March 9-March 22, 2022

Tahoe & Truckee’s original guide since 1982

March 9-22, 2022

Snowmobile Access Plan

Anniversary

faces push back

TOURING

Tahoe’s Alps

Sierra-at-Tahoe

CELEBRATES 75 YEARS

Shelley Zentner

art from the ashes

Melvin Seals

KEEPING THE FLAME ALIVE

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LIVE MUSIC EVENTS OUTDOORS & RECREATION FOOD & WINE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT SIGHTSEEING VISITOR INFO

Some say ski season ends in March.

Sunny days, ideal terrain, perfect corn snow, and good vibes. It’s what makes us the capital.

Now you can get the most out of spring skiing and riding with the Spring Ticket Trio— three single-day lift tickets, valid any day of the week for less than $120/day. Use them all yourself or share them with your crew. After making turns under Tahoe blue skies, kick back and enjoy some après on one of our sundecks.

PalisadesTahoe.com/Trio

March 9-22, 2022 Luke Allen

TheTahoeWeekly.com

Volume 41 | Issue 5

P.O. Box 154 | Tahoe Vista, CA 96148 (530) 546-5995 | f (530) 546-8113 TheTahoeWeekly.com @TheTahoeWeekly

submissions Events & Entertainment Submit at TheTahoeWeekly.com | Click on Events Calendar Editorial Inquiries: editor@tahoethisweek.com Entertainment Inquiries: entertainment@tahoethisweek.com Cover Photography: production@tahoethisweek.com

making it happen Publisher/Owner & Editor In Chief Katherine E. Hill publisher@tahoethisweek.com, ext. 102

Sales & Marketing Manager Anne Artoux anne@tahoethisweek.com, ext. 110

Art Director Abigail Gallup production@tahoethisweek.com

Graphic Designer Lauren Shearer graphics@tahoethisweek.com

Website Manager LT Marketing

Entertainment Editor Sean McAlindin entertainment@tahoethisweek.com

Food & Well Being Editor Priya Hutner priya@tahoethisweek.com

Copy Editor Katrina Veit

TAHOE WEEKLY is published bi-weekly year-round with one edition in April and November by Range of Light Media Group, Inc. Look for new issues on Wednesdays.

TAHOE WEEKLY, est. 1982, ©2007 Printed on recycled paper with soy-based inks. Please recycle your copy.

on the cover Dan Light, a tour guide for Lake Tahoe Snowmobile, enjoys a ride near Mount Watson in an area known as “Guides Lookout” on Lake Tahoe’s North Shore. Photography by Austin Taylor, anaturalimage.com

I wasn’t surprised when the updated over-snow vehicle (OSV) plan released by the U.S. Forest Service’s Stanislaus National Forest led to a lawsuit by several snowmobile groups. After all, it took a 2011 lawsuit to force Forest Districts around the country to follow a federal law enacted in 1972 to develop updated plans for the use of motorized vehicles on forest lands to minimize environmental conflicts.

The plans for use by dirt bikes and motorized summertime vehicles was completed more than a decade ago, but the plans for OSVs – snowmobiles, snowbikes and the like – was largely ignored until ordered by the courts to do so.

What has followed was been a long process to manage the varied interests of winter users in our national forests from snowmobiles to skiers with environmental impacts on the land. It’s a hard balance to strike and in the end no user group will be fully satisfied with the final outcome for each district. But it is important to take these steps to manage the public’s interest in recreation (in whatever form that takes) on public lands with the need to protect the environment and the wildlife that inhabits these lands.

The greater Tahoe region, which we refer to as the Tahoe Sierra, includes six Forest Service districts, each of which must develop a plan specific to its district.

Tahoe Weekly also includes the Lassen district in our coverage on this topic as it’s a popular snowmobile destination for our visitors and locals.

Stanislaus was only the first of these districts in our region to release its final OSV plan. Plumas, Tahoe, Eldorado and Lassen districts are expected to release final plans this year and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will release its revised proposal for public comment later this year. Humboldt-Toiyabe has not yet released any public proposals.

Sean McAlindin has dedicated several years and countless hours covering this important issue about public lands’ access for Tahoe Weekly and our readers. Read his latest installment in this edition: “Snowmobile access plan faces lawsuit.”

10 20 Sierra-at-Tahoe

Anniversary

TA H O E S N OW M O B I L E PLANS DRAW CRITICISM

Tahoe Weekly print subscriptions

If you read my article on Tahoe Weekly’s 40th anniversary in the last edition, then you already know that one of the changes we’re most excited about this year is that you can now subscribe to our print edition. It’s been one of the things most requested by our readers and we’ll start mailing subscriptions this summer.

While we’re working out the logistics to manage our print subscriptions, you can email us at sales@tahoethisweek.com if you’re interested in subscribing. We’ll need to get at least 200 initial subscribers to qualify for the necessary postal permit to start mailing copies. I’ll announce details on pricing later this spring.

Katherine E. Hill PUBLISHER/OWNER & EDITOR IN CHIEF

inside

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Touring Tahoe’s Alps Snowmobile Access Plan Puzzles & Horoscope Shelley Zentner Melvin Seals Sierra-at-Tahoe 75th Anniversary Mmmmm Meatballs Shepherd’s Pie Mt. Vernon Winery

6 10 14 15 16 18 20 21 22

SUBSCRIBE To our E-NEWSLETTER at TheTahoeWeekly.com

Did you miss any of our INFORMATIVE LOCAL GUIDES

in print ? , It s never too late TO READ THEM ONLINE!

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SIGHTSEEING The view from the top of Mount Watson with a group on a guided tour with Lake Tahoe Snowmobiles. On the right, Don Neggard of Minot, N.D., and Brittany Neggard from Alpine Meadows. | Anne Artoux

ATTRACTIONS Cave Rock

EAST SHORE

Drive through one of the area’s natural wonders at Cave Rock, the neck of an old volcano.

The area is named for the small caves above Highway 50 that were cut by waves when Lake Tahoe was 200 feet higher during the ice ages.

Kings Beach

North Tahoe Arts Center Eagle Rock

WEST SHORE

Eagle Rock, one of the lake’s famous natural sites, is a volcanic plug beside Highway 89 on the West Shore. TART SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

(530) 542-2908 | cityofslt.us Urban Trailhead at base of Heavenly Gondola with local exhibits and programs. South Tahoe

Fannette Island

EMERALD BAY

(530) 541-3030 | parks.ca.gov Lake Tahoe’s only island is located in Emerald Bay & is home to an old tea house. Boat access only.

(Closed Feb. 1-June 15 for nesting birds.)

Heavenly

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

(775) 586-7000 | skiheavenly.com Enjoy a 2.4-mile ride on the gondola to the top with panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the Carson Valley. South Tahoe

Hellman-Ehrman Mansion

WEST SHORE

$5 parking | parks.ca.gov (530) 525-7232 Park | (530) 583-9911 Tours Sugar Pine Point State Park is home to the historic Ehrman Mansion (open for tours in the summer), see boathouses with historic boats, and General Phipps Cabin built in the late 1800s. TART

High Camp

OLYMPIC VALLEY

(800) 403-0206 | palisadestahoe.com Aerial tram rides with views of Lake Tahoe, Olympic Heritage Museum, ice skating, events and more. Ticket required. TART

TAHOE CITY

(530) 581-2787 | northtahoearts.com Featuring exhibits of work by local artists and works for sale by local artists. TART

Tahoe Art League Gallery Explore Tahoe

NORTH SHORE

northtahoebusiness.org Kings Beach is a popular spot for dining and shopping with the North Shore’s largest sandy beach located in the heart of town. Free parking at North Tahoe Beach, Brook Street, Minnow and the Christmas Tree lot on Hwy. 28. TART

South Lake Tahoe

(530) 544-2313 | talart.org Featuring local artists, workshops. South Tahoe

Tahoe City

NORTH SHORE

visittahoecity.com Tahoe City is popular for shopping and dining with historical sites. At the junction of highways 89 & 28, visitors may see the Tahoe City Dam, Lake Tahoe’s only outlet, and Fanny Bridge.

Peer into Watson Cabin (1909) in the center of town for a glimpse at pioneer life. Free parking at Commons Beach, Grove Street, Jackpine Street, and 64 acres at Highways 89 & 28. TART

Tallac Historic Site

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

LAKE LEVEL Lake Tahoe

Readings on March 3, 2022

ELEVATION:

Truckee River

6,223.93’

FLOW AT FARAD:

EMERALD BAY

Parking fee | Tours in summer only (530) 541-3030 | (530) 525-9529 ADA parks.ca.gov or vikingsholm.com Tour the grounds of Vikingsholm Castle, see Eagle Falls and Fannette Island (the Lake’s only island), home to an old Tea House, and explore snowshoeing trails. TART

Watson Cabin CLOSED

TAHOE CITY

Tours in summer only (530) 583-1762 | northtahoemuseums.org Watson Cabin, built by Robert Watson and his son in 1909, is the oldest building in Tahoe City and on the National Register of Historic Places.

TART

MUSEUMS

(530) 541-5227 | tahoeheritage.org Once known as the “Grandest Resort in the World” as the summer retreat for three San Francisco elite families with the Baldwin Estate, Pope Estate & Valhalla. Grounds open year-round.

South Tahoe

Donner Memorial Visitor Center

Truckee

Donner Summit Historical Society

truckeehistory.org | truckee.com The historic town of Truckee was settled in 1863, and grew quickly as a stagecoach stop and route for the Central Pacific Railroad.

During these early days, many of Truckee’s historical homes and buildings were built including The Truckee Hotel (1868) and the Capitol

6,225.62’

NATURAL RIM:

Old Jail Museum CLOSED

(530) 582-7892 | parks.ca.gov The Donner Memorial State Park features exhibits and artifacts on the Donner Party (1846-47) at the visitor center, and see the towering Pioneer Monument. TART

Olympic Museum

OLYMPIC VALLEY

(800) 403-0206 | palisadestahoe.com The Olympic Museum at High Camp at Palisades Tahoe features historic memorabilia and photographs. TART

Find more places to explore at TheTahoeWeekly.com

Tahoe Science Center

INCLINE VILLAGE

Tues.-Sat. with reservation (775) 881-7566 | tahoesciencecenter.org UC Davis science education center about Lake Tahoe. Exhibits include a virtual research boat, biology lab, hands-on activities, 3D movies and docent-led tours. Ages 8+. TART

donnersummithistoricalsociety.org Museum at the corner of Old Highway 40 & Soda Springs Road. Take the 20-mile inter-pretive driving tour along Old 40. TART TAHOE CITY

TRUCKEE

Sat.-Sun. & holidays truckeedonnerrailroadsociety.com Located in a caboose next to the Truckee Depot.

Exhibits include the train’s role in logging, fighting snow on the railway, the role of Chinese emigrants and a children’s area. TART

Western SkiSport Museum SODA SPRINGS

Gatekeeper’s Museum

TRUCKEE

(530) 582-0893 | truckeehistory.org One of a few surviving 19th Century jailhouses of its kind in the West used from 1875 until May 1964 (open for tours in summer). TART

Truckee Railroad Museum TRUCKEE

DONNER SUMMIT

Closed for the season | Free (530) 426-3313, ext. 113 | auburnskiclub.org Showcasing the history of skiing, exhibits include antique ski and snowshoe equipment, and a pair of 8-foot-long skis used by legendary mail carrier John “Snowshoe” Thompson. TART

TRANSIT

(530) 583-1762 | northtahoemuseums.org Featuring historic photos, the Steinbach Indian Basket Museum and local historical memorabilia.

TART

North Tahoe & Truckee (TART) | laketahoetransit.com South Tahoe | tahoetransportation.org

KidZone Children’s Museum

Kings Beach

TRUCKEE

Wed.-Sat. | (530) 587-5437 | kidzonemuseum.org For kids up to age 7 with interactive exhibits, science & art classes, the BabyZone & the Jungle Gym. TART

Lake Tahoe Museum

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

(530) 541-5458 | laketahoemuseum.org Features Washoe artifacts and exhibits on early industry and settlers. South Tahoe

VISITORS’ CENTERS Kings Beach State Rec. Area (Thurs.-Mon., July-Aug.)

Incline Village 969 Tahoe Blvd. (800) 468-2463 Stateline 169 Hwy. 50 (775) 588-4591 Tahoe City 100 N. Lake Blvd. (530) 581-6900 Truckee 10065 Donner Pass Rd. (Depot), (530) 587-8808 U.S. Forest Service | Incline Village 855 Alder Ave. (775) 831-0914 (Wed.-Fri.)

U.S. Forest Service | South Lake Tahoe 35 College Dr. (530) 543-2600

U.S. Forest Service | Tahoe City

Museum of Truckee History

Boots McFarland by Geolyn Carvin | BootsMcFarland.com 4

6,223’

TROA.NET

394 CFS

Building (1868). Stop by the Depot for a walking tour of historic downtown. Paid parking downtown. TART

Vikingsholm Castle

IN 2021:

TRUCKEE

3080 N. Lake Blvd. (530) 583-3593 (Fridays)

Thurs.-Mon. | (530) 582-0893 | truckeehistory.org Housed in the original Depot, built in 1901. Exhi-bits

U.S. Forest Service | Truckee

cover different eras in Truckee history. TART

National Forest access info

10811 Stockrest Springs Rd. (530) 587-3558 fs.fed.us/r5/webmaps/RecreationSiteStatus

March 9-22, 2022

l ake t a h o e fa c t s .

TAHOE DONNER

AUBURN SKI TRAINING CENTER

CLAIR TAPPAAN

Read about how the lake was formed, Lake Tahoe’s discovery, lake clarity and more at TheTahoeWeekly.com. Click on Explore Tahoe

Reno & Sparks

PLUMAS-EUREKA STATE PARK

RENO-TAHOE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Truckee

BOREAL

Donner Summit

Donner Lake

SKY TAVERN

TRUCKEE AIRPORT

MT. ROSE

DONNER MEMORIAL STATE PARK

NEVADA NORDIC

Email anne@tahoethisweek.com for details

ra Rim T

il

DONNER SKI RANCH

Ta

SUGAR BOWL SODA SPRINGS

Tahoe Vista

CROSS COUNTRY SKI AREA

Lake Tahoe is located in the states of California and Nevada, with two-thirds in California.

Crystal Bay DEEPEST POINT

TAHOE XC

TAHOE CITY WINTER SPORTS PARK

SQUAW CREEK

DIAMOND PEAK

Incline Village

Kings Beach

Carnelian Bay

PALISADES TAHOE

North Shore

NORTH TAHOE REGIONAL PARK

Olympic Valley

DOWNHILL SKI AREA

e ho

NORTHSTAR

Truckee River

ROYAL GORGE

Dollar Hill Tahoe City Sunnyside

Spooner Lake

il

Ta h o e R i m

a Tr

LAKE CLARITY: 2020: 63 feet avg. depth (19.2 m) 1968: First recorded at 102.4 feet (31.21 m)

Marlette Lake

GRANKLIBAKKEN

SNO-PARK

Carson City

NEVADA NORDIC

Eagle Rock

Glenbrook

West Shore

CASINOS

Homewood

o Ta h

e Ri

m Tr a i l

Tahoma

SUGAR PINE POINT STATE PARK

Meeks Bay

Learn about the natural history of the Tahoe Sierra at TheTahoeWeekly.com

Cave Rock

NATURAL RIM: 6,223’ (1,897 m) Lake Tahoe sits at an average elevation of between 6,223’ and 6,229.1’. (1,897-1,899 m) The top 6.1’ (1.8 m) of water is controlled by the dam in Tahoe City and holds up to 744,600 acre feet of water (91,845 m).

Zephyr Cove

Age of Lake Tahoe: 2 million years

Emerald Bay Eagle Lake

Fed By: 63 streams and 2 hot springs Only Outlet: Truckee River (Tahoe City)

Cascade Lake

Watershed Area: 312 square miles (808 sq km)

Fannette Island

South Lake Tahoe

South Shore R i m Tr ail

Average Surface Temperature in July: 64.9˚F (18.3˚C)

Stateline HEAVENLY

CAMP RICHARDSON

Average Water Temperature: 42.1˚F (5.61˚C) Ta h oe

Fallen Leaf Lake

Meyers

SIZE: 22 miles long, 12 miles wide (35 km long, 19 km wide) Lake Tahoe is as long as the English Channel is wide.

BIJOU PARK / LAKE TAHOE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

LAKE TAHOE AIRPORT

FREEL PEAK

SHORELINE: 72 miles (116 km) Lake Tahoe has a surface area of 191 square miles (307 km). If Lake Tahoe were emptied, it would submerge California under 15 inches of water (.38 m)

ECHO LAKES

Highest Peak: Freel Peak at 10,881 feet (3,317 m) Average Snowfall: 409 inches (10.4 m) Permanent Population: 66,000 Number of Visitors: 15 million annually

Kirkwood

SIERRA-AT-TAHOE

Tahoe Weekly now has the ability to mail our print edition directly to you.

AVERAGE DEPTH: 1,000 feet (304 m) MAXIMUM DEPTH: 1,645 feet (501 m) Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the U.S. (Crater Lake in Oregon, at 1,932 feet, or 589 m, is the deepest), and the 11th deepest in the world.

VOLUME: 39 trillion gallons (147.6 trillion liters) There is enough water in Lake Tahoe to supply everyone in the United States with more than 75 gallons (284 liters) of water per day for 5 years.and the 11th deepest in the world.

East Shore

HOMEWOOD

Average Surface Water Temperature: 51.9˚F (11.1˚C)

YOUR BUSINESS COULD

SPONSOR THIS PAGE

KIRKWOOD

HOPE VALLEY

Hope

Markleeville Valley

Sources: Tahoe Environmental Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Forest Service, “Tahoe Place Names” and David Antonucci (denoted by 1).

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GET outside

the outdoors | recreation | events | mountain life

Touring Tahoe’s Alps

S N OW M O B I L I N G I N HO P E VA L L E Y

BY KAYLA ANDERSON

On the way back to the staging area with the Carson River running next to us. | Kayla Anderson TOP RIGHT: Kayla Anderson on a snowmobile. | Courtesy Paul Wright BOTTOM LEFT: Selfie with Paul Wright and Kayla Anderson. | Courtesy Paul Wright

I

t was a snowy, wintry morning and for the first time in more than a month, the Tahoe Sierra was cloaked in snow. As quiet flurries continued to come down, a handful of people filtered into the Lake Tahoe Adventures headquarters to sign up for a snowmobile tour in Hope Valley. We all were fitted for helmets and borrowed or rented any warm gear we needed before boarding a tour bus to take us out to the Hope Valley Recreation Area.

Lake Tahoe Adventures manages snowmobile tours out of two locations, one at Zephyr Cove Resort in Stateline, Nev., and one that meets in South Lake Tahoe that shuttles guests to Hope Valley. Between the two locations, Lake Tahoe Adventures has a fleet of more than 100 snowmobiles and runs several tours per day. Complimentary shuttle service is available from several locations for its guests.

Last season, Lake Tahoe Adventures was running six tours a day out of Hope Valley and every one of them was sold out. Even though the tours were running at 50 percent capacity because of the pandemic, it was clear that they were in high demand.

6

On this cold mid-February day, 20 people boarded the bus to head out to Hope Valley. About 95 percent of them were couples on their Tahoe vacation.

Everyone was cozy and quiet in the

The majestic mountain range that surrounds Hope Valley is reminiscent of European Alps, unlike anything else you’ll see in Tahoe. bus as we made our way out to Blue Lakes Road that was seemingly in its own little winter snowstorm; the surrounding terrain was blanketed in white.

A half-hour later, we filed out of the bus and stood in front of 30 to 40 snowmobiles. From here we broke off into groups and I met my tour guide, Paul

Wright. He’s lived in South Lake Tahoe for seven years and has been a guide with Lake Tahoe Adventures for at least four of them.

Together we ripped along the flat and broad two-lane Blue Lakes Road, snowed over and closed to cars in the winter. We went through trees, climbed a small mountain and through a meadow where a scene in the movie “Die Hard 2” was filmed. Wright pointed out a mountain that looked like the Matterhorn. We rode 5 miles to Benny’s Cabins, named after the original landowner who eventually sold the land to the U.S. Forest Service. The cabins were featured in the movie “Misery.”

It’s still a working ranch in the summer and deer/steer crossing signs marked the roadway.

Riding a snowmobile with heated throttle grips through this pristine landscape on a snowy day with a great guide was an adrenaline rush in itself, but there’s so much more to take in.

Wright pointed out Lower Blue Lake, his favorite summer camping spots and miles of dirt roads by Tamarack Lake where he likes to take his motorcycle

once the snow melts.

Hope Valley Campground near Upper Blue Lake does seem like a good place to take a staycation.

“You can fish, paddleboard, it’s a nice little escape for us locals,” Wright said.

As we followed Carson River, he pointed out where the Pacific Crest Trail passes through, and we stopped to make vertical snow angels in a good-sized snowbank.

It snowed the whole time and riding through fresh powder was amazing.

Wright said that on clear days, the majestic mountain range that surrounds Hope Valley is reminiscent of European Alps, unlike anything else you’ll see in Tahoe.

Two hours later, we were back at the snowmobiling staging area and I was surprised to learn that we had traversed 20 miles. The whole experience seemed surreal, getting the amazing opportunity to take in Hope Valley via snowmobile.

I couldn’t stop my ear-to-ear smile throughout the entire ride — even if it meant eating a snowflake or two. | laketahoeadventures.com n

March 9-22, 2022 GET OUTSIDE

Spring is a great time to learn to ski/snowboard or improve with a lesson!

Courtesy USFS

SKI WITH A RANGER Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is again offering its Ski with a Ranger program at Heavenly Mountain Resort. Tours depart from Tamarack Lodge at the top of the Heavenly Gondola every Friday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. The tours last about one hour and will be offered through April 15, weather permitting. Participants must be at least intermediate level skiers/boarders and provide their own lift ticket. No reservations are required. Attendance is on a first-come, first-served basis and group size is limited to 12.

Tours are led by Forest Service staff and volunteers to help educate the public about conservation and promote environmental literacy and stewardship.

Participants are required to wear masks when social distancing is not possible. | fs.usda.gov

“Came to Diamond Peak as a new skier. I utilized their lessons package complete with beginner lessons, lift ticket, and rental equipment for the day. Staff did a great job and I was skiing confidently on my own by the end of the day. Highly recommend Diamond Peak!”

- Andrew R. (5-star review on Google)

PURCHASE GROUP LESSONS, LIFT TICKETS & RENTALS ONLINE. CALL FOR PRIVATE LESSONS.

DiamondPeak.com • 775-832-1177

INCLINE GOLF COURSE HONORED Incline Village Championship Course recently received three prestigious rankings on golfpass.com’s Golfers’ Choice 2022 lists. More than 320,000 golfers submitted feedback to rank the Top 50 out of more than 3,000 public courses in the country and the Championship Course ranked No. 17. In addition to the overall ranking, golfers assessed the courses in several subcategories including conditions and layout. Incline Village Championship Course ranked No. 2 for conditions and No. 3 for layout. | yourtahoeplace.com Truckee Tahoe AirShow & Family Festival

Jake Pollock, Incline Village Championship Course

AIRSHOW TO RETURN IN JULY The Truckee Tahoe AirShow & Family Festival will be returning in July after the Truckee Tahoe Airport District approved the event’s return. The festival announced on its Facebook page that the event would return in July with a date to be announced soon. | Truckee Tahoe Airshow on Facebook CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 7

TheTahoeWeekly.com

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

Truckee Donner Land Trust

TRUCKEE SPRINGS GROWS TO 67 ACRES The California Wildlife Conservation Board recently voted to transfer 41 acres next to the 26-acre Truckee Springs parcel in downtown Truckee to Truckee Donner Land Trust to preserve as open space, according to the Trust.

Truckee Springs is now 67 acres, spanning from South River Street almost all the way to Highway 89. The new portion of the property has numerous river access points, riparian habitat, mixed conifer forest and a meadow.

Truckee Donner Land Trust is working to provide public access as soon as possible because there is no parking available on the property or on South River Street. | truckeedonnerlandtrust. org

on Feb. 28. The gondola will connect the two mountains of the resort – Alpine Meadows and Olympic Valley – for the first time, giving skiers and riders a new way to access a combined 6,000 acres of storied terrain.

The 16-minute gondola ride will take skiers and riders between the two base areas, The Village at Palisades Tahoe and Alpine Lodge, reducing road congestion in the region and making it easier to enjoy both mountains in a single day. It is the first gondola of its kind in North America, with four terminals connecting two base areas via a climb of nearly 2,000 vertical feet, offering panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada, according to the release. | palisadestahoe.com

PALISADES OPENING GONDOLA NEXT SEASON The highly anticipated $65 million Base-to-Base Gondola at Palisades Tahoe will be completed for the 202223 winter season, Alterra Mountain Company announced in a press release 8

DOGS OK

BOOT-PACKED PATH

PAVED MULTIUSE TRAILS CHECK CONDITIONS AT TAHOEBIKE . ORG • Keep dogs leashed • Pedestrians must yield to bikes • Don’t stop on the trail; move to the side • E-bikes allowed on most paths; check in advance • Cyclists call out when passing pedestrians • Limited service in winter. Pack out all trash, including dog waste bags.

EAST SHORE TRAIL

Easy-moderate | 6 miles RT | tahoefund.org Runs along Lake Tahoe and connects to Hwy. 28 from south end of Incline Village, Nev., to Sand Harbor State Park. Parking near Ponderosa Ranch Road. Electric assist OK. Paid parking. TART

NORTH SHORE INCLINE VILLAGE

A view of some of Olympic Valley’s peak. | Palisades Tahoe

Placer County Board of Supervisors has renamed three county roads that contained the word squaw. Squaw Valley Road was renamed Olympic Valley Road, Squaw Peak Road was renamed Shirley Canyon Road and Squaw Peak Way was renamed Marmot Way. Placer County conducted a community survey to seek feedback on the name changes. A second phase of the road-renaming process will continue with name changes for three private county roads. The process to rename Squaw Valley Park is ongoing.

The former Squaw Valley Ski Area was renamed in September 2021 to Palisades Tahoe. Two chairlifts at the resort were also renamed.

The Washoe Tribe has said that its leading efforts to rename geographical points in Olympic Valley including Squaw Peak and Squaw Creek. Such changes must be submitted to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names for consideration. | placer.ca.gov

Easy | 7.4 miles RT | washoecounty.us Walking path runs along Hwy. 28 through Incline Village.

Access to shopping and parks. Paved between both intersections of Southwood Blvd. Boot packed between east intersection of Southwood Blvd. and Country Club Drive. TART

BIKES OK

OLYMPIC VALLEY OLYMPIC VALLEY

Easy | 4 miles RT | tcpud.org A 2-mile trail runs beside Squaw Valley Road to the ski area from the Squaw Valley condos to Victoria Road, with views of the meadow and surrounding peaks.

Public parking at Squaw Valley Park or Village at Squaw.

Electric assist OK. TART

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE Easy | 3.2 miles RT Connections Lake Tahoe Boulevard (Highway 50) and Pioneer Trail with access to Lake Tahoe Community College.

CAMP RICHARDSON BIKE PATH

Easy | 6 miles RT The trail parallels State Route 89 (Emerald Bay Road) for more than 3 miles, offering access to a number of local historic and recreational amenities. Limited parking.

SAWMILL TO MEYERS

Easy | 7 miles RT Section cleared along Sawmill Road starting at Lake Tahoe Boulevard then connects to run along Highway 89 to Meyers ending at Luther Pass Road.

SIERRA BOULEVARD

LAKESHORE BOULEVARD

Easy | 5 miles RT | washoecounty.us Runs along Lake Tahoe Boulevard and connects to Hwy. 28 at each end of Incline Village. Park at Preston Field on Hwy. 28. Electric assist OK. TART

NATIONAL AVENUE

Easy | 1.8 miles RT Starts on shore of Lake Tahoe at Tahoe Vista Recreation Area and continues up National Avenue past Grey Lane.

Parking at Tahoe Vista Recreation Area. TART

PINE DROP TRAIL

Easy | 3 miles RT | northtahoeparks.com Located at North Tahoe Regional Park the trail connects to to Pinedrop Lane off Highway 267. Parking fee.

TAHOE CITY TO CARNELIAN BAY

Easy-moderate | 8+ miles RT | tcpud.org First 2.5 miles mostly level with a half-mile climb up Dollar Hill. Cross Highway 28 to access 2.2-mile section to Fulton Crescent above Carnelian Bay. Public parking at 64 Acres, Commons Beach, Jackpine and Grove Street.

Electric assist OK. Section from Dollar Hill to Fulton Crescent boot-packed only. TART

TRUCKEE RIVER CANYON

Easy | 9+ miles RT | tcpud.org 4.5 miles from the Tahoe City wye to Alpine Meadows Road, with trails continuing to Olympic Valley. The trail is scenic, separate from the highway, and is mostly flat terrain with a few short, gentle grades with trout fishing, river rafting and picnicking along the way. Connects with Squaw Valley Road or continue to Truckee. Public parking at 64 Acres and Squaw Valley Park at Squaw Valley Road. Electric assist OK. TART

WEST SHORE TAHOE CITY TO MEEKS BAY

PLOWED PATH

AL TAHOE BOULEVARD

EAST SHORE

OLYMPIC VALLEY NAME CHANGES CONTINUE

The gondola will connect the two base areas: Alpine Meadows, background, and Olympic Valley, foreground. | Palisades Tahoe

Winter Paved Walking Paths

Easy | 1.2 miles RT Connects from Lake Tahoe Boulevard to Barbara Ave.

SKI RUN BOULEVARD

Easy | 1.2 miles RT Connects from Lake Tahoe Boulevard to Pioneer Trail.

SOUTH SHORE BIKE PATH

Easy | 7 miles RT | cityofslt.us Follow the bike trail along South Shore, with sections along Lakeview Commons, Reagan Beach and playgrounds. Public parking at Parks and Recreation lot on Rufus Allen Boulevard.

TRUCKEE DONNER PASS ROAD

Easy | 5.4 miles RT Runs through the heart of the town of Truckee from the west end to historic downtown Truckee.

DONNER PASS ROAD TO MOUSEHOLE

Easy | 1.8 miles RT Runs along Highway 89 connecting Donner Pass Road to the Mousehole.

JOEGER DRIVE

Easy | 1.2 miles RT Connects from Soaring Way and runs along Joeger Drive to River View Sports Park.

STEVENS LANE TO ALDER DRIVE

Easy | 2 miles RT Runs from Stevens Lane along Donner Pass Road, turns down Rue Ivy to connect to Alder Drive. Park at U.S. Forest Service office on Stevens Lane.

TROUT CREEK TRAIL

Moderate | 25+ miles RT | tcpud.org Mostly separate from the highway, the trail includes a few miles of highway shoulder and residential streets.

Terrain is varied with a few steep sections. Access to picnicking, beaches and playgrounds. Public parking at 64 Acres. Electric assist OK. TART

Moderate | 3 miles RT Wooded path from Trout Creek Park (paid parking) in downtown Truckee to Northwoods Blvd. (parking free).

TRUCKEE LEGACY TRAIL

Easy | 10 miles RT | tdrpd.org Stretches from downtown Truckee to Truckee River Regional Park, River View Sports Park and Glenshire.

Park at either park or East River Street. Electric assist OK. TART

BUS & SHUTTLE SCHEDULES

North Tahoe & Truckee: laketahoetransit.com (TART) | South Tahoe: tahoetransportation.org

March 9-22, 2022 GET OUTSIDE

Ice Skating & Tubing

Find more Family Friendly activities at TheTahoeWeekly.com

ICE SKATING EDGEWOOD TAHOE (888) 769-1924 | edgewoodtahoe.com Open air rink. Rentals available.

HEAVENLY VILLAGE (530) 542-4230 | theshopsatheavenly.com Open air rink. South Tahoe

INCLINE VILLAGE NORTH SHORE Snow Play Area on Fairway Blvd., next to the Chateau, on the driving range. Bring equipment.

KAHLE PARK SOUTH LAKE TAHOE (775) 586-7271 | douglascountynv.gov Off Highway 207. Bring equipment. South Tahoe

NORTHSTAR (530) 562-1010 | northstarcalifornia.com Open air rink. Free access. TART

KINGVALE RESORT TRUCKEE (530) 427-5090 | kingvaleresort.com Snow park open Friday-Monday. Bring sleds. Plastic sleds available to buy. Tubes not allowed. Parking & snow park fee, cash only.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE (530) 542-6262 | cityofslt.com Indoor facility open year-round. South Tahoe

MEISS MEADOW HOPE VALLEY AREA (209) 295-4251 Highway 88 near Carson Pass. Bring equipment.*

TAHOE CITY WINTER SPORTS PARK (530) 583-1516 | wintersportspark.com Ice skating & rentals. Clubhouse. TART

NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA TRUCKEE northstarcalifornia.com TART

TRUCKEE (530) 582-7720 | tdrpd.com At Truckee River Regional Park. Skate rentals, broomball leagues, ice dancing & hockey lessons. Skate rentals & season passes available. TART

SLEDDING & TUBING ADVENTURE MOUNTAIN SOUTH LAKE TAHOE (530) 659-7217 | adventuremountaintahoe.com On top of Echo Summit with machine-groomed sledding, tubing & snowplay. First-come, first-served.

BLACKWOOD CANYON WEST SHORE (530) 543-2600 Snowplay area off Hwy. 89, 3 miles south of Tahoe City.

Bring equipment.* BOREAL MOUNTAIN TRUCKEE rideboreal.com Tubing open to everyone 42” and taller; smaller children are limited to snow play area only. Personal sleds not permitted. Night sessions available. Reserve online.

CARSON PASS HOPE VALLEY AREA (209) 295-4251 Highway 88 near Carson Pass. Bring equipment.* DONNER SKI RANCH TRUCKEE donnerskiranch.com Tubing hills with moving carpet.

DONNER SUMMIT TRUCKEE (530) 587-3558 South side of I-80, Castle Peak exit. Bring equipment.* ECHO LAKE SOUTH LAKE TAHOE (530) 644-2324 Highway 50 at Echo Lake Road. Bring equipment.*

NORTH TAHOE REGIONAL PARK NORTH SHORE (530) 546-0605 | northtahoeparks.com End of National Avenue off Hwy 28. Rentals not available this season. TART PALISADES TAHOE OLYMPIC VALLEY (530) 452-4511 | palisadestahoe.com Tubing area. TART SAWMILL POND SOUTH LAKE TAHOE On Lake Tahoe Blvd. Bring equipment. South Tahoe SIERRA-AT-TAHOE SOUTH LAKE TAHOE (530) 659-7453 | sierraattahoe.com Blizzard Mountain offers two lift-accessible snow tubing lanes, snow play and sledding area.

SODA SPRINGS TRUCKEE skisodasprings.com Mountain Adventure offers kids tubing carousel, all-age tubing, Snow Jeep rides, Start Park, snow play area and mini snowmobiles. Reserve online.

SPOONER LAKE EAST SHORE (775) 831-0494 State park open for snow play. Bring equipment.

Parking fee.

SQUAW VALLEY PARK OLYMPIC VALLEY placer.ca.gov Free snowplay area. Free parking to access cleared walking paths in Olympic Valley to Tahoe City. Bring equipment. TART

TAHOE DONNER TRUCKEE (530) 587-9437 | tahoedonner.com At Trout Creek Recreation Center. No personal sleds.

Reserve online.

HANSEN’S RESORT SOUTH LAKE TAHOE (530) 544-3361 | hansensresort.com 400-foot-long groomed tube run on Ski Run Blvd. Firstcome, first-served.

TAHOE SNOWMOBILE TUBING SOUTH LAKE TAHOE (530) 542-3294 | tahoesnowmobiles.com Two locations at Tahoe Paradise & Stateline, Nev. Reserve online.

HOMEWOOD ADVENTURE CENTER WEST SHORE (530) 525-2992 | skihomewood.com At Homewood Mountain Resort with Magic Carpet.

Reserve online.

HOPE VALLEY HOPE VALLEY AREA (775) 882-2766 Highway 88 at Blue Lakes Road. Bring equipment.*

Winter for Fun Everyone!

LAST DAY  MARCH 13

TAHOE CITY WINTER SPORTS PARK NORTH SHORE (530) 583-1516 | wintersportspark.com Sledding & cross-country trails. Rentals available.

Clubhouse. Reserve online. TART

GRANLIBAKKEN WEST SHORE (530) 581-7533 | granlibakken.com Machine-groomed snow play area; no tubes or toboggans allowed. All ages. Reserve online.

HEAVENLY SOUTH LAKE TAHOE skiheavenly.com Tubing at top of gondola with four lanes.

Located in the Boatworks Mall, Tahoe City · SteveSchmiersJewelry.com · 530.583.5709

TAYLOR CREEK SOUTH LAKE TAHOE (530) 543-2600 Highway 89, north of Camp Richardson Road. Bring equipment.* South Tahoe TUBETAHOE SOUTH LAKE TAHOE (530) 600-2304 | tubetahoe.com 500 feet of machine-groomed tubing lanes in Meyers.

Equipment provided. South Tahoe YUBA PASS TRUCKEE (530) 994-3401 Highway 49 at Yuba Pass. Bring equipment.*

ALL ACTIVITIES ARE WEATHER DEPENDENT & OPEN AS CONDITIONS PERMIT *Sno-park permits required. Go to ohv.parks.ca.gov/snoparks or find locations at (916) 324-1222.

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING · SLEDDING SNOWSHOEING · ICE SKATING

ADVANCE RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR THE ‘21-22 SEASON

Limited walk-ups will be permitted, but not guaranteed.

RESERVE ONLINE AT

TCPUD.ORG/WINTER Visit tcpud.org/winter for more Know Before You Go tips, details on sessions, season passes, and reservations.

530.583.1516 251 NORTH LAKE BLVD. TAHOE CITY

9

TheTahoeWeekly.com

SNOWMOBILE PLAN FACES ACCESSLAWSUIT MORE REGIONAL OSV PLANS TO BE RELEASED

Watch Stanislaus National Forest Supervisor Jason Kuiken explain the new OSV regulations at TheTahoeWeekly.com

“We listened carefully to our stakeholders to come up with a balanced approach that provides the public with motorized and non-motorized winter recreational opportunities while natural resources, including sensitive species, are preserved and maintained for future generations to enjoy.”

- Jason Kuiken, Stanislaus National Forest supervisor

10

Mt. Watson, a popular snowmobiling destination on the North Shore. | Luke Allen

I

n spite of legal pushback on changes to snowmobile access, national forest districts in the Tahoe Sierra are moving forward with updated over-the-snow (OSV) vehicle management plans this year.

The Tahoe Sierra encompasses portions of six Forest Service Districts – Eldorado, Humboldt-Toiyabe, Plumas, Tahoe, Stanislaus and the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit – all of which are required to update OSV plans for each district.

OSVs include snowmobiles, snowbikes, utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) and other motorized vehicles. The Tahoe Weekly has been reporting on public lands’ access and its use by motorized and nonmotorized groups, including OSV plans, since 2017. The Lassen National Forest is also a frequent destination for Tahoe locals and visitors, so Tahoe Weekly includes the district in its coverage on this topic. Follow our complete coverage at TheTahoeWeekly.com.

March 9-22, 2022

THE SIERRA NEVADA NATIONAL FOREST & WILDERNESS AREAS LASSEN COUNTYto Lassen

to Lassen PLUMAS COUNTY

WILDERNESS AREAS PLUMAS NATIONAL FOREST TAHOE NATIONAL FOREST LAKE TAHOE BASIN MANAGEMENT UNIT ELDORADO NATIONAL FOREST

Sierraville Reno

SIERRA COUNTY

HUMBOLDT-TOIYABE NATIONAL FOREST

Little Truckee Summit Jackson Meadows

TAHOE NATIONAL FOREST

STANISLAUS NATIONAL FOREST

NEVADA COUNTY

Truckee Incline Village

Tahoe City

GRANITE CHIEF

PLACER COUNTY

Blackwood Canyon

Carson City

LAKE TAHOE

South Lake Tahoe

ELDORADO COUNTY

MT. ROSE

NV

ALPINE COUNTY

AMADOR COUNTY CALAVERAS COUNTY

MOKELUMNE

CA

• • • • • •

Hope Valley

DESOLATION

STANISLAUS DISTRICT’S OSV PLAN

Blue Lakes

67 percent reduction in OSV terrain Loss of OSV access to Castle Rock, Three Chimneys, Cooper Peak and between Highland Lakes Road and Pacific Valley Loss of access to all areas at less than 5,000’ in elevation 12- to 24-inch snowpack minimums required April 15 closure at Sonora Pass 25 miles of groomed OSV trails

MONO COUNTY

TUOLUMNE COUNTY

Read the full lawsuit brought against Stanislaus National Forest District at TheTahoeWeekly.com

CARSON-ICEBERG Alyssa Ganong | ©Tahoe Weekly

Stanislaus plan first released

Stanislaus National Forest was the first in the region to release its final OSV plan on July 13, 2021, when Forest Supervisor Jason Kuiken put forth a decision that reduced previous OSV access by 67 percent. Now only 13 percent (119,104) of the forest’s 898,099 total acres remain open to snowmobiling and other motorized winter sports.

The ruling in Stanislaus National Forest also imposes 12- to 24-inch snowpack minimums and no OSV use below 5,000 feet. The changes are in effect for this season; new maps are available at rangers stations and online.

“It is a balancing act to meet the needs of multiple uses and ensure forest resources are protected,” said Kuiken on a Jan. 19 Facebook post. “We listened carefully to our stakeholders to come up with a balanced approach that provides the public with motorized and non-motorized winter recreational opportunities while natural resources, including sensitive species, are preserved and maintained for future generations to enjoy.”

Representatives with Stanislaus National Forest declined to comment directly on the plan when contacted by Tahoe Weekly.

Three months to the day after Kuiken’s decision, Sierra Snowmobile Foundation, Blue Ribbon Coalition and The American Council of Snowmobile Associations filed a lawsuit on Oct. 13 against the Forest Service for failing to follow its own directives in its implementation of the plan.

The suit against Stanislaus

The lawsuit focuses on the unanticipated restriction of access to historically popular, upper-elevation, high-volume snow areas in the Highway 108 and Highway 4 corridors including Castle Rock, Three Chimneys, Cooper Peak and the area between Highland Lakes Road and Pacific Valley. It alleges the Forest Service’s restriction on OSV access to protect the Sierra Nevada red fox, Yosemite toad and Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog to be “arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion” and that reported environmental studies demonstrated “no measurable effects on aquatic resources, riparian systems or meadows.”

Plaintiffs also assert the Forest Service’s decision to limit OSV access below 5,000 feet lacks the adequate analysis to support it: “The FEIS [Final

Environmental Impact Statement] does not consider that in many years — 2017 and 2019, for example — areas below 5,000 feet easily satisfied the minimum snow-depth requirements for significant periods of time. … In sum, the Final ROD [record of decision] strongly favors non-motorized recreation over OSV recreation. It effectively creates new non-motorized areas in the Stanislaus National Forest without a sound basis or explanation.”

The civil complaint requests the U.S. District Court of Eastern California declare the decision unlawful and set it aside pending further analysis.

Sierra Snowmobile Foundation declined to comment on the pending litigation citing disappointment with the way their organization has been portrayed by other media outlets throughout the public scoping process.

“We’ll let the lawsuit speak for itself,” said Kevin Bazar, the foundation’s director, in a phone call with Tahoe Weekly, noting that he appreciated this publication’s past coverage on the issue.

Stanislaus National Forest also declined to comment on the complaint.

“With the pending litigation, we’re unable to comment at this time,” said

public affairs officer Benjamin Cossel in a Feb. 2 email to Tahoe Weekly.

“Commensurate with their normal duties, we do have both Forest Protection Officers and Law Enforcement Officers patrolling the entire forest including the areas mentioned in [the lawsuit]. At the moment, we are taking an educational approach to enforcement, helping people understand how to read the closure maps and follow the rules. That said, it is incumbent on the OSV user to know the rules and know where they are on the landscape. We will be graduating to a stricter enforcement policy in the near future.”

Read the lawsuit in full at TheTahoeWeekly.com.

Managing user interests

Stanislaus National Forest’s new OSV map is a court-ordered attempt at diplomacy between various public interest groups including snowmobilers; non-motorized, back-country travelers such as skiers, splitboarders and snowshoers; private landowners; environmental scientists and stewards; and more than a dozen government agencies.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 11

TheTahoeWeekly.com

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

SINCE 2002

Food Distribution We’re delivering perishable food bags weekly IN TRUCKEE & NORTH LAKE TAHOE.

Cara Mia Cimarrusti ESTHETICIAN/OWNER

RELOCATED TO Midtown Reno 927 Haskell Street 530-412-0446 pureskinfaceandbody.com

Delivery staff and volunteers are following best practices and wearing masks. Please follow social distancing and NOT interact.

To sign-up or cancel, e-mail food@sierracommunityhouse.org or call 775-545-4083; Provide full name, address, phone number, birthdate, and number of people in the household.

— HISTOR I A N & AU THOR —

Tahoe Science Center Open Tues.-Sat.

Reservations required

TahoeScienceCenter.org

MARK MCLAUGHLIN’S NEWEST BOOK - UPDATED EDITION TOP 10 Biggest Winters!

250 Photos!

Order direct: TheStormKing.com or Shop Local:

Geared for Games • Alice’s Mountain Market Donner Memorial State Park • Mind Play Word After Word Bookshop • Gratitude Gifts

Call about:

Group Presentations • In-Home Talks

530.546.5612 · Mark@TheStormKing.com

’Tis the Season…

TO ENJOY LAKE TAHOE'S OUTDOOR WINTER WONDERLAND!

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Local author Kathryn Reed’s guide to all the great Lake Tahoe snowshoeing adventures written from personal experience.

Purchase the paperback at your local bookstore or email kr@katthrynreed.com. Print and e-books available at Amazon and Barnes & Nobel.

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custom made live edge, epoxy river tables TA HOE TA BL E C OMPA N Y.C OM

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12

Helping Businesses and Collectors Become More Successful for Over 30 Years

Conor Tourmarkine Courtesy Sierra Snowmobile Foundation

This process began in earnest when a 1972 executive order by President Nixon required federal land-management agencies to minimize environmental impacts and conflicts associated with the use of motorized off-road vehicles on federal public lands. While the forests in the Tahoe Sierra completed the requirements for dirt bikes, quads and other vehicles by 2010, they did not perform that same analysis for winter machines.

Three groups, Snowlands Network, Winter Wildlands Alliance and the Center for Biological Diversity, subsequently sued the Forest Service in 2011 to perform that study. The result was a 2013 settlement to complete the analyses. Each National Forest that sees significant OSV use is now required by the National Environmental Policy Act to assess potential environment impact and release an updated map on where OSVs may be used.

More plans to be released

Regardless of the litigation facing Stanislaus at U.S. District Court in Sacramento, other area forests including Tahoe, Eldorado, Plumas and Lassen have been working with the public on plans of their own since 2015 and intend to release final decisions this year.

The changes would take affect for the 2022-23 winter season.

“We were aiming to have a decision in place for this winter season,” said Plumas National Forest Supervisor Chris Carlton in a Jan. 25 email. “With last year’s significant fire season and impacts on our communities taking priority we’re now looking to have a decision in time for next winter.”

Tahoe National Forest could be the next to release its plan as soon as mid to late spring.

“The Stanislaus OSV project litigation should not affect our timeline,” said public affairs officer Randi Shaffer in a Feb. 1 email.

Lassen National Forest’s final decision is currently being reviewed by the Pacif-

DISTRICT PROJECT PLANS

Plans for each district are available at fs.usda.gov. Direct links to each District’s plan are available at TheTahoeWeekly.com. ic Southwest Regional Office.

“Once this review is complete, the project decision documents will be sent to our National Headquarters for further review, acceptance and publication in the Federal Register,” said Lassen public affairs officer Amanda Oliver in a Feb. 2 email. “We do not know at this time how long this process will take.”

Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) is currently working on the development of possible alternatives based on more than 1,000 comments received during the public scoping period for the project. The revised proposal is expected to be released near the end of 2022 at which time the public will have a 30-day period to comment. LTBMU’s original proposal featured broad changes including OSV-use restrictions between April 15 and Nov. 1, and reduced access at Incline Village, Hell Hole, Chickadee Ridge, Barker Pass and Fallen Leaf Lake.

Read our continuing coverage on public access on public lands at TheTahoeWeekly.com “We have time to incorporate any guidance related to litigation as we move through the travel management process,” said recreation planner Ashley Sibr in a Feb. 1 email.

The adjacent 6.3-million-acre Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in Nevada (the largest in the lower 48) has yet to put forth any public proposals at this time. | fs.usda.gov n

March 9-22, 2022 GET OUTSIDE

eve n ts

Snow Trails

Jibboom! Jibboom! Jibboom!

Winter Beach Party

Alder Creek Adventure Center | Truckee | March 9

Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area | Truckee | March 12

5:30 p.m. $5 | tahoedonner.com Explore more snow trails at TheTahoeWeekly.com /Get Outside/Winter Check out the Events calendar for guided treks

Nature Photography Snowshoe Trek

Family Downhill Ski Challenge

Ward Creek Blvd. | Tahoe City | March 9

Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area | Truckee | March 13

9 a.m.-12 p.m. | tahoerimtrail.org

DOGS OK

SNOWMOBILE

SNOWSHOES

SKIS

SKI TOURING, SNOWSHOEING & SNOWMOBILING TRUCKEE CABIN CREEK TRAIL Easy to moderate

Marked route follows old logging roads and Cabin Creek Road for 3 to 6 miles. The terrain has gentle, rolling slopes.

Cabin Creek Road south of Truckee on Highway 89. The unmarked trailhead is 1 mile from the highway. Limited parking is available in a road cut, when plowed.

DONNER MEMORIAL STATE PARK Easy | (530) 582-7892 or parks.ca.gov

The park is mostly flat and open year-round. Skiers can enjoy the forests and boulder fields, glide down to the lake and meander through the park. Unmarked, 9.6-km, skier-packed trail starting near the Emigrant Trail Museum.

For the more adventuresome, glide over the hills into Coldstream Canyon. Parking fee. TART

LITTLE TRUCKEE SUMMIT

Easy to advanced | (530) 994-3401 or fs.usda.gov

Marked routes with 110 miles of groomed trails follow roads to Webber Lake and Yuba Pass, Rim and Ridge Loops, Bald Ridge Loop and Treasure Mountain, Pass Creek Loop, Independence Lake Loop, Meadow Lake Loop and Jackson Meadow. Trailhead at Jackson Meadow Road, 14 miles north of Truckee on Highway 89. Overnight camping OK in parking area. Heavy use.*

PETER GRUBB HUT& CASTLE PEAK

Moderate to advanced | clairtappaanlodge.com

A marked Nordic ski trail begins at the Castle Peak/Boreal interchange on Donner Summit off Interstate 80, west of Truckee. Take the Castle Peak exit and follow it for one-quarter mile to the intersection for the trailhead to the north. Follow unmarked trail to Peter Grubb Hut. Overnight parking available at the Sno-Park*. For overnight stays at the hut, call (530) 426-3632 for reservations.

POLE CREEK TRAIL SYSTEM Easy to strenuous

Unmarked trails follow roads along Pole Creek and Silver Creek Drainages. Trailhead 6 miles south of Truckee on Highway 89. Some parking on west side of highway.

SAGEHEN SUMMIT Easy to moderate

An unmarked route follows the road to the creek bottom.

Lateral roads offer many side trips. Trailhead at Sagehen Summit on the west side of Highway 89, 8 miles north of Truckee. Limited parking.

CISCO GROVE RATTLESNAKE Easy to advanced

Steep canyon and side slopes at lower end of trail with 7 miles of groomed access. Upper elevations feature ridges and bowls. Route follows Rattlesnake Road to Magonigal Summit. Trailhead at Cisco Grove exit north off Interstate 80.*

NORTH SHORE BROCKWAY SUMMIT & MARTIS PEAK

TAHOE MEADOWS Easy to advanced

On Mount Rose high above Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Meadows offers an expansive area where skiers can stretch their legs. Head up Highway 431 from Incline Village until you reach the meadows before the summit. South side designated for skiers and snowshoers, while the north side is designated for snowmobilers. Heavy weekend use.

WEST SHORE BLACKWOOD CANYON Easy to advanced

The meadows in Blackwood Canyon offer a great place to get into the wilderness off Highway 89 on the West Shore. Follow Highway 89 south from Tahoe City and park at the Kaspian Recreation Area. Skiers can glide along the road (not plowed) or through the meadows. Snow-mobilers should follow the road about 2.5 miles, then take a left across the bridge and continue up Barker Pass Road to large open areas, steep bowls and many roads. Limited parking.*

MEEKS MEADOWS Easy | fs.usda.gov

Meeks Meadows on the West Shore off Highway 89 offers a vast area to ski. The trailhead is across from the Meeks Bay Fire Station; look for the log cabin with red trim. Follow the U.S. Forest Service road or meander through the meadow and down to Meeks Creek.

SUGAR PINE POINT STATE PARK

Easy to moderate | (530) 525-7982 or parks.ca.gov The Ed Z’berg/Sugar Pine Point State Park is a spectacular spot to cross-country ski or snowshoe among the dense forests of the West Shore or along Lake Tahoe’s shores.

The park offers more than 18 km of marked ski trails. Three groomed trails begin at the campground, 9 miles south of Tahoe City, with two skier-packed trails on the lake side of the park, accessed from the Day Use entrance. Winter camping available. Guided tours and programs. Parking fee. TART

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE HOPE VALLEY Easy to moderate

Sno-park on the south side of Highway 88 at Blue Lakes Road. Much of Hope Valley is open to snowmobiling, but some areas are not; stay in designated areas. Ungroomed routes to Willow Creek (8.5 miles) and Tamarack Lake (1 mile) and groomed routes to Blue Lakes (11.5 miles) and Forestdale (3.5 miles). Stage from Hope Valley Sno-Park.*

TAYLOR CREEK

Easy | (530) 573-2600 or fs.usda.gov

Developed for beginners, this well-marked series of trails allows skiers to explore the area. Terrain is mostly flat and is good for the entire family. Take Highway 89 to Cathedral Road and park in the Sno-Park. Marked trails start at the parking lot with three trails near Fallen Leaf Lake. On the lake side of Highway 89, follow the road to access the Tallac Historic Trail.*

YUBA PASS

PAGE MEADOWS

The route north from Yuba Pass off Highway 49 is popular for snowmobilers, and shares the trail system with Nordic skiers for the first mile before branching off. For skiers and snowshoers, the route goes north for 2 miles with views of the Sierra Valley, then leads west for 1 mile and rejoins the snowmobile trail. For a short loop, go south (a left) on the snowmobile route back to Yuba Pass. Alternately, you can continue west through a meadow for 1.5 miles, then head south (a left) onto the Lunch Creek Ski Trail 1.25 miles, then north (a left) on 3 Knobs Trail for 1.5 miles. 3 Knobs Trail ends back at the snowmobile trail. Snowmobilers can head north from the branch 1 mile in and travel through Gold Lake Highway. Then, head south to Bassett’s or north to Gold Lake. This route offers a variety of terrain and beautiful views of the Sierra Buttes and the Lakes Basin. More than 100 miles of trails. Take Highway 89 north of Truckee, and then take Highway 49 to Yuba Pass. Trailhead parking is 6 miles east of Bassett’s Station.*

Brockway Summit off Highway 267 offers an abundance of areas to ski with turnouts on both sides of the highway where Nordic skiers and snowshoers can follow logging and utility roads. For snowmobilers, the best access and limited parking about one-quarter mile north of Brockway Summit below the top of Highway 267 on the Truckee side.

No groomed trails, but many old lumber roads exist. Take a good map, as it’s easy to become turned around.

Easy to moderate

Ski or snowshoe along an old road that meanders through a forest and into a cluster of meadows. Take Highway 89 south from Tahoe City, then turn right on Pine Avenue and right on Tahoe Park Heights Road. At the crest of the hill, take the middle fork, which becomes Big Pine Road, then take a left on Silver Tip. The parking area is at the top of the road.

11:30 a.m. | tahoedonner.com

Red Bull Raid Palisades Tahoe | Olympic Valley | March 9-11 8 a.m.-5 p.m. $40 | (800) 403-0206, redbull.com

Easy to advanced | fs.usda.gov

* SNO-PARK PERMIT REQUIRED; (916) 324-1222 OR OHV.PARKS.CA.GOV/SNOPARKS.

Baby Story Time Incline Village Library | Incline Village | March 15 & 22 11:30 a.m. Free | (775) 832-4130, events.washoecountylibrary.us

RUFF Reading Truckee Library | Truckee | March 9, 16 & 23 4 p.m. Free | (530) 582-7846

Jibboom! Jibboom! Jibboom!

Truckee Library | Truckee | March 15 5:30 p.m. | (530) 582-7846, truckeehistory.org

Diamond Cut Video Competition

Preschool Storytime

Diamond Peak Ski Resort | Incline Village | March 9-20

Kings Beach Library | Kings Beach | March 15 & 22

| (775) 832-1177, diamondpeak.com

10:30 a.m. Free | (530) 546-2021, placer.ca.gov

Paws 2 Read Incline Village Library | Incline Village | March 10 4 p.m. Free | (775) 832-4130

Teen Tuesdays Incline Village Library | Incline Village | March 15 & 22 4 p.m. Free | (775) 832-4130

Preschool Storytime Tahoe City Library | Tahoe City | March 10 & 17 10:30 a.m. Free | (530) 583-3382, placer.ca.gov

Tuesday 55+ Snowshoe Hikes area venues | Incline Village | March 15 & 22 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $17-$21 | yourtahoeplace.com

Preschool Storytime

Button-It-Up St. Patrick’s Day

Truckee Library | Truckee | March 10 & 17

Truckee Library | Truckee | March 16

10:30 a.m. Free | (530) 582-7846

3-5 p.m. Free | (530) 582-7846

Toddler Time

Moonlight Snowshoe Hike

Incline Village Library | Incline Village | March 10 & 17

Diamond Peak Ski Resort | Incline Village | March 18

11:30 a.m. Free | (775) 832-4130,

5:30 p.m. $40-$50 | (775) 832-1177

events.washoecountylibrary.us

Play Forever Fridays Virtual River Talk Virtual | Truckee | March 10

Boreal Mountain | Norden | March 18 $25 | rideboreal.com

9 a.m. Free | Sue Drake at 530.550.8760 x5, truckeeriverwc.org

What do the sediments in Lake Tahoe tell us about climate?

Virtual | Incline Village | March 10 12-1 p.m. | tahoe.ucdavis.edu

LOST SIERRA

Easy to advanced

12-3 p.m. | tahoedonner.com

Movie Night Incline Village Library | Incline Village | March 11 6 p.m. Free | (775) 832-4130

Ski With a Ranger Heavenly Mountain | South Lake Tahoe | March 11 & 18 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | (775) 586-7000, fs.usda.gov

Full Moon Snowshoe Tour Sugar Pine Point St. Park | Tahoma | March 12 6:30-8:30 p.m. $25-$50 | sierrastateparks.org

Subaru Winterfest Boreal Mountain | Norden | March 18 | rideboreal.com

Cross Country Ski Wax Clinic Alder Creek Adventure Center | Truckee | March 19 | tahoedonner.com

Dummy Downhill Diamond Peak Ski Resort | Incline Village | March 20 10 a.m. | (775) 832-1177, diamondpeak.com

Wildflowers of Tahoe South Lake Tahoe Library | South Lake Tahoe | March 22 6-7 p.m. Free | tinsweb.org

“Trail to Gold” reading with Nancy Fiddler Tahoe Donner XC Ski Area | Truckee | March 13 1-2:30 p.m.

13

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SPONSOR THIS PAGE

ANSWERS ON PAGE 19

Email anne@tahoethisweek.com for details

h oro scopes FIRE

EARTH

AIR

BY MICHAEL O’CONNOR

SUNSTARASTROLOGY.COM

WATER

Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 22) Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 19) The inclination to retreat, escape, dream and meditate vies with a rebellious impulse. You want to shake-it-up somehow. Your focus may be internal or external, or a weave of both according to your specific nature and destiny. In any case, your overall financial foundation and future is on your mind and you are determined to prevail.

Weaving imagination and creativity into your daily rhythm is extra important now. In doing so, you are likely to experience a breakthrough; one which you have likely been dreaming of for some time.

Answering the call will also contribute to your overall well-being and health. Changes in your current financial reality and future are featured.

Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21) Taurus (Apr 20 – May 20) A revolutionary beat and pulse is running through your veins. Finding opportunity to express your sense of individuality feels extra important.

The main keyword is freedom. Yet, you also want to merge in heart and mind with those you love to create something new and wonderful. Weaving dreams with measurable action is the key.

Pisces time is one during which you are meant to dive deep into your imagination to assess the possibilities. This can include envisioning in your mind what might be. In doing so, you are also wise to become aware of what could go wrong as you pursue various paths. This dose of reality to counterbalance dreams of possibility is a cornerstone of wisdom.

Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21) Gemini (May 21 – Jun 21) You were born to be a dream weaver. Merging creative inspiration with imaginative possibility, you see the magic in life and the divine signature. At least this is a description of your ideal. Conscious cocreation begins with the interaction of your conscious and subconscious mind, your right and left brain, your mind and soul. The trumpets have been sounded. Do you hear them?

You are a mystic at your core, yet you also aspire to be a realist in the ways of the world.

When these principles are balanced your powers of manifestation multiply. However, when the two are in conflict, everything seems to go awry and you feel compelled to resort to less lofty leans to achieve your goals, which is the painful and expensive way. Aim for the balance.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19) Cancer (Jun 22 – Jul 22) Seeing a bigger picture is an active theme now. That you also want to see the details of it is where the real work begins. Your passions are running strong. Yet, you are in the midst of deep, internal changes as well that are adding to the challenge. You can have it all by meditating upon deeper and higher realities and trusting the process.

Ideals vie with the pressures of reality. Your sights are set on the future and your ambitions are running strong. This is largely a creative time in your life but could just as easily be enjoyed via playful activities, if you have earned, literally and figuratively, the opportunity to do so. Either way, use this time to dream new dreams and go big.

Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 19) Leo (Jul 23 – Aug 23) You may find yourself lingering somewhere between what was and will be. Dwelling here in peace requires faith in the cycles of life. Free will is important, yet sometimes the best choice is to yield and surrender. Of course, this is also a choice.

Commitment to the future and a willingness to persevere patiently and faithfully is your power now.

Pisces represents your higher ideals. These include living in but not being of the world. Themes of non-attachment to material goals or to outcomes are a feature of this perspective. The powerful influences of planets in Pisces are activating this very focus. So, don’t pressure yourself to achieve at this time. Take a break until Aries time.

Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20) Virgo (Aug 24 – Sep 22) Relationship dynamics are in the spotlight now. These include and require extra effort. Having a positive attitude about it all is extra important.

Fortunately, despite the work involved, you are up to the task. Yet, if you run now and try to escape your responsibilities, it will prove costly later. The opposite is true if you give more than usual now.

14

This is your time to enter new territory. Doing so may occur literally, but also in your mind, attitude, perceptions and interpretations. After all, reality begins in the mind. While others will generally respond to this impulse by taking literal, material leads and strides, you have the opportunity to take this in your mind first and doing so is the foundation of true magic.

March 9-22, 2022 THE MAKERS

THE makers

creative awareness | arts & culture | makers’ movement

Shelley Zentner

ART OUT OF THE ASHES

BY KAYLA ANDERSON

ROBERTS’ RELEASES NEW BOOK Suzanne Roberts explores the link between death and desire in her new book of essays, “Animal Bodies: On Death, Desire, and Other Difficulties.”

In diverse landscapes from the Mekong River’s floating markets to Fire Island’s beaches to Nashville’s honky-tonks and the Sierra Nevada’s snowy slopes, the South Lake Tahoe author tries to make sense of private and public losses. Her essays illuminate what it means to be human and deepen the conversations on death and grief, sexuality and the shame that comes from surviving the world in a female body.

Roberts will be reading from her book and signing copies on May 12 at Word After Word Books in downtown Truckee. | suzanneroberts.net

t h e art s Artist of the Month: Alain Couder North Tahoe Arts | Tahoe City | March 9-April 30 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | (530) 581-2787, northtahoearts.com

Monika Piper Johnson, Liz Paganelli Art Exhibit Mountain Workspace Art Gallery | Incline Village | March 9-April 30 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | mountainworkspace.com

Romina Braje art exhibit Tahoe City Visitor Center | Tahoe City | March 9-31 | (530) 581-6900, artbyromi.com

Sara L. Smith art exhibit Incline Village Library | Incline Village | March 9-31 10 a.m. | (775) 832-4130

Vincent Pacheco art exhibit Sierra Nevada University | Incline Village | March 9-March 25 | (775) 831-1314, sierranevada.edu

Astrid Medieta art exhibit Tahoe Wine Collective | Tahoe City | March 10 5-8 p.m. | instagram.com

ABOVE: “In the Wings.” | Shelley Zentner RIGHTA; “Echoes.” | Shelley Zentner

W

hen the Caldor Fire ripped through the south side of the Tahoe Sierra last summer, it burnt more than 221,000 acres of forest between Grizzly Flats and Echo Summit and on both sides of Christmas Valley. It was a scary time for residents when the smoke-filled skies and erratic weather caused another layer of uncertainty for people and animals that make this place their home.

Christmas Valley resident and artist Shelley Zentner has spent her life creating art, mainly charcoal drawings. She is also an activist, forming the Tahoe Activist Artists in 2017.

“I feel like art needs to respond to current events happening in the world and I think it’s my natural instinct to respond to what’s going on around me.

Artists observe things and put it down [on canvas, paper, etc.] and then move on,” Zentner says.

Zentner put together a culmination of her work after the Caldor Fire in a collection called, “Call & Response: Visions of Forest after Wildfire,” which will be on display at Sierra Arts Foundation in Reno until March 28.

Fortunately, Zentner and her family had a home to go back to after it was safe to reenter the area. She began collecting charcoal from the charred forest on her regular walk, using it in her art to

help process what she was feeling: fear, uncertainty, some survivor’s guilt and a lot of gratitude.

“I spent the last couple of years painting outside and it was horrible not knowing what we would come back to.

When we did come back — fortunately, our home was okay — I felt the need to go outside and look at what happened.

There was a little spot fire near the river by my house and there was a little patch of green grass with charred tips. I couldn’t believe it was still alive,” she says. “It made me feel like everything was going to be okay, that Mother Nature knows how to respond to these kinds of things.

“I put my hands in the earth and pulled out these charcoal bits and took it home and found that it worked like the other charcoal I used. And it just felt really healing to do that and I thought that maybe other people would feel the same. It can possibly be hard to see for the people who lost their homes, but I hope that some of the drawings — like the one with the sunshine coming through the trees — can bring some solace to them.”

Zentner goes into the forest near her house quite often and found herself taking pictures and doing drawings onsite.

Plus, she’s been drawing with charcoal since she was a child and tended to use

it a lot even throughout college.

“There’s something about the feel, texture and blackness of it that I really like,” she says. She also uses pastel and oil paint in her work.

During the fire, her family evacuated to Gardnerville, Nev., and watched livestream media coverage of what was going on in their neighborhood.

“It looked like they had one fire engine for every house. There were spot fires in random places, areas that were really hard to get to and they were able to put them out. Our gardens were still alive, the ground was damp and firefighters had pulled grills away from people’s homes and set them in safe areas. The firefighters went above and beyond in their service; it was incredible,” Zentner says.

Their swift, altruistic action inspired her to make donations to El Dorado Community Foundation and Wildland Firefighter Foundation.

Admission to the exhibit is free and catalog/print sales will go toward the Wildland Firefighter Foundation. Zentner will offer guided tours on Saturdays in March by request. | shelleyzen.us n 15

TheTahoeWeekly.com

THE lineup live music | shows | nightlife

festivals | entertainment

Melvin Seals

KEEPING THE FLAME ALIVE

BY SEAN MCALINDIN

March 18 | 8 p.m. | Crystal Bay Casino | Crystal Bay, Nev.

E

very once in a while, you meet someone who changes the trajectory of your life forever. For Melvin Seals, that person was Jerry Garcia.

Seals was born into a religious and musical family in 1950s San Francisco.

His father was a choir director and pianist at All Nations Church. As a youth, Seals revered contemporary organists such as Jimmy Smith, Shirley Scott and Johnny “Hammond” Smith, but his true idol was Billy Preston who was raised in the church before gaining fame playing with The Beatles.

“He was the map that I could follow,” says Seals.

After high school, Seals formed garage bands, before getting his first professional break with soul group, Gideon & Power. This opened the door for Seals to tour nationally with Elvin Bishop around the time “Fooled Around and Fell in Love” hit No. 3 on the 1976 Billboard Hot 100. On the road, he had the opportunity to jam with Charlie Daniels, Chuck Berry, Electric Light Orchestra and Marshall Tucker Band. He worked for several years on Jon Hendrick’s “Evolution of the Blues” at Broadway Theater in San Francisco before meeting folk singer Maria Muldaur, who was dating John Kahn, the bassist for Jerry Garcia Band.

When Kahn invited Seals for a jam session at the Grateful Dead warehouse, he didn’t know what to expect. He had heard of the Dead and their legion of wild fans but didn’t know anything about their songs or band members.

He showed up early to make a good impression and found himself perusing tapestries covered with skulls and roses.

“You take a church boy and put in skeletons and it didn’t fit well,” he says.

“I’m looking at this like, ‘What in the hell is going on here?’ You have to understand it wasn’t too long before that Jim Jones had led that cult to Guyana.

I was a little concerned. Quickly, after doing some gigs, I realized these were some of the nicest guys in the world.”

Garcia used to tell people that when he met Seals, he found the missing piece of his puzzle. He referred to his friend as “Master of the Universe.”

“You hear the term, ‘this guy is a 16

QUITAPENAS

ARTS FOR THE SCHOOLS LIVE PERFORMANCES RETURN Arts For The Schools has returned to offering onStage Live performances, starting with QUITAPENAS, which means “to remove worries” on March 11. This band, made up of first-generation sons of immigrant parents from Guatemala and Mexico, offer tropical Afro-Latin songs that will make you want to dance and leave you worry-free. The show is at 7:30 p.m. at Truckee Community Arts Center. Tickets are $10 online.

Other upcoming performances include Hot Club of San Francisco on April 29 and Kaki King on June 3. | artsfortheschools.org

Melvin Seals performed with Jerry Garcia Band from 1980 to 1995 before carrying on the classic music with JGB. | Phil Clarkin

nicest guy’ — Jerry really, really was that guy,” says Seals. “He would do some wonderful things for the people he cared about. When I got what it was and what I was a part of, I felt on top of the world. I was honored. I was the keyboard player he was looking for. He had a great love for me.”

In contrast to the behemoth Grateful Dead concerts, he eventually grew to despise, the solo band gave Garcia a chance to relax, play smaller crowds and explore the gospel, R&B and Motown music of his roots.

“He loved us,” says Seals. “He was probably at his happiest playing with his band, looking at me, smiling, doing his little dance and kicking his feet up.”

Sometimes Garcia took the fun too far, but his fans loved him anyway.

“There were nights that he wasn’t there,” says Seals. “A lot of those times were when there was too much time in the dressing room. Things happen. Later on that night, what you’ve been doing is all over you. There was times when I thought, ‘This is bad.’ Other times, we were rocking the roof of the place.

Unfortunately, I had no input into any of that. It was something that was going on way before me.”

When the music was good, there was nothing like it.

“I never met anyone could play like Garcia,” he says. “He had an unusual style, but he was so good at it. Being on stage with Jerry was the highlight of my career.”

Garcia’s health problems eventually led to his sudden death in 1995 at the age of 53. Since then, Seals has kept the flame alive with JGB. His current lineup features guitarist John Kadlecik, bassist John-Paul McLean and drummer Jeremy Hoenig.

At their Crystal Bay Casino concert on March 18, Seals will play a selection of Jerry Garcia Band favorites, plus a smattering of Grateful Dead and original tunes.

“I’m trying to stay true to what we did in the Jerry Garcia Band on the highest level,” he says.

“I can’t answer why this music is still so strong. I wish I could tell you, but I don’t know what it is. This has been my life since Jerry. Everything else faded away. I don’t think it will ever die.” | melvinsealsandjgb.com n

Courtesy Black Ice Theatre Co.

“SHE KILLS MONSTERS” OPENS Black Ice Theatre Co. presents the dramatic comedy “She Kills Monsters” by playwright Qui Nguyen from March 10 to 19 at Lake Tahoe Community College’s Duke Theatre.

After the death of her teenage sister Tilly, Agnes discovers an untouched Dungeons & Dragons campaign in Tilly’s room. In an effort to connect with her sister one last time, Agnes enters the imaginary Dungeons & Dragons world she once mocked. She uncovers levels of her sister that she didn’t even know existed in this journey of self-discovery.

The production is recommended for ages 13 and older; there is some adult content. Tickets are on sale online. All shows are at 7:30 p.m. except for a 2:30 p.m. performance on March 13. | blackicetheatreco.com

March 9-22, 2022 THE LINEUP

MARCH 11 | FRIDAY

Courtesy Lake Tahoe Reagga Festival

LAKE TAHOE REGGAE FESTIVAL RETURNS The 5th annual Lake Tahoe Reggae Festival returns on July 24 at the Hard Rock Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena. The lineup will be announced soon and tickets are now on sale. | laketahoereggaefest.com

live MARCH 9 | WEDNESDAY Magic Fusion Starring Robert Hall The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 7 & 9 p.m.

Alex Ramon Real Magic Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Stateline, 8 p.m.

MARCH 10 | THURSDAY Live Music Tahoe Wine Collective, Tahoe City, 5-7 p.m.

Magic Fusion Starring Kalin & Jinger The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 7 & 9 p.m.

“She Kills Monsters” Lake Tahoe Community College, South Lake Tahoe, 7:30-10 p.m.

Live Music Bar of America, Truckee, 8-11 p.m.

Alex Ramon Real Magic Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Stateline, 8 p.m.

10-Minute Play Festival Community Arts Center, Truckee

Live Apres Music Heavenly Mountain, South Lake Tahoe, 3-5 p.m.

Live Music Tahoe Wine Collective, Tahoe City, 5-7 p.m.

Magic Fusion Starring Kalin & Jinger The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 7 & 9 p.m.

QUITAPENAS Church Street Theater, Truckee, 7:30-10 p.m.

“She Kills Monsters” Lake Tahoe Community College, South Lake Tahoe,7:30-10 p.m.

Live Music Bar of America, Truckee, 8-11 p.m.

Rock Hard Burlesque Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Stateline, 8 p.m.

Jackie Greene w/Six Mile Station Crystal Bay Casino, Crystal Bay, 8 p.m.

Dueling Pianos Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8:30 p.m.

Arty the Party Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 9 p.m.

Renegade All Stars Bar of America, Truckee, 9 p.m.-12 a.m.

Live DJ Winter Bloom Bar & Lounge, Stateline, 10:30 p.m.

10-Minute Play Festival Community Arts Center, Truckee Bluebird Days Winter Concert Series Wylders Hope Valley, Markleeville

MARCH 12 | SATURDAY DJ Cat Heavenly Mountain, South Lake Tahoe, 12-2 p.m.

Rockin’ the Bowl Weekend Music Series Sugar Bowl, Norden, 1-4 p.m.

Live Music in the Village Kirkwood Mountain Resort, Kirkwood, 1 p.m.

Winter Music Series Northstar Village, Truckee, 2-5 p.m.

Live Apres Music Heavenly Mountain, South Lake Tahoe, 3-5 p.m.

Live Music Tahoe Wine Collective, Tahoe City, 5-7 p.m.

Magic Fusion Starring Kalin & Jinger The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 7 & 9 p.m.

“She Kills Monsters” Lake Tahoe Community College, South Lake Tahoe, 7:30-10 p.m.

Live Music Bar of America, Truckee, 8-11 p.m.

Rock Hard Burlesque Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Stateline, 8 p.m.

Jackie Greene w/Six Mile Station Crystal Bay Casino, Crystal Bay, 8 p.m.

An Evening With Eddie Griffin Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8 p.m.

Dueling Pianos Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8:30 p.m.

Arty the Party Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 9 p.m.

Live DJ Winter Bloom Bar & Lounge, Stateline, 10:30 p.m.

10-Minute Play Festival Community Arts Center, Truckee

MARCH 13 | SUNDAY Rockin’ the Bowl Weekend Music Series Sugar Bowl, Norden, 1-4 p.m.

Music At The Pines Sierra Pines Resort, Sierraville, 2-5 p.m.

Magic Fusion Starring Kalin & Jinger The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 4:30, 7 & 9 p.m.

Blue Grass Jam Alibi Ale Works, Truckee, 6 p.m.

“She Kills Monsters” Lake Tahoe Community College, South Lake Tahoe, 7:30-10 p.m.

MARCH 14 | MONDAY “Buried” Community Arts Center, Truckee, 6-8 p.m.

Open Stage Mondays Alibi Ale Works - Truckee Public House, Truckee, 6-9 p.m.

Magic Fusion Starring Kalin & Jinger The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 7 & 9 p.m.

“She Kills Monsters” Lake Tahoe Community College, South Lake Tahoe, 7:30-10 p.m.

Bluebird Days Winter Concert Series Wylders Hope Valley, Markleeville

MARCH 15 | TUESDAY Magic Fusion Starring Kalin & Jinger The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 7 & 9 p.m.

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong Crystal Bay Casino, Crystal Bay, 7 p.m.

“She Kills Monsters” Lake Tahoe Community College, South Lake Tahoe, 7:30-10 p.m.

MARCH 16 | WEDNESDAY Magic Fusion Starring Robert Hall The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 7 & 9 p.m.

“She Kills Monsters” Lake Tahoe Community College, South Lake Tahoe, 7:30-10 p.m.

Brother Ali Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Stateline, 8 p.m.

MARCH 17 | THURSDAY Live Music Tahoe Wine Collective, Tahoe City, 5-7 p.m.

Magic Fusion The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 7 & 9 p.m.

“She Kills Monsters” Lake Tahoe Community College, South Lake Tahoe, 7:30-10 p.m.

Live Music Bar of America, Truckee, 8-11 p.m.

MARCH 18 | FRIDAY Live Apres Music Heavenly Mountain, South Lake Tahoe, 3-5 p.m.

“She Kills Monsters” Lake Tahoe Community College, South Lake Tahoe, 7:30-10 p.m.

Live Music Bar of America, Truckee, 8-11 p.m.

Rock Hard Burlesque Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Stateline, 8 p.m.

Melvin Seals & JGB Crystal Bay Casino, Crystal Bay, 8 p.m.

Dueling Pianos Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8:30 p.m.

Arty the Party Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 9 p.m.

Ebony and Not Quite Ivory Bar of America, Truckee, 9 p.m.-12 a.m.

Magic After Dark The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.

Live DJ Winter Bloom Bar & Lounge, Stateline, 10:30 p.m.

Bluebird Days Winter Concert Series Wylders Hope Valley, Markleeville

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

FROM PAGE 14

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TheTahoeWeekly.com

Sierra-at-Tahoe celebrates 75th anniversary ROOT S ST E E P E D I N L E G E N D

BY MARK MCLAUGHLIN

Sierra-at-Tahoe historical phootgraphs. | Courtesy Sierra-at-Tahoe

S

ierra-at-Tahoe is a legacy resort, one that has deep roots in the origins of downhill skiing in the Tahoe Sierra. Organically it descends from a gaggle of pioneering mom-andpop-owned ski areas that were strung like white pearls along Highway 50’s upper-elevation snowbelt. Despite being temporarily closed at this time due to infrastructure damage and extensive tree loss caused by the devastating Caldor Fire in 2021, Sierra-at-Tahoe is celebrating its 75th anniversary of sharing the love of alpine sports.

The ski area is working this winter to perform repairs and may still open this spring, according to Katie Hunter, director of sales and marketing at Sierra-at-Tahoe.

“We are so grateful that so many are interested in the history of our resort, what happened during the Caldor

Read more local history at TheTahoeWeekly.com Fire, and who Sierra will be in the future,” Hunter wrote in an email to Tahoe Weekly on March 1. Follow the progress on the repairs at the resort at sierraattahoe.com.

18

Early ski areas along 50

The popular resort is the heart and soul of the South Lake Tahoe and Highway 50 skiing communities; a ski area that has stood the test of time. It will rise again (hopefully, this spring) to welcome skiers and snowboarders back for its special brand of fun and challenge.

The first owner-operated ski area built along Highway 50 was known as the Strawberry Ski Hut. It opened in 1938 with a motorized rope tow and a main run 200 feet long. Although snowfall is more reliable closer to Echo Pass, Strawberry was as far up the west slope as the California Department of Highways plowed the road during the 1930s.

Strawberry was followed by Needlehorn. Then Edelweiss Resort at Camp Sacramento (Twin Bridges) opened in 1941, just as the country entered World War II. Edelweiss was farther up the road for better snow (6,500 feet), but winter access was sketchy without allwheel-drive vehicles. (The Echo Pass area holds California’s 24-hour snowfall record of 67 inches on Jan. 4 to 5, 1982.

In 1983, the summit was walloped by more than 62 feet of snow.)

Edelweiss offered a ski lodge on one side of the highway, with a chairlift and three rope tows on the other. These

family-run businesses barely survived the war due to the lack of customers, poor winter access and rationed gasoline. Post war, however, things looked more promising. A robust economy and abundant gasoline for motorists coincided with America’s resurgent interest in downhill skiing that began in the 1930s with the introduction of mechanized

of timber baron, Duane Leroy Bliss, a prescient visionary who developed winter sports and tourism infrastructure at Tahoe City in the early 1900s.

White Hills boasted a T-bar, ski jump and a handful of good runs, but couldn’t financially survive the erratic weather of the Tahoe Sierra. The business lasted just five years.

Sierra Ski Ranch opens The first owner-operated ski area built along Highway 50 was known as Strawberry Ski Hut. It opened in 1938 with a motorized rope tow and a main run 200 feet long. rope tows, improved skis, boots and bindings, along with imported European instructors, who taught dynamic alpine-turning techniques.

In 1946, William Bliss opened White Hills ski area to the east on Highway 50 at Spooner Summit. Bliss was the son

Brothers Ray and Floyd Barrett jumped into the game in 1946 when they opened Sierra Ski Ranch about 1 mile down Highway 50 west of Echo Pass. The location lacked a flat area for base operations and high-elevation rain sometimes washed out the snow, but in 1953 newlyweds Vern and Bobbie Sprock purchased the ranch and initiated improvements. They replaced one of the rope tows with a Poma lift, which increased the resort’s vertical drop to an underwhelming 350 feet. The 80-acre ranch was popular with skiers, but Vern wanted more.

A golden opportunity arrived in the late 1960s when the California Department of Transportation notified the Sprocks that it was going to realign Highway 50 onto the south side of the American River: construction

March 9-22, 2022 HISTORY

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

l i ve MARCH 19 | SATURDAY

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Sierra-at-Tahoe historical phootgraph. | Sierra-at-Tahoe 1969 Billy Kidd & Vladamir “Spider” Sabich. | Mark McClaughlin Collection 1950 Edelweiss Ski Area. | Courtesy Donner Summit Historical Society

DJ Cat Heavenly Mountain, South Lake Tahoe, 12-2 p.m.

Rockin’ the Bowl Weekend Music Series Sugar Bowl, Norden, 1-4 p.m.

Live Music in the Village Kirkwood Mountain Resort, Kirkwood, 1 p.m.

Winter Music Series Northstar Village, Truckee, 2-5 p.m.

Live Apres Music Heavenly Mountain, South Lake Tahoe, 3-5 p.m.

Magic Fusion The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 7 & 9 p.m.

“She Kills Monsters” Lake Tahoe Community College, South Lake Tahoe, 7:30-10 p.m.

Live Music Bar of America, Truckee, 8-11 p.m.

Rock Hard Burlesque Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Stateline, 8 p.m.

World Fighting Championships Bally’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8 p.m.

G. Love & the Juice Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8 p.m.

Dueling Pianos Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8:30 p.m.

Arty the Party Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 9 p.m.

Ebony and Not Quite Ivory Bar of America, Truckee, 9 p.m.-12 a.m.

Tainted Love Crystal Bay Casino, Crystal Bay, 9 p.m.

Live DJ Winter Bloom Bar & Lounge, Stateline, 10:30 p.m.

MARCH 20 | SUNDAY that required their land. The Sprocks negotiated with the Forest Service to relocate to Echo Summit. They took out a $600,000 bank loan and on Dec. 21, 1968, opened the Sierra Ski Ranch with the old rope tow and Poma from the original location, plus a new chairlift and a 10,000-square-foot day lodge.

It snows a lot in that neighborhood and the near record winter of 1968-69 — snowfall averaged 300 percent of normal — caused a lot of headaches for the Sprocks and their employees, but they persevered. Over time the resort became a favorite for Californians from Sacramento and the Bay Area; by 1977 Sierra Ski Ranch was hosting more than 300,000 skier visits a season.

During the 1970s and 80s, the Sprock family continued to upgrade the resort with a backside expansion, high-speed lifts and snowmaking in critical areas.

In 1993, after more than 40 years of operation, the Sprocks sold their pride and joy to Fibreboard, a vinyl-siding manufacturer and resort operations corporation, which renamed it Sierra-at-Tahoe.

It was at this time that John Rice, the current general manager, took over.

Rice modernized lift capacity and introduced innovative programs and guest services before Fibreboard sold

to Booth Creek Ski Holdings in 1996.

Under Rice’s visionary leadership, Sierra opened adjacent back-country terrain and began supporting local competitive skiers and riders with its Sierra Elite Team Program. In 2006, Sierra-at-Tahoe was awarded the Silver Eagle for Environmental Education by the National Ski Areas Association.

Home to talented skiers, riders

Those small-time ski areas tucked along the American River were soon overshadowed by mega-resorts such as Heavenly Lake Tahoe (1955), Mammoth Mountain (1955) and Palisades Tahoe (formally known as Squaw Valley, 1949). But that didn’t stop talented skiers and snowboarders on the Highway 50 corridor from becoming champions. Vladimir “Spider” Sabich grew up with his two brothers in the 1950s and 60s at the hamlet of Kyburz near Echo Summit where his father was stationed with the California Highway Patrol. Sabich learned to ski at Edelweiss under the tutelage of Lutz Aynedter, a German downhill champion who taught European-style ski racing. The Sabich brothers and other local young racers were known as the “Highway 50 boys.” As Spider improved, he began

racing at Mammoth and Squaw Valley where he dominated the competition.

Spider Sabich joined the U.S. Ski Team and went on to win World Cup races and a national title in downhill. In 1972, a year after turning professional, he won the World Pro Ski Title. Tragically, the “god of skiing” was shot and killed in 1976 by his girlfriend, French actress and singer Claudine Longet.

Two-time Olympic Gold Medal champion snowboarder Jamie Anderson is also the most decorated woman in the history of Winter X Games snowboarding. She started to learn her craft at Sierra-at-Tahoe when she was 9 years old.

In 2013, she started the Jamie Anderson Foundation to “give back to youth, by supporting their athletic dreams and inspiring them to be community and environmental leaders.” | sierraattahoe. com n Tahoe historian Mark McLaughlin is a nationally published author and professional speaker. His award-winning books are available at local stores or at thestormking. com. You may reach him at mark@ thestormking.com.

Rockin’ the Bowl Weekend Music Series Sugar Bowl, Norden, 1-4 p.m.

Magic Fusion The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 4:30,7 & 9 p.m.

Blue Grass Jam Alibi Ale Works, Truckee, 6 p.m.

Bluebird Days Winter Concert Series Wylders Hope Valley, Markleeville

MARCH 21 | MONDAY Magic Fusion The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 7 & 9 p.m.

MARCH 22 | TUESDAY Magic Fusion The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 7 & 9p.m.

MARCH 23 | WEDNESDAY Magic Fusion Starring Robert Hall The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 7 & 9 p.m.

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS FOR FREE Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com to add your Event for our print & online calendars.

Click on Events; then the blue Add Event button.

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TheTahoeWeekly.com

EAT &drink

food & libations | recipes | delicious events

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS FOR FREE Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com to

Mmmmm Meatballs

add your Event for our print & online calendars.

Click on Events; then the blue Add Event button.

BY PRIYA HUTNER

M

eatballs are the perfect dish for an easy meal. They can be baked or fried, smothered in sauce and served with pasta, rice, quinoa or in a soup. It is unclear where the meatball originated. Most people credit the Italians, but the meatball may have originated in Persia.

Meatballs are eaten around the world.

Italian meatballs are delicious and easy to make, whether with beef or a combination of beef and pork. In the U.S meatballs are often paired with marinara and spaghetti — in Italy, not so much.

And who doesn’t love a delicious meatball parmesan? Although, nothing beats a New York meatball sub.

Lamb meatballs offer a Mediterranean flair. Served with Greek tzatziki sauce, they make for a delicious appetizer or main dish. Swedish meatballs are made with a creamy gravy, served

CRAB FEED BENEFIT with mashed or boiled potatoes or egg noodles. Cajun-style meatballs are all about the seasoning. Cajun seasoning is a blend of spices that include paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, crushed red pepper, thyme and oregano, which will pep up any meatball. Moroccan meatballs, or kofta, are prepared with lamb

Poles are known for their meatball dishes: klopsiki, served with sour cream and mushrooms and

BAKED TURKEY MEATBALLS

pulpety, served with a creamy dill sauce and mashed potatoes.

1 lb. ground Turkey 1 egg ½ t fresh oregano 1 T fresh basil ¼ C breadcrumbs ¼ C Parmesan cheese 1 t salt 1 t fresh ground pepper 1 t garlic powder Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Oil or spray a baking sheet. I use parchment paper.

Mix ingredients and roll into balls.

Place on the baking sheet and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. Turn them halfway through.

20

and seasoned with herbs, paprika and cumin. I love the flavor of meatballs in a harissa tomato sauce served with an egg.

The Chinese and Indonesians use pork and fish for their versions of meatballs.

The Japanese prepare a meatball dish called, Tsukune, made with chicken meatballs and seasoned with green onions, ginger, garlic, soy sauce and sesame oil. Also hailing from Japan is the deep-fried pork meatball. The Koreans offer a version of meatball, made with beef, scallions, seasonings and Korean gochujang, a paste made with red chili peppers, fermented soybeans, glutinous rice and salt. They can be made spicy or sweet. Vietnamese meatballs are often made with pork. They are also prepared

with chicken and served as a standalone dish or in Pho soup.

Polish meatballs use pork and beef and are made with gravy. Poles are known for their meatball dishes: klopsiki, served with sour cream and mushrooms and pulpety served with a creamy dill sauce and mashed potatoes.

Italian Wedding Soup has nothing to do with getting married but all to do with the marriage of flavors. The soup contains meatballs, escarole, pasta and herbs. Traditionally beef and pork are used for the meatball, but I make my Italian Wedding Soup with turkey meatballs. Ground turkey and chicken make an excellent meatball for those who don’t eat red meat or pork. Seasoning is the key to creating a meatball from around the world, cumin and cilantro for a Mexican flare or curry for a touch of Indian flavor. The U.K., particularly South Wales, offers a unique twist on their meatball using ground pork and organ meat.

But meatballs don’t always have to be made with meat. White bean meatballs prepared with cannellini beans and herbs such as basil and oregano are an excellent substitute for meat and delicious in soup. Vegetarian meatballs can be made with a variety of ingredients like chickpeas, black beans, white beans, lentils, mushrooms or walnuts.

They can be held together with eggs, quinoa, oats or breadcrumbs. Beyond Burger and Impossible Burger vegetarian options offer a meatier consistency.

Enjoy going around the world with meatballs.n

Incline High School Boosters Club’s annual crab feed benefit is on March 19 at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe to support programs that benefit the community’s students. This year’s 1980s-themed event features a chef-selected crab dinner, silent and live auctions and entertainment provided by Incline High School students and New Wave Crave, a 1980s tribute band.

Tickets are $100 or $150 for VIP. | inclineboosters.com or info@a-typical. com

TAHOE NATIONAL BREWING OPENS Tahoe’s newest brewery has opened in Tahoe City offering brews including an English IPA and Kolsch to enjoy on the patio and deep dish pizzas, salads and pretzels available for take out.

The new brewery is open at 850 N. Lake Blvd., Suite 21 (behind the Safeway). | tahoenational.beer

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Feb. 9-22, 2022 EAT & DRINK

Shepherd’s Pie WITH A FEW TWISTS

BY PRIYA HUTNER OF THE SEASONED SAGE

Lakeview Dining OPEN DAILY 12–9PM

FEATURING: Slow-Roasted Prime Rib | Baby Back Ribs | Full Bar

Steaks | Seafood | Pasta | Gourmet Hamburgers | Kid’s Menu

jasonsbeachsidegrille.com

•

(530) 546-3315

8338 NORTH LAKE BLVD., KINGS BEACH, CA

Est. 2008

T

his is a delicious comfort meal.

I’ve added a few twists to the dish.

When I was a vegetarian, I used lentils and lots of veggies. Kabocha squash gives this dish a unique twist.

Whether you make this version of shepherd’s pie with lamb, beef or lentils, it is packed with protein and vegetables — perfect for a chilly evening.n

Cooking is a meditation for Priya, it is from that place she curates her menus and recipes to create delicious and nutritious meals for The Seasoned Sage, her company catering to client’s culinary preferences and dietary re-strictions. She is also working on a series of cookbooks. Visit her website at TheSeasonedSage.com or contact her at priya@theseasonedsage.com.

from the kitchen of Priya Hutner

Shepherd’s Pie TOPPING 3 med. potatoes, peeled & diced 1 sm. kabocha squash (roasted) or 2 large sweet potatoes, diced small 4 T butter

1 C green beans, steamed for 3 min., cut into thirds 1 C celery, sliced 1 lb. ground beef or lamb or ½ lb. of each (*or vegetarian version)

¼ C half and half

1 T flour

1 t salt

1 C butternut squash, cubed

1 t black pepper

2 C frozen peas 1 C frozen corn

FILLING

1 C broth, beef or vegetable

1 T olive oil

1 ½ t salt

1 medium onion, diced

1 t fresh ground black pepper

2 carrots, peeled & sliced

1 t thyme

2 cloves garlic, sliced

1 t rosemary

be kind be calm be helpful

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Roast kabocha squash in oven on baking sheet until cooked, 20 to 30 minutes. Remove the skin and mash with 1 T of butter.

If using sweet potatoes, boil them in water until tender and mash with 2 T of butter.

Wash, peel and dice potatoes. Place them in a large pot of water and bring to a boil.

Cook for 15 minutes until a fork can pierce through with ease. Drain and put in a bowl; add 2 T butter, half and half and season with salt and pepper. Mash well. Set aside mashed toppings.

In a large pan, sauté the onions in oil for 3 minutes; add garlic and meat. Cook for 3 minutes. Add carrots, celery, green beans, butternut squash, spices and broth. Simmer for 5 minutes. Turn off heat and add frozen (defrosted) vegetables.

Pour filling into a greased baking dish and top with mashed squash and potatoes alternating each layer of topping. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until potatoes and squash turn golden brown.

VEGETARIAN VERSION Substitute 2 cups cooked French lentils for vegetarian version. Mash and season with salt and pepper. Layer them in the baking dish with veggies before topping.

EARTH TO TABLE ChristyHill.com 115 Grove St., Tahoe City CA 530-583-8551 21

TheTahoeWeekly.com

t a s t y t id b it s

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

WINERIE S OF T H E SIE RRA FOOT H ILLS

Last Tracks Wine/Beer Tasting Diamond Peak Ski Resort | Incline Village | March 9, 16 & 23

Mt. Vernon Winery

4:30 p.m. $94 | (775) 832-1177, diamondpeak.com

STORY BY BARBARA KECK | PHOTOS BY JOHAN MARTIN

Wine Tasting The Idle Hour Lake Tahoe | South Lake Tahoe | March 9, March 23 5-8 p.m. | (530) 600-3304

Snowshoe Tour & Dinner The Chalet at Alpine Meadows | Tahoe City | March 12 4:30 p.m. $95 | palisadestahoe.com

Tahoe Club Crawl various venues | Stateline | March 12 & 19 7:30-11 p.m. $45 | tahoeclubcrawl.com

Mediterranean Café

MEDITERRANEAN CAFÉ OPENS

Young Eagles, Pancake Breakfast

Mediterranean Cafe Tahoe recently opened in Tahoe City offers fresh Mediterranean fare including wraps and plates featuring falafel, and lamb and chicken shawarma. Appetizers include dolmas, hummus and baba ghanoush.

Located at 395 N. Lake Blvd. (behind Pete n’ Peters). | (530) 580-5018, medcafetahoe.com

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe | Incline Village | March 19

EAA Chapter 1073 | Truckee | March 12 8-9 a.m. | eaa1073.org

Crab Feed

5 p.m. $-$150 | inclineboosters.com

First Tracks Breakfasts Homewood Mountain Resort | Homewood | March 19 8-9:30 a.m. | (530) 525-2992, skihomewood.com

EST. 1982

Authentic Mexican

R

yan Taylor tells a funny story about the origin of Mt. Vernon Winery.

When he was a senior in high school, his parents, Jim and Lynda Taylor, listened to a suggestion from one of their friends. That friend was a Napa Valley winery owner who said that if they planted Zinfandel grapes on the property surrounding the Taylor residence he would buy the crop. “My dad looked at me and said, ‘I have strong son, and he’s not doing anything this summer.’

So, he kicked me out in the field.”

“I think that Italian

made from scratch daily

varietals grown in this

Kings Beach

Indoor Dining & Take-out 12:00pm-8:00pm

part of the Sierra Foothills

Full Bar

CLOSED ON MONDAYS

(530) 546-4539 | 8345 North Lake Blvd. — Across from the State Beach in Kings Beach

NOW AVAILABLE 2nd edition

Wineries of the

Sierra Foothills All sales benefit Tahoe Weekly

Purchase your copy at Amazon.

Bulk orders available at publisher@tahoethisweek.com 22

From left, Jim and Lynda Taylor, and Ryan Taylor. | Johan Martin

are perfect for Old World winemaking styles.”

- Mark Henry

In 1997, the Taylor family put 3 acres of Zinfandel vines and 1½ acres each of Syrah and Barbera in the ground. In the meantime, realizing it would be four years before the first commercial harvest, Ryan went off to college at Chico State to begin gathering the education necessary to make wine.

Ryan never sold the grapes to the Napa winery. Instead, he kept the fruit for his own Mt. Vernon label. With the original 6 acres under cultivation, he’s chosen to expand primarily by purchasing grapes from other growers, an arrangement that allows him to tailor his output to contemporary tastes.

“When you plant a grapevine, you are stuck with it for 100 years,” he remarks.

“Buying gives you the liberty to work with the varieties that are in demand. If, for instance, Syrah is selling better, we can make more. We like that freedom, and so, apparently, do our fans.”

Mt. Vernon’s annual production of around 5,000 cases is a hefty volume for a small, family-run operation with just one winemaker. Its 18 to 20 annual offerings range from the soft and subtle, easy-drinking Girly Man, a 50/50 Syrah/Petite Sirah blend, to bold and colorful big reds like Cabernet Sauvignon; as well as a handful of whites and dessert wines.

Taylor remembers that life was a bit on the edge when they started the company and “put all our eggs in one basket.”

Now the business is successful. “Even in the face of a bad harvest we still win awards,” he notes, thinking back to the tough year of 2011 that nonetheless produced a Cabernet Sauvignon that took a Gold Medal in the 2015 San Francisco Chronicle tasting, and the Cabernet Franc from that year, which was awarded a Gold Medal and Best of Region at the 2015 California State Fair.

Taylor acknowledges how fortunate he is to have a career that allows him to remain in the Sierra Foothills where he grew up. “I love living up here,” he says. He feels lucky that he was “kicked out in the field” 20 years ago.

The Tasting Room is housed in a restored milk house at the winery and is open Thursday to Sunday. | mtvernonwinery.com n Editor’s Note: This is an excerpt from the second edition of the popular guidebook “Wineries of the Sierra Foothills: Risk-Takers & Rule-Breakers” available on Amazon. All sales support Tahoe Weekly.

40 ANNIVERSARY TH

1982 – 2022

APRIL 16 – MAY 1S, 1991

| Ladies in the 1991

production of Truckee Follies, from left, Patty Brooke, Pam Gardiner and Cindi Folston, with Zina Davidson in the front look mighty chilly posing atop the Rocking Stone above Downtown Truckee. Photo by Russell Rosewood. The 2022 Truckee Follies return from April 27 to 30; tickets go on sale April 1.

Visitors could soak in the spas at the North Tahoe Beach Center for $6, rent skis for $11 and enjoy the Comedy Cabaret at Tahoe Biltmore for $5.

APRIL 2-17, 1991

| Spring skiers, from left,

Skip Taylor, Jean Higgins and Mary White enjoy the slopes at an unidentified ski area. Photo by Chaco Mohler. Season passes to Boreal were $56 and home lots on Donner Lake were $12,000.

More covers from our past will be featured @TheTahoeWeekly on Facebook and Instagram and in our newsletter throughout the year.

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