Tahoe Donner News – March 2015

MARCH 2015 tahoedonner.com |

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| Tahoe Donner News | March 2015

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS Jim Zellers (right) and his wife Bonnie helped launch the sport of snowboarding. Read more about these impressive Tahoe Donner residents.

P16

CHRIS NOBLE, NOBLEFOTO.COM

I-DID-A-RUN! Don’t miss this hilarious annual Snowfest tradition at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area.

P10

GOLF SEASON IS COMING An off-season golf tip from Pro Rob Weizer; plus, mark your calendars: Season passes and multi-play packs go on sale March 2.

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SUMMER REGISTRATION Sign the kids up for a summer of fun!

Starting on Monday, March 9, register for both day camps and aquatics programs.

P22

DEPARTMENTS

TAKE NOTE

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GM’s Message From the desk of Robb Etnyre

Election Coming Up One board position opening

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March Events What’s going on this month

Snowmaking What about the California drought?

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Let’s Get Together Mark your calendars for deals and fun

Giving Fund How you can support Truckee’s health

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Vitality Connection Find your inspiration and start visualizing!

GM appointment Robb Etnyre elected to CACM board

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Safety Tips Hydration; riding conveyor lifts

Gift to Urban Roots Donation to support educational group

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Board Meeting January 24 board meeting recap

ASO News Rules change plus proposed fee changes

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Where in the World is TD News?

TD News travels the world

Input Needed for Proposed Change Take the Town of Truckee’s survey

VOL. 16, NO. 03

FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER’S DESK

MARCH 2015

EDITORIAL AND PRODUCTION STAFF Brinn Talbot Gretchen Sproehnle Jody Sergison Ashley Quadros

BOARD OF DIRECTORS President

Jim Stang, jcstang@sbcglobal.net

Vice President

Tom Johns, btjtd@aol.com

Treasurer

Steve Miller, smiller@tahoedonner.com

Secretary

Ron Wulff, rwulff@sbcglobal.net

Director

Courtney Murrell, 2courtneymurrell@gmail.com

Board of Directors

board@tahoedonner.com

Postmaster Send address changes to Tahoe Donner News, 11509 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA 96161 530-587-9400, Fax 530-587-9419

Email

comdep@tahoedonner.com

Advertising Sales Creative Concepts + Media is the exclusive advertising representative. 775-327-4200.

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 (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. Additional subscriptions are available at the cost of $25 each. 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 Members section of tahoedonner.com, where publishing guidelines are available.

In this space, the general manager and the president of the board will alternate monthly messages. This month’s column is from Robb Etnyre, Tahoe Donner Association general manager.

First, I want to thank those members who turned out for meetings as well as those who provided written feedback regarding the board of director’s review of potential snowmaking operations for the learning area of the Downhill Ski Area. Following three articles in the Tahoe Donner News, three board meeting discussions, one town hall meeting, a weekend of snowmaking sound demonstrations, and countless general plan committee meetings on the subject over the past year, the board is scheduled to potentially act on the subject at the March 28 regular board meeting. I will not try to repeat the plethora of established information on this proposed project here, as those details are still readily available on the association’s website. However, I thought it worthwhile to point out that the association’s current insurance policies (property and casualty as well as workers’ compensation) cost the association over $1.3 million annually. A onetime capital investment (snowmaking, akin to snow insurance) in our downhill learning area offers a great deal of benefits for our association. These are tangible revenue benefits significantly outweighing the investment cost, not to mention the importance of membership service level satisfaction at the Downhill Ski Area, and fits perfectly with our association’s mission statement: Tahoe Donner is a recreational oriented mountain residential community, whose mutual benefit association of 6,500 owners provides for the standards, regular operation and long-term maintenance of programs, facilities and open space. Through continuous improvement, customer service, and fiscal accountability, the association maintains leading standards of natural resource stew-

ardship, facilities, programs and services to benefit the owners/members. Organizational effectiveness and innovation within the association is sustained by maintaining a highly professional board of directors, staff, and homeowner committee volunteers, while also engaging the local community in an effective and collaborative relationship.

In the continuing process of developing amenity improvement plans with our volunteer general plan committee, some members have asked for clarification on what type of organization Tahoe Donner is, and why we reinvest in our amenities and support facility infrastructure. Tahoe Donner is a 501(c)(4) federally tax exempt social welfare organization, and a California mutual benefit corporation focused on providing recreational facilities and architectural standards for our community; amenities like the Downhill Ski Area make a significant contribution to not only the membership’s recreational needs, but also to the local economy as well as the financial viability of our homeowner association business model – which helps mitigate the annual assessment. Tahoe Donner is not your typical homeowners association, nor should it be confused with other private clubs or tax-based funding institutions. Tahoe Donner was created in the early 1970s as a recreation homeowner community with the majority of its amenities and programs open to the public.

Our mutual benefit association business model is focused on providing a vast array of recreational facilities for our membership, guests, and public in keeping with our covenants and restrictions, bylaws, California mutual benefit corporation status, regulatory use permits, and our federal 501(c)(4) social welfare status.

These services are provided for in each year’s budget; the 2015 operating budget is $15.6 million, with an individual property annual assessment of $1,800 ($994 for the operating (Continued on p. 4)

March

MONDAYS IN MARCH

FOR ADDITIONAL MARCH EVENTS SEE

LET’S GET TOGETHER ON PAGE 10 3 for 2 Mondays at Pizza on the Hill Pizza Lovers: Get any three pizzas for the price of two all month long! See p. 15.

SATURDAY, MARCH 7

Full Moon Snowshoe Tour Join us on an evening snowshoe adventure under the moonlight and stars. See p. 12.

SUNDAY, MARCH 8

ONESIES NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE...

NEW! DAILY HAPPY HOUR AT THE LODGE PUB Every day is a happy day at The Lodge Pub! Come in for food and beverage specials,

I-Did-A-Run

5 - 6:30 p.m. every day. See p. 15.

Watch dogs of all sizes compete in a fun race series against the clock! See p. 10.

MONDAY, MARCH 9

ALL EVENTS ARE DEPENDENT ON CONDITIONS. PLEASE CHECK TAHOEDONNER.COM OR CALL 530-587-9400 FOR UPDATES. MARCH 16-30

SATURDAY, MARCH 21

Day Camps and Aquatics Registration

Kayak and Paddleboard Storage Lottery

200-Foot Banana Split Extravaganza

Get your calendars out and plan for your sum-

Enter our lottery pool for a chance to get a

Like ice cream? Help us devour a 200-foot

mer of fun. Members get priority. See p. 22.

kayak or paddleboard storage space. See p. 13.

banana split sundae for FREE! See p. 11.

tahoedonner.com |

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(Continued from p. 2) portion of the assessment) contributing $6.4 million of the annual operating budget. Of this $15.6 million, 41 percent is comprised of annual assessment operating funds, and 59 percent ($9.2 million) of annual revenue is generated by our operations (non-assessed). Over the last six years (2009-2015), the compounded annual growth rate of the operating assessment is 6.1 percent. The 2015 budget report covered the change in operating revenue assumptions given low snow year averaging along with increased workers’ compensation costs. The annual compounded growth rate of the annual operating assessment prior to 2015 was only 3.9 percent. The employer mandate portion of the affordable care act will likely have a significant impact on the 2016 budget along with the new California minimum wage laws. During the period of 2009-2014 the number of full-time benefited employees has

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| Tahoe Donner News | March 2015

only grown from 59 to 64 (measured as of Dec. 31 annually). Total association employees have ranged from 620–801 during this time period, with seasonal fluctuation based mostly on weather and operating amenity volume.

The capital fund expenditures and portion of the assessment is a direct reflection of the age of the community, i.e., the replacement schedule of aging equipment components (Replacement Reserve) and the replacement of outdated or undersized facilities (Development Fund), all guided by the general plan. The operating portion of the annual assessment is directly influenced by amenity operations and the successful generation of non-assessed revenue ahead of expenses. While we have seen extremely strong membership utilization for the last several years at almost all of our amenities, we have also been fortunate to have enough excess capacity in our public amenities to invite the public to share in our Tahoe Donner programs and services, which significantly

augments our revenue and keeps our operating assessment low to benefit our members as well as the greater Truckee community.

Summer program and camp registration will be available starting March 9! This is the third year in a row we have had our programs online and ready for early registration. After excellent past member feedback indicating a desire to open our summer program registration earlier in order to allow members to plan their summer activities and vacations, we have moved up our entire registration program. We also expect to publish our Summer Fun Guide early enough to further allow members to plan their summer fun.

Lastly, I wanted to share our draft Strategic Plan Goals the board of directors will be reviewing and finalizing at their March 28 board meeting. Your feedback on this article, association issues, and our future goals is always welcome. Please send that feedback to myself or the board of directors.

2015-2020 TAHOE DONNER ASSOCIATION GOALS (DRAFT) 1. Execute the board-approved Capital Plan on time and within budget.

1.1.

Development Fund 1.1.1. Implement the 2030 General Plan 1.1.2. Work with the General Plan Committee to draft the 2035 General Plan 1.2.

Replacement Reserve Fund 1.2.1. Execute a replacement reserve program in concert with the reserve study 1.2.2. Ensure the Reserve Fund is adequately funded.

Board Resolution 2013-3, Reserve Fund Policy “The annual Replacement Reserve Fund allocation shall be increased by a minimum of 4% each year until such time as the Percent Funded level exceeds 25% and until the Replace ment Reserve Fund balance is equal to or exceeds 10% of Net Replacement Reserve Assets.”

1.3.

New Machinery and Equipment Fund 1.3.1. Ensure adequate funding supports Goal No. 2 2. Balance operating revenue and expenses with the need to provide first class services for members, member guests, and where appropriate, the public.

2.1.

Maintain an equitable relationship between operating revenue and assessed revenue

while not sacrificing membership service level expectations.

2.2.

Establish outstanding year-round association programs and special events to benefit

the membership.

2.3.

Employ and retain knowledgeable and dedicated full-time and seasonal employees

who are willing to serve member needs.

2.4.

Continue to improve information technology services to support and integrate resort

and member operations.

2.5.

Ensure employee and customer health and safety are first and foremost in our

planning and operations, while encouraging individual responsibility, given the

inherent assumption of risk in resort activities.

3. Execute effective approaches to maintaining the association’s architectural, covenants, and communication standards.

3.1.

Execute the long-term architectural standards homeowner inspection program as

approved by the board of directors.

3.2.

Continue to improve the communication vehicles to the membership with regard to

resort activities, while also emphasizing our unique large scale common interest

development budgetary model.

3.3.

Update the association’s governing documents to align with

the California Corporation’s Code and current Davis-Stirling Act. 4. Establish a proactive approach to maintaining the health of our natural resources and defensible space.

4.1.

Implement the ten-year forest management plan 4.2.

Continue to emphasize and execute the eight-year home

owner lot defensible space inspection program.

4.3.

Promote efficiencies in energy and water use for greater

self-reliance and energy independence while properly

maintaining our amenities.

4.4. Develop an association-wide amenity recycling program.

4.5.

Continue to develop a land management plan in cooperation

with the board-established Land Management Working Group.

4.6.

Implement the Trails Master Plan as approved by the board

of directors.

Looking Ahead to a Beautiful Summer Setting

ROBB ETNYRE | GENERAL MANAGER

TAHOE DONNER CONTACTS Member Communications (area code 530) Member Services

587-9400

info@tahoedonner.com

General Manager

587-9431

gm@tahoedonner.com

New for 2015. (Top) Woodard’s Van Dyke Collection.

(Bottom) Kingsley-Bate’s Amalfi Teak Collection.

Contact Member Services to be transferred to other administrative departments.

What does 2015 hold for your outdoor space? New 2015

collections are arriving now. Whether you are looking for curved cushion or Mid Century modern, you will find it in our showrooms, shop now and be ready to enjoy it for the summer season. Two Truckee Locations: Main Showroom for fireplaces, spas, outdoor furniture 530.587.6681; and, Downtown Truckee in the historic Loading Dock building 530.550.8800. MountainHomeCenter.com

Amenities Alder Creek Campground 587-9462

campground@tahoedonner.com

Beach Club Marina

marina@tahoedonner.com

587-9460

Bikeworks 582-9694 bikeworks@tahoedonner.com Dickson Corporate Logos Cross Country Ski Center 587-9484

xcski@tahoedonner.com

Downhill Ski Area

587-9444

ski@tahoedonner.com

Equestrian Center

587-9470

Dickson Realty Logo equestrian@tahoedonner.com

Forestry 587-9432 forestry@tahoedonner.com Golf Course

587-9443

golf@tahoedonner.com

The Lodge

587-9455

lodge@tahoedonner.com

Pizza On The Hill

582-9669

pizza@tahoedonner.com

Recreation Info Hut

587-9413

troutcreek@tahoedonner.com

Tennis Center

587-9474

tennis@tahoedonner.com

Trails 587-9432 trails@tahoedonner.com Corporate Blue Logo: Trout Creek Rec. Center

587-9437

Can be used on white or light photo troutcreek@tahoedonner.com background

Tahoe Donner Association Committee Chairs Architectural Standards, Rod Whitten aso@tahoedonner.com Covenants, Al Noyes

alandjosi@gmail.com

Elections, Bonnie Watkins

bwatkins@tahoedonner.com

Finance, Jeff Bonzon

jdbonzon@yahoo.com

Unacceptable Uses of Dickson Realty Logo

General Plan Committee Co-Chair, Michael Fajans mhfajans@gmail.com General Plan Committee Co-Chair, John Stubbs stujod@sfsu.edu Giving Fund Co-Chair, Merle Fajans

tdgf@tahoedonner.com

Giving Fund Co-Chair, Dick Gander

tdgf@tahoedonner.com

White Logo:

Can be used on Corporate Blue Dinny backgroundEvans or dark photo back-

Realtor® ground

DRE #01126819

Direct

530.414.1420 Website

HighAltitudeHomes.com

Tahoe Donner Association Chartered Club Presidents Bridge Club, Robin Reese

rbtahoe@sbcglobal.net

Friends of TD Trails, B.R. Levine

tdtrails@gmail.com

Rowing Club, Dot Mace

dotmace@me.com

Senior Alpine Ski, Dave Wallace

dwallace0717@gmail.com

Tennis, John McGregor

jmpj1964@gmail.com.

9-Holers, Marianne Bowers

mariannebowers@hotmail.com Dickson Realty Tagline

Men’s Golf, Bob Moore

bob4moore@aol.com

Women’s Golf, Fran Macomber

franmacomber@aol.com

Hiking Club, Robin Reese

rbtahoe@sbcglobal.net

Quilt Club, Linda Brush

sewlinda@aol.com

TD 4-Wheelers Club, Bill Ratcliff

Corporate Blue Logo: jslai@comcast.net Can be used on white or light photo td4wheelers@gmail.com background Corporate Blue Logo

Equestrian Club, Susan Terrell

terrellsf@earthlink.net

Junior Golf Club, Jean Lai

If you can dream it up, you can team it up.

- Richie Norton

White Logo: Can be used on Corporate Blue background or dark photo background with White Logo

Kaili

Dinny

Megan

We’re off and running with a great start to 2015 both at Dickson Realty and High Altitude Homes! As we focus on our past sales statistics and more importantly, our goals for the future we’d welcome conversations with you about what your Tahoe Donner and Truckee real estate needs are.

Working as a team, give us a call with questions or comments. We’ll try to help, unless you ask us to make it snow!!

Dinny, Kaili & Megan

tahoedonner.com |

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SEEKING CANDIDATES FOR ONE POSITION 2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION APPLICATION FORMS AVAILABLE APRIL 1, 2015 One director position is open for election this year. Do you have the leadership skills and management experience that will benefit the association? Are you interested in contributing to the success and vitality of Tahoe Donner? If so, consider running for election for the open director position.

WHAT IS THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND WHAT DO BOARD MEMBERS DO? Tahoe Donner Association is a self–directed

board. There is no requirement that owners be full-time or part-time residents.

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN RUNNING FOR THE BOARD? Candidates must submit their application before 4 p.m. on May 1, 2015. Application forms will be available starting April 1, 2015 in the Member Services office at Northwoods Clubhouse or can be mailed upon request.

After verification that the applicant meets

Board directors have a fiduciary relationship to the members of the association that not only imposes obligations of trust and confidence in favor of the association but also requires that directors act in good faith and in the best interest of the all members of the association. The fact that the association is a not-for-profit corporation, or that the members of the board are volunteers and unpaid, does not relieve them from the high levels of trust and responsibility that the fiduciary relationship requires.

common interest development governed by a

qualifications, the candidate will submit a

five-member board of directors; each direc-

candidate’s statement, due by 4 p.m. on May

tor is elected for a three-year term. The board

8, 2015, that will be reproduced and included

governs the financial management and general

in the board election packet sent to property

operation of the association. The annual

owners in late May. Finally, candidates are

director for Tahoe

budget of the association, including revenue,

invited to participate in Candidates’ Night,

Donner Associa-

expenses, annual assessments, and required

Saturday, June 6, 2015, to directly present their

tion carries many

reserve funds are in excess of $20.8 million

ideas about serving on the board to property

of the same

per year. Operations include the physical

owners and answer owners’ questions.

duties and levels

management and maintenance of the association’s common areas, operation of the resort amenities, and enforcement of the land-use restrictions and architectural standards that both create and maintain the unique character of Tahoe Donner. Important ongoing business activities include management of the 2030 general plan, fiscal monitoring of the association’s amenities, approval of the annual budget (operating and reserves), and utilization of

HOW MUCH TIME IS REQUIRED AND WHAT IS EXPECTED? Serving on the board is an important responsibility and a challenging personal commitment that requires time. While there is no monetary compensation, board members are rewarded with the satisfaction that comes with meeting challenges, guiding

open spaces.

policy and operations and contributing to a

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS ARE NEEDED FOR SERVING ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS?

meetings are held once a month, normally on

A candidate must be: 1) an owner of at

well-governed association. Regular board the fourth Saturday, and usually encompass a full day. A briefing packet for each meeting is prepared by staff and a significant amount of time is required to prepare for board meetings;

THE BOTTOM LINE! Serving as a

of responsibilities required to oversee any large business operation.

Serving as a board member is a valuable, rewarding experience and an opportunity to act on behalf of fellow owners while protecting and enhancing the assets of the Tahoe Donner community.

If you are interested in running for election to the board please feel free to contact any member of the Elections Committee or any current director for more information to have your questions answered.

Elections Committee

least a 25 percent interest in a Tahoe Donner

that is, to review and research information

residential property; and 2) in good standing

in the packet, including meeting with staff, if

with the association with all assessments paid

appropriate. Occasional special meetings may

Jim Stang, President,

and not subject to any suspension of member-

be required to review items that cannot wait

TDA Board of Directors

ship privileges. Owners are not eligible if a

until monthly meetings. Each board member

jcstang@sbcglobal.net

co-owner of their Tahoe Donner property

also serves as a liaison to one or more of the

530-582-1390

is currently serving on the board, if they are

standing committees serving the association

employees of the association, or if they have

and this involves attendance at regular com-

held two consecutive terms of office on the

mittee meetings.

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| Tahoe Donner News | March 2015

electionscommittee@tahoedonner.com

TAHOE DONNER ASSOCIATION 2015 BOARD OF DIRECTOR ELECTION PROCEDURES February 28 | The board approves the 2015 election procedures, appoints the Inspector of Election, authorizes the engagement of an accountancy firm (subject to ratification by Inspector of Election) for ballot counting services, and establishes May 1, 2015 as the record date for this election.

March | Along with their March statement of account, owners with outstanding amounts due to the association are sent notice of the pending suspension of their membership rights, to include voting rights, by board action on April 25, 2015, to become effective as of May 1, 2015, unless full payment is received by May 1. Owners are also advised of their right to a hearing before the board regarding the suspension. Such a request must be received by April 24, 2015, and the hearing would be held on April 25, 2015.

April 1 | Candidacy applications will be made available in the Member Services office at Northwoods Clubhouse.

April 25 | The board of directors approves the pending suspension of membership rights for failure to pay outstanding amounts due the association (assessments, fines, etc.) or for failure to comply with a duly issued correctiveaction requirement. (Member hearings, if any, will be conducted at this time.)

May 1 | Deadline for submittal of application for candidacy, proof of ownership (copy of recorded deed), and conflict of interest state-

ment. Close of nominations is 4 p.m.

May 1 | Elections Committee and staff meet to verify the eligibility of those candidates whose applications were received in a timely manner, and candidates are advised as to their qualifications to run.

Candidates are invited to submit a candidate’s statement (not to exceed two 8.5- by 11-inch pages), which will be mailed, as submitted, to the membership along with the election ballot. Candidates’ statements shall

open board meeting for the accountancy firm to commence tabulation of ballots; personally delivered ballots shall be accepted and replacement ballots shall be available during this meeting until its adjournment at 5 p.m.

Identification is required to submit ballot in person.

June 19 | Deadline for receipt of director election ballots mailed or personally delivered directly to the accountancy firm is 5 p.m.

June 21 | The annual membership meeting

only be reviewed for compliance with the size

will be held from 10 a.m. to noon. Personally

limitation—no review of content shall be per-

delivered ballots are accepted at the annual

formed, and the association shall not be liable

membership meeting from 10 to 11:30 a.m., at

for their content. If any statement received

which time voting in the director election shall

fails to comply with the size limitation, the

conclude. Replacement ballots shall be avail-

author is advised that such statements will not

able until the conclusion of voting. Identifica-

be accepted.

tion is required to submit a ballot in person.

May 8 | Candidates’ statements must be

Prior to the conclusion of the meeting, the

received at the Member Services office no

results of the election will be announced

later than 4 p.m. No electronically transmit-

unless less than 25 percent of the voting power

ted (facsimile, e-mail, etc.) statements will

of the association (quorum requirement) has

be accepted, except for those transmitted via

submitted valid ballots. In such case, the

e-mail in PDF format to electionscommittee@

failure to achieve a quorum will be announced

tahoedonner.com.

(but not the vote tally), and the meeting, along

May 23 | As provided by Article VII, Section 5 (d) of the Amendments to the Restated Bylaws, if one, but no more than one, eligible

with the culmination of the election, will be adjourned to the following morning.

June 22 | As a result of a failure to achieve

candidate has submitted their timely applica-

the 25 percent quorum requirement, the

tion for the one available seat, the board of

annual membership meeting is reconvened

directors declares that candidate elected and

at 10 a.m. at Northwoods Clubhouse for the

the director election concluded.

purpose of concluding the annual election

June 6 | Candidates’ Night to take place at Northwoods Clubhouse, 7 - 9 p.m. (Note: Only

of directors in accordance with a reduced 15 percent quorum requirement.

candidates who have formally filed and been

The election results are announced

certified are eligible to appear on the dais or

and posted at Northwoods Clubhouse, and

otherwise act as a candidate at this forum.)

published in Tahoe Donner News, following

June 19 | At 9 a.m., board convenes an

certification by the Inspector of Election.

tahoedonner.com |

7

FEATURE

Snowmaking at Tahoe Donner: What About the Drought?

BY MICHAEL SULLIVAN | GENERAL PLAN COMMITTEE

A little over a year ago, the General Plan Committee (GPC) authorized by the board of directors, assembled a committee of volunteer homeowners and Tahoe Donner staff to study the feasibility of snowmaking at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area.

The ski area is an important, and many would say essential, amenity that is integral to our mountain resort community. Furthermore, Tahoe Donner is widely known as the affordable and best place to learn to ski in the Tahoe area. The board and GPC saw an opportunity to not only preserve a key amenity but also to make it better for customers and more profitable for the association.

The committee undertook to determine the facts and evaluate the various alternatives.

One area of concern was water. It was quickly determined that constructing a reservoir on top of the hill was prohibitively expensive compared to simply buying treated water from the Truckee Donner Public Utility District (PUD). An 8-inch supply line runs in front of the ski lodge and the PUD verified that they could supply our needs of 6,500,000 gallons (20 acre feet) at 500 gallons/minute as long as we purchase the necessary metered valve to connect to the line.

over 99 percent of rural water. It is used for everything from irrigating crops to supplying industries and provides most of our drinking water.

Every public agency that draws from groundwater is required by law to develop a Groundwater Management Plan (GMP) to ensure that the withdrawal is less than the resupply, or in other words, that the amount removed is sustainable. A copy of this GMP is available on the PUD website.

Three agencies take water from the MVGB: the PUD, the Northstar Community Services District and the Placer County Water Agency. The water rights are owned by three Native American tribes — the Paiute, Fallon and Shoshone and the rights are leased to the three Truckee area agencies by treaty.

In 2013, they updated their 193-page GMP and showed that the basin contained 484,000 acre-feet (AF) of water. Their combined withdraw is 9,000 AF and the average annual refresh is 24,000 to 34,000 AF. Our snowmaking requirement for 20 AF is considered insignificant.

To the right, above, is a graphic drawn to scale that illustrates the relative size of the components of the basin and its supply and withdrawal.

BUT WHAT ABOUT THE DROUGHT IN CALIFORNIA? Fortunately for us in Truckee, our water supply is secure for over 40 years even if there is no precipitation during that period, as we get our water from the Martis Valley Groundwater Basin (MVGB). Groundwater, which is water held underground in the soil or in pores and crevices in rock, supplies over half the water in the United States and

BUT WILL THE CURRENT DROUGHT EVER END AND HOW IS IT RELATED TO GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE? Last year, NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) commissioned a study of the California drought. According to the report, “Causes and Predictability of the 2011 to 2014 California Drought,” the drought is “not part of a long-term change in Califor-

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| Tahoe Donner News | March 2015

Annual inflow = 24,000 to 34,000 acre-feet

for us to open the beginner nia precipitation” but rather area for the Christmas/New “symptomatic of natural Year time period. After New internal atmosphere-ocean MARTIS VALLEY Year’s, the temperature got variability.” (See the URL for GROUNDWATER BASIN colder and we could have this report at the end of this 484,000 ACRE-FEET added enough snow for the article.)

Martin Luther King Jr. holiThe report describes the day weekend as well. effect of surface sea temperatures that result from several WHAT ABOUT bands of Pacific warm water ENVIRONMENTAL that oscillate on a periodic ISSUES? basis. The one we are most The water we plan to use is familiar with is the El Niño drinking water and nothing Southern Oscillation that is added for snowmaking.

Truckee Donner PUD + Tahoe Donner moves from Peru to Indonesia Northstar Community Services District + snowmaking = Some water evaporates when on an approximately five-year Placer Country Water Agency = 20 acre-feet the snow is blown onto the cycle. This phenomenon has 9,000 acre-feet per season ski hill but the rest is stored been reported for hundreds of there until spring when it years and has been considered melts and returns to the This graphic illustrates the size of the components of the basin and its supply and to be responsible for previous groundwater reservoir. We withdrawal. Tahoe Donner’s anticipated snowmaking requirement of 20 acre-feet is California droughts including considered insignificant. currently measure the runoff that of 1976-1977, which was to ensure we comply with the Lahontan Water Board regulations and more severe than the current condition. that policy would not change.

IS IT COLD ENOUGH TO MAKE SNOW? The committee reported to the GPC and to the board that the facts There is a weather station on top of tower 10 of the Eagle Rock around water supply and temperature supported the notion that snowChairlift at the Downhill Ski Area that records temperature and reports making was feasible at the Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area. the results on the Internet on the Weather Underground site (wunderReference: http://cpo.noaa.gov/sites/cpo/MAPP/Task%20Forces/ ground.com - search on “kcatruck41”). This shows that there were 19 days in December 2014 that were cold enough to make sufficient snow

DTF/californiadrought/california_drought_report.pdf

ATTENTION

TO DETAIL

IS THE CORNERSTONE

OF OUR BUSINESS.

SNOW REMOVAL CLIENTS GET 10% OFF PAINT, STAIN, DECK RESTORATION AND DRIVEWAY SEALING. STOP BY FOR A TOUR OF OUR FACILITY & TO PICK UP A FREE REUSABLE GROCERY TOTE.

tahoedonner.com |

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forget to buy a raffle ticket for a chance to win some great prizes! All proceeds from the raffle will benefit the Humane Society of TruckeeTahoe. Raffle tickets are just $1 each, or buy five tickets for $5 and get a sixth ticket for free! Raffle tickets are available for advance purchase at Member Services until March 7 and will also be available for purchase at the event, March 8. Winners need not be present to win.

Great Prizes!

You might get lucky and win one of many prizes including a onenight stay at the Portola Hotel in Monterey, Calif.; gift certificates for dining, jewelry, and retail merchandise; lift tickets to Northstar, Sugar Bowl, or Royal Gorge; and much more! The list is long — see the full lineup of prizes at tahoedonner.com.

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| Tahoe Donner News | March 2015

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favorite trails. Meet at the trailhead at 9 a.m. and we will match you up

Additional March Events at the Downhill Ski Area:

with out-of-town skiers who prefer the same kinds of trails you like;

The following March events are conditions and weather dependent

then you can show them around for an hour or two! Free with trail pass.

and subject to change. Please check our website at tahoedonner.com/ downhill or give us a call to confirm event status before heading out.

Also on March 12: • Free Equipment Check Up. Specialists from Paco’s Bike & Ski will be onsite to check if your skis, boots and poles are the right fit for you.

Flex testing of skis and demo equipment will be available for all levels from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. COST: Free with trail pass.

Winter Beach Party – March 7 Nothing beats a beach party in the winter, right? Join us for some tropical fun, live music, food and games. This is great for the whole family and it’s free!

• Junior Nationals Challenge Race. At 3:30 p.m., we will host a very fun 1.5 kilometer youth and 5 kilometer adult race for locals and visiting Junior Nationals athlete families and coaches. COST: Adults $10; $5 for those 18 years old and younger.

TIME: STARTING AT 12 P.M. COST: FREE

Tahoe Donner Race – March 14 Feel like competing in a race? Anyone who can ski or ride down a blue

• Parent Social: Wine Tasting and Appetizers. From 5 - 6 p.m., sample wines from Truckee River Winery and enjoy delicious appetizers.

This is free for Junior Nationals athlete parents and race participants to mingle and meet, but donations for Truckee’s school teams will be accepted.

slope can race and have fun! The winner will even get an award! Race categories are: male 18 and over, male 17 and under, female 18 and over, and female 17 and under.

COST: $5 FOR TWO RACE RUNS, AND $1 PER ADDITIONAL RUN

The organizing committee is looking for volunteers to help put on the

200-Foot Banana Split Extravaganza – March 21

event at Auburn Ski Club. If you can help in any way during the week of

Bring your appetite and help us devour an incredible 200-foot banana

March 8 - 14, please contact them via the form on their website at

split for free. Grab some spoons because this will be one tasty monster.

xcjuniornationals2015.com/volunteer.

TIME: 1:30 P.M. COST: FREE

Additional March Events at the Cross Country Ski Area: March Midweek Technique Tune Up Clinics

Tahoe Donner Family Challenge – March 22

Don’t miss out! For just $20, you’ll get 30 minutes of tips, tricks and

Talk about family fun! The Tahoe Donner Family Challenge is a free

feedback from some of our best instructors. This is a great opportunity

matched time competition raced by family teams. It is a Giant Slalom

to improve your skiing this spring. Try: • Novice Kick and Glide – Mondays at 12 p.m. (Suitable for those who can ski green trails classic style)

race, but the time that counts is the difference between first and second runs. The team component is a combined best difference from a child in

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a family with the best difference from an adult in the family. The winning team even gets their name engraved on the trophy in the ski lodge.

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C W H E C K I A START TIMES: ADULTS (13 YEARS AND OLDER): 10 - 11:15 A.M.; A B BRE A R I N CHILDREN (7-12 YEARS OLD): 11:30 A.M. – 12:45 P.M. M NNE ROGER BURNS | RECREATION SUPERVISOR O D OE RDS N I S TAHEQUIPMENT COST: $31 (TRAIL PASS AND SKI ORE SNOWSHOE A N U T RI F E G REQUIRED TO ATTEND THE CLINIC) N T EL E R BE C HE E N AT T H E DON ER E N O S N HR AE TT DO I C 29 Tour – Sunday, March O ED’Euer C E N Q U AT TA H N A A I R Celebrate spring with this 20-plus year Tahoe Donner Cross CounR R E ST BE HE NNE AT T H E NN QEU E DO D OE O T O H I try Ski Area tradition of touring Euer Valley from 8 10 a.m., followed N TA T N VE A E E L R A by refueling at the Cookhouse. Delicious BBQ and live music will take REC S D O place at the cross country facility starting at 11 a.m. Get ready to party!

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Moon Snowshoe Tour – March 7

Join Tahoe Donner for a wintery outing under the light of the moon.

The tour meets at Trout Creek Recreation Center and caravans to the trailhead on Glacier Way. Reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance; event will take place conditions permitting. Book today online at our ShopTD site, tahoedonner.com/shop.

SALLY JONES | CROSS COUNTRY SKI AREA MANAGER

Thursday Night Trivia Calling all you trivia lovers! Meet us at Pizza on the Hill every Thursday night from 6:30 - 8 p.m. for a fun evening of brain teasers. Winners at Trivia Night will take home prizes or gift certificates. Trivia Night is subject to cancellation by 7:15 p.m. if there is insufficient attendance.

Friday Family Movie Night Family fun for everyone! Grab the kids, order some pizza from Pizza on the Hill, and sit back and get cozy at the Northwoods Clubhouse for our featured film every Friday at 6:30 p.m. Families will enjoy classic or new movies rated G and PG. To find out what we’ll be playing in advance, call Member Services at 530-587-9400.

ROGER BURNS | RECREATION SUPERVISOR

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| Tahoe Donner News | March 2015

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NNE Don’t miss out on getting your kayak or paddleboard storage spot.

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lakeside paddleboard storage spots. These will also be available at our ShopTD site and are $150 each for the summer season.

Those who receive a spot in the first lotteries will be notified by email on March 23.

From 8 a.m. March 24 through midnight March 30, the lottery for the 42 additional spots located at the far end of the parking lot by the exit gate will take place. These spots cost $100 for the season. Those who receive a spot in the second lottery will be notified by email on March 31.

Spot assignments will be determined by the order in which the member’s name is pulled from the lottery. For example, if you sign up for a lakeside spot and your name is pulled first, you would be on rack one in slot A. Those who receive a spot but choose not to take it will be

noticed a difference in our facility and we look forward in continuing to put forth a facility that reaches the standard that we all expect.

New Kids Club Program: Tumble Time Every Thursday Does your child have a lot of energy? Let them burn it off during Tumble Time at the Trout Creek Kids Club. We’ll sing, dance, run, jump and learn to move with grace and balance! No prior registration is required. This class is a structured tumbling time designed for young children; those who do not want to participate may do an alternate sitdown craft. Kids Club is for children ages 3 months to 8 years. Please see tahoedonner.com/fitness/kids-club or call Ashlie Taylor at 530-5829604 for more details.

TIME: 11:30 A.M. - 12 P.M. O TA H

charged a $15 cancellation fee.

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than 33 inches (the widest part of the bottom of the kayak).

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Trout Creek is striving to offer members the best equipment and the

are optional, on Monday afternoons with casual dinner following. In

best workout experience. We are proud to offer a fleet of 20 new Spinner

mid-August we hold our club tournament, also optional, which ends

NTX spin bikes manufactured by Star Trac. The bikes are available for

with a fun banquet that is open to all club members.

ONN spin class only, so join a class today!

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be opening for the 2015 season. The Tahoe Donner Women’s 9-Holers MPG

mid-October).

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required to have a handicap. The membership application is online at tahoedonner.com/

From left around the room: Susie Steele, Jan Rogers, Kim Matarazzo, Gail Tierney, Jackie Limpinen, Karen Jorgensen, Sharon Ward, Marilyn Dundas, Jeanne McGoldrick, Lydia Stang, Emily Desfor, and Cheri Visser. Not pictured: Carolyn Bowers and Dot Ferneyhough

golf/clubs or can be picked up in person at the Member Services office in the Northwoods Clubhouse. Send a check and your completed application to the contact listed on the bottom of the application.

If you have questions, please contact our club president, Marianne Bowers, at mariannebowers@hotmail.com or by phone at 530-550-9079. We hope to see you for another season of fun golf.

Tahoe Donner Quilt Club The latest Tahoe Donner Quilt Club project was to help out the Far West Nordic Community host the USSA Cross Country Skiing Junior Nationals this March 8 - 14. We were asked to sew Junior National 2015 patches on boot bags and backpacks for all the skiers and coaches coming from all over the U.S. After the first delivery of boot bags and backpacks, several quilters took boxes home and worked on them at their leisure. Two weeks later, we received the last of the boxes and had a work party during our regular meet-

Serving Truckee/Lake Tahoe Residential • Commercial

ing. Twelve ladies worked together sewing

Sentinel.” The town residents cut down many

on 332 patches, completing the project in two

of the trees in the area for building structures

hours and fifteen minutes for a total of 598

and for mine construction. It is said that Indi-

patches, and we had fun doing it! Check out

ans living in the area attacked the town at one

the webpage for the USSA Cross Country Ski-

point because they depended on the pine nuts

ing Junior Nationals at xcjuniornationals2015.

as a food source.

com for more information.

After reading about this history in “Nevada

The Tahoe Donner Quilt Club meets the

Trails Western Region” by Peter Massey, we

first and third Wednesday of every month

expected to see quite a large ghost town. But

at Northwoods Clubhouse from 1 - 3 p.m.

when we got to the town, there was only one

during the winter months. Come join us for

lonely structure consisting of three walls of

show-and-tell and great fellowship. We also

a rock walled building. There were also the

have several ladies that knit and crochet —

remains of several mines about a quarter of a

these talented ladies have lots of interests.

mile away from the town that were interest-

For more information, contact Linda Brush

ing. We did some exploring around the mines

at sewlinda@aol.com or Marilyn Dundas at

but signs warned us to keep our distance.

md11792@outlook.com.

TD 4 Wheelers Club The weather was better for four wheeling than for skiing in January and we took advantage of this to explore a backcountry road and ghost town in Nevada. The trail run to Como began in a small town on Highway 50, east of Carson City, called Dayton. From Dayton, we went south on Como Road. The road was a bit

It was a fun day of four wheeling followed by some great food at an Incline Village restaurant on the way home. We hope you will decide to join us for some four wheeling fun in the backcountry. We have a great time and have some very nice people in the club. Visit our website at td4wheelers.com and if you are interested in joining the club, send an email to td4wheelers@gmail.com.

rocky here and there, but really very easy to drive. It took us up into the Pine Nut Mountains: a beautiful open range of mountains

QUALITY WORKMANSHIP CLEANLINESS & CUSTOMER SATISFACTION Interior and Exterior Specializing in Staining Wood Restoration Superior Finish Painting Remodels and New Construction

530.550.7938

PO Box 11107, Truckee, CA 96162 BONDED & INSURED • CA LIC #764916

14

| Tahoe Donner News | March 2015

covered in sagebrush and of course, pine nut trees. On the way up the mountain we saw several groups of wild horses that were beautiful.

The town of Como was founded in 1862 after gold was discovered in 1860 in a nearby cave. At one time there were as many as 400 residents and it was the site of many gold mines. The small town consisted of saloons, residences, and the luxury Cross Hotel. They even had a local newspaper called “The Como

Little remains standing in the ghost town of Como.

DINING OPTIONS The Lodge Restaurant & Pub 12850 Northwoods Blvd.

530-587-9455 tahoedonner.com/the-lodge

And don’t forget, St. Patrick’s Day is also No Corkage Tuesday, so take advantage of that too! Let the luck of the Irish be with you!

Happy Hour Now Daily March is extra happy at The Lodge Pub

HOURS: Open daily from 5 - 9 p.m.

Enjoy artisan-crafted cuisine and spirits in the heart of Tahoe Donner.

St. Patrick’s Day Party – Tuesday, March 17 Put on your favorite green outfit and come celebrate with us! On St. Paddy’s Day, from 5 – 9 p.m., everyone is Irish for the night.

You’ll enjoy: • Corned beef and cabbage special - $16.95 • Guinness Cans - $4 • Black and Tan Beers - $5 • Jameson shots - $5 • Irish Car Bomb shots - $6

Pizza on the Hill 11509 Northwoods Blvd 530-582-9669 tahoedonner.com/pizza-on-the-hill

since we’ve extended Happy Hour to include every day. Enjoy drink specials and 25 percent

tary pizza must be of equal or lesser value and cannot be used with any other coupon or offer.

Cottage Pie and Guinness Special - $13 Get your Irish on all month long! We’re offering a delicious cottage pie made with tender beef simmered in a thick, rich gravy with carrots, onions, mushrooms, celery and peas, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, and served piping hot and golden brown. It’s

No Corkage Tuesdays Bring in a special bottle of wine from home to savor in the dining room and we’ll waive the corkage fee on Tuesdays. Valid even on St. Paddy’s Day!

BE SURE TO ASK ABOUT OUR DAILY SPECIALTY PIZZAS!

For a limited time, try Chef Justin’s newest creation, The Athens (pictured above right). This Greek-inspired pizza includes

topped with a honey glaze.

Thursday Night Trivia and Friday Family Movie Night These two events are fun for the whole group. See page 12 for more details.

Happy Hour* Drink specials, anyone? Grab $3 Coors Light, $4 seasonal draft beers and $4 house cabernet or chardonnay by the glass; plus, enjoy half-price wings and chili cheese fries for just $4. Offered from 5-6 p.m., ThursdayMonday.

$10 Pizza Sundays*

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration - Saturday, March 14*

$10 sound? Grab this offer every Sunday at

• $8 green Coors Light pitchers; $2 green Coors Light pints

promotion.

coupon.

paired with a Guinness beer for just $13. Yum!

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with us!

• $10 cheese, pepperoni or veggie pizzas all night (dine-in or to-go)

not be combined with any other coupon or

bined with any other promotion or

sauce, feta cheese mixed with mozzarella, and

All pizza combinations included. Complimen-

shared plates, soups and salads. Offer may

p.m. Happy Hour cannot be com-

5 - 8:30 p.m.

any three pizzas and you’ll pay only for two!

food and drink specials, plus 25 percent off

in the Pub, valid daily from 5 - 6:30

shrimp, spinach, onions, olives, pesto-lemon

It’s 3 for 2 Mondays all month long! Order

Happy Hour specials wildly last all night long in the entire restaurant and Pub. Enjoy

off shared plates, soups and salads

HOURS: Open Thursday-Monday for dinner,

3 for 2 Mondays*

WildER Wednesdays

How does cheese or pepperoni pizza for just Pizza on the Hill. Limit six pizzas per group; take it to-go or dine-in. *Offers are subject to change and are not valid with any other promotion or coupon.

tahoedonner.com |

15

FEATURE

SNOWBOARD LEGENDS AMONG US

BY ASHLEY QUADROS

Often called the pioneers of snowboarding, Tahoe Donner homeowners Jim and Bonnie Zellers helped launch the sport, taking it to the extreme and earning first-snowboard-descent status on peaks throughout the world.

RIGHT: Bonnie and Jim Zellers attended the annual Legends of Snowboarding event in Soda Springs, 2013. Photo courtesy BudFawcett.com.

BELOW: Jim and Bonnie Zellers snowboarding side by side at Homewood in 1987.

Photo courtesy BudFawcett.com.

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| Tahoe Donner News | March 2015

While snowboarding existed in some small form as far back as the 1920s with homemade boards crafted out of plywood and planks, it wasn’t until 1965 that the first snowboard — or rather, the great-grandfather of the snowboard, became available for public consumption. It was known as the Snurfer — a combination of the words “snow” and “surfboard,” and it was invented by a Michigan dad looking to keep his kids busy and happy. Following in 1976, the first snowboard company, Winterstick, was launched, followed shortly after by Burton, but snowboarding technology was still in its infancy.

“The boards were just glorified sleds with a bungee strap,” said Jim Zellers. He bought his first snowboard in 1978, a Sims Skiboard, and took his first runs on Donner Summit. “The next few years I mostly hiked the Promised Land terrain at Alpine after Bernie Kingery, the mountain manager at the time, gave us a chance on the lifts and we failed miserably.”

Luckily for Jim Zellers, snowboard technology took a large

leap forward in 1980 by Winterstick and Burton with their new technological innovations, which involved using a multi-layered board with a plastic, or P-Tex base. This extremely durable thermoplastic can absorb wax and is still used today in snowboard construction. The concept of snowboarding was still foreign to most people at the time. While Zellers started snowboarding in 1978, and the sport gained notoriety in the late 70s, it wasn’t until 1982 that the first international snowboard race took place in Woodstock, Vermont.

That same year, 1982, Zellers met his future wife, Bonnie, and took her snowboarding for the first time with friend and fellow snowboard pioneer, Tom Burt.

“I grew up skiing but fell in love with this new sport,” recalled Bonnie Zellers fondly. Unlike some snowboarders who stick to familiar runs and ski areas, these two had a passion to take snowboarding to the next level. “At first we travelled around the West doing competitions in half pipe, slalom, and GS, but the allure of the wilder places and the influ-

Jim Zellers takes a look down from the top of Taku Tower, in Alaska, before descending with friend and fellow snowboard pioneer Tom Burt. Photo courtesy Chris Noble, www.noblefoto.com.

ence of climbing led us to more remote destinations,” Bonnie Zellers said. The pair often used their technical climbing skills to hike up and then descend peaks.

“As we grew into our sport and our confidence increased, we travelled more extensively, many times on our own separate expeditions,” she added.

Wilder places is an understatement. The couple moved to Tahoe Donner in the early to mid ‘80s and with some of their earlier expeditions in the Alaska Range; Chamonix, France; and the western United States (Crater Lake, Oregon; Wheeler Peak, Nevada; the Sierra Nevada), it didn’t take long for the Zellers to make a name for themselves in the snowboard industry. As early as 1989, they began making history for first-ever snowboard descents.

Both Bonnie and Jim Zellers earned the title “Snowboarder of the Year” in 1990 by International Snowboard Magazine; Bonnie Zellers was also voted “Most Extreme Woman Snowboarder of the Year” in 1991 by a Transworld Snowboarding magazine

readers poll.

“I think my most exciting and dangerous expeditions were in Chamonix doing couloir descents and in Alaska, especially a trip to the Tracy Arm with steep chutes, avalanches, bears, and cold water,” said Bonnie Zellers.

Jim Zellers, too, has had some dangerous expeditions; so many in fact, he was even coined the “Father of Extreme Snowboarding” by Snowboarder magazine.

Living up to the name, he has made numerous snowboard descents down some of the most challenging terrain on the planet, but ironically, one of his more difficult expeditions was in his own backyard. Jim Zellers was the first person to ever descend Half Dome in Yosemite National Park on a snowboard, which sits almost 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley and nearly 9,000 feet above sea level. Half Dome is known for being a brutally treacherous 14- to 16-mile round-trip hike involving steep stairs and wobbly cables, so after climbing that—imagine this: you’re just getting started.

“My biggest concern was how Jim Zellers looks onward to Pumori, a first descent accomplishment in 1995.

Photo courtesy Chris Noble, noblefoto. com.

18

| Tahoe Donner News | March 2015

the snow would stick to the dome,” recalled Jim Zellers on his Half Dome descent. “At the time there was zero snow science available regarding this and most scientists simply advised staying away from large granite slabs.” It became a seven-year-long study in snow research and data, and the result, Zellers found, was essentially the same effect that makes snow stick to a windshield after an overnight snowstorm.

“Being the first to do something is like solving a jigsaw puzzle by yourself; you’re stoked you did it, but in the big picture, it’s still just a puzzle.”

Attempting to be the first to solve many puzzles, Jim Zellers’ list of first-time snowboard descents is long and impressive, and even includes Mount Barrille, Alaska in 1989; Mount Cook, New Zealand in 1990; Pumori, Himalaya at 23,500 feet in 1995 (pictured left); Tyndall Glacier, Colorado; Mount Kenya, Kenya; Cuchillo, Cololo; and Nevado Sajama, Bolivia at 21,500 feet in 1998.

(Above) Bonnie Zellers makes the first snowboard descent of the Zebra Couloir on Mount Emerson, in the Eastern Sierra, in 1997.

Photo courtesy Richard Leversee.

But of all of Jim Zellers’ conquests, his most dangerous expedition was taking on Denali in 1991.

“Tom Burt was my riding partner, and we were still very green. We were in that stage of learning that we now know not everyone lives through,” explained Jim Zellers.

“We had ambition, stoke, and thought we had way more experience and knowledge than we actually did. We camped in the wrong spots, froze our toes, and moved too fast, but we were able to pull off a descent on the Orient Express, a coveted ski and snowboard line.”

Burt accompanied the Zellers on many expeditions, and there is a reason for that. “Most problems stem from group dynamics and we have learned over the years to

Jim Zellers makes history in 1995 for the first-ever snowboard descent of Pumori with majestic Mount Everest in the background.

Photo courtesy Chris Noble, noblefoto.com.

pick an expedition team based more on each member’s comedic talents over their ability to reach the summit,” Jim Zellers said. “It seems to help and we’ve probably had more success because of it.”

In fact, the list of successful expeditions and first-time descents is so long, both Bonnie and Jim Zellers had trouble recalling all of them. “I am afraid I have lost track of first descents,”

said Bonnie Zellers, “There were so many.” (Editor’s note: See the list of Jim Zellers’ impressive accomplishments on next page).

And while there have been many dangerous and life-threatening descents, the Zellers, for the most part have remained unscathed; however, Jim Zellers did sustain one major injury during his professional snowboarding career. As he described it, he

Dylan Zellers, 16, takes first place at the 2015 Freeride Junior World Championships for Snowboarding in Andorra last month. Photo courtesy of Zellers family.

“splatted on a rock.” The impact was so severe, Zellers completely shattered his pelvis, but he didn’t give up the sport; instead, his adventures with his wife continued to expand over the years and the couple received regular publicity in snowboard media, especially as snowboarding began to grow in popularity. They were actively sought out for snowboard advertising, commercials, television shows and even easily a dozen snowboard movies and films. You might recall seeing Jim Zellers in amusing commercials for Juicy Fruit and Mountain Dew to films produced by Fall Line Films and Standard Films.

“It’s fun being out early on blue sky days with a group trying to tell a story. But at the same time,

waiting around for good light, good snow, or a cameraman to get set up takes more patience than I have,” said Jim Zellers on his film career. “I just finished as snowboard stunt coordinator for the remake of ‘Point Break’ and enjoyed that side of the storytelling much more.”

Jim Zellers did extensive professional stunt work from 1990-2006 while running his own companies, Zellers Woodworking from 1998 to present and High Camp LLC, an internal branding company launched in 2013.

In between all of this, he has also been the director of outdoor programs for outdoor retailer giant The North Face since 2003, coordinating athlete input to help the brand develop clothing and

gear, and participating in over 225 events to date with no apparent plans to slow down.

It seems this zeal for life and adventure runs in the Zellers’ genes. They have two sons, Dylan and Ryan, who both love snowsports. Ryan Zellers is on the local Squaw Valley Freestyle team and Dylan Zellers is on the Squaw Valley Alpine Snowboard team.

Dylan Zellers, who is just 16 years old, competed in the Junior Freeride Tour World Championship for Snowboarding in Andorra on Feb. 8, 2015 and won the title (pictured on the top of the podium on the previous page).

As for Jim and Bonnie Zellers’ next endeavors, they are more focused on their kids’ adventures right now. “We’re just traveling with our boys to big mountain competitions,” said Jim Zellers when asked about his future plans. “There’s no shortage of comedy with a big group of teenagers.”

The Zellers truly are a family of achievement with decades of success and endless snowboard expeditions. “I feel all my trips have been rewarding in one way or another but my most rewarding

is an expedition to Mt. Aspiring in New Zealand,” said Bonnie Zellers. “This was such a challenging trip due to prolonged bad weather and vertical ‘coral reef’ conditions that I made my mind up to start a family as soon as I got safely home.” She became pregnant with her son Dylan upon returning.

While the two have been aligned with several different brands and locations over the years, the Zellers both currently prefer Jones Solution splitboards, and in terms of the best place to snowboard, they are also in agreement with one another.

“People can have fun just about anywhere,” said Jim Zellers. “But good snow always helps, and in the Sierra we tend to have the best and most consistent conditions.”

Bonnie agreed, but advised, “I will just say that half the adventure is finding your way... go out with your wise elders and let them show you around or follow your own instinct. After all, it is the journey that remains more important than the destination.”

And what a journey this couple has led.

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHERS Many of the photos in this story were courtesy of Chris Noble.

Recognized as one of the world’s leading adventure photographers, Chris Noble’s work celebrates the beauty of nature and inspires people to live healthier, more mindful, and more sustainable lives.

A veteran of expeditions ranging from Denali to Everest to the jungles of Borneo, Noble’s writing and photography have appeared in hundreds of publications including Life, National Geographic, Newsweek, Orion, Outside, Rolling Stone, and Sports Illustrated, as well as books and anthologies. His humanitarian work includes portraits of Rwandan genocide survivors for Lily Yeh’s Barefoot Artist Organization and environmental imagery in Africa, Canada, and Southern Utah for Round River Conservation. Noble’s latest book is “Women Who Dare” celebrating the athleticism, wisdom, and grace of twenty of North America’s most inspiring women climbers. See more at noblefoto.com.

Bud Fawcett, longtime and legendary snowboard photographer, documented much of the early years of the sport of snowboarding.

You can see more of his work at budfawcett.com.

Richard Leversee, former Truckee resident and Sierra adventure photographer, spent 25 years climbing and skiing before changing his life path to join the healing arts community. He and his wife, Cari, recently relocated to San Luis Obispo where he is following his massage and bodywork passion.

JIM ZELLERS’ ACCOMPLISHMENTS: First snowboard descent Mount Barrille, Alaska – 1989 First snowboard descent Orient Express, Denali, Alaska – 1990 First snowboard descent Mount Cook, New Zealand – 1990 First snowboard descent Mount Madsen, Patagonia, Argentina – 1991 First snowboard descents Valdez, Alaska – 1992 First snowboard descents Juneau, Alaska – 1993-2000 First climbing ascent “Sun Also Rises” Patterson Bluff Grade IV 5.12c, Sierra Nevada – 1994 First multiple climbing ascents Donner Summit, California First snowboard descent (partial) Pumori (23,500 feet), Himalaya – 1995 First snowboard descent Ishinca and other peaks, Peruvian Andes – 1996 First snowboard descent Tyndall Glacier, Mt. Kenya, Kenya First snowboard descent Cuchillo, Cololo, and Sajama (21,500 feet), Bolivia – 1998 First snowboard winter descent Mount Belukha, Siberia – 1999 First SB descent Half Dome, Yosemite, Calif. – 2000 First SB descents East Greenland – 2001 Continued first snowboard descents of Sierra Nevada peaks up to present

20

| Tahoe Donner News | March 2015

WOODWARD TAHOE SUMMER CAMP REGISTER BY

MARCH 16TH & SAVE UP TO

$200!

SECURE YOUR SPOT. WOODWARDTAHOE.COM

GOLF SEASON IS COMING UP...

HOW TO PRACTICE YOUR GOLF SWING IN WINTER

Golf Passes and Multi-Play Packs on Sale March 2 As I sit here in my home office in the foothills watching the rain come down steadily (finally!) and hoping for some much needed snow up in the Sierra Nevada, my thoughts turn to springtime and golf... hitting that perfect drive, sticking an iron close to the flag, then making that crucial putt in crunch time... sounds good doesn’t it? But how can we work on our golf swing during the winter months?

STEP TWO Swing a weighted club in your garage or an open space. Weighted clubs are usually shorter than regular clubs, allowing you to swing them easily indoors. The PGA recommends swinging a weighted club a few minutes a day to improve strength in your wrists and arms, and to increase your clubhead speed. I use a weighted club called a Matzie Assist Swing shops or even on Amazon. Which-

winter requires determination

ever device you choose, it will

and some creativity. Of course,

make a huge difference!

drifts make it hard to get outside to practice, but despite this you should resist the urge to put your clubs away until spring. There are lots of drills and techniques you can work on to improve your swing, even when it’s cold outside.

STEP ONE Work on strength and flex-

winter could be enough for significant improvement in your swing.

Fairways and Greens,

ROB WEIZER | HEAD GOLF PRO, TAHOE DONNER GOLF COURSE

season prices! With very few exceptions, prices remain the same as the last two years.

See all season pass and multiplay pack options online at tahoedonner.com/golf.

grip several days a week. While watching TV, grip the club during each commercial and hold it until the commercial(s) are over. Here’s a trick: wrap your grip with a piece of paper then take your grip. Then

improve their physical condition-

a crinkling sound, then your grip

ing. That alone won’t improve your

pressure is changing and could

golf swing, but losing a couple of

cause your club head to change at

pounds and adding some flexibil-

impact. This trick will help you to

ity can help you avoid injury and

hold a club without as much ten-

play better overall when weather

sion in your hand and arms.

ready!

many times as possible during the

at special lowest available early

during the winter and work on our

forth; if the paper starts to make

what you need to get yourself golf

grip, and taking practice swings as

packs will go on sale March 2,

Keep a golf club inside your house

golfers often use the off-season to

lize the facility! They have exactly

your strength and flexibility, your

and golf passes and multi-play

Work on your grip indoors.

gently swing your club back and

Creek Recreation Center and uti-

it were the real thing. Working on

Golf season is fast approaching

STEP THREE

ibility until spring. Professional

improves. Get yourself in to Trout

Then make practice swings as if

Trainer; they are available in golf

Practicing your golf swing in the

cold temperatures and snow

20-50 times is a good number.

STEP FOUR Get outside on a nice winter day and swing a club! Practice swing as many times as you wish;

tahoedonner.com |

21

GET READY FOR A

SUMMER o’ fun!

SUMMER WILL BE HERE BEFORE WE KNOW IT!

We want your kids to have the most fun possible— that’s why we are starting summer registration for day camps and aquatics early. Grab all the info below and sign up — before we fill up!

Following are some important registration steps to help assist in completing the process.

MEMBER REGISTRATION BEGINS ON MONDAY, MARCH 9 AT 8 A.M. FOR DAY CAMPS AND AQUATIC PROGRAMS. » STEP ONE To register as a member, each participant must be identified on your Tahoe Donner profile, even if they

GUEST REGISTRATION BEGINS ON MONDAY, MARCH 23 AT 8 A.M. FOR DAY CAMPS AND AQUATIC PROGRAMS.

» STEP ONE To register as a guest, you must obtain either a transferable guest card ID number or a member card ID number.

are 6 or under. You may add members to your profile

» STEP TWO

at the Member Services office, located in Northwoods

Go to tahoedonner.com/shop and create your login.

Clubhouse, open from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. Please note:

» STEP THREE

If your child turns 7 prior to registration this year, you may be required to pay the applicable member fees for them to be considered a member.

» STEP TWO Go to tahoedonner.com/shop and create your login. To do so, you will need to enter your name and member ID number exactly as they appear on your member ID card. If you went through the registration process last summer, your login should be the same. Both previous and new users should log in and make sure that all members you may have added appear on your profile.

» STEP THREE During your checkout process you will receive links to waiver forms that will need to be completed and submitted to Tahoe Donner. Links to the waiver are also included online at tahoedonner.com (see aquatics and day camps registration pages).

During your checkout process you will receive links to waiver forms that will need to be completed and submitted to Tahoe Donner.

Important!

Please take careful note of the age level requirements for each program and make sure that your child is eligible to attend that program. The age requirements are established for the safety and well-being of your child. Age requirements are enforced as of the first day of the session in which your child is registered. If a child is found to be registered for a program that he/she is not eligible for, his/her registration will be cancelled and no refund will be given. There will be no exceptions with children’s ages for day camps. All children must be potty-trained to attend any camp. Children in pull-ups will not be allowed to attend camp.

Cancellation Policy All cancellations and/or changes must be made 14 days prior to the first day of the session for which you are registered, and a processing fee of $10 per program will be charged. No refunds will be given for cancellations and/or changes made less than 14 days prior to the first day of the session for which you are registered.

Visit tahoedonner.com or watch for our Summer Fun Guide for the complete schedule of day camp and aquatic activities for this summer. For questions about the registration process, please contact Member Services at 530-587-9400, ext. 0.

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| Tahoe Donner News | March 2015

COMMUNITY REPORT CARD UPDATE: HEALTH

COMMUNITY

BY JANET ZIPSER ZIPKIN | TAHOE DONNER GIVING FUND COMMITTEE Do you think we have a healthy community?

In fact, Tahoe Truckee is often rated as healthier than other parts of the U.S., with lower obesity, more physical activity, fewer cigarette smokers and a greater sense of being in excellent health. Based on the recently released Community Report Card compiled by the Community Collaborative of Tahoe Truckee, a program of Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation, following is a snapshot of some of the health challenges we face and what’s being done to keep our community healthy.

high school athletic programs to explain how alcohol affects the adolescent brain.

MAKING IT BETTER: TAHOE DONNER GIVING FUND

MENTAL HEALTH

The good news is that we 25,000-plus Tahoe Donner members have an opportunity to make a real impact on our community’s well-being by supporting the non-profit organizations that have been working so hard to improve our region’s health and human services. It’s easy—just make a tax-deductible gift to the Tahoe Donner Giving Fund (TDGF), which is managed by Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation. Additional areas of need and potential TDGF grants include the environment, conservation and animal welfare; education and youth development; and arts and culture, to be covered in future issues of Tahoe Donner News.

Find more information about TDGF and additional resources for this article at tahoedonner.com/giving-fund/.

Sadly, we have seen far too many incidents of suicide, self-harm and feelings of depression in our community. A task force now addresses adolescent suicide by providing education on recognizing the warning signs and guidance on how to have a direct conversation regarding suicide. In-depth training about suicide prevention has been expanded for those who work with youth in our region.

ALCOHOL

HEALTH DISPARITY

In 2014, there were 160 DUI arrests in the Town of Truckee, with 21 percent of all traffic collisions involving a drunk driver. Lest we blame it all on partying tourists, the reality is that 69 percent of these DUIs report a Truckee address. Of particular concern is the effect of substance abuse on our youth. Research shows that alcohol can actually cause alterations in the structure and function of the developing brain, making our youth more susceptible to impulsive decisions and exhibiting a disregard for consequences.

In Truckee, substance abuse is actively addressed by national as well as local agencies, with the emphasis on education in the schools, community presentations and media events.

Additional efforts are directed specifically to

Although Truckee residents enjoy healthy lifestyles with a strong emphasis on recreation, nutrition and healthy choices, there are significant health disparities between our Hispanic and non-Hispanic residents.

Our Hispanic residents fared worse in overall ratings of general health and were less able to see a doctor or dentist due to cost or lack of transportation.

Promotores, or community health advocates, help ensure that culturally diverse populations and underserved communities receive referrals to medical, oral and behavioral health services including prevention and screening.

Additionally, they identify and assist with resources and needs for food, housing, transportation, jobs and education.

With appreciation to the following for providing insights and facts for this article: Caroline Ford, Executive Director of Wellness Neighborhood/Community Health, Tahoe Forest Health System; Adam McGill, Chief of Police, Town of Truckee; and Alison Schwedner, Director of The Community Collaborative of Tahoe Truckee.

TAHOE DONNER’S ROBB ETNYRE ELECTED TO CACM’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS TEAM Tahoe Donner Association is pleased to announce that General Manager Robb Etnyre is one of the newest additions to the California Association of Community Managers, Inc. (CACM) 2015 board of directors.

“Tahoe Donner is a thriving mountain community built upon guiding principles with a goal to provide exceptional outdoor recreation, member services, community events and programs; otherwise known as a large scale community in the common interest development world,” said Etnyre. “It is an honor to join the CACM in order to work within a corporate board construct with CACM’s management team to continue to improve an industry association which serves community management professionals that manage common interest developments (CIDs) in which 38 percent of California residents reside.”

Etnyre, along with Amber Nelson, John Cligny, Phyllis Harkins, and Melinda Young, were elected during a statewide CACM membership

election. The newly elected board of directors, including Etnyre, met at the annual membership meeting that took place in January in Oakland, Calif.

CACM is a professional trade association aimed at instilling success in the California common interest development industry, including large scale communities like Tahoe Donner to small multi-residential communities and portfolio management companies who manage multiple properties.

CACM promotes and upholds higher standards and ethical behavior, in addition to providing professional educational and certification programs covering a wide range of community management topics. The organization is comprised exclusively of community association managers and practitioners.

Tahoe Donner Association is proud to have Etnyre join the team. tahoedonner.com |

23

WELLNESS

GAME CHANGER…

BY KARI CHALSTROM | CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER, FITNESS INSTRUCTOR, AND NUTRITION CONSULTANT Visualization and sports performance go hand-in-hand and have been used by elite athletes for decades. You’ve seen them before competition, eyes closed, sometimes perfectly still, and sometimes gracefully bobbing and weaving as they run their course of action through their mind.

Perhaps you have already tapped into this technique. This kind of motor imagery or rehearsal can be a game changer for all levels of athleticism and exercise. With so many strategies involved with visualization in exercise and sport, you can actually excel at learning new skills, refine old ones and even help with recovery from an injury.

Here are a few tips to make the most of your next fitness, athletic or performance endeavors. Keep in mind that what you practice in the gym, on the trails, slopes or roads can translate into improved performance with even the most mundane day-to-day tasks. It boils down to proprioceptive and kinesthetic awareness, which involves understanding the motions of your body and how it moves in space. I like to simply call it body awareness. If you can combine the visual with the feeling you’ll be good as gold.

The art and practice of positive visualization, while applying it to your body awareness, has the potential to lead you toward a life of optimal health and wellness.

We’ve all experienced those down days, which are typically brought

24

on by things that just seem out of our control — the weather, a cold virus, a disgruntled spouse, or the needs of a child, colleague or friend. Your shoulders slump, your head is down and you feel poorly. What if you were to visualize yourself muscular and aware,

We don’t all possess the skills to be worldclass runners, but visualizing professional athletes in action can help us excel at our sports of choice. standing tall with your head held high? You’d begin to engage those muscles that bring you back to being aware of your posture.

What happens then to the way you feel? How you carry yourself can greatly affect your mood.

The same is true with exercise.

Imagine seeing yourself in perfect form. Your movements are under total control. You feel your muscles hugging and supporting your bones and they move in space. If you’re not sure how to achieve perfect form, take the time to watch a professional perform the task, whether it is at a competition or a game, the gym, on TV or the computer. Seek it out. Watch how

| Tahoe Donner News | March 2015

the skill is performed. Then see yourself performing the exercise, routine or skillset. If you still are having challenges reaching your goals, hire a coach or trainer to guide you.

My most memorable visual sports exercise moment was back in college. Back in the day, I just considered myself a jogger.

Then one day, I saw Mary Decker Slaney running on the trails along the Willamette River in Eugene, Oregon. She ran with confidence, skill and determination. Seeing her prance along with what seemed like minimal effort transformed my running that day, and I had a moment where I saw myself

The author’s inspiration came from Mary Decker Slaney, a former American track athlete whose running career was highlighted by two gold medals in the 1983 World Championships, as well as several unofficial world records and U.S. national records.

mimicking her moves and feeling like a world class runner. Perhaps she was chasing the great Olympic runner Steve Prefontaine’s ghost? Bottom line, she was a pro.

I wanted to run like her and that’s when I decided I was no longer a jogger but a runner. To this day, when I’m out for a run, I visualize her form and then work to apply it to my body. And toward the end of my run, I push it hard for the last few moments, seeing and feeling myself as a world class runner.

That visualization and endorphin rush then carries me into the rest of my day with confidence, physical awareness and content.

So, what is your game changer?

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25

SAFETY

Be sure to read the instructions for each lift, including conveyor belts, and teach those in your group to be aware of the safety rules.

HYDRATION

BY SALLY JONES | TAHOE DONNER CROSS COUNTRY SKI AREA MANAGER Did you know that every cell, tissue and organ in your body needs water to function correctly? We are losing water every minute of every day – more so when we are up here at high altitude; combine this with exercise on our cross country trails and our bodies lose even more water.

Staying hydrated is essential for making the most of our time in Truckee and Tahoe and for our overall health. Sometimes we don’t feel thirsty when we are actually already dehydrated. Common signs of dehydration include headache, fatigue, dizziness or lightheadedness.

Don’t wait until you notice these symptoms of dehydration to act. Even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you tired. Actively prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of water.

There are different recommendations for daily water intake. Most people have been told they should be drinking six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day, which is a reasonable goal. The well-known guideline of drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day is easy to remember, but it falls shy of the Institute of Medicine’s recommendation for men to drink 3 liters and women to drink 2.2 liters a day. And even when we are out skiing or snowshoeing on a cold day, we are losing more water than we realize, so we need to replace it.

If you are concerned that you may not be drinking enough water, check your urine. If your urine is consistently colorless or pale in color, you are most likely staying well-hydrated.

TIPS FOR STAYING HYDRATED • Start and end your day with a glass of water.

• Drink water before, during and after your workout.

• If you are planning on exercising at a high intensity for longer than an hour, consider using a sports drink to replace electrolytes, carbohydrates and blood sugar.

• Choose sports drinks wisely, as they are often high in sugar calories and may contain high levels of sodium.

• Remember, caffeine and alcohol are dehydrating – so drink a glass of water with these drinks.

• Reduce your carbon footprint and save money by drinking Tahoe tap! Use a reusable bottle and fill with Tahoe tap water; it’s some of the best in the nation!

Don’t forget to swig plenty of water while you’re out on the cross country trails - which is when your body needs it the most!

26

| Tahoe Donner News | March 2015

RIDING CONVEYOR LIFTS

BY ROBERT MCCLENDON | TAHOE DONNER DOWNHILL SKI AREA MANAGER Conveyor lifts are an easy way for guests to use beginner areas at ski resorts. Here at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area, we have three conveyor lifts that access our beginner terrain at the bottom of the hill.

These lift are inspected two times per year by Cal-OSHA Tramway Division.

When riding, guests must be aware of their surroundings and read the instructions and warning signs at the bottom of the lifts.

REMEMBER: • Check for loose clothing and equipment.

• Please leave 10 feet of distance between riders.

• Remain standing the entire ride.

• After getting on the conveyor, stand up straight and don’t walk on the conveyor.

• When unloading, please exit the unloading area.

• Please read “Your Responsibility Code” at the top of the lift.

• All passengers must wear equipment and have a valid lift ticket to ride the conveyor.

• All ski or snowboard equipment must have stop devices, such as leashes, brakes or straps.

If you drop an item during the ride, just leave it behind and talk to the lift attendant at the top; he or she will make sure the item is retrieved safely. Many guests put their small children between their legs while riding conveyor lifts—this is a safety concern and a breach of conveyor riding rules. Lifts make sudden stops and if you lose your balance, you could fall on your child, risking injury to you and your child.

Enjoy riding conveyor lifts, but make sure you’re riding them safely!

NE !

I L D D D E AE N D E EXT

CALLING ALL CREATIVE SNOWMAN BUILDERS! Build your snowman and participate in the seventh annual Tahoe Donner Snowman Contest!

A family favorite and one of our most popular contests, families and kids definitely don’t want to miss out on this fun contest! To participate, simply build your own snowman or snow creature, take a photo with you in it and email the photo with a short story about your snow-building adventure, including names of everyone in the picture, to comdep@tahoedonner.com. Please submit only .jpeg files of 300 dpi or higher for printing.

Submissions are now due by 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 5. The best creations will win prizes and be featured on Facebook and in the Tahoe Donner News.

TAHOE DONNER DONATES KITCHEN EQUIPMENT TO URBAN ROOTS

Following restaurant upgrades and remod-

students from the University of Nevada, Reno,

els, Tahoe Donner recently partnered with

Urban Roots offers classes and workshops to

Urban Roots in Reno, Nevada to offer refrig-

educate students, teachers and farmers while

eration units to the Urban Roots program, a

performing vital research to help create new

local non-profit organization committed to

techniques in sustainable farming in northern

the education of sustainable agriculture in the

Nevada. Tahoe Donner’s kitchen equipment

community. The total donation of used equip-

donation will aid students in these educational

ment at full retail value was approximately

opportunities.

$12,000.

“We believe in actively participating in our

“We will be putting it to use in our new food safety kitchen this spring,” said Urban Roots’

community and neighboring areas through

FarmCorps Director MJ Pickett. “Hundreds

multiple facets including municipal enrich-

of students will be able to learn about nutri-

ment,” said Capital Projects Manager Forrest

tion and cooking with produce from their own

efforts in our commitment to growing healthy

Huisman. “Urban Roots, which exemplifies

gardens thanks to Tahoe Donner’s donation.”

minds, bodies and communities.”

community outreach, is an organization we are proud to support.”

In collaboration with AmeriCorps and

Urban Roots’ Executive Director Jeff Bryant

Interested parties can learn more Urban

also expressed his appreciation, saying Tahoe

Roots and how to donate or volunteer by visit-

Donner’s donation “will support Urban Roots’

ing urgc.org.

tahoedonner.com |

27

BULLETIN BOARD

BOARD APPROVES TWO NEW ARCHITECTURAL STANDARDS RULES We often receive calls from members asking what the landscaping requirements are at Tahoe Donner. On Jan. 28, the board of directors approved two new rules regarding landscaping and drainage for Tahoe Donner Association. While landscaping is not required, aside from keeping your lot compliant with the Tahoe Donner Forestry’s defensible

If your proposed project is listed below, please call the ASO regarding the permit application process: • Any proposed landscaping in the setbacks including the rear 20 percent (or 25-foot minimum) setback, may require a variance

space program at a minimum, the new rule encourages landscaping

• Moving more than 5 yards of soil

with natural materials and vegetation. As we are also currently under

• Water features, especially those with major rock work

California water conservation measures, being a drought-sensitive

• Paving, gravel or decomposed granite walkways or patios

community, artificial grass was also introduced as an alternative to sod in the Architectural Standards Rules, Procedures and Restrictions for

• Retaining walls above 18 inches in height

Land Use. Through the Architectural Standards permit process, artifi-

• Any modification to site drainage

cial grass would be reviewed and approved on a case-by-case basis.

• Installation of artificial grass, plants, or other artificial vegetation

We encourage property owners to call the Architectural Standards Office (ASO) if they have any questions regarding a future landscaping project, especially where new patios and walkways are proposed, grading will need to occur, or if you want to plant vegetation and are unsure of setback requirements at Tahoe Donner. Additionally, the ASO staff can assist property owners with plat maps that give lot dimensions for those in search of property corner pins. Please consult a local nursery to determine species that are drought-resistant; nursery staff can also advise on the proper distance between the trees, depending on the species.

The new rules are now included in the Architectural Standards Rules, Procedures and Restrictions to Land Use as seen below: II. PLAN SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS I. SITE IMPROVEMENTS (p. 8) In keeping with the mountain lifestyle at Tahoe Donner, only natural landscaping materials are permitted.

Artificial grass and plants, or other artificial vegetation shall be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

III. SPECIFIC BUILDING REQUIREMENTS I

Landscaping and Drainage (p. 14)

The ASC encourages owners to landscape their Tahoe Donner properties using natural landscaping materials and vegetation, in keeping with the unique mountain environment.

Landscaping projects such as adding trees, shrubs, and grassed areas do not require a permit. Please check your corner property pins to ensure these items are kept within your lot.

28

| Tahoe Donner News | March 2015

Please remember, the Architectural Standards Committee’s approval is required before you make any changes to the outside of your existing house, or on your property. If you have any questions regarding the new rules or the permit application please call the Architectural Standards Office at 530-587-9407 or email aso@tahoedonner.com.

Additionally, the Architectural Standards Rules, Procedures and Restrictions to Land Use and permit application forms can be found online at tahoedonner.com/architectural-standards/.

BULLETIN BOARD

45-DAY NOTICE ARCHITECTURAL STANDARDS FEE CHANGES

Changes to the Architectural Standards

modification, at its April meeting, currently

fees will be considered for action by the Tahoe

scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2015. The

Donner board of directors. The board of direc-

board welcomes any input you may wish to

tors is expected to take action to adopt these

offer regarding this process.

fees, as they are presented here or with some

THE RECOMMENDED ARCHITECTURAL STANDARDS FEE CHANGES ARE AS FOLLOWS: Admin.

Fees

Proposed 2015 Admin Fee

Site Insp.

Final Insp.

Proposed 2015 Inspection Fee

Deposit

New houses, garages, multiples, commercial buildings, and additions (500 square feet and larger)

$750

$825

$60

$85

No change

$3000

Additions (under 500 square feet)

$750

$825

$60

$85

No change

$750

Decks, sheds, auxiliary structures, and miscellaneous

$340

$375

$60

$85

No change

$500

Fences

$120

$135

$60

$85

No change

$100

Solar Panels

$50

$75

$60 if required

$85

No change

$100

$50

$75-$100

$60 if required

$85

No change

$100

$25

$50

Major Projects

Minor Projects (without neighbor notification) Change to Existing ARGCE, paint, and roof changes

No change

Miscellaneous inspection fee

$25

$50

There have been no administration fee increases since before 2008. No changes to project deposits are being recommended.

Your comments are welcome via email: arosenfeld@tahoedonner.com, or by U.S. Mail to Tahoe Donner Association, 11509 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA, 96161.

HOMES ON THE RISE The Architectural Standards Committee reviewed the following plans in January 2014: Unit/Lot

Street Address

Square Feet

Project

03/390

14155 Skislope Way

1571

House

02/338

12899 Northwoods Blvd.

4790

Multiple – 3 unit

tahoedonner.com |

29

MEET THE NEWEST ASC MEMBER

BY ASHLEY QUADROS Meet Dan Moore — the newest committee member of the Architectural Standards Committee (ASC) at Tahoe Donner. ASC

to join the committee is somewhat serendipitous.

“I was in the office dropping some

performs regular architectural standards proj-

paperwork off to Ali (Concannon) for

ect reviews and approvals as outlined in the

one of my projects and she asked if I’d

committee charter, including projects for new

be interested in joining the commit-

homes, solar panels, deck extensions and more.

tee,” recalled Moore. “I thought, ‘Why

ASC also reviews and recommends clarifica-

not?’ If it will help me learn the rules

tions and enhancements to the Architectural

and regulations, then I’m interested.”

Standards Rules, such as the newly passed

Besides having an interest in learning the

living in Tahoe Donner,” remarked Moore. “I

Landscaping and Drainage rule. The com-

rules and regulations, Moore also brings

love being outside, especially with my family.

mittee meets every other Wednesday twice a

nearly 20 years of experience to ASC as a gen-

With that said, anything that gets us together

month for major projects. Small projects are

eral contractor, building in our area. “My con-

outside is my favorite activity. Currently, that’s

reviewed every Wednesday by one member of

tribution is sharing what I’ve seen and done

skiing and snowboarding; we’ve also been

the committee.

as a builder as it applies to certain situations;

trying cross country skiing, which has been

also, simply explaining different protocols of

awesome for some good family laughs!”

It is important to note that all Tahoe Donner committees operate on a volunteer basis.

the building process that people may be unfa-

Moore first started as an alternate commit-

miliar with seems to help,” added Moore.

tee member in February, 2014 before recently

When he’s not assisting ASC and breaking

If you see Moore around Tahoe Donner, be sure to say hello. He is a member helping fellow members just like you to improve the

becoming a full-time committee member.

down complex terminology for members, you

homeowner experience here in Tahoe Donner.

He’s been a Tahoe Donner property owner

can find Moore around Tahoe Donner enjoy-

For more information on ASC, visit our web-

for several years now; the reason he decided

ing our amenities. “We’ve got some great perks

site at tahoedonner.com/committees.

INPUT NEEDED: SHOULD TRUCKEE USE 96-GALLON CARTS INSTEAD OF GREEN WASTE BAGS? The Town of Truckee is considering a shift

to November 30 each year with every other

located at SurveyMonkey.com/s/KQLC59P;

in its curbside yard waste collection program

week collection, and is intended for ongoing

you may also visit TownofTruckee.com for

by replacing green bags with 96-gallon rolling

yard maintenance. For larger yard clean-ups

more information and frequently asked

carts. If approved by the Town Council, the

the reduced cost dumpsters and free drop-off

questions.

program would be implemented over a two-

at Eastern Regional Landfill will continue to

year process. It would first be rolled out in

be offered. While all green bags collected by

results will be considered at a March Town

Tahoe Donner and Glenshire in May 2015 with

TTSD are recycled, the end of life recycling

Council meeting.

all remaining neighborhoods in 2016. This

process still has an impact on our environ-

change would result in a one-time cart deliv-

ment. The proposal to move to 96 gallon carts

ery fee of $35 for those choosing to participate;

is an effort to move away from plastic and to

green bags would no longer be an option.

allow Truckee residents the option to recycle

Currently residents in Truckee can put

even more yard waste as residents will no

out up to four green plastic bags a week for

longer be limited to 40 pounds per bag and

disposal; green bags are for pine cones, pine

will have the option to recycle larger items,

needles, lawn trimmings, and other vegetative

such as tree branches. The carts will also be

waste. A typical green bag costs $1.25 each

easier for workers to handle since they will no

with residents on average putting out between

longer have to manually lift each bag; rather,

13-50 bags on an annual basis, for a total cost

a garbage truck’s automated arm will do the

to the consumer of $16.25-$62.50.

heavy lifting.

Yard waste collection costs are currently

Your opinion matters and all residents are

part of the basic solid waste refuse collec-

encouraged to take the Town of Truckee’s

tion fee which is included on the property

green waste survey to express their opinions

tax bill. The new program would run April 1

before a final decision is made. The survey is

30

| Tahoe Donner News | March 2015

While no deadline is posted for the survey,

As a Tahoe Donner homeowner, please consider the following when taking the survey: • Are you a full time resident, or second homeowner? Consider the practicality of the proposed every-other-week collection on Tuesdays.

• Assess the length and slope of your driveway to roll the carts to the street and back to the house on collection day.

• Consider your ability to store a cart within an enclosed storage area such as a garage or storage shed per Tahoe Donner C&R’s (IV Private Property Rules: Storage, p. 7).

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS BOARD MEETING RECAP

tures, drainage and drainage changes, and the installation of artificial grass.

JANUARY 24, 2015

Covenants Rule Revision Burn Times: Approved 4-0 (Director Murrell Absent) The board approved a rule change regarding extending the timeframe to burn piles of yard waste.

Consent Calendar: Approved 5-0 • GPC appointment (Barton) • GPC appointment (Lyons) • ASC chair resignation (Wooley) • ASC alternate appointment (Wooley) • ASC chair appointment (Whitten) • Covenants Committee resignation (Johnson) • 2015 group golf rates • Resolution 98-7 general policy regarding capital • Investments in association amenities • Acceleration of spin bike replacement Wells Fargo Bank (New Accounts) Approved 4-0 (Director Miller recused) The board approved opening accounts with Wells Fargo Bank Truckee branch and closing the association’s Raymond James accounts.

Town Hall Meeting/Local Politics: Direction Given Discussion took place regarding member feedback from the January 14, 2015 Town Hall meeting held in order to obtain member input on the subject of the association engaging in the political arena for the purpose of protecting the association’s activities and business interests.

Committee Rosters 2015: Approved 5-0 The board approved the committee roster for 2015.

Committee Tasks for 2015: Approved 5-0 The board approved committee tasks for the Finance, General Plan, Architectural Standards, and Covenants Committees for 2015.

Director of Finance and Accounting Report: Approved 5-0 The board approved the unaudited preliminary November and December, 2014 Financials.

Architectural Standards Fee Schedule Changes: Approved 5-0 The board approved posting for 45-day member comment proposed Architectural Fee Schedule changes.

Board Resolution Review: Approved 4-0 (Director Johns Absent) The board approved maintaining, as originally adopted, Resolution 2002-9 Facility Use Rental Use policy.

Strategic Plan and Goals Update: No Action The board reviewed the association’s Strategic Plan and Strategic Goals for 2015-2020.

Executive Session: The board reviewed and approved the following: • Extend the 2007 Employee Pay Range Tables top end by 5 percent, and going forward the desire to review the pay range tables every three years.

• Contract with LandCorp, Inc. for duration of one year for custodial services at Northwoods Clubhouse, Pizza on the Hill, and Trout Creek.

• Discussed legal matters.

• Appeal: The board upheld the Architectural Standards Committee’s decision to approve a driveway revision based upon the completion of a retroactive variance procedure for 14466 Alder Creek Road.

• Appeal: The board denied an appeal to waive a lien fee for 06/353.

Tahoe Donner Men’s Golf Club Bylaws: Approved 5-0 The board approved revisions to the Tahoe Donner Men’s Golf Club Charter.

• During the December 17, 2014 executive session, the board approved a contract addendum with Blue Rock Construction Company extending the estimated substantial completion date of the Alder Creek Adventure Center to March 1, 2015, with associated liquidated damages after that date and more consideration for early retention release on construction elements 100 percent complete.

Architectural Standards Proposed New Landscaping and Drainage Rule: Approved 4-0 (Director Murrell Absent) The board approved a new landscaping and drainage rule that would allow for a standardized permit process for installing landscape struc-

These summaries are intended for general information purposes only. The minutes are available at tahoedonner.com, upon request in the General Manager’s office, or by calling 530-587-9431. A copy of the minutes and current agenda are posted outside the Member Services Office in Northwoods Clubhouse.

tahoedonner.com |

31

NORTHERN IRELAND Light-

e East Sue Kelso at th Isla nd, house on Rathlin and his assiswhere Marconi world’s first ta nts set up the o transmiscommercial radi sion in 1898.

ICELAND

ulsarlon, Jill and Tom Sampson in Jok July. There Glacia l Lagoon, Iceland in se ice rea lly is ice in Iceland! The were chunks fell off the glacier and floating out to sea.

MEXICO Griffin from the Kutler Dodd Family during a week-long trip to Cancun,

CHINA

Mexico. They never forget their Tahoe Donner News!

Russ and Sandy Teves at the Great Wall of China. It was the Qingming Festival (tomb sweeping day) and the Great Wall was exceptionally crowded.

Email your “Where in the World” photos to: comdep@tahoedonner.com. Please submit only .jpeg files of 300 dpi or higher for printing. Photos must include a copy of TD News.

Please list the names of everyone in the picture, where and when it was taken, and a short description of your captured experience. Note: please be patient; it could take up to six months to see your photo published due to a large number of submissions.

32

| Tahoe Donner News | March 2015

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tahoedonner.com |

1

Tahoe Donner Single Family Home Sales – 2014

Get Discounted Lift Tickets to Sugar Bowl Ski Resort at our Donner Lake office!

When it comes to understanding the Truckee/Tahoe market, trust the experts at Dickson Realty.

Active Listings $1,000,000 and higher

Sold Listings

$0– $499,999

13%

23%

$750,000– $999,999

$500,000– $749,999

43%

21% $0– 11 Active Listings $499,999 $417,131 Average Price

138 Average Days On Market

$1,000,000 and higher

$0– $499,999

8%

26%

$750,000– $999,999

$500,000– $749,999

23%

43% $0– 53 Sold Listings $499,999 $405,281 Average Price

63 Average Days On Market

$500,000– 10 Active Listings $749,999 $608,405 Average Price

$500,000– 89 Sold Listings $749,999 $610,696 Average Price

$750,000– 20 Active Listings $999,999 $852,726 Average Price

$750,000– 47 Sold Listings $999,999 $868,404 Average Price

$1,000,000 6 Active Listings and higher $1,255,333 Average Price

$1,000,000 17 Sold Listings and higher $1,301,882 Average Price

105 Average Days On Market

140 Average Days On Market

85 Average Days On Market

51 Average Days On Market

61 Average Days On Market

103 Average Days On Market

Current listed inventory for single family homes and condos/townhomes in Tahoe Donner is at an all-time low. Based on total Tahoe Donner home sales in 2014, the 47 homes currently on the market represent less than a three month inventory, and for condos and townhomes, the inventory level is less than four months. Looking back at historical sales patterns, it is unlikely that there will be an increase in inventory until mid to late spring. Bottom line, NOW may be the best time for Tahoe Donner homeowners to list their homes!

Source: Tahoe Sierra Multiple Listing Service (TSMLS) as of February 5, 2015.

RiceConwayTeam.com | 530.582.9992

2

| Tahoe Donner News | March 2015

11836 Donner Pass Road, Truckee 15947 South Shore Drive, Truckee 8912 Highway 89, Blairsden-Graeagle

530.587.7444

DicksonTruckee.com