The board’s approval includes a license agreement with Tahoe Fund for approximately 300 feet of fence line and up to 228 plaques to be sold and installed at this location. Photo courtesy of Placer County

KINGS BEACH, CA (MPG) - The Placer County Board of Supervisors today approved a partnership with the Tahoe Fund to sell and install commemorative donor plaques along North Lake Boulevard in Tahoe City. These plaques will offer a new opportunity for community members to support improvements at Commons Beach, while also leaving a lasting personal mark in Lake Tahoe.

The program builds on the success of the initial Tahoe City Bears initiative, which offered donors personalized plaques at Heritage Plaza and raised $340,000 for trails throughout North Lake Tahoe. The plaques have become a meaningful way for residents and visitors to commemorate loved ones, celebrate special occasions and demonstrate their commitment to protecting and enhancing the Tahoe environment.

“The Tahoe City Bears program offers donors a unique opportunity to contribute to improvements at Commons Beach in North Lake Tahoe while leaving a lasting reminder of their legacy,” said Tahoe Fund CEO Amy Berry. “We’re thrilled with the success of the program and want people to know there are still opportunities to purchase and personalize their own bear plaque.”

The commemorative donor plaques, originally offered along the popular Tahoe East Shore Trail and subsequently added at Heritage Plaza in 2023, will now provide another way for donors to invest in the Tahoe City community. The bear designs were selected to complement the nearby iconic Penny Bear statue at Heritage Plaza and celebrate the area's connection to these beloved local animals.

The donor plaques are available in two sizes. One, the mama bear $5,000 donation. Measures 13 inches tall by 20 inches wide and accommodates a personalized message of 40 to 45 characters.

The other size is the Baby Bear, a $2,500 donation. Measures 8 inches tall by 12 inches wide and accommodates a personalized message of 20 to 25 characters.

Proceeds from the plaques will support enhancements and improvements at Commons Beach, helping preserve this popular community gathering place for residents and visitors to enjoy.

“Commons Beach is one of the most visited public recreation areas in Placer County and an important community gathering space in Tahoe City,” said Placer’s Director of Agriculture, Parks and Natural Resources Josh Huntsinger. “We’re thankful for the partnership with Tahoe Fund and the expansion of this program that will directly support reinvestment at Commons Beach.”

The board’s approval includes a license agreement with Tahoe Fund for approximately 300 feet of fence line and up to 228 plaques to be sold and installed at this location.

To learn more about the program and purchase a commemorative donor plaque, visit www.tahoefund.org/tahoecitybears.