Remote Surveillance Trailer in Tahoe City, CA

Lester Black/SFGATE

Robert Guillermo first came to Pete ‘n Peters last summer, checking out the local Tahoe City bar after working on high-end homes at a nearby resort. He was brand new to the area, but by December, he and his fellow carpenters were full-on regulars, even bringing food to the bar’s Christmas potluck.

“We’re not from here, but it feels like home,” Guillermo said on a recent Thursday night at the bar, talking between songs as a local band played at the other end. “We got here in July and have been coming here ever since.”

That’s a ringing endorsement for how Pete ‘n Peters has become arguably the friendliest dive bar in the lake’s five-county area. Located on the main strip of the tiny, north Lake Tahoe town of Tahoe City, it’s a third space for not only diehard locals and the workers who make the recreation economy click, but also for decades of tourists.

The bar was packed, yet still entirely comfortable, that Thursday night as Guillermo and his co-workers shared a pitcher in a booth. A group of guys focused on rounds of pool in the middle of the bar, while tourists stood two-people deep around the actual bar, ordering drinks. Vice Grip, founded by two friends from nearby Tahoma, had taken over the front section to play their genre-trampling mix of rock and funk to a crowd of energetic dancers. No one group seemed perturbed by any other.

This easy simpatico can be a surprising dynamic in Lake Tahoe, a region that has seen rapid, often poorly managed growth in recent decades. It’s left locals livid over being displaced, and tourists unsure why handing over $350 a night for a hotel room makes them the problem.

Pete’s also represents one of the last of a dying old guard in the region. Tahoe City is a place that was once an apres-ski destination for generations. But recent closures of some of the town’s greatest hits have left it bereft. From the sudden 2022 closure of the dimly lit bar at Bacchi’s Inn that once hosted a date between Al Pacino and Diane Keaton, to the planned redevelopment at Boatworks Mall that temporarily closed Jake’s on the Lake, to every known hot spot from weekends of yore (think Pierce St. Annex, the Blue Agave, Hacienda Del Lago and Humpty’s) Pete’s is more than just a holdout, but the last of its kind.

But today at Pete’s — the slightly incorrect but fully understandable shorthand for the bar — everyone can get along. And it’s been that way for half a century.

The bar has always had a history of openness, said Pam Pokorny, who moved to the town in 1995 and worked as a bartender at Pete’s for over a decade, and now comes back as a civilian.

“It’s always been inviting to tourists and locals. It’s not a, ‘What are you doing here?’ when you walk in. Everyone is welcome at Pete’s,” Pokorny said.

Two friends opened Pete ‘n Peters in 1976 as a place for local softball teams to gather after games. The bar still hosts softball events and plaques adorn the walls, but it quickly became a community center for the entire north side of the lake. One of the bar’s original owners, Peter Paine, has passed away, but the other, Pete Perata, turns 90 this year and is currently living his best life in Hawaii. He plans on returning for the bar’s 50th anniversary party this summer, according to current co-owner Rhonda Gramanz.

Gramanz, who took over the bar in 2022 with her business partner Jonny Roscher, has made it her mission to walk the fine line between welcoming tourists and pleasing the old-timers. It’s the locals who keep the bar going, of course, but she also renovated the space after she bought it to specifically make sure there’s “more space for people who weren’t familiar with our bar to be comfortable and have a seat,” she told SFGATE. That included rearranging the barroom floor to make room for more booths, as well as replacing carpet with hardwood floors.

Gramanz grew up in Tahoe City and said making any changes was nerve wracking out of fear that she would destroy a local establishment.

“I never wanted to see somebody buy Pete’s and change it into something that wasn’t part of our community,” Gramanz said. But Perata, the original owner, repeatedly reassured her she was safe updating the space.

“When we started doing renovations I would say, ‘Pete are you going to be upset?’” Gramanz recently remembered over a pint of Guinness, “and Pete would look at me and say ‘You do whatever the f—k you want. I did it when I owned the bar and you can do it now.”

The new ownership team has kept the bar a dependable piece of the Tahoe City scene, making sure they keep consistent hours and are open late even in slow weeks, which is surprisingly rare in a seasonal town like Tahoe City. The drinks and tap list are good, and reasonably priced, and the bar even has an attached restaurant called Pepper’s Taqueria, which features tacos, massive burritos and bacon-wrapped hot dogs. The food is all handmade and way better than it needs to be, which is more than you can ask for from a dive bar.

Now that Pete’s is in its 50th year, Gramanz said her hope is that the fixture makes it to a full century. Although given how much change Lake Tahoe is facing, she doesn’t think that’s guaranteed.

“We have so many developers coming into town, and taking away what is Tahoe City culture, we don’t have a lot left,” Gramanz said, admitting she is “nostalgic” about her town.

For now, at least, Pete ‘n Peters is still a fixture of comfort for anyone who opens its swinging front door.

This award-winning project included the bypass segment of state Route 89 and the bridge over Truckee River downstream of Fanny Bridge, along with roundabouts on the east and west ends of the bypass. Photo courtesy of Placer County

TAHOE CITY, CA (MPG) - The Fanny Bridge Community Revitalization Project has been recognized as a 2026 winner of California’s Outstanding Local Streets and Roads Project Awards. Fanny Bridge, which recently opened to the public, won under the Bridges category for best Efficient and Sustainable Bridge Maintenance, Construction and Reconstruction Projects.

The award was co-presented by the California State Association of Counties, League of California Cities and County Engineers Association of California. These awards highlight local government projects that demonstrate innovation and cost efficiency, while protecting long-term investments in California’s streets, roads and bridges. Winners were honored Feb. 25 during the Cal Cities Public Works Officers Institute/CEAC Spring Conference in Monterey.

“This is really a multi-jurisdictional award and we are honored to receive this recognition from our peers across California,” said Jared Deck, Placer County’s Public Works deputy director in Tahoe. “This project reflects years of collaboration, thoughtful design and careful construction to ensure we delivered a solution that improves safety, mobility and sustainability within a vital transportation corridor. It also preserves a community landmark and enhances our multimodal connectivity for generations of residents and visitors.”

Partners for this project include the Tahoe Transportation District, Federal Highway Administration, Office of Federal Lands Highway, Central Federal Lands, California Department of Transportation, Tahoe City Public Utility District and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.

This award-winning project included the bypass segment of state Route 89 and the bridge over Truckee River downstream of Fanny Bridge, along with roundabouts on the east and west ends of the bypass. This project was envisioned and underwent initial planning as far back as the 1990s with construction beginning in 2019. The new alignment was critical in managing traffic during the reconstruction of Fanny Bridge and continues to improve traffic flow through Tahoe City.

In addition to replacing aging infrastructure, the new bridge features widened sidewalks and bike lanes on both sides, as well as activated pedestrian crossing signals at each end. These improvements provide Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant access to nearby businesses, the regional transit hub and many recreational amenities nearby.

To see the full list of winners or learn more about the Outstanding Local Streets and Roads Project Awards and explore previous award-winning projects, visit the Save California Streets website at: https://savecaliforniastreets.org/.

To learn more about Fanny Bridge’s timeline and to see photos, visit our Fanny Bridge Replacement Project webpage at: https://www.placer.ca.gov/8856/State-route-89-Fanny-Bridge-Community-Re.

Watch a video about the Fanny Bridge reconstruction here: https://vimeo.com/1168655260

TAHOE CITY, Calif. — The Tahoe City Downtown Association (TCDA) has launched fundraising and sponsorship opportunities for the 78th Tahoe City 4th of July Fireworks Show, set to illuminate the skies above Lake Tahoe at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, 2026.

Presented by TCDA, the Tahoe City Fireworks Show is one of the region’s most cherished traditions and is funded entirely through private donations from local businesses, residents and visitors.

“This fireworks show is a cornerstone of Tahoe City’s summer and a powerful symbol of community pride,” said Katherine Hill, executive director of the Tahoe City Downtown Association. “As we prepare to commemorate major national and state milestones this year, we invite businesses and individuals to be part of making this celebration possible for everyone.”

This year holds special significance as it commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 175th anniversary of the State of California. Festivities will extend beyond the fireworks and include a Family Fun Zone on July 3, as well as live music, entertainment and activities throughout Tahoe City, the West Shore and Alpine Meadows on July 4 and July 5. TCDA will be offering stipends to local businesses and nonprofits to host activities between July 3 and 5. Applications will open this spring.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for donations of $500 or more and offer valuable visibility while supporting a beloved community tradition. Sponsorship packages are available at visittahoecity.org/4thfundraiser26 or by emailing kat@visittahoecity.com.

Community members and businesses may also contribute through individual donations.

Or mail a check to:Tahoe City Downtown AssociationP.O. Box 6744Tahoe City, CA 96145Please note “4th of July Fireworks” in the memo line.

To stay informed about 4th of July celebrations and other Tahoe City events, sign up for the TCDA newsletter at visittahoecity.com.

California’s Sierra Nevada is dotted with small towns where main streets act as gateways to world-class resorts and a step back in time to the height of the Gold Rush. In places like Nevada City and Grass Valley, vintage theaters, shops, and saloons have been welcoming visitors and locals alike for more than 150 years, while Mammoth Lakes and Tahoe City are natural playgrounds with walkable downtowns built for browsing and fine dining. California shines in these hidden gems, with something for every traveller.

Nevada City

Broad Street runs through the heart of Nevada City’s downtown, a nationally recognized historic district filled with preserved 19th-century buildings. A walk here can include browsing independent bookstores and boutiques, stepping into local art galleries, and maybe spending a night or sitting down for a drink and a meal at the National Exchange Hotel. The National has been satiating weary travelers since the town's early days at the height of the Gold Rush. Today, you can expect handcrafted cocktails and gourmet dining in a luxurious space.

The Nevada Theatre, established in 1865, is another local treasure. California’s oldest continuously operating theater still hosts live performances and film screenings in a beautifully restored venue. Even if you don't catch a show, it's worth poking your head in for a look at the stunning celestial mural that covers the walls and ceiling. While not technically on Main Street proper, the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum is worth the detour for a bit of context and hands-on learning via docent-led tours of the museum, rail yard, and restoration shop.

Grass Valley

Just a few miles down the road, Grass Valley is equally appealing with its gently sloped, pedestrian-friendly Mill Street as a focal point for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Once a Gold Rush hot spot, the town has evolved to become a more refined destination for art lovers and wine connoisseurs. On Main Street, the Center for the Arts hosts exhibitions, concerts, and lectures year-round, while the tasting rooms that dot the town make for an easy tour on foot. Avanguardia Wines welcomes guests for a glass or a flight in the Quick Building, one of the oldest in town.

Like Nevada City, Grass Valley has its own vintage theater, though of a different era. The Del Oro shows classic films and family favorites in a retro Art Deco space. Meanwhile, the Golden Gate Saloon is Grass Valley's upscale watering hole, lovingly restored to blend its 19th-century heritage with a dash of trendy modern flair.

Truckee

Downtown Truckee stretches along Donner Pass Road and Commercial Row, where historic wooden buildings now house modern boutiques and eateries. The Truckee Railroad Museum offers a compact but informative stop in a former Southern Pacific Railroad bay-window caboose next to the depot, while art galleries and independent boutiques line the surrounding blocks. Atelier and neighboring Bespoke are perfect for unique, handcrafted gifts to take home.

Walkable streets are lined with coffee shops and restaurants that focus on locally sourced ingredients, such as the Truckee Tavern and Grill, which features a rotating menu to highlight the region's diversity of flavors. Downtown truly comes alive for the monthly Art Walk, which showcases local vendors and makers with an open-house street fair, while Truckee Thursdays adds live music and food trucks to Donner Pass Road each week in the summer, from June to August.

Placerville

Placerville’s Main Street reflects its Gold Rush roots through preserved facades and dense storefront spacing, as well as the iconic bell tower serving as a historic landmark in the center of town. Antique stores and gift shops dominate much of the strip, with cultural stops woven in for good measure.

The El Dorado County Historical Museum provides a deeper dive into regional history, and admission is free, while the Fountain & Tallman Museum occupies Placerville's oldest building, in the former soda works that provided clean drinking water and refreshments to the region's early pioneers. Placerville Hardware is another must for first-time visitors. The building has been a hardware store since 1854 and still sells everything from nuts and bolts to the area's largest stock of gold panning supplies.

Auburn

Like many of the pretty towns on this list, Old Town Auburn also combines history and retail within a compact downtown framed by brick sidewalks and preserved buildings. The Gold Rush Museum, near the end of Lincoln Way, offers self-guided tours of its interactive, hands-on exhibits, including an indoor gold panning stream, a mining tunnel, and an operating stamp mill.

Auburn is also home to a newly designated Entertainment Zone, which allows approved local restaurants and bars in the downtown core to serve drinks to go, making for a lively shopping experience on weekends and holidays. The Pour Choice is one such participating vendor. The craft beer and coffee bar boasts 26 taps serving everything from single-origin coffee to local Auburn microbreweries.

Sonora

Washington Street is the backbone of downtown Sonora, where a designated walking tour route guides visitors to 21 stops throughout the historic core. Courthouse Square provides an open gathering space and a starting point for exploring nearby shops and restaurants. The Tuolumne County Historical Society makes its home in a former jail, built in 1866, and displays exhibits that represent the county's six geographical regions, as well as information on the overland trails across the Sierra Nevada in the mid-19th century.

Sonora's Opera Hall is a beloved local landmark, hosting a wide array of private and community events throughout the year, and the Sierra Repertory Theatre adds a performing arts option within easy walking distance, with shows that range from Broadway musicals to tribute concerts and comedy shows.

Tahoe City

Just 15 miles from Truckee, Tahoe City’s downtown runs along North Lake Boulevard, offering water views alongside a concentrated stretch of shops and dining. Commons Beach sits directly adjacent to the main street, so it's easy to combine a shoreline walk with downtown exploring. In addition to swimming and picnic areas, the beach hosts free concerts and movies during the summer months, making it a popular gathering spot for tourists and locals alike.

Christy Hill is tucked between the beach and the Tahoe City Marina, and pairs exceptional fine dining with stunning views of Lake Tahoe. Before or after a meal, head to Cobblestone Center, a pedestrian mall on Lake Boulevard ripe for a stroll and some window shopping, with Bavarian-inspired architecture that blends seamlessly with the surrounding mountainscape.

Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes is another highly walkable downtown set against a stunning backdrop of mountains and natural splendor. While the town's biggest appeal is its immediate access to a world-class ski resort and year-round adventure, there is plenty to see and do beyond outdoor recreation. The Village at Mammoth is the social and commercial hub. Here, shops, cafes, pubs, and restaurants line pedestrian promenades. Options range from casual hot spots like Mammoth Pizza Co., with a commitment to in-house sauces and quality ingredients, to Vulcania, owned by Michelin-starred chef Michael Voltaggio and his brother, Bryan, of Food Network fame.

In Mammoth Lakes, all roads lead to the Village Plaza at the base of the gondola, where the community gathers for celebrations and family-friendly events throughout the year. In winter, Woolly's Dance Party pulls people into town for live music and dancing every Saturday, while summer brings a wide range of festivals, from reggae, jazz, rock, and country music extravaganzas to Family Fun Day and weekly movies under the stars.

Escape To The Mountains

From Nevada City to Tahoe City, these Sierra Nevada towns are proud of their gritty heritage and natural beauty. Grass Valley’s Mill Street and Truckee’s Donner Pass Road balance Gold Rush history with modern amenities, while purpose-built resort towns like Mammoth Lakes capitalize on their proximity to the mountains and offer something for every taste. Together, these towns showcase the best of the Sierra Nevada and make an excellent case for exploring California's wilder side.