Tahoe Donner News + Life July 2026

July 2026

EDITORIAL + PRODUCTION TEAM

Lindsay Hogan Drew Deurlington Carlynne Fajkos Cynthia Cendreda Camy Marotta

SENIOR MANAGEMENT

Annie Rosenfeld | General Manager arosenfeld@tahoedonner.com

Miah Cottrell | Director of Information Technology mcottrell@tahoedonner.com

John Groom | Director of Land Management + Open Space jgroom@tahoedonner.com

Jason Hajduk-Dorworth | Director of Administrative Services jhajduk@tahoedonner.com

Lindsay Hogan | Director of Communications + Member Relations lhogan@tahoedonner.com

Justin Malley | Director of Finance + Accounting jmalley@tahoedonner.com

Jon Mitchell | Director of Capital Projects + Facilities jmitchell@tahoedonner.com

Mike Peters | Director of Food + Beverage mpeters@tahoedonner.com

Miguel Sloane | Director of Operations msloane@tahoedonner.com

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Denise Gauny dgauny@tahoedonner.com

Benjamin Levine blevine@tahoedonner.com

Jay Wertheim jwertheim@tahoedonner.com

POSTMASTER: Periodical postage paid at Truckee, California and additional mailing offices. Send address changes to Tahoe Donner News + Life, 11509 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA 96161; (530) 587-9400, Fax (530) 579-3224

EMAIL: comdep@tahoedonner.com

ADVERTISING SALES: CC Media + Publishing is the exclusive advertising representative: (775) 742-9850 | laura@ccmpublishing.com

PUBLISHING INFORMATION

Tahoe Donner Association holds the exclusive service mark right to “Tahoe Donner.” Any unauthorized use of such will be regarded as an infringement of that service mark right and is prohibited. The inclusion of advertising in this publication does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Tahoe Donner Association or its board of directors of the products, services or views contained therein.

Tahoe Donner News + Life (ISSN 1550-6061) is the official monthly publication of Tahoe Donner Association, which is located at 11509 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA 96161. Each membership parcel receives one subscription to a domestic address. Cost to produce and distribute this publication is offset by advertising revenues. Periodicals Postage Paid at Truckee, CA, and additional mailing offices. Member letters to Tahoe Donner are published in the Member Portal; details available at tahoedonner.com/member-letters

Tahoe Donner News + Life is created largely in-house and is printed on certified recycled paper stock using soybased inks.

General Manager’s Welcome

Every time I get out on the trails, I find myself reflecting on what makes Tahoe Donner special. Recently, after a series of meetings, I took advantage of a free half hour to walk some of the trails above the Alder Creek Adventure Center. Like many of us, I tend to gravitate toward familiar routes and favorite places. On this day, however, I chose a different path and I’m glad I did.

During that short walk, I ran into several longtime members whom I first met more than 20 years ago when I was a new amenity manager at Tahoe Donner. Back then, they were raising young children, building careers, juggling busy schedules and making the most of weekends and vacations at their Tahoe Donner homes. Like many members, they were intentionally prioritizing time here long before retirement, creating family traditions and memories while imagining what life in Tahoe Donner might look like in the future.

As we caught up, they shared stories about children who are now in graduate school, in trade professions and in new careers. Some are now raising families of their own, something that admittedly makes me realize just how much time has passed.

One of the privileges of working at Tahoe Donner for more than two decades is watching families move through different chapters of life. What struck me during those conversations on the trail was that while the community has changed over time, the reasons people come here have remained remarkably consistent: time with family, time outdoors and time together. What has changed is how people experience Tahoe Donner.

The activities that appeal to young families may be different from those that appeal to empty nesters, retirees or grandparents. One of the opportunities and responsibilities we have as an association is to continue evolving so members can find meaningful ways to connect with Tahoe Donner throughout different stages of life.

Those conversations also reminded me that Tahoe Donner is not a static place. The

trails, amenities and traditions that bring us together remain important, but the ways members engage with the community naturally evolve over time. Part of what keeps Tahoe Donner special is its ability to offer something meaningful at every stage of life.

This summer, I encourage you to enjoy the traditions you love while also trying something new.

At the Equestrian Center, programs continue to evolve beyond traditional riding experiences to include opportunities focused on personal growth, wellness and connection through interaction with horses. These programs reflect how Tahoe Donner continues to evolve the ways members connect, learn and grow.

Others may find that connection through stewardship, whether participating in trail work, learning more about our forest health initiatives or seeing firsthand the work being done to improve wildfire resiliency across Tahoe Donner.

Still, others may choose to engage by helping shape Tahoe Donner’s future. This summer, you’ll continue to see our member prioritization in action through improvements informed by the 2025 Member Survey, efforts to preserve member access to private amenities, and participation opportunities associated with the Evacuation Study being conducted in partnership with the Town of Truckee. Whether through recreation, stewardship, wellness or helping shape future decisions, there are many ways to engage with Tahoe Donner. The opportunities may look different from what they did 20 or even 5 years ago, but that is part of what keeps this community vibrant and relevant across generations.

I hope you enjoy the traditions you love, try something new and make the most of your time in the mountains this summer. Have a wonderful Fourth of July and a fantastic summer season.

Annie Rosenfeld General Manager gm@tahoedonner.com

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Below the Surface

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE SOUTH PROSSER CREEK WATERSHED AND THE EUER VALLEY RESTORATION PROJECT

BY CYNTHIA CENDREDA

Turn of the Century Industries Impacting Today’s Ecosystem Health

The hallmark of Tahoe Donner’s trail system year-round remains Euer Valley, with its breathtaking fields of wildflowers, lush marshes, historic structures dating back to the turn of the century and most stunning of all, the South Fork of Prosser Creek winding through. Providing critical habitat for local flora and fauna –including black bears, mule deer, marmots, red-tailed hawks, osprey and more – the creek’s health remains a critical component of the valley’s delicate ecosystem.

Once the ancestral territory of the Washoe Tribe, they spent their summers in the Truckee-Tahoe basins, hunting, fishing and gathering plants, nuts and other natural resources for food, medicine and other utilitarian purposes. Living in harmony with their surroundings, the Washoe Tribe’s subsistence lifestyle existed for centuries, allowing the basins’ ecosystems to replenish their flora and fauna season after season.

In all its stunning surface beauty, it’s easy to imagine the once idyllic existence of the Washoe subsisting on the pristine bounty of Euer Valley – a meandering creek, fields of wild grasses and flowers, towering pines on either side and evidence of creatures great and small at every turn. But a closer look reveals critical human impacts over the last century that have accelerated South Prosser Creek’s decline, drastically changed the landscape and jeopardized the valley’s long-term sustainability.

With 200 acres purchased in 2003, and an additional 482 acres purchased in 2011, the Tahoe Donner Association long endeavored to be a dutiful steward of the Euer Valley. Foundational to its recreational programming and a cherished part of its natural resources, the association included the valley’s long-term restoration in its 2012 Trails and Master Plan and welcomed guidance on balancing its recreational use with its protection and preservation. Nearly a decade later, in 2022, in collaboration with the Truckee River Watershed Council (TRWC), a Prosser Creek Watershed Assessment was completed. The comprehensive report, which detailed the physical and biological attributes of the Prosser Creek watershed and basin, its history and the challenges and opportunities for restoration and enhancement, served as the catalyst for the multi-phased Euer Valley Restoration Project.

Understanding Watershed Dynamics in Euer Valley

Following the gold rush and Comstock Lode silver rush of 1859, miners set their sights on new enterprises in logging to expand the Central Pacific Railroad, the nation’s first transcontinental railroad, over Donner Summit. Among these industrialists were the Euer Family, who leased their land for logging and owned a sawmill as late as 1908. A narrow-gauge railroad was created to accommodate loggers on the southside of Euer Valley and the Euer Sawmill. As timber harvesting fell out of practice due to deforestation, more and more loggers, including the Euers, turned to ranching and dairy farming, with cattle operations continuing in the valley as late as the early 2000s.

Such rigorous human activities drastically changed the landscape, and consequently, the water flow into and out of the creek. According to Tahoe Donner’s Director of Land Management + Open Space, John Groom, “soil compaction and vegetation loss from intensive logging at the turn of the century, and salvage logging associated with more recent events similar to the 1960 Donner Ridge Fire, have impacted the watershed’s hydrology, resulting in fast-flowing runoff during snow melt. This runoff also deposits loose sand, soil and other particles into the creek.”

This hydrologic dynamic creates a cascade of negative impacts on the watershed, from stream incision – accelerated erosion of the stream banks due to high-velocity creek effluence – to murky, turbid water from sedimentary deposits that can stifle sensitive aquatic habitats. Additionally, when too much water leaves a creek

A watershed, or drainage basin, is an area of land in which all flowing surface water converges to a single point, such as a river mouth or into another body of water like a lake or ocean. The Prosser Creek Watershed with the South Fork of the Prosser Creek flowing through to the Truckee River, encompasses the Euer Valley. Recent studies have highlighted the impacts of legacy land use, including logging and dairy and cattle operations, which continue to influence the watershed’s hydrology to this day, as well as opportunities to mitigate the ongoing effects of the association’s recreational activities. Continued

or riverbed and cannot be replenished, soil conditions change, affecting the adjacent riparian zones. Vegetation changes, including to wetland flora, and events like “conifer creep,” threaten the entire ecosystem. Unmitigated, such water and habitat loss could result in a barren valley.

A Collaborative Partnership + MultiPhased Approach to Restoration

With a long-standing partnership spanning two decades, Tahoe Donner sought TRWC’s habitat restoration and grant-funding expertise to help determine the scope, budget and funding capacity for such a comprehensive land management undertaking. The overall cost for the first phase of the project was estimated at $3,014,348, including significant construction, road and trail repair or rerouting, revegetation of riparian zones and other streambank erosion mitigation.

To demonstrate its commitment to stewardship and ensure the success of large-scale grant funding from various agencies, the association invested $475,000 from the Replacement Reserve Fund. Remarkably, TRWC secured the remaining $2,539,348 from agencies including the Wildlife Conservation Board, State Water Board and the Sierra Meadows Partnership. According to Eben Swain, Project Director for Truckee River Watershed Council, the grants effectively transformed every dollar of Tahoe Donner’s investment into $7 in capital.

PHASE 1

Now complete, the resource-intensive Phase 1 established the long-term restoration of a 30-acre high-quality meadow habitat in the valley. This included the implementation of a 512-foot boardwalk built on helical piers to relieve foot traffic on damaged trails and preserve sensitive wetlands across the meadow in the summer months, and provide a more sustainable roadway for trail groomers for the Cross Country Ski Center in the winter. A 150-foot bridge was also built over South Prosser Creek to replace a failing culvert and allow water to flow more naturally as it did prior to human impacts.

designed vistas, visitors can enjoy a more bird’s-eye perspective of the expanse of wild grasses, shrubs and South Prosser Creek without disturbing the habitat restoration in progress.

PHASE 2

Taking place now and continuing for as long as conditions allow into the fall, Phase 2 will focus on creek restoration along a half-mile section of South Prosser Creek to improve habitat for fish and other wildlife, as well as improving drainage along a one-mile stretch of degraded roadway, including along Alder Creek Road, Euer Valley’s main crossing, Crabtree Road, South Euer Valley Road and Broken Spoke. Creek restoration activities may include resurrecting environmentally compatible retaining walls to stabilize stream banks or direct water flow, or re-establishing native plants in riparian zones.

Long-term, the association will continue to monitor the valley’s health through water quality testing, studies and other measures.

Synergistic Stewardship

The Euer Valley Restoration Project is a multi-year, multi-phased endeavor that exemplifies the power of collaboration when values align. At the intersection of private land ownership and environmental accountability, the Truckee River Watershed Council remains a critical partner in Tahoe Donner’s ability to advance sustainable land management initiatives while balancing fiscal responsibility and enhancing the recreational experience.

According to Tahoe Donner General Manager Annie Rosenfeld, TRWC’s proven ability to secure grant funding is a testament to their commitment to protecting the environment and their ecological expertise, and it enables them to continue their important work with Tahoe Donner. Swain adds that he has “never experienced as many funders on a single project as he has with The Euer Valley Restoration Project,” attributing it to Tahoe Donner’s reciprocal willingness to invest in skilled forestry and land management staff, studies and other necessary resources to make the partnership a critically important one for sustaining the long-term health of the South Prosser Creek Watershed.

That both the association and TRWC share a profound obligation to protect and preserve the Truckee Tahoe basin’s natural resources is the foundation for a successful partnership in sustainable land management. To learn more about TRWC’s work in Euer Valley in collaboration with Tahoe Donner, visit their website at truckeeriverwc.org/our-work/euer-valley

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL

Experience the Trails With Bikeworks This Summer!

BY CYNTHIA CENDREDA

Summer is officially here, and it’s time to shift gears for an exciting new way to discover the Tahoe Donner Trail System. Bikeworks, located at the Alder Creek Adventure Center, offers a wide variety of bikes – and e-mountain bikes (eMTBs) – for all ages and skill levels to explore over 60 miles of single and doubletrack trails and fire roads over rolling hills, down a thrilling flow track, across sprawling meadows bursting with wildflowers or through one of the most breathtaking valleys in the High Sierra and beyond.

A unique experience you won’t want to miss, Bikeworks’ rental fleet features an array of bikes from top brands like Pivot, Intense and Rocky Mountain and includes:

• Full-suspension mountain (carbon fiber available)

• Hard-tail mountain bikes

• Class 1 full suspension eMTBs (carbon fiber available)

• Gravel bikes

• Kids mountain bikes

• Trail-a-bikes + bike trailers

Discover the stunning beauty of the expansive trail system in one of the most immersive nature experiences available in the Truckee Tahoe area at Bikeworks.

PLAN YOUR PERFECT RIDE

With options for every age and level of rider, plan your next mountain bike adventure with Bikeworks.

NOTE: Tahoe Donner trail designations and directions exist to provide a positive experience for all trail users, including bikers, hikers and equestrians. Before heading out, plan your routes accordingly, respect all designations and directional signage, and practice proper trail etiquette.

Flow Trail Fun or a Cross Country Adventure

(Intermediate-Advanced)

Experienced mountain bike enthusiasts will love exploring Tahoe Donner’s vast network of trails, offering varied, moderately challenging terrain, spectacular views, long- or short-distance routes, and other fun features.

Head to Bikeworks for trail maps, route recommendations or to check out the latest demo carbon fiber mountain bikes and eMTBs. If you’re looking to upgrade your current setup, demo bikes are a great way to try something new without a significant investment or immediate commitment. Bikeworks carries a variety of mountain bikes and eMTBs from Pivot, Intense, Rocky Mountain, Giant, Liv and more.

For a quick ride with a high payout, head up Wild West and down the Flying Squirrel Flow Trail. Located a short distance from the Alder Creek Adventure Center, the flow trail features smooth, sculpted surfaces, berms, rollers, and more for an exciting, rhythmic and momentum-focused ride. For a longer cross-country adventure, start at Wild West and head to Mother Lode. Rated black diamond, experienced riders will enjoy fast turns, rock features and small drops. For the most technical ride on the Tahoe Donner Trail System, head to Mustang Sally for a steep, winding singletrack with rock features.

Family-Friendly Excursion

(All Ages + Levels)

Whether there are two or twelve of you, Bikeworks’ rental fleet and guided rides can accommodate small and large groups for an immersive exploration of the Tahoe Donner Trail System. With a range of sizes

and set-ups for kids and adults, as well as pedal-assisted electric options, everyone in your family can experience and enjoy an accessible mountain bike adventure on Tahoe Donner’s most popular trails.

Tailored to any group’s collective riding level, guided rides ensure you don’t miss out on stunning vistas or experience the magic of iconic Euer Valley while learning about its rich history and local flora and fauna. Pedal-assisted, full-suspension rental mountain bikes provide a comfortable ride in and out of the valley, or over longer distances and more varied terrain, so no one misses out on the fun!

With top-of-the-line eMTB rentals starting at $40 an hour and guided rides for $99 per group (up to six people), these affordable excursions are certain to create lasting summer memories for you and your family.

Bonding Time With Your Best Friends (All Levels)

No bike? No problem. Whether you’re on holiday for a few days or thinking about picking up a new summer hobby, Bikeworks’ affordable rentals ensure no one gets left behind. From lightweight, carbon fiber, full-suspension mountain bikes and eMTBs to gravel bikes, go the distance with all your friends in tow.

For an unforgettable group ride, head to the Donner Lake Rim Trail at the Glacier Way Trailhead. Discover fields of wild flowers, mystical conifer forests, massive granite boulders and open vistas with views of Donner Lake and the Sierra Crest on this moderately challenging trail.

Plan ahead and reserve your rental bikes online on ShopTD (shop.tahoedonner.com).

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

With such an expansive multi-use trail system, plan your routes ahead of time. Tahoe Donner’s interactive trail map identifies levels of difficulty, direction and designation, while offering the most up-to-date information on trail conditions and closures.

The interactive trail map is available online at tahoedonner.com/trails Alternatively, stop by Bikeworks for a stowable printed map and in-person tips.

TECH SHOP

Whether you need to fix a flat or a full tune-up, Bikeworks’ Tech Shop offers repairs, maintenance and tunings as well as common mountain bike parts and accessories. Bikeworks technicians can assist with everything from bike fitting for rentals to bike purchases and custom builds (eMTB service may be limited depending on needs).

GO DEEPER

If, after your initial ride, you’re ready for more, Bikeworks offers kids’ camps, private lessons and clinics for youth and adult riders to help you refine your technique, build confidence and conquer the trails. Reserve your camps, clinics, guided rides or lessons online at ShopTD.

Look out for fun events throughout the season, like weekly group rides or the ever-popular Tour de TD mountain bike trail challenge and be welcomed into a great community of riders!

For more information, and a complete list of clinics, events and more, visit tahoedonner.com/events

NEW CLINIC + GROUP RIDE

OFFERINGS

NEW! Grom Clinics

For kids ages 5-9 who are comfortable riding bikes on pavement but looking to tackle the trails, these focused clinics help them level up their skills and confidence to take it off-road.

Ages 5-6: July 19 | 9AM-12PM

Ages 7-9: July 18 | 9-12PM

Cost: $149

NEW! Thursday Night Group Rides

Do you just want to go for a fun ride and explore the trails at Tahoe Donner? Our professional mountain bike guides will lead these free rides and will explore a different route each week. This is a great place to find new riding friends. The focus will be on fun and camaraderie. Demo bikes will be available for rent if you’d like to try something new.

NEW! Bike Skills Clinic

This skills clinic is for adult mountain bikers who’d like to work on a specific aspect of their riding. The coaches will tailor the lesson to the participants of the day. Whether you want to work on climbing, descending, cornering, navigating rock gardens or any other aspect of your riding, we’d love to help you conquer those new skills.

When: Aug. 1 | 9AM-12PM

Cost: $149

POPULAR CLINICS + EVENTS

Basic Bike Maintenance

Routine bike maintenance keeps you riding smoothly and prolongs your bike’s life. These introductory classes will help you take care of your bike before, during and after rides.

When: Thursdays | 4PM

Cost: Member $5, Public $10

Women’s Bike Clinics

Our women’s clinics are taught by women, for women and are open to all skill levels, ages 13+. Saturday focuses on technical skills to build a solid foundation for newer riders or to improve your skills for more advanced riders. Sunday takes those newly developed skills and applies them on the trails.

When: July 25 + 26 | 9AM

Cost: $149 Per Day

Tour de TD

Calling all Tahoe Donner bikers and hikers for a fun-filled day of friendly competition, fresh air and all-ages adventure at Tahoe Donner’s Bikeworks! Participants will try to reach as many checkpoints as possible while collecting colored wristbands at each one. Checkpoints will be spread throughout the Tahoe Donner Trail System. Maps indicating checkpoint locations will be handed out starting at 9AM at the Alder Creek Adventure Center (ACAC). Return to ACAC by 1PM and present your wristbands to earn your finisher’s medal!

When: July 11 | 9AM-1PM

Cost: $25 Entry Fee

TAHOE DONNER FOOD & BEVERAGE

Shaped by Member Feedback

At Tahoe Donner, member feedback is more than just a survey response or a quick tap on a Happy-or-Not kiosk. It helps shape decisions, prioritize improvements and guide the future of our amenities.

Over the past several years, we have heard clearly what members want from their dining experience: better food quality, more healthy options, stronger value, consistent operations and welcoming spaces that bring people together. We appreciate the time members take to share their thoughts, and we want you to know we are listening.

Many of the improvements now underway across Tahoe Donner’s dining amenities are a direct result of that feedback.

One of the most common requests has been for fresher, higher-quality food and more diverse menu options. In response, our culinary teams have evolved and increased their focus on scratch-made offerings, locally sourced ingredients and menus that accommodate a variety of dietary preferences. Whether you’re looking for vegetarian, gluten-free or healthconscious choices, you’ll find more options than ever before, especially at The Alder Creek Cafe under new direction from Chef Steven Courtney, who joined the team in November 2025.

Members have also asked for dining experiences that feel unique and purposeful. Today, each location offers its own distinct atmosphere. The Lodge provides an elevated dining experience and lively pub environment, Pizza on the Hill continues to serve as a family-friendly gathering place and Alder Creek Cafe has returned to its roots as a destination for active, wellness-minded members.

Value remains another important priority. That’s why we’ve expanded promotions, happy hour offerings and memberexclusive specials. New programs like Member Mondays at The Lodge Restaurant & Pub and ongoing seasonal promotions are designed to make dining out at Tahoe Donner both enjoyable and affordable.

We also heard that reliability matters. Members want to know when amenities are open and available. In response, we have worked to create more consistent operating schedules, including expanded seven-day service during peak seasons at The Lodge and Pizza and the return of a delicious full menu at Alder Creek Cafe.

Perhaps most importantly, members told us they want our dining amenities to be places where community and fun happens. From live music and trivia nights to casual gatherings with friends and family, our restaurants continue to evolve as spaces that foster connection and create memorable experiences. Meet your neighbors, soak up a sunset and savor the flavors.

The work is not done. We will continue listening, learning and improving. Thank you to every member who has shared feedback, completed a survey, submitted a comment or simply told us what matters most. Your voice helps guide our decisions and strengthen the Tahoe Donner experience for everyone. We invite you to return to your restaurants and experience the efforts we have made to create dining experiences that are more flavorful, more welcoming and more reflective of what members value most.

Ernesto Kendrick-Garcia

HEAD CHEF AT PIZZA ON THE HILL

WHEN DID YOU START WORKING AT TAHOE DONNER?

May 2021.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD TO MAKE?

I really love making pasta from scratch, it’s such a simple recipe, rolling and shaping it out by hand feels meditative to me after doing it for a while.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD TO EAT?

Sandwiches probably. I don’t think there’s ever a bad time to have a sandwich, and when I’ve been cooking all day, it’s a great thing to just slap together.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT MAKING AWESOME FOOD FOR OUR COMMUNITY? When I can find the time, I’m usually near some body of water, fishing or paddleboarding. On warmer and quieter days, I like to take some skateboards out and drop down on any hill that looks like fun!

WHAT NEW MENU ADDITIONS ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT?

I’m psyched to offer some more variety this summer in our appetizers and desserts. We’ve made a great effort to make as much of our menu as possible in-house. I’m particularly jazzed about our Matcha Tiramisu and our Orchard Pizza.

SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer all the way!

Steven

Courtney

HEAD CHEF AT ALDER CREEK CAFE

WHEN DID YOU START WORKING AT TAHOE DONNER?

November 2025.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD TO MAKE?

Mac ‘n’ cheese.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD TO EAT?

Anything wrapped in a tortilla.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT MAKING AWESOME FOOD FOR OUR COMMUNITY? Bicycles, skateboards, motorcycles, oceans and snowboards!

WHAT NEW MENU ADDITIONS ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT? The vegan Báhn Mì is pretty special.

SUMMER OR WINTER? Can I say both?

SUMMER DINING Bucket List

With long days and plenty of sunshine ahead, dining in Tahoe Donner has never been more enjoyable. See below for fun things to look forward to and add to your summer bucket list!

Member Mondays at the Lodge

On Monday evenings, members can enjoy 20% off their entire food bill for up to six people (alcohol not included) at The Lodge Restaurant & Pub – now open daily for dinner! Member ID Card is required. This offer is for dine-in only and cannot be combined with any other promotion.

Health-Conscious Options at Alder Creek Cafe

New Chef. New Menu. Refocused on options for athletes and health-conscious individuals, including tons of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Enjoy the Lemongrass Chicken Sandwich with vegetables pickled in house or the Mango Tumeric Crunch Salad.

Live Music Weekly

Beginning the week of July 7, sway to soulful sounds at Grooves by the Greens on Tuesday evenings from 6-8PM at The Lodge Pavilion. Then enjoy rock and roll and more at Music by the Meadow on Saturday evenings from 5-7PM on the lawn at Pizza on the Hill.

Open 7 Days A Week

Less confusion – more flavorful dinners. Enjoy an elevated menu at The Lodge Restaurant & Pub, or casual, family-style dining at Pizza on the Hill, open every day during the summer months.

Sierra Sunset Cocktails With Lake Views

Featuring full bar service, protective wind glass and fire pits, the patio at Beach Club Marina has never been more inviting for evening cocktails and sunset views over magical Donner Lake.

Tacos + Beer Happy Hour

Happy hour at Alder Creek Cafe just got tastier with a Tacos (2) + Beer combo for $15! Happy hour offered Wednesday through Sunday from 4-6PM.

Community Game Nights

From cornhole to bingo and trivia, casual game nights with family and friends are where it’s at this summer. See details at tahoedonner.com/events

Buzz The

LOCAL ACTIVITIES, CLUBS, DINING + MORE

Playmaxxing

As we are continually exposed to technology meant to “maximize” our productivity and performance, I feel compelled to rebel against this need to be overly industrious. In fact, in light of Lake Tahoe’s infamously gorgeous summer weather, what I am beckoned to consider above all else is the instinct to slow down, to recharge my proverbial battery that worked overtime managing very, very late season storms and other unexpected challenges. So while those in more optimized societies may be apt to gym-maxxing, protein-maxxing, or even sleep-maxxing, I will be minimizing this compulsion to quantify every biometric outcome in favor of pure, unadulterated PLAYTIME –dancing, game nights, sporting activities or leisurely strolls with zero tracking. No counting steps, no aura rings, no Apple Watches. Just me and my cup, and finding ways to fill it with limitless joy.

Since I cannot realistically ring everyone’s doorbell to personally ask if you can “come out and play,” consider this my sincere request that you all give the following a try…and don’t forget your cup! Each of these Tahoe Donner community offerings is sure to fill yours.

Music + Dancing

Dance Fitness Classes: Exercise your heart and soul in dance fitness classes at Trout Creek Rec Center. Featuring fun popular music or cultural beats, shake, sway, bounce and boogie up your midweek routine with energetic instructors and your fellow TD Members. Suitable for all movement levels, give Cardio Dance, Zumba®, Aqua Zumba® or Aflow a “spin,” and then be ready to bring those moves to the dance floor for Tahoe Donner’s summer live music series! To

view the complete fitness schedule, visit tahoedonner.com/fitness

Summer Live Music Series: Enjoy weekly live music from Truckee-Tahoe’s most popular musicians and bands at two outdoor locations in Tahoe Donner throughout the summer season.

• Grooves by the Greens Tuesdays at The Lodge Pavilion

July 7-Aug. 25

• Music by the Meadow Saturdays at Pizza on the Hill

July 11-Sept. 5

Family Game Days/Nights

and connect with neighbors while the kids have fun filling their bingo cards! Food and drinks available for purchase.

Trivia Nights: July 9-Aug. 27, put your trivia skills to the test every Thursday night from 5-6PM at the Northwoods Clubhouse. Win cool prizes with your random knowledge during this wildly fun game night. Food and drinks available for purchase from Pizza on the Hill, open 4-8PM. To learn more about cornhole tournaments, bingo and trivia nights, and to see the complete events calendar, visit tahoedonner.com/events

Summer Sports + More

Golf: Tahoe Donner’s 18-hole, Par 72 championship Golf Course is in pristine condition, offering a wide range of programs for adults and youth golfers to elevate their game. From lessons, clinics and chartered golf clubs to youth camps and PGA Jr. League competitive golf teams, visit tahoedonner.com/golf to plan your summer on the fairways for the whole family.

Recreation Hut Activities: Sporting families will find a variety of fun activities at the Recreation Hut, from bocce ball and disc golf to volleyball, horseshoes and even archery! Stop by for daily offerings next to the Northwoods Pool or visit tahoedonner.com/summer-activities

Cornhole Tournaments: Enjoy some fun and family-friendly competition at the Alder Creek Adventure Center on Friday evenings at 5PM from July 10 to Aug. 14. Prizes awarded for first, second and third place finishers! Two players per team; food and drinks available for purchase! $5 per person or $10 per team of two; entry fee includes one free drink ticket.

Bingo Nights: July 6 through Sept. 7, join us for family-friendly bingo nights every Monday from 5-7PM on the lawn at Pizza on the Hill. It’s the perfect way to unwind

Tennis + Pickleball: The Tennis + Pickleball Center offers lessons, clinics and kids camps for players of all levels throughout the summer. No equipment? No problem. Find a wide selection of brand-new rackets and accessories from top brands, rental and demo equipment, baskets of balls, ball machines and more in the Pro Shop! Reserve your court, lesson or program in advance on courtreserve.com

Mountain Biking: Explore the Tahoe Donner Trail System with new friends every Thursday at 5:30PM during Bikeworks’ free Thursday Night Group Rides. Or explore on your own on a rental mountain bike or e-mountain bike. Sizes and options available for all ages to join the fun. Visit tahoedonner.com/bikeworks to learn more.

Horseback Riding: Saddle up for fun on horseback with Cowgirls and Cocktails, an evening trail ride and social hour for adults ages 21+, on Friday, July 10. Kids can also enjoy pony rides and private lessons throughout the summer to help them develop a love of horses and equestrian sports! Visit tahoedonner.com/equestrian to see all events and offerings.

Rock Climbing: Adventure-minded family and friends will love this

professionally led rock climbing experience on iconic Donner Summit. Suitable for beginner to advanced climbers ages 7+, don’t miss this unique opportunity on July 11 from 9:30AM-12:30PM. Register today on ShopTD or visit tahoedonner.com/summeractivities for additional details.

Wibit Floating Obstacle Course: Kids can make a splash on Wibit Wednesdays from 5-7PM, when the Trout Creek Rec Pool transforms into the ultimate aquatic park and obstacle course. The floating course is suitable for kids ages 4+ who can swim the length of the pool. To learn more, visit tahoedonner.com/wibit

Daily Dining Hours, New Menu Items + More

Pizza on the Hill: Enjoy classic pizzas, casual dining and more seven nights a week from 4-8PM. Families and friends can also get excited for live music, game nights and kids movie nights. For details, see tahoedonner.com/pizza

The Lodge Restaurant & Pub: Enjoy an elevated dining experience seven nights a week at The Lodge Restaurant & Pub, featuring full bar service and weekly specials. The afternoon crowd can enjoy light fare and drinks specials during Social Hour from 3-5PM at The Lodge Pavilion. Members can also enjoy Member Mondays, with 20% off their food bill for up to six people, excluding alcohol. Valid Member ID required; cannot be combined with any other promotion. Visit tahoedonner.com/ the-lodge for details.

Alder Creek Cafe: Open Wednesday to Sunday starting at 11AM, enjoy fresh and healthy menu options; happy hour from 4-6PM, featuring Two Tacos + Beer special for $15; Edi-Bōls on Thursday evenings, and cornhole tournaments on Friday evenings. Visit tahoedonner.com/aldercreekcafe to see hours, menus, events and more.

TAHOE DONNER CONTACTS + HOURS

Beach Club Marina (530) 587-9460

tahoedonner.com/marina marina@tahoedonner.com

Open Daily | 7AM-9PM

Marina Grill

Open Daily | 11AM-6PM

Bikeworks (530) 582-9694

tahoedonner.com/bikeworks bikeworks@tahoedonner.com

Open Daily | 9AM-6PM

Campground (530) 587-9462

tahoedonner.com/campground campground@tahoedonner.com

Equestrian Center (530) 587-9470

tahoedonner.com/equestrian equestrian@tahoedonner.com Camps

Monday-Friday | 9AM-3PM Pony Rides

Friday-Sunday | 9AM-12PM

Private Lessons

Saturday-Sunday | 9AM-3:30PM

Golf Course (530) 587-9443

tahoedonner.com/golf golf@tahoedonner.com

Golf Course

Open Daily | 7AM-7PM

Driving Range

Open Daily | 7AM-7PM

Closed Sundays at 6PM to Mondays at 9AM for Maintenance

The Driving Range will be closed at 12PM on July 1 and will reopen at 12PM on July 5, due to the Summer Concert on the Green.

Pro Shop

Open Daily | 8AM-5PM

Northwoods Pool (530) 582-9646

tahoedonner.com/aquatics aquatics@tahoedonner.com

Open Daily | 11:30AM-5PM

Recreation Hut (530) 582-9646

tahoedonner.com/recreation-hut recreation@tahoedonner.com

Open Daily | 9AM-5PM

Tennis + Pickleball Center (530) 587-9474

tahoedonner.com/tennis tennis@tahoedonner.com

Open Daily | 7AM-8:30PM

Trails

(530) 582-9672 tahoedonner.com/trails trails@tahoedonner.com

Please avoid wet or muddy trails

Trout Creek Rec Center (530) 587-9437 tahoedonner.com/aquatics tahoedonner.com/fitness troutcreek@tahoedonner.com

Gym

Open Daily | 6AM-10PM

Lap Pool

Open Daily | 6AM-9:45PM

Recreation Pool + Kiddie Pool

Open Daily | 10:30AM-7PM

Hot Tubs, Sauna + Steam Room

Open Daily | 6AM-9:45PM

Marco Polo Grill

Open Daily | 11AM-3PM

Drinks Available to 4PM

Dining

Alder Creek Cafe (530) 582-9686

tahoedonner.com/aldercreekcafe

Cafe

Open Wednesday, Saturday + Sunday | 11AM-6PM

Open Thursday-Friday | 11AM-7PM

Trailside Bar

Open Wednesday, Saturday + Sunday | 11AM-6PM

Open Thursday-Friday | 11AM-7PM

Happy Hour

Wednesday-Sunday | 4-6PM

The Lodge Restaurant & Pub (530) 587-9455 tahoedonner.com/the-lodge lodge@tahoedonner.com

Pavilion

Breakfast Daily | Until 10AM

Lunch Daily | 10AM-5PM

Social Hour

Daily | 3-5PM

Dinner

Open Daily | 5-9PM

Pizza on the Hill (530) 587-9669 tahoedonner.com/pizza pizza@tahoedonner.com

Open Daily | 4-8PM

Ask about our First Responders Discount!

Member Services (530) 587-9400 tahoedonner.com/welcome info@tahoedonner.com

Open Daily | 8AM-5PM

All amenities are weather and conditions permitting. Check the website or call for most up-to-date information.

1

Quilt Club Meeting at Northwoods Clubhouse See page 20

4

Margarita Madness Pro Tennis Exhibition at Tennis + Pickleball Center tahoedonner.com/ margarita-madness-pro-tennis

14th Annual Summer Concert on the Green at Tahoe Donner Driving Range tahoedonner.com/summerconcert

10

Cowgirls + Cocktails at Equestrian Center tahoedonner.com/ cowgirls-cocktails-7

11

Tour de TD Bicycle Challenge at Alder Creek Adventure Center + Trail System tahoedonner.com/tour-de-td

Family + Friends Rock Climbing Clinic Register in Advance tahoedonner.com/events

12

Breakfast at Wimbledon at Tennis + Pickleball Center tahoedonner.com/ breakfast-at-wimbledon

14

Crawdad Fishing Contest at Beach Club Marina tahoedonner.com/crawdad-fishing

15

Pelvic Floor Workshop for Horseback Riders at Equestrian Center Register in Advance tahoedonner.com/ pelvic-floor-workshop

Quilt Club Meeting at Northwoods Clubhouse See page 20

Trails Stewardship Day –ACAC Boardwalk Staining Volunteers Needed tahoedonner.com/ acac-boardwalk-staining

18

Grom Clinic at Alder Creek Adventure Center

Ages 7-9 | Register in Advance tahoedonner.com/ grom-clinics-ages-7-9-2

19

Grom Clinic at Alder Creek Adventure Center

Ages 5-6 | Register in Advance tahoedonner.com/ grom-clinics-ages-5-6-2

24

Tahoe Donner Woodyard Firewood Purchase Day

Through July 25 tahoedonner.com/ firewood-purchase-day-2

25

Women’s Bike Clinic at Alder Creek Adventure Center Register in Advance tahoedonner.com/ womens-bike-clinics-2

Equestrian Saturday Night BBQ at Equestrian Center Register in Advance tahoedonner.com/ equestrian-saturday-night-bbq-2

26

Women’s Bike Clinic at Alder Creek Adventure Center Register in Advance tahoedonner.com/ womens-bike-clinics-2

Gardening Club Meeting tahoedonnergardeningclub.com

Wednesdays

1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Wibit Floating Obstacle Course at Trout Creek Recreation Center tahoedonner.com/wibit

No Corkage Wednesdays at The Lodge Restaurant & Pub Not Valid July 1 or July 8 tahoedonner.com/the-lodge/specials

Thursdays 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Basic Bike Maintenance Clinics at Alder Creek Adventure Center tahoedonner.com/ basic-bike-maintenance

Thursday Night Group Rides at Alder Creek Adventure Center tahoedonner.com/ thursday-night-group-rides

Edi-Bōl Nights at Alder Creek Cafe tahoedonner.com/edi-bol

Trivia Night at Northwoods Clubhouse Starting July 9 tahoedonner.com/trivia-night

Fridays 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Cornhole Tournaments at Alder Creek Adventure Center Starting July 10 tahoedonner.com/ cornhole-tournaments

Saturdays 4, 11, 18, 25

Yoga on the Meadow at Northwoods Clubhouse tahoedonner.com/ yoga-on-the-meadow

Music by the Meadow at Pizza on the Hill Starting July 11 tahoedonner.com/ music-by-the-meadow

Sundays 5, 12, 19, 26

Free Family Movie Night at Northwoods Clubhouse tahoedonner.com/ family-movie-night-2

SUP Yoga at Beach Club Marina Starting July 12 tahoedonner.com/sup-yoga

Mondays 6, 13, 20, 27

Member Mondays at The Lodge Pavilion tahoedonner.com/member-mondays

Bingo Night at Pizza on the Hill tahoedonner.com/bing0-night

Tuesdays 7, 14, 21, 28

American Mah Jongg Club at Alder Creek Adventure Center See page 20

Grooves by the Greens at The Lodge Pavilion

Starting July 7 tahoedonner.com/grooves

DEADLINE: Tuesday, September 2, 2025

OPEN TO: Tahoe Donner Members

CATEGORIES: Scenic, People, Animals/Wildlife

SUBMIT: Email high-resolution digital files to comdep@tahoedonner.com. See details, rules and requirements at tahoedonner.com/photo-contest

TAHOE DONNER Online Store

Shop the latest Tahoe Donner gear! The online retail store offers a wide selection of apparel for men, women, and kids, plus exclusive golf items, winter gear, accessories, and unique gift items. Whether you’re hitting the slopes, the links, or just repping your favorite mountain community, we’ve got you covered. Explore and shop today!

The Buzz: Clubs

American Mah Jongg Club

The Tahoe Donner American Mah Jongg Club players have been busy learning the new 2026 card, which came out at the beginning of April. Players like the new card because of its high flexibility. Many hands share up to 12 tiles, allowing for easy late-game pivoting. The new card is also quite challenging, yet most players are pleased by how interesting and novel it is. Our Tahoe Donner group was recently surprised by the attendance of one of the club’s founders, Linda Slattery, who now lives in Montana. It was a pleasure to play with her again and catch up on all of her news.

Tahoe Donner Mah Jongg Club meets every Tuesday from 1-4PM at Alder Creek Adventure Center. We play using the National Mah Jongg League rules. We’d love to have you join us! If you have any questions, contact Dori Schick at doridans@hotmail.com or Debbie Bloomberg at debbala@comcast.net. If you are already on the club roster, email the group at tdmahjongg@googlegroups.com on Monday to see if there are enough players for a game on Tuesday.

Equestrian Club

The horses are here! Check out all the wonderful programs offered this year at Tahoe Donner Equestrian Center by

visiting tahoedonner.com/equestrian, or log in to your ShopTD account to register for upcoming events. There is something for everyone.

Gardening Club

Peak growing season means consistent watering is critical, and it might be time to adjust your irrigation schedule – early morning or late evening are best to reduce evaporation. With temperatures rising, this likely means daily watering (especially for pots and planters, which dry out quickly). Deadhead flowers to encourage blooms, monitor for pests and provide support for taller plants. Pick a bouquet and share with a friend!

The Gardening Club typically meets from 4-5:30PM on the last Sunday of the month, April through October. Members are notified of meeting details via email once they sign up. Interested in joining us? Sign up at tahoedonnergardeningclub.com Come grow with us! We look forward to another wonderful season in the garden.

Men’s 9-Holers Golf Club

Our May opening day was rained out, but we’ve had great weather since then, and June play has been perfect. We have

30 members and growing! If you are interested in joining us, please complete an application form. Dues are $25 and will be collected on your first play day. The form can be requested through the club email at mtd9gc@gmail.com. We will be playing at 8:30AM every Thursday. We plan on including some scrambles with small prizes on our play days. No handicap index is needed.

Before June 22, the pre-season green fees for TD property owners will be $55, including a cart. After that, the fees will be $60. Non-TD residents’ green fees, including a cart, will be $70 pre-season and $85 during the regular season. There will not be a walking rate. Any of the play packages will be accepted for our morning play. We will only have 16 spots (4 foursomes), so advance sign-ups are highly recommended to secure your spot. We have more members than the spots available each week, so it is important to sign up for each play date in advance with the Pro Shop.

We are a casual Club, no handicap needed. For questions, feel free to contact Raymond Cadei at raytoni110@gmail.com or Michael Eyton-Lloyd at hmsmike1@aol.com.

Men’s Golf Club

We’ve had a great start to the 2026 golf season, which is now in full swing. In June, we began our regular weekly Wednesday games and ran multiple tournaments, including the always-popular seasonopening Ice Breaker event. Looking ahead, there are a couple of standout tournaments that you may want to mark on your calendars: The Club Championship, a twoday event Aug. 8-9; and the annual Tahoe Donner Invitational, a three-day event Sept. 10-12.

It is not too late to become a member of the TD Men’s Golf Club, as we have a jam-packed schedule of events through mid-October. To see details on all our club’s events and to join the club, please visit tdgolfclub.com or contact Membership Chair Dave Janiszewski at janiszewski.tdgolf@gmail.com

Quilt Club

For me, July is warmth and colors from wildflowers, as well as from various gardens around Tahoe Donner. And I try to do my share, while hoping the critters will not find them and use them as a vegetable garden.

Many quilts are inspired by flowers, and there are a multitude of floral block designs available to create a wonderful piece. The blocks can be machine-pieced, hand-appliqued or even embroidered. The sky is the limit!

This beautiful gem was made by Fran, a TD visiting friend from the Bay Area. How can you not smile looking at those bright colors?

If you would like to know what we do, contact me at odette.turmel@gmail.com or stop by one of our meetings. The group meets on the first and third Wednesdays of the month in the Meadow Room of Northwoods Clubhouse, from 3-5PM. Have a wonderful and safe Fourth of July celebration!

Women’s 9-Holers Golf Club

We are well into the season now, after a strong June and an exciting PresidentVice President Challenge. We are now only weeks away from our 2nd Annual Invitational, sponsored by Alison and Angela Elder of Elder Group, Tahoe Real Estate. This year’s theme is Derby Days and Fairways. It is expected to be a lavish affair with hats and horses and roses for the winners.

The event takes place on July 23 and will be a team scramble followed by a luncheon. Awards for best team costumes and best-decorated carts will supplement the all-cash prizes and the raffle. Teams must include at least one nine-hole member, and you are encouraged to invite golfers from outside the club to join this fun competition. This event will sell out, so sign up your team online at td9holers.com!

July events also include a twilight golf social with potluck and our next 9-Holers clinic to help you prepare for the Summer Fun two-week tournament in August, as well as our weekly Thursday morning golf and bi-weekly Tuesday afternoon tee times – plenty of opportunities to get out

and enjoy the summer weather and our beautiful course.

Women’s Golf Club

Golf season is in full swing at the Tahoe Donner Women’s Golf Club, and the season is shaping up to be one of our best yet. With sunny skies, beautiful course conditions and a calendar packed with fun, competition and camaraderie, there’s plenty to celebrate.

The June 24 general meeting gave members a chance to gather over lunch and a glass of wine, toast a fantastic 2025 season and look ahead to the excitement still to come. Competition is heating up with the President’s Cup Match Play, which began June 16. Anticipation is building for our always-popular Guest Day on July 21. This year’s theme, “Peace, Love & Golf,” promises groovy retro outfits, lively decorations and a fun evening of challenges and dinner the night before.

The action continues through August, with creative weekly games, friendly rivalry and our premier event – the twoday Club Championship Aug. 18-19. We’re also excited to continue our exchanges with the Incline Village Women’s Golf Group, joining them on Aug. 28 and hosting on Sept. 1. New this season are added Thursday play days for anyone who missed Tuesday, or simply can’t get enough golf. With play continuing through midOctober, there’s still plenty of time to get out on the course and enjoy the season. Learn more at tdwomengolf.org.

4-Wheelers Club

This spring, TD 4-Wheelers Club members volunteered to help clear trails around the iconic Rubicon Trail. Our goal was to keep OHV users on designated routes by ensuring the existing trails remain open,

safe and easy to follow. We cleared dozens of fallen trees and overgrown brush, improving access and helping protect the surrounding environment.

Along the way, we had the pleasure of meeting Andrew, a through-hiker on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). He was looking for a ride into Truckee and happily joined us for a couple of hours while we continued our work. It was great getting to know him and hearing about his adventure.

A big thank you to all who came out and helped make a difference. Days like these remind us all that stewardship, recreation and meeting interesting people along the way are all part of what makes our trail community so special.

CLUB CONTACTS

4-Wheelers

Tim West | club@td4wheelers.org

American Mah Jongg

Dori Schick | doridans@hotmail.com

Equestrian

Susan Terrell | terrellsf@earthlink.net

Gardening

Kate Fanter | tdgardeningclub@gmail.com

Hiking

Robin Reese | rbtahoe@sbcglobal.net

Junior Golf

Molly Springmann | mspringmann@tahoedonner.com

LGBTQ+

David Ligon | tdlgbtqclub@gmail.com

Men’s 9-Hole Golf

Raymond Cadei | raytoni110@gmail.com

Men’s Golf

Michael O'Connell | tdmensgolf@gmail.com

Mountain Bike

Dustin Young | dustinyoung75@gmail.com

Quilt

Odette Turmel | odette.turmel@gmail.com

Rowing

Val Brinker | vbrinker@dicksonrealty.com

Running

Scott Bauhs | info@tdrunclub.com

Senior Alpine Ski

Joe Rosenfeld | info@tdski.com

Women’s 9-Holers Golf

Wendy Lockhart | td9hole@gmail.com

Women’s Golf

Mary Liz Wardlaw | tdwgclub@gmail.com

to

TAHOE DONNER GIVING FUND

MEET MARIELA –GIVING BACK IN A BIG WAY

This summer, as part of the Tahoe Donner Giving Fund’s Together for Truckee giving effort, we’re highlighting what it truly means to invest in our community. When we support local students, we’re not just helping them achieve their goals – we’re investing in the future of Truckee. And often, that investment comes full circle.

Mariela’s story is a powerful example of that impact: From 2015 through 2026, the Tahoe Donner Giving Fund has provided 95 scholarships to deserving students from the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District. In 2019, thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, we were able to present the first IMPACT awards to four students, including Mariela. Mariela received a $50,000 scholarship, which helped finance her undergraduate degree in psychology and the start of her master’s degree in social work.

Mariela started out by earning her AA degree from Butte Community College. From there, she transferred to California State University, Chico and graduated a semester early in December 2022. In 2024, Mariela began her graduate studies in social work at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Mariela now works for Placer County Health and Human Services at their Carnelian Bay office. As a valued employee, she was able to transition from full-time to part-time, allowing her to continue her

three-year graduate program while staying rooted in her community. Through her work, she is supporting individuals and families across the region – contributing to the health and well-being of the very community that supported her.

Mariela shares: “In my current role with Placer County Health and Human Services, I have had the opportunity to support a diverse range of individuals within our community. Additionally, my bilingual abilities have proven to be a valuable asset, allowing me to better connect with and serve clients. I strive to foster a welcoming environment where individuals feel safe seeking help and feel seen, heard and understood.”

Mariela has appreciated being back in her home community: “Working within my community has been a meaningful accomplishment, and I am eager to continue building my career here. I am deeply inspired by the region’s natural beauty and the strength of its people, and I find great fulfillment in giving back to a place that has shaped me. I am sincerely grateful for the strong support system that has guided me throughout my journey.”

Mariela’s journey reflects the power of investing in local students –and the lasting impact that investment can have. When we support education and opportunity, we help ensure that Truckee remains a place where people can grow, contribute and give back in meaningful ways – strengthening our community for years to come.

If you’d like to be part of this effort, we invite you to support the Tahoe Donner Giving Fund. Every gift stays local and helps build a stronger Truckee community – today and for the future.

DONATE TODAY TO INVEST IN THE TRUCKEE COMMUNITY.

The Tahoe Donner Giving Fund Committee is chartered by the Tahoe Donner Board of Directors to carry out the mission of the Tahoe Donner Giving Fund: to inspire generosity and charitable giving among Tahoe Donner members to support deserving programs and youth in the greater Truckee Community.

The Tahoe Donner Giving Fund is administered as an affiliate fund of the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, EIN 68-0416404. All contributions are voluntary, irrevocable, and are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Tahoe Donner Giving Fund grants and scholarships are made through the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation’s annual review process.

The Tahoe Donner Giving Fund Committee thanks our founding partner, Elements Mountain Company, who has supported the Tahoe Donner Giving Fund since its inception in 2014, and the anonymous Tahoe Donner member who has generously funded the IMPACT Scholarships each year since 2019.

Do You Have the New Member ID Card?

More Than 9,600 Members Have Already Completed Verification. Have You?

Tahoe Donner members are making incredible progress toward our community-wide member verification goal. As of June 2026, more than 9,600 members have successfully completed verification, bringing us closer to our goal of 12,500 verified members by the end of 2026

If you’re unsure whether you’ve completed verification, there’s one simple question to ask yourself:

As of June 15, 2026 over 9,600 members have been verified!

Do You Have the New Member ID Card?

Members who have completed verification and received an updated Member ID Card are all set. If you haven’t gone through the verification process yet, now is a great time to get started.

While all Member ID Card holders must complete verification by Dec. 31, 2027,

completing the process sooner helps ensure your account is accurate and ready for uninterrupted access to Tahoe Donner’s private amenities and member benefits.

Why Verification Matters

Member verification is an important component of Tahoe Donner’s updated Amenity Access Policy. It helps ensure that Member ID Cards are issued only to qualifying property owners and eligible family members, preserving fair access to private amenities for years to come.

Verification also helps keep account information up to date and eliminates surprises when visiting amenities or making future account changes.

If you need to add or adjust family members on your account, documentation verifying a qualifying family relationship is now required as part of the process.

It’s Easier Than You Think

Many members have told us they expected verification to be complicated. Fortunately, the process is straightforward and can be completed entirely online. Simply:

1. Log in to ShopTD (shop.tahoedonner.com) and select “My Account.”

2. Review who is listed as a member on your account and confirm which individuals should remain on your account as “Members.”

3. Gather verification documents for all members you wish to keep on your account.

4. Complete the secure verification form by uploading photos and documents at tahoedonner.com/member-verification-form Members can complete the process at home in just a few minutes once they have their documents ready.

Your Information is Secure

We understand that members may have concerns about submitting personal documents online.

Tahoe Donner uses a secure, encrypted platform that meets strict privacy and compliance standards to safely collect and protect verification documents. Members can confidently upload birth certificates, marriage certificates, trust documents and other required records knowing their information is protected through a system designed specifically for secure document collection.

Need Help? We’ve Built Resources for You

The Amenity Access web hub contains everything you need to complete verification with confidence, including:

• A step-by-step guide to member verification

• A downloadable verification checklist

• Frequently Asked Questions

• Examples of accepted documentation

• The secure online verification portal

• A recording of the Member Services Verification Information Session

If you missed the live webinar earlier this spring, the recording is now available on-demand and walks through the entire process – from determining who qualifies for a Member ID Card to uploading documents for approval.

Don’t Wait Until the Deadline

Although member verification is not required until Dec. 31, 2027, completing it now helps ensure your household is ready to enjoy everything Tahoe Donner has to offer without interruption.

The sooner you verify, the sooner you’ll know your account is current, your family members are properly documented and your new Member ID Cards are ready to go.

To get started today, visit tahoedonner.com/amenity-access

A few minutes now can save time later—and help us reach our goal of 12,500 verified members by the end of 2026!

MID-YEAR CHECK-IN:

Progress on Tahoe Donner’s 2026 Annual Strategic Objectives

An Interview With General Manager Annie Rosenfeld

BY LINDSAY HOGAN, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION + MEMBER RELATIONS

Leading up to 2026, the Tahoe Donner Board of Directors adopted four Annual Strategic Objectives designed to enhance the member experience, strengthen community connections, steward our natural resources and prepare for Tahoe Donner’s future.

Now, at the halfway point of the year, I sat down with General Manager Annie Rosenfeld to discuss the progress made so far and what’s still ahead.

OBJECTIVE 1: Enhance Member Enjoyment and Use of Amenities

Effectively implement the adopted Amenity Access Rule Change and the corresponding Multi-Year Amenity Access Implementation Plan to elevate member experience, address overcrowding, improve operational efficiency, and promote the long-term enjoyment and use of amenities by members.

Lindsay: One of this year’s biggest priorities has been implementing the Amenity Access Rule and continuing the member-first approach to amenity use. What progress has been made?

Annie: A lot of our work has focused on refining and improving the implementation of the Amenity Access Rule adopted in late 2024. At its core, the rule prioritizes members first, followed by personal guests, long-term tenants and then short-term rental tenants.

The board recently adopted updates to the Amenity Access Rule that improve clarity and address staff’s learning lessons and member feedback during the implementation phase of the rule. That’s an important part of the process and how we demonstrate that we listen to member input. We want to continuously improve while staying focused on the original goal: ensuring members can enjoy the amenities.

One of the biggest milestones this year has been improvements to our Member Payment Portal, which many members experienced during assessment season. Behind the scenes, that technology upgrade supports future member ID functionality and creates a smoother experience for both members and staff.

We’re also seeing encouraging results. More members are using private amenities than ever before. Many members tell us that eliminating Daily Access Fees and Rec Fee removed a barrier and allows them to enjoy amenities more often without having to make a financial decision each time.

We also expanded short-term rental tenant blackout dates this year. The goal is to manage demand during peak periods and prioritize member access. At the same time, short-term rental tenants still have access for most of the year. It’s a targeted approach designed to balance access, reduce overcrowding and improve the overall member experience.

OBJECTIVE 2:

Enhance Satisfaction Through Responsive Improvements

Enhance member satisfaction by executing identified improvements, increasing member benefits, value, and trust, raising awareness of services, and continuously adapting programs based on member feedback.

Lindsay: This objective focuses on listening to members and making improvements based on feedback. What are some examples of that work?

Annie: Data and feedback drive many of our decisions. We use information from the Member Survey, event surveys, visitation data, customer service feedback and many other engagement tools to understand what’s working and where we can improve.

The goal isn’t necessarily to add more programs or services. It’s about maximizing the value members receive and ensuring we’re investing resources where they matter most and fine-tuning operations to serve the members.

One example is our stewardship programming. We heard from members who wanted to participate but faced challenges accessing some of the locations. In response, we’ve added shuttle transportation for select events in Euer Valley, making those experiences more accessible for older members, families with young children and others who may have previously been unable to participate.

There’s also a strong focus on hospitality. Member satisfaction isn’t just about facilities. It’s also about how people feel when they interact with Tahoe Donner.

We talk a lot about customer service, but hospitality is equally important. Tahoe Donner is a community. Our employees are part of members’ experiences and memories here.

OBJECTIVE 3:

Update the

Land Management Plan

Building upon the 2016 Land Management Plan, complete a comprehensive and updated Land Management Plan (LMP). The updated LMP will address increased land use, environmental impacts, and regulatory changes, covering both developed and undeveloped Association-owned land, as well as private parcels. The updated LMP will also include implementation and monitoring plans.

Lindsay: Tahoe Donner owns more than 5,000 acres of land. Why is updating the Land Management Plan so important?

Annie: Our current plan was developed in 2016, and a lot has changed in the last decade. Environmental conditions, climate pressures and forest management practices continue to evolve, so our planning needs to evolve as well.

A major component of this update is the Timber Harvest Plan, which will help guide long-term forest health and stewardship efforts. This work is becoming more visible as we increase the pace and scale of fuel reduction across our lands, and it’s critical to the future of Tahoe Donner.

We’re looking decades ahead. When I think about a healthy forest, and what it looked like before a century of fire suppression, I often describe it this way: it should be open enough that you could ride a horse through it at a gallop.

The updated plan will help ensure we continue managing our land responsibly while protecting Tahoe Donner’s environmental health and recreational value for future generations.

OBJECTIVE 4:

Develop the New Tahoe Donner Community Plan

Begin a multi-year, structured initiative to develop a comprehensive Tahoe Donner Community Plan (TDCP), grounded in a new, futureoriented community vision and mission.

Lindsay: This objective is perhaps the most future-focused of the four. Where does that work stand today?

Annie: We’re currently in the planning and readiness phase. While the major member engagement efforts won’t begin until 2027, we’ve already started important conversations with the board and committees about what this process should look like and what questions we should be asking.

This summer we’ll continue gathering input through committee listening sessions. Those discussions will help shape the larger community engagement process that follows.

The Tahoe Donner Community Plan will become one of the association’s most important long-range planning documents. It will help guide future decision-making and ensure we’re thinking strategically about how to sustain and strengthen the community over time.

This isn’t about dramatically changing Tahoe Donner. It’s about identifying the opportunities and challenges ahead and ensuring members help shape the future direction of the community.

Looking Ahead

Lindsay: Are we on track to achieve our strategic objectives this year?

Annie: We are. We’re exactly where we expected to be at this point in the year. As with any large initiative, there have been adjustments along the way, but nothing is lagging and we’re confident we’ll achieve the outcomes outlined in our strategic objectives.

Looking ahead, we’re already preparing for two major initiatives that will shape the future of Tahoe Donner: the Tahoe Donner Community Plan and a multi-year digital transformation effort focused on improving how members interact with our services and technology.

Most importantly, I want to thank our members. Their feedback, participation and engagement help guide these efforts every step of the way. Together, we’re building a stronger Tahoe Donner not just for today, but for future generations.

Utilities Update: Rebuilding the 120kV Transmission Line #133

The 120 kilovolt (kV) transmission line #133 is a critical link between Nevada and California, serving Truckee and Lake Tahoe. The project will replace the existing line with a fully compliant modern design and updated materials, reducing wildfire risk and minimizing the frequency and duration of outages. Work will remain within the existing transmission line corridor that comes up above the Trout Creek Trail, up through Skislope Way (by the wood lot) and over the Donner Lake Rim Trail, extending from the NV Energy North Truckee Substation to the Summit Metering Station at Donner Summit. Construction is expected to continue through October, and may include ground crews and helicopters.

To learn more about this important project, visit the NV Energy website at nvenergy.com.

FIRE SAFETY

Help Prevent Wildfires: Regional Fire Ban

Now in Effect

Seasonal Fire Ban Ordinances: Each year, the Truckee Fire Protection District implements a ban on backyard-type campfires, bonfires and barbecues that may use wood, charcoal or briquettes. The 2026 fire ban is effective as of June 15 and fire bans typically last through November. The ban reduces the risk of wildfires caused by unattended or improperly extinguished residential campfires. Visit truckeefire.org to learn more about the seasonal fire ban.

Reg Flag Warnings: Established by the National Weather Service, fire weather watches in California are issued when conditions conducive to wildfire may occur within 12-72 hours. Red flag warnings are the highest alert during a fire weather watch, where residents and visitors to the area are urged to practice extreme caution, take measures to prevent wildfires and plan for emergencies. A red flag warning supersedes a fire ban and prohibits gas flames and all outdoor cooking devices. To learn more about current Red Flag Warnings, visit weather.gov/fire

TRAILS

Learn About Tahoe Donner’s Ecosystems and Become a Steward of the Trail System

Join the Trails, Forestry and Land Management Department in their ongoing efforts to maintain Tahoe Donner’s vast and intricate trail system. A deeply cherished amenity for the community and beyond, work alongside trail crews this summer to help repair and restore existing trails or help build new ones!

Or hop on a trail tour to learn about local flora and fauna or current restoration projects. Tours and stewardship days provide the ideal opportunity to volunteer your time while enjoying the outdoors, meeting new people and giving back to the community. Dates are subject to change. Visit tahoedonner.com/volunteer to learn more about volunteering and trail tours.

SPECIAL EVENTS NEWS

Tahoe Donner

Driving on Truckee Thursdays!

Truckee Thursdays are back for summer, every Thursday night from June 18 through Aug. 6. Tahoe Donner offers complimentary looping shuttle service from Trout Creek Recreation Center to Downtown Truckee, with service available approximately every 15 minutes from 4:30PM to 9PM.

Tahoe Donner Shuttles: These shuttles are on a first-come, first-served basis. No standing or pets allowed. Large items, such as strollers, are discouraged on the shuttle, and seat belts are required.

Visit tahoedonner.com/truckee-thursdays for details.

LOCAL NEWS

Farmers’ Markets Return on Tuesdays in Truckee

Celebrate summer in the Sierra with this weekly gathering of fresh produce, artisan crafts, baked goods and local eats. Held every Tuesday from mid-May through midOctober, the market brings together regional farmers and creators right where our

community can find them – under clear skies and among towering pines. It’s where neighbors meet, ingredients shine and whole families find those little things that feel like sunshine. Visit the Truckee Certified Farmers’ Market on Tuesdays from 8AM-1PM at the Truckee River Regional Park, located at 10695 Old Brockway Road. Learn more at visittruckeetahoe.com/things-to-do/events/ truckee-farmers-market.

ASSOCIATION UPDATE

Tahoe Donner Woodyard Firewood Purchase Days

It’s never too early to start preparing for winter. Take advantage of Tahoe Donner’s firewood purchase days with low pricing on cords of mixed red fir, white fir, Jeffrey pine and lodgepole pine. Wood is cut into firewood rounds approximately 16 inches in length. Permits are required for purchase. Complete your permit application online at cognitoforms.com/TahoeDonnerAssociation/ FirewoodPurchase. For additional questions, please contact the Forestry Department at (530) 587-9432 or forestry@tahoedonner.com, or call Member Services at (530) 587-9400, ext. 0.

Upcoming Firewood Purchase Days:

• July 24-25, 2026 | 8AM-4PM

• August 28-29, 2026 | 8AM-4PM

• September 25-26, 2026 | 8AM-4PM

Cost: $54 plus tax per cord; purchasers are responsible for loading their own vehicle. Location: Tahoe Donner Woodyard

PLEASE NOTE THAT OUTDOOR CAMPFIRES ARE NOT ALLOWED IN TAHOE DONNER AND TRUCKEE DURING FIRE BANS.

LOCAL NEWS

Help Protect the Beauty of Donner Lake

Join the Truckee community for a postFourth of July cleanup to help protect and preserve the beauty of Donner Lake. Honor Donner Cleanup Day brings volunteers together to tackle litter along the shoreline and surrounding neighborhoods after one of the busiest weekends of the year. It’s a simple way to give back, connect with the community and help keep Truckee looking its best.

No signups needed. Just show up and pitch in.

• Trash bags, pickers and support provided

• Shuttle assistance to help volunteers reach cleanup areas

• Community-driven effort across the Donner Lake area

West End Beach will be covered by partner groups, so volunteers will focus on surrounding neighborhoods and shoreline areas.

When: July 5 | 7:45-10:45AM

Where: West End Beach Park (Northwest Picnic Site 1), 15888 South Shore Drive, Truckee, CA 96161

Homes on the Rise

The Architectural Standards Committee reviewed and approved the following plans in May 2026. UNIT/LOT ADDRESS SQ. FT. PROJECT

08/557 11908 2,356 House/ Kitzbuhel Garage Road

06/493 15373 2,421 House/ Wolfgang Garage Road

03/468 15573

Glacier Garage Way

Board Meeting Recaps

Special Board of Directors Meeting

May 11,

2026

Tennis + Pickleball Center Court Improvement Project – Phase 1 Update

The board received a presentation on Phase 1 of the 2026 Tennis + Pickleball Center Court Improvement Project, including revised project cost estimates and an updated project timeline. The board discussed, asked questions and authorized the Director of Finance and Accounting, as the authorized signatory in the absence of the General Manager, to enter into construction contracts on behalf of the association to complete the Tennis + Pickleball Center Court Improvement Project – Phase 1, cost not to exceed $1,788,262, including a 5% contingency, utilizing 2026 New Capital Projects Funds and Repair and Replacement Funds. Motion passed 5-0.

Special Board of Directors Meeting

May 18, 2026

Board Governance Policies Update

The board reviewed and discussed the proposed Board Organization, Governance and Meetings Policy, and updates to the Board Code of Conduct. They provided feedback indicating the need for further clarification and refinement of these policies before considering adoption at a future June meeting.

2025 Member Survey Management Review as a Key Result of the 2026 Annual Strategic Objective

The board received a presentation from staff on the review and analysis of the 2025 Member Survey. The presentation highlighted how the survey findings align with the 2026 Annual Strategic Objectives, particularly those focused on improving member enjoyment, satisfaction and amenity usage. The board offered input to staff on proposed short-term actions and longer-term planning initiatives.

Regular Board of Directors Meeting

May 22, 2026

45-Day Notice Amenity Access Rule

Changes: Member Comments

The board received written and verbal member comments regarding the 45-Day Notice for the proposed Amenity Access Rule changes. The board will consider adopting the updated Rules at the June 22, 2026, special board meeting.

Workforce Housing Strategy

The board received a presentation on the proposed short- and long-range workforce housing strategies, including related annual operating budget considerations and proposed projects in the 10-Year Significant Capital Projects Plan. They discussed, asked questions and provided feedback before adopting Policy Resolution 2026-3, Policy Regarding Workforce Housing Strategy. Motion passed 5-0.

Q1 2026 Treasurer’s Report

The board received the Q1 2026 Treasurer’s Report.

Unaudited 2026 April Financial Report and Winter Revenue Performance

The board received a presentation on the unaudited 2026 April Financial Report and, after discussion, accepted it. Motion passed 5-0.

The board also received a presentation on winter revenue performance, its effect on operating results and management’s proposed strategy to address those results. They discussed, asked questions and provided feedback on the proposed strategy.

Glacier Way Interpretive Loop Trail Construction Project Approval

Management Update

Miguel Sloan, Director of Operations, provided the board with a preview of 2026 summer operations.

Proposed 2027 Strategic Budget Drivers and Budget Timeline

Annie Rosenfeld, General Manager, and Justin Malley, Director of Finance and Accounting, presented an overview of the key factors influencing the 2027 budget and outlined the schedule for its development. The board offered input and guidance to staff and the Finance Committee, with a final decision scheduled for June.

Go to tahoedonner.com/board-meetings to see presentations and video recordings of past meetings. To provide feedback to help improve the overall association, please submit your comments and concerns at tahoedonner.com/feedback

Upcoming Committee Meetings

Monday, July 6, 2026 – Tahoe Donner Giving Fund

Wednesday, July 8, 2026 –Architectural Standards

Thursday, July 9, 2026 –Long-Range Planning

Thursday, July 16, 2026 – Finance

Wednesday, July 22, 2026 –Architectural Standards

Thursday, July 23, 2026 – Covenants

Monday, Aug. 3, 2026 – Tahoe Donner Giving Fund

Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026 –Trails + Open Space

To get meeting details, including Zoom meeting registration information and time, please send an email to executiveassistant@tahoedonner.com

ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE CHAIRS

The board meeting calendar is set at the Annual Meeting of Members. For upcoming meeting dates, visit tahoedonner.com/board-meetings

The board received a presentation on the Glacier Way interpretive Loop Trail Construction Project. They discussed, asked questions and directed the General Manager to proceed with construction of the Glacier Way Interpretive Loop Trail project and authorized the General Manager to enter into such construction contracts as may be necessary to complete the project, at a total cost not to exceed $145,000, including a 10% contingency, using funds budgeted in the 2026 New Capital Project Fund (NCPF). Motion passed 5-0.

Architectural Standards | Rod Whitten cso@tahoedonner.com

Covenants | Jim McNamara compliance@tahoedonner.com

Elections | Steve Meyers electionscommittee@tahoedonner.com

Finance | Joe Niedringhaus financecommittee@tahoedonner.com

Long-Range Planning | Jerry Meek lrpc@tahoedonner.com

Tahoe Donner Giving Fund | Toni Moore tdgf@tahoedonner.com

Trails + Open Space | Peter Sawyer tos@tahoedonner.com

Permits,

DATES:

Where in the World is Tahoe Donner News + Life?

Port of Oran, Algeria

Steve and Sally Meyers paused at the Port of Oran, Algeria, while traveling along the Barbary Coast of North Africa.

Sahara Desert, Morocco

Pat and Bill Kurtz took a sunset camel ride into the Sahara Desert.

Rogue River, Oregon

Dolly Sandoval found time for some reading while rafting the Rogue River.

Las Vegas

The Cavanaughs, Gaunys and Pellegrinis checked out the cars and the track at Exotic Car Racing in Las Vegas.

SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS

Email your “Where in the World” photos to comdep@tahoedonner.com

Please submit only JPG files of 300 dpi for printing. Photos must include a copy of Tahoe Donner News + Life. Please list the names of everyone in the picture, where it was taken and a short description. Note: Please be patient; it could take several months to see your photo published.