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November 27 — DeCember 4, 2019

Class aCt

Teen school board candidaTe See Arts&Culture, page 14

Local Native perspectives and traditions for Thanksgiving s e rv i n g n o rt h e r n n e va d a , ta h o e a n d t r u c k e e

EMAIL LETTERS TO RENOLETTERS@NEWSREVIEW.COM.

Winter is coming Welcome to this week’s Reno News & Review.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We’re on early deadlines this week because of the holiday, so I’m writing this a day earlier than I usually do. We usually finish the paper every Tuesday, so it can be printed on Wednesday, distributed on Thursday, and then hopefully read by y’all before the weekend since one of our basic functions is to be the compass to help guide you intrepid explorers through the long dark night that is a weekend in Reno.

(Well, really it’s more of a 24hour neon party, but we’re here to help regardless.)

But this week that whole schedule is moved up a day, so, as I write this, it’s Monday, Nov. 25, and I have some news to report that will probably be fairly obvious to you fine folks out there in the near future: It’s cold.

I just went for a quick headclearing walk around the neighborhood, and there was a serious chill outside. I don’t just mean a brisk autumnal reminder to put on a sweater. I mean there was something gray and ominous in the air.

Sure enough, checking the forecasts, it’s going to snow this week. It will probably have snowed by the time you read this—or at the very least before the end of the weekend. It could be a white Thanksgiving.

And I have this sinking feeling that it’s gonna to be an extra long, extra cold winter. I’m not basing that on anything scientific, just anecdotal evidence and the atmospheric pressure of my abdomen. You might call it a gut feeling, but I think of it as more of a trick belly.

It feels like we’re due for a rough winter. Pack an extra pair of socks. Hold your loved ones tight. Bring your animals inside.

Do what you can to help the folks left out in the cold. Because there’s more of them every day.

And the climate is changing.

—BRAD BYNUM bradb@ n ew s r ev i ew . com

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Tell tails Re “Horse tales” (Feature story, Nov. 21): I am confused. Two thousand head of horses, and 1,100 vaccines delivered, which is about 50% of the Virginia Range mares. It is my understanding that wild horse ranges have about 50% male and 50% mares. If that is right, and if 1,100 mares have been vaccinated, that would mean there are 2,200 mares on the Virginia Range plus 2,200 males for a total of 4,400 total horses. More than double what the 2,000 head the article said there was. Are the darters fudging the numbers to make themselves look good? Or is this poor reporting?

Gerald Miller Lewiston, Idaho Editor’s note: Because horses require both a first round and a booster of the birth control vaccine, 1,100 doses of vaccine works out to about 550 mares, which accounts for about 50 percent of the mares in the Virginia Range.

Hearing aide Regardless of what you think about Republicans or Democrats, if you care about America, the hearing with Ambassador Yovanovitch should be a wakeup call. When she rhetorically asked how it is we got to a place where known corrupt individuals can talk our president into firing an ambassador that is getting in the way of their corruption, it was a show-stopper for me. I don’t care what you think of the whistleblower or anything else about the circus that Fox News and others have created at the highest levels of government, or what you think about the media in general, this is a significant indication that the production line needs to be shut down, reviewed and fixed. Elections matter and votes matter, and paying attention to actual events for ourselves matters. The days of trusting talking heads whose job it is to try to convince you that what you just witnessed didn’t happen or doesn’t matter has to end. The days of trusting the party to tell you which evidence to read and which

Penrose, Jessica Santina, Todd South, Luka Starmer, Kris Vagner, Bruce Van Dyke, Allison Young Our Mission: To publish great newspapers that are successful and enduring. To create a quality work environment that encourages employees to grow professionally while respecting personal welfare.

To have a positive impact on our communities and make them better places to live.

Editor Brad Bynum Associate Editor Jeri Davis Special Projects Editor Matt Bieker Calendar Editor Kelley Lang Contributors Amy Alkon, Mark Earnest, Bob Grimm, Oliver Guinan, Andrea Heerdt, Holly Hutchings, Shelia Leslie, Eric Marks, Kelsey

Creative Services Manager Elisabeth Bayard Arthur Art Directors Maria Ratinova, Sarah Hansel Art of Information Director Serene Lusano Publications Designer Katelynn Mitrano Publications & Advertising Designer Nikki Exerjian Ad Designers Naisi Thomas, Cathy Arnold Office Manager Lisa Ryan Sales Manager Gina Odegard Advertising Consultant Caleb Furlong, Owen Bryant

NOVEMBER 27, 2019 | VOL. 25, ISSUE 42

to ignore has to end. We have a republic … if we can keep it.

Michel Rottmann Virginia City Highlands

Open invite Re “The right one” (Editor’s note, Oct. 31): Brad! As a hybrid business-loving fan of coffee, tea and beer who misses record stores, you’ll surely dig Reno Coffee Company. Missy and the gang rock Reno’s best and boldest straight-up pourover, plus perky mixed concoctions (Morning Mojito … *roaster’s kiss*), from a dozen-ish killer bean choices. They support the draught with local brews and several wines, and there’s always something fun on the vintage soundsystem, installed by local tune-hound Graeme Hartnett, who carefully—I’d argue anally—curates their funktastic for-sale vinyl selection. (Good shit only; get that Manilow at Savers.) Perfect timing, too; check ’em out Saturday at their early take on “Record Store Day” for discounted records (1,500 adds—get to work!), cheap good-beers, and DJ sets.

(BYO pizza.) No DVDs yet … but Video King’s up the street and there’s even a glorious Wells Angel who hawks bootleg discs out of his van some nights. You in?

Devon Blunden Reno

Melissa Melero-Moose fan Dear Melissa, I saw you once before when I was working a convention where you were exhibiting.

This time I brought my kids to see your work. I wanted them to know why I go on and on about your paintings. The fact is, I didn’t know.

I knew that I loved the colors that you use.

I didn’t yet see that they are all the colors of the lakes and streams, mountains and forests.

I was fascinated by the textures that you build up, not knowing that those bumps and ripples are pine nuts and willow twigs. They seemed to me like maps from the pelicans view circling high above; or a close up of a wave

Distribution Director Greg Erwin Distribution Manager Bob Christensen Distribution Drivers Alex Barskyy, Corey Sigafoos, Gary White, Marty Troye, Timothy Fisher, Vicki Jewell, Olga Barska, Rosie Martinez, Adam Martinez, Duane Johnson, Andy Odegard President/CEO Jeff VonKaenel Director of Nuts & Bolts Deborah Redmond Director of People & Culture David Stogner Director of Dollars & Sense Debbie Mantoan Nuts & Bolts Ninja Norma Huerta Payroll/AP Wizard Miranda Hansen Account Jedi Jessica Kislanka Sweetdeals Coordinator Laura Anthony Developer John Bisignano

System Support Specialist Kalin Jenkins N&R Publications Editor Debbie Arrington N&R Publications Associate Editors Derek McDow, Thea Rood N&R Publications Editorial Team Anne Stokes, Nisa Smith Marketing & Publications Lead Consultant Elizabeth Morabito Marketing & Publications Consultants Joseph Engle, Sherri Heller, Celeste Worden, Rod Maloy, Julia Ballantyne, Laura Golino, Chris Cohen Cover design Maria Ratinova

battered shore. You are literally painting your culture, a woven basket of color on canvas, a living artifact that could conceptually be planted and a forest would spring forth.

I envy your confidence, your comfort with your own artistic identity. It’s like I have been waiting for someone to give me permission to work in the abstract, and you just go right ahead and do it. And it works. For me to do what you do, I would first have to know and identify with my culture, and then find something worth celebrating. I try.

I just wanted to say thank you, for the beauty of your art, for your contribution to our broader shared culture, and for the inspiration to paint today. If I ever sell one of these paintings, I will try to buy one of yours. You are the deer’s ears, the quail’s tail. You are the antelope’s, um, cantaloupe.

Clint Hohenstein Reno

CONTENTS

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OPINION/STREETALK SHEILA LESLIE NEWS TAHOE FEATURE ARTS & CULTURE ART OF THE STATE FILM FOOD MUSICBEAT NIGHTCLUBS/CASINOS THIS WEEK ADVICE GODDESS FREE WILL ASTROLOGY 15 MINUTES/BRUCE VAN DYKE

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By matt bieker

Your worst Thanksgiving?

Asked At HuB CoFFee roAsters, 727 riVerside driVe. A Aron orope z A Musician

[My family’s] been growing a lot as I’ve gotten older. We used to all get together, and it started getting to the point where we just couldn’t. … The first year where all the Thanksgivings got separated into different families and different places. … It just felt like a really empty Thanksgiving.

Jill Beede Teacher

When I was a young adult, a friend and I spent all day cooking and making a really wonderful Thanksgiving for my brother and all his buddies. They came and they just devoured the food in about 20 minutes, and there wasn’t anything left for us.

Mir AndA lope z Retail associate

No more sales Scrolling through social media these days, you’re about 10 times more likely to see an ad for some so-called “Black Friday Deals” than you are to see a post about Thanksgiving. You’re more likely to see a story about Black Friday economic outlooks than to see a recipe for the perfect green bean casserole. In the national consciousness, Black Friday has overshadowed Thanksgiving.

This isn’t to say we think Thanksgiving is a great holiday. Narratives depicting cozy relations between early European settlers and the peoples they were soon to start genociding are problematic at best.

We’re not crazy about parades, even when they don’t have a corporate sponsor. And we certainly don’t need another excuse to overeat or watch football.

Still, it’s nice to have a day off specifically dedicated to spending time with family and friends. It’s great to get together with far-flung family or have a solid pretense to call an estranged relative or even just send a text or two to old friends.

And that’s another problem with Black Friday: It means that folks with retail jobs almost always have to work on Thanksgiving. Either they have to work during the day, stocking shelves to prepare for the onslaught, or they have to leave Thanksgiving celebrations early in order to get to a shift that starts in the middle of the night, ready to face the many ravenous, misguided souls who spend their Thanksgiving evenings

camped outside of stores, waiting to trample their way to some prized package of useless crap.

Of course, commercialization of holidays has been a problem since at least the Norman Conquest. Early Christians were fond of usurping pagan holidays, which were connected to the actual seasons of the planet, and replacing them with holidays based in Christian traditions.

Samhain, the fall festival holiday, became All Saint’s Day, which was soon supplanted by Halloween. Winter solstice celebrations morphed into Christmas, vernal equinox celebrations became Easter, and summer solstice celebrations became … the Fourth of July?

Still, Black Friday is the worst because commercialization is all it is.

The whole point is buying stuff not because it’s something we need or even want, but just because it’s a “good deal.” In recent years, one reaction against Black Friday has been Buy Nothing Day, and we’re all for that, but we’d like to add some nuance: Whenever you do decide to do your shopping, support locally owned stores, and support stores that routinely have low prices and don’t mess around with “sales” all the time. We can’t imagine a more egregious waste of consciousness than monitoring the ever-changing prices of home electronics. Life is hard enough already without having to read emails from chain stores. □

Black Friday has overshadowed Thanksgiving.

One Thanksgiving I got food poisoning. I got it the day before from Pizza Rock in Las Vegas, and I spent the whole Thanksgiving, like, throwing up and just being so sick that I couldn’t even eat Thanksgiving dinner.

FernAndo VAlenzuel A Teacher

My family’s very Catholic, and traditionally all of us cousins would take turns doing the prayer.

That year it was my turn. …

They insisted, and I was like, “Well, I’m kind of not believing in God anymore,” and it was just pure outrage. My aunt was like, “blasphemy!”

MorgAn eBBers Student

We were supposed to go to California to meet up with my family, but there was a big problem with actually getting there, and we ended up stuck in Vegas. …

We ended up having Thanksgiving at my house with just the four of us, so we kind of missed out on that one.

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Li Hongzhi’s “shen Yun trick” Won’t Be Accepted in the Western society Chinese culture has a long and colorful history, and is welcomed and loved by people all over the world. “Shen Yun Performing Arts” affiliated to “Falun Gong” harbors the real intention of deceiving the Western society in the disguise of spreading traditional Chinese culture.

Daniel Howard, a senior executive at Cisco in Silicon Valley, said after watching the show that he found it unbearable. “I finally understand why even the most sensible government is not enthusiastic about this kind of show.”

“shen Yun Performing Arts” deliberately hides its cult background

Johnson Maihawk, a psychologist in Massachusetts, gave comments in three tweets. “I was so angry because I was deceived by ‘Shen Yun’. I didn’t expect to see a pitch presented by a high school student.”“’Shen Yun’ is for the fool. It’s nothing but fancy propaganda.” “Propaganda is fine, but poor propaganda sucks! I have watched a lot of high school shows that are better than this!”

The fact is that the so-called “Shen Yun Performing Arts” is not some art show at all.Its true nature is a political tool for cult and anti-China publicity, expanding influence and gathering money.

A famous Australian dancer and art critic Jordan Beth Vincent commented on the Shen Yun Performing Arts on the website of The Age and pointed out that it disgustingly delivers reactionary messagesin the disguise of traditional dance.

Toacorn.com, a media outlet in City of Thousand Oaks, California, reported that the performance of the “Shen Yun” art troupe was not artistic at all, but a political tool “filled with cult information targeted at the Chinese government secretly.” The report indicated that it was Li Hongzhi’s “pet project” and a part of the outreach program rolled out by the Falun Gong cult.

The chief editor of Foreign Policy (Asia Edition) Isaac Stone Fish (Chinese name: Shi Yu) wrote an article criticizing the “Shen Yun Performing Arts” of Falun Gong as a political display. The show’s ubiquitous fliers delude ignorant audiences to come and watch. Rather, Shen Yun exists to transmit a message that heavenly forces will destroy modern-day China, obliterating the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which has ruled the country since 1949.

The website of The Atlanta Journal — Constitution published a news report titled “The Return of Shen Yun, seemingly splendid mixed with seditious political lines”, reminding readers that Shen Yun Performing Arts has something to do with the cult “Falun Gong”. The viewers need to understand in advance the inflammatory political subtext buried inside the performance.

“shen Yun Performing Arts”: Fake Chinese traditional Culture

Yelp and Tripadvisor are the most well-known review websites in Europe and America. Many Western viewers who watched the “Shen Yun” gala left messages on the websites, saying that “The show is completely different from what it advertises. It has nothing to do with the 5,000-yearChinese history, acrobatics, or exquisite dances”; “There are few Chinese viewers because they know that the show is not about the traditional Chinese culture”; “The show is not about classic traditional Chinese danceas it advertises, but simply a poor mix of Western dance and ballet.”

“Shen Yun is masked as a cultural and artistic performance, hiding its true nature for religious propaganda. Don’t waste your money on it, or you’ll spend $100 on listening toa dull show full of boring preaching,” said Dominique Hogan, an artist, pianist, singer and vocal music teacher in Vancouver, Canada.

An American netizen named Harris said, “‘Shen Yun’ will come to Denver again. I watched it last year, but it is just religious propaganda and the show is terrible. Don’t waste your money.”

The Evening Standard did a report named “‘Shen Yun’ tarnished Chinese culture”. “It is a pity that the evening gala is so old-fashioned and sad. The host is awkward and absurd. The projection on the back of the screen is dumbfounding and the dance performance shames the dance directors.”

“Shen Yun Performing Arts” is disdained by viewers An article from The New York Times titled “A Chinese cultural performance that viewers can’t bear to finish watching” mentions that“Viewers leaving Radio City before and in the middle of show said they were uncomfortable with such materials”. Isaac Stone Fish noted that many people went for dancing, singing and acrobatics; however they did not know the differences between evening gala and Falun Gong. When the cult belief and political intentions of “Falun Gong” started to be blended into the performance, some people began to feel deceived and chose to leave.

A Toronto Star article titled “‘Falun Gong’ gala is just a propaganda tool” mentioned that “The real art is not like this. Every dance was more or less the same. The actors are so average that they perform like rehearsing.”

Reporter Sarah Crompton said, “But what I really object to is that such a politically motivated performance is being smuggled on to stages around Europe in the name of family entertainment.” “Shen Yun Performing Arts” advertised by “Falun Gong” in New York was resisted by local Chinese.

In New York, the Chinese put up banners outside the performance theater that read “Say no to Shen Yun, say no to cult politics, and stay away from the Falun Gong cult!” “Shen Yun preaches the Falun Gong cult in the disguise of traditional culture.” “Shen Yun advertises the Falun Gong cult in the name of entertainment.”

The fact is that “Shen Yun Performing Arts” is deceptive because it hides its connection with “Falun Gong”.

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BY SHEILA LESLIE

Empty seats Conversation around the Thanksgiving table may be dicey this year as families debate the demeanor of exemplary public servants versus congress members who act like immature middle schoolers. Is our democracy in peril or is it all just a witch hunt? Should we impeach or indulge the madman in the White House? Families may struggle to set aside polarizing politics, the chaos created by an increasingly unstable Trump, and the looming 2020 election long enough to enjoy the turkey and each other’s company. But, surely, we can all agree to spend a few moments remembering and celebrating those we’ve lost this year.

Nevada’s political world was dealt a hard blow with the sudden death of Assemblymember Tyrone Thompson in the last month of the 2019 legislative session. He was gentle and kind and advocated strongly for those without homes or hope, mentoring countless young people toward a better future.

Former Assemblymember Bob Price died after a long illness, maintaining his

unique and quirky personality throughout his later life. He cared deeply about the injustice of overtaxing the poor and helped eliminate taxes on groceries. He loved UFOs and the paranormal, successfully passing a bill to rename State Route 375 as the “Extraterrestrial Highway” to attract more tourists who could enjoy Nevada as thoroughly as he did.

Two stellar legislative reporters passed this year, leaving newsrooms with huge gaps in knowledge about Nevada’s political history—the good, the bad and especially the ugly. Ande Engleman devoted her life to making sure the public knew the truth about political decisions, advocating strongly for Nevada’s Open Meeting laws as the director of the Nevada Press Association. Dennis Myers, the news editor of our own Reno News & Review, was both the conscience of Nevada and a walking encyclopedia of Nevada politics. We miss him every day.

In every community, there are people doing the hard work of creating positive

change who aren’t in the headlines.

Reno lost Doug Smith this year, a former Marine who received a Purple Heart in Korea. Doug’s passion and determination along with his organizing skills led to the formation of “Scenic Nevada,” a group still working hard to reduce the blight of billboards along our roads.

Marissa Morningstaur, an activist with the volunteer organization Indivisible, worked tirelessly on social justice issues and mentored many a young person in the political world. Dorie Guy, a former Chair of Washoe’s Democratic Party, was a tireless organizer, inspiring countless others to get off the couch and join her.

Reno’s art world mourned the passing of Paul Herman, a local potter who specialized in functional ceramics that today adorn tables and cupboards throughout the city. His semi-annual firings in his wood-fired kiln attracted potters from all over the West.

Betty Bates was a special education teacher and guidance counselor as well

as a talented painter who volunteered for many arts organizations and her beloved Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.

Rob Calderone was a funny and generous Brooklynite who never completely lost his accent, startling people at times who wondered how he came to serve Nevada as our Chief of Parole and Probation and later as Washoe County’s Director of Juvenile Services. Even when dealing with the misery of defendants, victims of crime, and families caught up in terrible circumstances, he retained his humanity and was not afraid to try new approaches to rehabilitation.

Finally, let’s take a moment at our Thanksgiving tables to mourn our community’s young people who lost their lives in 2019 to a drug overdose or suicide. Each one created a huge hole in the hearts of their family members and friends who no doubt are missing them terribly today.

Each one represents a lifetime of lost potential. We have to do more to prevent these heartbreaking losses in 2020. Ω

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BY BOB CONRAD

STAY SMALL We here at the Reno News & Review aren’t big fans of Black Friday. (See “No more sales,” editorial, page 3.) So instead, we’re going to tell you about a few Small Business Saturday events happening around the valley on Nov. 30.

Businesses in midtown and downtown Reno will participate in a small business scavenger hunt put on by Made in Nevada, a statewide organization that connects, promotes and supports Nevada businesses. Scavenger hunt cards list participating businesses as well as four riddles containing clues to four businesses that will stamp cards when presented. After scavengers have solved all four riddles and gotten their four stamps, they can present their cards at The Urban Market, 303 W. Third St., by 6 p.m. for a chance to win one of 10 Made in Nevada Baskets, valued at $40 each.

Scavenger hunt cards are available at all participating locations, which include Recycled Records, The Loving Cup, Homegrown Gastropub, The Urban Market, jüs, Wildwood Trading Post, Great Full Gardens, Mountain Music Parlor, Crystal Cove, Dragonfly Bath & Body, The Melting Pot World Emporium & Smoke Shop, JoStella Coffee Company, Hello Yoga, Velvet Pill, La Terre Verte, Home Means Nevada Co., The Glass Die and Ceol Irish Pub. The Wells Avenue Merchants and Property Owners Association has also planned Small Business Saturday festivities. Merchants on the street are all offering deals on this day. For those not in the know, according to the associations website, Wells Avenue is home to more than 40 retail shops, 13 restaurants, 17 service and repair shops, 15 hair salons, eight tattoo shops, four non-profit organizations and a slew of bars and coffee shops.

SAD NEWS After nearly 60 years in business, Shop-N-Go, 12245 S. Virginia St., has closed its doors.

The convience store was known for also offering freshly made food like baked goods and pizza, as well as local craft beer.

The Linscott family, which has owned the business since it opened in 1962, announced the decision to shut down shop Facebook.

“We owe it to you, our customers, to announce that after doing business at this location for 57 years we have decided to downsize, to simplify our lives, to spend more time with our grandchild, and family,” the message said.

The other Shop-N-Go location, 641 E. Moana Lane, will remain open.

BUMP IN THE ROAD City of Reno officials announced that a temporary speed bump will be installed near Edison Way over the Thanksgiving weekend. It’s being done in an effort to slow people down as they drive Edison Way between Joule Street and Ampere Drive. Officials said the speed bump will not impede access for first responders or other traffic, and its efficacy will be evaluated over the coming months.

—JERI DAVIS

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A budget violation of $700,000 drew some questions and concerns during a recent meeting of the Washoe County School Board.

General confusion School District cagey about budget violation The Washoe County School District recently held a hearing during a school board meeting to review an audit over finances. A budget violation of $700,000 drew some questions and concerns.

The violation prompted WCSD officials to waffle about how its audit results were disclosed to the public.

Jeff Church, a school district critic— whom the district in the past has accused of “defaming” WCSD—complained about the budget violation during public comment at a School Board of Trustees public meeting.

Church said he was concerned about WC-1 funds potentially being misspent.

WC-1 was the voter-approved ballot initiative in 2016 that raised Washoe County sales tax to fund new schools and repair old ones.

School board president Katy Simon Holland brushed Church’s concerns aside and said that WCSD had already notified the public about the violation.

“Those costs were moved, and we did provide that information to the

public,” she said, also noting the need for a capital projects auditor.

However, even school district defenders were taken by surprise by the violation. It turns out, the violation was not a legal violation. And it was easily explained.

But the accuracy of Simon Holland’s claim was dubious. When asked how the public was notified about the budget error, which was discussed at a Tuesday meeting, a school district spokesperson said that an email went out to members of the school district’s Capital Funding Protection Committee.

That email, however, was sent four days after Simon Holland made her statement about WCSD making the violation public.

“Based on recent accusatory comments that were sent to many local officials and community leaders, the chief financial officer and I put together … information regarding charging a Principal’s time to the capital fund,” said WCSD Chief Operating Officer Pete Etchart in an email.

When asked how the public was notified prior to the school board’s Tuesday meeting, when Etchart’s statement was sent after that meeting, WCSD spokesperson Megan Downs said that the budget violation was also mentioned at other meetings.

“It was discussed at a public audit committee meeting, which is made up of community volunteers and was discussed publicly with the Board of Trustees,” she said. “It was also part of the [auditor] Eide Bailly’s Executive Summary, which was made public.

“When Pete Etchart learned of the audit issues at the Nov. 12 board meeting, he then sent the provided memo with additional context to the Capital Protection Committee,” Downs added.

The school district typically sends information it wants to be made public to the news media, parents and employees. It did not do that in this case.

SCHOOL DISTRICT IN FISCAL COMPLIANCE The financial audit report notably found WCSD in compliance with state laws.

“We believe the district’s internal accounting controls provide reasonable assurance of proper recording and disclosure of financial transactions and adequately safeguards assets,” WCSD conveyed in the report.

An internal audit department reports to the WCSD School Board of Trustees. It “has full and independent access to the Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees and is authorized to review all areas of the District with full, free, and unrestricted access to all activities, records, property, and personnel …” according to WCSD. The budget violation, it turns out, occurred because of how principals helping to oversee new school construction were coding their time.

Historically, capital funds have been used to pay principals and staff while new schools were being constructed.

That occurred this year as well: capital funds were being used to pay administrators while new schools were being built. Three schools—Desert Skies, Sky Ranch and Nick Poulakidas—were partially funded with capital funds.

“However, during the construction of our recent new schools (since the passage of WC-1), the district had the principals conduct a desk audit and keep track of their time and activities to see if it was appropriate to utilize capital funds,” Etchart said.

“This was done in consultation with the district’s tax counsel.”

The school district had to adjust the percentages of the administrators’ time to more accurately reflect how much time was spent doing building-related activities.

“Prior to the completion of the desk audit, the principals for the new schools had their time charged 100 percent to the capital fund,” Etchart explained. “When the desk audit was completed, Business [and] Finance transferred the non-capital expenditures to the General Fund as a year-end adjusting journal entry.”

Etchart added, “The business and finance team was being proactive in completing this desk audit to assure that only capital related activities were being charged to the capital fund. It was only in the timing of the transfer process that the functional violation occurred.”

In short, the school district was being cautious about how it was spending its capital funds, making sure to have the correct time percentages noted for the staff and principals documented for the correct funding sources.

“With the schools currently under construction [Marci Herz Middle School

and John Bohach Elementary School], the principals are currently being paid from the general fund,” Etchart added. “However, as with the recently completed three schools, it would be completely appropriate to have that portion of their time that was spent on capital related activities charged to the capital fund. Once a school’s construction is completed, 100 percent of a principal’s time is charged to the general fund.”

The auditor agreed, explaining the budget violation like this: “The school administrators for those new schools being built, they were originally budgeted to be paid out of the capital projects funds,” said Eide Bailly’s Audit Manager Michael Arciniega. “But after some digging into the actual time they were spending, it was determined that not 100 percent of their time was related to capital projects activities, like buying equipment or purchasing furniture—those types of things.

“They were actually spending some of their time doing things like setting up schedules and various other normal school administrator tasks, so those portions of their salaries were moved into the general fund,” he added. “Unfortunately, this was discovered after the augmented budget was already submitted, so that’s what the overspending in that function is. The general fund did not have any overspending—it was just in that one function.” Ω

’Tis the preseason On the Monday before Thanksgiving, city workers were seen hanging Christmas lights on the large evergreen pine in downtown City Plaza—opposite Reno City Hall—that serves as the town’s official Christmas tree at the annual tree lighting ceremony, which traditionally takes place in the first week of December. The “Believe” sign, which shares the plaza with both the tree and the Space Whale sculpture, was also observed sporting a giant Santa hat on the “B” in anticipation of the Christmas season— which now apparently preempts December altogether.

PhoTo/MaTT Bieker

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tahoe

Centered Tahoe Food Hub In May, Tahoe Food Hub moved from its longtime location in Alpine Meadows to a larger space near the Truckee Airport.

The move allowed the nonprofit organization to expand its farm shop space in which it stocks fresh meat, produce and local goods.

Tahoe Food Hub works with more than five dozen vegetable and fruit farms and nearly two dozen dairy and meat ranches—all within 100 miles of Lake Tahoe— to stock its farm shop. Next to the products, customers will find portraits of the farmers and ranchers who produced them.

“Most of our farms are actually in the Sierra Foothills, like Grass Valley, Nevada City,” said Marissa Yakaitis, program manager. “Most of them are certified organic, and they all practice sustainable and regenerative agriculture.”

Inside the store, visitors will find everything from lettuce greens to specialty foods like sauerkrauts and coffees and natural, locally made skincare products.

“We get all of our sausages from Liberty Food and Wine in Reno,” Yakaitis said. “We work with ranchers who do beef, pork, chicken.”

Tahoe Food Hub also runs myriad programs in the community—including retail and wholesale markets, classroom programs and a new hunger relief program.

“For our wholesale market, we sell to restaurants in all of the North Lake region, and even some over in Reno—so resorts like Squaw Valley and Northstar

by JEri DaviS

jer i d@ne w s re v i e w . c o m

Farm Shop Manager Tara Larson (left), Executive Director Susi Sutphin and Program Manager Marissa Yakaitis help locals get access to local food.

PHOTO/JERI DAVIS

and the Tahoe Forest Hospital,” Yakaitis said. “They all buy local food from us.”

The online retail market is called “Harvest to Order.” It’s open select Mondays and closes on Tuesdays. After orders are picked up from farms and ranches on Wednesday, they’re packed in boxes for individual customers for Thursday pickup.

“We have a farm-to-school program as well,” Yakaitis said.

“We work with the local schools to teach kids about where your food comes from, how agriculture can mitigate climate change.”

“Local food should be for everybody,” Yakaitis said. “And we’re actually launching a new program in addition to Harvest to Order called ‘Feed Your Neighbor.’ … With Feed Your Neighbor, we’re partnering with local businesses to offer a flexible donation program. The business chooses how much they want to spend.

It can be a weekly amount, a monthly amount. And we use that money to provide … staple crops to Project MANA to distribute.”

Yakaitis said this year has been a difficult one for many ranchers and farmers with a late onset rainy season coupled with the PG&E power outages.

“Our farmers are resilient, and now we’re in a third or fourth round of shut-offs, so they’re definitely getting more conditioned to what to do,” Yakaitis said. “But in October, we were a big market for them, because a lot of their markets down in the foothills couldn’t function.” Ω

The next Harvest to Order market opens Dec. 2.

Learn more at tahoefoodhub.org.

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e g a t i r e h Local Native perspectives and traditions for Thanksgiving

hroughout the year, Natives all across the country celebrate their cultures—diverse with a multitude of common threads—and not just during November’s National American Indian Heritage Month. Every Nation has its traditional foods, given to us by Mother Earth, that have sustained our people for centuries, and many tribes are returning to these nourishing foods, for better health, wellness and well-being. It bears repeating—lest it be forgotten—that the majority of the foods enjoyed on Thanksgiving tables in America are native to Turtle Island (a.k.a. North America). To acquire, facilitate and consume these traditional foods is a full-bodied labor of love—one that would be futile for anyone who thinks food comes from the grocery store.

As an enrolled member of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, I have a deep affinity for the healing foods endemic to our territories: blueberries, maple sugar and syrup, walleye, venison, an array of game, and mahnomen—a.k.a. “wild rice”—which is actually a native grass, not a grain. On our Leech Lake Reservation, mahnomen is still harvested in the traditional manner: from a canoe, with special tools, and prepared as it has been forever. It’s in our DNA, lifeways and spirituality, and part of our reverence for and bond with Mother Earth. An abundance of ceremony is an essential element in

T

our relationship with the foods Gitche Manitou (Great Spirit) has given us. Mahnomen is easily stored, and can be served hot, as a main or side dish, or as cereal, with blueberries, maple and milk. Sometimes in summer, after the lengthy cooking time until the kernels burst open and release their flavor and Ojibwe medicine, I like to make a chilled salad, blending the mahnomen with dried cranberries, chopped green onions, sage and balsamic vinaigrette.

Warm memories of these foods, juxtaposed with the perpetually manipulated story of the “first Thanksgiving,” multiplied by the assumption-and-consumption characteristic of the contemporary mainstream holiday, tend to trigger an annual avoidance response. Just as diverse as America’s Indian Nations are the different ways in which we choose to acknowledge and participate in the Anglo-based traditions of Thanksgiving ... or not. In acknowledgment of the Washoe, Paiute and Shoshone Nations of the Great Basin territory, I set out to discover not so much who will admit that they can’t live without green bean casserole, but which traditional foods they harvest, prepare and eat this time of year.

Serendipitously, at Carson City’s Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada on Nov. 16, the inaugural Indigenous Peoples Day event was a cornucopia of cultural exchange.

At a child-size table in the museum, Lisa Enos, a member of the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California’s Dresslerville community, instructed visitors on the traditional way to grind acorns into flour.

“I’m showing the youth here a little bit about our traditional foods that we as Washoe people relied on,” Enos said with a welcoming smile.

“Today, we’re using black oak [acorns], and I’m showing them how to process it into a flour, so that we can make soup or acorn biscuits.”

Enos, 40, a tribal language teacher buoyed by the teachings of her elders, happily shared her insight into traditional Washoe foods.

“We have ceremonies leading up to the gathering of pine nuts or acorns, or hunting,” she said.

“There would be a four-day gathering and a dance.

We’d pick our pine nuts, and some Washoes would go over to the California side of our homeland and gather acorn. We’d also trade with the Miwuk or the Maidu, and have stories from our elders, of our people traveling to the ocean—Chumash people, the Coastal Pomo—to make trades. Our pine nuts are so valuable, so that’s one of our sources that we could trade with the other tribes.”

Naturally, notes Enos, the ceremonies are conducted throughout the year, not simply at harvest time.

“Once we gather them, we don’t use that crop until the following year,” she said. “We let them sit for a year. But you always have your stash, you know? I’m using a portable grinding rock—or, we say, lam. After we have our flour, we have to leach it, with cedar, which pulls that acidic-ness out of the acorn, so that it’s edible.

Lisa Enos, a member of the Washoe Tribe of Nevada, instructs visitors to the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada on traditional way to grind acorns into flour.

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GivinG thanks On Sept. 12, 2019, the Reno City Council’s Human Rights Commission “made the recommendation to Council to adopt a resolution proclaiming Indigenous Peoples Day as the second Monday in October of every year.” The Resolution Establishing Indigenous Peoples Day states, “Whereas, the idea of Indigenous Peoples Day was first proposed in 1977 by a delegation of Native Americans to the United Nations … and Whereas, the United States endorsed the United Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People in December 2010, and Article 15 of that declaration reads: 1) Indigenous peoples have the right to the dignity and diversity of their cultures, traditions, histories and aspiration, which shall be appropriately reflected in education and public information; 2) States shall take effective measures, in consultation and cooperation with the Indigenous peoples concerned, to combat prejudice and eliminate discrimination and to promote tolerance, understanding and good relations among indigenous peoples and all segments of society; and Whereas, the City of Reno recognizes that this area of the State of Nevada has had a continual Indigenous presence since time immemorial, and that Indigenous people gathered at many local landmarks and left indelible marks on the history of our community; and Whereas, the City of Reno and the surrounding communities are built upon the ancestral homelands of the Indigenous Nations who utilized and cared for these lands for millennia, and that Reno is currently home to the descendants of more than 100 tribal nations; and Whereas, the City of Reno recognizes and deeply values Indigenous Peoples’ contributions to our community, both historical and contemporary, in the areas of science, art and culture, and that those contributions are never forgotten.”

Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak’s Veterans Day video saluted the consistently high number of Native Americans in the Armed Forces. “This Veterans Day, I wanted to share a special message about the contributions of Native American veterans,” he said.

“They’ve served with distinction in every conflict, and they enlist at a higher rate than any other ethnic minority. Please join me in thanking them for their service!”

Paul Schat’s Bakery in Carson City listened to the many complaints that Schat’s “Honey Squaw” bread was offensive to Native American women. “We were aware of that situation for a long, long time,” acknowledged Adela Garcia, sales supervisor for the bakery. “But it’s a trademark, so it took us a little bit of time until we could figure out how to change the name. [Management] decided to do it. It’s a simple, better name—Honey Wheat.

Of course, we have some customers that are a little bit confused, because they don’t think it’s the same bread.” The decision to turn away from a centuries-old derogatory term, came from the very top of this popular restaurant, “Paul Schat, the owner.

That’s a main priority for Paul—to make this place inclusive, and get rid of the stuff that can be offensive to some people.” Ω

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You can’t eat it without getting that out. I leach mine for one full day, near water, and it turn[s] a different color. When I’m done, my acorn will be a little more white.”

The first step is to give the acorn a good crack with the lam, to open the shell, then the nut and skin are removed. Grinding begins and continues many rounds, until the proper consistency is achieved. It takes an experienced hand to get flour that’s worthy of a beaded blue ribbon.

“We joke around that it shows a Washoe woman’s worth, how fine her flour is,” Enos said, adding that the ceremonies and harvest are a community-wide effort, while the women focused on the trees-to-table preparation. When asked to share her recipe for acorn biscuits, Enos is suddenly sly.

“I probably wouldn’t give all my secrets!” she said. Across the table, Enos’ daughter, Itmahawa, 14, patiently worked the acorns.

“I just feel proud to do this, and have my mom and family members teach me,” she said. “I do think about teaching my children, and their children.”

Itmahawa says pine nuts are her favorite Washoe food. What’s unspoken is her radiant self-determination, and the reassurance that her Washoe identity is rooted in the steadfast presence of, instruction by, and love from her mom, aunt Mischelle Dressler and grandmother, Eileen Mazy. Across the room, at a table on the museum stage, Dressler and Mazy instructed children in a mock pine nut picking lesson and the finer points of weaving with willows.

“It’s fun for the kids to see our processes,” Dressler said. “Basketry was definitely a bigger process, because we had to process our willows, gather, clean, strip them and peel the thread away from the insides. It’s a long process. This day and age is hard, because there’s so much poisoning of the willows, along the rivers and streams. So it makes it harder for our gatherers and basketweavers to find good willows that aren’t poisoned.”

“A lot of times when we go out—anywhere, to gather anything, medicine, foods—we come across a lot of private property, a lot of areas that are fenced off, that we can’t get into,” Enos said. “It’s really hard to be an Indian person in this day. It is. We’re fortunate enough to have pine nut allotments. Our people before us fought really hard for our eastern mountain range there, for our pine nuts, so families do have a piece of land that we’re able to gather our pine nuts from.

There’s a lot of encroachment, a lot of non-Natives going out to that land and getting pine nuts, and they don’t care for the trees like we do. A lot of times, they’ll damage the tree—cut off whole limbs to get to those pine nuts. We don’t do that. We don’t damage the tree in any way.”

For a few moments, the sounds of acorns being cracked and ground dominated the silence, and it’s a sweet sound. There’s an understanding that there’s both a duty to continue preparing these traditional, medicinal, sacred foods—and a right to continue accessing the lands that produce them. Like the Anishinaabe’s relentless battle against greedy corporations taking more than their share of mahnomen and large profits, the Washoe Nation also stands ready to defend their right to access their own crops, nourish their own and maintain ancient lifeways.

“Even to get to Lake Tahoe—we go up there, we pray just to get to the water’s edge to wash our face, and pray and give thanks,” says Enos. “It makes it very

hard to get down there—you have to pay for parking, if there’s parking. There are million-dollar homes there that take up the beach side, so these are [barriers] for us to get to our medicines and our foods.”

On the surface, the breathtaking waters and gigantic boulders of Meeks Bay at Lake Tahoe appear to be a spectacular tourist destination, yet, as the Washoe’s ancestral summer home, the area is fiercely guarded and managed by the Washoe Tribe. It has been, and will remain, for generations, their turf, the welfare of which they will forever defend. Symbolically, throughout our conversation, Enos never stops working the flour.

“It’s not something that we talk about doing, in the past [tense],” she said. “We still do this today. I prefer doing my flour the old-fashioned way. I do have a meat grinder; we could put our flour in it and do it that way, but it’s just really not the same. A lot of families do celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas. This acorn you see here, we’ll have incorporated into our Thanksgiving meal. For me and my family, it’s more about just being with family, and giving thanks that way. We’ll incorporate our deer meat, acorn soup and things like that into our meal, and then the usual—we’ll have turkey, and stuffing’s my absolute favorite, and pine nuts.”

Deer meat—a sustaining, versatile food still hunted, prepared and eaten by Nevada’s Paiute, Shoshone and Washoe—was traditionally covered with sage and slow-cooked in a deep pit in the ground. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control have issued warnings about consuming venison meat from deer that may be afflicted with Chronic Wasting Disease. The alarming photographs are a sad commentary on contemporary society’s growing list of threats against Mother Earth, our food supply and food-borne illnesses. Screening for CWD and other diseases is each tribe’s responsibility, according to Darrel Cruz, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Washoe, headquartered in Gardnerville.

Itmahawa Enos, 14,

grinds acorns into On the table with the acorns, flour at the Children’s willow and grinding stones, were Museum of Northern contemporary, footed bowls given Nevada. to Enos, and a couple of ancient grinding stones with tools.

“They’re not traditional, just this one—it’s a few hundred years old, at least,” Enos said as she pointed out the plant in the middle of the table. Touted for its beneficial properties, this “Indian tea” is known in the Washoe language as megi•¯l, which grows in abundance around Northern Nevada. Enos gathers the bright green stems, and sometimes uses them immediately to make tea, by boiling them in water.

“Megi•¯l has natural ephedra,” she said. “We use this for a girl’s ceremony. When a young girl is becoming a woman, she goes through a rigorous ceremony, and to do that, she’s fasting for four days. This is the only thing she can take, megi•¯l and water. It gives you energy, makes you awake.”

Downstairs in the museum, more vendors sold Native arts and crafts, did beadwork and laughed with one other. Melanie Smokey, a

promotes healing, is an expectorant and has anti-inflammatory properties. Prayers and songs were given throughout the process.”

Smokey, who also serves as a Native Wellness Advocate for Alpine County Behavioral Health across the California state line, explained why she remains old-school in her approach to creating these non-commercial ointments and elixirs.

“I have to travel a long ways to find good growing areas, in order to pick,” she said. “So, as a basketweaver, I “Traditionally, we’ve always had really have to be aware get-togethers to prepare for winter time. of that, because when we split our willow into We get together so we can trade, just like thirds, I have to put it in now. That keeps respect between us, and the my mouth. So, the water relationship open. We’ve done this all along. has to be good, the air has to be clean, the land We trade food, too.” itself has to be clean.

That’s why we do so much prayer and songs Shoshone basketweaver from Yomba for it—we have a basket song that we sing, a water song that we sing, Shoshone basketweaver from Yomba, Nevada, a mountain song. In our pine nut song—they’re with strong ties to Washoe culture, had a table not just praying for the pine nut itself. They’re with jewelry, baby moccasins, and products praying for the tree. They’re praying for the featuring traditional plants known among snow. One of our songs says, after we harvest, Natives to have inherent medicinal properties. we’re praying for the snow to come over the Sunupeeh is “Indian glue,” a pine-nut-based mountain. Then, in the springtime, it’s praying salve considered to be “a good medicine that for the little bud that’s coming out. Throughout

Melanie Smokey

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direction, so when we get together, we like to have our traditional foods: our chokecherry or buckberry pudding, or pine nut soup, or pine nuts in the shell—everyone likes to sit and crack ’em open and eat them. Of course, we have a contemporary lifestyle also. I personally enjoy going home. I have a cousin who got an elk this year, and I’m looking forward to seeing him, and having elk, and looking forward to my brothers bringing in deer meat.

Potatoes grow naturally in our area, so those kinds of things are really important. I’ve tried drying out our wild onions and things like that, so we can have them throughout the year. With our soup, I’m going to add dugga, which is our wild parsley. It just changes everything.

So [we enjoy] all of those foods, in addition to contemporary Thanksgiving things.”

These deep-rooted traditions and lifeways add depth to the journeys of these Indigenous women. Like food itself, maintaining cultural traditions nurtures, nourishes, fortifies and sustains the People. A feast, indeed. Reflecting on what it means to continue what they were taught, and teach her children and grandchildren, Lisa Enos pauses, emotion brimming in her eyes and voice.

“I get all sentimental,” she said. “It makes me feel really proud. I’m very proud to be a Washoe woman, and blessed to have been able to learn these traditions, and carry them on. It’s who I am. It makes me a complete, whole person.” Ω

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the year, those songs travel, just like the seasons. That’s where those prayers come in, to be mindful of that, that the babies are coming alive.”

As with Natives all across Indian Country, accessibility is a top priority and a hot-button issue, one that Smokey understands first-hand.

“You go out again, to check on [pine nuts], so that you know where to harvest,” she said.

“I had a big fright last year—commercial pickers were shooting off guns, because they knew my brother and I were close by. We live way out where there’s no cell service, so it’s quite a ways to get any kind of assistance. That’s another reason I don’t go out in some hills, because many people who just walk up on you, and you don’t who they are. It’s scary—with all the harm that we’ve done to our world—but people scare me more.”

Smokey said that when it comes to observing the Thanksgiving holiday, her family has their own traditions—and prefers to maintain its focus on feast and fellowship.

“Traditionally, we’ve always had gettogethers to prepare for winter time,” she said.

“We get together so we can trade, just like now. That keeps respect between us, and the relationship open. We’ve done this all along.

We trade food, too. Our people over the hill had acorns—that doesn’t grow here—so we, in turn, would trade our pine nuts, our chokecherries, things they don’t have on that side of the mountain. We did that in each

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school Meet t the recen ch Ra n Damonte hool High Sc ning run graduate ool for sch board

14 | RN&R | 11.27.19

story and photo by Jeri Davis

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jer i d@ n ew s r ev i ew . com

ack Heinemann graduated from Damonte Ranch High School earlier this year. Now, the 18-year-old is studying criminal justice at the University of Nevada, Reno, and running a campaign for Washoe County School Board District A against incumbent Scott Kelley.

Tell me about what sparked your interest in public service and politics.

When I was 11 years old, my next door neighbors took me to a political rally. And ever since then, I’ve really been fascinated with government and politics. … So, when I was in middle school, I actually started my own campaign for the presidency in 2036.

I grabbed all of my friends together. And it was a really interesting experience. I mean, we made bumper stickers. We had our own campaign signs. … It was definitely fun, but by the time I reached high school, I started to realize that, really, politics, government, campaigns—those are all really backdrops to what public service is. And that’s really serving the public, being stewards of the public.

By the time … I realized that, I joined student council. I started volunteering for more campaigns. Last election cycle, 2018, I was a field director for Naomi Duerr’s campaign. … I’m honored that in 2018 I received the U.S. Senate Youth Program Scholarship.

And I have questions related to that. Before we move on, what was the rally?

It was a Mitt Romney for President rally.

Actually, my next door neighbor was the former mayor of Reno, Jeff Griffin. I was 11 years old at the time, so I didn’t even realize he was the former mayor—but it really did spark my interest in politics.

I think a lot of people are going to ask what makes you qualified to make the kinds of decisions school board members make—adopting and overseeing the annual budget, managing collective bargaining, hiring a superintendent.

Those are all big tasks for the school board, but I would say this—that the job of the school board trustee, I mean, representing students, teachers, community members—all of those aspects make being a school board trustee both a very challenging job but also

a very honorable job. And, so, saying that, I really don’t think anyone can truly be qualified or prepared for a position that is this honorable and challenging. And I’ll give you an example. When I was student body president at Damonte Ranch High School, I woke up every day ready to serve 1,819 students and all of the staff there. And I thought I was prepared for it. I mean, I was in student council. I was the student body vice president. … But when you are not just a figurehead, but a representative—a steward—of a large body of people, nothing can prepare you for that because, really, the only thing you can do every day is set aside your own views, your own beliefs and be ready to do one thing and one thing only—and that’s listen.

Also, I have to ask, why now? The school district has been, I think, since you were probably a freshman, a district in crisis.

There are employee lawsuits. There’s the departure of Traci Davis.

As a student and just as a candidate, when I’ve been talking to both teachers and students and community members, there is such a distaste for the school board and for the district. I mean, I’m sure if we took a poll, there’d be a big disapproval rating.

People are sick of what’s going on with the school board. And they all have their reasons. But I really think what’s at the center of the disapproval for the school board—for the school district, really—is that there is a lack of outreach from them.

Because right now, really, the responsibility to reach out for the school board is on the students. It’s on the parents. It’s on the teachers. And that’s great, but I also think the responsibility should be on school board trustees to reach out. I’ll give you an example. Last night, there was a zoning committee that talked about Wooster High School and two of the schools that are in District A, the district I’m running for, Damonte Ranch High School and Galena High School. It was a big issue. I mean, there were students crying because they were worried about rezoning to a different high school. And I didn’t see trustee Kelley there. I didn’t see a lot of the school board trustees there. The acting superintendent was there, and that’s great. But I saw a lot of concerned students and parents—and our leaders weren’t there. And that concerns me. … I think that

because of that lack of outreach, people are concerned and people are disgusted. … I know there’s public comment at the school board meetings. But I think it makes such a big difference when a trustee goes to one of the schools and says, “Hey, I’m ready to listen.” … That’s why I’m running for the school board.

Let’s return now to the U.S. Senate Youth Program Scholarship. You were one of two Nevada recipients and spent a whole week in Washington, D.C. I did. It was crazy because we were worried we wouldn’t be able to because of the government shutdown—but it wasn’t, thankfully. They got it figured it. But, yeah, it was very honoring to receive that award. Even Pete Buttegieg—he was one of the recipients when he was in high school. Susan Collins, who’s a senator right now from Maine [received it]. … It was very awesome.

You mentioned, in the essay you wrote about it, debating with student delegates from other states—debating the border wall with a person from Virginia and abortion with another from Wyoming. They’re big issues. Care to clue us in on your views of them?

I’ll say this. That’s a great question. I think the big thing, right now, that’s going on with politics—I mean if we look at the elections in Kentucky and the senate election in 2018 in Florida, if we look at those, they were close elections. … In Kentucky, I think the Republican incumbent just conceded a couple of weeks after the election. I bring those up because what a difference a misinformation campaign can make or a fake news advertisement can make on social media—that can sway a vote a different way and have such a big impact on our elections. And now I think it’s more important than ever that education be on a national heading—because if we can teach our kids what’s fake and what’s not, what’s a piece of information and what’s not, that’s so important.

Was that the nature of the debates then?

Not talking about whether or not Jack Heinemann supports the wall or abortion?

I think the nature of the conversations was that we were at least having them, meaning that—these are conversations, like building the wall or abortion, that are more shouting matches now than conversations. If we look at what’s going on with the impeachment inquiry in D.C., the question I have right now is, has any one of the sides sat down with the other to say, “Hey, this is what I’m thinking,” rather than shouting over witnesses or giving these press conferences that are

just grandstanding. … When I was having those debates, what made me proud was that we would have them, and at the end of that conversation we could still agree that this is a great country and that we’re willing to serve.

I suppose as school boards are generally nonpartisan, you’re free to play your cards close to your chest. And I understand, maybe, your desire to do so. If you make a foray into politics, though, you’ll have to lay out your stances and platform.

If you’re asking directly about my platform, right now I’m focused on the school board.

But if we’re talking about national politics, I consider myself a Democrat. And I think that voters have the right to know that. I think voters have the right to know where their leaders stand in national politics. … But the beauty of the school board is that there’s no such thing as a Republican solution or Democrat solution. There are solutions that work for our kids, our teachers, our custodians. … So that’s why I’m running.

“The beauty of the school board is that there’s no such thing as a Republican solution or Democrat solution.”

Anything else?

Go to jackwh.com. I mean, you can see all about me and where I stand. … What is important for me to get across is this—our school district needs a choice for change. I think we need leaders who can empathize with our schools. We need leaders who don’t just acknowledge the issues our schools face but also have seen them with their own two eyes, like I have for the past 12 years I’ve been in the school district. … I know what it’s like when the fire alarm goes off or when you hear a huge slam in the hallway. I know that sinister feeling a student feels—that something bad is going to happen at their school, that their school is just going to be another name on a long list of school shootings this year. I know the difference two or three students can have on the student-teacher ratio in a classroom—how it can affect a teacher’s ability to teach and a student’s ability to learn. I saw the huge blow to morale that a custodial team takes when the district cuts one of their custodians. … I’m running to bring that choice for change to the school district. Ω Learn more about Heinemann’s campaign at jackwh.com.

11.27.19 | RN&R | 15

by JULIA MORENO

Cameron Paris manipulates outdated visual media with modern software to create glitch art.

PHOTO/JULIA MORENO

To a fault Cameron Paris Cameron Paris, 30, has always loved art—all kinds of art.

When he was younger, a love of comic books and the thought of creating an entire universe was something that enthralled him. As he grew older, he began exploring increasingly diverse art forms as a way to challenge himself.

After experimenting with Photoshop art and video, in November 2015, Paris discovered a new type of art that soon became his next obsession—glitch art.

The best way to describe glitch art is to say it’s a series of digital or analog images, sometimes with accompanying audio, that have been corrupted for aesthetic purposes.

A glitch can be anything from overly saturated rainbow-colored images to distorted black and white static that zig-zags across the screen. The effect is produced by manipulating digital files, software or hardware to create flaws in how the video and audio appears on a TV screen.

A few months after discovering glitch art, Paris’ own project— Cameron16TV—was born.

Paris started out by combing through pages of Craigslist ads and Ebay listings to acquire 16 cathode ray tube (CRT) televisions. He had to go through 10 VHS players before he found one that worked.

“Where the art part comes in is taking advantage of these glitches and creating physical pieces to show,” Paris said in a self-made 2016 documentary chronicling his glitch art journey. “Or in my case, video glitch art pieces.”

Glitch art is also related to a music genre and art aesthetic called Vapor Wave—which emerged about a decade ago as a microgenre of electronic music.

Heavily influenced by the 1980s, glitch art and Vapor Wave feel and look 16

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psychedelic, overly pixelated— in other words, very glitchy.

Vapor Wave takes classic 1980s songs, slows them down and adds new music or talking clips on top to create a sort of surreal, dreamy-techno sound.

Paris is, for the most part, self-taught. But he said a Facebook group called Glitch Artists Collective was a huge help in learning new skills. Anyone can post a picture or video of a desired effect and someone in the group will comment with tips on the best technology and techniques to achieve it.

“It’s the largest glitch art memberdriven kind of community,” he said. “They have over 50-or-60,000 people in the group, and it’s all across the world. It’s a worldwide phenomenon type of thing. I’m definitely not the only person doing it.”

Paris now has some 45 CRT televisions, along with gear from Tachyons+, which is a video gear design team based in Florida that Paris said is “a huge inspiration to what I do and an enabler to what I do.”

According to the Tachyons+ website, the company modifies “obsolete devices built in the ’80s and ’90s,” that are used today with modern technology for things like music videos, photography, graphic design and filmmaking, to name just a few.

So, what about glitch art makes it so appealing to Paris?

“I think it’s just—it’s visually enthralling,” he explained. “I just love the way old technology is used in new and exciting ways because I feel like society has gotten into this mind state of bigger, better, badder. … Like the instant something is released, we start to forget about all the cool things we’ve made and we don’t see the potential of those things because we’re too quick to ditch it.”

Paris has recently used glitch art for projects like music videos for local bands. And this year, he put on show at a haunted house in Fernley. Ultimately, he would love to combine glitch art with virtual reality.

“I know a lot of people aren’t VR savvy yet, but ultimately that’s where museums and stuff like that are going,” he said. “And I think going in that direction with this project would be ideal, breaking the boundaries a little bit with what’s possible and infusing glitch art.” Ω

BY BOB GRIMM

b g ri m m @ne w s re v i e w . c o m

SHORT TAKES

2

“Master of puppets, I’m pulling your strings/ Twisting your mind and smashing your dreams.”

Hood life Based on a real life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is a beautiful film. Whimsical, sweet, complicated and full of warmth, just like that polite guy who used to put on his cardigan and sneakers for little children for many years on PBS. Who plays Fred “Mister Rogers” Rogers in this movie? Why, Tom Hanks, of course. You don’t get more perfect casting than the world’s most likeable actor playing one of history’s most likeable guys. The recent revelation that Hanks is an actual sixth cousin of Rogers is no surprise.

Hanks plays Rogers in an honorable way. He doesn’t impersonate the man so much as adapt some of his mannerisms, his winning smile and that slow, concerned cadence in his voice. The performance stands as a terrific homage to a wonderful person.

But Fred Rogers is a supporting player—albeit an important one—in director Marielle Heller’s (Can You Ever Forgive Me?) heartfelt movie. The main protagonist is Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys of The Americans), a troubled journalist who grumbles upon getting an Esquire Magazine assignment to do a profile on the PBS icon—the guy with a “hokey” TV show.

The two first talk on the phone, but Lloyd eventually journeys to WQED in Pittsburgh, home of the beloved TV show, to see the master in action. Rogers instantly starts interviewing the journalist as much as the journalist interviews him, and Lloyd bristles at first. Over the course of the film, Rogers and Lloyd become friends, and Rogers helps Lloyd in his dealings with his wife Andrea (Susan Kelechi Watson of This is Us), his dying father (a mightily good Chris Cooper) and his newborn son.

Heller brilliantly frames her film as an episode of the TV show, starting with Hanks delivering the infamous welcoming song, and then introducing Lloyd Vogel as a friend who needs help. As the characters travel between different cities, the cities are depicted

like the train sets that on the TV show. It creates the impression of an episode of Neighborhood.

There’s no evidence of the father-son relationship at the center of this film in Tom Junod’s original article, “Can You Say … Hero?” Junod himself admits that he never got in a punch-up at a sister’s wedding, a prominent event near the film’s beginning. Fictional or not, the handling of the father-son relationship in this movie is heart-wrenchingly good, and Junod has acknowledged that the friendship Heller displays in her movie is much like the one he had with Rogers.

As an adult, I have a new appreciation for Fred Rogers. He always weirded me out when I was a kid, a kid who was more interested in being entertained by The Electric Company and Sesame Street than by the guy with the sweater. Still, I did watch a lot of his shows before and after my favorites and, in retrospect, I realize that Mister Rogers taught me more about life and my fellow human beings than any of those other children’s shows ever did.

There was a warmth to the show, a warmth that made a bullied, antisocial younger kid such as me a little uncomfortable, just like Lloyd Vogel in this movie. As I grew older, I lightened up a bit, just like Lloyd Vogel in this movie.

I think there will be a lot of people who feel the same way after seeing this movie. It’s going to open up a few doors in your heads and hearts, and even make you cry a bit. It’s going to make you love Tom Hanks even more than you do now, if that’s even possible. And it’s going to fortify your precious remembrance of Fred Rogers, the sweet guy in the sweater who talked right at you from the TV screen, be it with his haggard puppets or ever-present smile.

Yeah, the movie messes with you a bit. But sometimes that’s a very good thing. Ω

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

12345

Doctor Sleep

Stephen King fans know he hated Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining for trivializing Jack Torrance’s alcoholism and redirecting the evil powers of the Overlook Hotel. In essence, Doctor Sleep, his sequel to The Shining, almost seems to exist partly to right some of the wrongs that King perceived in Kubrick’s movie.

Alas, Mike Flanagan, the man behind the excellent and creepy The Haunting of Hill House, makes the decision to incorporate Kubrick’s film into his own adaptation of Doctor Sleep.

The results are a mixed bag of genuinely scary moments and passages that make the film too dependent on the glory of Kubrick. The film starts with Danny Torrance riding around the Overlook on his Big Wheels, and making that dreaded stop in room 237 where the old lady has stayed in the bathtub way too long. The film then jumps ahead to Dan as an adult, played by Ewan McGregor. Dan, like his daddy before him, drinks a lot. In some ways, which I won’t give away, King gets a chance for some do-overs, as some of the scenes and themes in Doctor Sleep reference parts of King’s original novel as well as the sequel book. King has long bemoaned the ending of the Kubrick’s film, and I can see why he might like the Doctor Sleep conclusion. As for me, I thought the movie was better when it wasn’t hanging around the Overlook Hotel.

The moments in the Overlook, although visually impressive for sure, felt like little more than a stunt, with no real, viable reason for the protagonists to be running around in Kubrick’s nightmare.

4

Ford v Ferrari

It’s the 1960s, and Henry Ford II (Tracy Letts) has had it up to here with Enzo Ferrari (Remo Girone) and his fast, flashy car ways. He and cronies such as Lee Iacocca (Jon Bernthal) and Leo Beebe (Josh Lucas) are chapped, and they want to send a message to the world that Ford isn’t just about family cars.

Enter Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon), a former race car driver turned designer and salesman after a heart condition benches him. Ford hires Shelby to design and race a car that can beat Ferrari in races, mainly the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It’s a tall order, and it calls for a crazy guy behind the wheel and calling the shots in Ken Miles (Christian Bale), an English-born rule-breaker who can drive a car and instantly know what can be fixed on it to make the damn thing go faster. His lack of convention causes Ford to bristle, Shelby gets in the middle, and we have ourselves a gripping tale about racing technology, volatile friendships and corporate clashes. If you go to this film looking for glorious depictions of high stakes auto racing, you will not be disappointed. Director James Mangold (Walk the Line) films Ford v Ferrari in a way where you feel every gear shift, every hairpin turn, and every moment when a car can skid off the tracks and cause grave injury.

In this sense, the movie is simply at the top of the auto movie genre. If you go looking for powerhouse acting, you won’t be let down either. Damon and Bale are otherworldly good as two pals who have no problem punching each other in the face on occasion, but always strain to have each other’s backs.

2

Joker

This new take on DC’s Clown Prince of Crime will go down as one of the year’s big missed opportunities. Director Todd Phillips, mostly known for his Hangover movies, apparently got the green light to do whatever he wanted with the Joker mythos. Phillips blows this chance. Phoenix is otherworldly good as Arthur Fleck, a severely troubled clown and standup comedy wannabe—and mama’s boy—with a condition that causes him to laugh uncontrollably at inappropriate moments. He physically and mentally disappears into the part, to the point where you may become concerned for the actor’s well-being.

When we first see Fleck, he’s dressed as a clown, spinning a sign and generally having a good time. He promptly gets his ass kicked, and not for the last time. We then see him in therapy and living in poverty with his quirky mother (Frances Conroy). Fleck slowly but surely starts to lose all sense of his humanity

as he grows into a criminal monster. Phillips even casts a game Robert De Niro to play a talk show host that winds up being a nod to Miller’s David Letterman riff (David Endocrine) in The Dark Knight Returns. At its most derivative, the screenplay echoes A Beautiful Mind, filmed in a way that feels like a hackneyed Shyamalan twist. In the end, it’s an unoriginal film only partially buoyed by an incredible performance.

4

The King

3

Lady and the Tramp

3

Zombieland: Double Tap

Partly inspired by real events and partly by the plays of William Shakespeare, Timothee Chalamet plays Hal, King Henry V of England, and it’s a barnburner of an acting turn. Chalamet has made a name for himself playing complicated, quiet characters before, but this one gives him a chance to rage on occasion, and he’s more than up to the task.

Joel Edgerton, who co-wrote the screenplay, is on hand as Falstaff, Hal’s complicated right hand man, and Robert Pattinson, once again, shows that he just might be the finest actor of his generation with a brave and crazy performance as the Dauphin of France. Simply put, Pattinson’s accent in this movie is one of the greatest things I’ve witnessed in a movie this year, as is his final stunt in full armor. Director David Michod stages some fine action scenes, and Lily-Rose Depp makes a nice late film appearance as Catherine, Hal’s bride to be who will not stand for any of his toxic masculinity bullshit. Chalamet and Pattinson impress the most in a period piece film that works, a grand experiment that pays off. I want a sequel.

(Streaming on Netflix.)

Disney+, the new Disney streaming service, has this available on day one, a sweet little live-action redo of the classic 1955 animated feature. This works primarily due to the casting of both the actual dogs and their voices. Justin Theroux, a notorious dog lover, is perfect for Tramp, a Schnauzer hybrid living the street life. The dog he provides the voice for is the spitting image of his animated counterpart. Tessa Thompson provides vocals for Lady, a cute-as-all-heck Cocker Spaniel.

The live-action animal talking is well done, and more engaging than that recent remake of The Lion King. The plot remains simple: rich dog meets stray dog, rich dog becomes stray dog, dogs fall in love. There are some major changes—no “Siamese Cat Song”—but fans will find a lot to remind them of the original (spaghetti scene!). Your kids will love it, and if it’s any indicator of the upcoming quality of the new Disney+ streaming content, things are off to a decent enough start. (Streaming on Disney+.)

Since the release of the first Zombieland back in 2009, much has happened in the entertainment land of the undead. A decade later, Emma Stone has an Oscar for La La Land, Woody Harrelson got his third nomination in that stretch, and Jesse Eisenberg was nominated for The Social Network. Abigail Breslin also had an Oscar nom before the first film for Little Miss Sunshine. With all of this Oscar business, might this crew of performers opt for more snobby fare rather than blowing up ghoul skulls for laughs? Nope, director Ruben Fleischer returns with the whole crew—shockingly—intact for Zombieland: Double Tap, a film that does little to reinvigorate the genre, but still delivers plenty of laughs. It’s basically the same as the first movie, but with some more laughs thanks to a new costar. The zombie killers have taken up residence in the White House, with Wichita (Stone) and Columbus (Eisenberg) in a relationship that requires them to cover up the eyes on the Lincoln portrait when they bed down at night. Tallahassee (Harrelson) is still searching for Twinkies with a new goal to visit Graceland while leaving shredded zombies in his wake, while Little Rock (Breslin) wouldn’t mind having her first boyfriend ever at the age of 22. it all becomes a road trip again, one that eventually leads to Graceland—sort of—and a commune called Babylon. It’s a basic sequel with enough laughs and genre fun to earn a look.

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by Todd SouTh

Estella at the Jesse serves handmade tacos with both traditional and innovative ingredients.

Taco the town Reno has plenty of tacos—street tacos, fast food tacos, restaurant tacos. There’s a taco for everyone. And then there are the tacos at Estella, part of the renovated hotel and bar now known as the Jesse (a decadesold structure now named for Reno’s namesake Civil War general). My friends and I met up at the stylish/trendy bar and enjoyed a few rounds of local microbrew ($5 a pint) before moseying on over to the upscale taqueria.

The room is pretty small, with stooland-counter seating. We ditched the stools and stood at the counter, engaging in conversation with the dedicated and enthusiastic folks crafting and serving our meal. We started with a housemade serving of thin, crispy tortilla chips ($2) with a ramekin of chunky, herby bean dip ($4).

Both were very good, but we wished for more dip. We finished off the chips with green tomatillo salsa and smoky salsa morita. Both had plenty of flavor and what I’d call medium heat.

There is a sizeable selection of mezcal—the agave-based cousin to tequila—available, including one imposing bottle labeled Peloton de la Muerte, or “Brigade of Death” ($30 per bottle).

They’re served with accompanying slices of blood orange, lime, something pickled I couldn’t identify and sal de gusano, a.k.a. “worm salt.” Comprised of salt, dried chiles and toasted, ground moth larvae that burrow into agave plants, it’s apparently a condiment that is fairly common in Mexico but has only recently become more available north of the border. It had an earthy, smokiness that I could see myself sprinkling on any number of foods.

The short menu includes vegan, vegetable and fruit salads, but I had eyes only for 18

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PHOTO/ALLISON YOUNG

tacos—and I ordered the lot. Rough-hewn, five-inch tortillas belied their housemade origins, lightly grilled and exceptionally flavorful. One piled with carne asada ($6), queso fresco, local microgreens, and salsa de arbol had a nice bit of heat, tender meat and was generally enjoyable. This was followed by a taco de pescado ($7) with beer battered snapper, chipotle crema and seasonal slaw. I’m not entirely certain what the veg was, but it was a nice contrast to the crispy fish and copious sauce.

Smoked king trumpet mushrooms and maitake mushrooms ($5.50) were combined with queso fresco, pine nuts, radish microgreens and salsa morita. On first bite there was a sweetness I wasn’t completely down with, but the ’shrooms pushed through and brought it all together. At this time of the year, the seasonal vegetarian taco ($5.50) understandably centered on roasted pumpkin and pumpkin seeds, with queso fresco and microgreens. Squash is generally not my favorite thing, but this was a really interesting, creative, very New World concoction. Even my least favorite taco was something remarkable.

The last two meat and masa discs were spectacular. A taco al pastor ($5.50) with cilantro, adobo, pineapple and a thin, fried wafer of queso Oaxaca was tender, crunchy and spicy. It was apparently my friend’s first experience with al pastor pork, and what an introduction. However, servings of carnitas ($5.50) with julienned house pickle, tomatillo salsa and the same Oaxaca cheese crisp blew everything else away.

Salty, sour, spicy, meaty and completely fantastic. Despite being pretty full at this point, I had to order one more of these, because, damn. □

Estella at the Jesse 350 Evans Ave., 737-9461

Estella at the Jesse is open 4 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, 4 to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Learn more at estellareno.com.

by MArk EArnEst

Northern Nevada Lumbercat in their natural habitat: from left, Caleb Collins, Alex Lemnah, Aris Andrews and Emmanuel Lemnah.

Funky felines Lumbercat Bands with dueling guitarists in Reno are easy to find. Groups that bounce two keyboardists off each other are a bit more rare. That’s just one ingredient of the secret sauce that has made Lumbercat one of the more intriguing groups making the rounds of clubs in the past few years.

Lumbercat features Alex Lemnah on keyboards and trumpet as well as Caleb Collins on organ and synthesizer.

Alex’s older brother, Emmanuel, is on drums, while Aris Andrews is on guitar and vocals.

You may notice something else out-ofthe-ordinary in that lineup: no permanent bassist. Lumbercat has used different fill-in bassists for shows this year. There are no plans for a steady one yet—though it sounds like they wouldn’t mind it.

“Bass is one of our favorite instruments, so we want to have it in there,” Andrews said. “We’ve been able to work with local bass players that we can have on rotation. Really, whoever is available to play with us can hop on a show. It is kind of tough, though.”

“You should make a note in the article: bass player wanted,” Emmanuel said.

A new four-string slinger would be playing with a group that started as acoustic-based folk-rock and is now a groove-heavy take on ’70s rock and funk, but still with melodic tunefulness in the forefront.

“I think that rock and roll is the foundation of it,” Andrews said. “There’s a lot of ’60s and late ’70s influences, but it’s also like a lot of different modern bands as well. Mostly, though, it has a lot of grooves and riffs—lots of riffs.”

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“We are suckers for that kind of stuff,” Emmanuel added.

Still, the band also works other styles into its sound, including Latin music and reggae.

“I think that one thing we enjoy as musicians in this band is trying out these unique little flairs,” Emmanuel said. “We like to mix it up, and I think we all agree that we like to see bands that don’t feel like they are playing the same song over and over. That’s not fun. We like to keep it fresh and keep the audience on their toes.”

Andrews said the band began quite far from Reno—in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

“Emmanuel and I went to the same college there and played in bands together,” Andrews said. “We were even roommates out there.”

The two musicians knew each other in the past, too. Lemnah grew up in Quincy, California, while Andrews was raised in Redding, California. “I already met him through campouts and outdoor activities back then, and then we ended up in Tennessee,” Emmanuel said. “It’s kind of funny.”

The two musicians eventually moved to Quincy, where Alex still lived. Along with Collins, another Quincy long-timer, Lumbercat went out on a huge limb soon after forming in 2015 and went on a months-long West Coast tour.

“It was more like a road trip with friends where you occasionally play shows,” Emmanuel clarified.

All four musicians eventually moved to Reno, and they’ve been steadily gigging since making the trek. They did take a break for part of 2017, when three of the band members—the Lemnah brothers and Collins—fought fires with the U.S. Forest Service. Ω

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Lumbercat plays with Los Angeles band More Fatter and Reno group Phat Mark at 9 p.m. Dec. 5 at Dead Ringer Analog Bar, 432 E. Fourth St. You can hear Lumbercat tunes at lumbercatmusic.bandcamp.com.

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5 STAR SALOON

132 West St., (775) 499-5655

THURSDAY 11/28

FRIDAY 11/29

SATURDAY 11/30

Thanksgiving Bash/Karaoke Night, 9pm, no cover

Dance party, 10pm, $5

Dance party, 10pm, $5

ALIBI ALE WORKS (INCLINE)

931 Tahoe Blvd., Incline Village, (775) 831-8300

ALIBI ALE WORKS (TRUCKEE)

The Dead South Nov. 30, 8 p.m.

Virginia Street Brewhouse 211 N. Virginia St. 433-1090

10069 Bridge St., Truckee, (530) 536-5029

Gobble Gobble Down with DJ Funksalot, 9pm, no cover

BAR OF AMERICA

The Second Floor, 9pm, no cover

The Second Floor, 9pm, no cover

555 E. Fourth St., (775) 499-5549

Blackout: ComaTek, Howker, Kyu, CVPTVCON vs. Jonnie Boi, 10pm, $10

Reno Burner Fur Party: Left/Right, The Rhino, Erik Lobe, 9pm, $20

CEOL IRISH PUB

John Garrett Band, 9pm, no cover

Roger Scimé, 8:30pm, no cover

COTTONWOOD RESTAURANT

George Souza, 6:30pm, no cover

George Souza, 6:30pm, no cover

10040 Donner Pass Rd., Truckee, (530) 587-2626

THE BLUEBIRD

Comedy

538 S. Virginia St., (775) 329-5558

Carson Comedy Club, Carson Nugget, 507 N. Carson St., Carson City, (775) 8821626: Joby Saab, Fri-Sat, 8pm, $15 Laugh Factory, Silver Legacy Resort Casino, 407 N. Virginia St., (775) 3257401: Chris Newberg, Thu, Sun, 7:30pm, $21.95; Fri-Sat, 7:30pm, 9:30pm, $27.45; Rick Gutierrez, Tue-Wed, 7:30pm, $21.95 LEX at Grand Sierra Resort, 2500 E. Second St., (775) 789-5399: Justin Rivera, Fri, 6:30pm, $10 The Library, 134 W. Second St., (775) 6833308: Sunday Night Comedy Open Mic, Sun, 8pm, no cover Pioneer Underground, 100 S. Virginia St., (775) 322-5233: Steve Hytner, Fri-Sat, 8:30pm, $15-$25; Justin Rivera, 2pm, Sat, $12-$15 (all ages)

10142 Rue Hilltop Rd., Truckee, (530) 587-5711

DAVIDSON’S DISTILLERY

434 E. Fourth St., (775) 409-4431

FACES NV

235 W. Second St., (775) 470-8590

FAT CAT BAR & GRILL (MIDTOWN) 432 E. Fourth St., (775) 453-2223

THE HOLLAND PROJECT 140 Vesta St., (775) 448-6500

MON-WED 12/2-12/4 Trivia and drag show, 9pm, Tu, karaoke, 9pm, W, no cover

Post shows online by registerin g at www.newsr eview. co m/ren Bluegrass jam,o.

6pm, no cover Dea dline is the Frida y before public ation.

Trivia Night, 7pm, Tu, no cover Open Mic Night, 7pm, M, no cover Latin Dance Night, 7:30pm, Tu, no cover

Traditional Irish session, 7pm, Tu, Wed. Night Showcase, 7pm, W, no cover

Whiskey Preachers, 9pm, no cover

275 E. Fourth St., (775) 324-1917

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SUNDAY 12/1

Jive Turkey Friday with DJs The Terrible, Haircake, 9pm, no cover Queens of Karaoke with Aspen Meadows, Fantasy Friday, 11:30pm, $TBA DJ Gina G, 9pm, no cover First Take featuring Rick Metz, 7pm, Tu, no cover

Funktion House, 10pm, no cover

Cumbia Night, 7:30pm, $5-$10 donation

Spendtime Palace, Brazen Youth, Slate, 7:30pm, $10-$12

The Aquadolls, Tommy & The Tongues, Flamingoes in the Tree, 7:30pm, Tu, $10-$12

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For tickets & showtimes please visit: www.bruka.org 775-323-3221 Brüka theatre 99 N. VirgiNia Street

JUB JUB’S THIRST PARLOR 71 S. Wells Ave., (775) 384-1652 1) Showroom 2) Bar Room

THURSDAY 11/28

FRIDAY 11/29

2) Friendsgiving (Thanksgiving potluck), 6pm, no cover

2) Claymore, Blasphemous Creator, Dissidence, Condemned Existence, 8:30pm, $5

SATURDAY 11/30

SUNDAY 12/1

MON-WED 12/2-12/4 2) At the Heart of the World, ColdClaw, Ratz On Acid, Screams of Syrens, 8pm, W, $5

LAUGHING PLANET CAFE (UNR)

UNR Student Jazz Jam Sessions, 7:30pm, W, no cover

THE LOVING CUP

Motown on Mondays, 9pm, M, no cover Roselit Bone, 8:30pm, W, $TBA

941 N. Virginia St., (775) 870-9633

188 California Ave., (775) 322-2480

MIdTOwN wINE BAR

The Peanuts Gang Trio, 4pm, no cover Arizona Jones, 8:30pm, no cover

1527 S. Virginia St., (775) 800-1960

MUMMERS

Bingo w/T-N-Keys, 6:30pm, Tu, no cover Sundae & Mr. Goessl, 8pm, W, no cover

The Robeys, 8pm, no cover

PIGNIC PUB & PATIO

An Orphan Thanksgiving, 3pm, no cover

Hot to Trot: Reno Jazz Syndicate, 10pm, no cover

THE POLO LOUNGE

Karaoke, 8pm, no cover

Ladies Night with DJ Bobby G, 8:30pm, no cover

Saturday Night Party with DJ Bobby G, 8:30pm, no cover

Karaoke, 8pm, M, no cover

Kat Heart, 8pm, no cover

Michelle Belle, 8pm, no cover

DJ Bingo, 7pm, W, no cover

1559 S. Virginia St., (775) 322-8864

RUE BOURBON

1401 S. Virginia St., (775) 384-6526

THE SAINT

211 N. Virginia St., (775) 433-1090

wHISKEY dICK’S SALOON

2660 Lake Tahoe Blvd., S.L. Tahoe, (530) 544-3857

Roselit Bone

Wednesday Night Country, 6pm, W, no cover

761 S. Virginia St., (775) 221-7451

VIRGINIA STREET BREwHOUSE

Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m.

The Holland Project 140 Vesta St. 448-6500

One Way Street Band, 8pm, no cover

906 Victorian Ave., Sparks, (775) 409-3754

235 Flint St., (775) 376-1948

The Aquadolls

Turkey Turn Up Silent Disco, 10pm, no cover

Sexy Friday with DJ Rekoh Suave, 11pm, $5

Dec. 4, 8:30 p.m.

The Loving Cup 188 California Ave. 322-2480

The Dead South, 8pm, $31 DJ Rekoh Suave, 11:30pm, $TBA Pray for Snow Party with Mo’Steph, Moody Eva, no cover

The Biggest Little City Welcomes The Biggest Little Circus

Looking for something fun and exciting to do this TiCkeTs sTarT winter? Winter Dreams show is coming to Reno and aT jusT $19 offers unforgettable magical experience for the whole kids under 5 get family! Hosted by the best Comedy Magician of 2017, the show will be filled with endless fun and laughter!

Free entrance & a sweet mini GiFT Our Day Show offers included for each something special for all age groups. Both kids paid Day Show ticket! and adults will be amazed by performances of our world class acrobats, jugglers, comical clowns, magicians, and aerial dancers! And the little ones will definitely be impressed by clever and graceful acts of the furry dog artists!

December 6-22

Both Day and Evening shows will take place inside a cozy heated Big Top dome with a dazzling array of delectable food and drink.

Book your tickets NOW and save 10% by using RENOMAGIC promo code

www.magictheatercircus.com

Tickets are also available for purchase at Bazaar european Deli & Cafe 3652 s. Virginia st. suite C1, reno, NV

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aTlanTIs CasIno resorT sPa

Carson Valley Inn

elDoraDo resorT CasIno

3800 S. Virginia St., (775) 825-4700

1627 HigHway 395, Minden, (775) 782-9711

345 n. Virginia St., (775) 786-5700

Cabaret

SANTA’S CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND: Thu, 11/28,

Cabaret MELISSA DRU: Thu, 11/28, Fri, 11/29, Sat, 11/30, 4pm, no cover

REBEKAH CHASE BAND: Fri, 11/29, Sat, 11/30, 10pm, Sun, 12/1, 8pm, no cover

ATOMIKA: Mon, 12/2, Tue, 12/3, Wed, 12/4, 8pm, no cover

BooMToWn CasIno HoTel 2100 garSOn rOad, Verdi, (775) 345-6000

ROEM BAUR BAND: Thu, 11/28, 7pm, Fri, 11/29, Sat, 11/30, 8pm, no cover

STEPHEN LORD: Tue, 12/3, Wed, 12/4, 8pm, no cover

CIrCUs CIrCUs reno 500 n. Sierra St., (775) 329-0711 eL JeFe’S Cantina SKYY HIGH FRIDAY WITH DJ MO FUNK: Fri, 11/29,

gUitar bar

10pm, no cover

STEPHEN LORD: Thu, 11/28, 5pm, no cover GARY DOUGLAS: Thu, 11/28, 9pm, no cover JASON KING: Fri, 11/29, 5pm, no cover THE STARLITERS: Sat, 11/30, 5pm, no cover EBONY NOT QUITE IVORY: Fri, 11/29, Sat, 11/30, 9pm, no cover

THE ROBEYS: Sun, 12/1, 6pm, no cover TANDYMONIUM: Mon, 12/2, 6pm, no cover JAMIE ROLLINS: Tue, 12/3, 6pm, no cover JASON KING: Wed, 12/4, 6pm, no cover

REVEL SATURDAYS WITH DJ CHRIS ENGLISH: Sat, 11/30, 10pm, no cover

Cabaret MIKE FURLONG BAND: Fri, 11/29, Sat, 11/30, 9pm, no cover

CrysTal Bay CasIno 14 HigHway 28, CryStaL bay, (775) 833-6333 CrOwn rOOM

Carson nUGGeT

WALTER TROUT: Fri, 11/29, 8pm, $30-$35

507 n. CarSOn St., CarSOn City, (775) 882-1626 tHe LOFt

red rOOM GWANN & BIG DELIGHT: Fri, 11/29, 11pm, no cover BENJAH NINJAH & IJV: Sat, 11/30, 11pm, no cover

DECEPTION: Fri, 11/29, Sat, 11/30, 9pm, no cover

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eLdOradO SHOwrOOM 7pm, Fri, 11/29, Sat, 11/30, Sun, 12/1, 4pm, 7pm, Tue, 12/3, Wed, 12/4, 7pm, $30.95-$67.95

brew brOtHerS STUDENT BODY THURSDAYS WITH VJ RIZZO: Thu, 11/28, 10pm, no cover

DJ BIRD & RIZZO: Fri, 11/29, Sat, 11/30, 10pm, no cover

DJ MARK TWYMAN: Sun, 12/1, 10pm, no cover LIVE BAND KARAOKE WITH ROCK U ENT.: Mon, 12/2, Wed, 12/4, 10pm, no cover

BREW CLUB TUESDAYS WITH DJ MARK TWYMAN & DJ JB: Tue, 12/3, 10pm, no cover

nOVi RED CUP FRIDAYS WITH DJ DUSTIN V & DJ RONI V: Fri, 11/29, 9pm, no cover

LINE DANCING: Sat, 11/30, 9pm, no cover

rOXy’S LiVe PianO bar LIVE PIANO: Thu, 11/28, Fri, 11/29, Sat, 11/30, Sun, 12/1, Mon, 12/2, Tue, 12/3, Wed, 12/4, 4:30pm, no cover

DJ OSCAR PEREZ: Fri, 11/29, 10pm, no cover DJ MO FUNK: Sat, 11/30, 10pm, no cover

NOV/29:

CRAFTS FOR CHRISTMAS

Get a jump start on your holiday shopping during the annual Christmas craft fair, which features a wide variety of craft and gift booths. The three-day event includes holiday drink and food demonstrations, performances by Bob Greenwood, the Reno High Band Jazz Ensemble and the Reno Dance Company, among others, and selfies with Santa Claus from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day of the festival. There will be a tree lighting ceremony on Victorian Square with free hot cocoa and cookies and an appearance by Santa Claus starting at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 29. The festival is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday-Saturday, Nov. 29-30, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1, at the Sierra Convention Rooms on the second floor of the Nugget Casino Resort, 1100 Nugget Ave., Sparks. Admission is free. Visit www.nuggetcasinoresort.com.

Post shows online by registering at www.newsreview.com/reno. Deadline is the Friday before publication.

LEX nIGHtcLUB THROWBACK THURSDAY WITH DJ SWERVE-1: Thu, 11/28, 6pm, no cover

GLAM JAM: Fri, 11/29, 10pm, $10 DJ P JAY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION: Sat, 11/30, 10pm, $20

WILLIAM HILL RAcE And SPoRtS BAR COUNTRY MUSIC NIGHTS & DANCE LESSONS: Thu, 11/28, Fri, 11/29, Sat, 11/30, 10pm, no cover

HARD ROCK LAKE TAHOE 50 HIGHWAy 50, StAtELInE, (844) 588-7625

The Clairvoyants Nov. 30, 8 p.m.

MontBleu Resort, Casino & Spa 55 Highway 50 Stateline (800) 235-8259

GRAND SIERRA RESORT 2500 E. SEcond St., (775) 789-2000 GRAnd tHEAtRE BRET MICHAELS WITH WARRANT: Fri, 11/29, 8pm, $49.50-$105

THIRD EYE BLIND: Sat, 11/30, 8pm, $37-$67

VInyL SHoWRooM ALEX RAMON: Fri, 11/29, Sat, 11/30, 8pm, $30-$40

THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER: Tue, 12/3, Wed, 12/4, 8pm, $25

cEntER BAR DJ SET: Fri, 11/29, Sat, 11/30, 9pm, no cover

HARRAH’S LAKE TAHOE 15 HIGHWAy 50, StAtELInE, (800) 427-7247 SoUtH SHoRE RooM ABBACADABRA—THE ULTIMATE ABBA TRIBUTE: Fri, 11/29, Sat, 11/30, 7:30pm, $27.06

cASIno cEntER StAGE TUESDAY NIGHT BLUES WITH THE BUDDY EMMER BAND: Tue, 12/3, 8pm, no cover

HARVEYS LAKE TAHOE 18 HIGHWAy 50, StAtELInE, (775) 588-6611

EdGE

THE RESIDENTS—MARK TWYMAN, TRAE CARTERWELLS AND DJ KEEKZ: Sat, 11/30, 10pm, $20

THE NEVADA SHOW: Fri, 11/29, 10pm,

tERRAcE LoUnGE

MONTBLEU RESORT, CASINO & SPA 55 HIGHWAy 50, StAtELInE, (800) 235-8259 MontBLEU SHoWRooM THE CLAIRVOYANTS CHRISTMAS: Sat, 11/30, 8pm, $25-$45

NUGGET CASINO RESORT 1100 nUGGEt AVE., SPARkS, (775) 356-3300 SIERRA conVEntIon RooMS CRAFTS FOR CHRISTMAS: Fri, 11/29, Sat, 11/30, Sun, 12/1, 10am, no cover

PEPPERMILL RESORT SPA CASINO 2707 S. VIRGInIA St., (775) 826-2121 tUScAny BALLRooM

5 HIGHWAy 28, cRyStAL BAy, (775) 831-0660

before 8pm

HARVEy’S cABAREt $26.83-$36.83

TAHOE BILTMORE

LATIN DANCE SOCIAL WITH BB & KIKI OF SALSA RENO: Fri, 11/29, 7pm, $10-$20, no cover

cASIno FLooR CHRIS COSTA: Fri, 11/29, Sat, 11/30, 8pm, no cover

THE CONTRAPTIONISTS: Thu, 11/28, 7pm, Fri, 11/29, Sat, 11/30, 8pm, no cover

KYLE WILLIAMS: Sun, 12/1, Mon, 12/2, Tue, 12/3, Wed, 12/4, 6pm, no cover

SANDS REGENCY 345 n. ARLInGton AVE., (775) 348-2200 3Rd StREEt LoUnGE

karaoke

LINE DANCING WITH VAQUERA VIKKI: Thu, 11/28, Wed, 12/4, 6pm, no cover

SILVER LEGACY RESORT CASINO 407 n. VIRGInIA St., (775) 325-7401

Fat Cat Bar & Grill (Midtown District), 1401 S. Virginia St., (775) 453-2223: Karaoke with Chapin, Tue, 9pm, no cover Pizza Baron, 1155 W. Fourth St., Ste. 113, (775) 329-4481: Wacky Wednesday Karaoke with Steve Starr & DJ Hustler, 9pm, no cover

GRAnd EXPoSItIon HALL RODNEY CARRINGTON: Fri, 11/29, 7:30pm,

The Point, 1601 S. Virginia St., (775) 3223001: Karaoke, Thu-Sat, 8:30pm, no cover

$54.59-$63.76

RUM BULLIonS GARAGE BOYS WITH DJ R3VOLVER: Fri, 11/29,

Spiro’s Sports Bar & Grille, 1475 E. Prater Way, Ste. 103, Sparks, (775) 356-6000: Karaoke, Fri-Sat, 9pm, no cover

Sat, 11/30, 9pm, no cover

SILVER BARon LoUnGE DJ MOFUNK: Thu, 11/28, Sun, 12/1, 9pm, no cover SOUNDWAVE: Fri, 11/29, Sat, 11/30, 9pm, no cover

West 2nd Street Bar, 118 W. Second St., (775) 348-7976: Karaoke, Mon-Sun, 9pm, no cover

TA ON DOI: Fri, 11/29, 9pm, $10-$20, $35-$150

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FOR THE WEEK OF NOVEmbER 27, 2019 For a complete listing of this week’s events or to post events to our online calendar, visit www.newsreview.com.

HEAVENLY HOLIDAYS FAMILY FESTIVAL: Heavenly Village’s monthlong celebration includes a tree lighting, fireworks, live music, rail jams, train rides, special performances, ice sculptures, breakfast with Santa, ice skating performances starring Disney characters, Ferris Wheel rides and more. Fri, 11/29Wed, 12/4. Heavenly Mountain, 4080 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, theshopsatheavenly.com.

IF IT’S TUESDAY, THIS MUST BE BELGIUM:

NOV/29:

A CHRISTMAS STORY

Broadway Comes to Reno opens its 2019-2020 season with the Tony Award-nominated musical based on the 1983 film. Set in 1940s Indiana, a young and bespectacled Ralphie Parker schemes his way toward the holiday gift of his dreams, an official Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle. An infamous leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, a maniacal department store Santa and a triple-dog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole are just a few of the distractions that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas wish. Showtimes are 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 29, 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30, and 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1, at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, 100 S. Virginia St. Tickets are $48-$88. Call 686-6600 or visit pioneercenter.com.

Artemisia MovieHouse presents a screening of the 1969 romantic comedy directed by Mel Stuart. The film follows the humorous and at times absurd adventures of a group of American tourists on a guided bus tour of Europe.

Tour conductor Charlie uses these tours in large part to catch up with his vast stable of casual girlfriends located in various cities. The film stars Suzanne Pleshette, Ian McShane, Mildred Natwick, Murray Hamilton, Sandy Baron, Michael Constantine, Norman Fell, Peggy Cass, Marty Ingels, Pamela Britton and Reva Rose. Sun, 12/1, 6pm. $5-$9. Good Luck Macbeth Theater Company, 124 Taylor St., artemisiamovies.weebly.com.

NOEL NIGHTS: Northstar California Resort presents its annual holiday celebration featuring live music, ice skating, face painting, activities and Santa Claus every Friday through Dec. 20. Fri, 11/29, 5pm. Northstar California Resort, 5001 Northstar Drive, Truckee, (530) 562-1010, www.northstarcalifornia.com.

THE POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE: During

EVENTS

CARSON VALLEY TURKEY TROT: All ages are invited to participate in this community 5k run/walk. Dogs on leashes are welcome, too. There will be a photo booth, swag bag, prizes, coffee and more. Thu, 11/28, 8am. $15-$45. Minden Park, 1610 Esmeralda, Minden, (775) 7823711, www.thefoodcloset.org.

AFTER THANKSGIVING CRAFT FAIR: Over 50 native and non-native, local and out-state vendors offer beaded items, paintings, baskets, pillows/ blankets, holiday crafts, baked good and more for sale. There will be dance performances by Eagle Wings Dancers at noon on Saturday. Fri, 11/29-Sat, 11/30, 10am. Free. Reno/Sparks Indian Colony Gym, 34 Reservation Road, (775) 785-1321.

COIN PRESS DEMONSTRATIONS: Watch the Nevada State Museum’s historic Coin Press No. 1 in action. The press demonstrations will take place the last Friday of the month with two-person teams of volunteers, who will share its history with museum visitors. The demonstrations are at 9am and 1pm. Fri, 11/29, 9am. $8 general admission, free for children age 17 and younger. Nevada State Railroad Museum, 2180 S. Carson St., Carson City, (775) 687-4810.

ANIMAL ARK OPEN THANKSGIVING WEEKEND: The wildlife sanctuary is open the weekend following Thanksgiving Day. Bring any uncooked turkey parts (necks or gizzards), which will be given to the resident predators. Dress for colder weather and please call before leaving your home to confirm if the facility is operational, as stormy weather or dangerous road conditions could cancel the event. Fri, 11/29-Sat, 11/30, 11am3pm. $12-$14, free for children under age 2. Animal Ark Wildlife Sanctuary, 1265 Deerlodge Road, (775) 970-3111.

DISCOVER YOUR WAY: The Discovery offers exclusive admission for families with children with autism or those who can benefit from sensory-friendly time at the museum on the first Sunday of each month. Discover Your Way visitors are welcome to stay and play when the museum opens to the general public at noon. Sun, 12/1, 10am. $10-$12, free for members. Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum (The Discovery), 490 S. Center St., (775) 786-1000, nvdm.org.

CANDY CANE EXPRESS: Begin your holiday season aboard vintage, heated coaches.

Enjoy hot chocolate, cider, candy canes and cookies during your magical trip.

Departure times are noon and 2pm.

Reservations are recommended. Fri, 11/29-Sun, 12/1, noon. $12-$23. Virginia City, 166 F St., Virginia City, (775) 8470380, virginiatruckee.com.

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poetry and favorite poems or just come listen. Wed, 12/4, 6pm. Free. Kings Beach Library, 301 Secline St., Kings Beach, (530) 546-2021.

this hour-long train ride, characters, entertainment and Santa Claus bring the Polar Express story to life. Riders will receive hot chocolate and a cookie and a souvenir silver sleigh bell. Rides depart at 5pm, 6:30pm and 8pm. The last train departs at 6:30pm on Dec. 24. Fri, 11/29-Sun, 12/1, 5pm. $17-$46.

V&T Eastgate Depot, 4650 Eastgate Siding Road, Carson City, (877) 724-5007, vtrailway.com.

RINK AT THE ROW: The outdoor ice skating rink is open through Feb. 16. Skating hours are 3-10pm on Monday-Thursday, noon-11:30pm on Friday-Saturday, and noon-9:30pm on Sunday, depending on weather and ice conditions. Admission includes skate rental. Get $2 off admission if you bring your own ice skates. Wed, 11/27-Wed, 12/4. $12-$18.

Rink at the Row, Sixth and Sierra streets, across from Circus Circus, www.circusreno.com.

SCHEELS TURKEY TROT: The annual Thankgiving Day event includes a timed 10K run or a two-mile un-timed walk or run around the Sparks Marina. The 10K and the two-mile events will start and finish in the parking lot of Scheels. Thu, 11/28, 8:30am. $25-$60. Scheels at The Outlets at Legends, 1200 Scheels Drive, (775) 353-7898, cityofsparks.us.

TURKEY TROT: Hosted by St. Teresa of Avila Catholic School, the Turkey Trot offers a 5K or 8K run/walk or the Gobble Wobble Kids Fun Run. Thu, 11/28, 8:30am. $20$45. Nevada Governor’s Mansion, 606 Mountain St., Carson City, (775) 882-2079, www.stts.org.

WELCOME TO WINTER PARTY: The Village at Squaw Valley kicks off the holiday season with complimentary sleigh rides, performances by Great Basin Carolers and the North Tahoe Children’s Choir, ornament craft making with Arts For The Schools, photos with Santa Claus and a sneak peek of the upcoming Twisted Nutcracker and Tale of the Rat King performance by the Truckee Dance Factory and the Merry Days & Holly Nights Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5pm.

Sat, 11/30, 9am-7pm. The Village at Squaw Valley, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, 1960 Squaw Valley Road, Olympic Valley, squawalpine.com.

WOBBLE BEFORE YOU GOBBLE 10K/5K: Kick off Thanksgiving Day with a 10K or 5K run/walk/wobble before heading home to your Thanksgiving feast. The event benefits the Children’s Cabinet. Thu, 11/28, 9am. $15-$50. City Plaza, 10 N. Virginia St., (775) 342-8895.

ART ARTE ITALIA: NeoRealismo—The New Image in Italy, 1932-1960. This exhibition portrays life in Italy through the lens of photography before, during and after World War II. Fri, 11/29-Sun, 12/1, noon. Free. arte italia, 442 Flint St., (775) 333-0313, www.arteitaliausa.org.

ARTIST CO-OP GALLERY OF RENO: Where Santa Shops. The holiday show offers one-of-a-kind gifts and decorating items created by local artists, including paintings, drawings, photography and a large assortment of handmade ornaments, jewelry, pottery, gourds, hats, scarves, original holiday cards and more. The show and sale runs through Dec. 27. There will be a reception on Dec. 8. Wed, 11/27, Fri, 11/29-Wed, 12/4, 11am4pm. Free. Artist Co-op Gallery of Reno, 627 Mill St., (775) 322-8896.

CITY HALL METRO GALLERY: City of Reno Employee Art Show. This show celebrates the talents of the city’s current employees and their families.

Works on display include photography, drawing, painting and textile work. The show runs through Dec. 27. There will be a reception and awards ceremony on Dec. 5, 5-7pm. Wed, 11/27, Mon, 12/2-Wed, 12/4, 8am-5pm. Free. City Hall Metro Gallery, 1 E. First St., (775) 334-6264.

MCKINLEY ARTS & CULTURE CENTER: Artists and Public Lands—Artist-in-Residence in the Black Rock Desert. Artists Mary Kenny and Jack Hulbert are this year’s artists-in-residence at the Friends of Black Rock High Rock. Kenny works with digital prints and screenprinted collages.

Hulbert’s photographs tell the story of the community rooted at the edge of vast, unsettled land. Wed, 11/27, Mon, 12/2-Wed, 12/4, 8am-5pm. Free. McKinley Arts & Culture Center Gallery East, 925 Riverside Drive, (775) 334-6264.

WILBUR D. MAY CENTER: Something Old, Something New. The Sierra Watercolor Society present its latest exhibition and art sale featuring dozens of new watercolor paintings of landscapes, portraits, animals and other subjects.

Visitors are also invited to vote for their favorite painting to win the “People’s Choice Award.” Wed, 11/27, Fri, 11/29-Sun, 12/1, Wed, 12/4, 10am. Wilbur D. May Center, Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, 1595 N. Sierra St., (775) 785-5961.

ONSTAGE BUTTCRACKER 9 —SON OF A BUTTCRACKER: What began as a Brüka Theatre parody of The Nutcracker has evolved into a regional cult classic, offering a different underbelly to the original ballet each year it is performed. This year’s theme explores “re-creation” with a wink to Mary Shelley and an observance of neologisms that dynamically flavor a new holiday conversation for the millennium. Fri, 11/29-Sat, 11/30, 7:30pm.

Brüka Theatre, 99 N. Virginia St., (775) 323-3221.

COMEDY SKETCH SHOW—HERD IMMUNITY: Reno Improv presents its sketch comedy revue featuring original sketches by local writers. Sat, 11/30, 8pm. $10. Reno Improv, 695 Willow St., (775) 233-6035.

THE HUMANS: Reno Little Theater presents the 2016 Tony award-winning drama for Best Play. Stephen Karam’s dramedy tells the story of the Blake family’s Thanksgiving dinner where the heart and horrors of the fractured family are exposed. Fri, 11/29-Sat, 11/30, 7:30pm; Sun, 12/1, 2pm. $15-$25. Reno Little Theater, 147 E. Pueblo St., (775) 813-8900.

MRS. BOB CRATCHIT’S WILD CHRISTMAS BINGE: Good Luck Macbeth Company presents Chris Durang’s parody of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. In this departure from the holiday classic, Mrs. Bob Cratchit, rather than Ebenezer Scrooge, takes center stage. No longer loving and long suffering, Mrs. Bob is in a rage: She’s sick of Tiny Tim, she hates her 20 other children and she wants to get drunk and jump off London Bridge.

As the Ghost loses more control, the plot morphs into parodies of Oliver Twist, “The Gift of the Magi” and It’s a Wonderful Life. And to make matters worse, Scrooge and Mrs. Bob seem to be kindred souls falling in love. Fri, 11/29Sat, 11/30, 7:30pm. $18-$20. Good Luck Macbeth Theatre Company, 124 W. Taylor St., (775) 322-3716.

THE NUTCRACKER BALLET: Pinkerton Ballet Theatre presents its 31st annual production of the holiday classic featuring dancers Erica Chipp-Adams, Oliver-Paul Adams, Maykel Solas and Armen Hagopian and Company in starring roles, accompanied by local dancers and a live orchestra. Fri, 11/29Sat, 11/30, 7pm; Sun, 12/1, 2pm. $20-$24.

Bob Boldrick Theatre, Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St., Carson City, (775) 297-5007, www.pinkertonballet.com.

BY AMY ALKON

Spurning curve I was feeding my meter the other day, and this guy started chatting me up outside his store and got me to take his number. He seemed sweet, but things quickly got weird when he wanted to come over the next night. I said that didn’t work for me, but I offered to swing by his work and say hi during the day.

He responded angrily: “No. I wanna come to your house, but you aren’t ready for it.” I politely explained that I didn’t know him at all and wasn’t into casual sex anymore. If that didn’t work for him, that was totally cool and we could just be friends. He got angry again, saying, “I’m not a negative person” and then “But now you’ll never know how awesome I am!” Why do some guys get so jerky when you turn them down or just want to take things slow?

The easy assumption is that he just wanted sex and went all brat-o when he didn’t get it. However, research on men’s responses to romantic rejection suggests some interesting possibilities, including strong masculine “honor beliefs.”

Social psychology doctoral student Evelyn Stratmoen explains, “Masculine honor beliefs dictate that men must respond aggressively to threat or insult in order to create and maintain their desired masculine reputations.”

“Honor beliefs” come out of a “culture of honor.” It rises up in places with weak or nonexistent formal law enforcement. It’s why men of yore fought duels. In modern life, we see it in gangs and especially in prison. Literary scholar Jonathan Gottschall explains in The Professor in the Cage: Why Men Fight and Why We Like to Watch that a “culture of honor” is a “culture of reciprocation.” “In a tit for tat fashion,” a man “returns favors and retaliates against slights.”

His building a “reputation for payback” protects him physically, socially and even economically, signaling to others not to cross him.

In two studies that Stratmoen and her colleagues ran, they found that as men’s “honor beliefs increased”—that is, when individual men had more intense honor beliefs—“so did their perceptions that a man’s aggressive responses to the woman rejecting his attempt to initiate a relationship with her were ... appropriate.” The Stratmoen

team’s findings suggest that being romantically rejected “is perceived as an insult to the man’s honor,” making him, say, feel insulted and like less of a man and justified in using “aggressive behaviors, possibly in an effort to restore his lost honor.”

Other research by social psychologist Khandis Blake and her colleagues found that men showed heightened aggression following romantic rejection by a “sexualized” woman: a woman wearing revealing, sexy clothing and expressing attitudes that “give an impression of sexiness and availability for sexual encounters.” The researchers grant that “women have varied reasons for self-sexualizing,” like finding it “empowering and enjoyable.”

Their motivations may even be “nonsexual in nature.”

However, women with a sexualized look and demeanor activated a sex-seeking mindset in men—primed “sexual goals,” as the researchers put it—in a way nonsexualized women did not.

This sex goal activation—plus the presumption that a sexualized woman is “more interested in having sex”—increases “the expectancy that romantic interest is reciprocated.” Any romantic rejection that follows has a worse bite, triggering aggressive responses.

Now, this is not a call for women to start shopping at Burka Barn or Amishcrombie & Fitch. Wearing a miniskirt or expressing “liberated” attitudes about sex does not make you responsible for men’s behavior any more than serving chocolate cake at a party makes you responsible for a guest’s subsequent struggle to fit into their favorite pants.

In short, you did everything right, asserting what works for you in kind and dignity-preserving ways. Other aggro men might be better at hiding their Mr. Scary Side.

With those guys, your new “take it slow” approach should serve you well. And with the good guys out there, your not wanting to rush into anything is ultimately a signal: You’re a woman worth having. Ω

ERIK HOLLAND

Got a problem? Write Amy Alkon, 171 Pier Ave., No. 280, Santa Monica, CA 90405, or email AdviceAmy@aol.com (www.advicegoddess.com).

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Free will astrology Call for a quote.

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afraid of, but pretty confident you could become unafraid of? The coming weeks will be a favorable time to dismantle or dissolve that fear. Your levels of courage will be higher than usual, and your imagination will be unusually ingenious in devising methods and actions to free you of the unnecessary burden. Step one: Formulate an image or scene that symbolizes the dread, and visualize yourself blowing it up with a “bomb” made of a hundred roses.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The word “enantiodromia”

refers to a phenomenon that occurs when a vivid form of expression turns into its opposite, often in dramatic fashion. Yang becomes yin; resistance transforms into welcome; loss morphs into gain.

According to my reading of the astrological omens, you are the sign of the zodiac that’s most likely to experience enantiodromia in the coming weeks. Will it be a good thing or a bad thing? You can have a lot of influence over how that question resolves. For best results, don’t fear or demonize contradictions and paradoxes. Love and embrace them.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): There are Americans who

speak only one language, English, and yet imagine they are smarter than bilingual immigrants. That fact amazes me, and inspires me to advise me and all my fellow Cancerians to engage in humble reflection about how we judge our fellow humans.

Now is a favorable time for us to take inventory of any inclinations we might have to regard ourselves as superior to others; to question why we might imagine others aren’t as worthy of love and respect as we are; or to be skeptical of any tendency we might have to dismiss and devalue those who don’t act and think as we do. I’m not saying we Cancerians are more guilty of these sins than everyone else; I’m merely letting you know that the coming weeks are our special time to make corrections.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In the follow-up story to

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, our heroine uses a magic mirror as a portal into a fantastical land.

There she encounters the Red Queen, and soon the two of them are holding hands as they run as fast as they can. Alice notices that despite their great effort, they don’t seem to be moving forward. What’s happening? The Queen clears up the mystery: In her realm, you must run as hard as possible just to remain in the same spot. Sound familiar? I’m wondering whether you’ve had a similar experience lately. If so, here’s my advice: Stop running. Sit back, relax and allow the world to zoom by you. Yes, you might temporarily fall behind. But in the meantime, you’ll get fully recharged. No more than three weeks from now, you’ll be so energized that you’ll make up for all the lost time—and more.

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TAURUS (April 20-May 20): What’s something you’re

est forms of contemplation,” wrote the sensually wise poet Kenneth Rexroth. That’s a provocative and profitable inspiration for you to tap into. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, you’re in the Season of Lucky Plucky Delight, when brave love can save you from wrong turns and irrelevant ideas and when the grandeur of amour can be your teacher and catalyst. If you have a partner with whom you can conduct these educational experiments, wonderful. If you don’t, be extra sweet and intimate with yourself.

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in 4,500 B.C., the wheel in 4,000 B.C. and writing in 3,400 B.C. But long before that, by 6,000 B.C., they had learned how to brew beer and make psychoactive drugs from plants. Psychopharmacologist Ronald Siegel points to this evidence to support his hypothesis that the yearning to transform our normal waking consciousness is a basic drive akin to our need to eat and drink. Of course, there are many ways to accomplish this shift besides alcohol and drugs. They include dancing, singing, praying, drumming, meditating and having sex. What are your favorite modes? According to my astrological analysis, it’ll be extra important for you to alter your habitual perceptions and thinking patterns during the coming weeks.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “Erotic love is one of the high-

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by ROb bRezsny

https://rnrsweetdeals.newsreview.com

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Most sane people wish

there could be less animosity between groups

that have different beliefs and interests. How much better the world would be if everyone felt a generous acceptance toward those who are unlike them. But the problem goes even deeper: Most of us are at odds with ourselves. Here’s how author Rebecca West described it: Even the different parts of the same person do not often converse among themselves, do not succeed in learning from each other. That’s the bad news.

The good news is that the coming weeks will be a favorable time for you to promote unity and harmony among all the various parts of yourself.

I urge you to entice them to enter into earnest conversations with each other!

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Poet Cecilia Woloch asks, “How to un-want what the body has wanted, explain how the flesh in its wisdom was wrong?”

Did the apparent error occur because of some “some ghost in the mind?” she adds. Was it due to “some blue chemical rushing the blood” or “some demon or god?” I’m sure that you, like most of us, have experienced this mystery. But the good news is that in the coming weeks you will have the power to un-want inappropriate or unhealthy experiences that your body has wanted. Step one: Have a talk with yourself about why the thing your body has wanted isn’t in alignment with your highest good.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Sagittarian composer

Ludwig van Beethoven was inclined to get deeply absorbed in his work. Even when he took time to attend to the details of daily necessity, he allowed himself to be spontaneously responsive to compelling musical inspirations that suddenly welled up in him. On more than a few occasions, he lathered his face with the 19th century equivalent of shaving cream, then got waylaid by a burst of brilliance and forgot to actually shave. His servants found that amusing. I suspect that the coming weeks may be Beethoven-like for you. I bet you’ll be surprised by worthy fascinations and subject to impromptu illuminations.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): During the next 11

months, you could initiate fundamental improvements in the way you live from day to day. It’s conceivable you’ll discover or generate innovations that permanently raise your life’s possibilities to a higher octave. At the risk of sounding grandiose, I’m tempted to predict that you’ll celebrate at least one improvement that is your personal equivalent of the invention of the wheel or the compass or the calendar.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): The only thing we learn

from history is that we never learn anything from history. Philosopher Georg Hegel said that. But I think you will have an excellent chance to disprove this theory in the coming months. I suspect you will be inclined and motivated to study your own past in detail; you’ll be skilled at drawing useful lessons from it; and you will apply those lessons with wise panache as you re-route your destiny.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In his own time, poet

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882) was acclaimed and beloved. At the height of his fame, he earned $3,000 per poem. But modern literary critics think that most of what he created is derivative, sentimental and unworthy of serious appreciation. In dramatic contrast is poet Emily Dickinson (1830-1886). Her writing was virtually unknown in her lifetime, but is now regarded as among the best ever. In accordance with astrological omens, I invite you to sort through your own past so as to determine which of your work, like Longfellow’s, should be archived as unimportant or irrelevant, and which, like Dickinson’s, deserves to be a continuing inspiration as you glide into the future.

You can call Rob Brezsny for your Expanded Weekly Horoscope: (900) 950-7700. $1.99 per minute. Must be 18+. Touchtone phone required. Customer service (612) 373-9785.

And don’t forget to check out Rob’s website at realastrology.com.

BY JERI DAVIS

Ad-libber

aiming to create real connection and genuine moments on stage.

Improvised plays—how long are these things going to be?

PHOTO/JERI DAVIS

Tim Mahoney of Good Luck Macbeth Theatre Company, 124 W. Taylor St., will direct Unscripted, a new series of improv plays. The plays don’t start until April 10, but auditions are being held Nov. 30 and Dec. 7 starting at 10 a.m. Everyone is welcome, regardless of experience level. You must attend both auditions.

So, what’s your interest in improv?

It kind of encompasses, like, all of the things in my life. It makes me who I am.

I’ve been doing improv for … seven or eight years, at this point—teaching it, performing. … It’s the thing in my life that I have stuck with the longest. That might not be the most ringing endorsement of it, but—as a person who tends to gravitate toward the shiny object in the room pretty quickly—improv has been that constant shiny object for me.

It’s a thing that I love. I’ve been doing it four days a week for the last seven years, pretty much. It takes up a lot of my time, but it’s what I always have more time for.

Is improv easier for actors with experience in scripted plays or for newbies?

I think it depends on where you’re coming from. … I think it depends, really, on the person. For some people, improv is a really natural and freeing thing to

go into. For some people, it’s terrifying—but I’ve come across both. I think with an open audition for this project, we’re going to see a lot of people who are excited about it, so we won’t see those terrified people. But I’ve also gone to theater companies and taught, like, … improvisation for scripted actors and had people terrified and literally asking for directions at every turn. …

I think, too, this specific project, being that it’s a long-form narrative—we’re doing improvised plays—I think for an improviser that can be scary, too, because it’s not solely comedy-based.

We’re working at creating improvised theater, so we’re really looking to touch all of the emotions and have those moments of sincerity and sadness and heartfelt moments, but also comedy as well. Improv is at its best when you’re not aiming to be funny, when you’re just

So, they’re going to be 90 minutes long. … Obviously, given that we’re making up these stories every night, it’ll be a different play based on some audience suggestion, based on whatever is inspiring in that moment for the actors. … The one things we are certainly going to be doing is a musical. … That will be the last of our shows. And we’re also going to be doing an improvised murder mystery. I’m going to go ahead and put those two on the map now.

It’s an open call. Anyone can show up to the next two audition days— both of them, right?

In the note to everybody and the messages that went out about the audition process, it says an improvisation background is certainly helpful. … I think we saw that today [during the first auditions], with some experienced folks who have some background in improv.

They looked great, and they did a fine job—but they also bring up the people around them. You don’t have to have improv experience to be a part of this show. We’ll take you on and teach you all about it. I’m also a big believer in the fact that having those wild card folks that have never done improv before will keep the improvisers that have experience on their toes. Ω

BY BRUCE VAN DYKE

Lighten up Speaking of the Season of Lights, you wanna see a super cool, totally fab, incredibly bodacious light show this December? It’s not exactly a Christmas Light Show, but then again, there are so many dadgum lights at this thing that it will totally work as a brain-boggling holiday experience.

In the California town of Paso Robles (about 40 miles north of San Luis Obispo on Highway 101) there’s a most remarkable event taking place. It’s called “Field of Light,” created by artist Bruce Munro, and the title is a masterful achievement in understatement. Oh, it’s a “Field of Light” all right—no less than 58,000 solar lights laid out in a lovely little valley of grass and oak trees. The result is some serious eye candy.

As in a non-stop Wow. As in Wow times a hundred. Or a thousand. Or 58,000. You pay your

$30 and then wander around in the “FOL” for as long as you like until 9 o’clock closing time. It’s all very casual and comfortable, and, yes, you’ve never experienced anything quite like it—and, yes, that includes Burning Man. The longer you wander in these dazzling acres, the more surreal and super dreamy it becomes, a vast landscape of pure, ever-changing color that’s just relentlessly pretty—off the charts Pretty, with a chaser of OMG. To see photos, just Google “Bruce Munro Field of Light” and check it out, or go to SensorioPaso.com. All the pix, tix and info you need is there. The last time I looked, there were still tickets available for all December shows, which are Thursdays through Sundays from now until the final night of Jan. 5. (It’s been open since June, with reviews in the

Los Angeles Times and New York Times, among others.)

And Paso is a dandy little town to visit, with loads of cool motels and yummy cafes. And the wineries. Holy Zinfandel, Batman. In the last 30 years, the place has become a Neo-Napa, with literally hundreds of quality wineries doing their thing in the surrounding countryside. The weather over there on the Central Coast in December is often just as nice as Vegas or San Diego, if you’re into sunny and 65. So a splash of good grape in the afternoon, the eyebending experience of the “Field of Light” in early evening, followed by a scrumptious dinner in downtown Paso, leading to a top notch conkout. What’s not to like about that lovely and unique little December getaway? From Reno, it’s eight hours to Paso Robles. Ω

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