SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. —
A civil harassment lawsuit and temporary restraining order have been filed against South Lake Tahoe Mayor Cody Bass, intensifying a public dispute that has unfolded for years across social media and in local businesses.
On May 15, South Lake Tahoe resident Ken Curtzwiler, who is widely known online by the nickname “Skibum,” filed a petition seeking a temporary restraining order against Bass. According to court filings, Bass was formally served May 26.
The court partially granted the temporary restraining order, directing Bass to remain at least 100 yards away from Curtzwiler’s home, workplace and vehicle. However, the court did not grant a broader request that would have required Bass to remain 25 yards away from Curtzwiler in public spaces.
The case is scheduled for a hearing on June 17, when a judge will determine whether a longer-term restraining order should be issued.
Curtzwiler alleges in court documents that Bass engaged in repeated harassment, defamation and threatening behavior connected to disputes that spilled onto social media following the publication of police reports involving incidents at Lake Tahoe AleWorX.
According to the filing, Curtzwiler claimed Bass responded to posts online by stating Curtzwiler “belonged in a cage” and “belonged to a gang that kills people.” Curtzwiler also alleged Bass suggested he was connected to alleged financial misconduct involving former South Lake Tahoe Mayor Tamara Wallace.
Curtzwiler further alleged that Bass’ statements damaged his professional reputation and resulted in lost contracts and strained business relationships.
The lawsuit also references an alleged confrontation during a memorial concert at McP’s Taphouse Grill in December 2025. Curtzwiler claimed Bass shouted threats and indicated he intended to physically fight him.
“Bass’ continued threats of ‘kicking my ass’ are alarming and demonstrate an imminent and ongoing credible threat of violence,” Curtzwiler stated in the filing.
Court exhibits attached to the complaint include police reports from June 22, 2025, and Aug. 24, 2023, involving altercations connected to Bass at Lake Tahoe AleWorX. One of the incidents reportedly involved Bob Hoyopatubbi, a security supervisor at the establishment.
Additional exhibits cited a prior South Tahoe Now article concerning Bass’ arrest involving possession of banned substances. Curtzwiler’s filing argued that alcohol and drug use contributed to volatile confrontations.
Bass denied the allegations and disputed the accuracy of the filing.
“I have reviewed the restraining order and it’s full of many mistruths, I have never in anyway threatened Mr. Curtzwiler,” Bass told the Tahoe Tribune.
Bass also alleged that he had been the target of online harassment by Curtzwiler for approximately two years.
“As most people have seen on social media it has been Mr. Curtzwiler that has attempted so many times to defame my character,” Bass said.
The lawsuit additionally claimed Curtzwiler’s wife relocated to Idaho because she feared Bass’ behavior. Bass disputed that assertion as well, stating she moved before the incidents described in the filing occurred.
Separately, while reporting on the case, the Tahoe Tribune noted that social media posts began circulating alleging Bass had been removed from Lucky Beaver Bar and Burger on May 23. The publication stated it had not independently verified those claims. Bass denied the allegations.
Civil harassment restraining orders are commonly issued on a temporary basis pending a full evidentiary hearing, where both parties can present testimony, evidence and witnesses before a judge determines whether a permanent order is warranted.
The June 17 hearing is expected to draw significant local attention given Bass’ role as mayor and the highly public nature of the dispute.
