Northstar Living | Spring 2026 by CCMedia Publishing

NOBODY KNOWS NOBODY KNOWS BETTER BETTERNorth Northstar star

With over 20 years of experience, you can trust our local team to take the helm. Our expert, detail-oriented management and personalized, hands-on approach helps you maximize your investment through ski leases or vacation rentals.

Personalized owner support with a dedicated owner liaison

Maximized rental income using dynamic pricing strategies

Effective multi-platform marketing for maximum exposure

Transparent rental splits with no hidden fees

Consistent property inspections, including arrival and departure inspections

Accurate and detailed financial reporting

Regular maintenance and prompt repairs ensure your property stays well-cared-for 24-hour emergency hotline

Clear and timely communication about property status

Experienced housekeeping & maintenance

Experienced, professional sales team for Purchase and Sales

Active community involvement supporting local initiatives

Board Members

Jim O’Gara, President jogara@npoa.info

Chris Somers, Vice President csomers@npoa.info

Gene Roeder, Secretary/Treasurer groeder@npoa.info

Dan Cox, Board Member dcox@npoa.info

Doug Kohen, Board Member dkohen@npoa.info

Jim Kooler, Board Member jkooler@npoa.info

Al Roth, Board Member aroth@npoa.info

NPOA Staff

Tim Fulton General Manager tim@npoa.info

Nancy Barna Administrative Manager nancy@npoa.info

Sean Cutunilli Operations Manager sean@npoa.info

John Forni Maintenance Manager john@npoa.info

Alex Case Design Review & Community Compliance Manager alex@npoa.info

Contact NPOA/Northstar Living 2200 North Village Drive Truckee, CA 96161 530.562.0322 website www.npoa.info

Office Hours (Subject to change) 8am – 4pm, Monday – Saturday

Spring Recreation Center Hours (subject to change)

8am – 9pm Daily

For up to date information please visit the NPOA website www.npoa.info

Publisher | Advertising Sales

CCMedia Publishing

Sales: Peggy McElfish

Design: Tina Cutler

775.548.6562 | www.cc.media peggy@ccmpublishing.com

Cover Photo

Olof Carmel of Carmel Gallery "Wild Iris at Sunset"

inside this issue

meeting dates 2026

Meeting details will be sent via Eblast prior to meeting dates. If you are not signed up for electronic communications please contact the NPOA Office for a form: npoa@npoa.info or 530.562.0322.

March 17 @ 8am (If needed)

NPOA Board of Directors

March 31 @ 9am

Design Review Committee

April 18 @ 9am

NPOA Board of Directors

April 28 @ 9am

Design Review Committee

May 19 @ 8am (If needed)

NPOA Board of Directors

May 26 @ 9am

Design Review Committee

June 13 @ 9am

NPOA Board of Directors

June 30 @ 9am

Design Review Committee

community comments policy

Northstar Living welcomes your comments that are pertinent to the Northstar community and will publish those comments on a space-available basis. Articles should be addressed to Northstar Living; signed by the author, unless sent electronically; and should include the writer’s name, his or her Northstar address and the telephone number at which the writer can be reached most easily.

Comments not meeting these requirements or containing solicitations, inaccuracies, libelous or incorrect statements, lacking clarity or having no pertinence to the Northstar community or the Association will not be published. Comments must be received by February 1, for spring issue; May 1 for summer, August 1 for fall or November 1 for winter. Comments are accepted in person at the NPOA office, by mail to NPOA, Attn: Community Comments, 2200 North Village Drive, Truckee, CA 96161; by email to sean@npoa.info.

president’s perspective

Wasn’t the best year for Skiing but then!

Some years are great and some, well... And just when you thought this season was going down on the low slide, we got hit with over 5 feet of snow and suddenly Northstar looked like the skiing paradise we all want. Mother Nature came through and President's weekend saw the crowds return.

The Holiday Party!

We hosted the annual holiday party on Saturday December 21st in the Rec Center Lounge. This was the 3rd year of this event and it was attended by almost 200 owners. The food was prepared by Copper Lane and the libations were hosted by the administrative staff.

Four board members attended (Dan Cox, Gene Roeder, Doug Kohen, Jim O’Gara) and we all circulated among the attendees to ensure all felt welcome and to give us a chance to get direct faceto-face input on any and all issues facing our community.

As noted in previous Northstar Living editions and my monthly email blasts, we are working diligently on the refurbishment of the Ladies Locker room. We’ve engaged the “Design Bar” for the architectural design and at the Party, we displayed some of the design elements including tiles, wallpaper and fixtures that will go into this project.

The 2026 Major Projects

As previously mentioned, we are looking at 3 major projects at Northstar this year.

• The Ladies Locker Room refurbishment

• The repair and extension of the deck adjoining the Game Room

• The Rec Center Parking Lot grinding and resurfacing.

We’d like get this completed before the summer season is upon us but we are inquiring bid pricing and contractor availability. If the lag time becomes too great, we will push the start of this out to September.

With respect to the Deck Repair and the Parking Lot, we have bids in hand that we are evaluating and should make a decision in the coming weeks. Timing of these repairs is climate dependent but we feel confident that can have both completed by mid-June.

Fiscal 2025 and the outlook for 2026

With prudent management of our assessment funds and all other sources of income, including short-term investments, we finished 2025 with approximately $260,000 in income above expenses with reserves of almost $2.7 Million.

Our full 2025 audit is underway and all will be notified of the results by April.

As you know, we made the decision last summer to hold the annual assessment at $1,700 for 2026 and we are confident we made the right decision on budget requirements and 2026 forecasted reserve expenditures.

Our reserves will be significantly impacted this year by the projects listed above but we believe we can still manage these projects while looking long-term for reserve replenishment.

Town Incorporation

There is a motion underway to incorporate a large section of Northwest Tahoe (Eastern Placer County) into a separate town which would include Northstar. While the process is still underway, this may become a ballot issue this November. With only approximately 10% of NPOA owners claiming full time residency

Continued on page 6

Join us on April 15th at German Import Garage for Wine, Women & Wheels ! Gain knowledge about your vehicle and how to keep it running smoothly. And enjoy bites, wine and good company while you do it! Register on Truckee.com.

president’s perspective continued

here, only those with residency will be able to vote. Nevertheless, I’ve asked Gene Roeder, the Treasurer of NPOA and a member of NTRAC to keep us up-to-date and drive a meeting (Zoom) for all of NPOA to attend in late spring.

Elections

Three board seats are up for election this season. These seats are currently held by Dan Cox, Gene Roeder, and myself. Notices and ballots will be out by late March. Ballot submission is open until the morning of the Annual Meeting and the final count is completed before the Annual meeting and announced at that time. If you are interested in running for a seat, please contact Sean Cutunilli, NPOA Operations Manager, and he will supply you with all the details necessary to run.

Balance

The winter time at Northstar is amazing but it does come with challenges. Our quiet village is descended upon by owners, renters and skiers who buy season or day passes. Our community swells from several hundred to thousands and can tax even the most courteous and patient of residents.

Examples include trash and parking encroachment at the condos and the swell of folks who use the Castle Peak parking and the bus

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service who lose patience and walk Northstar Drive at the close of the day creates headaches for all.

Trash and parking use at the condos is something paid for by the condo associations and I would ask all to respect that. We have ample dumpster capabilities down at the main site and during the high use weeks, we have additional pick-ups. With respect to parking encroachment and those who walk Northstar Drive, we are working with Vail to find ways to discourage illegal parking and walking to Castle Peak for next season. As we make progress, I’ll keep you up-to-date.

Last Comments

I want to thank all members of the Board for donating time and patience in working the overall needs of NPOA. I especially want to thank the Administrative and Maintenance staff that keep the NPOA Rec Center running. I spend significant time with this team and I can assure you that this is a dedicated team and are always focused on what is best for NPOA.

Jim

O’Gara, NPOA Board President Jogara3@gmail.com

10800 Pioneer Trail, Unit 3, Truckee 96161 office@bassettflooring.com CA LIC #345494

general manager's report

After experiencing a few weeks of spring-like weather in late January and early February, fortunately, winter returned and refreshed the snowpack at Northstar. In addition to Jim’s President’s Perspective, I’d like to share a few other updates and reminders.

2026 Annual Assessments

By the time of this publication, hopefully, all NPOA members have paid the 2026 Annual Assessment. As of the end of January, over 96% of members have paid the assessment in full. As this is the primary source of income for NPOA, I would like to say “thank you” to the majority of our membership that paid the assessment on time and to staff members Nancy for her proactive efforts on collection, and Sean for helping members with the payment process. If you have not yet paid the 2026 assessment, always feel free to contact the Administrative Office at 530-562-0322 for any assistance needed in making the payment.

Fall Projects Completed

This fall, we refreshed the lap pool and covered spa with new plaster and tiles. We also installed shades in the fitness center and lounge doors.

Upcoming Reserve Projects

In addition to the larger projects being coordinated by the Strategic Planning & Visioning Committee, as outlined in the President’s Perspective, there are multiple other reserve projects planned for 2026. The proposal from Benyon Sports to repair the pickleball courts has already been approved; this work is scheduled for May 2026. Potential additional projects scheduled in the reserve study include replacing several pieces of cardio equipment, several appliances in the deli, and, every year there are pool and spa components that need to be replaced. A leak from a kiddie pool was observed last summer, which is being investigated this winter to determine repairs that need to be completed this spring.

Spring Maintenance Week

Each year, the NPOA Recreation Center is closed for a 4 day stretch each spring and the fall in order to complete a deep clean of the facilities. Additionally, while each year presents its different challenges and projects, we also try to schedule impactful reserve or operating projects to minimize the impact on daily operations. This spring maintenance week has tentatively been scheduled for May 11 - 14. When this becomes final, we will ensure to send notifications electronically as well as physical signage at the Recreation Center ahead of the scheduled closure. On behalf of our hard-working team, thank you to all of our members for your continued cooperation and understanding.

Parking Lot Usage

steve schmidt@skyrun com skyrun com/north-lake-tahoe

This year has illustrated a significant improvement in terms of the proper use of the NPOA Recreation Center Parking Lot. Over the last two years, in 2024 and 2025, over 250 written citations were issued just from the months of December to February, which resulted in multiple hearings in front of the NPOA Board for repeat offenses. So far, from December through January 2026, there have only been 53 citations for improper use, which equates to nearly a 60% reduction in citations this winter season. The majority of these violations were from short-term renal guests, so we encourage any of our members who short-term rent to keep educating their guests on the appropriate use of this parking lot.

2026 NPOA Election

In early March, you will receive a notice via US Mail regarding this year’s NPOA Board of Directors Election! This year, three seats are up for election with multiple incumbents. The nomination period will run from mid-May to mid-June, and it is during that time those interested candidates who would like to run for the NPOA Board may submit a candidate form either to our offices or to our Operations Manager directly at sean@ npoa.info. More information and notices will be sent to our Membership as we get closer to the nomination period and the election date, but if you have any general questions or inquiries, do not hesitate to reach out to our Office.

Summer Seasonal Employment Opportunities

Summer time is only a few months away, which means we are beginning our search for our summer seasonal staff for the Recreation Center. We currently have positions full time and part-time positions available for Bear Hut Activity Leaders, Certified Lifeguards and Swim Instructors, and Pool Attendants. Please see the Summer Employment Opportunities section in this issue of NSL or the NPOA website for more information.

Tim Fulton, General Manager

CONTEMPORARY ART FOR MOUNTAIN LIVING

Get Involved with the Truckee River Watershed Council's Efforts!

There are many ways to get involved with supporting efforts toward maintaining a sustainable community where nature and humanity thrive together:

• Attend River Talks to stay informed of past and present threats to the Truckee River Watershed and learn how you can protect and restore it.

• Participate in the Adopt-A-Stream program to monitor water quality in creeks and streams using fun and easy-to-learn scientific techniques.

• Help our ecosystem by planting native plants and trees, stabilize streambanks, and improving habitat on Truckee River Day!

To learn more, subscribe to our newsletter or get involved: www.truckeeriverwc.org

“Weedy Wednesdays” provides critical education on how to remove and prevent the spread of invasive species as springtime gardens begin to bloom. Our inaugural edition highlighted Cytisus scoparius, commonly known as Scotch broom. This dense, woody shrub not only ousts important native species with its rapid growth and formidable seedbank— average plants produce upwards of 10,000 seeds annually—but also serves as concentrated fuel for more frequent, intense wildfires.

Invasive Species are ‘Out’ for 2026… and Forevermore!

If you follow Truckee River Watershed Council on Instagram or Facebook, you may have noticed a new series beginning. But while “Weedy Wednesdays,” a weekly exposé of our watershed’s most notorious invasive plants, is new, TRWC’s fight against antagonistic flora is far from unprecedented.

Invasive species have long wreaked havoc on ecosystems, driving biodiversity loss around the globe. The US Forest Service has found that invasives have contributed to the decline of over 40% of our country’s endangered and threatened species. But just because these plants have found their way into our Middle Truckee River Watershed does not mean that all is lost.

Bull thistle is another ill-famed species around the Tahoe Basin. These pesky plants drain nutrients from the soil around them and consume large amounts of water, creating dry, uninhabitable soil more likely to erode into nearby waterways. Adding insult to injury, bull thistles thrive in the climate change-driven temperature swings that harm native species.

For more ‘Weedy Wednesday’ content, including how to remove invasive antagonists, follow Truckee River Watershed Council on Facebook and @ TRWCNews on Instagram, or visit our website at www.truckeeriverwc.org.

Learn More: Come to a River Talk

Join TRWC for a short, informative presentation on past and present threats to the Truckee River. Learn what you can do to help restore and protect our incredible watershed, including:

RSVP: info@truckeeriverwc.org

WHERE: Truckee River Watershed Council office, OR host one at your home!

WHEN: Next River Talk dates here: www.truckeeriverwc.org/get-involved/ river-talks

Bull thistle is a prolific invasive species found throughout the Truckee River watershed and beyond. Because of the spiky armor on their stems, leaves, and buds, they can be difficult to remove.

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Tahoe Yoga Offering Massage at Northstar NPOA Recreation Center

Tahoe Yoga is pleased to offer professional massage therapy at the Northstar NPOA Recreation Center. Designed to support recovery, relaxation, and overall wellness, each massage session is customized exclusively to meet your individual needs.

Services offered include Deep Tissue Massage, Sports Massage, Relaxing Swedish Massage, and Energy Work. Whether you’re easing muscle tension after outdoor activities or simply taking time to unwind, our massage services are tailored to help you feel your best.

Continue reading to learn more about Stephanie, one of Tahoe Yoga’s skilled and intuitive massage therapists. Stephanie brings a personalized, client-centered approach to each session, supporting both physical recovery and deep relaxation. Massage is available by appointment only.

NPOA Members receive a discount (valid NPOA Member Card required at time of service).

To book an appointment, call 530.550.0833, text 530.464.6786, or scan this QR code.

Meet Stephanie Aderholt My Approach to Massage

Hello NPOA! I’m Stephanie Aderholt and I’m trained in Western Massage Therapy, graduating from the Holistic Life Institute in 2013. Since then, I’ve cultivated a practice rooted in thoughtful touch, clear communication, and individualized care. My modality training includes Swedish massage, deep tissue work, hot stone therapy, and Shiatsu, which allow me to draw from a wide range of modalities to meet each client’s unique specified needs.

Each session is crafted with intention – whether the goal is deep relaxation, targeted therapeutic work, or overall stress relief, my goal is to leave clients feeling supported, grounded and renewed. I believe the most effective massage begins with listening, both to the body and to the client’s intention to craft sessions that feel purposefully restorative.

Why I Practice

I’m passionate about supporting others in feeling more at ease, aligned, and comfortable in their bodies. I also find inspiration by the body’s innate capacity to heal when given mindful, skilled care, and find fulfillment in helping clients reconnect with a sense of calm, relief, and wellbeing.

If you’d like to book a massage with me at the Rec Center, scan the QR code and select Northstar Massage!

recreation center

Now Hiring for Summer 2026!

The NPOA Recreation Center is now accepting applications for our summer employment positions! Many of our summer team members come from NPOA member families, so we encourage you to apply early and spread the word.

If you—or someone you know—are interested in a fun, energetic summer job, we’d love to hear from you!

Summer Employment Opportunities at the NPOA Recreation Center:

• Lifeguard/Head Lifeguard

• Swim Instructor

• Pool Attendant

• Bear Hut Activities Leader

Why work with us?

• Get paid to be outside

• Build job skills & leadership experience

• Make new friends in a fun, team-focused environment

Our summer staff plays a key role in creating a safe, fun, and memorable experience for our Members and their Guests— all while enjoying plenty of sunshine and great teamwork.

Northstar Groups

Northstar Women's Book Club Group

Northstar is home to many happy bibliophiles, logophiles, and just plain bookworms — and you’re welcome to join them at the Northstar Book Group, a group of ladies who gather each month to discuss their latest book selection.

The book group formed more than 15 years ago when three or four women decided to get together during long snowy winters.

Today, we have more than 30 names on the member list, including several who have moved away or are part-time residents. In fact, some often drive up from Reno to attend meetings, and the reading group, itself, has traveled to Reno a couple of times to accommodate members there.

Usually, seven or eight of us meet each month, but depending on the subject, the weather, or whatever else is going on, attendees can number as many as a dozen or so (see photo).

Each year the group selects 12 books to discuss, ranging across the spectrum—fiction, nonfiction, historical, biographies, autobiographies, modern, light, heavy, even classics.

Northstar Book Group is open to anyone who lives or visits Northstar. We meet on the second Tuesday of each month from 3 to 5pm in someone’s home or at the Northstar Adult Recreation Center.

Since the group has a variety of ages, interests, and opinions, discussions are always interesting, always lively, and most important — fun.

We’d love to have you with us.

For more information, please contact Stephanie McAuliffe at 650. 533.9145. or email; stephaniemca999@gmail.com

Starting front left: Marlaine Griffin, Marianne Love, Linda Morris,Jill Cox, Nancy Ives, Marian Hansen, Carol Pawlak,Valerie Freeman, Mary Young, Linda Oakland, Stephanie McAuliffe, Marilyn Forni,Audrey Billet, Cindy Olander

The team here at Northstar Golf hopes everyone has had a great winter season. We are very excited to turn the season into Spring and ramp up to open the golf course for the 2026 season.

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We have some exciting capital projects coming up as we continue to improve the golf course and upgrade the irrigation system. The low snowpack this winter has fortunately led to minimal tracks on the golf course and the turf. We are hopeful with minimal ice that damage to the greens will be less.

We look forward to seeing homeowners and their guests out on the golf course this summer. As a reminder, we continue to only allow walking on the cart paths until we open the golf course. Once we open the golf course property is only for paid and registered golfers. No walking allowed during the summer operations for everyone’s safety. We have kept the season pass rates the same with no increase. Homeowners receive a discount on seasonal passes only and not daily rates. Season pass rates are updated online.

Men’s and ladies’ clubs will be available to join this season, and our highly skilled instructors are available for lessons throughout the season. Local rates will be available throughout the season (local address on ID required). Look for social media posts on those. We look forward to seeing everyone out on the links soon as we hope to be open Memorial Weekend!

As always, reach out with any questions or concerns.

Jarrett Bower, PGA, Director of Golf Jarrett.k.bower@vailresorts.com

Northstarcalifornia.com/golf

This year, almost exactly like last year, we experienced another Dry January which is more than just giving up alcohol for the month. While we wait for Fabulous February or Miracle March, those of us who ski are enjoying the blue skies and happy that we do not live on the East Coast.

I understand it is early to start thinking about the golf season, but come mid-May the Northstar Women’s Golf Club (NWGC) will start playing every Tuesday with a starting tee time around 9am from the first Tuesday that the course is open until the course closes in October. Many of us get

any time and multiple days each week. We like to get our money’s worth out of our pass. The golf course also offers a special rate for members of NWGC who play on Tuesday. If you want to just come out for the day to meet some of the members, email Marian at sidebcorp@aol. com the Saturday before Tuesday play, and she will match you up with members with similar golfing ability. We accept all players with or without a handicap, and those with high and low handicaps. The NWGC is open to all women, you do not need to be a resident at Northstar. If you know someone in the area who would

group of women, please pass this along. For those who join, we hold a tournament in August, and part of your membership goes towards prizes and lunch.

Northern Nevada Golf Association and Southern Nevada Golf Association have joined forces and are now known as Nevada Golf. Their new website is nevadagolf.org. Nevada Golf has made the process of joining the Northstar Golf Club very easy. Simply go to https://join. ghin.com/2guzb8/club/18976 enter your GHNI number or sign up to establish a number. Once you are a member, you can use the USGA GHIN app to enter your scores, establish and keep your handicap active, and receive golf promotions. Please, please, please stay off of the golf course. During the winter, you might think that walking on the grass will not harm it, but during the winter the grass is dormant, and if you awaken parts of it by walking on it, the grass will then re-freeze, causing it to take longer to recover this Spring. There is a wonderful new walking path that begins at Castle Peak parking lot and goes up to the village or goes down to Martis Valley. Please do the golfers a favor and walk this path instead.

Enjoy the rest of winter and hope to see you out there this Spring.

Back Row Left to Right: Sandy Campion, Astrid Cousins, Marian Hanson, Cindy Denham, Ruta Rudisill, Linda Sweeney, Seated: Jen Polishook and Sheree Rife

design review & compliance

Spring at Northstar: Safety & Property Basics

Bears & Trash: Active Season

Bears don’t read calendars, but they do remember trash routes— and spring is when we start seeing that pattern again. The simplest way to avoid problems is keeping trash fully secured in a bear-resistant enclosure until pickup day, and not setting cans out the night before. The same goes for anything scented: food, coolers, and trash bags don’t belong on decks or in vehicles overnight. If you rent your home, please pass this along in your guest materials—most issues start with visitors who simply weren’t told.

Drainage & Erosion: After the Thaw

As the snow pulls back, the ground gives you a quick “map” of how water moves across your lot. A few minutes now—clearing drains and inlets, resetting splash pads, and covering bare soil—can prevent the spring runoff from carving ruts or carrying sediment. Once the spring storms start stacking up, these small fixes get harder and more expensive.

Lighting & Holiday Décor

Seasonal lighting and exterior décor should be down by January 31; anything still up is out of compliance and should be removed. If you’re thinking about replacing or adding exterior fixtures this spring, please loop NPOA Design Review in before you order—approval needs to be in place ahead of installation. It’s a quick step that prevents rework and keeps the look consistent across the neighborhood.

Late Storms & ROW Awareness

Spring weather at Northstar can still behave like winter, and plow crews may need room to widen lanes well into April. The public right-of-way (ROW)—from the pavement edge to the snow stakes—has to stay clear so sightlines and lane width are maintained. That means no staging materials, dumpsters, or deliveries in the ROW, and no pushing snow or debris into the road. Keeping that space open is one of the easiest ways to help late-season operations run smoothly for the whole street.

As always, thank you for keeping Northstar beautiful and safe.

Alexander Case, Design Review & Community Standards Manager

Questions

planning a project?

Visit npoa.info (Design Review) or contact the NPOA office.

We will help align scope, timing, and inspections so your project starts clean and stays compliant.

Trail and Wood Energy Facility Projects

Northstar Community Services District (District) staff are working diligently to deliver two community projects. Project summaries are as follows:

• Martis Valley Trail Segment 3F –This project entails extension of the Martis Valley Trail (paved Class 1 multi-purpose trail) from the Castle Peak Parking Area to the Northstar Village (approximately 7,036 feet). Work for the project was completed in December 2025, and the trail is now fully open for public use. Snow removal is being performed by NCSD staff to allow for wintertime use.

• Wood Energy Facility – The facility is designed to convert forest waste from local fuels management projects into renewable energy. Once complete, it will provide heat for pools and buildings throughout the Northstar Village and generate electricity to power the facility itself. Installation of underground energy distribution piping was successfully completed in summer 2024. On-site construction will be performed this summer, with the facility expected to be operational

and delivering heat in late 2026. Equipment manufacturing is underway, and construction drawings are currently being developed to go out to bid. You can find detailed project information on the District’s website or by scanning this QR at the end of this article.

As always, the District will manage projects to minimize disruption as much as possible; however, inconveniences within the project areas may be

unavoidable. We ask that you please be patient and take caution within construction cone zones to help make these projects a success.

For specific questions/concerns related to the upcoming project activities, please contact NCSD at 530.562.0747 or customerservice@ northstarcsd.org

Continued on page 20

Think Before You Flush

Flush and Forget: it seems easy to dispose of almost anything in the toilet or down the drain. However, there can be costly and unhealthy consequences to sending the wrong items down the sewer pipe. Many items can clog your toilet and/or create sewage backups into your home or your neighborhood. They can also cause significant damage to pipes, pumps, and other wastewater treatment equipment. Certain items are worse than others and should be avoided at all costs.

Fats, Oils & Grease (FOG)

When Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) go down the drain, it builds up in the pipes causing obstructions. Restriction of flow can result in an unwanted discharge of sewer waste known as a Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO).

• Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) + Food Waste = Obstructed Sewer Pipes

• Obstructed Sewer Pipes = Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs)

• SSOs = Threat to the Health of the Community and Environment SSOs are trouble for everyone. They contain harmful bacteria that are unhealthy for people and pets. They also pose a threat to downstream waterways and ecosystems.

Take the First Step Toward a Stronger Relationship.

Diapers

Flushing diapers is more common than you might think, and they will easily clog a toilet or an outgoing sewer line. Disposable diapers should always go in the trash. A single diaper flushed down the toilet can create a huge problem as they are made from a material that is designed to expand when contacting water. The Northstar Community Services District operations team frequently unblocks sewer pipes that are clogged with diapers which is not a pleasant job.

Disinfecting Wipes

Disinfecting wipes, including baby wipes and “flushable wipes”, should be properly disposed of in the trash, not the toilet. In truth, there is no such thing as a flushable wipe. These wipes do not break down in sewer systems and frequently cause clogs and backups. Disinfecting wipes and baby wipes should never be flushed.

Tampons and Sanitary Napkins

Flushing tampons and sanitary napkins frequently cause clogs and sewage backups both in the home and public sewer systems. Like disposable diapers, these items have an absorbent nature which makes them expand quickly. These products also contain cotton which snags easily on pipe joints or where roots infiltrate sewer pipes. Within a few flushes these sanitary products can create serious issues.

Cotton Balls & Swabs

It might seem like these tiny bathroom items would just get soggy and eventually break down, but they don’t. As mentioned above, cotton snags easily and can cause issues in the sewer system.

Paper Towels and Napkins

Paper towels are not designed to break down in water like toilet paper. Flushing them can result in blockages and expensive home plumbing problems.

Help Notify Us

If you see water and/or sewage bubbling up from a manhole or pooling in a grassy area, please report it immediately by calling the Northstar Community Services District at (530) 562-0747.

Best Practices to Prevent Sanitary Sewer Overflows

In the Home

• Never pour grease down sinks, drains, or the toilet.

• Collect cooking fats, oils, and grease (FOG) into a container and dispose of them in the garbage.

• Before washing, wipe FOG from pans with a paper towel.

NORTHSTAR LIVING copy.pdf 1 2/19/26 10:29 AM

• Catch food scraps with baskets or strainers in sink drains. Throw scraps in the garbage.

• Toilet paper is the only sanitary item that should be flushed down the toilet.

Restaurants and Building Owners

• Recycle grease and oil.

• Dry wipe pots, pans, and dishware prior to washing.

• Do not pour FOG down sinks, floor drains, or onto a parking lot or street.

• Use a grease trap or interceptor that is designed, installed, and maintained correctly.

• Never put solids into grease traps or interceptors.

• Check and maintain grease traps regularly.

• Provide regular training to employees on proper disposal of FOG.

• Toilet paper is the only sanitary item that should be flushed down the toilet.

condominium updates

Aspen Grove

As I write this article on February 1, I’m sad to see so little snow on the mountain. We can all hope for a big snowfall in the next couple of months to warrant large groups of Northstar skiers to make their way to the top of Mt. Pluto to enjoy a lot bigger and greatly needed snowpack. A heavy snow will help rebuild our base, save for needed water resources, bring revenue to our resort community, and highlight the magic and winter beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. “Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!”

The Landscape & Aesthetic Committee continues to work hard to add and preserve the beauty and greenery of our property. Over the past three years, with abiding support from our Board of Directors, we have planted approximately 59 aspen trees in both areas of Silver

Strike and Aspen Grove. Experimentally, this past fall, we planted several smaller Spirea plants. Before planting more native specimens, we are committed to making sure that we choose the best plants and location for them to thrive and survive.

For year four, the committee is in the beginning stages of prioritizing additional locations around the Aspen Grove community where vegetation is currently lacking and/or limited.

Our efforts moving forward to consider additional landscaping will take place the weekend of May 16. The committee will meet on site and walk the property to prioritize areas of greatest need. We may also do a general walk-through to review and determine homeowner compliance throughout all common areas. The weekend of August 1 has been designated as a time to do a more

thorough walkthrough to determine homeowner compliance, as adopted and approved by our HOA within our CCRs. Compliance is essential in order to maintain equal standards for all and to ensure that all homeowners, when spending time in Aspen Grove, can expect their surroundings to be well-maintained, representing a consistent, enjoyable, and beautiful place to relax and explore. All homeowners are welcome and invited to attend the walkthrough. The next newsletter will provide further details on time and location. The Board of Directors, members of the Landscape Committee, and fellow homeowners thank you for your support and attention to this important issue.

The Board of Directors, at their January 8th meeting, approved a contract for Jim Easterbrook Painting to repaint all 33 gate

New vegetation in Aspen Grove. ▲

bollards at both Silver Strike and Aspen Grove gate entrances. They are badly beat up, however, now that homeowners have become accustomed to the gate entrance and exit patterns and with the camera installation, it was determined that repainting every year would not be necessary.

Due to mechanical failure, several heated stairways throughout Aspen Grove were nonfunctional. This last summer, all damaged staircases were removed and retrofitted with substantial and proper wiring and finished off with polymer sand filled within all the cracks surrounding each of the new pavers. Homeowners are most thankful for the heated stairway repair for safety, cosmetic and ease of managing icy conditions while making their way through the property.

Indian Hills

Dry January each year is a campaign to go one month without drinking alcohol. Mother Nature seemed to participate in Dry January in her own way! Unfortunately, if you are a skier/boarder, we are saving budget on snow removal.

Indian Hills is planning for a project to replace our entry stairs and walkways in a manner that compliments the improvements made to our rear decks and minimizes ongoing maintenance costs. You can check out a pilot entryway that is nearing completion on Feather Ridge! Our existing wood entryways have been in place since the origin of our community and are rapidly approaching the end of their service life. As with our rear deck update project, the design for the front entry stairs and walkways was developed by The Ryan Group architectural firm, and will utilize class A rated composite decking materials and powder-coated steel railings.

The test entryway helps us optimize the design for construction efficiency, and refine estimated cost and duration for the project.

Continued on page 24

Bollard at Silver Strike and Aspen Grove gate entrances.▲

Indian Hills front entry stairs and walkway designed by The Ryan Group. ▲

A reminder that our Indian Hills dumpsters are for the use of our owners and guests to dispose of household trash. Bags of trash or large items should not be left outside the dumpsters. The NPOA dumpsters are for use by the entire community, including Indian Hills, to dispose of trash and recycle. Single-family homeowners should not be using the dumpsters in the condo areas but should be using their bear boxes or the NPOA dumpster area.

Owners at Indian Hills have received information from CAMCO on our new owner portal. This will serve as our website for Association documents community information. It will also serve as the fiscal point of contact establish the new process to make monthly dues. Look in your email or reach out to CAMCO for more information.

Indian Hills works hard each year to ensure our development complies with defensible space requirements. Specific requirements are issued annually by the local fire authority after inspection of our property and includes cutting away low-hanging limbs on trees, removing dead trees and other fuels around our buildings, and clearing pine needles from the ground. And kudos to NCSD for helping our community become a Fire Wise community. Both certifications may help you negotiate a better rate on your home insurance.

We are welcoming Springtime at Indian Hills with great spring skiing and visions for continuous improvement in our community!

Existing wood entryways under construction at Feather Ridge.

Feather Ridge pilot entryway with new powder-coated steel railings.▲

NORTHSTAR

FIRE DEPARTMENT

NORTHSTAR FIRE DEPARTMENT

Fuels Management

Measure U To Date

July 2022 – January 2026: Refer to the attached map for specific locations.

• 610 acres treated in NCSD’s Wildfire Prevention Zone (WPZ).

• 930 8’x8’ burn piles stacked by hand crews, cured, covered, and burned at later dates.

• 20 Green Waste Curbside Pickup dates completed and over 2,600 cubic yards of green waste removed from Northstar’s private properties.

Forest fuels reduction at Northstar continues to be driven by science when prescribing key management techniques intended to protect areas of high value such as homes in the community, improve forest resiliency, and statistically reduce the risks of fire by restoring the forest to pre-western migration levels.

Remaining Measure U Forest Fuels Reduction

May 2026 – June 2032: Refer to the attached map for specific locations.

• 103 acres to be treated within 300-feet of private property lines with habitable structures.

• 284 acres to be treated beyond 300-feet of private property lines with habitable structures.

• 30 Green Waste Curbside Pickup dates.

See Attached Green Waste Curbside Pickup Newsletter for 2026 Dates and for Information Regarding the Dumpster Rebate Program

Follow the Fuels Management Hub for more information including 2026-2027 prioritized project’s coming in April/May: https://fuelsmanagementhub.northstarcsd.org/

Fire Prevention

Used in Forest Fuels Reduction

Defensible Space Inspections

Defensible space inspections are scheduled to begin in early May 2026 if the weather conditions allow. Every year the Fire Department identifies a focus area based on fuel loading, and when an area was last inspected. Defensible space inspections are compulsory – governed by Northstar Ordinance 38-22,

Liberty Utilities

New Year, New Habits, "New" Ways to Save

The New Year is a great time to start forming new habits, especially those that may help you save on your utility bills. Here are some simple steps you can take to form lasting habits that can help you save throughout the year.

Switch to LED lightbulbs rather than incandescent. LEDs are more energy efficient, and those that are ENERGY STAR certified use about 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs. While they may cost more upfront, LED bulbs also last longer, are more durable, and offer comparable or better light quality.

Turn off lights and appliances when you’re not using them.

One way to do so is by using a timer, which is a low cost, easyto-install device that can do so automatically. Or, consider using a power strip, which you can manually turn off.

Lower your water heater to 120°F.

This can help save energy as well as prevent serious burns.

Check for air leaks regularly and properly insulate against them.

This may help you save up to 20% on heating and cooling bills.

Install a programmable thermostat to adjust the times you turn on your air conditioning or heating based on a pre-set schedule. This can help you reduce heating and cooling costs.

If you have gas appliances, schedule routine check-

Following manufacturer recommendations and regularly maintaining your appliances helps to keep them running efficiently and safely.

When shopping for new appliances or fixtures, look

Whether you’re buying appliances, water heaters, electronics, light bulbs, toilets, faucet, shower heads, and more, look for ENERGY STAR® and WaterSense labels. Items with these labels are certified by the EPA to use less and can save you money on

Looking for more ways to save?

Liberty has energy efficient resources and programs that can help you lower your usage. Scan the code to learn more.