INCLINE VILLAGE VOICE

The in place for everything you need to know about incline village.

Welcome

Thank you for visiting the world of “EVERYTHING INCLINE” and the “INCLINE VILLAGE REAL ESTATE BLOG”. This site is dedicated to keeping you informed about everythig that is happening in Incline Village on a daily basis. If you want to keep abreast of every special event, concert, social happening, playtime activity and current event, you came to the right place. Celine and I are dedicated to keeping you up to date. There is no need to look anywhere else to be IN THE KNOW. If you would like to keep up on everything happening in the Real Estate Market, as it is happening, in real time, you are also in the right place. You cannot find a more comprehensive Incline Village Real Estate site anywhere!  

We are commited to making this site entertaining, informational, interactive and FUN. So please visit often, leave your comments and keep us informed about anythig you would like to see on this site. Enjoy!

Al Gore Where Are You?

Where is our incredible Incline Village weather? I have owned Incline Village Real Estate for over 21 years and I have never been disappointed by the climate. In fact, the weather here in town is the best I have seen anywhere! The summers are mild (low eighties), humidity free and insect deficient. In all the years I have been here I could count the number of mosquito bites I’ve received on one hand. Winters are mild and sunny. Spring and fall are absolutely delightful.

So what happened this year? The winter was cold and overcast with constant percipitation. It felt like I was back in the mid-west. Today is June 12 and I am still waiting for summer. It snowed throughout May. I was clearing snow off my car the week before Memorial Day. Bringing my boat up to the lake was delayed 6 weeks. I have not been able to ride my motorcycle. I have yet to play a round of golf on our beautiful Championship Course. I could go on but why bother. I guess I’m spoiled. This is the first year I can remember being so disappointed. Summer will eventually take hold and all will be forgiven. So let’s hope the season lingers this year to make up for lost time.

This Global Warming is really cramping my style.

Wine Tastings

Lake Tahoe and Incline Village especially, is a very sophisticated place to be. Everywhere you turn there is wine waiting for you. Most of the people I know are aware of not only wine but good wine. Whether you are at someone’s home for a dinner party, or at one of the fine restaurants in the area, you will be in the company of a good bottle of wine. Almost every week some establishment in the area hosts a wine tasting event featuring the best wineries in the country. California’s famous wine country is just a few hours away. Frequent wine tasting trips to Napa and Sonoma are convenient and absolutely mandatory. For a different wine experience don’t forget to plan a trip to gold country in the Sierra foothills. There are many excellent wineries waiting for you. Lake Tahoe is without a doubt one of the best places on earth to live, or visit, if you love wine.

SIERRA FOOTHILLS WINE

NAPA WINERIES

SONOMA WINERIES

Here Comes the Bride

You had better be careful when visiting Lake Tahoe. The lake is so romantic, before you realize what has happened, you might find yourself on one knee asking for someone’s hand in marriage. But not to worry! If the love bug bites in Lake Tahoe, you are never too far away from a chapel ready to make your dreams come true. My sister and her husband, of many decades, showed up for a short stay and before they knew it, they found themselves in a wedding chapel renewing their vows. A friend and his sweetheart stopped by one day and “BAM” they were married. Whether you show up with marriage on the mind, or give in to the moment, a Wedding Chapel will always be waiting for you. Go for it!!!

A TAHOE MARRIAGE

Tahoe Water Skiing

Lake Tahoe is one of the best water skiing destinations in the world. The lake is huge and uncrowded. You can ski in a protected bay, or out in the open, with little worry of getting into an accident with another boat. The best time to water ski is before 2:00 pm when you will frequently find the water like glass. If you do not ski yourself, it is fun to observe others. Not only will you see skis, you will also see just about every other thrill-giving toy imaginable. Try wake boards, tubes, giant bananas etc. Rev up and hold on for the ride of your life.

RENTALS

Lake Tahoe Visitor Centers

The Lake Tahoe area has many Visitor Centers offering help and information. Check them out to help plan your next trip.

VISITOR CENTERS

WEB CAMS ETC

Tahoe Tennis Anyone

If Tennis is your thing, Lake Tahoe will satisfy your hunger for a match. I’m originally from Chicago. Try playing tennis on a hot Chicago summer’s day. The heat will sap your energy and perspiration will turn your clothes into wet rags. Mosquitos will be your gallery. If you are from the southern part of our country it is even more uncomfortable. Then visit Lake Tahoe and see the difference. Experience our mild summer temperatures and dry climate. Play tennis to your heart’s content. Play with vigor, notice how your clothes do not look like you just took a shower in them. Enjoy lunch after your game without worrying about offending your fellow diners. Enjoy an outdoor dining experience without being attacked by mosquitos. Think about an absence of humidity! Sound great? So now you may ask “Where can I play”? Well, if you own Incline Village Real Estate you can use the IVGID tennis complex. Play with your friends or pick up a game with other players looking for competition. Not only do we have a tennis complex here in Incline Village, you can find many other opportunities throughout town, including many condo complexes that have courts for residents of the HOA. In addition, you can find venues all around the lake. Click below to find some options.

TENNIS ANYONE?

Lake Tahoe Swimming

Why should I write about swimming in Lake Tahoe? Obviously, it is a big beautiful lake with many beaches and opportunities to dip yout toes into the water. If you own Incline Village Real Estate you have access to three private beaches. So what should you know about jumping in? Well, for one thing, the lake is chilly. Due to it’s size, depth and constant influx of cool mountain streams, the lake does not get really warm in the summer (it does not freeze in the winter either). Although it does not get really warm, it is very refreshing to jump in on a warm day. However, for complete comfort, I like to wear a thin shorty wet suit when I swim in the lake. Wearing a thin short suit makes Lake Tahoe the most delightful swimming experience you can find anywhere on the planet. I guarantee it!!

Spas, Spas, Spas

After a full day of golfing, skiing, horseback riding, hiking, or any of the other physical activities available at Lake Tahoe, why not hit the spa? Just think about slipping into a hot tub, mud bath or steam bath and letting your body rejuvinate at a liesurely pace. Enjoy that facial or massage and let your mind drift into a state of absolute pleasure. Think about what transpired during the day and what is to come tomorrow. Pamper yourself! Be self indulgent! Spoil yourself! Remember, you work hard and recharging your batteries is an absolute necessity.

There are many great spas in the area. Most of the large casinos at Lake Tahoe and in Reno, offer the perfect ambiance for the complete spa experience. Besides the Hotel Casinos, there are ample day spas for you to choose from. Whichever spa you select, you will not regret the decision to take care of numero uno. Go for it!!

LAKE TAHOE SPAS

RENO TAHOE SPAS

The History of IVGID

The Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID) was created by Washoe County under State law (Nevada Revised Statute 318), effective June 1, 1961 (Washoe County Ordinance No. 97, Bill No. 57) as a body corporate and public and a quasi-municipal corporation in the State of Nevada. NRS 318 authorized the newly-created District to levy taxes to pay for improvements and for five elected Trustees to set up and run the District.  The initial Board was appointed by Washoe County and consisted of Robert L. McDonald, Raymond Plunkett, Raymond M. Smith, Harold B. Tiller, and John H. Uhalde.

Since its beginning in 1961, IVGID has had nine general managers.  John Uhalde, the project manager for Crystal Bay Development Company, served as an unsalaried general manager of the District from 1961 to 1967.  Subsequent General Managers included Wallace W. White, Kermit McMillin, Larry Rihl, Mike McHugh, Robert Hunt, Pat Finnigan, John Danielson and current General Manager William Horn.

In 1961 Incline Village was being developed by Crystal Bay Development Company with Arthur L. Wood as its President.  IVGID issued bonds to pay the cost of building water, sewer and road improvements, and the bonds were repaid through assessments levied against the properties that benefited from the improvements.  Administration of the District was paid for by ad valorem taxes.  IVGID’s tax rate at that time was $.50 per $100 of assessed valuation.

The District’s first job was to construct, maintain and operate the District’s sewer and water systems.  The District was also authorized to build roads within the District to Washoe County specifications, and when the roads were completed they were dedicated to Washoe County for maintenance and were no longer a District responsibility. 

In 1967 Washoe County amended IVGID’s enabling ordinance to add recreation facilities to its responsibilities.  After extensive public hearings, in June 1968 IVGID purchased Burnt Cedar Beach and Incline Beach from Crystal Bay Development Company for $2.1 million.  IVGID instituted a $50 per year recreation fee (collected at the same time as property taxes) to pay for bonds to finance the purchase and make improvements.  The deed to the beaches contains a restriction that limits access to the beaches to the District as it was constituted at the time of the purchase.

In the late 1960s, IVGID began planning to expand its sewage collection and treatment facilities to serve the entire District and export the treated effluent out of the Tahoe Basin.  This was necessary because of state and federal mandate that the use of septic tanks in the Tahoe Basin be discontinued and that all treated effluent be exported out of the Basin.  The cost of this major project was funded by a Federal grant and by assessments against the benefited properties. 

The properties along Lakeshore Drive that were not part of the original District annexed to IVGID in order to obtain sewer service and the area between the District and the California State Line also had to find a way to serve their properties with sewage collection, treatment, and export. Washoe County Sewer Improvement District No. 1 (the club area and a small residential area in Crystal Bay), and Crystal Bay General Improvement District (the area between IVGID and Washoe 1) obtained sewer service through merger agreements with IVGID.  The merger of Washoe County Sewer Improvement District No. 1 was completed in 1978.  However, IVGID served the Crystal Bay General Improvement District with sewer service through an agreement until 1996.  IVGID was not willing to merge with CBGID until their water system was brought up to IVGID standards, and that was finally done in 1996, at which time the merger with CBGID was completed.

In 1976 IVGID purchased the Championship Golf Course and Executive Golf Course (now called the Mountain Golf Course) for $1.2 million, and Ski Incline for $1.5 million.  IVGID purchased these recreation properties from Japan Golf who had purchased them from Boise Cascade in 1973.  IVGID’s Recreation Fee was raised to $100 per year to cover the debt service of this purchase.  Included in the purchase of the golf courses was Bowl Incline, which IVGID sold for $400,000 in 1978.

In 1977 IVGID acquired from Boise Cascade the 58-acre “core area” parcel which extends from Tahoe Boulevard to Incline Way.  IVGID’s original seven-court tennis complex was constructed on this site in 1978.  Six acres of this parcel were sold to the Washoe County School District for the Middle School site at its appraised value of $284,628.  The playing fields at the Middle School are on IVGID property and were jointly developed by Washoe County and IVGID, with funding provided by District 9 (now 4B) construction taxes, Washoe County School District and IVGID.  The Middle School fields were opened for use in 1981.

In 1983 IVGID completed the purchase of 900 acres in Douglas County to be used for development of a disposal site for its treated effluent.  New regulations on the disposal of wastewater required IVGID to either upgrade its treatment facility in order to continue disposing of the treated effluent in the Carson River or to have a year-round, land-based disposal system.  IVGID’s treated effluent was being used for irrigation on a ranch in Douglas County in the summer and was being discharged into the Carson River in the winter.  Construction of the Wetlands Enhancement Facility was completed in 1984. 

In 1986 the Ski Lodge was renovated, the Ski Incline Master Plan was completed, and planning began for expanding Ski Incline.  In 1988, Ski Incline was also renamed Diamond Peak, the new Diamond Peak quad chairlift was completed, the Crystal Ridge run was opened, along with a new Child Ski Development Center, and a new maintenance shop.

After nearly twelve years of discussions and planning regarding an indoor swimming pool/community center for Incline Village, construction of the Recreation Center began in 1991.  District 9 (now 4B) residential construction tax funds were used to help finance the cost of construction of the Recreation Center, which opened in December of 1992.  The parcel on which the Recreation Center was constructed was purchased by Washoe County and deeded to IVGID after the Recreation Center was constructed.

Construction of IVGID’s Burnt Cedar Water Disinfection Plant was completed in 1995.  The plant uses ozone to disinfect IVGID’s drinking water and allowed IVGID to receive an exemption from the filtration requirements of the federal Surface Water Treatment Rule. 

With community input, a Strategic Plan entitled “Creating Our Future – a Shared Vision” was developed in 1999.

Construction of the new Burnt Cedar Pavilion was completed in 2000.  The facility received Washoe County’s Award of Distinction in 2000 and TRPA’s Best in the Basin Award in 2002.

After many community meetings and much public input, the Recreation Facilities Master Plan was completed in 2000.

In 2001, the skateboard park was constructed at the corner of Tahoe and Southwood Boulevards, and Snowflake Lodge was remodeled.

Major projects in 2003 included construction of a new $3.2 million Public Works facility, planning for and beginning construction of the new Chateau building, the Championship Golf Course renovation, construction of a new high speed quad chairlift at Diamond Peak, the construction of four new tennis courts, and the finalization of a program for the sale of potential surplus land coverage.

The year 2004 saw the opening of the new Chateau in the fall.  The Championship Golf Course renovation continued and the renovated course reopened in the spring of 2005.  The election year, 2004, saw the election of two new Trustees; Bea Epstein and Beverly Mapps and the re-election of Trustee Bob Wolf to another four year term. These three Trustees’ terms will expire at the end of 2008. Joining these three Trustees are Trustees John Bohn and Gene Brockman whose terms expire at the end of 2006.

In 2006, the Board of Trustees adopted a Strategic Management Plan. The Board members and Staff have agreed that this document will be reviewed and updated, at an annual Board workshop, to be held following the first Board meeting of each new calendar year. Late 2006 saw the completion of Phase 1 of Effluent Export Pipeline Project. At the end of 2006, Trustee Beverly Mapps resigned from her position leaving a vacancy of two years. Trustees Bohn and Brockman were re-elected to four year terms; their terms expire at the end of 2010.

On January 10, 2007, the Board of Trustees, in accordance with the NRS, appointed Chuck Weinberger to fulfill Trustee Mapps vacancy. Trustee Weinberger will serve until the end of December 2008. Also, at the same meeting, the Board elected new officers – Bea Epstein, Chair; Gene Brockman, Vice Chair; Chuck Weinberger, Treasurer; Bob Wolf, Secretary; and John Bohn, Trustee.

During the summer of 2008, the District undertook two major construction projects, in addition to their continuing Effluent Export Pipeline project; the renovation of the Diamond Peak Ski Resort Lodge and the new construction of a Parks Storage Building. The District also purchased for $1, the upper field at the Incline High School with the intent of using 4B Funds to construct a public parks and, with private donations, the construction of a soccer field and track area. In September 2008, the District will add to its real estate holdings with the purchase of five acres at Incline Lake

Lake Tahoe Snowmobiling

I have only gone snowmobiling once in my life. Last year Celine and I were in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and we signed on for a snowmobile trip through Yellowstone. It was one of my all time favorite days. Ever! It’s an activity I will continue well into the future.  If you have never been snowmobiling you are missing out on a great experience. Getting on a snowmobile and taking off into the backcountry is a trip. Give it a try. You have nothing to lose. If you don’t care for it, you can avoid it in the future. My guess is you will be hooked and a snowmobile will mysteriously appear in your garage. If you decide to give it a try, you will find some useful info below.

SNOWMOBILING LAKE TAHOE

MORE INFO