TRPA attorney stepping down

After two years as general counsel for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Nicole Rinke is leaving.

Her last day is April 8. This will get her through the board meeting this week that involves the Boulder Bay project in Crystal Bay.

Rinke became the top attorney of the bi-state regulatory agency in spring 2009 after Joanne Marchetta was elevated from that position to executive director. Rinke started as TRPA associate counsel in 2007.

Rinke did not return a phone call or email. It is not known what she will do next.

Governing Board Chairwoman Norma Santiago did not return calls either.

With the numerous lawsuits filed against TRPA, it is a highly demanding job.

The search for her replacement is expected to take six months. In the interim, the agency’s two associate attorneys and one paralegal will run the department.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report