Inlander 12/22/2022

As Spokane gentrifies, local writer Sam Ligon wonders when the wealthy invaders will leave. And if he’s one of them.

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Imoved to Spokane in 2008, fresh off a year living about an hour north of Detroit in a town of foreclosures and dwindling population. On the occasional weekend, I’d go to the Motor City — years before its “comeback” made the vast urban prairies and shuttered businesses seem like possibility, not just the sad signs of what was once America’s fourth-largest city collapsing into dust. In Spokane, I saw something akin to Detroit. An old working-class city trying to find its way in a new century. City pride, despite the odds. A town ready for reinvention. So here we are all these years later. We cheered as Spokane transformed. Look at South Perry, the university district and Riverfront Park. Look at our house values and skyrocketing rent. Like in Detroit, Spokane’s growth has come at a cost, as Sam Ligon, the author of this week’s cover essay — RECOLONIZING SPOKANE — describes in vivid detail. And, as with Detroit, the change came at the hands of those from here, and interlopers, like Sam and I, who came later.

Still, Spokane is our city. Can we be smart and make it a city for everyone, regardless of where we came from or how much money we have? Or should we all just ponder absconding to Butte? Sam has some ideas.

— NICHOLAS DESHAIS, editor

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HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN SPOKANE?

BONNIE HANSEN

I’ve been here since 2013.

How do you feel about people moving here? The traffic really bugs me. I’m trying to think of a positive. [Laughs] Also, I think the housing prices are a result of that, too.

MARIO DE LEON

I lived here when I was younger, and I’ve been going back and forth between Spokane and Portland.

How do you feel about people moving here?

You know, it’s the same thing as in Portland. That’s just what it is, I guess. If you want things happening in the city, it’s gonna grow. Not much you could do about it.

RYAN BRODWATER

I’ve lived here about eight years. I grew up in Coeur d’Alene, so I’ve always been in the area.

How do you feel about people moving here? I work for STA (Spokane Transit Authority), so I think it has been great. There’s been a very active downtown and it seems very busy here lately.

ELYCE TALLMAN

I’ve lived in Deer Park my whole life.

How do you feel about people moving here?

I think it’s fine except when they can’t drive in the snow. [Laughs] That’s my biggest complaint.

HECTOR AIZON

I’ve been around like 15-plus years.

How do you feel about people moving here? There’s been a lot of new things popping up in town, even right here. There’s a lot of new things to see. It’s kind of cool to see that growth.

INTERVIEWS BY SETH SOMMERFELD 12/17/2022, BRRZAAR, DOWNTOWN SPOKANE

‘My Heart Is Far Away From Here’

A year before his death, Chief Joseph visited Seattle to deliver a final plea for his people

BY KNUTE BERGER/CROSSCUT

At the end of the so-called Nez Perce War in 1877, Chief Joseph pledged, “I will fight no more forever.”

Those words made the chief famous, and they were seen as an indicator that a chapter had closed for Indigenous peoples in the United States as they were rounded-up and forced to live how and where the government willed.

But that was not the end for Joseph, whose Native name was Heinmot Tooyalakekt, translated as Thunder Rolling in the Mountains. After surrender, he waged a 25-year campaign to win the hearts and minds of the American people. And that effort brought him to Seattle one November weekend in 1903 to plead his case.

Joseph’s words marked the end of a bitter fight to capture the chief’s Nez Perce band and other non-treaty bands as they were fleeing to sanctuary in Canada. They had been dispossessed of their traditional and seasonal homelands. For Joseph, these were centered in the Wal-

lowa Valley of northeastern Oregon, a stunningly beautiful place.

A flawed treaty process rammed through by Washington’s Territorial Gov. Isaac Stephens in 1855 had used divide-and-conquer strategies to marginalize Native peoples. Joseph’s father — also called Joseph — refused to concede the Wallowas. The government later promised them a place there but reneged.

After Joseph’s band surrendered, they were banished to Kansas, then to Oklahoma’s Indian Territory where they suffered disease and deprivation. The move had violated the terms of their surrender, and Joseph demanded the government treat Indigenous people with the same rights and values enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. Joseph’s band was eventually moved to the Colville

Chief Joseph, photographed by Edward Curtis

Reservation northeast of Spokane. But Joseph was not content to live in exile there.

The chief became a national figure. Old foes respected him for his military prowess — during their retreat, the Nez Perce had won nearly every engagement with the U.S. Army. Others say his real skill was as a leader and communicator. He met with presidents at the White House, he pushed Congress and bureaucrats to right wrongs against his people.

Newspapers spread his story far and wide. He was respected, though often valued as an impressive relic of what Whites claimed was a “vanishing race.”

But Joseph did not vanish.

One man who saw him as an important historical figure was Seattle professor Edmond Meany of the University of Washington. Meany was determined to capture the state’s early history, which was still within reach and living memory. He had done his master’s thesis on Joseph and first met him in Nespelem, about 30 minutes north of Grand Coulee, in 1901. Two years later, he invited Joseph to come to Seattle and speak.

Joseph arrived at the Great Northern depot on Nov. 19, 1903. He was accompanied by his nephew, Red Thunder, and a former government administrator of Native affairs known as an “Indian agent,” Henry Steele. Meany escorted them to their rooms at the luxurious Lincoln Hotel on Fourth Avenue. The chief had been to many cities, but never Seattle. His main purpose: “Chief Joseph will ask again for the Nez Perce lands … Will not give up his fight,” a headline read.

Meany started by showing Joseph and Red Thunder a different kind of fight: a football game. The day after their arrival, Meany took his visitors to watch the UW team play Nevada. They arrived on a jammed streetcar at Athletic Park at 13th and Jefferson. The game was epic, a hard-fought mud bowl with some 4,000 cheering people in attendance — said to be the largest UW football crowd to that point. Washington was victorious, the score 2-0. The team earned its first Pacific title with the win.

Joseph seemed baffled by the game but enjoyed it while smoking a cigar he’d been offered. He thought there would be more broken bones. “I saw White men almost fight today,” he said in Chinook jargon. “I do not think this is good … I feel pleased that Washington won the game.” The chief laughed a lot, especially when the ball was punted.

After a day in the damp and a Seattle-hill hike to the hotel, the 60-something chief was exhausted. That night he was set to deliver his talk at the packed Seattle Theater. He was late, his speech was short. Through a translator he said: “My heart is far away from here. … I would like to be back in my old home in the Wallowa country, my father and children are buried there, and I want to go back there to die. The White father promised me long ago that I could go back to my home, but the White men are big liars.”

The following days were a whirlwind. Photographer Edward Curtis took pictures of Joseph at his studio. Meany took him on a tour of the city. He met Mary Ann Boren Denny, one of the city’s surviving founders, and they conversed in Chinook, much to the chief’s delight. He briefly addressed students at the UW’s Denny Hall, where Meany also talked about the ill treatment of Joseph and the Nez Perce. But even sympathetic men like Meany still saw Native peoples as a passing race, not agents of the present and future.

Joseph’s meeting with Mrs. Denny is a reminder that Seattle itself — a major city named to honor a local chief friendly to White settlers — is the site of unfulfilled Indigenous dreams. Chief Seattle’s Duwamish people seek recognition while tribes have spent decades fighting for treaty rights, civil rights, sovereignty and human rights.

After a four-day visit, Joseph departed. He never got his Wallowas back. He died less than a year after his Seattle visit and is buried in Nespelem, where Meany spoke at his grave.

Joseph’s struggle for justice, however, lives on. n

Knute Berger is editor-at-large at Crosscut, where this article first appeared. Visit crosscut.com

HUNGER PAINS

BY CARRIE SCOZZARO

Second Harvest’s mobile market delivery truck can carry 17,000 pounds of food. It’s a lot, equivalent to the weight of an adult male elephant. On market days, doors on both sides of the truck open to reveal pallets stacked high with eggs, fruit, produce and other nutrient-dense food.

The food is nearly all donated by regional farms and producers and, prior to market day, stored inside Second Harvest’s primary 80,000-square-foot Spokane warehouse.

Todd Kennedy, Second Harvest’s mobile market coordinator, tries to match the food available to those who need it. So in addition to hamburger meat, apples, grapes, oranges, cereal, and seasonal vegetables like squash and potatoes, the mobile market includes enough boxes of cookies to generate smiles for young and old alike.

“I bring anything I think families can use,” Kennedy says.

Getting food to hungry families has never been easy for food banks like Second Harvest, but the current climate makes the organizations’ missions to feed the

hungry more challenging. Food and transportation costs have increased. Food sourcing issues have too, including scarcity and longer lead times.

Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows that the percentage of U.S. households experiencing food insecurity is roughly the same as before the pandemic. But Eric Williams, the director of community partnerships at Second Harvest, says his organization is seeing as much as a 45 percent increase in need.

Formed in 1971, Second Harvest Inland Northwest, as it’s officially known, is the region’s largest food resource center. It has roughly 250 member partners, mostly food banks connected to churches, schools, health care facilities or charitable organizations. Regardless of size, location or objective, most of them rely on donated or low-cost food to fill their shelves, including through programs like Bite2Go, which provides school-aged children in need with food for the weekend.

Second Harvest also distributes food to people directly through its mobile market program, which spans a 26-county area, from Boundary County in North Idaho to Benton County in south-central Washington.

At a Spokane mobile market earlier this month at West Central Community Center, the truck rolled up at 11:30 am — an hour-and-a-half before its opening time.

A dozen vehicles are already in queue. As Kennedy directs, volunteers get to work.

As one shovels ice, others set up canopies and tables sturdy enough to hold, if not the whole elephant, at least a portion of it. The mound of organic Yukon gold pota-

toes bagged for distribution grows to 2 feet. The smell of packaged oranges jostled onto the table suggests summer, even as the sky threatens flurries.

By noon the line has tripled, the end of it no longer visible.

When he first started with the mobile market seven years ago, says Kennedy, he’d see 120 to 160 families at an event.

“Back then, 240 families was a big event,” he continues, adding that the truck is usually loaded in anticipation of 300 families. “There’s a lot of new clients.”

Most vehicles have Washington plates, but no one gets turned away.

“Other places ask for zip code or ID. Not here,” Kennedy says. “You just roll up.”

And roll they do. By 12:30, a half-hour before the market officially opens, it’s go-time. Forty minutes later, 82 families have been through the line.

By 2 pm, it’s up to 133 families, but the line is dwindling, so volunteers split off. Some consolidate food on the tables as others prepare boxes of food for pickup inside the community center after 3 pm when the mobile market officially ends.

Another half-hour passes, and 250 families have received roughly 60 pounds of food each, but there’s a couple hundred pounds of food remaining, so Kennedy takes the rest to the Salvation Army.

By 3 pm, the truck’s empty, and roughly 8 tons of food has been given away. The elephant is gone.

Local food banks have less food to feed more people. Inflation isn’t helping

Volunteers sort food at Second Harvest’s Spokane warehouse. The region’s largest food bank distributes 92,000 pounds of food a week. YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

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Food insecurity isn’t a local or even regional problem. It’s national. According to the USDA, more than 34 million people in the U.S. — 10 percent of all households — have experienced food insecurity yet do not qualify for federal food assistance and rely on food banks to get by.

“The worst thing you can do is run out of food,” says Williams, who joined Second Harvest two years ago. “The second worst thing is to have food left over.”

At the moment, Williams is more concerned about food scarcity than abundance.

“Food’s been going out the door faster than it’s coming in,” Williams says.

In early November, Second Harvest spent $500,000 to shore up its supplies. Ordinarily, that would buy about 750,000 pounds of food, says Williams, adding that last month it only netted them roughly 500,000 pounds.

That still sounds like a lot, but when you’re typically distributing about 92,000 pounds a week, it translates to around five weeks’ worth instead of eight.

“It was necessary,” Williams says. Also unsustainable.

It’s not like Second Harvest wasn’t aware of looming issues. Higher costs — of food, fuel, particularly diesel, and related labor — combined with reduced availability of items due to crop loss, staffing shortages and other factors have been part of the collective concern since 2020.

But unlike the consumer and even smaller food resource organizations, Second Harvest can’t pull from Peter to feed Paul. Certain food is earmarked for certain programs. Food donated through the USDA or a Washington-based program can only be distributed to select recipients. For example, Bite2Go is only for schoolchildren.

So even though Second Harvest also launched a fundraiser to stock shelves through the end of December, it hasn’t been enough

to prevent more drastic measures. Second Harvest recently suspended food delivery to 80 of its 250 distribution partners through January 2023.

Many of these partners are in rural areas disproportionately impacted by food insecurity, according to Feeding America, a national organization affiliated with Second Harvest.

In its “Map the Meal Gap” report series, Feeding America notes that “nine out of 10 counties with the highest food insecurity rates are rural.” And when “rural communities make up 63 percent of all U.S counties,” including throughout the Inland Northwest, that’s a big deal.

Bonner Community Food Bank is one such rural distribution partner impacted by the halted deliveries.

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“We’re feeling it greatly with our smaller communities around us,” says Debbie Love, its executive director.

Ordinarily, they would get five pallets of food delivered every second Monday. The Second Harvest truck also brought food purchased by the food bank — at $5 per child — and designated for the Bite2Go program.

“We’re grateful that that program is still available,” says Love, who is working on renting a truck to pick up Bite2Go food for themselves, as well as for a Bonners Ferry food bank run by Community Action Partnership.

Love is also appreciative of the relationship with grocery stores that Second Harvest facilitated through its “grocery rescue” program for dairy, produce and other items that would otherwise go to waste, she says.

But Love is also preparing for the worst.

“We’re not sure we’ll see deliveries again in February,” Love says.

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n central and southern Idaho, the Idaho Foodbank is also facing challenges.

Centered in Meridian, Idaho, with branches in Lewiston and Pocatello, the Idaho Foodbank is comparable in size and structure to Second Harvest, providing roughly 27 million meals annually. It provides food through numerous programs including a mobile pantry and backpack program for schoolchildren, but over a larger area and correspondingly larger distribution network of 482 partners.

Idaho Foodbank relies on mostly donated food, including from manufacturers, distributors and growers, as well as from a grocery rescue program, according to Theresa Vawter, its spokesperson.

And the data from 2022 is quite different from a year prior. In its 2022 annual report, Idaho Foodbank noted a $5 million decrease in donated food value from the prior year, and a decrease in donated funds and food. Yet it also saw increased need. Just add food sourcing issues, and you have the perfect storm for any food resource center.

“The increased costs of food and transportation have certainly had an impact on our costs,” Vawter said in an email. “Meat and protein are always in demand, and recently we have been more reliant on meat donations to reach our nutrition goals because of cost increases.”

Scarcity of some items has also been a concern, Vawter says, including “kid-friendly and easy to open food” for Idaho Foodbank’s backpack program.

But as 2022 winds down, Second Harvest’s Williams says the issues affecting hunger aren’t unique in Spokane, in Idaho or to the U.S. They’re global.

“There are many international factors that are causing these problems,” he says. “We have to watch those trends and be nimble.” n

carries@inlander.com

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22 Names

BY NATE SANFORD

Agentle snow fell over the crowd as each name was read aloud.

Louis. Mary. Carson. Angel. Kevin. Ronald. Twenty-two names total. All of them died this year without a home, in Moscow, Lewiston and Clarkston.

For years now, larger cities across the country have held similar events to mourn people who died while homeless. In Spokane, the memorial takes place on Dec. 21, the longest night of the year, and there are 144 names to read. There were 162 last year — the highest on record.

Nationwide, it’s estimated that 13,000 people die on the streets every year. But last week’s event is the first time such a memorial happened in Lewiston. Homelessness is often associated with large cities, but it’s also a growing problem in rural areas like Lewiston, a point

Impassable

Who is responsible for clearing icy sidewalks and buried bus stops?

BY SAMANTHA WOHLFEIL

Driving the hilly neighborhoods in Spokane and surrounding communities can be intimidating enough in a snow-heavy winter, even after plows attempt to clear the roads. But for those with limited mobility, or who walk or bus, getting around is even harder.

Vaughn Brown, 35, is a blind Spokane resident who works as an employment consultant for people with disabilities. His guide dog, Grant, is trained to find the path of least resistance and stick to a straight line. But in some places that may mean choosing between walking in the street, scrambling over berms or walking through someone’s yard.

“Two Mondays ago, I was on Washington and North River Drive, and I was having difficulties crossing the street because the crosswalks where the ramps meet the street were completely blocked by 3 feet of snow,” Brown says.

In situations like this, when icy berms block crosswalks or other public rights of way, Brown says the government is out of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Not so, says Kirstin Davis, spokeswoman for Spokane public works.

“Keeping pathways clear takes a community effort,” Davis says by email, noting that city policy says keeping sidewalks and walkways clear of snow and ice is the

made clearer as Lewiston City Council members recently voted to create a special subcommittee dedicated to the issue.

Lisa. Bradley. Adam. David. Amanda. They were neighbors, parents, children, sisters and brothers, says Kelly Lanman, who works with CHAS Health, a nonprofit health care organization with clinics throughout Spokane County and the Lewis Clark Valley that organized the memorial.

Maybe they had an illness or injury that caused them to lose a job, Lanman says. Or a string of bad luck.

After the names were read, the crowd of about two dozen people gathered outside the Lewiston CHAS clinic stood for a moment of silence. Then they rang bells — to remember those lost and reaffirm their commitment to a world where nobody has to die on the street.

Roger. Frank. Pacifico. Claude. Mithra.

adjoining building owner’s responsibility. City residents can file a complaint with 311 if an owner isn’t clearing sidewalks and corners, and code enforcement may issue code violations.

“This year has been extremely challenging already with the accumulation of snow and cold temperatures,” Davis says. “Plow drivers are trained to push the snow up to the curb as best they can, however with the amount of snow, we are running out of room, so it does move onto sidewalks.”

Brown says when he lived in Boston for three years, snow in the crosswalks never seemed to be an issue.

“It’s been frustrating, so we’ve been forced to switch to paratransit,” Brown says, referring to the rideshare service for those who can’t take fixed route buses. “They have very limited drivers, and the demand is higher.”

Brown says he’s had paratransit rides delayed by 40 minutes or longer. For his clients with developmental disabilities, he says, getting their schedule thrown off can be especially stressful.

Paratransit shuttles, which riders order through the Spokane Transit Authority, have been able to maintain their services throughout the icy weather so far, says Carly Cortright, STA’s spokeswoman. But on the snowiest days that’s partly because some people cancel their rides, she says. Currently, STA gives about 900 paratransit rides per day.

Paratransit riders are also responsible for clearing a path to their door so the driver can assist them. While Brown says he’s lucky to have a neighbor who helps, others may not.

Even for those who don’t have mobility issues, sidewalks have been hard to navigate.

Kyah Huguenin, a

Candice Ketelsen, a provider at the Lewiston health center, notes that studies show that not having access to a reliable home increases the chances of early mortality by 75 percent. It lowers the average lifespan from 78 years to about 50.

After ringing the bells, the crowd of outreach and health care workers, politicians, community members and people struggling with homelessness drink coffee and eat corn chowder together.

Dan Johnson, the recently elected mayor of Lewiston, was there too. As he sipped a bowl of chowder, he explained that the city is trying to open an inclement weather shelter to keep people warm during the coming winter. They’re making some progress, he says, but keep getting caught up with zoning and other bureaucratic hurdles.

“We have to work within our codes, but the need is today,” Johnson says, echoing the frustrations commonly heard in Spokane and other larger cities.

Shanon. Charlotte. Thomas. Ron. Winette. Larry.

Austin Couch works at First Step 4 Life, a clean and sober living house in Lewiston. He didn’t know any of the names on the list this year, but he remembers others. Friends and family who died outdoors because of addiction or medical problems. He has a tattoo on his arm dedicated to one of those friends.

Despite the somber reason for the event, Couch says he was glad to see the community come together.

“It sucks,” he says, “but it’s good to be able to celebrate life.” n

nates@inlander.com

27-year-old whose work commute is usually an easy fiveblock stroll on Hawthorne Road, says the county-cleared road near the Division Street “Y” has been treacherous.

On a recent Thursday, Huguenin says, the sidewalk got covered by chunks of dirty ice pushed off the road by plows. The only options were to walk in the lane of traffic or trudge through deep snow on private property.

“It’s ridiculous. It’s next to an urgent care,” Huguenin says. “I’m not disabled. It is easier for me to get around than if someone is disabled; but if they are, that would be impossible.”

While the city requires property owners to clear their sidewalks, the county doesn’t, explains Martha Lou Wheatley-Billeter, spokeswoman for Spokane County public works.

“However, we ask neighbors to help take care of each other,” she says.

Many bus stops also present physical challenges with deep snow or puddles. STA clears snow around its park and rides, transit centers, and 128 sheltered bus stops, where about 62 percent of riders get on the bus. Clearing around the other roughly 1,500 bus stops is up to neighbors and businesses.

“‘Many hands make light work’ is the best practice for community response to snow removal,” Davis says. n

About 13,000 people die living on the street every year in the U.S., including in small towns like Lewiston

Homelessness isn’t just in big cities.

The Doxx-er Is In

Musk’s Twitter briefly suspends Inlander reporter for alt-right reporting. Plus, anti-abortion group gets fined, and Camp Hope gets a reprieve.

As the Elon Musk-owned Twitter suspended waves of journalists last week after sweeping rule changes, one Inlander reporter — me — had his Twitter account temporarily suspended. Friday morning, my Twitter account had been locked after I posted a thread connecting alt-right propagandist David Reilly to campaign ads produced for the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee. I’d posted screenshots showing the ad company paid by the Republicans — Idaho Dynamics — used the same P.O. Box as Reilly’s campaign, triggering someone to absurdly report my account for “doxxing,” publishing private address information. My account was restored Saturday evening. A tweet from extremism reporter Nick Martin inspired Ella Irwin, vice president of Trust and Safety at Twitter, to acknowledge that the employee who handled the complaint had screwed up. In the meantime, I’ve learned that another North Idaho-based political ad company, “Red Shield Media” was created last year by “Matthew Colligan.” That matches the name of one of Reilly’s alt-right comrades, nicknamed “Millennial Matt,” who registered to vote in Idaho in 2019. But under Twitter’s new regime, is that the kind of thing that’s legal to post? (DANIEL

WALTERS)

SLAP FOR TCAPP

Late last week, Spokane Superior Court Judge Tim Fennessy issued $110,000 in penalties against the Church at Planned Parenthood for violating a state law that prevents protests from interfering with health clinics. The anti-abortion group once led by Pastor Ken Peters, who now lives in Tennessee, was blocked from protesting outside Spokane’s Planned Parenthood clinic by a permanent injunction in July 2021. Planned Parenthood of Greater Washington and North Idaho said that while they respect “the right to protest and peaceful assembly, the First Amendment does not protect conduct that is intended to interfere with patient care,” and noted that excessive noise can contribute to hypertension, pain and psychiatric symptoms, particularly in reproductive health settings. On Facebook, Peters said they owe Planned Parenthood a lot of money for “singing, praying and preaching” on days they suspected the clinic provided abortion services, and he said, “I would do it again. It’s a badge of honor.” (SAMANTHA

WOHLFEIL)

HOPE HIATUS

Don’t expect Camp Hope to disappear anytime soon. Spokane County Sheriffelect John Nowels says his deputies won’t clear the East Central homeless encampment because they’re wary of violating the temporary restraining order signed by a judge last week. The order came after sheriff’s deputies entered the camp to distribute flyers telling residents the camp was going to be closed. Nowels says his deputies will continue to go to the camp if called, or for existing warrants, but not for anything that could “be misinterpreted as asking them to leave or vacate the premises.” Spokane Police Chief Craig Meidl used Monday’s news conference with Nowels to highlight the ongoing rise in crime he associates with the camp. According to Meidl, crime within a quarter-mile of the camp is up 79 percent so far this year compared to 2021. In response, the department has stationed two officers outside the camp for several months now, but it’s unclear what effect they’ve had on crime rates. “We’re still having the issue with crime,” Meidl says. (NATE SANFORD) n

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Pastor Ken Peters DANIEL WALTERS PHOTO

RECOLONIZING SPOKANE

Longing for the days of affordable homes, Fistfest, and smoking in Blue Spark, a local writer bemoans the arrival of so many transplants. Even though he was once one of them.

ESSAY BY SAMUEL LIGON

hy do they keep coming,

is my first question, followed by, And when are they going to leave?

I know the answer is, Never, or, Only when they die.

But I keep thinking they might find another place to go — Butte, say, or France, or some other undiscovered paradise, where they can spread their money like manure in fields waiting to be made fertile, all these mid-career consultants, all these artisanal mayonnaise makers, rising up and away like a plague of locusts.

There didn’t used to be traffic here — not really. There didn’t used to be unremarkable three bedroom houses selling for $500,000, cash, either. Or so many newly arrived Californians and Texans and Coloradans. The exodus used to be toward Portland and Seattle, not away from them, toward Spokane.

It’s surely because of the pandemic and the housing crisis and the even worse traffic and congestion and climate change and fear and earthquakes and plagues being left behind that all these people who are never going to leave keep coming.

And because of the pre-war housing stock and an intact downtown — all kinds of potential, what might feel like a blank canvas, and also the food and culture that are already here and the food and culture that are coming.

And because it’s relatively affordable.

And kind of cool.

And because it’s not Seattle or Portland or San Diego or San Bernardino. Maybe it is a little like Lisbon or London — of the Inland Northwest. But not really. It’s just that nothing’s been torn down here in so many years.

And it’s never really been cool.

That’s what’s been so good about it.

But now I can’t even afford my own neighborhood — which is to say I would not be able to buy a house here today. I’m lucky we bought seven years ago. All the people moving into our neighborhood now are from somewhere else.

“RECOLONIZING SPOKANE,” CONTINUED...

My wife Kate and I met this dude last summer who people said we should meet — a jam maker, a cheese smoker. From Santa Barbara. Napa before that. The rich places. He’d been a private chef and a life coach and some kind of spiritual/food entrepreneur. Perhaps you’ve heard of the French Laundry? He practically invented it.

We were at a party outside, standing around with drinks in our hands. “I don’t think we have any French laundries here,” I said. “Do we, babe?”

Kate shook her head.

“It’s a restaurant,” the jam maker said.

“I think we only have regular laundries,” I said, and Kate said, “No, I’ve heard of that place. It’s in Fresno. Or Bakersfield. One of the dusty places with lots of country music.”

Kate writes cookbooks and does other food stuff, so she couldn’t play as dumb as I could. Plus it comes more naturally to me.

The jam maker nodded, looking off into the middle distance.

“Maybe I don’t really know what a laundry is,” I said, “though I do know what a laundromat is.”

“This place isn’t really a laundry or a laundromat,” Kate said. “It’s more like fine dining. But they do your laundry while you eat.”

“That’s cool,” I said.

“Anyway,” the jam maker said, and he named a few other people and places he knew that we had surely heard of, fabulous people and places.

I couldn’t say anything stupid enough to make him stop.

And he never asked us a single question about ourselves, already as bored with us as Narcissa Whitman so quickly became with the people who would one day kill her and her missionary husband. We finally ditched him and hoped we’d never see him again.

But he might be everywhere.

And we might be him a little, too.

Maybe more than a little.

I like to believe it was different when I was the interloper, even though I know it wasn’t. Like Tolstoy said, all happy colonists are the same. Still, there were fewer of us back then, discovering Spokane, and in some ways there was less to discover. But even in 2004 the gentrification had begun, though it was slower and harder to see — except for the recently restored Davenport Hotel, a building worth mentioning because it was kind of a castle and a great place to have a drink and the ceiling of the lobby looked like the ceiling of the Palmer House lobby in Chicago. When I visited Spokane for the first time, I talked to a guy in a bar after my interview. It was the Blue Spark and you could still smoke cigarettes inside and we all were. Nobody was staring into phone screens. This was when strangers sometimes talked to each other in bars and we did that, my stool neighbor determining that I was visiting and asking me what I thought of the town.

“It seems pretty cool,” I said. “But it also seems to be dying.”

those. And because I didn’t see the food and culture right away, I thought maybe there wasn’t much, just like the recent colonists can’t possibly know what’s here. All I’d seen were empty storefronts and sidewalks.

“Oh, no,” he’d said. “No, no, no. Spokane died years ago. It’s actually coming back.”

And he was right — it was coming back. Though I didn’t know what it was coming back from or where it was going. I didn’t know anything about Spokane before 2004, though I’ve heard lots of stories since then — about Expo ’74 and Evel Knievel selling coke in bars and the neo-Nazis over in Hayden Lake and the thrill rides at Nat Park and Vachel Lindsay hosting orgies at the Davenport and Elvis playing Memorial Stadium before it was Joe Albi Stadium and the great Ali/Frazier fights at the Arena, launching Fistfest, the precursor to Hoopfest, when hundreds of boxing rings crowded downtown streets for weeks in June and we all punched each other senseless. And all those times Bing Crosby got wasted and demanded the city change its name to Bingtown. Those were the glory years. If they ever really happened. And while the comeback might not involve those things exactly. But it does involve growth and vitality and not dying. ***

We thought new blood would be good for our city, new people opening new businesses. And it was good. Mostly. Back then, more than five years ago, you could still buy a house here for $200,000. You could still rent an apartment for $400 a month. And the food kept getting better and more people were on the streets at night.

Of course there were still plenty of tweakers. And 79 cents in change was stolen from your car every half year or so, along with a pair of old prescription glasses for night driving. And there was homelessness, like there was all over the West — though not nearly as much as today. None of that was part of any kind of charm, but it was part of the town.

And then somehow, everything changed, gradually and then suddenly, the way Mike Campbell went bankrupt in The Sun Also Rises. Except Spokane isn’t bankrupt — not fiscally or spiritually or emotionally. It’s just that a bunch of rich people from somewhere else all showed up here at once. And a lot of them might only be house-rich, the way some of us would be if we sold our suddenly expensive-ashell houses and moved to Butte. With a whole lot of cash.

I’d seen the empty storefronts, the empty sidewalks, the mediocre corporate restaurants. The night before at the Ridpath the guy at the front desk had told me the best dinner in town was probably at Red Robin. Mizuna existed then, and so did Luna, but he didn’t mention

Most of my friends here are like me and the newest wave of colonists, in that we’re all from somewhere else. But some of my friends are from here, born and raised, the offspring of earlier colonists. Yes, their parents or grandparents came from somewhere else, but this is where they’re from. They remember when Tom Foley was Speaker of the House and Kaiser employed thousands of aluminum workers. They don’t complain about the new colonists as much as I do. And before the new colonists came, as the city was becoming vital, my friends and I were happy when interesting restaurants opened, when Perry Street gentrified and then Main and Monroe.

My mom has always complained about Californians, particularly Californians moving into Oregon, even though her sister lived in San Jose for 50 years and my mom lived east of the Rockies for most of her life. But they grew up in Oregon, in the Superintendent’s House at the Multnomah County Poor Farm, now a “destination resort” 15 miles east of Portland. What happened to the Davenport happened to the Poor Farm, too, though the Davenport wasn’t repurposed — it remains a luxury hotel. And, now, so too is the Multnomah County Poor Farm, beautifully restored, rehabilitated, and renamed Edgefield, a resort you can visit to drink wine or whiskey or beer made onsite, where you can listen to music and look at a weird statue of Jerry Garcia and cool paintings in the hallways of the poor people who used to live there. If you don’t spend quite enough money on your accommodations, you’ll have to share a bathroom down the hall, almost as if you were a little poor yourself. You can also “consider the extensive artwork that tells the story of this magical place and pick up a souvenir in the beautifully curated gift shop.”

I like to believe it was different when I was the interloper, even though I know it wasn’t.

The scene at Expo '74, which really happened. FistFest? Not so much.

I remember going there as a kid, by which time the Poor Farm had become a county nursing home, with an external building repurposed as the Edgefield Lodge for Emotionally Disturbed Children. It was still full of poor people and smelled like disinfectant and hospital soup. I don’t remember any Californians there, but I was pretty young. And even though I’d been raised on the idea that Californians were colonists, I never really believed it, though that sentiment still exists all over the West. It comes from people with money moving into places with less money and making those places unaffordable. When Wayne Richey ran for mayor of Boise in 2019, his entire platform was to “stop the California invasion.”

Wayne lost that election in a landslide.

I don’t think you can stop the invasion, the colonizing, the gentrification, any more than the Cayuse could stop the wave of Americans on the Oregon Trail. The region’s Native population has known all about displacement since shortly after the arrival of the Whitmans in 1836 and all the other missionaries and fur traders and gold diggers who came before and after them, the wave apparently unstoppable, promise after promise broken behind it.

Clearly, though, gentrification is not genocide.

And I don’t even know that stopping it would be good. Would we prefer decay? Inertia? Is stasis even possible? We would certainly prefer that people could afford housing again, something that would involve, at least in part, building a whole lot of houses and apartments and driving property values down, something we don’t seem willing or able to do. Maybe such a strategy would only attract more colonists. Maybe such a strategy is easier proposed than executed, like stopping a virus, though doing nothing, as we seem to be doing, seems worse.

RASIR BOLTON

NOLAN HICKMAN

HUNTER SALLIS

MALACHI SMITH JULIAN STRAWTHER

I didn’t understand gentrification until it came to Spokane in full force. My house in suburban New York appreciated 200 percent in value in seven years, just like my house in Spokane. I spent most of that money writing for two years in Wisconsin, an incredible opportunity, an incredible windfall, a thousand miles from the New York gentrification, and smack in the middle of the Madison version. I knew gentrification involved relatively rich people moving in, bringing rich people stores and food and “culture,” and not really realizing what they were papering over. But until it came to Spokane, I didn’t understand how disruptive it could be, even knowing how it always displaces people and culture, how it always breeds some degree of resentment and pain. And while it’s not the only driver of homelessness in Spokane, it’s a significant factor.

All places change, becoming better or worse or just different. They grow, they flow, they stagnate, they decay. Sometimes, they come back. Some of my ancestors were colonists in Virginia, arriving early in the 17th century. So you can blame me for pretty much everything. But once a colonist has been somewhere for 10 or 400 years, displacing people wittingly or not along the way, do they start to belong to the place?

Maybe six years ago, I got into a ridiculous conflict with another driver, both of us aiming for the same parking spot downtown. I thought I was there first. So did he. His car was trashed; he might have lived in it. He was more aggressive than I was and got the spot. I flipped him off and he jumped out of his car and yelled at me to go back to Seattle.

Maybe he saw the colonist in me.

Or maybe it was just a lucky guess, even though

I’m not from Seattle. In fact, I think of myself as from Spokane, though I’m not really from anywhere. But this place does feel like home to me — as it will to more recent colonists someday. As it probably already does.

The displacement and transformation we’re seeing in Spokane isn’t unique. Down the road and over the border, Christ Church is colonizing Moscow like seven Mayflowers full of drunken Englishmen. They even have a slogan: “All of Christ, for All of Life, for All of Moscow.” Kate and I were down there a few months ago, and let me tell you: they do mean all of Moscow.

The groomed young students of Christ Church’s higher education arm, New Saint Andrews College (“Graduating leaders who shape culture living faithfully under the Lordship of Jesus Christ”) in their Sunday dresses and ties had colonized blocks of downtown, politely studying at outdoor tables on Main Street in front of the New Saint Andrews bookstore/coffee shop, which used to house a good restaurant. Nothing wrong with that, except that the good restaurant is gone. And home prices have gone through the roof, as they have in so many places. And the church seems more than a little aggressive, preaching that “wives need to be led with a firm hand,” that “men conquer and women surrender,” and that “we are not yet in a hot civil war, with shooting and all, but we are in a cold civil war.” At least our colonists aren’t trying to establish a theocracy, even if they are opening French Laundries everywhere.

So, yes, things could be worse. The glass might be three-quarters empty, and as Mao said, it’s always darkest just before it’s totally black — but at least Zillow’s saying my house has lost 10 percent of its value in the last six months, meaning I might be able to afford my neighborhood again someday. In the meantime, Butte’s over there just waiting. Everyone says it’s going to be the next big Bozeman, where an unremarkable starter home goes for $800,000. We might have missed our chances in Jackson Hole and Aspen and Bozeman and Seattle and Boise and

now, for some of us, even in Spokane (which is a lot like Jackson Hole and Aspen, though also somewhat different). But that doesn’t mean we have to miss out on Butte, where the housing is cheap and the living is easy and the whole darn place is just lying there, waiting for colonists like us to come along and make the fallow fields fertile again. n

Samuel Ligon’s most recent novel, Miller Cane: A True & Exact History, appeared in 50 consecutive issues of the Inlander in 2018-19. He’s the author of two other novels, two books of stories, and is co-editor, with Kate Lebo, of Pie & Whiskey: Writers Under the Influence of Butter and Booze. He teaches at Eastern Washington University.

All places change, becoming better or worse or just different. They grow, they flow, they stagnate, they decay. Sometimes, they come back.

These five Idaho adventurers take serious steps to seek out the best untouched ski spots. BOB LEGASA PHOTO

“SPUD CINEMA,” CONTINUED...

Together the Potato Boys have created a tasty recipe for exciting and entertaining ski content, whether it be through social media, short movies or some upbeat web advertisements for Nordica Skis.

After a couple of injuries last season slowed their filming adventures, the Potato Boys will be back at it again this winter. “We got a big list of stuff to do,” Essex says excitedly. “It just kind of depends on where the snow fills in and what looks good.”

Most of their adventures have some tough logistics. “Everything we’re doing, it’s so damn long to get out there,” Essex explains. “I felt the maximum of what you could do in a day was a lot on the body, to carry that much gear that far and then have to ski at a high level after that led to some late nights. So we’re like, we gotta figure out how we can stay out there.”

This winter, the crew plans on snow camping and using a teepee with a stove. That way, the Boys can take on challenging adventures without feeling rushed or tired. They experimented with it a few times last winter with some decent success.

“Most days we’ll use the snowmobiles only for like the first hour in the morning just to get down the road or drainage then we’ll have to carry our gear and hike in the rest,” Essex says. “It can be pretty tiring if we’re carrying all our overnight gear and cameras. So for these bigger trips, we started throwing the teepee and overnight gear out of a plane. There’s some crazy logistics behind that, and it’s a whole can of worms in itself, but it’s fun and exhilarating. There’s nothing like it when you get to that bag that you chucked the day before and everything’s OK.”

You can find the Famous Potatoes movie on YouTube. If you want to keep up with their exploits and shenanigans this winter, follow the Boys on Instagram: @essexprescott; @blake_ bowerman; @stephen_matkin; @camhootch; @kylevandever

Skiing these uncharted areas comes with many risks. The Boys’ avalanche awareness skills are on point, but when there’s not much data collected on a zone throughout the season, things can get sketchy.

“Like back when I lived in Whistler,” Essex says, “I mean everyone was going out all the time, and you knew where it was good via Instagram or talking to people. Here, you’re kind of on your own, getting a lot of the information yourself, so it was really important for us to spend a lot of time going to the same places and gathering the data throughout the season to understand how things were developing and what the snowpack was doing, how stuff was filling in, what the approaches in were like, the whole nine yards.”

Their experience with their first movie, Famous Potatoes, was a realization for the Potato Boys that there are lots of adventures around here and skiers want to see that. Essex says with a smile, “The local community loved it, and it was so damn fun to do.” n

Bob Legasa has been a Snowlander contributor to the Inlander since 1994. He’s also a Hayden-based independent videographer, TV producer and snowsports event promoter with his Freeride Media company.

Expect even more from the Potato Boys this season. BOB LEGASA PHOTO

Our new Eagle Peak expansion means 500 new acres fresh terrain, runs, quad chairlift. affordable family and friends ski day that’s easy to reach via I-90.

YOUR NEW secret spot

BOSSES IN THE HOUSE

Despite whatever the year throws at them, an annual constant for one group of friends is their “Guys Ski Trip”

High up, look right, off the polar peak lift at Fernie Snow Valley (ski the griz), you’ll find Lizard Bowl — a modest inbounds approach tucked right into a wind-scoured draw. Go left and you’ll shimmy down a ladder of used truck tires chained together by ski patrol to hold snow on the leeward side of the ridgeline. Head right and you’ll encounter a seemingly neverending field of VW bug sized moguls.

It was there, in 2008, where 10 of us — buddies driving in from Seattle or flying into GEG — started what is now a 21-year-and-running tradition.

Lap number one, I purposely, but incorrectly, chose the bumps. As I dropped into the trough, I could see my buddies’ heads bobbing through the icy white snow globes. Like whack-a-mole, the poms of their hats popped up and down between the bumps and trees.

Lap two, once we descended the tire gangplank with quizzical caution and clicked into our skis, you must point it straight through the choke before it widens into a powder-filled bowl. I had chosen wisely. Light, loose powder rose over my knees. As I skied out to the base of the bowl, I looked back over my shoulder, and person after person dropped in, making big arching turns, while hooting and hollering down the run. I thought to myself, “Yep, ‘Guys Ski Trip.’ What a tradition.”

BY NICK PONTAROLO

CHAIRLIFT BANTER

Once a year, for the past two decades, 10 of us descend upon an unwitting ski town for “Guys Ski Trip ” The goal is to blow off some steam in search of knee-deep powder, cheap beer and to find out who still has the agility to perform standing backflips in ski boots. (I have never been able to, let alone on the dancefloor in a bar.)

The tradition is rooted as much in skiing as it is in camaraderie. Through girlfriends, breakups, wives, kids, divorces, new jobs, lost jobs, promotions, graying hair, death, COVID and injuries, we are there for each other throughout the year, but get to physically rip laps and celebrate the fine sport of skiing once a year. Mimicking the ski legends of Warren Miller, Jim McConkey and Bill Briggs, we never could completely commit to the ski bum life. But for four or five days a year, we forget about reality, focusing instead on chairlift banter and hot laps.

The rules are fairly simple: a new destination every year, no repeats, all under $1,000 (this worked until year 11, Sun Valley, Idaho), at least one viewing of Aspen Extreme simply to test our knowledge that we still can recite a vast majority of the movie, no uninvited guests and be ready to ski, no matter what pain you’d dealt yourself the night before. Ten has generally been the number. It is perfect for chairlift math at most mountains.

From near or far, these 10 longtime friends come together to ski every year.

“BOSSES IN THE HOUSE,” CONTINUED...

Some have come, and some have gone, but the core 10 has stayed strong.

The commitment to Guys Ski Trip is legendary. One year, a guy flew in from Uganda. Oddly enough, he outskied us all after coming in jet lagged and from the hot summer weather of Kampala. Another OG member showed up with a blown knee just to be sure we had good spots for apres drinks… just holding down a table for 10 until our thirst and hunger got the best of us.

Although we’ve aged, I am confident we can still keep up both on and off the hill. We have tamed down the late nights in favor of local flavor. For example, curling. If we’re in Canada, we lock in a night of high stakes curling, taking over the sheet with our unorthodox lower 48 game. Or hockey. Many small towns have a local team. Showing up 10 deep to cheer for the local club makes for a fun night, and you’re guaranteed to meet the locals.

A WAY OF LIFE

A tradition, of course, needs a name. Owing to the group’s dedication to make Guys Ski Trip an annual rite of passage, we trademarked our brand as “Boss House.” T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, sunglasses, buffs, koozies, flasks, CDs (yes we are old) all embossed with Boss House. You could spot a Boss House Guys Ski Tripper from two concourses down in the Denver airport because they’d be dressed exactly like yourself with 21 layers of Boss House gear. Unfortunately, Boss House has not quite taken off to the point that it has afforded us influencer status or takeover bids from Elon Musk, but it certainly adds flavor to any Ski Town USA.

The origins of Boss House are similar to the original CocaCola recipe or the 11 herbs and spices in the Colonel’s chicken. Highly secretive and simple. A steadily repeated phrase, a mantra, that has become our simple motto. A term of encouragement and badge of camaraderie.

The Boss House crew has been fortunate enough to fly in helicopters, ride in toboggans, lay down a skin track, accidently wreck rental cars, befriend local celebrities and hot tub until the sun comes up. But the reality of a ski trip is that, as ski patrol director Carl Stall says in Aspen Extreme, “Skiing is the easy part.” The realist part of ski trips are the friendships. Checking in on how everyone’s kids are doing. How the apple harvest was the prior year. Who is going to move somewhere warm so we can all come crash at their house. Who is the next snowboarder who will convert to skiing…

The friendships are the fabric that hold the traditions of skiing together. I am humbled every year to get to call these guys my best friends, and I laugh to myself when, at 5 am, the overly jovial flight attendant asks me as I sit down, ski boots slung over my shoulder, “What exactly is Boss House…?” n

Nick Pontarolo is an attorney in Spokane.

The Boss House boys take a break from the fun.

wish Peace Joy. for and

MT. SPOKANE MOONLIGHT TOURS & DINNERS

Put on some snowshoes or dust off those skis and get up to Mt. Spokane for a beautiful moonlight tour through some of the mountain’s snowy, wooded areas. On these tours, your group is led by an experienced guide; however, you should probably have a bit of snow sports experience before embarking on this journey. Choose a snowshoe or cross-country skiing tour, peacefully make your way through the woods while basking in the moonlight and then enjoy a from-scratch meal of lasagna, salad and breadsticks provided by the Greenbluff Fresh Catering Company. The cost of the tour covers the fee of gear rental as well as dinner. A one-day Sno-Park permit is required to participate in the tour.

— MADISON PEARSON

Jan. 7, Feb. 4 and March 4 from 6-9 pm • $51 • Selkirk Lodge • North Mt. Spokane Park Dr., Mead • spokanerec.org

DECEMBER

DRESS LIKE SANTA DAY

Receive a discounted lift ticket if you dress like Santa or Mrs. Claus. All participants must also partake in the Santa Downhill. See website for details. Dec. 22. $20. Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area, I-90 Exit 0. skilookout.com (208-744-1301)

MT. SPOKANE NIGHT SKI

Ski in the dark on Mt. Spokane’s 16-lighted runs. Dec. 16-March. 11, 2023; Wed-Sat from 3-9 pm. Free. Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park, 29500 N. Mt. Spokane Park Dr. mtspokane.com (509-238-2220)

YOUTH WINTER ADVENTURES

Kids age 9-12 learn how to cross country ski and snowshoe the trails and forest around Mt. Spokane State Park. Dec. 22, 9 am-4 pm. $99. Northeast Community Center, 4001 N. Cook St. necommunitycenter.com/wp (509-487-1603)

DJ NIGHT ON THE ICE

DJ A1 provides the tunes for themed nights, contests and

more. Every Fri at 6 pm through Jan. 27. $7-$10. Numerica Skate Ribbon, 720 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. my.spokanecity.org/riverfrontspokane (509-625-6600)

SKI WITH SANTA

Ski beginner and intermediate runs with Santa and Mrs. Claus and collect candy from them afterward. Dec. 23, 1-4 pm and Dec. 24, 12-5 pm. Free. Schweitzer, 10,000 Schweitzer Mountain Rd. schweitzer.com

SNOWBOARDING FREESTYLE CAMP

This one-day camp is all about giving participants a taste of freestyle and creating the confidence to explore the world of freestyle terrain from sculpted jumps, rails and boxes to natural features all over the mountain. Dec. 23, 12-3 pm. 49 Degrees North, 3311 Flowery Trail Rd. ski49n.com

SLEIGH & WAGON RIDES

Take a horse-drawn carriage or wagon ride followed by various winter excursions like picking out a Christmas tree or a post-ride dinner. See website for avail-

ability. Dec. 26-31, 11 am-6 pm.

$75-$100. Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, 1413 Upper Gold Creek Rd. westernpleasureranch.com (208263-9066)

SPOKANE CHIEFS VS. SEATTLE THUNDERBIRDS

Promotional events include the TicketsWest Player Magnet Giveaway. Dec. 28, 7:05 pm. $12-$30. Spokane Arena, 720 W. Mallon Ave. spokanechiefs.com

GONE TO THE DOGS & SKIJOR Bring your dogs to the mountain and let them run around on the lower trail system. All dogs must be accompanied by their human, who has a pass or lift ticket. Dec. 30, Jan. 28, Feb. 17 and March

25. $5-$82. 49 Degrees North, 3311 Flowery Trail Rd. ski49n.com (509-935-6649)

SPOKANE CHIEFS VS. TRI-CITY AMERICANS

Promotional events include the Centennial Hotel Family Feast Night. Dec. 30, 7:05 pm. $12-$30. Spokane Arena, 720 W. Mallon Ave. spokanechiefs.com ...continued on page 26

Day & night

NEW YEAR’S EVE TUBING PARTY

Spend your final hours of 2022 with an action-packed tubing adventure featuring snacks, hot chocolate, Twinkie and snack roasting and an LED wand to light your way along the terrain. When tubing concludes, celebrate the new year at the clock tower with a sparkler celebration. Dec. 31, 7-9 pm. $40. Schweitzer, 10,000 Schweitzer Mountain Rd. schweitzer.com (208-263-9555)

Celebrate Silver Mountain’s roots with $19 lift tickets, vintage ski gear and riding the resort’s original chairlift.

Jan. 12. $19. Silver Mountain Resort, 610 Bunker Ave. silvermt.com

MT.

SNOWSHOE TOUR

Learn the basics of snowshoeing during this guided hike on snowshoe trails around Mount Spokane. Pre-trip information is sent out after registration. Fee includes snowshoes,

JACKASS DAY 2023

SPOKANE

Jackass Day at Silver celebrates the resorts origins each year. SILVER MOUNTAIN RESORT PHOTO WHITEFISH

poles, trail fees, instruction and transportation. Meet at Yoke’s Fresh Market in Mead. Jan. 16, Jan. 21, Jan. 28, Feb. 5, Feb. 12, Feb. 20, and March 18, 9 am-1 pm. $39. spokanerec.org

SPOKANE CHIEFS VS. VICTORIA ROYALS

Promotional events include Military Appreciation Night and Family Feast Night. Jan. 21, 7:05 pm. $12-$30. Spokane Arena, 720 W. Mallon Ave. spokanechiefs.com

WEST VALLEY OUTDOOR LEARNING CENTER OPEN HOUSE

This monthly open house features crafts, activities and a chance to meet some critters. Jan. 21, 10 am-1 pm. By donation. West Valley Outdoor Learning Center, 8706 E. Upriver Drive. olc.wvsd.org (509-340-1028)

SPOKANE CHIEFS VS. SEATTLE THUNDERBIRDS

Promotional events include Gold Seal Princesses and Heroes Night. Jan. 27, 7:05 pm. $12-$30. Spokane Arena, 720 W. Mallon Ave. spokanechiefs.com n

City Sidewalks

A Night on the Town

DowntownSpokane.org

EMMA RUE’S

When you’re out enjoying the company of friends, family or your significant other, there’s nothing quite like live music to create a special atmosphere. And, fortunately, there are plenty of outstanding venues in downtown Spokane that offer great music in addition to great food, drinks and ambience. LEFT BANK WINE BAR (108 N. Washington St.) is one of those venues, which makes it an excellent place to close out the work week or kick off a night of revelry. Musicians take the stage of Left Bank on Friday and Saturday evenings with the occasional stand-up comedy just to spice things up. If you’re not a wine connoisseur, that’s fine. The staff will be happy to walk you through the basics and recommend something in line with your palette.

BARRISTER WINERY (1213 W. Railroad Ave.) is yet another wonderful spot to enjoy fine music alongside equally fine art and wine. It’s open every day for tastings, glasses and sales of whole bottles of its award-winning red wines — like its velvety Cabernet Franc, which has a profile suggestive of dark cherries, warm spice and toasted oak. “This is the season when people look forward to getting out and having fun, which is why we think of December as a month of celebration,” says Greg Lipsker, Barrister’s owner and winemaker. “We have Swing Set, a really danceable swing, pop and rock four-piece, playing here on December 28, and our walls will be hung with art by the Pacific Northwest watercolor artist Jeannine Marx Fruci.”

For a wide variety of regular weekly live music events, there’s EMMA RUE’S (17 S. Howard St.). This chic downtown café prides itself on serving single-origin gourmet coffee from regional roasters, decadent desserts and evening craft cocktails in a setting reminiscent of 1920s Paris. Every Tuesday is college jazz night, Thursdays bring a rotating musical artist and on Fridays the ever popular DJ Rosethrow is at the turntables. 

City Sidewalks

THE ILLUSIONISTS

Holiday Magic

he joy of the holiday season doesn’t end on Christmas Day. This year, THE ILLUSIONISTS keep the wonder and surprise going when they come to the First Interstate Center for the Arts on December 26 as part of their phenomenally popular, direct-from-Broadway tour. Fittingly titled Magic of the Holidays, the show features everything from mind reading and dazzling sleight of hand to more elaborate stunts and comedic magic. Each skill is personified by one of five top-tier magicians and masters of illusion — Pablo Canovas, Chris Cox, Paul Dabek, Hyunjoon Kim and James More — as they take to the stage with the incredible feats that have made this touring production a must-see event for all ages. Magic of the Holidays is a performance that’s sure to entertain and delight — even (or especially) if you can’t quite believe what you’ve seen. Head to firstinterstatecenter.org for tickets and more information. 

New Year’s Downtown

What better way to start the new year than with a bang? That’s what makes the NEW YEAR’S EVE COMMUNITY FIREWORKS at Riverfront Park the ideal event to ring in 2023. The celebratory fireworks show starts at 9 pm on December 31, so bring your friends and family down to the park to take in the spectacular display in the night sky above downtown Spokane. And if the fireworks weren’t enough, you can also enjoy late-night ice skating at the nearby Numerica Skate Ribbon as part of a special DJ NIGHT ON THE ICE event before and during the New Year’s Eve festivities. A professional DJ will be spinning live tunes as you glide across the ice and into the coming year. Just like the fireworks show, the latenight DJ skate session is an all-ages, family-friendly activity. 

Downtown Holiday Events

CUP OF JOY

Over three dozen artists from across the United States ship or hand deliver four ceramic cups for exhibit and sale. Through Jan. 7, Wed-Fri from 11 am-5 pm. Trackside Studio, 115 S. Adams St. tracksidestudio.net

GRAND CHANUKAH CELEBRATION

This Chanukah celebration includes a public menorah lighting, a car parade, homemade latkes, arts and crafts, face painting and live music. Thu, Dec. 22 from 5-7 pm. Riverfront Park, 507 N. Howard St. Free. riverfrontspokane.org

MASTERCLASS BIG BAND’S SWINGIN’ IN THE NEW YEAR

Enjoy a festive night of dancing and music as MasterClass Big Band brings you a variety of standards and hits from all genres, along with the best of rockin’ blues with Bobby Patterson and the Two Tones. Sat, Dec. 31 at 9 pm. $30. Knitting Factory, 919 W. Sprague Ave. sp.knittingfactory.com (509-244-3279)

ZONA BLANCA NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER

A multi-course dinner featuring oysters,

caviar, shrimp, and more all prepared by chefs Chad White and Erin Nielsen. The after-dinner reception includes three cash bars, tacos, a midnight champagne toast and live music. Sat, Dec. 31 from 7 pm-1:30 am. $175-$230. Zona Blanca, 157 S. Howard St. limefishsalt.com (800-241-3385)

SPOKANE SYMPHONY

NEW YEAR’S EVE: BEETHOVEN’S 9TH

Celebrate the new year with Beethoven’s monumental work dedicated to freedom, joy and human unity. The concert features more than 150 performers on stage, including the Spokane Symphony Chorale. Sat, Dec. 31 at 7:30 pm. Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox. spokanesymphony.org (509624-1200)

NEW YEAR’S EVE AT THE DAVENPORT

Begin the countdown to the beginning of the new year with live music from the Sacha Botros Quartet, a photo booth, hors d’oeuvres and a champagne toast at midnight. Sat, Dec. 31 from 8 pm-1 am. $150$250. Historic Davenport Hotel, 10 S. Post St. davenporthotelcollection.com (800-899-1482)

Art Elements From Crescent Department Store Coloring Book, 1973

SOMEONE ELSE’S SHOES

In her new memoir, Spokane writer and artist Diane Sherman captures the essence of human experience

BY SAMANTHA HOLM

In her art studio, Diane Sherman is surrounded by a vibrant, eclectic collection of hanging canvas paintings and stacks of art journals. She sits in her “Catholic Schoolgirl Chair,” which she nicknamed because of its cracking, aged wood and the maneuverable desk attached to its side. It reminds Sherman of Catholic school and her younger self.

This snapshot is emblematic of Sherman’s lifelong journey to shed inner criticism, grief and shame, and to blossom into the most authentic, unapologetic version of herself.

For her latest project, In Borrowed Shoes, Sherman shares over 100 personal stories threaded together to form a vulnerable and cohesive narrative of her path to self-acceptance. She hopes the collection resonates with others, and that they process moments from their own lives while reading it.

“With this book, I wrote it so that people don’t feel so alone,” she says. “I’ve pulled back the curtain on how so many of us feel in different moments.”

Sherman specifically shares 108 individual short stories in In Borrowed Shoes to mirror the practice of counting mala beads. A mala is a sacred necklace from Buddhist and Hindu tradition, held during meditation to promote focus, and while chanting mantras to keep count.

Sherman has used the mala for over 25 years throughout her own spiritual journey, so integrating it into her book felt fitting and even more personal.

“I wanted this book to be 108 moments of a life strung together that could be contemplated and reflected upon,” she says. “It’s the layperson’s reality of a spiritual journey.”

In one of her favorite stories from the memoir, called “Becoming the Priest,” Sherman recounts a time when her 10-year-old self led a Catholic Mass for her parents in

the backyard of their San Francisco Bay Area home.

“As a young person, I was always very spiritual,” she says. “I tried Catholicism, but it didn’t make sense to me.”

She goes on to elaborate that her spiritual roots stemmed from losing her father when she was 7.

“Something cracked in me,” she says. “The grief and loss of losing my father was so intense. I really felt the pain of that loss… I had no way to process it.”

In Borrowed Shoes recounts this experience and distills other heavy subjects, but it also details life’s triumphs. It tells the stories of Sherman beginning her yogic journey, trekking mountains in Tibet, and swaying her hips to salsa music in Costa Rica. It also joins her in the quiet moments of life, the ones that we don’t often pay attention to unless we’re incredibly mindful.

In another of her favorite stories, “Potato Chips,” Sherman describes her love of the delicious salty treat and the sensory experience of eating them.

“Any moment, if we pay really close attention, has so much for you — like your tea, your chocolate [and] your dog,” she says.

In Borrowed Shoes is written in a unique style for a memoir. Along with its segmentation into 108 stories, Sherman’s writing implements the creative wordplay of poetry and yet maintains the same frankness and descriptiveness as her prose vignettes.

Even as a writer for over 40 years, Sherman admits, “I don’t have a word for what these are.”

At a young age, Sherman wrote stories and lost herself in fantasy worlds. As a youngster, her dream was to be a journalist, just like both of her parents were. Her father wrote for the Los Angeles Times, and her mother wrote for Time Life Magazine

Sherman attended Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism for a brief time and discovered she hated news writing and its more rigid format. She wanted to infuse her sense of self and personal experiences into the pieces she wrote. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in art history from UCLA and, later, a master’s in arts and consciousness from John F. Kennedy University, Sherman gradually grew into the interdisciplinary artist she is now.

“I’m a journalist of the inner world,” she says.

In addition to being a writer, Sherman is a yoga instructor and creativity coach. She offers classes to help students release their inner critics and complete their creative projects, including a yearlong creative process immersion, with the next session beginning in February 2023.

“I feel like my mission on the planet is just to help us all become ourselves,” she says.

In Borrowed Shoes is simply an extension of that mission.

“I think ‘in borrowed shoes’ usually has the connotation of ‘you can’t really know what someone else’s life is like unless you walk in their shoes,’” she says. “I liked that it has that sort of metaphoric meaning, but I also felt that we borrow the ‘shoes,’ [or] other paradigms of thought, until we get to our own ‘shoes’.”

Sherman’s memoir is an opportunity to slip into a pair of borrowed shoes and take a few steps alongside her until you arrive to find your very own “shoes.” n

Find In Borrowed Shoes locally at Auntie’s Bookstore; online from Amazon (Kindle and print) and Balboa Press. Learn more about Diane Sherman, including her upcoming creative process immersion workshops and an East Coast book tour, at dianesherman.net.

Multimedia artist Diane Sherman in her studio.

YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

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DELICATE WHITE FLOWERS

Do shows about terrible rich people need to be subversive and smart?

BY NATE SANFORD

When HBO’s The White Lotus debuted last year, it felt like yet another show about the airheaded elite behaving badly and mostly getting away with it.

We already have Succession, Big Little Lies, The Undoing and so many other shows that walk a fine line between condemning and glamorizing extreme wealth. So when a boat full of very White, rich tourists pulled up to a sparkling Hawaiian resort in the first season of Lotus, it felt like more of the same.

And it was. But it also kind of worked.

Watching the comfortably elite have a shitty time on vacation is fun, but the show’s first season felt hesitant to let the viewer have too much fun. To keep things from straying too far into soap opera territory, the first season couched its drama in themes of colonialism and class. It was hit-or-miss. At times, it felt like show creator Mike White’s own self-consciousness was creeping onto the screen: Yes, we’re rich and White and eating calamari on stolen land, the characters said to themselves, but we feel kinda bad about it, too.

The second season is stronger because it strays away from the moralizing and leans harder on the gorgeous scenery, petty drama and spectacle.

There’s an almost entirely new cast of characters, and instead of Hawaii, the setting is sun-drenched Sicily. While the resort staff were well-defined key characters in the first season, they’re almost entirely absent in the second. In doing this, the show loses some of the biting social commentary that made its first season feel important, but it gains some of the mindless drama that made it addictive.

Instead of colonialism and class, the main theme is sex. Soap opera stuff. The murder mystery that gave the first season a semblance of plot movement is back in the second season, but it’s also more muted and takes a back seat to infidelity and steamy Italian rendezvous.

But that’s what the show does best.

The first season of Lotus felt like it was reaching for something greater than itself — a social commentary and class satire on the scale of Succession. It came close but never quite figured out what it wanted to say. The show is still smart, but its ambitions are quieter in its second season, and it’s somehow stronger because of it.

While the new season explores some interesting themes involving gender politics — two of the most interesting characters are sex workers — it’s overshadowed by the scenes that went viral on Twitter. Like in episode one, when actor Theo James, who plays a finance ghoul one NDA away from a #MeToo moment, briefly exposes his penis. (It was a prosthetic, according to dozens of articles dissecting the scene that went online immediately after the episode aired.)

The class, race and colonial politics that Lotus tried to eschew in its first season are important to talk about, but maybe this show isn’t the best vehicle for that. At it’s core, Lotus is a soapy murder mystery about rich people at beautiful resorts behaving badly and struggling with their own self-destruction.

The acting, cinematography, music and writing are all brilliant — even when there’s nothing deeper beneath the surface. That’s fun to gawk at, and maybe it doesn’t need anything more. n

MARVEL CHRISTMATIC UNIVERSE

Beloved sci-fi movies getting Christmas specials don’t have the best track record (see: The Star Wars Holiday Special, and Happy Life Day to my Wookie pals!). That didn’t stop the powers that be from churning out THE GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY HOLIDAY SPECIAL for Disney+. While it certainly won’t be a classic revisited for generations, it’s also not a disaster. Writer/director James Gunn centered the Guardians universe on jokes as much as action, so it gives itself more naturally over to silly seasonal cheer. When Mantis and Drax set out to kidnap a Hollywood celeb to cheer up Quill, it’s absurd, but still kinda fits. Throw in some family sentimentality and alien Christmas songs from made-up band the Old 97s, and it’s alright as a one-off viewing. (SETH SOMMERFELD)

A MUSICAL PUPPY CHRISTMAS!

There are only two pieces of entertainment I must consume every year: A Claymation Christmas Celebration and the “O Little Town of Doggywood” podcast episode (#23) of OFF BOOK: THE IMPROVISED MUSICAL. The latter of which is now finally free from paywall, so all can find it in their podcast feeds. The show’s absurdly talented hosts Jessica McKenna and Zach Reino are joined by comedians Paul F. Tompkins and Nicole Parker and proceed to concoct an entire musical out of thin air about a doggy universe where pups are preparing for a big Christmas concert. You won’t find funnier holiday entertainment than this wild audio journey featuring singing and songwriting beagle best friend brothers, a diva chihuahua and her (evil?) goldendoodle manager, geese in a dumbwaiter, and the chaos of the 12 days of Christmas characters attempting to rehearse. (SETH SOMMERFELD)

KARDONG BRIDGE IS BACK!

A well-used pedestrian and cycling bridge over the Spokane River in the University District reopened last Friday after being closed during a seven-month renovation. The DON KARDONG BRIDGE — named after Bloomsday’s founder — crosses the river near Gonzaga University’s baseball fields, and now sports a new concrete deck, accessible viewing platforms, a fresh coat of paint and new lighting, among other upgrades. Steel trusses that crossed the bridge were also removed. The $3.36 million project, completed months ahead of schedule and overseen by Spokane Parks & Recreation, was paid for with money from donors, public and private funds, and the federal American Rescue Plan. (CHEY SCOTT)

They’re rich and pretty, and they know it.

The Beat Goes On

KYRS Thin Air Community Radio

moves to Spokane’s Central Library after almost two decades in the Community Building

BY MADISON PEARSON

For the past 19 years, KYRS Thin Air Community Radio has called the third floor of Main Avenue’s Community Building home, but the radio station is now sending out signals from the third floor of the Central Library branch in downtown Spokane.

In 2018, voters approved a $77 million bond, setting in motion plans to renovate four existing Spokane Public Library branches and build three new branches. Shortly after announcing that its downtown branch was one of those locations getting a major facelift, KYRS was contacted by Jason Johnson, the Central Library’s community engagement manager.

“A lightbulb went off in his mind,” says Dana Matthews, the radio station’s programming director. “Jason asked if we’d like a permanent location within the new library. It was like serendipity. We’d been searching for a new location for years. We just never found one that felt right.”

The downtown branch began its transformation in March 2020, and was unveiled to the public in July 2022, but KYRS couldn’t move into its new space right away.

The hardest part was yet to come: raising funds for new equipment.

“Between then and now that was our biggest struggle,” Matthews says. “I made our case to the state first and applied for a grant. I said that we need this money in order to continue doing what we’re passionate about and what the community loves. The state agreed and we received the grant. The ability for us to move was really hinging on that.”

The grant required KYRS to buy equipment for the new studio space and then show proof of purchase in order to be reimbursed. But as a nonprofit, KYRS doesn’t have a ton of cash lying in wait. Once listeners caught wind of the need to fundraise, however, all of the station’s worries vanished.

“We truly have the best listeners in the world,” Matthews says. “All of us here cherish our relationships with our listeners, and because our staff and volunteers foster such good rela-

tionships with listeners, we received an outpour of support in the form of donations. It says a lot about [the listeners].”

Once adequate money was raised, Matthews and long-time volunteer-turned-station-engineer Dale Sanderson began picking out state-of-the-art equipment to furnish the new space.

“We owe it all to Dale,” Matthews says. “Even down to the needles on our turntables, Dale thought of every single detail. He even handmade the desk that everything sits on in his home workshop.”

The radio station and Central Library have a mutual agreement that KYRS provide certain services to library users in exchange for free use of the space. Matthews says station staff have plans to hold workshops to teach interested parties how to run their own radio show. After completing the workshop, participants are invited to broadcast their completed show on the air.

“We’re able to open our doors to so many more people now because of this location,” Matthews says. “We’re so much more visible and able to get involved more easily.”

Since October, the station has been operating full-time out of the Central Library.

For a grand opening celebration in early December, KYRS staff, music programmers, board members and, of course, listeners filled the Central Library’s nxʷyxʷyetkʷ Hall, showing just how many community members are involved in making KYRS what it is: A radio station for the people, by the people.

“A library is probably the epitome of a community institution,” Matthews says “We’re literally right within the community here. It’s like a radio station’s dream come true. Like, if you were to write a movie script about a radio station, this scenario would be going overboard because it’s too unbelievable.”

In the station’s old home on the third floor of the Community Building, visitors pass by a poster that reads “How to Build Community.” Near the top, the list recommends “use your library” and near the bottom, it urges community members to “turn up the music.”

Though KYRS has since departed that space, these tenets of its mission remain the same, and are now perhaps even better amplified — literally and figuratively — from its new operating base. n

Station Manager Michael Moon Bear in the new KYRS studio ERICK DOXEY PHOTO

OPENINGS Spirit of Sandpoint

Three new drink-forward venues in the North Idaho town’s core expand its appeal as a dining destination

BY CARRIE SCOZZARO

Every town has dining venues revered for reasons that may be far separate from the menu, including a building’s location, history or appearance. All three factor into the appeal of The Bank: Barroom & Eatery, one of three new restaurants in Sandpoint’s small-but-dense downtown core.

The Bank is one of the first Sandpoint eateries seen when entering town from the south on Highway 95 and the Long Bridge. It occupies the ground floor of a two-story, turn-of-the-century brick structure that’s housed a succession of restaurants, including Sand Creek Grill. Most recently, it was Beet and Basil, which is now operating out of a food truck at the Bonner Mall. (Meanwhile, its owners Jeremy Holzapfel and Jessica Vouk are building a spot nearby, slated to open in 2023.)

The Bank’s name was inspired, in part, by its history, according to owner Nicholas “Nick” Nizzoli.

“I wanted to do a little nod to its origin as a financial building,” Nizzoli says. Some still refer to it as the Fidelity Trust building.

The Bank also relates to the restaurant’s location on the banks of Sand Creek, he says.

The current menu is modest with a handful of shareables, entrees and rotating specials, though Nizzoli plans to expand it in 2023, starting lunch service in January and brunch in June. The Bank Board ($19) varies seasonally and currently features focaccia from Bluebird Bakery and Selle Valley Creamery cheese, as well as hummus, toasted nuts, assorted raw veggies and pickles.

Nizzoli, who grew up in Sandpoint and worked at the iconic Ivano’s Ristorante (now the Blue Room) as a teenager, is partial to The Bank’s warmed citrus olives ($9).

“They’re really high-quality, Italian imported olives and olive oil and herbs that marinate and then we heat them up and it’s just an awesome little bar snack appetizer,” he says.

Also try the arugula salad ($16) with local Pack River Farms’ greens or dig into a heartier entree like short ribs ($32) with rosemary demi glace and cheesy polenta.

Nizzoli opened The Bank in July 2022 following a remodel that included adding a second full bar to serve the back patio. Outside, he repainted the walls, an unusual river rock door, and window trim in two-toned gray. Nizzoli also relocated the First Avenue-facing ingress to the building’s north side so patrons enter into the bar, versus the dining area, which parallels his focus on craft cocktails.

“It’s been something I’ve been really passionate about since I started in this industry,” says Nizzoli, whose hospitality experience includes bartending and managing busy clubs in Boise, where he earned an economics degree at Boise State University.

On visits home, however, Nizzoli realized Sandpoint’s craft cocktail scene was lacking. When he moved back to Sandpoint during pandemic-related shutdowns, Nizzoli spent two years nurturing plans for his own place while working at another iconic Sandpoint spot, Eichardt’s Pub and Grill, which Nick’s father, Jeff, founded in 1994 and still owns.

Nizzoli’s cocktail menu emphasizes scratchmade ingredients — bitters, shrubs, syrups, juices— with a twist. For someone used to Jack Daniels and Coke, says Nizzoli, he’ll suggest “another cocktail that might use honey and bitters with your whiskey and get some of those flavors that you’re comfortable with, but in a new platform.”

The Bank also offers options for the alcoholaverse.

“In my generation, there’s a lot of people that have decided that drinking isn’t for them,” observes Nizzoli, who adds that “maybe they went a little hard in college, or it just doesn’t align with their lifestyle.”

The zero proof Health Food ($7) drink features a carrot-ginger shrub while the Sunset ($9), which contains 3 percent alcohol, has sloe gin, lemon juice and herbal tea.

“Everyone deserves to experience and have something that’s beautiful and exciting and tasty,” Nizzoli says.

Next door to The Bank is another of two new Sandpoint watering holes. Barrel 33 opened in October, featuring a mostly local drink menu and a small, thoughtful food menu. Patrons can find local beers from MickDuff’s, No-Li Brewhouse, and Paragon Brewing, or local wines from Spokane’s Barrister, Moscow’s Colter’s Creek and Sandpoint’s Cabin View wineries.

The menu includes shareables like baked brie ($12) with fig jam and crackers, a pretzel ($15) with beer cheese and mustard, and assorted flatbreads ($13-$16), as well as toasted sandwiches ($13-$15) and desserts like classic chocolate lava cake ($10).

A third new spot in Sandpoint is still a work-inprogress, according to owner Justin Dick, a current Sandpoint City Council member and longtime restaurateur. In addition to co-owning Jalapeño’s, Dick created Trinity at City Beach with wife Shaunavee

The Bank Barroom & Eatery features elevated cocktails.

RACHEAL BAKER PHOTO

inside the Best Western Edgewater in 2009. Anticipating changes to the hotel where Trinity is currently located, however, the Dicks purchased a single-story brick building at 113 Main Street, which they recently opened as a bar and restaurant, for now called 113 Main.

“We have a full bar, beer and wine with some small plates while the last of our kitchen equipment is being installed,” Dick says.

He hopes to offer a full menu by January 2023 with entrees like crispy skin-on halibut over house-made gnocchi with white wine-butter sauce, fennel and capers.

THE BANK: BARROOM & EATERY

105 S. First Ave. • Open Tue-Thu 4-8 pm, Fri-Sat 4-9 pm • thebanksandpoint.com • 208-946-2952

BEET AND BASIL

775 Bonner Mall Way, Ponderay • Open Wed-Fri 11 am-3pm • beetandbasil.net • 208-627-7715

BARREL 33

100 N. First Ave.• Open Sun-Thu 10 am-7 pm, Fri-Sat 10 am-8 pm • barrel33sandpoint.com • 208-920-6258

113 MAIN

113 Main St.• Open Tue-Sat 3-9 pm • 208-255-7558

Similar to The Bank, 113 Main incorporates local history into its brand.

“We worked with the Bonner County Historical Society to pull historic photographs from the building’s past and will eventually work with the public to rename the establishment,” Dick says, noting 113 Main was formerly a trolly station, dry cleaner and most recently, Truby’s Health Mart.

“I’d like to incorporate the building’s past and preserve the history through the various businesses that inhabited the space [so] that Sandpoint, new and old, will remember or receive a history lesson,” Dick says.

Because 113 Main will likely be renamed, it doesn’t yet have an online presence or even a phone. Instead, Dick directs people to contact Trinity at City Beach with questions or, better yet, just be adventurous and stop by in person.

TARNISHING TINSELTOWN

Babylon self-indulgently wallows in the dark side of old Hollywood

BY JOSH BELL

The opening of Damien Chazelle’s old-Hollywood epic Babylon is practically a dare for the audience to immediately turn away: Barely a few minutes in, Chazelle unleashes a literal torrent of shit, as an elephant graphically defecates directly at the camera (and thus at the viewer), covering a worker in excrement. The pachyderm is being hauled up a hill to a party at a mansion owned by studio mogul Don Wallach (Jeff Garlin), serving as a symbol of showbiz excess during the silent-film era.

The grotesquerie continues throughout Babylon’s grueling, three-hour-plus running time, with a peculiar fixation on bodily fluids. Babylon isn’t a gross-out comedy, though. It’s a sprawling drama set during the transition from silent film to sound, wallowing in Hollywood’s sleaziest impulses, portraying the early film industry as a breeding ground for addiction, abuse and self-destruction. Writer/director Chazelle (La La Land) wants to inspire awe at the power of cinema while also making the movie business look as nasty and cutthroat as possible.

Babylon succeeds best when it focuses on the details of film production in the late 1920s and early 1930s. There’s a fascinating sequence in the first hour that captures the simultaneous production of multiple silent movies by the fictional Kinoscope studio, all filmed in an outdoor

complex that features everything from a giant battlefield for a historical drama to a dingy saloon for a Western. Chazelle’s frenetic camera swoops around the Kinoscope lot, taking in the action in showy long takes that look nothing like early cinema. Chazelle celebrates the original filmmaking pioneers, but his own visual style owes more to Martin Scorsese and Paul Thomas Anderson.

Present for that momentous day of filming are silent-film superstar Jack Conrad (Brad Pitt) and two aspiring Hollywood players. Nellie LaRoy (Margot Robbie) is getting her big break onscreen thanks to another actress’ fortuitous drug overdose at Wallach’s party, and Manny Torres (Diego Calva) seizes an opportunity to work behind the scenes after helping the drunk Jack get home from that same party. Babylon charts the rise and fall of Nellie and Manny, whose fates are intertwined after meeting at Wallach’s house. Jack has already risen, but he falls, too, and it’s all thanks to the advent of sound films.

Or at least that’s how it’s presented. Chazelle seems less interested in the artistic and commercial upheaval that accompanied the decline of silent films than he is in the debauched behavior of his characters. With her sexy, free-spirited screen presence, Nellie skyrockets to fame

ALSO OPENING

THE PALE BLUE EYE

In the winter of 1830, when a West Point cadet is murdered in a macabre manner, a top detective (Christian Bale) is called in to handle the case. To help solve the dark case, he enlists the help of another young cadet named Edgar Allen Poe (Harry Melling). Rated R At the Magic Lantern

WHITNEY HOUSTON: I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY

The life of the pop diva with one of the most powerful voices of all time heads to the big screen in this biopic starring Naomi Ackie. Rated PG-13

WILDCAT

This documentary follows a young veteran escaping to the unprotected Amazon Rainforest, eventually meeting a conservationist and raising an orphaned baby ocelot so that it can be released back into the wild. Wildcat was just named one of the “Top 5 Documentaries” of 2022 by The National Board of Review. Rated R At the Magic Lantern

in a trajectory that mirrors real-life silent star Clara Bow. Nellie freely indulges in her personal vices, including drugs and gambling, culminating in an absurd, overblown third act involving a hammy Tobey Maguire as a Los Angeles crime kingpin.

Manny moves up the studio ranks while pining for Nellie and attempting to keep her career on track, and Jack’s star fades despite his continued status as the studio’s highest-paid actor. There’s no genuine heartbreak in witnessing these declines, though, even when gossip columnist Elinor St. John (Jean Smart) lays it out in explicit, belabored terms directly to Jack. Chazelle’s maximalist approach is so manic and exhausting that it leaves no room for introspection, either for the characters or the audience. The lengthy pre-credits party scene, full of graphic nudity and sex and numerous mounds of cocaine, mirrors Chazelle’s busy, chaotic filmmaking, with similarly disastrous results.

BABYLON

Chazelle ends Babylon on an intended grace note that plays like an Oscars montage about the wonder of the movies, but the preceding three hours indicate more contempt and dismissal than reverence. Those moments of cinematic transcendence don’t seem worth the torture. n

Rated R Directed by Damien Chazelle Starring Margot Robbie, Brad Pitt, Diego Calva

You’ll wish the party would just end already while watching Babylon

More Than Nine Lives

The animated swashbuckling cat makes a welcome return in Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

BY JOSH BELL

When Puss in Boots first appeared in 2004’s Shrek 2, he didn’t seem like a character who could sustain his own long-running franchise. The swashbuckling cat voiced by Antonio Banderas was comic relief in a movie already full of comedy, providing a bit of flair when he showed up onscreen. Eighteen years later, Puss is still around, and the new Puss in Boots: The Last Wish proves that he’s still entertaining to watch, thanks in large part to Banderas’ charismatic vocal performance.

There’s no need to be familiar with Puss’ previous adventures to enjoy The Last Wish, and the only other returning character is Puss’ rival and love interest Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayek). Longtime series fans hoping to see Shrek, Fiona and Donkey may be disappointed, but the filmmakers offer some new additions to the franchise’s twisted fairy-tale world.

is creative and fun, with the franchise’s signature mix of elements from old-fashioned fairy tales and modern movies. From there, Puss and Kitty set out to find the star, deep in an enchanted forest, pursued by Goldilocks and the bears, Jack and his henchmen, and a creepy hooded wolf (Wagner Moura) who’s the embodiment of death itself. At the aforementioned cat hoarder’s house, Puss picks up a new sidekick, a yappy little dog he calls Perrito (What We Do in the Shadows’ Harvey Guillen), who’s eager to become best friends with Puss and Kitty.

PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH Rated PG

Between his 2011 movie and his six-season Netflix series (which starred a different voice actor), Puss has done a lot of living, and as The Last Wish opens, he learns that he is on the last of his nine lives. The bold, daring Puss turns timid, hiding out in the home of a cat hoarder after faking his own final death.

Puss doesn’t get to hide out for long before he’s tracked by Goldilocks (Florence Pugh) and the three bears, who have been reimagined as something out of a Guy Ritchie movie. They’re looking to recruit Puss for a job stealing a magical map from Jack Horner (John Mulaney), the little boy who once put his finger in a pie and has grown up to be a hulking pie mogul obsessed with collecting magical objects. Goldilocks, Jack and Kitty all want the map so it can lead them to the final remaining wishing star and grant them a single wish. Puss, too, decides he needs to find the star, so he can restore his lives and regain his swagger. The heist sequence inside Jack’s pie factory

There’s a lot going on in The Last Wish, with three separate adversaries for Puss, and the movie could stand to be a bit more streamlined. It’s amusing to see the three bears (voiced by Ray Winstone, Olivia Colman and Samson Kayo) as British-accented criminals, but their arc is underwhelming and largely superfluous.

Screenwriters Paul Fisher and Tommy Swerdlow introduce some surprisingly heavy themes about facing mortality, and there are affecting moments amid the chaotic comedy. Banderas and Hayek have appealing chemistry as the feline lovers with a checkered history, and Puss’ character growth feels genuine without being overstated.

The Last Wish never gets too serious, though, and the focus is on the silly fairy-tale comedy (including some recycled gags from past movies) and the vibrant animation. The action sequences look fantastic, with stylized visuals that recall everything from anime to classic Westerns, setting them apart from the often homogenized visuals of modern blockbuster computer animation. Puss looks great, too, and the movie’s tease of his reunion with Shrek and friends only highlights how strongly he can still stand on his own. n

Directed by Joel Crawford Starring Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Harvey Guillén

Puss in Boots proves he’s still the cat’s meow.

Time, by Theater, or Movie

Sounds of the Scene

Rounding up this year’s album releases from Spokane artists

BY SETH SOMMERFELD

It might seem like the Spokane scene is rather small at times, but there is an abundance of folks putting out new music all the time. From acts regularly seen on local stages to things by self-recorded bedroom artists who you can only find by deep-diving the “Spokane” tag on Bandcamp, there’s a ton out there. It’s quite frankly not possible to highlight every local album that came out in 2022 (we only have so much time and print space!), but if you’re seeking the Spokane sound, here’s a wide variety of what the year had to offer.

AVALON KALIN STRUCTURES

PORTANTE NOS. 1 & 2

Akin to Claire Rousay, Kalin composes engulfing experimental ambient soundscapes that blend harmonic electronics, chimes and vibraphone with field recordings of things like children playing and flowing rivers to create curated sonic spaces that feel lived-in.

BALONELY

THANK YOU, I’M SORRY

Led by local scenemaker Norman Robbins, the indie rock group’s latest shapeshifting record mixes mellow wailing guitars, low-key disco vibes, slacker hoedown picking and somber, downbeat singer-songwriter feels to reflect on relationships that grow distant.

BERNIE SHERMAN

SIMPLE SONGS

There’s a warmth to the self-stated simplicity of Sherman’s acoustic emo-folk tunes that gives each short song on this EP an air of sincerity and approachability.

BLUE RIBBON TEA COMPANY

THE DEVIL IS BEATING HIS WIFE

The husband-and-wife folk duo continue to stand out with their artful traditionalist sense of the genre’s frillsfree storytelling lineage.

CRIMSON HEMISPHERE

CRIMSON HEMISPHERE

The harp and guitar/synth combo of Courtney Bell and Michael Pickett give Crimson Hemisphere a unique instrumental sound all their own. The duo’s cosmic sonic explorations would make an ideal soundtrack to zone out to while staring at stars in the dark.

CHUCK VIBES FAR AWAY

If you enjoy the spacey trip hop vibes of Kid Cudi, you should absolutely check out the similarly far out rap sounds of Chuck Vibes.

DAVID LARSEN

THE SEXTET SESSIONS

Get in the groove with saxophonist/composer David Larsen, as he leads a six-piece through a silky smooth cool jazz EP.

DARIO RÉ

HOLY MOON

Heat Speak frontman Dario Ré shows off his folk-poetry songwriting with the help of restrained guitar and piano backing in tunes that feel like soft romantic odes drifting on the wind of starlit summer nights.

THE DRAGONFATHER TALES FROM THE LAND OF A THOUSAND PERILS

Need some background music while reading Tolkien or starting your latest Dungeons & Dragons campaign? Look no further than this collection of finely-crafted instrumental fantasy folk music.

DELT APHEKAI

There are a ton of people in Spokane just out here making beats, but Aphekai by Delt stands out from the pack. The local producer’s lo-fi hip-hop beats create a blissfully chill vibe listeners can float in like cool water on a perfect summer day.

EXZAC CHANGE & LYZLOW MATISSE GROWTH SPURT

The two MCs showcase a kinetic flow and chemistry that instantly feels effortlessly natural, which lifts both to new creative heights and elevates this LP to the top-end of local hip-hop albums.

FLOATING CROWBAR THE TWISTED TREE

The Celtic folk band delivers a jovial collection of traditional Irish tunes without any unnecessary pomp. At the very least, save this one for your St. Patrick’s Day playlist.

FLYNN

THE FLYNN EFFECT

The self-described “broke white rapper” brings a jagged edge and plenty of bravado to the table for a 14-song showcase of his musical vision.

GLENN CASE

WHAT’S SOUP WITH YOU?

An overly-prolific, power-pop oddball in the vein of They Might Be Giants or Jonathan Coulton, Glenn Case cooks up an album about soup. Literally. All 12 songs are humorously quirky ditties related to various types of soup — from chicken noodle to split pea to tortilla — and the life experiences around them.

INCOMING DAYS

OFF THE MAP

It’s not easy to pigeonhole the metal aesthetic of Incoming Days. The traditional instrumental thrashing and thumping is there, but the group blends with deep guttural growls, punk singing, and even a dash of some rap-esque lyrical delivery to make ID stand out front the sometimes homogeneous metalcore pack.

JINX UNIVERSE

MAKE IT LOOK GOOD

The Spokane scene isn’t known for being that funky, but swag king Jinx Universe makes up for the deficiency. The MC’s blend of rapping and singing has the peppy flow to get the party started.

KALEB J

SELLING HAPPY

A stylistic chameleon, Kaleb J’s Selling Happy EP mixes R&B, rap, and pop for a fresh sound that’s the closest thing to Post Malone that you can find locally.

LIPSICK

I ONLY MAKE LOVE

Simultaneously feeling like a car crash and moody brooding, this blast of punk rock aims to cause a ruckus and take no prisoners.

MATT MITCHELL MUSIC CO. CAPTIVE OF THE MIND + RAMONA

The former Trego frontman put out two engaging and varied albums in 2022. Captive of the Mind serves up an incredibly welcoming, stripped-back collection of warm, thoughtful folk songs. Ramona draws on Mitchell’s experience living in a bus and traversing the West, boasting a twangy, full-band Americana desert rock sound.

MALL DAZE

MELLON BORDER COLLIE

The indie dreamwave of Mall Daze pops with an inviting freshness that washes over one’s eardrums with tranquil waves of warmth.

MAUP

HIGH AS A GEORGIA PINE

For the sports fans who like a good trip, MAUP creates vibrant hip-hop beats and samples quotes from Dock Ellis — the pitcher who famously pitched a no-hitter while high on LSD — to pay tribute to the man himself.

ODYSSEY

VENOMOUS RHETORIC

The instrumental prog metal band continues to shred harder and heavier than pretty much anyone else around on this thumping collection of headbangers.

THE PINK SOCKS

STILL WAITING…

The melodic, power chord attack of The Pink Socks’ pop punk feels scientifically engineered to get hoodieadorned kids and elder punks pogoing at The Big Dipper.

PIT AT HOME

Pit knows how to make ramshackle look good. The alt/ punk quartet packs in the rabble-rousing noise on this short EP.

REAPING FIELDS

BE NOT AFRAID, THE END IS NEAR

The growling snarl of this this hardcore punk trio is unrelenting and apocalyptic in just the way you’d want when trashing around in a grimey mosh pit.

SAM LEYDE BAND

BIG SMALL TOWN

The Coeur d’Alene country and Americana outfit’s debut album displays a rocking edge, as singer/songwriter/ guitarist Dillon Campbell sings about watching your hometown change and speeding across Montana to prevent someone from stealing your girl.

SCOTT RYAN INGERSOLL

BLACK HOLE DISPATCH

The singer-songwriter shoots for expansive, synthinfused anthemic rock grandeur on this sprawling LP.

THE SMOKES

G.O.V.T. GRAFFITI

The latest from the punk duo certainly has a less fullthrottle aggro vibe, but it still goes hard compared to most local acts. From melodic musings on mental health to fangs-out social commentary, G.O.V.T. Graffiti is the Smokes’ most accessible album to date.

THE SWEEPLINGS

DEBRIS

Spokanite Cami Bradley and her musical partner Whitney Dean cope with the emotional wreckage of loss via song in this folk record. Tender lyrics, beautiful melodies and a stripped-back production style help communicate that there’s still musical beauty to be found in that profound sadness.

TOUCHY FEELY PARADISE

NAUSEA WAVES

Nausea Waves lives up to its name, as psychedelic electronic artist Touchy Feely Paradise crafts a hyperkinetic rave set that feels like that GIF meme of a wide-eyed, blue-faced little girl going sugar-fueled bonkers after scarfing cotton candy at a Mariners game.

TRUEHOODS

1-6

Fans of old school hip-hop need to cop this EP. Think of it as a sampler for the new group, with none of the six songs coming in at over two minutes while still fully showcasing Rosethrow and Manny the Third’s smooth lyric-forward flows.

TWIN VOID

FREE FROM HARDTIMES

Twin Void’s massive heavy riffs feel like an exercise in pummeling away the pandemic angst (it was recorded during the hard times of 2020). The acid hard rock band is more than happy to get down and dirty. n

DRINK WINTER CHEERS & BEERS

Looking for something to do while family’s in town for the holidays? Need a break from last-minute shopping? A night out with pals for Friends-mas? Enter: beer! This multi-week brewery crawl in downtown Spokane’s West End District is a tasty, low-stakes challenge that tasks craft beer lovers with a visit to each of seven participating venues. Purchase a beer at each, scan a QR code, and after visiting all seven, you’ll get a code to redeem a special West End Brewery District glass mug. The system will even track which places you still need to visit before crossing all seven off your list, which are as follows: The Grain Shed, Common Language, River City, Iron Goat, Whistle Punk, Golden Handle and Brick West. Many of the venues are all ages, and have plenty of special events planned heading into the new year. Visit the link below for details.

— CHEY SCOTT

West End Winterfest • Through Jan. 7 • Locations vary; details at westendbeerfest.com

COMMUNITY SEIN OF THE TIMES

Festivus may have begun as a bit of a gag later spun off into a famous 1997 Seinfeld episode, but now, it legit has its own Wikipedia entry defining it a “secular holiday” officially celebrated on Dec. 23. The folks at Sandpoint’s historic Panida Theater are fully embracing the Festivus spirit with a family-friendly event that includes the requisite “airing of grievances” (submit your own) and “feats of strength.” The interactive show-plus-celebration includes comedy, a local poetry reading — winner takes home a classy denim vest, so bring your A-game — Seinfeld trivia contest, live Seinfeld scriptreading and more. Submit your best Festivus poetry submissions online, or sign up your uber-competitive trivia team, and get ready to come together for this fun community event that’s a Festivus miracle of its own.

— CHEY SCOTT

Festivus • Fri, Dec. 23 at 7:30 pm • $9/advance; $15/day of • All ages • Panida Theater • 100 N. First Ave., Sandpoint • panida.org

COMMUNITY REJOICE IN TRADITION

Here in Spokane, we’re fortunate to have people who advocate for diversity and inclusion within all sectors of the community. Roberta and James Wilburn, the Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Whitworth University and a former NAACP president, respectively, are bringing a slice of African American culture to the Shadle Library with their Kwanzaa celebration. During the week-long celebration of Kwanzaa, families and communities come together to share a feast, honor ancestors and celebrate their heritage. At this community event, learn the history of Kwanzaa and its seven principles, enjoy live music, dance, poetry and authentic displays of African American culture all in one place. Join in on the celebration and have a joyous Kwanzaa!

— MADISON PEARSON

Kwanzaa Today & Forever • Wed, Dec. 28 from 6-8 pm • Free • Shadle Library • 2111 W. Wellesley Ave. • spokanelibrary.org

Submit events online at Inlander.com/getlisted or email relevant details to getlisted@inlander.com. We need the details one week prior to our publication date.

THEATER MAKING (AIR)WAVES

Way before the internet, and decades before television, radio was king. A quiet winter evening at home meant cozying up around a speaker, not streaming from the couch. In a modern homage to this “simpler” form of entertainment, Spokane Public Radio and Spokane Playwrights Laboratory are launching a new series in collaboration with area playwrights, actors and sound design students from Spokane Falls Community College. Radio Play Co-Lab kicks off with two 30-minute plays the week after Christmas. First up is Tristen Canfield’s Brothers Before, a one-act dramedy about two estranged half-brothers, starring Matt Slater and Tre Terry. The following night’s program features Sandra Hosking’s Con-Science, a comedy about good vs. evil with a cast of Danny Anderson, Marlee Andrews and Kellen Lewis. Both shows were directed by Juan A. Mas, and can be heard on-air and online, with on-demand listening available after the initial broadcast.

— CHEY SCOTT

Radio Play Co-Lab • Mon, Dec. 26 and Tue, Dec. 27 at 6:30 pm • Broadcasting live at KPBX 91.1 FM and online at spokanepublicradio.org

STAGE ACTUAL CHRISTMAS MAGIC

Are you the type that wishes the holidays were still going even after Dec. 25? Well here’s a trick… they can be if you attend the Illusionist’s show at First Interstate the day after Christmas. The acclaimed touring production gathers top international magicians — British mentalist Chris Cox, Korean sleight-of-hand ace Hyunjoon Kim, U.K. illusionist James More, Spanish prodigy Pablo Cánovas and London comedy magician Paul Dabek — for one big magical extravaganza, and this time they’re doing it with a bit of seasonal flair. Here’s hoping for something more impressive than making Frosty the Snowman disappear. (I can achieve that one with just a little neglect and help from my pal, the sun.)

— SETH SOMMERFELD

The Illusionists: Magic of the Holidays • Mon, Dec. 26 at 7:30 pm • $46-$76 • All ages • First Interstate Center for the Arts • 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. • firstinterstatecenter.org

I SAW YOU

“MASKLESS” IN THE HALL We passed in the hall at our workplace last week. You weren’t wearing a mask, and you pulled your jacket over your face as you passed me. It made me laugh. Thanks for making me smile!

12/12 NORTHSIDE WALMART You backing up and realizing I was behind you. You stopped and told me to go ahead, but I needed to go into the adjacent spot on the other side of you. You started to drive away, then you waved and flashed an amazing smile that has me hooked. Single? Coffee?

YOU REACHED FOR MY CUCUMBER To the sexy man who reached for the last cucumber on the shelf. Thank you for your generosity. It seems like you’re a man who’s not overcompensating. Finally, a guy who drives a Prius and will give a girl a plump cucumber without needing anything in return. Cheers to the strong gentleman you are. # K2

LAS VEGAS TO SPOKANE We were both heading to Spokane and in the Las Vegas airport. We spoke briefly in line and right away I felt a comfortable connection with you. I don’t know anything about you and have no way of contacting you but wondering if you felt the same. I hope we can find each other.

BLUE-EST Re: Holiday Blues. Blues indeed! THE bluest Big Sky over purple mountain moguls majesty! The sunniest, shiniest, sandy-est, blue-est water beachy-est, San Diego!... and Maui!... ZOWIE!!... Maui! Trust

issues? Not at all. Do I trust you? Not at all. You betrayed that trust, repeatedly. Take it more slowly? It could barely have gone more slowly. Merry Christmas to you, too, and a Happier Newer Year. A happier newer you. A happier newer life.

YOU SAW ME

MAYBEEE W. Glad to hear she’s not with you anymore!! YOU, are waaayyy too wild for her. A serene bean, that one! Look me up to hook me up...up!! Same number, as when we “were.” Slidin’, and glidin’, Baby! Call me... Maybeeeee...!! XoX

CHEERS

THANK YOU, OZZIE Thank you, Ozzie Knezovich, for your straight talk and taking on both the radical far left and the radical far right in our community and country and calling out their hypocrisy. And yes, despite what many have written or said, it was you who finally prodded some action after a year of nonintervention by ALL concerned on Camp Hope.

TEEN DOING GOOD FOR HUNDREDS OF KIDS On 12/15 Shay Kenway, a 17-year-old, held a holiday event at Stevens Elementary gifting 400+ new books, cinch bags, pens, pencils & other small gifts to every student at the school. Shay & his program Reading = Freedom, which he established in 2015, has now gifted more than 1,500 books to kids in Spokane. CHEERS TO THIS GREAT TEEN!!!

CHEERS TO INLANDER WRITERS! Nate and Daniel, the in-depth and nuanced article on Sheriff Ozzie was a win for great journalism! Thank you!

THE LITTLE THINGS To the young lady driving the silver RAV4 on the evening of Dec 16, at around 5:00, up Grand toward St. Johns Cathedral: It was dark, cold, and with fairly heavy traffic... but you stopped for that cat with the bobbed tail so s/he could make it across the road. Thank you, that small moment reminded me there is good in the world — even in the smallest moments.

SEMPER FIDELIS We will always be for each other, no matter the politics.

NUTCASE Cheers to the Jeers section for sharing the “riches beyond understanding”

letter last week. This unhinged TDS sufferer has absolutely lost his/her/they/thems collective mind. “Hots for Putin?” Who? Really? In actuality none of that letter makes any sense as do most liberals and democratic socialist America haters. If this letter is indeed genuine, I suggest the author seek professional help soon. Remember, hatred corrodes the container

INVASION OF THE BODY POLITIC SNATCHERS Longtime residents of Coeur d’Alene have watched in horror as their town gets overrun by a particularly virulent invasive species. Giant Trump flags flap year-round in their front yards. Ubiquitous bumper stickers scream “F*** Joe Biden!” from their cars and trucks. Their QAnon cabals hold weekly worship services to

mention Kanye West once in your rant. Anti-Semitism must be called out always, regardless of your politics.

RE: I’M A CUSTOMER TOO In my years retail I’ve encountered countless “Privileged White Women” (and men) who interrupted while I was midsentence with another customer. The audacity was stunning!

it’s stored in. ... Find God and get well soon my brother/sister. Try not to be contagious with all that hatred and denounce satan verbally and only hate the haters of our awesome country. God bless the Grand Old Party

JEERS

SPD IS AWOL The Spokane police are primarily to blame for the rise in reckless driving, hit and runs, and a litany of other crimes. Why? By not enforcing basic traffic laws. Missing or expired plates say the driver is not insured and probably unlicensed and maybe has a warrant for arrest. So why are cops looking the other way?! This also means the city & state are not getting much needed revenue. It’s not a staffing issue. What exactly are cops doing if not enforcing the law?

KOOTENAI COUNTY NUTCASE SHORTAGE?

KCRCC believes so, and will be trucking Marjorie Taylor Greene — poster girl for Jungian Analysis — from the backwoods of Georgia to its annual CrackPottery Barn — “If it’s crazy, you bought it.” — grand opening at the Coeur d’Alene Resort. Don’t they know Matt Shea is just a short PanzerKampfWagen IV Uber ride away? And budget savings could be used to purchase additional firearms. So much for highly touted Republican corporate efficiency.

THE OFFICIAL STORY Someday perhaps we all will be wiser when we notice our news was all sponsored by Pfizer.

They plot takeovers of local governments and school boards, threaten librarians and teachers, caress their holstered pistols in the grocery store aisles. ... Sane and civil people of Coeur d’ Alene, how do you think this slow-motion coup will end if you just keep quiet and avert your eyes?

WINTER DRIVING IN EASTERN WASHINGTON... ...is rarely for the faint of heart! It is also definitely *not* for the Stupidissimos... SLOW DOWN!!! Otherwise wait until you’re mature enough to handle a potentially deadly machine! (The USA should raise the driving age to 18, anyway!) Oh yes, and ALL the *transplants* from warmer climates who moved here to spread their crime, their drugs and who influence much higher housing prices: LEARN TO DRIVE ON ICE before you depart your meth labs and your mansions! The rest of us are sick and tired of trying to avoid death by veering out of your way as you slide all over the roads while intoxicated. Jeez, dudes.

SPOKANE DOES SUCK I can’t wait to move the hell out of this trashy hole and never come back. The people here are DEPLORABLES in every sense of the word. Rude, uneducated and f---ing miserable. This city is going nowhere fast. Peace out, Spokompton! I will NOT miss you. Worst place I’ve ever left lived by a long shot. You’re full of nothing but deplorables and bad memories. I’m getting the hell out and never looking back!

RE: RICHES BEYOND ALL UNDERSTANDING I find it very disturbing that you did not

Regarding the clerk at Huck’s: They may not have had the confidence to speak up. It took me years to build the confidence to verbally prioritize the first customer. However, you, too, could have told the other customer to wait their turn. It may have felt like racism to you — and maybe it was — but I suspect that it was more the ass-hat behaviour of the PWW than anything.

A SNAKE I hear a lot of things about politics these days, especially Donald Trump. I was neutral until this last year when I learned THE FACTS of his actions and actually listened to one of his moronic speeches. Here is the major issue, in my opinion: We don’t need to make America great again... we are already awesome. Why should we put our fragile lives into his hands when he, repeatedly, over and over, and on live, prerecorded television, makes false statements? ... I am a Republican; however, WE SHOULD NOT RE-ELECT HIM. n

sing the praises of thugs like Alex Jones and Steve Bannon.

NOTE: I Saw You/Cheers & Jeers is for adults 18 or older. The Inlander reserves the right to edit or reject any posting at any time at its sole discretion and assumes no responsibility for the content.

COMEDY

HARRY J. RILEY The local comedian has won the Spokane Valleyfest PG Comedy Competition twice and was a Seattle International Comedy Competition semi-finalist. Dec. 22-23, 7:30 pm. $15-$28. Spokane Comedy Club, 315 W. Sprague. spokanecomedyclub.com

FESTIVUS This Seinfeld-themed celebration includes the airing of grievances, poetry readings and prizes. Dec. 23, 7:30 pm. $9-$15. Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave. panida.org (208-263-9191)

HA!!MARK HOLIDAY SPECIAL A fullyimprovised satire of heart-warming holiday movies. Dec. 23 and 30 at 7:30 pm. $8. Blue Door Theatre, 815 W. Garland Ave. bluedoortheatre.com

NEW TALENT TUESDAYS Watch comedians of all skill levels work out jokes together. Tuesdays at 7 pm (doors at 6 pm). Free. Spokane Comedy Club, 315 W. Sprague. spokanecomedyclub.com/

OPEN MIC STAND-UP Wednesdays at 7:30 pm. See website for details. Free. Spokane Comedy Club, 315 W. Sprague. spokanecomedyclub.com

SAM MORRIL Sam is a regular on Comedy Central and has performed standup sets on multiple late-night shows. Dec. 29, 7:30 pm, Dec. 30, 7:30 & 10:30 pm and Dec. 31, 4:30, 7:30 & 10:30 pm. $25-$50. Spokane Comedy Club, 315 W. Sprague. spokanecomedyclub.com

COMMUNITY

HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOW This annual holiday light show features over a million lights along the floating boardwalk. Daily at sundown through Jan. 2. Free. The Coeur d’Alene Resort, 115 S. Second. cdaresort.com/holiday-light-show

CHANUKAH MENORAH LIGHTING

This community celebration includes a public menorah lighting, latkes, arts and crafts, face painting and live music. Dec. 22, 5-7 pm. Free. Riverfront Park, 507 N. Howard. riverfrontspokane.com

CHRISTMAS CENTERPIECE FLORAL DESIGN CLASS Design a centerpiece for your holiday table using fresh flowers and greens. Materials provided, plus appetizers and wine. Dec. 22, 5-7 pm. $84-$104. Southside Community Center, 3151 E. 27th Ave. southsidescc.org

CHRISTMAS GIFT WRAPPING SERVICE Bring your gifts in and Southside Center staff wrap them in paper and trim of your choice. Through Dec. 22, 9 am-4 pm. $5-$15. Southside Community Center, 3151 E. 27th Ave. southsidescc.org (509-535-0803)

A CONTEMPLATIVE CHRISTMAS...

THROUGH TREES Walk through an indoor forest of decorated, live Christmas trees that tell the story of mankind and God, leading up to Christmas day and beyond. The event also features Christmas music, hot cocoa and cookies. Through Dec. 23, 4-8:30 pm. Free. Undercliff House, 703 W. Seventh Ave. contemplativechristmas.com

COWLEY PARK LIGHTS Presented by the KXLY Extreme Team, Cowley Park is lit up with holiday lights for the kids at Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital. Through Jan. 31. Cowley Park, Sixth Ave. and Division St. kxly.com

CRESCENT HOLIDAY WINDOWS Five window bays on the south side of the Grand display scenes feature refurbished figurines from the basement of

the former Crescent department store. Through Jan. 2; Fri-Sat from 12-10 pm and Sun-Thu from 3-8 pm. Free. Davenport Grand Hotel, 333 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. visitspokane.com

THE FESTIVAL OF TREES This annual display of holiday lights the Libey Gallery. Vote for People’s Choice after enjoying the trees. Mon-Fri from 10 am-6 pm, Sat from 1-5 pm through Dec. 28. Free. The Center, 104 S. Main St., Colfax. whitcolib.org (509-397-4366)

GOLDEN HARVEST: FLOUR SACKS FROM THE PERMANENT COLLECTION

The MAC’s collection of cloth flour sacks offers a window into the early development of Eastern Washington’s wheat industry, which today contributes billions of dollars to the state’s economy. The sacks are also a tangible reminder of the mills that played a critical role in Spokane’s early growth. Tue-Sun from 10 am-5 pm, third Thursdays from 10 am-9 pm through Jan. 22. $15-$20. Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, 2316 W. First. northwestmuseum.org

JOURNEY TO THE NORTH POLE CRUISES A 40-minute cruise across Lake Coeur d’Alene to view the holiday light displays and visit Santa Claus and his elves. Daily at 5:30 pm, 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm through Jan. 2. $11.50-$26.50. Coeur d’Alene. cdacruises.com

QUESTMAS VILLAGE This holiday event features a “glice” skating rink, photo ops and visits from Santa and his reindeer. Through Jan. 8. Northern Quest Resort & Casino, 100 N. Hayford Rd. northernquest.com

REINDEER EXPRESS Meet Santa’s reindeer before their big trip around the globe. Located on the front lawn of the Resort. Dec. 18-23 from 4-7 pm. Free. The Coeur d’Alene Resort, 115 S. Second. cdaresort.com (208-765-4000)

TRAIL OF LIGHTS Walk through Riverfront while being guided by holiday lights. Through Jan. 2. Free. Riverfront Park, 507 N. Howard St. riverfrontspokane.org (509-625-6600)

WINTER GLOW SPECTACULAR A holiday light display that trails through Orchard Park. Through Jan. 1. Free. 20298 E. Indiana. winterglowspectacular.com

NORTHWEST WINTERFEST The Pacific Northwest’s largest illuminated lantern display and cultural celebration. Fri 5-8 pm, Sat 4-8 pm and Sun 3-6 pm, through Jan. 1. $10-$15. Spokane County Fair & Expo Center, 404 N. Havana. northwestwinterfest.com

HORSE & CARRIAGE RIDES Free horsedrawn carriage rides through downtown Spokane provided by Wheatland Bank. Fri from 3-8 pm, Sat-Sun from 12-5 pm through Dec. 24. Free. Downtown Spokane. visitspokane.com

KWANZAA TODAY & FOREVER Roberta and James Wilburn host a Kwanzaa celebration featuring music, dance, poetry and authentic displays of African American culture. Dec. 28, 6-8 pm. Free. Shadle Library, 2111 W. Wellesley Ave. spokanelibrary.org

NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS Riverfront and Idaho Central Credit Union invite the community to enjoy a free 15-minute show, which starts early to accommodate families with younger children. Dec. 31, 9-9:30 pm. Free. Riverfront Park, 507 N. Howard St. riverfrontspokane.org (509-625-6600)

NOON YEAR’S EVE PARTY Learn about new year traditions using books

and activities. A countdown to 2023 begins at noon. Dec. 31, 11 am-12:15 pm. Free. Shadle Library, 2111 W. Wellesley Ave. spokanelibrary.org

SWINGIN’ IN THE NEW YORK NEW YEAR Celebrate the new year with swing dance performances, the opportunity to dance, and a toast at 9 pm to celebrate on New York time. Live music by Zonky Jazz Band. Dec. 31, 7 pm-midnight. $10-$25. Woman’s Club of Spokane, 1428 W. Ninth. woodsideswing. com (509-838-5667)

FILM

KRAMPUS When dysfunctional family squabbling causes young Max to lose his festive spirit, it unleashes the wrath of the fearsome demon, Krampus. Dec. 22, 7:15 pm. $5. Garland Theater, 924 W. Garland Ave. garlandtheater.com

HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS

A live-action adaptation of the beloved children’s tale by Dr. Seuss. Dec. 23, 7:15 pm. $5. Garland Theater, 924 W. Garland Ave. garlandtheater.com

THE POLAR EXPRESS On Christmas Eve, a young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express train. Dec. 24, 1 pm. $5. Garland Theater, 924 W. Garland Ave. garlandtheater.com (509-327-1050)

ELF After discovering he isn’t actually an elf, Buddy travels to NYC in search of his real family. Dec. 24, 3:30 pm. $5. Garland Theater, 924 W. Garland Ave. garlandtheater.com (509-327-1050)

NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION After failing to get the Christmas lights to work one last time, Clark Griswold takes his frustration out on the plastic decorations in the front yard. Dec. 24, 5:30 pm. $5. Garland Theater, 924 W. Garland Ave. garlandtheater.com (509-327-1050)

FOOD & DRINK

FIRESIDE DINNER & MUSIC SERIES

Enjoy selections from Arbor Crest’s seasonal menu, plus wine and beer from Square Wheel Brewing. Music lineup varies, see website for more. Thu-Sat from 6-8 pm. Arbor Crest Wine Cellars, 4705 N. Fruit Hill Rd. arborcrest.com

WEST END WINTERFEST Throughout the holiday season, purchase a beer at all seven West End breweries and scan a QR code. After scanning all seven, you’ll be sent an email redemption for a West End mug. Through Jan. 2, 2023. Free. Brick West Brewing Co., 1318 W. First Ave. westendbeerfest.com

WINTER WINE TOUR A walking tour with five stops showcasing local food, wine, beer, spirits and cocktail samples. 21+. Dec. 22, 2 pm. $85. wanderspokane.com (509-279-2929)

A FESTIVUS FOR THE REST OF US This Seinfeld holiday event includes the airing of grievances, music and drinks. Dec. 23, 6-8 pm. Free. Iron Goat Brewing Co., 1302 W. Second Ave. irongoatbrewing.com (509-474-0722)

DATE NIGHT ON THE RIVER Enjoy date night without calling the sitter, the Ruby provides childcare while you and your date enjoy a three-course meal. Dec. 29, 6:30-8:30 pm. $85-$105. Ruby River Hotel, 700 N. Division St. rubyriverhotelspokane.com (509-326-5577)

CALENDAR

SPARKLING SOIREE This festive evening includes a six-course, sparkling winepaired menu crafted by executive chef Jim Barrett and sous chef Taylor Wolters. Dec. 29, 6 pm. $175. Beverly’s, 115 S. Second St. beverlyscda.com

DRAG ME TO NYE DRAG SHOW & DINNER An apricot-glazed pork tenderloin dinner, drinks and an immersive drag show. Tickets include entry to nightclub festivities, dinner and show. Dec. 31, 6 pm. $95. Globe Bar & Kitchen, 204 N. Division. globespokane.com

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY Enjoy special food offerings from chef Scott Siff while DJ Donuts provides live music. Special cocktails available. Dec. 31, 9 pm-1 am. $65-$90. Tavolata, 221 N. Wall St. ethanstowellrestaurants.com (509-606-5600)

NEW YEAR’S EVE BIRTHDAY BASH Ring in the new year with giveaways, tunes from Rosethrow and drinks and desserts. Dec. 31, 9 pm-1 am. Emma Rue’s, 15 S. Howard St. emmarues.com

NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER A multicourse dinner featuring oysters, caviar, shrimp, and more all prepared by chefs Chad White and Erin Nielsen. An afterdinner reception includes three cash bars, tacos, a midnight champagne toast and live music. Dec. 31, 7 pm-1:30 am. $175-$230. Zona Blanca, 157 S. Howard St. limefishsalt.com (509-241-3385)

NEW YEAR’S EVE MIDNIGHT MASQUERADE A cocktail social hour and grand dinner buffet with live music from Soul Proprietor. Ring in the New Year with a midnight champagne toast and a fireworks show. Cocktail attire required. Dec. 31, 6 pm-midnight. The Coeur d’Alene Resort, 115 S. Second. cdaresort. com/new-years-eve (855-703-4648)

MUSIC

ART & MUSIC AT THE MAC Explore the “American Impressionism” exhibit to the accompaniment of local jazz pianists Don Goodwin and Riley Gray. Dec. 22 and Dec. 23, 12-2 pm. $7-$20. Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org (509-456-3931)

PIANIST TOM PLETSCHER Tom performs jazzy holiday and other selections at Masselow’s Lounge. Thu-Sat from 6-9 pm through Dec. 31. Free. Northern Quest Resort & Casino, 100 N. Hayford Rd. northernquest.com (509-242-7000)

SPOKANE SYMPHONY NEW YEAR’S

EVE: BEETHOVEN’S 9TH Celebrate the new year with Beethoven’s monumental work dedicated to freedom, joy and human unity. The concert features more than 150 performers on stage, including the Spokane Symphony Chorale. Dec. 31, 7:30 pm. Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, 1001 W. Sprague Ave. spokanesymphony.org (509-624-1200)

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

DRESS LIKE SANTA DAY Receive a highly discounted lift ticket if you dress like Santa or Mrs. Claus. All participants must also partake in the Santa Downhill. See website for specifics. Dec. 22. $20. Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area, I-90 Exit 0. skilookout.com (208-744-1301)

MT. SPOKANE NIGHT SKI Ski in the dark on Mt. Spokane’s 16-lighted runs. WedSat from 3-9 pm through March 11. Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park, 29500 N. Mt. Spokane Park Dr. mtspokane.com

LOCAL TUNES

MIDNIGHT ON THE RIVER NYE PARTY

Enjoy the Ruby’s views of the Spokane River while sipping on bubbly and dancing to music by Sammy Eubanks. Dec. 31, 8 pm-12:30 am. $50-$229. Ruby River Hotel, 700 N. Division St. rubyriverhotelspokane.com

NEW YEAR’S EVE AT NYNE This celebration features a drag show, appetizers, dessert, dancing and a midnight champagne toast. Dec. 31, 7 pm-2 am. $25. nYne Bar & Bistro, 232 W. Sprague Ave. nynebar.com (509-474-1621)

NYE CHAMPAGNE DINNER A celebratory coursed meal paired with Lodgepole’s favorite wine and champagne of 2022. Dec. 31, 5-8 pm. $159. Lodgepole, 106 N. Main St. lodgepolerestaurant.com

NEW YEAR’S EVE AT THE DAVENPORT Begin the countdown to 2023 with live music from the Sacha Botros Quartet, a photo booth, hors d’oeuvres and a champagne toast at midnight. Dec. 31, 8 pm-1 am. $150-$250. Historic Davenport Hotel, 10 S. Post. davenporthotelcollection.com

OSHOGATSU: BUDDHIST NEW YEAR’S

FESTIVAL A New Year’s celebration including Buddhist services, food sales, Japanese prints, vintage Japanese dolls, dishes and more. Food selection includes traditional mochi, inari sushi and sweet taiyaki fish-shaped pancakes. Dec. 31, 5:30-7:30 pm and Jan. 1, 10 am-2 pm. $3$6 for food. Spokane Buddhist Temple, 927 S. Perry. spokanebuddhisttemple.org

YOUTH WINTER ADVENTURES Kids age 9-12 learn how to cross country ski and snowshoe the trails and forest around Mt. Spokane State Park. Dec. 22, 9 am-4 pm. $99. Northeast Community Center, 4001 N. Cook St. necommunitycenter.com/wp

DJ NIGHT ON THE ICE DJ A1 provides the tunes for themed nights, contests and more. Every Friday at 6 pm through Jan. 27. $7-$10. Numerica Skate Ribbon, 720 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. my.spokanecity. org/riverfrontspokane (509-625-6600)

SKI WITH SANTA Ski beginner and intermediate runs with Santa and Mrs. Claus and collect candy from them afterward. Dec. 23, 1-4 pm and Dec. 24, 12-5 pm. Free. Schweitzer, 10,000 Schweitzer Mountain Rd. schweitzer.com

SNOWBOARDING FREESTYLE CAMP

This one-day camp is all about giving participants a taste of freestyle and creating the confidence to explore the world of freestyle terrain from sculpted jumps, rails and boxes to natural features all over the mountain. Dec. 23, 12-3 pm. 49 Degrees North, 3311 Flowery Trail Rd. ski49n.com (509-935-6649)

SLEIGH & WAGON RIDES Take a horsedrawn carriage or wagon ride followed by various winter excursions like picking out a Christmas tree or a post-ride dinner. See website for available days. Dec. 26-31, 11 am-6 pm. $75-$100. Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, 1413 Upper Gold Creek Rd. westernpleasureranch.com

SPOKANE CHIEFS VS. SEATTLE THUNDERBIRDS Promo events include the TicketsWest Player Magnet Giveaway. Dec. 28, 7:05 pm. $12-$30. Spokane Arena, 720 W. Mallon. spokanechiefs.com

GONE TO THE DOGS & SKIJOR DAYS Bring your dogs to the mountain and let them run around on the lower trail sys-

tem. All dogs must be accompanied by their human who has a pass or lift ticket. Dec. 30, Jan. 28, Feb. 17 and March 25. $5-$82. 49 Degrees North, 3311 Flowery Trail Rd. ski49n.com (509-935-6649)

SPOKANE CHIEFS VS. TRI-CITY AMERICANS Promotional events include the Centennial Hotel Family Feast Night. Dec. 30, 7:05 pm. $12-$30. Spokane Arena, 720 W. Mallon Ave. spokanechiefs.com

NEW YEAR’S EVE TUBING PARTY

Spend your final hours of 2022 with a tubing adventure featuring snacks, hot chocolate, Twinkie and snack roasting and an LED wand to light your way along the terrain. When tubing concludes, celebrate the new yer at the clock tower with a sparkler celebration. Dec. 31, 7-9 pm. $40. Schweitzer, 10,000 Schweitzer Mountain Rd. schweitzer.com

STATE LAND FREE DAYS The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission invites visitors to enjoy a state park for free on select days each year. Visitors are not required to display the Discover Pass for day-use visits to a Washington state park or on lands managed by the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) on these dates in 2023: Jan. 1, Jan. 16, March 9, March 19, April 22, June 10, June 11, June 19, Sep. 23, Oct. 10, Nov. 11 and Nov. 24. Free. parks.wa.gov

THEATER

A CHRISTMAS CAROL As miserly old Ebenezer Scrooge falls asleep in his dingy quarters on Christmas Eve, three ghosts appear, each revealing to Scrooge the wrong doings of his life and what will happen if he continues in his evil ways. ThuSat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm through Dec. 23. $10-$35. Spokane Civic Theatre, 1020 N. Howard St. spokanecivictheatre.com

TRADITIONS OF CHRISTMAS A Radio City Music Hall-style show that inspires the hearts of audience members of all ages. Dec. 22 at 3 and 7 pm. $23-$36. Kroc Center, 1765 W. Golf Course Rd. kroccda.org/kroc-cda

RADIO PLAY CO-LAB: BROTHERS BEFORE A play by Spokane playwright Tristen Canfield about two estranged brothers working through conflicting emotions about their father. Tune in to KPBX 91.1 FM to listen on Dec. 26, 6:30 pm. Free. spokanepublicradio.org

RADIO PLAY CO-LAB: CON-SCIENCE This play by Spokane playwright Sandra Hosking is a story about a man becoming a pawn in a tug-of-war between good and evil. Tune in to KPBX 91.1 FM to listen on Dec. 27, 6:30 pm. Free. spokanepublicradio.org

VISUAL ARTS

AMERICAN IMPRESSIONISM: TREASURES FROM THE DAYWOOD COLLECTION This exhibition features 41 paintings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries with distinct impressionistic brushstrokes and various subjects ranging from outdoor scenes to portraits. Tue-Sun from 10 am-5 pm through Jan. 8. $10-$20. Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org (509-456-3931)

ART ROMANCES & MOLECULAR DANCES Community School students operated on the premise that engaging with chemistry concepts through poetry and

art can foster a deep understanding of the universe around us. Students were asked to create original works of poetry and art and, through these works, communicate concepts of chemistry. Mon-Fri from 8 am-5 pm through Dec. 30. Free. Chase Gallery, 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. spokanearts.org/chase-gallery

CUP OF JOY Over three dozen artists from across the United States ship or hand deliver four ceramic cups for exhibit and sale. Wed-Fri from 11 am-5 pm through Jan. 6. Free. Trackside Studio, 115 S. Adams St. tracksidestudio.net

DANCING WITH LIFE: MEXICAN MASKS Through humor and subversion, Mexican mask makers respond to the social and political circumstances of contemporary life. With a regional focus in Michoacan, Mexico, this exhibition presents a selection of dance masks from the MAC collection and contemporary Mexican artists. Tues-Sun from 10 am-5 pm through April 16. $7-$12. Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org (509-456-3931)

FIBER & FANTASY Work by Diane Rowen-Garmire and Michele Mokrey. Through Dec. 30. Free. New Moon Art Gallery, 1326 E. Sprague Ave. newmoonartgallery.com

LR MONTGOMERY PAINTINGS LR Montgomery’s original impressionistic landscapes bring the ambiance and memories of the outdoors into the home. Daily from 11 am-7 pm through Dec. 31. Free. The Liberty Gallery, Historic Liberty Building. spokanelibertybuilding.com

LILA SHAW GIRVIN: GIFT OF A MOMENT Living and working in Spokane since 1958, Lila Girvin has used vibrant color, form, and unassuming techniques with oil paint to explore new dimensions of feeling through ethereal, abstract paintings. Tue-Sun from 10 am-5 pm through March 12. $7-$12. Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org (509-456-3931)

ORNAMENT & SMALL WORK SHOW This annual show features small pieces of art and ornaments created by local artists. Mon-Fri from 10 am-5 pm, Sat from 10 am-4 pm through Dec. 23. Free. Spokane Art School, 811 W. Garland Ave. spokaneartschool.net (509-325-1500)

PAMELA CAUGHEY: UNFORESEEN Hamilton, Montana-based artist Pamela Caughey creates geometric abstract paintings across diverse and overlapping media including encaustic, acrylics, oil, mixed media and collage. Tue-Fri from 12-5 pm, Sat from 10 am-1 pm through Dec. 31. Free. Moscow Contemporary, 414 S. Main St. moscowcontemporary.org

SAVAGES & PRINCESSES: THE PERSISTENCE OF NATIVE AMERICAN STEREOTYPES This exhibition brings together 12 contemporary Native American visual artists who reclaim their identities by replacing stereotypical images that fill the pop culture landscape. Using humor, subtlety, and irony, the telling is always honest and unequivocal. Images and styles are created from traditional, contemporary and mass cultural forms. Tue-Sun from 10 am-5 pm through Jan. 8. $10-$15. Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org (509-456-3931)

SEASONS OF COLOR WATERCOLOR PAINTINGS SHOW Original watercolor paintings by local artist Gloria Fox depicting the Inland Northwest. Wed-Fri from 2-7 pm, Sat from 12-4 pm through Dec. 31. Free. Craftsman Cellars, 1194 W. Summit Pkwy. craftsmanwinery.com

MARY PAT KANALEY Mary Pat Kanaley works in varied mediums from chalk pastel to acrylics and watercolors, often combining all three together. Daily from 11 am-7 pm through Dec. 31. Free. Pottery Place Plus, 203 N. Washington St. potteryplaceplus.com (509-327-6920)

STACY ISENBARGER: SPLIT Isenbarger’s work in Split considers physical, personal and political boundaries in response to drastic changes in our communal spaces. Mon-Fri from 9 am-5 pm through Jan. 19. Free. EWU Gallery of Art, 140 Art Building. ewu.edu/cahss (509-359-2494)

STEFANI ROSSI,

SHANTELL JACKSON

& HEATHER BERNDT: REMOTE Remote is a collection of works exploring themes and experiences common to many during the COVID-19 lockdowns. The works suggest physical, social, psychological, political and economic distance as well as the rituals and practices people used to navigate those and sustain themselves through the early months of the pandemic. Thu-Sat from 4-7 pm through Dec. 31. Free. Terrain Gallery, 728 N. Monroe St. terrainspokane.com

SARANAC SMALL WORKS SHOW & SALE This annual show features small, affordable, original works of art by Saranac members and invited guests. Artists featured this year include Kurt Madison, Margot Casstevens, Harry Mestyanek, Becky Busi and more. Fri-Sat from 12-8 pm through Dec. 31. Free. Saranac Art Projects, 25 W. Main. sapgallery.com

MELISSA COLE: FIRE AND ICE An exhibit inspired by the artist’s recent trips to Egypt and Iceland, rendered in oil and acrylic. Dec. 24, 10 am-1 pm and Dec. 30, 5-8 pm. Free. Kolva-Sullivan Gallery, 115 S. Adams St. kolva-sullivangallery.com

THRIFT STORE ART SHOW Various artists find art from thrift stores and transform it. All of the art is made from the original piece, changed and is still recognizable. Featured artists include Andrea Parrish, Juno Stubbs, Mary Pat Kanaley and more. Jan. 1-Feb. 25, daily from 9 am-9 pm. Free. The Liberty Gallery, Historic Liberty Building. potteryplaceplus. com

WORDS

JÓLABÓKAFLÓÐ BOOK GIVEAWAY

Jólabókaflóð is the Icelandic tradition of book giving. Celebrate this tradition with the Coeur d’Alene Library and pick up your free book through Dec. 23, from 9 am-7 pm. Free. Coeur d’Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave. cdalibrary.org

HANDS-ON POETRY This program invites youth and families to get creative with language through art and movement, no paper necessary. All literary levels are welcome. Fridays from 4-5 pm. Free. Spark Central, 1214 W. Summit Pkwy. spark-central.org (509-279-0299)

POETRY AFTER DARK EWU MFA students lead discussions about craft elements, style and form in poetry. Every second and fourth Wednesdays from from 7-8 pm. Free. Spark Central, 1214 W. Summit Pkwy. spark-central.org

VIDEO GAME STORYTELLING In this writing workshop, kids channel their passion for gaming into creating their very own video game storybook. Kids discuss the games they love and then imagine, write, world-build and decorate a book showcasing their original concept. Dec. 29, 11 am-noon. Free. Shadle Library, 2111 W. Wellesley. spokanelibrary.org (509444-5300) n

SHOP LOCAL

A Family Affair

Florence Childs hit the lottery twice to open the Top Shelf on the West Plains

BY WILL MAUPIN

Luck, family and an enterprising, if unconventional, owner came together in 2015 to open the Top Shelf cannabis shop just east of Airway Heights. And they’ve been bringing cannabis to the West Plains ever since.

“It was opened by Florence Childs, who won the lottery and then ended up winning the lottery for the cannabis board as well. Basically a back-to-back lottery winner,” says Jesse Rogers, the store’s purchasing manager. “So, she’s just like the luckiest woman alive, and we kind of consider ourselves like the luckiest people alive to be able to work for her.”

Childs, who is better known as Flo, retired in 2018 to pursue outdoor passions like golf and canoeing. When she stepped down from managing the day-to-day, she passed the business down to her son, John Childs. But

that’s not to say the 88-year-old grandmother left the cannabis business behind. There’s a good chance you’ll see her on a visit to the Top Shelf, at 1305 S. Hayford Road. She may be putting in a shift on a supply run or simply spending time with her family.

“It’s a really family-oriented type of place,” says Rogers. “I have two little brothers that work here. Another employee, her little sister, worked here for a period of time. We try to keep it really tight-knit and close, so it doesn’t feel corporate and business-like — it’s more of just a family store.”

The family-focused approach extends even to those members of the family who walk on all fours. Dogs who have become regulars not only expect to receive a treat, but know where they’re kept behind the counter. That’s despite the store undergoing three remodels since open-

ing in 2015. The most recent came in 2020, bringing a warm, farm-like vibe to the otherwise busy intersection of Highway 2 and Hayford Road.

That location brings a string of commuters, travelers on their way from the airport and people heading for a night out at one of Airway Heights’ casinos. The Top Shelf has also become a destination, with its large selection and debit-friendly sales.

More than anything, though, what is most notable about the Top Shelf is that it may well be the Cheers of dispensaries.

“The atmosphere that we try to create around here is something that I enjoy being around every day,” says Rogers. “These people that I work with are some of the most important people in my life, and they will go above and beyond for not only me, but for anybody.” n

Top Shelf may well be the Cheers of dispensaries.

NOTE TO READERS

Be aware of the differences in the law between Idaho and Washington. It is illegal to possess, sell or transport cannabis in the State of Idaho. Possessing up to an ounce is a misdemeanor and can get you a year in jail and up to a $1,000 fine; more than three ounces is a felony that can carry a five-year sentence and fine of up to $10,000. Transporting marijuana across state lines, like from Washington into Idaho, is a felony under federal law.