STATELINE, Nev. – The Douglas County Community Services Foundation is excited to announce a unique fundraising initiative in partnership with the Tahoe Knight Monsters hockey team! This collaboration gives the community a chance to support local programs while enjoying thrilling live hockey games.

For each ticket purchased through the exclusive Douglas County & Tahoe Knight Monsters Appreciation link, 25% of the proceeds will be donated directly to the Douglas County Community Services Foundation. These funds will help support vital community services and programs throughout the county, benefitting residents of all ages.

Whether you’re a diehard hockey fan or just looking for a fun night out, this is a fantastic way to enjoy a great game while giving back. And the best part? This fundraiser is open to everyone. So spread the word and invite friends and family to join in the fun!

Supporting Our Community:

The funds raised will go towards various community initiatives managed by the Douglas County Community Services Foundation. From youth programs to family services, your ticket purchase will directly contribute to enhancing the quality of life in Douglas County.

“This partnership with the Tahoe Knight Monsters is an exciting opportunity for everyone in our community to come together, enjoy a great game, and support the local services we all rely on,” said Douglas County Community Services Foundation Chairwoman of the Board Renea Louie. “The more tickets sold through this special link, the more we can do to help our residents.”

How to Get Involved:

1. Visit the special link: Douglas County & Tahoe Knight Monsters Appreciation
2. Buy your tickets at a discounted rate
3. Watch an exciting game and know that 25 percent of your purchase goes back to the community!

The Tahoe Knight Monsters are thrilled to be part of this effort, and their games promise to be packed with high-energy action and fun for all ages. From recreational hockey nights to special family-friendly events, this is a perfect way to enjoy live sports while making a difference in the community.

I’ve been vocal in my opposition to many of the tax measures that have come before our community over the last year, including the proposed property transfer tax, the TOT tax increase, the minimum wage increase and several others. I oppose Measure N, believing it is poorly written and will do little but increase the inefficiency that haunts our local government. However, when it comes to Measure U, the school bond initiative for Lake Tahoe Unified School District, I find myself in an uncharacteristic position: advocating for its passage.

Our children shouldn’t have to learn in crumbling buildings. It’s as simple as that. The state of our school facilities has reached a critical point that we can no longer ignore. Measure U will fund much-needed facility improvements that are not covered by state funding, addressing issues that have been neglected for far too long.

One of the most pressing concerns is the continued use of “temporary” classrooms that are now over 20 years old and literally falling apart. These structures were never meant to be permanent solutions, yet our students and teachers have been forced to make do with substandard conditions for years. The state of the boiler at the high school is so dire that the District needs to staff the facility 24/7 while it is running for safety issues. Measure U will finally allow us to replace this crumbling infrastructure with decent, permanent classrooms that are conducive to learning.

I’m well aware of the controversies surrounding our district’s administration. The superintendent’s salary, the proportion of funds allocated to administrative costs and how some decisions are made are all valid concerns. The State has innumerable bureaucratic hoops that govern how virtually every dollar is spent, how every roof must be repaired, and countless administrative burdens with the purported purpose of ensuring every student receives a decent education. It’s a truly terrible, wasteful system with few winners that should be drastically reformed. However, none of these concerns matter if the roof leaks, the heater doesn’t work, and the driveways and sidewalks are ridden with potholes.

The physical condition of our schools has a direct impact on student achievement and teacher effectiveness. Studies have consistently shown that poor building conditions can lower standardized test scores, reduce student attendance, and negatively affect teacher morale. By investing in our school facilities, we’re not just fixing buildings – we’re investing in the future of our community.

Measure U is a targeted, responsible approach to addressing these critical infrastructure needs. The funds raised can only be used for specific facility improvements, ensuring that the money goes directly to enhancing our children’s learning environments. All of the money is spent locally, and overseen by an independent committee. This isn’t about padding administrative budgets or funding unnecessary programs – it’s about providing safe, decent spaces where our kids can learn. And, if the bond passes, the District may be able to leverage its funding with additional State money, should Proposition 2 pass this November.

I am a child-free resident and a fierce advocate for fiscal responsibility and cutting waste in government. However, I am a member of the community, recognize the state of our school infrastructure is dire, and am willing to pay my fair share. The cost to individual property owners is relatively modest ($35 per $100,000 of assessed value per year). It is a worthy investment that needs 55% of the vote to pass. A similar bond measure fell just short on the 2022 ballot garnering 54% “yes” votes. Let’s not make the same mistake again. Don’t let the anti-tax fervor over Measure N spill over to hurt our community’s children. Vote no on N, but yes on U.

Seth Dallob is the COO of NexGen Housing Partners, a workforce housing developer with projects in metro Seattle. He is a candidate for the South Tahoe PUD Board of Directors. He and his wife are full-time South Lake Tahoe residents.

My last issue explained how 20 amino acid subunits comprise proteins. Humans synthesize 11 leaving 9 essential amino acids (EAAs) they must consume. Although both plant and animal proteins contain all 20, their quantities and ratios, including the nine EAAs differ. If even one of the nine EAAs is missing or low, protein production cannot happen, or is limited.

This article focuses on how protein source and individual differences affect quantity needed.

Adequate Protein
Assuming a food source’s protein contains the optimum ratio of the nine EAAs, intake recommendations start from 0.8 g protein per kg of body weight for average sedentary adults. Recommendations increase to 2.2 g/kg for those engaged in intensive resistance training. For severe trauma, protein needs can increase to 2.5 g/kg.

Source Matters
The EAA ratios of proteins differ by source. This varies their availability/usability.

Fruitarians
Fruits are low in protein. Further, their ratio of the nine EAAs makes their proteins less complete and usable. So, a fruit only diet may not reach the 0.8 g/kg minimum recommendation.

Vegans
A vegan diet, excluding animal products, has less complete protein. But as long as calorie needs are met and the diet is not strictly fruits, a vegan diet will likely meet the 0.8g/kg recommendation.

However, heavy resistance training increases needs up to 2.2 g/kg. In these circumstances, meeting this complete protein recommendation may be challenging.

Vegetarians and Flexitarians
Vegetarians consume a diet containing plant foods and the non-flesh (non-meat) component of animal products such as milk, eggs, and honey. Flexitarians are those that may additionally incorporate these animal products, but will occasionally eat meat.

Vegetarians and flexitarians, provided they consume adequate calories, will more easily get adequate protein, regardless of activity level, as the protein completeness of eggs and dairy is high and the same as beef, poultry, and fish.

Omnivores
Omnivores are those that consume both plant and animal products. Like vegetarians and flexitarians, omnivores can easily meet their protein needs.

Carnivores
The carnivore’s diet contains strictly animal products, no plants. While controversial for humans, if adequate calories are consumed, protein deficiency is unlikely.

Insufficient Calories
However, even if the 0.8 to 2.2 g/kg protein recommendations are met, insufficient calories prompt gluconeogenesis, the breakdown of glycogen in the muscle and liver, fat to some extent, and protein in order to increase blood glucose to survival levels. So, ironically, even those on a carnivore diet with a high protein intake may have this protein degraded if insufficient calories are consumed. Gluconeogenesis will ensure their protein is converted into the glucose required for immediate survival.

Excess protein
Unfortunately, overconsumption of protein does not result in overproduction of muscle. Protein not needed for muscle growth, tissue repair, or other physiological needs, is broken down into glucose for energy, stored as liver and muscle glycogen, and converted to fat.

Moreover, the excess nitrogen from the unused protein is converted to urea and excreted. This burdens the kidneys risking permanent damage if overconsumption continues. Further, excess protein can result in calcium oxalate and uric acid kidney stones.

Conclusion
The body needs sufficient protein for optimal health. The less complete the protein, the more is needed. However, unless recovering from heavy resistance training or traumatic injury, even vegans have adequate protein intake, provided caloric needs are satisfied.

The next article will cover protein and amino acid supplementation and how to combine plant sources to increase protein quality.

Patrick Traynor, PHD, MPH, RD, CPT is a registered dietitian with an insurance-based practice, MNT Scientific in South Lake Tahoe, Sacramento, Minden, and does telehealth. Inquires can be directed to Dr. Traynor at (530)429-7363 or info@MNTScientific.com.

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has released the final Environmental Assessment (EA) and Draft Decision Notice (DN) for the Basin Wide Trails Analysis Project, which examined e-bike use and trail system access and connectivity on National Forest lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Depending on the Administrative Review process, the final decision could be released as early as January 2025.

Interested community members and stakeholders who have previously commented on the project and have standing to object, will have an opportunity to do so during the 45-day Administrative Review Period (objection period) scheduled to begin Friday, Sep. 27, 2024, with the publication of the Legal Notice in the newspaper of record, the Tahoe Daily Tribune.

“The LTBMU has released the final environmental document and draft decision for this highly anticipated project,” said Deputy Forest Supervisor, Rosalie Herrera. “The administrative review period provides an opportunity for those who previously commented to submit additional comments before we move forward with implementation.”

In the Lake Tahoe Basin, e-bike use is currently permitted on National Forest roads and trails that are designated for motor vehicle use in accordance with the Forest Service’s Travel Management Rule and Motor Vehicle Use Maps.

The planning process for this large-scale trail connectivity project included analyzing the current road and trail system map, studying potential environmental impacts, providing direction on how to better meet the need for e-bike access while providing for public safety and protection of forest resources.

Project work will include constructing three new trailheads, paved parking and restrooms at Pine Drop, Brockway Summit and Elks Point; constructing new e-bike trails, new motorcycle trails, and new non-motorized trails; designating new routes open to e-bikes and new routes open to motorcycles; upgrading road and trail crossings for aquatic organism passage; installing wayfinding and interpretive signs; developing and upgrading existing trailheads, parking areas, and access points; and updating the Motor Vehicle Use Maps.

Project documents can be found on the Basin Wide Trails Analysis Project webpage.

For more information, contact Ashley Sibr at ashley.sibr@usda.gov.

The first annual Tahoe Treasure Hunt is taking place on September 28, and Tahoe artists, locals, and visitors are all encouraged to get involved.

Hosted by Nicole Stirling (of the Chickadee Art Collective/Stirling Studios based out of Tahoe Backyard in Kings Beach), the idea of hiding art came from Stirling taking part in Game of Shrooms. In 2019, artist Daniel Seifert who goes by “Attaboy” created a worldwide scavenger hunt for anyone interested in mushrooms and art.

“Envision a collaborative art movement spanning the globe, free from religious dogma, where people actively create, share, and encounter moments of absolute freakin’ wonder,” is how Attaboy describes the event on yumfactory.com. On a posted day—usually sometime in the summer– artists from all over the world hide their original mushroom-themed art works in public places. When art seekers go out, the artists give clues (often on social media) about where the art is located. Once they find it, they get to keep it.

“I think I started doing the Shroom Drop first and hiding art before the pandemic,” Stirling says. She follows Attaboy on social media and found a group of artists participating in Game of Shrooms in the East Bay. After looking for shrooms in Oakland, she started hiding her own shrooms in Tahoe.

“Follow the shady trail across the bridge to find your fungal treasure! And please share or tag me if you find it so we know it has been discovered,” Stirling posted to her Instagram on the day of the 2024 Game of Shrooms.

“I know right where it is. Dang it I can’t get there,” one longtime Kings Beach resident posted. Within a couple of hours, the shroom had been found and the seeker posted a picture of her holding it.

“Congrats! I was looking for it too. You must have swooped right in! Nice find!” a fellow North Shore local commented.

When the COVID-19 lockdown happened in March of 2020, Stirling thought that it would be fun to hide her mandala art all around the North Shore to keep the community engaged and connected with each other. She’s hid dozens of pieces of art out in public places since then, sharing clues of where it’s located to social media.

“I hide art every month and have probably hidden about 50 pieces so far. My family tries to get out and do art drops with me; my niece was here from Mexico this past summer and came out with us, she had so much fun,” Stirling says.

Therefore, to get more of the community involved, Stirling has launched the first ever Tahoe Treasure Hunt where all artists in the Truckee-Tahoe area are invited to register and hide their art for lucky seekers to find on September 28th. After artists register on TahoeTreasureHunt.com and hide their art the morning of, they can post clues to social media or be completely mysterious about it.

“There are different needs for different artist levels, it’s whatever they want to do. Treasure hunters can look for art by following that artist or look for the pin on the map [on the website],” Stirling says.

Artists can register up until the day before the event, but she encourages them to get their pins on the map sooner than later. As of September 18th, a handful of artists had dropped pins on the map showing where art will be placed around Highway 267 and Tahoma.

“I want to do a day of celebrating locals’ season and get the community excited by leaving something magical around. I would love to have this as an annual event, and it can be done around the entire lake. The options are wide open,” Stirling smiles. For more information about the Tahoe Treasure Hunt, visit https://tahoetreasurehunt.com/.

* Note: Yours truly will be hiding at least one copy of Moon Northern California Road Trips somewhere on the North Shore as part of this event.

CARSON CITY, Nev. – On Saturday, September 28, Nevada State Parks invites everyone to celebrate National Public Lands Day, the nation’s largest single-day volunteer event dedicated to public lands. This annual event offers an opportunity to give back to the cherished lands we all enjoy while raising awareness about the importance of preserving and protecting these spaces for future generations.

The History of National Public Lands Day

First established in 1994 by the National Environmental Education Foundation, National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is a day of service and celebration that brings together thousands of volunteers across the country to help improve public lands. By engaging in activities such as trail maintenance, clean-ups, and educational programs, NPLD promotes stewardship and appreciation for the outdoors. The event serves as a reminder of the need to protect and enhance the beauty of our nation’s parks, forests, and recreational areas.

Nevada State Parks Celebrates with Special Events and Volunteer Opportunities

In honor of National Public Lands Day, Nevada State Parks is offering a variety of events for visitors of all ages, including volunteer activities and family-friendly experiences. Here’s a look at the exciting lineup for this Saturday:

1. The Children’s Nugget Shoot at Rye Patch State Recreation Area – Kids are invited to participate in a fun treasure hunt for golden nuggets! Learn more about this event here.
2. Tahoe Bear Fest at Spooner Lake State Park – Join Nevada State Parks and the Tahoe Interagency Bear Team for an educational and interactive day celebrating bears and their habitat. More details can be found here.
3. Volunteer Clean-Up at Ice Age Fossils State Park – Help preserve this unique park by participating in a volunteer clean-up effort. Prior registration is required for this event. Find out more here.
4. Volunteer Clean-Up at South Fork State Recreation Area – Join fellow volunteers in enhancing the beauty of South Fork State Recreation Area. Learn more about the event here.
5. Cave Lake Restoration Project at Cave Lake State Park – Be part of an exciting restoration project to help maintain the natural beauty of Cave Lake. Additional details can be found here.

Free Admission and Camping

To celebrate National Public Lands Day, all Nevada State Parks will be waiving fees for entry, camping, and boating on Saturday, September 28th. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore Nevada’s incredible outdoor spaces. 

Parks that currently require day-use reservations will operate on a first-come, first-served basis for National Public Lands Day only—no reservations will be needed. Regular reservation requirements and operations will resume on Sunday, September 29, 2024.

Nevada State Parks is offering refunds for visitors who reserved their weekend stay in a park without prior knowledge of waived fees. They are encouraged to contact the main division office in Carson City at (775) 684-2770 or stparks@parks.nv.gov to arrange a refund of applicable fees. 

Join Us in Celebrating and Preserving Nevada’s Public Lands

National Public Lands Day is a chance to connect with nature, participate in volunteer activities, and celebrate the shared spaces that belong to all of us. Nevada State Parks looks forward to welcoming visitors for a day filled with fun, education, and community service.

For more information about National Public Lands Day events at Nevada State Parks, please visit our website at parks.nv.gov.

STATELINE, Nev. – This Saturday morning, volunteers will lace up their boots, pull on their gloves, and help preserve Lake Tahoe with a few hours of intensely gratifying, land-healing work. Participants can choose from a range of hands-on projects taking place at Rabe Meadow in Stateline, Nevada. 

For 27 years, the League to Save Lake Tahoe has hosted Tahoe Forest Stewardship Days, the Basin’s largest volunteer ecosystem restoration event, in collaboration with land management partners and sponsors. Over nearly three decades, these outdoor events have empowered thousands of residents and visitors to make personal connections to the Tahoe environment as they restore it to good health. 

Volunteers will meet at Lam Watah Trailhead, 193 Kahle Dr, Stateline, Nev. Restoration projects will run from 9 a.m. to noon. From noon to 1 p.m., there will be lunch, a raffle, and a celebration.

Volunteers of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to participate in the day’s projects, then enjoy a complimentary lunch, raffle, and celebration of their good work. Register at keeptahoeblue.org/tfsd-fall.

The League is partnering with the Nevada Tahoe Conservation District, USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, and Barton Health for this event. 

The American Pickers are excited to return to Nevada and California. They plan to film episodes of The History Channel hit television series throughout your area in November 2024

American Pickers is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking” on The History Channel. The hit show follows skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques.

They are always excited to find historically significant or rare items, in addition to unforgettable Characters and their collections. As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, the Pickers are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics.

Along the way, they want to meet characters with amazing stories and fun items. They hope to give historically significant objects a new lease on life while learning a thing or two about America’s past along the way. The Pickers have seen a lot of rusty gold over the years and are always looking to discover something they’ve never seen before. They are ready to find extraordinary items and hear fascinating tales about them.

The American Pickers TV Show is looking for leads and would love to explore your hidden treasure. If you or someone you know has a unique item, story to tell, and is ready to sell…we would love to hear from you.

Please note, the Pickers DO NOT pick stores, flea markets, malls, auction businesses, museums, or anything open to the public. If interested, please send us your name, phone number, location, and description of the collection with photos to: americanpickers@cineflix.com or call (646) 493-2184
facebook: @GotAPick

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino has partnered with Pet Network Lake Tahoe, a nonprofit animal shelter, to host “Puppy Hour” events. The events are designed to help shelter pets find their forever homes while providing guests with the opportunity to meet and provide socialization and enrichment opportunities for the dogs while they check in at the property.

“Supporting the Pet Network Lake Tahoe is very important to our hotel team,” said Andrew De Lapp, resort manager at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino. “Through these events, we are hoping to be the bridge that helps to connect shelter pets with travelers who may be looking for their new best friend.”

The next “Puppy Hour” event will take place on Friday, September 27 between 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. For the schedule of upcoming “Puppy Hour” events and more information on the adoption process, guests are encouraged to reach out to the Pet Network Lake Tahoe directly at (775) 832-4404 or by emailing info@petnetwork.org.

In addition to the “Puppy Hour” events, the resort regularly donates lightly used towels and sheets to Pet Network Lake Tahoe to provide comfortable bedding for the shelter animals.

“The animals and team at Pet Network are excited and honored to be a part of an ever-evolving partnership with Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe,” said Simi Balter, executive director with Pet Network Lake Tahoe. “The bonds and benefits of community coming together have never been stronger.”

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe provides a pet-friendly experience for travelers. The hotel features a “fido-friendly” wing with rooms that open directly to a grassy area. People traveling with their pets also receive a welcome “Pawsport” which includes a map of the resort’s dog-friendly spaces, a list of pet-friendly restaurants and pet stores nearby, as well as contact details for local area veterinarians. Guests also receive a dog bed, water bowl, and hotel-branded toys and treats for their pets to enjoy during their visit.

Between September 1 and April 31 each year, the resort’s private beach is open to leashed and well-behaved pets. Guests can also take their pets on multiple trails around the property for a scenic hike and enjoy several spacious lawns located throughout the resort’s grounds.

For more information or to book a getaway to Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, please visit HyattRegencyLakeTahoe.com, or call (775) 832-1234.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The boarded up and chain-linked Motel 6 site that’s headed towards restoration was a topic at the City of South Lake Tahoe’s City Council meeting on Tuesday night, Sept. 24.

The council, comprised of Mayor Cody Bass, Mayor Pro Tem Tamara Wallace, councilmembers Scott Robbins, Cristi Creegan and newly chosen councilmember Devin Middlebrook, approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the California Tahoe Conservancy regarding the project.

The conservancy, which acquired the property in May, plans on restoring the site to the former meadow, floodplains and watershed habitat that existed there before development in the seventies. Tearing the buildings down is on the list to make that happen.

City Attorney Heather Stroud explained to council the 10-year memorandum outlines terms of property maintenance standards such as the perimeter fence and proper board up to keep it safe and keep trespassers out. Maintaining the property so it is free of trash, debris and weeds is a part of the memorandum as well as terms for public information signage related to the restoration project.

One provision allows police, fire and other agencies access for public safety training before the buildings are demolished, although details would be worked out under a separate license agreement to be negotiated.

The conservancy is open to discussing using the property’s development rights in the city instead of other parts of the Tahoe basin, and using those on projects that would have economic or environmental benefit in the city with a priority for affordable housing.

Although the Motel 6 acquisition triggered the memorandum of understanding, at the request of the conservancy, the city made it broader to cover other properties the conservancy may acquire in the future.

The memorandum provides the understanding that the city can provide input on the restoration and public access, including the South Tahoe bikeway that currently goes behind the Motel 6 building. The bikeway may stay in the same location or get moved depending on restoration plans.

Although the memorandum was up for discussion, public comments resurrected disagreements about tearing the buildings down and restoring the site altogether.

“Where’s the equity for the people that used to stay there on vacation?” Scott Loberg asked. “Are you going to develop another lower priced hotel in town?”

Commenter concerns were focused around adding to the tally of torn down affordable motels and not using the site for affordable or seasonal housing.

Middlebrook responded to the concern, “That is true. Motel 6 is one of the last more affordable places to stay in town.” He encouraged future councils to think innovatively on that front.

Mayor Pro Tem Wallace, who is the city’s conservancy representative, said one of the reasons Motel 6 would not be feasible for housing is due to the asbestos found there.

Concerning the property’s unsightliness, the memorandum says the conservancy is investigating screening the fence to cover the boarded up bottom half. Councilmember Robbins requested more of a commitment. “I understand that that may be their intention at the moment, but let’s ask staff to say that if they don’t do screening, that we then at least ask to do some visual remediation on the plywood.”

Wallace said as vice chair for the conservancy, she would make that happen.

The conservancy expects to begin demolition next spring and complete it by October of next year.

The entire Memorandum of Understanding is available on the City of South Lake Tahoe’s website as a link on their Sept. 24 City Council Agenda.