Good morning, Truckee and North Tahoe 👋
This week, we’re looking at the progress made on the Floriston Fire, a packed Saturday of local events, including the Great Trail Race, and more from around the region.
THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE
Floriston Fire: CAL FIRE reported 622 acres and 75% containment Monday morning. Check current road conditions before traveling through the area.
A Saturday for getting involved: Run, volunteer, support Tahoe Ability Program, or head to Oktoberfest. Details and links are in the events section below.
Last week’s Local Spotlight: Meet Skylar Bickart and the dog who changed how she approaches training.
LAST WEEK’S LOCAL SPOTLIGHT
Skylar Bickart: Skye’s the Limit Dog Training
For Skylar Bickart, the founder and head trainer behind Skye’s the Limit Dog Training in Truckee, the turning point was her own Weimaraner, Sterling.
Working through his challenges pushed her to look beyond obedience and consider the emotional, mental, and physical needs behind a dog’s behavior. Today, that approach helps Tahoe families build trust and reliability for everyday life, from neighborhood walks to time on the trails.
As Skylar puts it: “The more freedom we give our dogs, the more reliability we need from them.”
Read last week’s Local Spotlight →
A WINTER WORKSPACE AT THE SHACK
A quick plug for my coworking space: if you’re planning to spend the winter near Palisades and need somewhere to get work done, The Shack is taking reservations for winter memberships.
We’re at the bottom of Olympic Valley Road, close to the mountain and convenient for fitting work around your ski days.
Fixed desk: $300/month for a six-month winter membership.
Flex desk: $180/month for the winter season.
Winter dates: December 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027.
Reserve by October 15 with a $99 deposit, credited toward your first month.
One complimentary guest day pass is included.
You can start earlier, and early fixed-desk members get first choice of available desks. Space is limited, so it’s a good time to plan ahead if you know you’ll need a reliable place to work this winter.
View winter memberships or email me to reserve with the $99 deposit.
LOCAL NEWS & COMMUNITY UPDATES
Floriston Fire reaches 75% containment
CAL FIRE’s Monday, September 21, update lists the fire at 622 acres and 75% containment. Crews are strengthening containment lines and putting out remaining hot spots, with the fire holding within its existing perimeter.
We happened to be camping at Stampede over the weekend and got a firsthand look at the scale of the response and how hard the fire crews were working. Thanks to everyone who has been working to contain the fire!
Cabin Creek biomass facility gets planning approval
The Placer County Planning Commission approved a use permit for a biomass facility at the Eastern Regional Landfill complex on Cabin Creek Road. The proposed facility would turn woody material from forest thinning into biochar, offering an alternative to open pile burning. Additional partnership actions are expected before the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, September 22.
Roadless Rule comment deadline extended to October 6
The Forest Service has extended the public comment period on its proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The new deadline is October 6. Residents can review the proposal and submit a comment through Regulations.gov.
Tahoe Fund receives $750,000 for wildfire resilience
A grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation will support Fire Smart Community Pilots in six Tahoe neighborhoods, along with forest stewardship work on the West Shore. The effort connects neighborhood preparation with work in the surrounding forest.
Claudia Andersen announces retirement from Tahoe Community Foundation
After 21 years leading Tahoe Community Foundation, Andersen has announced her retirement. She will remain CEO while the board selects and brings on her successor. The foundation reports distributing more than $165 million in grants during her tenure.
The Social at Matices opens in downtown Truckee
There’s a new dining option on Donner Pass Road. The Social at Matices centers on shared plates with Spanish, French, and Japanese influences. Find it at 10164 Donner Pass Road, Suites 2 and 3, with reservations and walk-ins welcome.
LOCAL JOBS
Three fresh listings from Truckee North Tahoe Jobs:
Receptionist / Patient Experience Coordinator, High Sierra Naturopathic Medicine · Truckee · Part time, two days a week · $20–$25/hour. Front-desk and patient support in a local medical practice.
Human Resources Manager, Crestwood Construction · Truckee · Full time · $75,000–$85,000/year. Responsibilities include payroll, benefits, onboarding, and employee support.
Guest Services Senior Lead, Homewood Mountain Resort · Homewood · Seasonal · $25–$28/hour. Help lead the guest services team, including ticketing and snowsports sales.
Browse local jobs · Post a job
EVENTS THIS WEEK
Follow the event links for registration and any last-minute changes.
Tuesday, September 22
North Tahoe Chamber Coffee Connect · 8:30–10 a.m., Kings Beach Visitor Information Center. Coffee and breakfast from Pep’s Place, a chance to connect with local businesses, and a welcome for Anne-Karin Atwood in her new Chamber role.
Free Community Baby Shower · 10 a.m.–noon, Truckee Regional Park. Resources, giveaways, and storytime for new and expectant parents. No registration required.
Thursday, September 24
Electrifying Transportation: Pathways to a Clean, Resilient Energy Future · 5–7:30 p.m., Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge, Tahoe City. UC Davis researcher Alan Jenn discusses electric vehicles, charging, and the energy system. $10; free for students with ID. Registration required.
Friday, September 25
Beyond Possible: Tahoe Forum on Health & Resilience · 8 a.m.–6 p.m., Everline Resort & Spa, Olympic Valley. A day of conversations about health, science, and resilience, with speakers including mountaineer Jim Morrison and UCSF physician Gurpreet Dhaliwal. Free; registration required.
Top of the Town: Truckee Chamber’s 73rd Annual Awards Celebration · 5–7:30 p.m., Alder Creek Adventure Center. Celebrate local businesses and community leaders, with appetizers, beverages, and a silent auction. $60 for members; $80 for nonmembers.
Spooky Harbor: The Nightmare Before Christmas · 8–10 p.m., Sand Harbor State Park. The outdoor movie series opens with the PG-rated holiday favorite. Included with park admission. Bring warm layers, blankets, low chairs, and your own snacks.
Saturday, September 26
Great Trail Race · Bikes start at 8:30 a.m.; runners at 8:40 a.m., Sawtooth Trailhead, Truckee. Ride a gravel or mountain bike, or run, from Truckee to Tahoe City. Classic and Elite routes finish at Highlands Community Center/Tahoe XC. Registration required.
North Shore Community Clean Up Day · 9 a.m.–noon, check in at Tahoe Backyard, 8428 Trout Avenue, Kings Beach. Help clean up Kings Beach, Tahoe Vista, Carnelian Bay, and Crystal Bay. Gloves and bags are provided, followed by free tacos and live music for volunteers from noon–3 p.m.
Tahoe Ability Program’s Inclusion Fusion · 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Truckee Regional Park and the Legacy Trail. An all-abilities 5K, one-mile fun run, and community party with live music and food trucks. $30 for the 5K, $20 for the mile, or $15 for the party.
Oktoberfest at Palisades Tahoe · Noon–6 p.m., The Village at Palisades Tahoe. Bavarian music, dancing, food, beer, and games, benefiting the High Sierra Lacrosse Foundation. Admission is $13; children 12 and under enter free. Beer packages are available separately.
WEATHER OUTLOOK
Truckee’s National Weather Service forecast calls for warm afternoons through midweek, followed by a cooler weekend. Today carries a 20% chance of afternoon showers; the rest of the forecast is mostly sunny and dry.
Today: 75°F / 39°F. Mostly sunny, with a slight chance of afternoon showers.
Tuesday: 76°F / 39°F. Sunny.
Wednesday: 78°F / 41°F. Sunny.
Thursday: 74°F / 42°F. Sunny.
Friday: 67°F / 38°F. Mostly sunny.
Saturday: 69°F / 36°F. Sunny.
Sunday: High near 67°F. Mostly sunny.
Bring a warm layer for the evening events. Forecast checked Monday morning, September 21.
COMMUNITY ALERTS & REMINDERS
Floriston evacuation information: CAL FIRE reports that mandatory evacuation orders have been lifted, while an evacuation warning remains for part of the area. Check the official incident page for the latest map and instructions.
I-80 travel: Westbound I-80 is still down to one lane near Floriston. Check Caltrans QuickMap before leaving and allow extra time through the area.
LOOKING AHEAD
FuturePreneurs Speaker Series · Wednesday, September 30, 5:30–6:30 p.m., Lift Workspace. Local high school students can explore entrepreneurship through a series running from September through March, followed by a week-long Pitch Camp in March.
31st Annual Truckee River Day & Fair · Sunday, October 18. Volunteer restoration projects begin at 9 or 11 a.m., with the River Fair from 1–4 p.m. at Granite Flat Campground. Registration is open, and project spaces are first come, first served.
Thanks for reading, and have a great week out there!
Matt