LAKE TAHOE, NEV./CALIF. – The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) has launched the next phase of its affordable and workforce housing program, the Tahoe Living strategic priority, and announced today opportunities for additional community representation.

As part of the Cultivating Community, Conserving the Basin project, TRPA is accepting applications for two open seats on the Tahoe Living Working Group and seeking participants to join the Community Partner Group. Both opportunities are aimed toward representing priority communities identified in the award-winning Lake Tahoe Transportation Equity Study that TRPA completed last year.

The agency has also launched a mini-grant program for community-based organizations to help build partnerships, share information, and engage priority community residents and workers.

“The diversity of Lake Tahoe’s communities and the sustainability of the region are fundamentally interconnected,” TRPA Executive Director Julie Regan said. “To protect our environment and revitalize communities in a meaningful way, we need to expand representation of the communities most impacted by the housing crisis.”

The shortage of affordable housing in the Lake Tahoe Region is impacting the environment as well as the workers and families who can no longer afford to live in the basin. Today, half of all workers live outside the region, which increases vehicle emissions and adds to traffic and safety issues.

Cultivating Community, Conserving the Basin is a multiyear project that promotes equity and climate resilience through improved growth management and inclusive community engagement. TRPA formed the Tahoe Living Working Group in 2020 to provide policy recommendations that have helped the agency modernize land use policies and remove barriers to workforce housing. In June, the TRPA Governing Board added two new open seats to represent priority communities.

How to Help Fulfill Regional Housing Goals:

1. Attend the first North Shore Housing Workshop October 7.
2. Participate in a Community Partner Group – Get Involved by October 28.
3. Apply for a seat on the Tahoe Living Working Group – Get Involved by October 31.
4. Apply for a Community-Based Organization mini-grant – Get Involved by December 2.
5. Take the online survey – submit by October 31.
6. Sign up for the TRPA Housing eNews.

Cultivating Community is being launched with community workshops on North and South Shores. The South Shore workshop was held in September and the North Shore Housing Workshop will be held October 7 at the North Tahoe Event Center in Kings Beach from 6 to 8 p.m. The workshops are open to everyone to share their thoughts and experiences on housing and environmental issues in the Lake Tahoe Region. Spanish interpretation services, activities for children, and refreshments will be provided. Visit www.tahoeliving.org to learn more.

Meet Kai, a senior dog with a heart full of love and joy. Her sweet and friendly demeanor can win over anyone in a heartbeat. She is super affectionate and loves to lay her head on a warm lap, give kisses, and snuggle up next to you.

Kai is 10 years old and 90 pounds. Yes, Kai is a bit husky and working hard to drop some pounds, but her love for life and people is immeasurable. Her jovial spirit and affectionate nature make her the perfect companion. She is great with people and kids of all ages, very easy to walk (even a toddler could walk her), and dog friendly.

Despite her age, Kai still has a playful streak that never fails to bring a smile to those around her. She’s mellow and cuddly, always ready for a cozy snuggle session. Kai’s loyalty is unshakeable; she stands by those she loves through thick and thin. Kai is a testament to the saying ‘age is just a number’. She has a lot of love left to give and is waiting for a forever home where she can share it. Adopting Kai means bringing home a loyal friend, a playful companion, and a sweet soul who will fill your life with love and happiness.

This endearing old soul is on a quest to find her forever home, and she promises to fill it with boundless love and unwavering devotion. Don’t let this perfect pup pass you by! Give her the best golden years possible, she deserves it. Kai is fully vaccinated and spayed. If you are interested in meeting sweet Kai or learning more about her, please reach out to one of HSTT’s Adoption Specialists at, 530-587-5948 or adoptions@hstt.org. To view more adoptable pets or to learn more about the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe, please visit www.hstt.org. 

As a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, I have access to insights from the Luxury Market Review for North America, which offers an interesting perspective on the trends driving the high-end sector this fall. The Review states, “For homeowners looking to sell this fall, it’s important to recognize that location, customization, innovation, and ‘the experience’ are driving sales in today’s luxury market.”

In Incline Village, while almost every property can be considered “luxury” by price standards, the market doesn’t always follow traditional trends seen in other luxury hubs like Miami or Las Vegas. Still, some common factors stand out in our area as well:

●      Location and Privacy: Luxury buyers continue to seek out properties offering privacy, space, and lifestyle amenities. Incline Village, with its mountain retreats and lakefront homes, fits this trend perfectly.

●      Customization: High-end buyers are gravitating toward homes with custom layouts, unique materials (think rare stones and hardwoods), and bespoke spaces like wine cellars, home theaters, and hobby rooms. Homes are increasingly tailored to reflect individual tastes and needs.

●      Innovation: Luxury homes today need to be equipped with integrated smart home systems, managing everything from lighting and security to entertainment. These high-tech features provide not only convenience and security but also add a layer of energy efficiency, contributing to the growing demand for sustainable living in luxury markets.

●      The Experience: Perhaps one of the most interesting trends in luxury is the focus on “the experience” a home offers. It’s no longer just about premium materials—today’s buyers want homes that elevate their daily living through personalized design, integrated smart technology, wellness features, and entertainment options. Features like pools, spas, and wellness-focused spaces are becoming must-haves. And, of course, the natural surroundings of Tahoe only enhance that experience, offering peace, beauty, and privacy, all while seamlessly integrating health, lifestyle, and security.

Time to Make a Move?

This autumn, take advantage of the current real estate climate. With price reductions, less competition, and negotiation leverage, you have a prime opportunity to find the home of your dreams at a price that works in your favor. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious estate or a cozy retreat with stunning views, now is the time to act before the market rebounds.

If you’re ready to make your move in Tahoe’s market or just want to explore options, I’d be happy to help you navigate this unique moment. Let’s find your perfect Tahoe property while the opportunity is ripe!

Stay warm, enjoy the fall colors, and remember—the right time to buy is when you find the perfect deal. Don’t let this moment slip by!

Whether it’s ESP, superior senses, feline or canine intuition or a change in routine, your pet may sense danger, and you should know about it.

October in Northern California is known for its earthquakes and wildfires—such as the Loma Prieta quake on October 17, 1989, and the October 20, 1991 Oakland firestorm. I experienced and survived both natural disasters. Many people, like me, who live through our Golden State’s natural disasters—wildfires or earthquakes—believe their cats (or dogs) knew something before these events struck. But whether or not cats really predict danger is still an open debate. So, what will you do the next time Felix starts acting strange? Will you roll your eyes, or be prepared not scared just in case? Read on and decide for yourself.

IS IT ESP?

 “Cats have an extraordinary ability to sense imminent earthquakes, usually ten to fifteen minutes before they occur,” explains Ed Lucaire, author of The Cat Lover’s Book of Facts: A Felicitous Look at Felines. “They exhibit nervous behavior such as pawing or scratching at doors and windows, and above-average concern with the safety of kittens.”

 In fact, the late California Geologist Jim Berkland turned to cats (and dogs) to predict other big earthquakes, such as the infamous 7.1 Loma Prieta, California earthquake of October 17, 1989, which rumbled through the San Francisco Bay Area for 15 seconds and shook Candlestick Park in the middle of the World Series. The quake was felt throughout Northern California including Tahoe. Sixty-seven people died and more than 600 people were injured. He believed some cats hold mysterious psychic powers as well. 

FIRE DETECTORS

Smell may play a role in why felines are often good fire detectors. “For some reason or another, cats may be able to sense a fire or [perhaps notice] something different in the air before humans do,” said a public information officer for the San Francisco Fire Department. “And that can contribute to why cats are able to get out of harm’s way before firefighters come to the rescue.”

Indeed, cats have an acute sense of smell—60 to 80 million olfactory cells, whereas, humans have five to 20 million. Keen hearing plays a role in fire detection, too. A crackling fire can ignite a cat’s fight-or-flight response. Many indoor/outdoor cats fled for their lives to escapes the raging inferno, as the black clouds of smoke hung overhead on October 20, 1001, during the Oakland-Berkeley Hills fire. Twenty-five people were killed in the six-alarm blaze that ran wild for almost two days before it was contained.

REACTING TO CHANGE

Most people recognize that cats don’t like change too much. Perhaps felines don’t “sense” danger but are instead reacting to change in routine or environment. It may be novelty of those particular cues, rather than the cat knows that this is danger, claim animal behaviorists. And often, it’s fear of the unknown. Fear motivates cats to act out, according to cat experts.

Some disaster experts are now realizing that many cats can sense impending gloom and doom. The question of whether cats can predict a cataclysm hours or days in advance requires more research.

But since scientists admit they aren’t able to reliably predict earthquakes, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, is it really so far-fetched to monitor cats?

Cat experts advise cat owners to do just that. “The cat’s first instinct is survival, and cats are the best survival machines Mother Nature has ever developed,” concludes Eric Swanson, author of Hero Cats: True Stories of Daring Feline Deeds. Whether cats are gifted with some kind of sight, or not—felines continue to inspire a spiritual nature that cat-lovers respond to. What they actually see, and what we see in their eyes is impossible to say.

While there may not be significant past major earthquakes or wildfires occurring at Lake Tahoe during October, it is important to know that both phenomena can happen given the area’s geological and climatic conditions.

(Adapted from Soulmates with Paws, by Cal Orey)

CAL OREY, M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such as adventure, health, romance, and science. She holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English (Creative Writing) from San Francisco State University. Her books include the popular Healing Powers series, the Rescue Me! trilogy, The Man Who Predicts Earthquakes, and the new book Courage with Paws to be released this fall. She is a South Lake Tahoe local. Her website is www.calorey.com

In reviewing the previous two articles, proteins contain 20 amino acids. Humans make 11 and must consume the remaining nine essential amino acids (EAAs) dietarily. Proteins vary in their biological availability/usability depending on the ratio of these nine EAAs.  

The degree of usable protein foods has, varies. Fruits have the lowest quantity of protein and have substantially different EAA ratios than a fully complete protein like egg-whites. Other vegetation such as vegetables, grains, greens, lentils, mushrooms, and beans, have higher quantities of proteins. Regardless, their EAA ratio differs substantially from the ideal. Notwithstanding, if sufficient calories are consumed, a healthy sedentary individual is unlikely to become protein deficient (Messina & Mangels, 2001). However, others, like an athlete engaged in heavy resistance training, may have an interest in consuming higher quantities of total, biologically available protein. 

This article explains the practicality of combining various plant sources to increase protein completeness, the circumstances in which protein supplementation is advisable, and individual amino acids that may increase performance.  

Combining Foods 

Specific foods will help illustrate how the quantities and completeness of proteins in foods matter. For example, 100 Calories of egg whites contains 21g of protein. It also has the ideal EAA ratio making all 21g usable. However, 100 Calories of broccoli only contains 2.5g of protein and only about half of this is biologically available. The limited methionine in broccoli prevents assembly of many of its other amino acids into proteins. Another example is millet, with 3g of protein per 100 Calories. Lysine is its limiting amino acid (LAA) making its protein also only about half complete.  

Generally, methionine is the LAA in most plant foods and never excessively abundant. Nevertheless, some plant foods, such as millet, with an LAA of lysine, have higher levels of methionine. So, when consumed with broccoli, which has excessive lysine and low methionine, the complementary EAA ratios increase protein usability.  

Further improving usability, amino acids not used to form proteins from one meal are not immediately degraded. They can form proteins with amino acids from subsequent meals. So, amino acids from oatmeal at breakfast can combine with the amino acids from legumes at dinner to increase protein usability. 

Protein Supplementation 

Athletes and those recovering from injury need more protein and may benefit from supplementation. Many may tolerate animal sources such as whey and casein. Peas, soy, and rice, may be adequate vegetable sources. Given the complexity of EAAs, if stakes are high, consulting a registered dietitian familiar with EAAs and sports medicine may be worthwhile. 

Supplementing with particular amino acids may benefit athletes. For example, the branched chain amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine are more abundant in muscle tissue. Consuming these with sufficient protein may improve muscle repair. Further, evidence supports that isoleucine and valine help regulate energy levels and protein synthesis. Creatine has also been shown to increase muscle growth after resistance training. Additionally, arginine and citrulline can boost nitric oxide levels improving blood flow during exercise. 

Conclusion 

A healthy sedentary individual, consuming adequate Calories, even if on a vegan diet, is likely not protein deficient. However, an athlete wishing to build and retain muscle, may benefit from consuming protein toward the upper range of the 0.8g/kg to 2.2g/kg body mass recommendation. For those recovering from surgery, this can increase to 2.5g/kg. Strategically combining plant sources can improve the EAA ratio and protein usability. But athletes not consuming many animal sources may benefit from supplementation. Supplementing with specific amino acids may additionally optimize performance.  

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. Inquiries can be directed to Dr. Traynor at (530)429-7363 or info@MNTScientific.com. 

Welcome to Coyote Country! As I stood before a packed house at this year’s State of the College Address (SOCA), I set out to celebrate Lake Tahoe Community College’s (LTCC) accomplishments and honor colleagues while cultivating a shared vision for the College’s path forward. This annual event, my 8th as President of LTCC, is one of my favorite opportunities to reflect on everything that makes LTCC special. Yes, it’s a chance to review achievements, but it is also about celebrating who we are as a community. This year, the theme “This is Coyote Country” gave us the perfect opportunity to do just that.

Coyote Country is about the people: the students, faculty, staff, and partners who create the dynamic and supportive environment that makes LTCC what it is today. The College’s strength comes from a sense of community and shared purpose. I want to thank all these people for their continued support, hard work, and dedication to making LTCC a great place for students to get an education.

As LTCC transitions to a residential campus, we are not just expanding our physical footprint but deepening our commitment to serving students. Soon, the College will be a place where students live and learn, further enhancing the vibrancy and energy that already make this campus so special.

A Little College Doing Big Things

At LTCC, we often hear that we are “a little college doing big things,” and this phrase couldn’t be more accurate. While we may be a small institution, the impact we have on the students, community, and region is anything but little. This past year has been one of tremendous progress, marked by major milestones and achievements across the board.

One of the most significant aspects of Coyote Country is our federal designation as an Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). This status is more than just a label; it reflects our ongoing commitment to serving a diverse student body. With 25% of LTCC students identifying as Hispanic or Latinx, we are dedicated to ensuring that all students have access to the resources and support they need to succeed.

Last year, we brought in Dr. Gina Garcia, a national expert on HSIs, to help LTCC better understand how we can lean into our HSI status and use it to benefit students and the community. We’re now making this identity more visible on campus with new signage that reflects our HSI distinction. When people step onto campus, I want them to see immediately that LTCC is a welcoming and inclusive place for everyone.

Guided Pathways: A Commitment to Student Success

A cornerstone of LTCC is an ongoing commitment to Guided Pathways, an initiative that aims to transform how we guide students through their educational journeys. Guided Pathways is a comprehensive approach to making higher education more accessible, navigable, and achievable for every student.

During the past few years, LTCC has made significant progress on this front. We’ve clarified educational paths with the introduction of Meta Majors (groups of related academic and career paths), provided streamlined degree options, and enhanced career counseling services. Events like Coyote Kickoff, Meta Major events, and Tahoe Basin High School senior days have helped students find their paths and make informed decisions about their futures.

Our job doesn’t end when students arrive on campus. It’s LTCC’s responsibility to ensure they have the resources and support to stay on the path and succeed. We’ve expanded our wraparound services and financial support through scholarships and other basic needs services. On-campus housing, available next summer for qualifying students, will be another critical support for students, ensuring they have a stable environment in which to thrive.

Celebrating the Class of 2024

I am beyond excited that we closed the academic year with our largest commencement ceremony ever. The Class of 2024 was LTCC’s largest graduation class ever and included 329 graduates, earning 271 associate degrees and 184 certificates. It was also our most diverse graduating class, with nearly three-quarters of students coming from low-income backgrounds and more than a third being the first in their family to attend college.

These numbers reflect our commitment to being a student-ready college: meeting students where they are and helping them achieve their goals.

Going From Good to Great

Author Jim Collins, who wrote the admired book Good to Great, speaks to the “flywheel effect” in building a great organization. Moving a flywheel requires consistently doing the little things supremely well to build meaningful and transformational momentum. We are focused on this concept at LTCC and have been building momentum for years to become a great institution. Some of the updates I shared that can be read in further detail in LTCC Annual Progress Update online at ltcc.edu/SOCA. Here are some highpoints of what was accomplished in the last year:

· The College is achieved notable enrollment growth, with an overall increase of 24% in face-to-face and online enrollments compared to the previous year, marking the highest levels of student enrollment in the college’s history. In the 2023-24 Academic Year, LTCC served more than 10,000 individual students representing 2191 Full-Time Equivalent Students. Talk about building momentum!

· Part of this growth is better serving our local community. South Tahoe High School had 44% of its graduating class attending LTCC during the 2023-24 academic year, the largest STHS capture rate in years.

· Mt. Tallac High School students saw 54% of their graduating class come to LTCC, almost double the number of students from the previous year.

· The Lake Tahoe College Promise program has been building momentum since its inception in 2018. It’s on track to welcome its largest cohort with more than 300 students this year and growing. This program offers tuition-free education and robust support services to first-time students from throughout the entire Tahoe Basin and the state of California.

· A first-of-its-kind partnership with the United States Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center has granted more than 300 Credit for Prior Learning units to service members with demonstrated skills and knowledge in a particular field.

· The number of Latinx students enrolling in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields has increased by more than 56% compared to the previous academic year, showing promising early results of the HSI STEM grant. Plus, the number of Latinx graduates earning a STEM degree doubled in 2024.

· The vision of an Equipment Storage Facility, on LTCC’s master plan for almost 25 years, was finally realized. This critical infrastructure protects the college’s public safety equipment, maintenance equipment, busses, and more from those harsh Tahoe winters.

· All facets of the Remodel for Efficiency Project, which gave needed updates to campus facilities, are complete and open to students as of this fall.

· LTCC’s new student housing complex is on track for a fall 2025 grand opening. You can find a recent video walkthrough on LTCC’s website. Additionally, off-site campus housing is getting a fresh update with new paint and new student furniture throughout the units.

· The 18-month celebration of LTCC’s 50th anniversary is in full swing. Upcoming events include Alumni Weekend (August 8-10th 2025) and LTCC’s 50th Anniversary Gala (May 10th, 2025).

Throughout the SOCA, I was honored to highlight several students making key contributions to both the LTCC campus and more importantly to their future. Their stories

are a testament to the transformative power of education and the support systems LTCC has built to ensure all students can succeed. To hear more about the exciting things happening at LTCC, I encourage you to check out a quick video of the SOCA highlights at the following link: bit.ly/SOCA24Highlights.

Coyote Country is on a path to greatness. The flywheel is gaining momentum here at LTCC, propelling us forward in support of students and the community. Together, let’s continue to push boundaries and show the world just how big this ‘little’ college can be.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Representative Kevin Kiley (R-CA) hosted Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and the rest of the “Tahoe Team” at Heavenly Mountain Resort’s Lakeview Lodge to celebrate President Joe Biden signing the reauthorization of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act (LTRA) on October 4. The bill extends to 2034 and extends the existing funding of over $300 million to the protection and preservation of the “Jewel of the Sierra.”

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and League to Save Lake Tahoe were two agencies who were part of the Tahoe Team, represented by Cindy Gustafson, Julie Regan, and Jesse Patterson. Kiley himself wore a Keep Tahoe Blue shirt as he spoke to the crowd.

“The coalition that made this happen… transcends political differences,” said Kiley, a nod to the bipartisan and bicameral partnerships that pushed this legislation forward. He thanked and acknowledged the many people in Congress that made the LTRA possible, including Dianne Feinstein who was part of pushing the first LTRA and subsequent reauthorizations before her death.

Gustafson, who serves as both District 5 Placer County Supervisor as well as chair of the TRPA, acknowledged the Washoe tribe’s role as stewards of the lake alongside the many parties involved. She pointed to the lake’s “beauty, history, and vitality” as strong reasons to protect it and praised the work of Kiley and Cortez Masto for bridging parties and state lines.

Cortez Masto joked that she really challenged Kiley to get the legislation through the House since she and the other senators had already done their parts. She acknowledged Kiley’s dedication in getting the LTRA to pass in the House before the deadline passed. Cortez Masto also extended her gratitude to the locals of Lake Tahoe, saying, “Without all of you, this lake wouldn’t be what it is.”

She recognized Feinstein and Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, who began the critical work on LTRA across state lines. “[The LTRA] is a perfect example of how two states can come together… and as long as I’m in Senate, I’ll be fighting to protect that model.”

Patterson relayed the history of the League to Save Lake Tahoe and the importance of what was outlined in the plan: forest health, watershed restoration, water infrastructure to fight fire, managing aquatic invasive species, building back the Lahontan cutthroat trout population, and accountability measures. He said, “Lake Tahoe is a place worth protecting… and with this commitment, we can continue the important work we do.”

Regan, executive director of TRPA, previously flew to Washington D.C. to testify to the House on the LTRA. She highlighted the spirit of unity in the creation of the LTRA back in 2000 and up till today, as well as the vital and living ecosystem of the lake. “This act is not just about policy, it’s about people. The work we do here is beyond challenging, but Lake Tahoe deserves nothing less,” she said.

Kiley and Cortez Masto both spoke to the Tribune and shared their biggest challenges and what they were most looking forward to, now that the LTRA has passed.

“Getting a major piece of legislation takes a lot of hard work and dedication,” said Kiley. “At a time where people are frustrated with the level of rancor in Congress, this passing serves as a model. And it proves that party lines don’t matter when it comes to these kinds of issues.”

Kiley said he was excited to see what would happen in the next decade, especially after he spent time in South Lake Tahoe this past week. He pointed to the work being done to restore the wetlands at the previous Motel 6 site, as well as the fuel management plans, which were, “at a level of sophistication we haven’t seen before.”

Cortez Masto said her biggest challenge was “educating our Congress members about why we were asking for this funding.” She was glad that her colleagues in California were aware of the importance of Lake Tahoe, but was glad she was able to bring others to Tahoe through Tahoe Summits. “It helped people understand how important this place was once they’d been here.”

Now, Cortez Masto is especially excited for the research being done at Lake Tahoe. “The work being done by our scientists here is being used as a model around the world, especially for other alpine lakes,” she said. “The research is often overlooked, but it’s probably the most important thing for protecting our lake.”

At the end of the event, the League to Save Lake Tahoe gave Kiley a framed picture of the Tahoe Team for “either one of his offices.”

Kiley responded, “Working with you all has been the best part of my first term in Congress.”

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – Mick Homan, a retired executive with more than 35 years of financial leadership experience, is running for the Incline Village General Improvement District Board (IVGID) of Trustees because he believes the current board majority has taken the district down a path that is negatively affecting those who live and work in Incline Village.

“Over most of the last 50 years, IVGID has had a successful, sound, and proven model of managing recreational venues as a portfolio of mutually reliant and sustaining venues, supported in part by a very reasonable recreation facility fee,” Homan said. “I moved to Incline Village in large part because of that model.”

In the past 2 years, the board majority has moved away from this model. The current board majority has championed and made decisions more consistent with a model where the individual venues stand independently.

At the same time, their actions have risked the sustainability of the facilities by stripping many of these venues of much-needed recreation fees for upkeep, improvement, and expansion, according to Homan.

“These actions, along with making decisions that reduced employee benefits, micromanaging district staff, and usurping the authority of seasoned professionals, has eroded staff morale and created a toxic work environment that has led to dangerous and unprecedented levels of departures of senior staff across virtually all functions,” Homan said.

The board majority has made these moves despite overwhelming pushback from the community. This has fractured the community and created an acrimonious board and resident dynamic.

Homan told the Tahoe Daily Tribune that his top 3 priorities are tied to the current issues.

“These are grounded in my belief that trustees should be accountable to the residents, property owners, and employees – and my professional philosophy that I should leave things in a better state than when I arrived,” Homan said.

Homan’s No. 1 priority is rebuilding the IVGID staff.

“IVGID should be an employer of choice, an attractive place to start and develop a successful career,” Homan said. “If we don’t have great leadership and staff, we won’t be able to accomplish any of our other priorities.”

Homan said IVGID needs to recruit to rebuild its leadership ranks aggressively.

“We’ll need effective training and development programs to retain and groom the next generation of leaders,” Homan said. “Then we’ll need to get out of the way and trust them to do their jobs.”

Homan’s No. 2 priority is developing a long-term plan to get IVGID’s financial house in order.

“We’re almost bankrupt in our general fund and have insufficient reserves in our utility fund,” Homan said. “We can’t fix these overnight.”

In the short term, IVGID needs a combination of delayed or reduced spending and increased recreation fees to get the general fund solvent.

“We’ll have to do a better job of rate setting for utilities to keep that operation sustainable,” Homan said.

Then the board needs to focus on the longer term.

“We’re currently focused almost entirely on the current-year budget,” Homan said. “We need to shift to a balanced outlook that includes a 5- and 10-year financial horizon.”

Once these plans are in place, Homan said IVGID can move to his No. 3 priority. This priority is having fiscally responsible investments in utility and recreational facilities.

“This is critical for the long-term success of IVGID,” Homan said. “We need to complete the effluent pipeline. It’s finally underway. We need to keep the project on track.”

IVGID is a common interest community, and recreation venues are primarily for the benefit of the residents, property owners, and staff, Homan said. IVGID should be using a portfolio approach to manage the recreation facilities.

“Facilities should be mutually reliant on each other and the recreation fee to make them sustainable at the total district level,” Homan said.

To do this, IVGID needs to update and prioritize its master plans for recreational facilities because some facilities are outdated or insufficient.

Homan said IVGID needs to work with leadership to get a clearer picture of its infrastructure needs both now and in the 5- and 10-year horizon.

“Our 5-year capital spending plan needs to change from a compliance exercise to a strategic exercise so we can use it to inform both investment and funding decisions,” Homan said. “I’ll work with leadership to put rigor and discipline around the process.”

Homan said IVGID needs to align on how we prioritize projects.

• Health and safety issues are priorities.
• Then IVGID needs to think about how to distinguish between wants and needs.
• Finally, IVGID needs disciplined financial analysis criteria for projects to make better investment decisions.

“Once we have a quality long-term capital plan, we can use it to make more informed long-term plans for recreation fees and potential borrowing needs to fund the investments,” Homan said.

The same process will help form utility rate setting and borrowing needs, he explained.

As a trustee, “my background, skills, experiences, and collaborative style will help accomplish the above priorities and heal the scars that have developed between the board and its employees and residents,” Homan said.

In 2022, Homan retired as the Chief Accounting Officer of the Procter & Gamble Co. He worked at the $80 billion plus global consumer products firm for more than 25 years. Homan is an experienced executive with more than 35 years of financial leadership in industry and the public accounting profession. He has been recognized as a national and global thought leader in financial reporting. Homan has extensive boardroom experience, having been a key liaison with P&G’s Audit Committee for almost 2 decades. As the leader of P&G’s global accounting organization, Homan was responsible for its global controllership organization, overseeing its external regulatory and internal performance reporting, risk management, controls, and compliance.

Before leading P&G’s global accounting organization, Homan worked in corporate and business line finance roles domestically and overseas. Homan began his career in public accounting where he was a senior manager in the audit and assurance practices of two of the largest global firms, Deloitte and Arthur Andersen. Homan also served in the National Leadership Program.

Homan was Vice President of Mergers and Acquisitions for a large regional bank. There he was a senior financial decision-maker responsible for identifying, valuing, and optimizing structures of acquisition opportunities, working with business line management to understand business plans, identifying, and prioritizing areas to supplement growth through acquisitions or alliances, and working with investment bankers and other third parties to identify opportunities.

For more information on Homan, go to https://www.homan4ivgid.com/

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – Michelle Jezycki is running for the Incline Village General Improvement District board to contribute her 30+ years of experience in human resources management and leadership to the community.

“I am a locally grown candidate who returned with the necessary knowledge, education, and experience to contribute and give back to the community I am knowledgeable and passionate about,” Jezycki said.

After graduating from Incline High School, Jezycki played volleyball with the Wolf Pack and earned a Bachelor’s degree at the University of Nevada, Reno, majoring in secondary education and political science. Jezycki also earned a Master’s degree in Organizational Management/Human Resources.

After leading a program for at-risk youth in the Washoe County School District, Jezycki accepted a job with the Justice Department to replicate the program for exploited children nationwide. Jezycki then moved to the U.S. Senate, serving as Senior Education and Training Administrator and Director of Human Resources for 10 years. Jezycki left the Senate to start a business before returning to Incline. In addition to running a management consulting business, Jezycki is a Realtor with eXp Realty in Incline.

“There is a need for greater care and leadership of our human, financial, and physical capital,” Jezycki said. “We must rebuild the IVGID staff and morale … We must ensure our services meet the needs of our very multi-generational community.”

Further, Jezycki said there is a need to return to civility and decorum in Incline Village.

“I’m looking to rebuild the IVGID team from staff up to management with an eye on increasing morale,” said Jezycki. “We need to be able to attract, retain, train, motivate, and celebrate our staff while still incorporating the necessary accountability expected of each team member.”

Jezycki said hiring the right people in the right positions and allowing them to do their jobs without unnecessary micromanagement is essential.

“Revisiting some of the issues that have taken place over the last 2 years could be a good step in finding out what the pain points and needs are of the staff so we don’t continue to make these mistakes,” said Jezycki.

“It’s a top priority for me to get our IVGID team high functioning and have increased morale,” Jezycki said.

Some things taken away from staff should be revisited, including the beach and the gold/silver recognition program.

“This is my hope to get people to speak their minds still but with a neighborly demeanor,” Jezycki said. “And currently people are calling each other out and making accusations. It’s just out of control.”

Jezycki would like to help unify the community.

“We all can take a step back and get refocused and set a different tone for our community,” Jezycki said.

Jezycki’s priorities are:

• Having transparency in responsible leadership
• Rebuilding IVGID staff and morale
• Being proactive and responsible in managing assets, including recreational amenities and facilities
• Returning civility and decorum in the community
• Planning with an eye to multi-generational services and needs of our town
• Caring for Incline’s physical and financial assets 

“I want people to be proud to work for IVGID not scared,” Jezycki said. “And we can do that while still having high expectations for each position and setting objectives IVGID-wide for everyone to strive for.”

Jezycki loves and understands the uniqueness of Incline Village. She is one of the lucky ones who started attending Incline schools in middle school.

“Her roots in this area have not only fostered a profound love for our Village but also ignited a passionate commitment to its prosperity and well-being,” according to her campaign website Jezycki4IVGID.com.

In addition to loving Incline, Jezycki is running to contribute her 30+ years of experience in Human Resources Management and leadership.

“I’m just really passionate about our village and feel obligated to contribute to our community,” Jezycki said.

Jezycki is an Incline Rotary Club member, Humankind. Be Both. founder, former Mountain Shadows Home Owners Association president, former Niner’s Golf Club president, Teesters Golf Club member, member tournament co-chair, licensed maritime captain, and 5-time Ironman finisher.

Jezycki said she is happily married to Marian Huish, her partner of 24 years.

“We live by the motto ‘work hard, play harder,’ which is simplified given the many outdoor activities we have available to us here,” according to her website. “From golfing, boating, skiing, hiking, biking, and more, we thoroughly enjoy each of the wonders and amenities our community has to offer.”

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – Incline Village General Improvement District incumbent Michaela Tonking is a political consultant who works on education cost modeling, school funding policy, program evaluation, district technical assistance, and early childhood education. 

“I am running for re-election … and am up to speed on the many issues that face IVGID,” Tonking said. “I grew up in this town and very much understand the community and have watched it change and evolve. I have a background in accounting, which allows me to understand budgeting and financial processes. I use almost all of the IVGID venues, so I understand the user experience and know the employees and can see the areas of improvement.” 

Tonking said she originally ran four years ago to give back to the community. 

“I actually ended up running originally because I started going to some board meetings and really was thinking about like all that I had gained from … growing up here and all the services and amenities that I have access to and all the things that I was able to learn and just being cared for by some incredible people,” Tonking said. “And so, I really wanted to give back in that way and just continue to create a place where other families and community members could really thrive and flourish like it had given to myself and my family.” 

During Tonking’s first term, she cites the effluent pipeline as one of her accomplishments. 

“So, the effluent pipeline is a pipeline that takes effluent, so wastewater, out of the district and into Carson City, which is mandated through federal and state regulations,” Tonking explained. “And we’ve had over the years, there have been a lot of leakage and things that have occurred that would make the district liable, obviously, if wastewater is leaking into the lake at any point.” 

IVGID hired Granite Construction to redo parts of the pipeline “to ensure that there won’t be any rupturing or cracking occurring,” Tonking said. “So, replacing that, and that should last hopefully another 100 years.” 

Completion date is summer 2025, Tonking said. 

The other capital accomplishment Tonking cited was completing the Burnt Cedar Pool project. The pool was replaced, a pool deck and walkway to the beach were added. 

“I think the other like main accomplishment … would be spending a lot of time working on really like making sure that our staff is supported and we’re working on making sure that their voices get heard as well as reflecting on the needs of our families,” Tonking said. “That has also been a voice I’ve really used a lot.” 

Tonking has a master’s in accounting from University of Colorado, master’s in education policy from Brown University, and an undergraduate degree in business from University of Colorado. 

Tonking said her top three election issues are recruiting and retaining a high-quality staff, financial stewardship, and maintaining and improving IVGID’s assets. 

IVGID has lost many long-term staff and is facing high turn-over especially at the management level, Tonking said. The board currently needs to hire a new general manager, and the district needs to fill many director-level positions. 

“The loss of staff has come with the loss of institutional knowledge,” Tonking said. “As a board member, I will work to cultivate an environment where staff feels appreciated yet is held accountable and respected for their knowledge in the field. We need work to be a place that people want to work.” 

The general fund is currently running a deficit, and IVGID’s utility is not retaining the proper fund balance, she said. 

“We need to be aware of our spending, especially with the large costs going to outside consultants,” Tonking said. “We also must take the findings from the previous three consultants and make the necessary changes to ensure we have the proper financial systems in place.” 

The RubinBrown report highlights issues that have been reported by other consultants. 

“I think it’s a good sign that like everyone’s finding the same thing,” Tonking said. “… instead of hiring a consultant to tell us again what was wrong, we really should have hired a consultant to help review what we did that last year that was beneficial.” 

Tonking also said there needs to be a qualified finance director to ensure IVGID does not have any more audit issues like fiscal year 2023. 

Tonking said the district needs to invest and maintain IVGID’s assets. 

“The first area we need to invest in are our assets that pose a health or safety risk to our community such as the boat ramp, tennis courts, and effluent pipeline,” Tonking said. “Next, we need to maintain and improve our infrastructure to meet the community’s needs, for example the recreation center, skate park, and snowflake lodge.” 

Tonking asks voters to look at her unique assets. 

“My education in accounting finance and policy, my unique perspective as a young professional who grew up in the town, and my ability to both negotiate and compromise make me the strongest candidate for this board,” Tonking said. “I am confident in my ability to create understanding and ease public concern regarding financial topics and budgets. I will work as team member on this board to make informed decisions while eliminating political divide. I will continue to focus on addressing our community’s needs and improving the services that IVGID offers.”

For more information on Tonking, go to https://www.michaelatonking.com/#/