CARNELIAN BAY, Calif. — Local businesses across the Tahoe-Truckee region are stepping up to give teens more ways to spend time together, have fun and make healthy choices close to home.

Through the new Chill Pass Tahoe-Truckee program, participating businesses and recreation venues offer exclusive discounts to Tahoe Truckee Unified School District (TTUSD) students, creating more affordable, substance-free activities for teens during their free time. Placer County Public Health helped bring partners together and support the launch of the program.

The Chill Pass is powered by local businesses that want to see young people engaged in positive, community-centered activities. Students show their TTUSD student ID to receive discounts at participating locations, identified with branded stickers.

“This program works thanks to business owners who open their doors and said yes,” said River Coyote, public health educator for Placer County. “Substance use prevention happens when businesses, schools and communities come together.”

During the soft-launch of the program, a special teen movie matinee hosted by Tahoe Art Haus and Cinema sold out. The venue will hold another screening on Feb. 11 (the next minimum day) along with other initial discounts from local partners:

Businesses in the Tahoe-Truckee region who are interested in participating by offering one-time or ongoing discounts can learn more about the program and fill out a form to participate at placer.ca.gov/ChillPass.

 “Chill Pass helps turn local businesses into places of connection, well-being, and belonging, while also introducing our youth to the incredible businesses that make up our community,” said Jessica Penman, the president and CEO of the Truckee Chamber of Commerce.

More testimonials from Chill Pass partners:

• Melissa Siig, Tahoe Art Haus & Cinema owner: “As parents of teenagers, we know that kids are always looking for something to do. We are so happy we can provide teens and kids of all ages a fun afternoon in a safe environment. It’s a win-win.”
• Pete Kristian, TDRPD recreation superintendent: “We are excited to work with our community partners on the Chill Pass. We want to provide healthy, fun activities for our local teens.”
• Kimberly Hancock, North Tahoe High School leadership teacher: “Our students are always looking for fun, affordable, local events after school.”

As more businesses join the program, offers will be listed at placer.ca.gov/ChillPass.