Defensible Space, Tree Health Management and Wildfire Prevention
Just Keep Swimming One Member’s Aquatic Journey of Self-Discovery
The Buzz Local Activities, Dining + Updates
EDITORIAL + PRODUCTION TEAM
Lindsay Hogan Drew Deurlington Carlynne Fajkos Cynthia Cendreda Jesus Antonio Vazquez Will Apotheker
SENIOR MANAGEMENT
Annie Rosenfeld | General Manager arosenfeld@tahoedonner.com
Miah Cottrell | Director of Information Technology mcottrell@tahoedonner.com
John Groom | Director of Land Management + Open Space jgroom@tahoedonner.com
Jason Hajduk-Dorworth | Director of Administrative Services jhajduk@tahoedonner.com
Lindsay Hogan | Director of Communications + Member Relations lhogan@tahoedonner.com
Justin Malley | Director of Finance + Accounting jmalley@tahoedonner.com
Jon Mitchell | Director of Capital Projects + Facilities jmitchell@tahoedonner.com
Mike Peters | Director of Food + Beverage mpeters@tahoedonner.com
Miguel Sloane | Director of Operations msloane@tahoedonner.com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President | Benjamin Levine blevine@tahoedonner.com
Vice President | Denise Gauny dgauny@tahoedonner.com
Treasurer | Don Koenes dkoenes@tahoedonner.com
Secretary | Courtney Murrell cmurrell@tahoedonner.com
Director | Jim Roth jroth@tahoedonner.com
POSTMASTER: Periodical postage paid at Truckee, California and additional mailing offices. Send address changes to Tahoe Donner News + Life, 11509 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA 96161; (530) 587-9400, Fax (530) 579-3224
EMAIL: comdep@tahoedonner.com
ADVERTISING SALES: CC Media + Publishing is the exclusive advertising representative: (775) 742-9850 | laura@ccmpublishing.com
PUBLISHING INFORMATION
Tahoe Donner Association holds the exclusive service mark right to “Tahoe Donner.” Any unauthorized use of such will be regarded as an infringement of that service mark right and is prohibited. The inclusion of advertising in this publication does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Tahoe Donner Association or its board of directors of the products, services or views contained therein.
Tahoe Donner News + Life (ISSN 1550-6061) is the official monthly publication of Tahoe Donner Association, which is located at 11509 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA 96161. Each membership parcel receives one subscription to a domestic address. Cost to produce and distribute this publication is offset by advertising revenues. Periodicals Postage Paid at Truckee, CA, and additional mailing offices. Member letters to Tahoe Donner are published in the Member Portal; details available at tahoedonner.com/member-letters
Tahoe Donner News + Life is created largely in-house and is printed on certified recycled paper stock using soybased inks.
President’s Welcome
Skyrocketing premiums, canceled policies, insurers exiting the market: it’s more and more difficult to obtain and retain high-quality, affordable wildfire insurance for our Tahoe Donner homes.
That’s why Tahoe Donner recently joined a partnership working to transform the insurance industry’s approach to wildfire risk. Our goal is to make insurance more available and affordable for homeowners in communities like ours.
In 2021, Willis Towers Watson, a top multinational insurance advisory and brokerage firm, formed a partnership with The Nature Conservancy to develop a groundbreaking insurance underwriting risk model that leverages advanced catastrophe modeling to quantify the wildfire risk reduction associated with large-scale forest management.
By linking insurance availability and lower rates to responsible forest management, The Nature Conservancy hopes to create a virtuous circle that promotes healthy forests, reduces wildfire risk, and improves access to affordable wildfire insurance.
With our long-standing and welldocumented investment in forest management, The Nature Conservancy and the insurance and risk specialists at Willis Towers Watson saw Tahoe Donner as the ideal third partner to help put this new risk model into real-world practice.
Working with our new partners, we empirically documented the evidence that forest management has reduced Tahoe Donner’s wildfire risk. Then, by applying this data to the new risk model, we demonstrated how insurance companies can use such data to support reduced insurance costs.
Finally, we helped develop and ultimately purchased a first-of-its-kind wildfire insurance policy whose pricing and underwriting terms explicitly reflect the investment Tahoe Donner has made to reduce wildfire risk throughout our
Association’s 7,376 acres. The Nature Conservancy will reimburse Tahoe Donner for the policy’s full cost.
This proof-of-concept policy is a significant breakthrough for how insurance companies can evaluate wildfire risk. It validates what we in Tahoe Donner have long known: responsible forest management reduces wildfire risk. It shows that insurance risk models can quantify the reduced risk. And it demonstrates that reduced risk can and should result in lower insurance costs.
The numbers prove the potential power of this new approach. Compared with policies based on traditional risk models, the premium for the innovative policy we purchased is 39% lower. These cost savings are directly attributable to Tahoe Donner’s forest management program.
With our partners and the continued support of our members, we believe our pioneering work can foster change within the insurance industry that will ultimately make homeowners insurance more available and more affordable for Tahoe Donner members.
For his work facilitating this partnership, I want to recognize former California Insurance Commissioner and current Tahoe Donner member, Dave Jones. On behalf of the Board of Directors, our management team, and Tahoe Donner’s entire membership, we thank Dave for helping to bring this opportunity to our community.
At a special member forum this spring, we look forward to talking with you, the members, about the many projects and initiatives that we have underway to keep our wildfire-threatened community safe.
As always, please look for me around Tahoe Donner, say hello, and let me know what’s on your mind!
Benjamin Levine
Board President blevine@tahoedonner.com
Brandon Huttenlocher (Header)
JUST KEEP SWIMMING
One TD Member’s Aquatic Journey of Self-Discovery
STORY AND PHOTOS BY CYNTHIA CENDREDA
On a cloudy afternoon in February, I sat at a hightop at the Trailside Bar waiting to interview a member who was referred to me for her recent conquest, a swim around Donner Lake. With a perimeter of roughly 8 miles, I was intrigued. That is no small distance. Considering that the Alcatraz swim in the San Francisco Bay is about two miles, and the English Channel, 21, this is a hefty length for even the most seasoned swimmers, let alone someone who I was told had physical limitations.
I admit I was surprised when she walked up, all plucky, earnest and grinning. She smiles a lot. I’m not sure exactly what I was expecting. We had only briefly corresponded via email. As a swimmer in high school, I recalled most of my teammates as these imposing athletes, broad shouldered with a wingspan as wide as they were tall. But here she was, not much larger than my 5-foot, two-inch frame. I knew instantly I had happened upon someone special.
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO LEARN SOMETHING NEW
Sunanda Sullivan is the definition of humility. She would be the first to deflect any notion that she is anything or anyone extraordinary. In her own words, she is just an adult who had never learned to swim as a child. She hails from the Northwestern desert region of India, where pools of any kind are decidedly in short supply.
“It’s true; I have a very limited range of motion in my right arm, which prevents me from raising or rotating it in certain directions. I was born with Erb’s Palsy, where my brachial plexus nerve was pinched, resulting in paralysis for the first six months of life. My arm eventually recovered on its own but without the benefit of the physical therapies that we have today. I tend not to treat it as a handicap or a disability since I do have some use of it. In my regular life, it doesn’t affect me much. And, I’m proud of all the beautiful ways my body has adapted,” Sullivan explains.
If you are at all familiar with the mechanics of a crawl or freestyle stroke, you know that balance and range of motion in your torso and upper body are essential. Apart from Olympic Swimmer Michael Phelps’s preternatural wingspan, his ability to keep his hips high and balanced, lift his elbows high out of the water, and reach his arms far out in front of him as he rotates create his stunning and distinct glide.
“When I first started, it was the biggest learning curve of my life. I had no idea what I was doing, but I was fortunate to find some great coaches in South Lake. When we moved to Tahoe Donner several years ago, I met coach Mike Carr at Trout Creek Rec Center. All of them have helped me to discover and apply adaptive techniques to my stroke.”
“I started swimming regularly at the Beach Club Marina. By the end of that year, I was able to swim the circumference of Emerald Bay, which is just under four miles. That day, I told myself, ‘I’m going to swim Donner Lake next year.’ ”
“I think it’s pretty extraordinary what she’s been able to accomplish in a relatively short time, not only in the distance she manages but even in how she’s adapted her swim stroke,” says swim coach Mike Carr. “When you aren’t working with a full range of motion in your arms and upper body, you have to find ways to compensate and maximize your efficiency while minimizing the risk of injury. She should be incredibly proud of how far she’s come; I’m elated for her.”
Twelve years ago, she moved to the United States, met her husband in San Jose and started a family. Four years ago, while watching the oldest of her two daughters (ages 9 and 5) in a swim lesson, she was suddenly struck with a resolute determination to learn this activity that many of us take for granted. Living in South Lake Tahoe then, she unceremoniously enrolled in swim lessons to learn the basics. Her original goal was simply to be able to enjoy the ocean during their family vacations in Cape Cod, but it is safe to say her journey since then has been anything but basic.
FROM CRAWLING TO AN OPEN-WATER CONQUEST
Last year, Sullivan swam the circumference of Donner Lake. With only two years of open water experience under her belt and a distance of 7.5 miles, the swim took her around 6.5 hours. She confesses she’s not proud of her time. “It’s a long time! I’m really quite slow.” Sure, it’s slower than a much more experienced swimmer, but as I get to know her, I understand the selfdeprecation is a motivator.
QUIET DETERMINATION
The process has not been easy for Sullivan, who laments that she still swims slower than she’d like, even with the support of fins. “In the beginning, especially as I increased my distances, my right arm would tire out and go limp. Sometimes, I’d have to swim with just my left arm to let the right one recover. And in my first year swimming in open water, I was actually pretty terrified of the depth. But, my husband was a great support. He took me to Donner Lake and encouraged me to try to swim to the buoy and tread water there, and that helped me build up my confidence. Eventually, I started swimming regularly at the Beach Club Marina. By the end of that year, I was able to swim the circumference of Emerald Bay, which is just under four miles. That day, I told myself, ‘I’m going to swim Donner Lake next year.’”
Sullivan completed the Emerald Bay swim in September but would have to wait out the winter before training for Donner Lake. She resumed training the following March utilizing a training program called Couch to 10k. With snowfall continuing late into that spring, the lakes in Tahoe were still too cold for swimming.
Continued on Page 6
“I ended up driving to Folsom, Scott’s Flat, Natoma. I even swam in Shasta Lake on a family vacation. The pool just gets boring for long distances.”
In July, just four months later, she swam the perimeter. “Six-and-a-half hours is pretty slow,” Sullivan says with a laugh. “I just don’t have the same pull in my right arm. I can’t lift my elbow high enough or rotate the same. And, about halfway through, which I realized was the farthest distance I had ever swam, my neoprene hat started chafing. The discomfort was enough to send me into a panic; I nearly wanted to give up! But my husband was right there in the kayak and suggested I flip it around so it chafed the opposite side. That was enough to keep me going and finish. It was a tough day.”
sunny disposition, enduring positivity and quiet determination that I find most inspiring.
I have a very limited range of motion in my right arm, which prevents me from raising or rotating it in certain directions. I was born with Erb’s Palsy, where my brachial plexus nerve was pinched... I’m proud of all the beautiful ways my body has adapted.
Growing up swimming and surfing in Southern California – where the ocean water can reach as high as 70 degrees in summer, I was awestruck with the abilities she’s developed in such a short time, her tolerance for cold water (mine remains very low) and most of all her tenacity. The only other person I could compare her willfulness to is Bethany Hamilton, a professional surfer who lost her left arm to a tiger shark as a teen and who today competes at the highest level of the sport. While Sullivan isn’t headed for the Paralympics anytime soon, it’s her
EVERYTHING IS GOING SWIMMINGLY
These days, Sullivan has set her sights on conquering new lakes and farther distances. “On Sundays, I train in an adult swim class with Mike Carr at Trout Creek Rec Center. We continue to work on improving my rotation. We’re also figuring out how to minimize injury in my left arm through strength training, especially on my lats. I’ve also discovered cold plunging.”
She is raising a new generation of swimmers, with her oldest on the Truckee Tahoe Swim Team at the Truckee Rec Center. “I just want my kids to get it when they’re younger. There are so many details. Learning as an adult requires a lot of mental resilience. You don’t start out great, and, of course, people might look at me funny. But I can’t care about that. I’m busy doing things! I’m glad that my kids can see me learning something new, but I’m also just more grateful than anything. This was not my childhood. The community here is so supportive, and the amenities are just amazing. I love Tahoe Donner.”
Sullivan rotates her body to get her right elbow high enough. She was born with Erb’s Palsy, where her brachial plexus nerve was pinched, resulting in limited motion for her right arm.
Community Begins at home Fire Safety
Spring is the perfect time to take stock of your surroundings and Create a plan for managing defensible space, assessing tree health, removing green waste and refreshing your wildfire prevention efforts
BY CYNTHIA CENDREDA
Managing Tree Health at Home
Tahoe Donner’s Forest Health + Dead Tree Program Helps Property Owners Address Tree Health and Removal
Taking care of trees in Tahoe Donner is important for fire safety, aesthetics and the longevity of our forests. An unmanaged forest can lead to unnatural overcrowding of trees, which can attract pests like bark beetles and threaten the entire forest stand. Promptly identifying and removing dead trees is an essential step in reducing the spread of disease. Through its Forest Health + Dead Tree Program, the Tahoe Donner’s Forestry Department provides tree health assessment and permits for removing trees on residential properties.
Members concerned about trees on their property can contact the Forestry Department at any time to determine their state of health or request the necessary permits for their removal. Dead trees are defined as trees with less than 10% of live crown left. However, property owners can also have trees permitted for removal for fire safety, tree spacing and health, if they pose a risk to structures or if they are dying. A recent U.C. Berkeley study reported that California forests are, in general, about two-thirds overgrown and need to be thinned to allow the remaining trees enough resources to survive. Reducing the forest stands around residential areas is encouraged to help lessen tree disease and death in surrounding forests.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
When surveying the trees around your property, the following are important things to look for or observe:
DEAD TREES
When you identify a dead or mostly dead tree, removing both the tree and the disease that killed it is critical.
TREES THAT APPEAR UNHEALTHY, PARTIALLY DEAD OR DAMAGED
Trees like this do not require removal, but it may be more efficient to remove them sooner rather than later.
UNUSUAL AMOUNTS OF SAP PRODUCTION
When trees are fighting diseases like bark beetle, they use their sap to try and push it out.
FIR TREES WITH DEAD TOPS
Fir trees tend to start dying at the top. Recognizing this can alert you to possible issues down the road.
UNUSUAL OR EXCESSIVE DROPPING OF PINE NEEDLES
Excessive dropping of needles can be a sign of stress. While this may occur naturally several times a year, a tree that is dropping much more than others – from branches near the tops or on branch tips – could signal disease.
Removing Trees: Risks + Best Practices
It’s important to be aware of the potential risks of limbing or removing trees, including personal injury, damage to structures and damage to otherwise healthy trees, which can make them vulnerable to disease. Hiring a certified arborist or experienced tree service contractor is highly recommended to ensure the use of proper equipment and safe work practices.
Tahoe Donner member Nanette Smith discovered the hard way the pitfalls of using an unreputable tree service to limb trees on her property. The service person wore gaffs to trim otherwise healthy trees, puncturing the bark and allowing a beetle infestation to proliferate. In total, eight trees had to be removed. Tree workers should never use gaffs on trees that are being retained. Gaffs are only used in tree work for trees that are being completely removed.
Just as you would hire any other type of contractor, following best practices when seeking a certified arborist or tree service ensures a high-quality experience. Try to get at least three bids from a well-vetted list of licensed and insured businesses.
Truckee Fire Protection District provides a comprehensive list of tree removal services and defensible space contractors online at truckeefire.org/inspections-2
The Forestry Department is here to help. If you have any concerns about the trees on your property at any time, please call (530) 587-9432 or email forestry@tahoedonner.com
To learn more about tree removal in Tahoe Donner, tahoedonner.com/forest-health-dead-tree-program
Wildfire Prevention + Protection
Tahoe Donner’s Forestry Department is Long-Recognized as an Invaluable
Partner in TFPD’s Wildfire Protection Plan
For over three decades, Tahoe Donner's Forestry Department has been at the forefront of forest management, playing a pivotal role in enhancing wildfire resilience and forest health in our community. This longstanding commitment has safeguarded our environment and fostered invaluable partnerships, notably with the Truckee Fire Protection District (TFPD). A testament to this collaboration is the recent development of the Truckee Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), a comprehensive strategy to mitigate wildfire risks across the region.
TAHOE DONNER’S INTEGRAL ROLE IN THE CWPP
The CWPP, formulated in collaboration with SWCA Environmental Consultants and utilizing Vibrant Planet’s Land Tender tool, identifies high-risk zones and prioritizes fuel reduction efforts. Tahoe Donner's forestry team was instrumental in this process, providing decades of expertise and local knowledge. Their contributions ensured that the plan addresses the unique challenges and needs of our community, reinforcing Tahoe Donner's position as a leader in wildfire preparedness.
A LEGACY OF PROACTIVE FORESTRY MANAGEMENT
Since its inception, Tahoe Donner’s Forestry Department has been nationally recognized for its proactive approach to defensible space, wildfire risk reduction and overall forest health. Their initiatives have protected Tahoe Donner and served as a model for other regions facing similar challenges. This legacy of stewardship underscores the importance of sustained forestry management in preserving both property and natural resources.
2024 TFPD ANNUAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS + MEASURE T MILESTONES
In 2024, the TFPD, bolstered by Measure T funding – a special parcel tax approved in 2021 to enhance wildfire prevention efforts – achieved significant milestones:
FUEL REDUCTION PROJECTS
Over 553 acres were treated across the Truckee and Donner Summit wildland-urban interface areas, significantly reducing fuel loads and enhancing forest health.
COMMUNITY ACTION
2024 saw a 66% increase in properties taking action, roughly 60,000 hours invested by the community, in defensible space and home hardening efforts versus the year prior.
FUNDING ALLOCATION
Measure T generates approximately $3.8 million annually, facilitating various wildfire prevention programs and projects.
FIREWISE RECOGNITION
Seven new communities were recognized.
GREEN WASTE PICKUP
Over 4,000 pickups were completed, 98% within 14 days of their request.
TAHOE DONNER’S ENHANCED EFFORTS
Beyond the broader initiatives, Tahoe Donner's Forestry team has undertaken specific actions that exemplify their dedication:
DEFENSIBLE SPACE CONSULTATIONS
The department offers personalized consultations to homeowners, guiding them in creating defensible spaces around their properties.
STRATEGIC FUEL BREAKS
Implementation of fuel-load reduction and vegetation management projects, such as those in the Tahoe Donner community, to establish defensible spaces between developed lots and larger adjacent properties.
Upcoming Defensible Space Webinar
To further empower residents, a Defensible Space webinar is scheduled for April 10 at 6 PM. This session aims to provide homeowners with the resources and knowledge necessary to safeguard their homes against wildfires, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures in wildfire preparedness.
Learn more and register online at tahoedonner.com/wildfire-defensible-space-compliance-webinar
RESOURCES + INCENTIVES FOR HOMEOWNERS
Homeowners are encouraged to take advantage of resources available through Measure T funding and other incentives:
GREEN WASTE DUMPSTER PROGRAM
Rebates are available for homeowners who utilize green waste dumpsters for vegetation removal, promoting proper disposal of flammable materials.
HOME HARDENING GRANTS
Financial assistance of up to $500 is offered for structural improvements that enhance a home's resistance to wildfires, such as upgrading roofing materials or installing ember-resistant vents.
MAPPING + TRACKING PROGRESS
An essential component of the CWPP is the mapping and tracking wildfire mitigation projects. Over 50 projects have been documented to date, representing an investment exceeding $8 million. These projects are showcased in the new CWPP project tracking dashboard, which provides transparency and allows residents to monitor ongoing efforts in their vicinity. The dashboard and interactive story map can be found online at truckee-fpd-cwpp-townoftruckee.hub.arcgis.com
LOOKING AHEAD
The collaboration between Tahoe Donner's Forestry Department and the TFPD exemplifies a unified commitment to wildfire resilience. As we move forward, continued community engagement, utilization of available resources and adherence to the CWPP will be crucial in safeguarding our homes and natural landscapes. Homeowners are urged to participate in these initiatives, ensuring Tahoe Donner remains a leader in wildfire prevention and forest health.
For more information on upcoming programs and resources or to schedule a forestry consultation, please contact Tahoe Donner's Forestry Department at (530) 587-9432 or email forestry@tahoedonner.com.
What to Expect for the 2025 Defensible Space Inspection Cycle
U.S. Forest Service records show that in the last 35 years, over 150 fires have burned within a two-mile radius of Tahoe Donner.
Defensible space is your property’s frontline of defense against wildfire. Creating and maintaining defensible space around your home can dramatically increase your home’s chance of surviving a wildfire and improve the safety of firefighters defending your property. CAL FIRE statistics show that properties in compliance with defensible space requirements are five times more likely to survive a wildfire.
DEFENSIBLE SPACE IS CRITICAL TO YOUR HOME PROTECTION AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Tahoe Donner is proud to be a certified Firewise community, recognized by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for its commitment to fire safety. This designation can be especially beneficial when seeking insurance. A copy of the Firewise certificate is available online at tahoedonner.com/defensible-space
The Tahoe Donner Forestry Department is intent on helping homeowners bring their properties into compliance with state, local and association fire safety standards as well as in accordance with Tahoe Donner’s Land Management objectives. Clearing excess forest and household debris from properties can mimic fuel reduction zones – areas of strategic thinning of vegetation that help prevent the spread of wildfires – and contribute to ongoing forest restoration efforts that preserve important natural resources and biodiversity in the landscape. Additional information on Tahoe Donner’s defensible space requirements and practices can be found at tahoedonner.com/defensible-space.
2025 INSPECTION CYCLE
Staff will begin inspections as soon as conditions allow in the summer of 2025 to provide the earliest and most accurate information for homeowners who need to complete defensible space maintenance in 2025. Homeowners are encouraged to get a head start by reviewing Tahoe Donner’s requirements at tahoedonner.com/property-requirements
2025 Defensible Space Inspection Zones
Unit 3: Lots 1-549, Unit 5: Lots 1-415. This includes all or portions of the following streets:
Throughout the year, homeowners receive inspection notices from the Tahoe Donner Forestry Department notifying them of property maintenance requirements, important deadlines and resources to ensure that proper and effective defensible space can be achieved. The 2025 defensible space notice timeline is as follows:
MARCH 2025
Email reminder for 2025 program
APRIL 2025
Tahoe Donner News + Life inspection notice and reminder
MAY-JULY 2025
Forestry staff will visit to inspect properties
MAY-JULY 2025
Official Notice of Non-Compliance letter with 45 days to correct (and online inspection report with maintenance requirements and photos)
MAY-AUGUST 2025
Forestry staff are available to meet with property owners or their contractor to discuss the findings detailed in the inspection reports
JULY-AUGUST 2025
Due dates fall within July or August
Creating defensible space typically entails the regular removal of dead, decaying and flammable vegetation such as pine needles, excess brush and overly dense trees and limbs that are too close to the ground or structures.
INSPECTION AUTHORITY
Authority for these inspections comes from the state of California Public Resources Code 4291, Truckee Fire Protection District Ordinance 02-2012 and Tahoe Donner Association C&Rs Article VIII, Section1 (a) iii and iv.
How You Will be Notified
As required by the Tahoe Donner C&Rs, the information provided here serves as a written notice that inspections will take place in the summer of 2025, usually between May through end of July. Inspections will occur between 8AM-5PM. Members whose homes are within the inspection zone will also receive an email stating that their property will be inspected as part of the 2025 program cycle. Inspectors will walk through the property to complete the inspections.
As inspections occur across approximately 1,000 properties, homeowners will receive a letter stating compliance status. Property owners not in compliance will receive a Notice of NonCompliance along with an email describing how to access their online inspection results. Homeowners will be given 45 days to correct any issues or to provide a copy of an agreement with a contractor covering the scope of the work required. Homeowners may request on-site visits with forestry staff who are available to meet with owners or their contractors, however, this should be done after the inspection report is provided to offer the best information possible.
HOME HARDENING REBATE PROGRAM
In addition to defensible space, your online inspection report will identify optional home hardening best practices. Home Hardening is crucial in improving the resilience of your home against the threat of wildfires. Home hardening measures have been found to be effective in reducing ember ignitions on and around structures.
Truckee Fire Protection District is now offering rebates of 50% of your home hardening project costs up to $500 to assist homeowners with upgrades. To see if your home may qualify for a rebate or to apply, visit their website at truckeefire.org/hardenyourhome.
Priority upgrades eligible for rebates include:
• Vents: Install 1/8"-1/16" metal mesh on vents or install ember/flame-resistant vents
• Tarps: Fully cover your wood pile in an approved fire resistant tarp
• Fences: Replace 5 feet of fencing closest to house with non-combustible materials such as metal
• Eaves: Box in eaves with ignition-resistant or noncombustible materials
• Windows: Replace single-pane with multi-pane, tempered glass windows
Visit tahoedonner.com/home-hardening for additional information on steps you can take to harden your home against ember ignitions.
Green Waste Removal
Green waste removal service in Tahoe Donner will now be managed by Truckee Fire Protection District through Measure T funding. The Tahoe Donner Forestry Department will no longer pick up piles for chipping. Tahoe Donner residents must request green waste pickup online via truckeefire.org/greenwaste.
Truckee Fire is committed to supporting property owners’ defensible space maintenance by offering disposal options for eligible debris. A list of eligible green waste materials and pile requirements can also be found online at truckeefire.org/greenwaste
MEASURE T FUNDS CONTINUE TO BENEFIT TAHOE DONNER
Thanks to Measure T Funds that allow the Truckee Fire Protection District to manage the green waste removal program, homeowners will benefit from a faster more streamlined process and a longer window for pickup. Additionally, the Tahoe Donner Forestry Department will reallocate its resources to further its efforts on the continued maintenance of common areas and fuel breaks.
DEFENSIBLE SPACE + GREEN WASTE DISPOSAL PROGRAM CYCLE
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
STEP 5
DEFENSIBLE SPACE INSPECTIONS
Homeowners in the 2025 Defensible Space Inspection Zone receive defensible space inspection reports. Homeowners do not need to wait for a defensible space inspection report to pursue defensible space actions on their property.
DEFENSIBLE SPACE MAINTENANCE
Based on their inspection results, homeowners must remove dead, decaying and flammable vegetation and debris such as pine needles, excess brush and overly dense trees and limbs that are too close to the ground or structures.
REQUEST FREE GREEN WASTE PICKUP NO INSPECTION REQUIRED
Once flammable vegetation and debris have been stacked appropriately streetside, homeowners must request green waste pick-up via Truckee Fire Protection District. Truckee Fire will handle all streetside green waste removal.
TRUCKEE FIRE RETURNS WOOD CHIPS TO TAHOE DONNER
Once eligible green waste piles are picked up, the material is staged for Tahoe Donner to dispose of. The material is ground into wood chips and sold to a biomass facility.
CONTINUED DEFENSIBLE SPACE MAINTENANCE
Homeowners should check their properties for defensible space maintenance several times each year. Issues like pine needle accumulation on roofs and around homes should be addressed several times every fire season.
Buzz The
LOCAL ACTIVITIES, CLUBS, DINING + MORE
Miracle March + More
As if right on cue, Mother Nature delivered her “Miracle March,” a seemingly annual phenomenon in which a winter storm of epic proportions bears down on the Sierras in that fortuitous of months, extending the ski season well into spring. There are many more winter adventures to seek in and around Lake Tahoe.
As for Tahoe Donner, winter amenities will be wrapping up to make way for a funfilled summer. Below are the anticipated closing dates:
• Snowplay – March 30
• Downhill Ski Resort – April 6
• Cross Country Ski Center (TDXC) –April 13
While it may be bittersweet to bid farewell until next season, there is still time to savor the slopes and trails. Don’t miss TDXC’s end-of-the-year party and member happy hour on Sunday, April 13, at Alder Creek Adventure Center, featuring live music, drink specials and more from 2-4PM. And Downhill Ski Resort is getting excited to welcome everyone back for the grand re-opening of the newly renovated Downhill Ski Lodge in December (exact date TBD)! Visit tahoedonner.com/events to learn more.
Looking Ahead + What’s on Sale Now
There remains much to celebrate as we transition from winter to spring while looking forward to another season of adventures through the summer and next winter.
Don’t forget:
The Member Services office will also be updating its spring hours from Monday to Saturday, 8AM-5PM and closed on Sundays from April 13 to May 20. Afterhours inquiries can be sent via email to info@tahoedonner.com.
Spring Delights + Edible Events
• Season passes for the 2025/26 ski season are on sale now and valid for the remainder of this season (tahoedonner.com/skiseasonpasses).
• Tahoe Donner Golf Course season passes and play packs are also on sale now (tahoedonner.com/golf).
• Registration is open for summer camps and day programs (tahoedonner.com/summercamps).
• Registration for the PGA Junior League Home, Travel Development and Travel teams opens on April 9 (tahoedonner.com/junior-golf-programs).
Opening dates for Tahoe Donner
summer amenities are as follows and, as always, conditions permitting:
• Tennis + Pickleball Center – May 9
• Campground – May 16
• Beach Club Marina – May 23
• Golf Course – May 23
• Bikeworks – May 23
• Trout Creek Rec Pool – May 24
• Northwoods Pool – June 21
See the individual amenity pages online for the most up-to-date information at tahoedonner.com
It’s Burger + Beer month all of April at The Lodge Restaurant & Pub, featuring this classic, mouthwatering combination for $20. Don’t miss The Lodge Restaurant & Pub’s annual Easter Brunch on Sunday, April 20, from 10AM-2PM. This family and community favorite includes an all-you-caneat brunch buffet including king crab legs, a carving station, made-to-order waffles, a complimentary glass of champagne or mimosa for adults, arts and crafts for kids, an egg hunt and a very special surprise visit from the Easter Bunny! Reservations are required for the Easter Brunch. Visit tahoedonner.com/the-lodge to learn more. Put a little “spring” in your step with all-day, every-day happy hour (11AM5PM daily) at Alder Creek Cafe through closing day on April 13 – perfect for patio beers after a day on the trails at TDXC. Visit tahoedonner.com/alder-creek-cafe for details on all offerings through the end of the season.
From April 4 through May 20, members with active Member ID Cards can enjoy an exclusive BOGO deal of 50% off a second pizza (limit one per Member ID Card). With the time change, savor an extra hour of happy hour pricing from 4-6PM Friday through Monday, featuring $5 draft beer and house wine and 25% off appetizers. Visit tahoedonner.com/pizza for more.
April
2
Quilt Club Meeting at Pizza on the Hill
See page 19
4-5
Wild and Scenic Film Festival at Fox Cultural Hall in King’s Beach
See page 28
6
Closing Day at Downhill Ski Resort tahoedonner.com/events
9
River Talk with Truckee River Watershed Council at Alder Creek Adventure Center tahoedonner.com/events
10
Wildfire Defensible Space Compliance Webinar with Forestry Department
See page 11
13
TDXC Closing Day Party + Member Happy Hour at Cross Country Ski Center tahoedonner.com/events
17
Quilt Club Meeting at Pizza on the Hill
See page 19
20
Easter Brunch Buffet at The Lodge Restaurant & Pub tahoedonner.com/the-lodge/specials
Easter Eggstravaganza at The Lodge Pavilion tahoedonner.com/events
25
Regular Board Meeting at Northwoods Clubhouse tahoedonner.com/board-meetings
Thursdays
3, 10, 17, 24
American Mah Jongg Club at Pizza on the Hill
See page 18
Fridays 4, 11, 18, 25
Family-Friendly Free Movie Night at Northwoods Clubhouse tahoedonner.com/ family-movie-night
Food + Beverage Specials
Burger + Beer Wednesday-Sunday in April
Member BOGO April 2-May 22 at The Lodge Restaurant & Pub tahoedonner.com/ the-lodge/specials at Pizza on the Hill and The Lodge Restaurant & Pub tahoedonner.com/pizza-specials and tahoedonner.com/ the-lodge/specials
TAHOE DONNER CONTACTS + HOURS
Beach Club Marina (530) 587-9460 tahoedonner.com/marina marina@tahoedonner.com
Trout Creek Rec Center (530) 587-9437 tahoedonner.com/aquatics tahoedonner.com/fitness troutcreek@tahoedonner.com Gym
Open Daily | 6AM-10PM
Lap Pool
Open Daily | 6AM-8:45PM
Hot Tubs, Sauna + Steam Room Open Daily | 6AM-9:45PM
Dining
Alder Creek Cafe (530) 582-9686
tahoedonner.com/aldercreekcafe
Open Daily | 8:30AM-3PM
Trailside Bar
Open Daily | 11AM-5PM
Closing Day April 13
Scheduled to re-open May 23
The Lodge Restaurant & Pub (530) 587-9455
tahoedonner.com/the-lodge lodge@tahoedonner.com
Open Wednesday-Friday | 5-8:30PM
Open for brunch only on April 20; no dinner service
Pizza on the Hill (530) 587-9669
tahoedonner.com/pizza pizza@tahoedonner.com
Open Friday-Monday | 4-8PM
Ask about our First Responders Discount!
Member Services (530) 587-9400 tahoedonner.com/welcome info@tahoedonner.com
Open Daily Through April 12 | 8AM-5PM
Open Monday-Saturday April 14-May 17 | 8AM-5PM
Open Daily Starting May 18 | 8AM-5PM
All amenities are weather and conditions permitting. Check the website or call for most upto-date information.
The Buzz: Clubs
4-Wheelers Club
We have a group of members attending the annual Red Rock 4-Wheelers (RR4W) Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. They’ll join thousands of other 4x4 owners to do some of the 40 trails that RR4W runs during the nine-day event. The trails are rated on a 1-10 scale, with the toughest offered being the nine-rated Pritchett Canyon. Trail groups consist of 30-35 vehicles with an experienced trail leader, mid-gunner and tail gunner to help spot obstacles along the way. The scenery around Moab is spectacular, with red rock cliffs, arches, sandy washes and old mining trails. There is also a large vendors expo with over a hundred vendors.
If you have never been to the Easter Jeep Safari, it is an experience not to miss. If you aren’t into large crowds, there is a smaller Labor Day Safari that is a fun way to experience Moab trails.
Visit TD4Wheelers.org to learn more or join the club.
9-Holers Women’s Golf Club
There is still snow on the course, but the TD Women’s 9-Holers Golf Club is already kicking off our pre-season activities as we welcome new and returning members. Get ready for golf with a clinic on April 13 on the Mental Game of Golf, led by our Head Pro Jeff Hwang. Also mark your calendar for our final spring clinic, Fitness for Golf, which is scheduled for May 18.
We have a very exciting summer planned which will include twilight play once a month on Monday evenings, casual tournaments and social time for members and their guests. In addition to our weekly club play on Thursday mornings, we will have a monthly Tuesday afternoon slot for our club members.
We look forward to our President/ Vice President Tournament in June, the first-ever 9-Holer Invitational in July, and our Summer Fun Tournament/ banquet in August. We’ve got game! Our friendly, supportive club is a great way to meet super gals and improve your game through easy-to-fit-in, inclusive nine-hole play. Keep an eye on our website at td9holers.com, and download our calendars so you don't miss out!
American Mah Jongg Club
It is reassuring to know that every Thursday at 1PM, you can find the TD American Mah Jongg Club meeting at Pizza on the Hill. But what if you find yourself pining for a game or two and are days away from a club meeting? Well, you are in luck! Did you know that very good online games are available at your fingertips? We are not endorsing these apps, but they did help us get through the COVID pandemic! All of the games listed below need you to have a card!
• myjongg.net – Basic free service limits you to four games a day; premium service is available for $4.99 a month and offers unlimited gameplay and additional benefits.
• mahjong4friends.com – A free service that allows single-player and multiplayer modes, and a “Suggested Hands” button helps with which hand to pick.
• realmahjong.com – Try this service for free for 14 days; a subscription thereafter is $5.00 per month.
• ilovemahj.com – This full-service
site, which includes audio and video connections to real-life players, offers a free trial before you sign up for $6.00 per month.
Our club meets every Thursday at Pizza on the Hill from 1-4PM. We play American Mah Jongg using the current year’s National Mah Jongg League card and rules. No RSVP needed!
For more information about Mah Jongg Club, contact Linda Slattery at lbslattery@yahoo.com or Dori Schick at doridans@hotmail.com
Men’s Golf Club
Spring has arrived! Our golf course maintenance team, led by Golf Course Superintendent Ram Sena, is hard at work preparing the course for the upcoming season. Pictured is the green on hole 15, where Ram’s crew is clearing away the snow.
With golf just around the corner, the Tahoe Donner Men’s Golf Club has set its 2025 event schedule of over 30 events that will take place throughout the season with something for everyone. There is no better time than now to join the club! To join and view our 2025 Calendar of Events, visit the club’s website at tdgolfclub.com
For more information about the Men’s Golf Club and any membership inquiries, visit tdgolfclub.com or contact Membership Chair Dave Janiszewski at janiszewski.tdgolf@gmail.com
Quilt Club
We all know about the circle of life. As previously mentioned, in February, we delivered 19 fun and colorful baby quilts and tummy mats to the Nevada County Healthy Baby Program. Susan Duffy, who runs the program, gratefully received them.
Then, we unfortunately found out one of our cherished members had left us. Carolyn Bower had been part of the Tahoe Donner quilting group for about 12 years and was a fabulous quilter. She was an expert at a technique called English paper piecing and made these elaborate quilt tops by hand. It was always such a pleasure and inspiration to see her creations. She also had a wealth of knowledge about the craft. I know Carolyn had won several prizes (ribbons) for her pieces, and I was told that she kept them hidden behind a door, never showing them to anyone. She was very modest about her beautiful work.
I am glad to have met such a talented and lovely woman when I joined the group seven years ago. I am thankful for her help on a few projects and for her friendship. Carolyn will be missed by many but not forgotten. If you have questions or want to know what we do, you can contact me
at odette.turmel@gmail.com. Our group meets on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 1-3PM in the Meadow Room of the Northwoods Club House. Stop by and say “hi!”
Senior Alpine Ski Club
March was a big month for snow, but maybe not quite the “Miracle March” of past years! The highlight this month was our four-day ski trip to Mammoth with 25 skiers attending and lots of snow and powder skiing. On our trip, we enjoyed skiing a MAMMOTH mountain, as well as a guided tour and a fabulous group dinner at Rock ‘N’ Bowl restaurant.
Our members enjoyed club ski days at various local resorts this month, and we will continue to add club ski days to our calendar through April! Our end-of-season potluck and election of club officers for the following year will be held at the Alder Creek Adventure Center on April 29.
Please visit our website at tdski.com for more information about joining our active, adventurous group!
Women’s Golf Club
With our first play day scheduled for Tuesday, May 27 (weather permitting), golf season is almost here! We will be kicking off our season with a welcome social on Sunday, May 25 at 4PM. Throughout the season, members enjoy a mix of Just Play Golf days and more structured tournaments like The Presidents Club. This year, the Tahoe Donner Women’s Golf Club will be hosting a two-day invitational on Tuesday, July 22, and Wednesday, July 23. Come join the fun and don’t forget the preparty on Monday, July 21. Throughout the season, we also gather from time to time to have lunch, catch up on important news and socialize.
It's not too late to become a member. For more information, visit tdwomengolf.org
CLUB CONTACTS
4-Wheelers
Tim West club@td4wheelers.org
9-Holers Women’s Golf
Debi Lorraine debi.lorraine@gmail.com
American Mah Jongg Dori Schick doridans@hotmail.com
Equestrian Susan Terrell terrellsf@earthlink.net
Hiking
Robin Reese rbtahoe@sbcglobal.net
Junior Golf
Molly Springmann mspringmann@tahoedonner.com
Limited Abilities
Persons’ Golf
Mike Srago msrago@comcast.net
Men’s Golf
Michael O'Connell tdmensgolf@gmail.com
Mountain Bike
Dustin Young dustinyoung75@gmail.com
Quilt
Odette Turmel odette.turmel@gmail.com
Rowing
Val Brinker vbrinker@dicksonrealty.com
Running Scott Bauhs info@tdrunclub.com
Senior Alpine Ski Stephen O’Brien stephob@comcast.net
Women’s Golf
Mary Liz Wardlaw tdwgclub@gmail.com
Dance? Cribbage? We want to support you in developing and promoting your club. Learn more and get an application at tahoedonner.com/clubs
TAHOE DONNER GIVING FUND
2024 GIVING REPORT
Thanks to the generosity of Tahoe Donner members, in 2024, the Tahoe Donner Giving Fund awarded a total of $370,000 in scholarships and grants through the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation, which administers the TDGF.
$70,000 to traditional scholarships
$60,000 to nonprofit organization grants
$240,000 to IMPACT scholarships
$370,000 Total Giving, 2024
In addition to the many donors listed below, special thanks to two tremendously generous donors:
Since its inception in 2014, the Tahoe Donner Giving Fund’s founding partner, Jaime Waltman Legare, Elements Mountain Company, has supported the Tahoe Donner Giving Fund by donating $1 per snow contract each year to cover administrative costs so 100% of members’ donations go to scholarships and grants, a donation that’s approximately $4,000 annually.
Every year since 2019, an anonymous Tahoe Donner member has generously funded the IMPACT Scholarships, with donations that cumulatively total more than $1 million.
Our sincere thanks to all donors for your generosity,
The Tahoe Donner Giving Fund Committee: Marcia Argyris, Melissa Welsh Barker, Lisa Boyd, Carla Brown, Diane Campbell, Mary Fahey, Fred Hertlein, Nan Meek, Toni Moore, Betsy Noonen, Natalie Shea and Karen Stine
Thank You to Our Generous Donors
Betsy and Jay Adams
Susan and Al Adams
Jack Angel
Marcia and Nick Anton
Doug Appleton
Andrew Argyris
Marcia and George Argyris
Vivian Auslander
Andrew Azadan
Emily Baldwin
Sylvia and Craig Banta
Lisa Barr
Mony and Bruce Bauer
Sheila Baumhauer
Bettina Bazzini-Lapin
Kelsey Becker
Maureen Beckman
Vicente Bonnard
Carolyn and Jeff Bonzon
Suzanne Boyette
Bruna Bradford
Mark Brady
Steve Brandwein and Jerald Underdahl
Philip Brewer
Deidre Brodeur-Coen
Rona Brodrick
Fritz Brunner
April Bullock
Dani, Joe and Abigail C + H
Raymond Cadei
Diane Campbell
Nan Carnal
Chris Carter
Rebecca Castillo
Craig Chiang
Patty Chin
Jeffrey Citron
Jen Clark
Dianne and Joseph Clendenin
Erinne and David Cohen
Marie and Jim Colbert
Ursula Dailey
Maria Wamsley and Dave
Emanuel
Shirley and Gary Day
Monika De Martini
Charlie Deloney
Monica and Dan Devoy
Marybeth Donahoe
Jennifer and J.T. Doupnik
Mollie Durkin
Holly Elfman
Richard Elfman
Kathy and Randy Erickson
Linda Fairfax
Merle and Michael Fajans
Matthew Fajardo
Cory Ferrara
Christine and Ken Ferrone
April Filer
Joel Fleekop
Hannah Fox
Bradley Frey
Denise Gauny
Laurie Getz
Martha Gilbertson
Tracy Giles
Rachel Grau
Eli Groppo
Marsha and Ralph Guggenheim
Rosemary Hallett
Connie and Jon Hartung
Heidi and Eli Hefner
Joseph B. Hernandez
Burley Hertlein
Fred Hertlein
Ashley Hoban
Charlie Hoban
Nathan Hoban
Lindsay Hogan
Harold Honath
Jane Huston
Lauralee Hyde
Jessica Jacobson
Margaret and Bill Jensen
Donna Jones and Peter Sawyer
Dan Kates
Carole Kay and Jack Lynn
Abigail Kathryn
Kristine and Kevin Kelleher
Joshua and Luz Kirsch
Lindy Kramer
Kyle Krieman
Karen Kruger
Patricia Kurtz
Wayne Laessig
John Larkin
Alecia and Spencer Larson
Corey Leibow
Carol and Bill Leimbach
Kathy Lelevier
Benjamin Levine
Dawson Levine
Sandee Levine
Sandra Levine, MD
Deborah Lorraine
Charles Lu
Alexis Luna
Julie and Dave Lydick
David Mackey
Thomas Mader
Carole and Stephen Mahoney
Linda and Rick Martellaro
Jennifer Martin
Trina Martynowicz
Christine Massetani
Alyssa and Gabriel Masss
Jayne and James Matthews
Adam McDonough
Avery McEvoy
Catherine McLin
Jennifer and Mark McNece
Kate McNeil
Austin McWhinney
Mary and Doug McWilliams
Juliet Meblin
Nan and Jerry Meek
Barbara and Edward Melia
Andrew Menges
Kathleen Michon
Toni Moore
Elise Morgan and Joachim
Seitz
Carol and Donald Morris
Adam Mucci
Frank Mucci
Patricia Mucci
Trudy Muller
Marcia and Cam Murray
Ryan Ness
Betsy and Mike Noonen
Sandra and Tom Olinger
Yoko Olsgaard
John Osborn
David Osleger
Jeffrey Paduan
Michael Paparian
Robert Parker
David Parsons
Cathy and Tim Pellegrini
Mike Picetti
Marcy and Matthew Piersol
Mary and John Podesta
Lynette and Graham Powell
Addy Prado
Zachary Price
Susan Promes
Barbara Ramsey
Karin Rankin
Cathy Ravano
Tami Reckler-Smith
Dana and Steve Rieger
Judy and Richard Robinson
Dennis Roseman
Annie Rosenfeld
Steve Rowbury
Salmans Family
Jennifer and Phil Satre
Ashley and Keith Savageau
Karen Sawyer
Amy Schonfeld
Herbert Schulze
Susan and Gerald Serventi
Anne Shelchuk
Sarah Slagle
Sue Slocum
Kristin Slye
Lisa and Ken Smith
Linda Sonner
Heidi and Ward Sproat
Lydia and Jim Stang
Susan and Larry Stieber
Karen and Peter Stine
Marie Stosz
Mary Street
Suzanne and Shaun Sullivan
Thomas Sweigart
Frank Tadeo
Sandy and Gary Tamkin
Stanley Taylor
Nancy and Mark Thomas
Julie Thornton
Lorraine and Michael Turner
Gina Vadnais
Neko Vela
Katie and Joe Veni
Julie Vietor
Patty Vukanovich
Diane and Bob Wagner
Hillis Warren
Deidre and Garin Watson
Tomas Weaver
Melissa Welch Barker
Patricia West
William Westbrock
Michael Westermann
Frances P. White
Linda and Rod Whitten
Carol Wilson
Kate Winters
Russell Wirth
Woo Brewer Family
Deborah Worley
Min Yi
James Young
Terry and Doug Young
ANONYMOUS
If you donated in 2024 and your name is not listed here, “Anonymous” may have been checked when making your donation. We sincerely thank all anonymous donors.
IN HONOR OF
John Biebel
Yvonne Biliardi
Jay Bloom
Diane Campbell
Candy Filer
Tessie Fleekop
Harry Shechter
Anne and John Shelchuk
Bill Simpson
Cary Stevens
IN MEMORY OF Christopher Argyris
James Biliardi
Kaiya Boyette
Jeanne and Bob Campbell
Raul Carter
Bernice Citron-Cole
David Di Martini
Greta Herman
Lynda Kameda
Al (Buddy) Kramer
Helio Meek
Zoey O Fillmore Oski Foz
Charles Rankin
MATCHING FUND
McLin Matching Fund
Parsons Matching Fund
Solv Energy
The Tahoe Donner Giving Fund is administered as an affiliate fund of the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 68-0416404. All contributions are voluntary, irrevocable, and are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
The Tahoe Donner Giving Fund Committee is chartered by the Tahoe Donner Board of Directors to carry out the mission of the Tahoe Donner Giving Fund: to inspire generosity and charitable giving among Tahoe Donner members in order to support deserving programs and youth in the greater Truckee community. Tahoe Donner Giving Fund grants and scholarships are made through the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation’s annual review process. Tahoe Donner Giving Fund grants and scholarships are made through the Giving Fund Committee’s participation in the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation’s annual review process.
Deepest thanks to our founding partner, Elements Mountain Company, who has supported the Tahoe Donner Giving Fund since its inception in 2014; to the anonymous Tahoe Donner member who has generously funded IMPACT Scholarships each year since 2019; and to every Tahoe Donner member who has supported these programs through their kind donations.
Election Information + Key Dates
TWO POSITIONS OPEN
The 2025 Tahoe Donner Board of Directors election is officially underway, with two open board positions to be filled by member vote this June. The board plays a crucial role in shaping the future of Tahoe Donner, overseeing financial decisions, capital projects, policies, and more—all as dedicated, unpaid volunteers elected to represent property owners. As the election process continues, now is the time for members to stay informed, review candidate guidelines, and engage in the community-driven process that helps guide Tahoe Donner’s direction.
Apply to Run for the Board of Directors
April 15 10AM
APPLICATION FORMS DEADLINE
Candidates must submit their Candidacy Forms via email in PDF format to the Elections Committee at electionscommittee@tahoedonner.com
Member Advocates must submit their Verification Forms via email in PDF format to the Elections Committee at electionscommittee@tahoedonner.com.
As Candidacy Forms are submitted to the Elections Committee, the eligibility of the candidates will be verified and the candidates will be notified within seven days. After the close of nominations, if there are two or fewer eligible candidate for the two open director positions, the Association bylaws and Election and Voting Rules provide for conclusion of the election by acclamation. A board meeting will be scheduled to consider the candidates elected by acclamation. A notice will be sent to members communicating that this meeting has been scheduled.
If acclamation requirements are not met the election process will continue and a notice will be sent to members with the final list of candidates (in random order), the election meeting date, the ballot packet mailing date, information about returning ballots and other important voting details.
April 24 12PM
SUBMISSION DEADLINE FOR DIRECTOR ELECTION STATEMENTS + RELATED ITEMS
Each candidate and any previously verified Member Advocate may submit a Director Election Statement that is reasonably related to the election.
The statements must be in PDF format and sent to electionscommittee@tahoedonner.com. See other specific requirements at tahoedonner.com/boardelections
Each candidate and any previously verified Member Advocate may also submit, for the Tahoe Donner Elections website, a URL link to their own personal 2025 director election related website along with their contact information to electionscommittee@tahoedonner.com
Any previously verified Member Advocate who wishes to speak, following all of the candidates, at the June 3 Director Election Forum must notify the Elections Committee at electionscommittee@tahoedonner.com
Meet the Candidates and Voting Information
May 1
May 22 5PM
DIRECTOR ELECTION STATEMENTS + LINKS AVAILABLE ON ELECTIONS WEBPAGE
Director Election Statements received by the deadline of April 24 at 12PM will be posted online at tahoedonner.com/boardelections along with email addresses and links to candidate and member advocate personal election websites, if provided.
DEADLINE FOR MEMBERS TO SUBMIT TOPICS FOR THE DIRECTOR ELECTION FORUM
Deadline for members to submit topics of interest for the Directors Election Forum which will be held on June 3. Submit all topics to tahoedonner.com/submit-topics
If you could sit down with the candidates, what topics would you like them to address? We are looking for discussion topics for the Director Election Forum. Submit topics you wish to see candidates discuss to tahoedonner.com/submit-topics by 5PM on May 22.
May 27
VOTING PACKETS MAILED
The voter list is finalized, and the date of record for the election is set. Voting packets containing ballots and instructions are mailed to all eligible voters. Packets are sent to the address on file for your invoices. Please work with all owners of your property regarding your vote.
June 3
6-8PM
DIRECTOR ELECTION FORUM
Online via Zoom
Topics of interest previously submitted by members are discussed by candidates. The Inspector of Elections is the moderator. Verified Member Advocates who notified the Elections Committee by the April 24 deadline may speak on the same topics following all of the candidates.
ELECTION BALLOT MEETING + REGULAR BOARD MEETING
Northwoods Clubhouse and Online via Zoom
On-site voting and replacement ballots are available until 5PM. The Inspector of Elections will attend this meeting to oversee the ballot counting process if a 25% quorum has been achieved.
The deadline for receipt of ballots mailed or personally delivered to the Accountancy Firm in Reno, Nevada is 5PM. A locked ballot box will be placed in Member Services at Northwoods Clubhouse from Tuesday, June 24 until the morning of Sunday, June 29 for ballots not completed in time to be received by the Accountancy Firm in Reno, Nevada by the 5PM deadline on June 27.
ELECTION DAY + ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS
Northwoods Clubhouse and Online via Zoom
The Annual Meeting of Members will be held from 10AM-12PM. Hand-delivered ballots are accepted from 10-11:30AM, at which time voting will conclude.
Replacement ballots will be available until the conclusion of voting. Prior to the conclusion of the meeting, if a 25% quorum has been achieved and the election results are certified by the Inspector of Elections, the election results (including vote count) are announced.
The results will also be communicated to the membership via email and Tahoe Donner News + Life. If less than 25% of voters have submitted valid ballots, the failure to achieve a quorum will be announced and the meeting, along with the culmination of the election, will be adjourned to the following day.
CONCLUSION OF ELECTION IF 25% QUORUM NOT MET
If there is a failure to achieve the 25% quorum requirement as of the Annual Meeting of Members, the meeting is reconvened at 10AM at Northwoods Clubhouse for the purpose of counting votes and concluding the Election of Directors with a reduced 15% quorum requirement as specified in the bylaws.
As soon as the election results are certified by the Inspector of Elections, the results (including vote count) are announced and communicated by email.
Campaign Conduct
To increase member confidence in the governance of the Tahoe Donner Association, and to encourage high standards of behavior collectively and individually, the Board of Directors has adopted the following Code of Conduct for its board members.
1. Speak Respectfully.
2. Show Courtesy.
3. Bring A Positive Message.
4. Be Inclusive.
5. Focus On Your Own Message.
6. Practice Civility.
7. Be Factual.
Ensure You Receive Your 2025 Ballot
Opt Out of Email Sharing
California Senate Bill 323 (SB 323) grants any member who makes a formal request for the membership contact list access to your email address and contact information for the purpose of communicating about the association. Any member may remove their contact information from this shareable list by going to tahoedonner.com/sb323.
INSPECTORS OF ELECTIONS
When an association’s election requires the use of secret ballots in accordance with Civil Code Section 5100, an association is required to “select an independent third party or parties as an inspector of elections.” (Civ. Code § 5110(a).) Please note that an Inspector of Elections has been appointed.
& the Return – presents –of
Burger MONTH Beer
Satisfy your cravings this April with our Burger and a Beer special at The Lodge Restaurant & Pub! Enjoy a juicy 1/3-pound Angus cheeseburger paired with a refreshing draft beer for just $20, available Wednesday through Sunday from 5–8:30PM. Make The Lodge your go-to spot for casual bites and great brews all month long!
Top to bottom: Colton Peters, age 4, on the cover of the April 2011 issue of Tahoe Donner News, welcoming in Burger + Beer month; Peters, now age 18, returned 14 years later – to the day! – to recreate his cover in March 2025; Peters, who works as an employee of the Tahoe Donner Equestrian Center, gets a young rider set up on a pony at the 2023 Fall Festival.
Covenants Reminders
No Drones
Flying drones on Tahoe Donner-owned property, including the trails and open space, is prohibited unless authorized by Tahoe Donner.
Respect Quiet Hours
Loud music, barking dogs and late-night partying are prohibited from 10PM-7AM.
Lights Out
Tahoe Donner is a Dark Skies community. Enjoy the mountain stars and minimize light pollution by turning off outdoor lighting after 10PM.
No Inoperable Vehicles
No dilapidated, unlicensed or inoperable vehicle, trailer, boat, airplane, recreational vehicle or commercial vehicle shall be stored on the properties, except within a fully enclosed structure.
How to Make A Covenants Complaint
Email compliance@tahoedonner.com
Visit the member portal at tahoedonner.com/member-portal
Call (530) 414-8166. Phone is staffed seven days a week 9AM-4:30PM, with after-hours answering service from 4:30PM–9AM daily.
What Information to Provide
When making a complaint, be prepared to provide:
• Your name, address and email.
• Address of property being complained about.
• Nature of complaint with times occurring.
• Evidence: photos, video, etc.
• Details about how this behavior is affecting you.
• What actions have been taken (e.g. called police).
Town
of Truckee STR Helpline – (530) 450-2430
No Smoking
Smoking is prohibited on Tahoe Donnerowned property, including facilities, parking lots and open space.
Leash Up
Pets must be on leash at association facilities and must be within voice control on Truckee streets. Don't forget to pick up after Fido, too.
Park on Pavement
Parking vehicles off-pavement, on another person’s property or on access easements is prohibited.
Trash
Lock it up in your bear-proof container. Dumping is never allowed anywhere in Tahoe Donner. Trash day is Tuesday, and the recycling/green waste cart pickup is on a weekly alternating schedule.
What Happens Next
Tahoe Donner will review your complaint and make every effort to contact the owner of the property being complained about, share details about the complaint and request voluntary compliance. We will:
• Call the primary phone number on file and speak to the owner or leave a message.
• If no answer, call additional phone numbers on file to speak with or leave a message for owner or designated contact.
• Email the owner via any email on file.
• Send follow-up email to the complainant confirming attempts to contact owner.
Report STR violations including noise, trash, parking and more Please utilize the Helpline if you wish to report a property that is in violation of the Town of Truckee’s short-term rental ordinance.
ASSOCIATION
UPDATE
Boat + Trailer Storage Applications Available April 1-15
Tahoe Donner offers season-long boat, trailer and RV storage (29-foot max) for Tahoe Donner members. Storage is available for the season, from May 1 through Sept. 30 (conditions permitting), and is not for shortterm or weekend accommodation. Visit tahoedonner.com/boat-and-trailer-storage for more information on costs and application requirements. Applications available from April 1-15.
EQUESTRIAN CENTER
Horse Boarding Applications Now Open
The Equestrian Center is now accepting 2025 horse boarding applications for members with active Member ID Cards and nonmembers. Short- and long-term boarding is offered throughout the summer and includes twice-daily feedings of up to two flakes of grass and/or alfalfa hay, daily watering and cleaning. Horse trailer parking is available onsite. Applying does not guarantee a boarding space. Visit tahoedonner.com/equestrian for details and to apply.
BEACH CLUB MARINA
Kayak + Stand-Up
Paddleboard Storage Lottery April 1-15
Reservation of kayak and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) storage at the Beach Club Marina in the 2025 season will be held by lottery. Members with active Member ID Cards who would like to enter the lottery must:
• Log in to their ShopTD Account between April 1-15, at 9AM to April 15, at 5PM.
• Purchase your desired storage option (four options available).
• By purchasing a storage option, you will be automatically entered into the lottery.
• Drawing will be held April 16, 2025.
• All entrants will be notified of their storage status. Purchasing storage does not guarantee a spot. Those not receiving a storage spot will be refunded the full purchase amount.
There are four options for storage:
• 1 kayak spot - $245
• 2 kayak spots - $490
• 1 SUP spot - $245
• 2 SUP spots - $490
Purchases are limited to one option and lottery entry per family. Any member with multiple entries will have their lottery entries removed and be granted a full refund. Please email the Beach Club Marina manager at ichung@tahoedonner.com for questions.
TRAILS
Join an Upcoming River Talk with the Truckee River Watershed Council
This fast-paced session will provide updates on streams, meadows and forest restoration projects that protect and enhance our local environment, including the work Tahoe Donner is doing in Euer Valley. Whether you’re curious about the health of the Truckee River watershed or eager to get involved, this is your chance to learn about the meaningful work happening right here in our community.
Date: Wednesday, April 9
Time: 6-7PM
Price: Free for Tahoe Donner members and the general public
Location: Alder Creek Adventure Center
LOCAL
NEWS
Wild and Scenic Film Festival April 4-5
Join Mountain Area Preservation (MAP) for the 9th Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival –On Tour in North Lake Tahoe! Celebrate Earth Month 2025, April 4-5, from 5:30-9PM at Fox Cultural Hall in Kings Beach.
As the nation’s premier environmental film festival, this event will inspire and activate audiences with 1.5 hours of awe-inspiring films focused on environmental issues, adventure, social justice and youth-driven stories. Tickets are on sale now. Visit mountainareapreservation.org/wsff for complete details on the festival, sponsors and more.
DEFENSIBLE SPACE Learn More About Defensible Space Compliance for Tahoe Donner Property Owners
Tahoe Donner Forestry is hosting a webinar focused on achieving compliance with the Defensible Space TDA’s Covenants Rules, Local Ordinance and State Law. Whether you’re in the 2025 defensible space inspection zone or simply seeking to strengthen wildfire preparedness, this session provides essential resources and guidance to protect your home and community.
See whether your property is within the 2025 defensible space inspection zone online at tahoedonner.com/inspection-program.
Date: Thursday, April 10
Time: 6-7PM
Price: Free
Location: Zoom webinar only; register online at tahoedonner.com/ wildfire-defensible-space-compliance-webinar
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT Hantavirus Awareness
Hantavirus is a rare but serious illness transmitted through rodent droppings, urine or saliva. We encourage residents and visitors to take precautions when cleaning areas where rodents may be present. For prevention tips and more information, visit the California Department of Public Health website at cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/pages/ hantaviruspulmonarysyndrome.aspx
Board Meeting Recaps
Regular Board of Directors Meeting
February 28, 2025
Consent Calendar
The January 2025 Unaudited Financials and Tahoe Donner Gardening Club Application items were tabled until March 13, 2025. All remaining items were approved. Motion passed 5-0.
Committee Reports
The board received these items as information.
Management Update
The board received updates from management on the following:
• Truckee Special Service Area-1 (TSSA-1) Projects Update
• Roadside vegetation management
• Emergency evacuation feasibility study
• New Class 1 trail evaluation, planning, and design YR1
• Spring season pass rates and summer programs preview
• Spring F&B member specials preview
• Capital and financial policies update
• Capital projects update
The board received these items as information.
Nevada County Community Wildfire Protection Plan
The board received a presentation from Nevada County staff on the updated Nevada County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (NV County CWPP). The board authorized the General Manager to sign the 2024 CWPP, affirming collaboration. Motion passed 5-0.
Architectural Standards Committee
Updated 2025 Task List
The board approved to adopt the Architectural Standards Committee 2025 Task List as presented. Motion passed 5-0.
Truckee Fire Protection District Collection Agreement – CAL FIRE Forest Health Grant
The board received a presentation regarding a Collection Agreement with the Truckee Fire Protection District (TFPD) to support wildfire fuel reduction and forest health activities on Tahoe Donner Association lands as part of the larger Nevada and Placer County Cooperative Resilience Project. The board
authorized the General Manager to enter into a Collection Agreement between the association and TFPD. Motion passed 5-0.
Forest Fire Parametric Insurance for Tahoe Donner Open Space/Forest
The board received a presentation on the proposed partnership with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) through a reimbursement agreement for forest fire parametric insurance for Tahoe Donner open space/forest. They moved to (5-0):
1. Approve the Forest Fire Parametric Insurance Pilot Program in partnership with The Nature Conservancy;
2. Authorize the General Manager to execute the Pilot Fire Insurance Purchase Agreement on behalf of the Tahoe Donner Association; and
3. Authorize binding the recommended Forest Fire Parametric Insurance policy not to exceed $60,000.
Board of Director Reports and Future Business
Board members were invited to provide brief reports on the status of the association and/or any meetings, activities, or events attended by directors and to raise items for potential future consideration by the board of directors.
• Director Gauny reported on her progress with staff in developing and implementing a new member orientation program.
• Director Murrell shared member compliments she heard about the Cross Country Ski Center Retail shop offerings.
Go to tahoedonner.com/boardmeetingdocs to see presentations and video recordings of past meetings. To provide feedback to help improve the overall association, please submit your comments and concerns at tahoedonner.com/feedback
Sunday, June 29, 2025 – Annual Meeting of Members + Member Picnic
Board meeting dates subject to change. Visit tahoedonner.com/board-meetings for details.
Upcoming Committee Meetings
Tuesday, April 1, 2025 – Elections
Wednesday, April 2, 2025 –Trails + Open Space
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 – Giving Fund
Wednesday, April 9, 2025 –Architectural Standards
Thursday, April 10, 2025 –Long-Range Planning
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 – Elections
Thursday, April 17, 2025 – Finance
Thursday, April 24, 2025 – Covenants
To get meeting details, including Zoom meeting registration information and time, please send an email to executiveassistant@tahoedonner.com
ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Architectural Standards | Rod Whitten cso@tahoedonner.com
Covenants | Jim McNamara compliance@tahoedonner.com
Elections | Steve Meyers electionscommittee@tahoedonner.com
Finance | Joe Niedringhaus financecommittee@tahoedonner.com
Giving Fund | Toni Moore tdgf@tahoedonner.com
Long-Range Planning | Jerry Meek lrpc@tahoedonner.com
Trails + Open Space | Peter Sawyer tos@tahoedonner.com
Homes
on the Rise
The Architectural Standards Committee reviewed the following plan in Feb. 2025.
Covenants Violation Hearings
Where in the World is Tahoe Donner News + Life?
Florence, Italy
Carrie and Adam Apprill stopped for a photo along the banks of the Arno River in Florence.
Pinhão, Portugal
Marcia and Nick Anton traveled throughout Portugal, seeing multiple walled cities and fortresses, sipping excellent wine and port and learning about the harvesting of cork. Here they are at a favorite hotel, the Vintage House, in Pinhão, in the Douro Valley.
Vienna, Austria
Odysseas and Christina Tsatalos took this photo at the Karlskirche, or St. Charles's Church, in Vienna.
Resurrection Bay, Alaska
Sean and Nathan Conley in a remote section of Resurrection Bay, outside of Seward, Alaska, on their summer vacation.
SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS
Email your “Where in the World” photos to comdep@tahoedonner.com
Please submit only JPG files of 300 dpi for printing. Photos must include a copy of Tahoe Donner News + Life. Please list the names of everyone in the picture, where it was taken and a short description. Note: Please be patient; it could take several months to see your photo published.
For every home sold, we give back—because community matters. Since 2021, our 1% pledge has contributed more than $40,000 to vital Truckee-Tahoe nonprofits.
$12,500 IN 2024, WENT TO ORGANIZATIONS THAT KEEP OUR REGION THRIVING: Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue, Friends of the Library, Sierra Senior Services, Sierra Community House, and Trails & Vistas.
We're proud to work with agents who turn success into shared impact, showing that real estate isn't just about properties but people and purpose.
In order from left to right: Kane Schaller, Ally Raber, Valerie Brinker, Doug Schroeder, Barb Wilkinson & Chris Carroll
