With nonstop flights to 20+ destinations, RNO will get your wheels turning. Whether it’s a business trip or a beach getaway, it’s that easy to turn your suitcase into a swimsuitcase and unpack your next adventure. Scan to explore nonstop flights.
