local. independent. fresh.
september 2-8, 2020
grappling with
tahoe’s garbage hiking
take care of
tahoe’s trails jetta cole breaks through the pleasure of
popcorn tahoe arts
history
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WAKEBOARDING ON LAKE TAHOE FOR HER FEATURE “FROM TAHOE’S SLOPES TO BIG BLUE. FIVE SPORTS IN ONE DAY.”
AUTHOR & TAHOE WEEKLY FEATURE WRITER
KaylaAnderson
NORTH LAKE TAHOE RESIDENT
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Volume 39 | Issue 17 TM
17
Courtesy Colin Davis
Courtesy Jeanette Tillman of South Lake Refuse
10
P.O. Box 154 | Tahoe Vista, CA 96145 (530) 546-5995 | f (530) 546-8113 TheTahoeWeekly.com Facebook.com/TheTahoeWeekly @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
in this issue SEPT. 2-8, 2020
8
Garbage & Grievances
10
Trail Etiquette
13
Harvey’s Bombing, Part III
14
GET OUTSIDE Lake Tahoe Facts
5
Sightseeing 6 Summer Fun
7
Events 9
FUN & GAMES Horoscope & Puzzles
GRAPPLING WITH TAHOE’S GARBAGE FROM THE PUBLISHER
FEATURES Multi-Sport Trips
E-NEWSLETTER
16
THE MAKERS Tahoe Slab Furniture 17 The Arts 17 THE LINEUP Jetta Cole
18
Entertainment Calendar & Live Music
18
September Music, Events & Festivals
19
EAT & DRINK Popcorn 20 Tasty Tidbits
20
Portugal’s Alentejo Region
21
Asian Ribs
22
Last week, Tahoe Weekly kicked off a series about how our community has been bombarded by an unprecedented amount of trash this summer. In the first part, “Tahoe’s tourism tipping point,” officials across the Tahoe Sierra cite an increase in visitors to the region and a corresponding increase in trash and other issues due to the pandemic, but they don’t know these visitors are. There could be more day visitors, more short-term rentals, more long-term rentals or more people using their vacation homes more often. No one knows. What everyone does agree on is that our infrastructure – our public beaches and parks, our public trails, our neighborhoods – is being taxed by too many people using them at once. Many locals point the finger at visitors for being irresponsible, but the greater blame, they say, is the failure by local officials to address litter problems that have been getting exponentially worse with each passing year from the lack of trash receptables and trash services to the lack of public restrooms and visitor education. And, I agree. For too long, local officials have not reacted quickly enough to this burgeoning problem. Last week, I called on officials to redirect funds from other projects in the short term to place more trash receptables and more portable toilets at public beaches and parks; even to help fund them in places they are not responsible for. And, to install permanent public restrooms – infrastructure – at our public beaches and parks and in our town centers. Some of our government agencies have already done so, but more needs to be done. Like many locals, I’ve seen the litter in places I’ve never seen it before. Most days, I park in a public parking lot in Tahoe City and walk to my office. In July, I started to notice trash strewn about – disposable face masks, beer cans, to-go boxes and other items. At first, I was picking up the trash almost daily. Then, it really start to multiple and started to include human waste from people camping in the public lot. So, in late July I stopped picking up trash to see how long it would sit there. On Aug. 12 it was all still sitting there, so I emailed several local officials to report the issue, but as of press time for this edition, the trash is still there. When I walked through the lot on Aug. 28, a couple of teenagers had piled some of the larger items up and were using it as a bike ramp. I’m disappointed to the say the least. We are at a tourism tipping point. But, not just of our infrastructure being overtaxed by too many visitors at one time. But, also on the tipping point of losing those visitors permanently. They don’t enjoy visiting beaches and trails with trash, human waste or dog poop bags any more than locals do. Our economy can’t survive without tourism. I agree with many that we are too heavily dependent on tourism but changing that is not something that will happen quickly. The short-term fix is to allocate more public resources to pick up trash and to preventing it in the first place. We need to educate our visitors on the dangers of trash to wildlife, to streams and rivers, and to Lake Tahoe. We can’t assume that they know that trash is not just unsightly, but also hazardous to our community. I’m calling on a blitz marketing campaign through print, tv, radio and social media. For public agencies to pay to hire people to walk the beaches to talk to people to educate them. For officials to work with lodging properties and vacation rentals to spread the message, and to talk to locals for fresh, innovative ideas and solutions. This should be the largest marketing, outreach and education campaign we’ve ever seen in the Tahoe Sierra.
on the cover Kyle Smaine enjoys an early morning wakeskate along the shores of Nevada Beach on the South Shore. Photography by Brian Walker | BrianWalkerPhoto.com, @Brian.Walker
In the second part of our series, “Grappling with garbage & grievances,” Priya Hutner talks to locals and officials about the challenges of finding solutions to the region’s litter problems and the complicated and confusing nature of who is responsible for the litter and how to enforce litter laws. Tim Hauserman, who has also seen litter on our trails, adds his voice to the conversation to talk about trail etiquette and the principles of Leave No Trace for his feature “Take care of Tahoe’s trails.” I implore everyone – visitors and locals - to help take care of Tahoe. n
4
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making it happen Publisher & Editor In Chief Katherine E. Hill publisher@tahoethisweek.com, ext. 102 Sales & Marketing Manager Anne Artoux anne@tahoethisweek.com, ext. 110 Art Director Alyssa Ganong production@tahoethisweek.com, ext. 106 Graphic Designer Justeen Ferguson graphics@tahoethisweek.com, ext. 101 Entertainment Editor Sean McAlindin entertainment@tahoethisweek.com Food Editor Priya Hutner priya@tahoethisweek.com Family Editor Michelle Allen michelle@tahoethisweek.com Copy Editor Katrina Veit Contributing Writers John Dee, Barbara Keck, Bruce Ajari, Mark McLaughlin, David “Smitty” Smith, Priya Hutner, Katrina Veit, Kayla Anderson, Lou Phillips, Sean McAlindin, Tim Hauserman, Alex Green, Lisa Michelle, Cam Schilling, Alex Silgalis
bears & wildlife BEAR EMERGENCIES BEAR League (530) 525-7297 (24 hours) | savebears.org A bear walking nearby or through your yard is not an emergency unless it is trying to enter your home or car. INJURED ANIMALS Lake Tahoe Wildlife Center, South Shore (530) 577-2273 | ltwc.org The Wildlife Shelter, North Shore (866) 307-4216
TAHOE WEEKLY is published weekly throughout the summer and biweekly the rest of the year, with occassional extra issues at holiday times by Range of Light Media Group, Inc. Look for new issues on Wednesdays. Subscribe to the free digital edition at issuu.com/ TheTahoeWeekly. Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com. TAHOE WEEKLY, est. 1982, ©2007. Reproduction in whole or in part without publisher’s express permission is prohibited. Contributions welcome via e-mail. The Weekly is not responsible for unsolicited submissions. Member: North Lake Tahoe Resort Association, North Tahoe Business Association, Incline Community Business Association, Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce, Tahoe City Downtown Association, Truckee Downtown Merchants Association, Tahoe South Chamber of Commerce and Alpine County Chamber of Commerce. Printed on recycled paper with soy-based inks. Please recycle your copy.
September 2-8, 2020
lake tahoe facts |
Read about how the lake was formed, Lake Tahoe’s discovery, lake clarity and more at TheTahoeWeekly.com. Click on Explore Tahoe.
GRAY ’S CROSSING
COYOTE MOON
TAHOE DONNER
Truckee
DONNER TAHOE DONNER LAKE
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anne@tahoethisweek.com for details
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Learn about the natural history of the Tahoe Sierra
at TheTahoeWeekly.com
TAHOE LAKESIDE KEYS LAKESIDE
KEYS
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Leaf Lake
FREEL Meyers TAHOE PARADISEPEAK FREEL LAKE TAHOE Meyers AIRPORT PEAK LAKE TAHOE Meyers Echo Lakes AIRPORT LAKE TAHOE
LAKE TAHOE
LAKE TAHOE
LAKE TAHOE AIRPORT
FREEL PEAK
LAKE
Hope Valley TAHOE Markleeville
Hope Valley Markleeville
- Since 2000 -
Rooster to Cricket Maintenance
• Landscaping • Deck Repair
• Painting/Staining • Window Cleaning
MARKETPLACE Call (530) 546-5995, ext. 110, to be included in Marketplace.
530.412.1105
Maximum depth: 1,645 feet Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the U.S. (Crater Lake in Oregon, at 1,932 feet, is the deepest), and the 11th deepest in the world.
There is enough water in Lake Tahoe to supply everyone in the United States with more than 75 gallons of water per day for 5 years.
Natural rim: 6,223’
Size: 22 miles long, 12 miles wide Lake Tahoe is as long as the English Channel is wide.
Lake Tahoe has a surface area of 191 square miles. If Lake Tahoe were emptied, it would submerge California under 15 inches of water.
TAHOE PARADISE
Kirkwood Hope Valley Hope Markleeville Valley Markleeville
Kirkwood Kirkwood
Average depth: 1,000 feet
Shoreline: 72 miles
TAHOE PARADISE
TAHOE PARADISE
Kirkwood
EDGEWOOD TAHOE
BIJOU CAMP RICHARDSONBIJOUFREEL
LAKE TAHOE AIRPORT Fallen
Lake Clarity: 2019: 62.7 feet avg. depth. 1968: First recorded at 102.4 feet
Lake Tahoe sits at an average elevation of between 6,223’ and 6,229.1’. The top 6.1’ of water is controlled by the dam in Tahoe City and holds up to 744,600 acre feet of water.
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Only Outlet: Truckee River (Tahoe City)
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Lake Tahoe is located in the states of California and Nevada, with two-thirds in California.
Volume: 39 trillion gallons
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YOUR BUSINESS COULD
SPONSOR THIS PAGE
Why is the lake blue? The Lake of the Sky appears blue in color as other colors in the light spectrum are absorbed and the blue light is scattered back.
CUT-RITE TREE & SPRAY The tree pest expert in the area CARPENTER ANT & BARK BEETLE CONTROL SPECIALIST Complete Pest Control Service — Inside & Out
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Residential & Commercial
581-2343
Tree Trimming & Removal • Brush Chipping Yard Clean-Up • Defensible Space
Wood Splitting & Stacking • Stump Grinder • Crane Work Licensed & Insured
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LAKE LEVEL Lake Tahoe Natural rim 6,223’
Readings taken on Friday, August 28, 2020 ELEVATION :
RESERVOIR CAPACITY
6,227.02 |
6,228.56
C PACITY CITY:: 40 CIT 0,870 0 BOCA 12,362 CAPA
Explore Tahoe
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.) TART/South Tahoe
Heavenly
West Shore
Tallac Historic Site
South Lake Tahoe
(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 yearround. South Tahoe South Lake Tahoe
Truckee
Kings Beach
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
North Lake Tahoe Demonstration Garden
Incline Village
Summer | Free (775) 586-1610, ext. 25 | demogarden.org Demonstrations of lake-friendly landscaping using native and adaptive plants, water conservation, soil stabilization techniques, defensible space from wildfires & BMPs. Self-guided tours & clinics. TART
North Tahoe Arts Center
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
South Lake Tahoe
(530) 544-2313 | talart.org Featuring local artists, workshops. South Tahoe
6
truckeehistory.org | truckee.com Settled in 1863, Truckee grew quickly as a stagecoach stop and route for the Central Pacific Railroad. During these early days, many historical homes and buildings were built including The Truckee Hotel (1868) and the Capitol Building (1868). Stop by the Depot for a walking tour of historic downtown. Paid parking downtown. TART
Vikingsholm Castle
Emerald Bay
200,000 AF
225
175
150,000 AF
100,000 AF
75
50
25
Gatekeeper’s Museum
Tahoe City
Truckee River | FLOW AT FARAD 517 (530) 583-1762 | northtahoemuseums.org Featuring historic photos, the Steinbach Indian Basket Museum and historical memorabilia. TART
KidZone Children’s OPENING TBD Museum
Incline Village
Tues.-Fri. & by appt. | Free (775) 881-7566 | tahoesciencecenter.org University of California, Davis, science education center at Sierra Nevada College. Exhibits include a virtual research boat, biology lab, 3D movies and docent-led tours. Ages 8+. TART
Truckee Railroad Museum OPENING TBD
Measured in Cubic Feet Per Second (CFS)
TROA.NET
Truckee
Sat.-Sun. & holidays truckeedonnerrailroadsociety.com Learn about the historic railroad. Located in a caboose next to the Truckee Depot. TART
Truckee
Tues.-Sun. | Locals’ first Tues. half price (530) 587-5437 | kidzonemuseum.org Interactive exhibits, science & art classes for kids up to age 7. BabyZone & Jungle Gym. TART
Find more places to explore
Lake Tahoe Museum
VISITORS’ CENTERS
South Lake Tahoe
Museum of Truckee History
High Camp OPENING TBD
TROA.NET
Measured in Acre Feet (AF)
Tahoe Science Ctr OPENING TBD
Truckee
2 PROSSER 11,061 CAPACITY: 29,840 (530) 582-7892 | parks.ca.gov CAPACITY: C 9,500 5 features exhibits DONNER 4,690 The Emigrant Trail Museum and artifacts on the Donner Party (1846-47) at 8 INDEPENDENCE 1,3763 CCAPACITY: 18,300 Donner Memorial State Park. See the towering Pioneer Monument. A TART 20,400 40 MARTIS 1,052 CAPACITY:
Thunderbird Lodge CLOSED
East Shore
Measured in Cubic Feet Per Second (CFS)
6,228.56
CAPACITY: C 226,500
Emigrant Trail Museum
(530) 541-5458 | laketahoemuseum.org Features Washoe artifacts and exhibits on early industry and settlers. South Tahoe
Parking fee | parks.ca.gov (530) 525-7232 Park | (530) 583-9911 Tours Sugar Pine Point State Park is home to the historic Ehrman Mansion (summer tours), see boathouses with historic boats and General Phipps Cabin built in the late 1800s. TART
(800) 403-0206 | squawalpine.com Aerial tram rides with views of Lake Tahoe, Olympic Heritage Museum, events and more. Ticket required. TART
517
(530) 543-2674 | fs.usda.gov Features Stream Profile Chamber to view slice of Taylor Creek, nature trails & more. South Tahoe
May-October | thunderbirdtahoe.org The former Whittell estate. This magnificent lakefront home features the Lighthouse Room, Old Lodge, 600’ underground tunnel (with a former lion cage) and Boat House, home to the “Thunderbird,” a 1939 wooden boat. Ages 6+ only. No on-site parking. Tours by reservation only.
Olympic Valley
STAMPEDE 19,9661
FLOW AT FARAD
6,227.02 |
200,000 AF
North Shore
Summer | (530) 583-3279 | terc.ucdavis.edu This 1920s-era building features a history of the field station, current UC Davis research projects, interactive exhibits and demonstration garden. Ages 8+. TART
Taylor Creek Visitor Center South Lake Tahoe
(775) 586-7000 | skiheavenly.com Enjoy a 2.4-mile ride on the gondola to the top with panoramic views. Ticket required. South Tahoe
Hellman-Ehrman Mansion
Tahoe City Field Station
|
ELEVATION :
175
Eagle Rock, one of the lake’s famous natural sites, is a volcanic plug beside Highway 89 on the West Shore. Trail to top is on the south side. TART
Truckee River C PACITY CAPA CITY:: 40 CIT 0,870 0 BOCA 12,362
Readings taken on Friday, August 28, 2020
150,000 AF
West Shore
visittahoecity.com Popular for shopping and dining with historical sites. At the junction of hwys 89 & 28, visitors may see the Tahoe City Dam, Lake Tahoe’s only outlet, and Fanny Bridge. Peer into Watson Cabin (1909) for a glimpse at pioneer life. Free parking at Commons Beach, Grove St., Jackpine St. and 64 acres at Hwys 89 & 28. TART
RESERVOIR CAPACITY
125
Eagle Rock
North Shore
50
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.
Tahoe City
25
East Shore
CAPACITY: 18,300 C 8
LAKE LEVEL A 20,400 40 MARTIS 1,052 CAPACITY: Lake Tahoe Natural rim 6,223’
125
INDEPENDENCE 1,3763
Check schedules & openings before visiting.
Cave Rock
CAPACITY: 29,840 2
“Ursa Mater,” also known as the Penny Bear, stands in Heritage Plaza in downtown Tahoe City 9,500 5 DONNER 4,690 CCAPACITY: with her two cubs. Read about “Ursa Mater” at TheTahoeWeekly.com. | Katherine E. Hill
100,000 AF
ATTRACTIONS
PROSSER 11,061
CAPACITY: C 226,500
75
SIGHTSEEING
STAMPEDE 19,9661
Measured in Acre Feet (AF)
225
TheTahoeWeekly.com
Truckee
Thurs.-Mon. | (530) 582-0893 | truckeehistory.org Housed in the original Depot, built in 1901. Exhibits cover different eras in Truckee history. TART
Old Jail Museum
Truckee
at TheTahoeWeekly.com
Kings Beach 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
Open by appt. | (530) 659-2378 | truckeehistory.org One of a few surviving 19th Century jailhouses used from 1875 until May 1964 (summer tours). TART
855 Alder Ave. (775) 831-0914 (Wed.-Fri.)
Olympic Museum OPENING TBD
U.S. Forest Service | Tahoe City
Olympic Valley
(800) 403-0206 | squawalpine.com Squaw Valley, host of the VIII Winter Olympic Games in 1960, celebrates its Olympic History with the Tower of Nations with its Olympic Flame and the symbolic Tower of the Valley at the entrance to the valley. The Olympic Museum at High Camp features historic memorabilia and photographs. TART
U.S. Forest Service | South Lake Tahoe 35 College Dr. (530) 543-2600
3080 N. Lake Blvd. (530) 583-3593 (Fridays)
U.S. Forest Service | Truckee 10811 Stockrest Springs Rd. (530) 587-3558
TRANSIT North Tahoe & Truckee (TART) | laketahoetransit.com South Tahoe | tahoetransportation.org
Parking fee | (530) 541-3030 | (530) 525-9529 ADA parks.ca.gov or vikingsholm.com Tour the grounds of Vikingsholm Castle (summer), see Eagle Falls and Fannette Island (the Lake’s only island), home to an old Tea House. TART/South Tahoe
Watson Cabin
Tahoe City
(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. (summer tours). TART
MUSEUMS Donner Summit Historical Society
Soda Springs
donnersummithistoricalsociety.org At the corner of Old Hwy 40 & Soda Springs Rd. 20-mile interpretive driving tour along Old 40. TART
Boots McFarland by Geolyn Carvin | BootsMcFarland.com
September 2-8, 2020 GET OUTSIDE ADVERTISEMENT
Summer Fun
Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com for more Summer Fun Activities.
Always check operating schedules before visiting. GEOCACHING
PUBLIC POOLS
OLYMPIC VALLEY
INCLINE VILLAGE
High-tech treasure hunt on mountain using GPS to find 10 caches. Free with Aerial Tram ticket; GPS rentals available. Opening TBD. TART
25-yard, 8-lane indoor pool at Incline Recreation Center, swim lessons, aqua fitness, 1-meter spring diving board, inflatable slide (weekends). Daily rates & memberships available.
CRUISES
OLYMPIC VALLEY
“SIERRA CLOUD”
Catamaran cruises. Daily cruises, parasailing and rentals.
Swimming Lagoon & Spa at High Camp at Squaw Valley, free form lagoon with 50-meter lap lanes, two islands with waterfalls and native boulders. Opening TBD. TART
“TAHOE GAL”
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
Daily cruises.
25-yard indoor/outdoor year-round pool. Lessons. Opening TBD. BlueGo
DISC GOLF
TRUCKEE
DONNER SKI RANCH
25-yard indoor pool with 6 lanes, 1-meter spring diving board, swim training, hydraulic lift at Tahoe-Truckee High School. Opening TBD. TART
(800) 403-0206 | squawalpine.com
(775) 831-4386 | awsincline.com
(800) 218-2464 | tahoegal.com
(530) 426-3635 | old40barandgrill.com 18-hole course. Free to play; must register at restaurant. Practice basket.
(775) 832-1300 | inclinerecreation.com
(800) 403-0206 | squawalpine.com
(530) 542-6056 | citiofslt.com
(530) 582-7720 | tdrpd.com
INCLINE VILLAGE
ROCK CLIMBING WALLS
18-hole course at Incline Park at 980 Incline Way. Free. Daily dawn-dusk. TART
TRUCKEE
(775) 832-1300 | inclinerecreation.com
KIRKWOOD
(209) 258-7277 | kirkwood.com Experience disc golf at 7,800 feet with the notorious DiscWood disc golf course. The 18-hole course weaves through the trees and over mountainous terrain. Free. Scorecards and maps may be picked up at the General Store.
MARKLEEVILLE
(530) 694-2140 | alpinecounty.ca.gov Located at Turtle Rock Park Campground.
OLYMPIC VALLEY
(530) 583-6985 | squawalpine.com 18-hole course at Squaw Valley’s High Camp. Disc rentals. TART
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE A mostly flat and moderately wooded course is located at Bijou Community Park featuring 27 holes covering 8,324 feet. The course features mixed tees with varied fairways with slight elevation changes. On Al Tahoe Boulevard off Highway 50. BlueGo
(530) 582-7720 | tdrpd.com Community Recreation Center offers 29’ climbing wall & 12’ bouldering wall. All ages & levels. Lessons available. Opening TBD. TART
SKATE PARKS INCLINE VILLAGE
(775) 832-1300 | inclinerecreation.com Intermediate/advanced area with two, 5-foot tall bowls with a spine, 3-foot box and 2.5 foot bowl for beginners. Street course on top, with 8-foot flat rail, 6-foot down rail, four stairs and a 10-foot downward ramp. Corner Hwy. 28 & Southwood. Daily dawn-dusk. TART
TRUCKEE
(530) 582-7720 | tdrpd.com
18-hole course at North Tahoe Regional Park, off National Avenue. Parking $5. Daily dawn-dusk. TART
WOODWARD TAHOE
(530) 582-7720 | tdrpd.com 18-hole course at Truckee River Regional Park, off Brockway Road. Dogs must be on leash. Free. Daily dawn-dusk. TART
WEATHER PERMITTING
Bijou Community Park features a skateboard park on Al Tahoe Boulevard off Highway 50. BlueGo
(530) 546-4212 | northtahoeparks.com
TRUCKEE
Fuel dock 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Boat Rentals 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
Truckee River Regional Park with several bowls with a spine and channel, a long rail and ledges. Knee and elbow pads and helmets required. Free. Daily dawn10 p.m. TART
TAHOE VISTA
BOAT RENTALS & FUEL DOCK
(530) 426-1114 | rideboreal.com Featuring two skateparks – The Sierra Skatepark and the Eastern Sierra Skatepark. Plus, indoor skate park inside The Bunker.
TRUCKEE
(530) 550-2225
The Zephyr Cove course is 18 holes covering 5,256 feet with holes of varying lengths. On Warrior Way. BlueGo
MARINA
TA H O E C I T Y, C A Truckee Wye
Grove St.
ZEPHYR COVE
TA H O E C I T Y
Homewood
Jackpine
18 holes at Sierra College Campus. Free. Daily dawndusk. TART
Incline Village
TA H O E C I T Y
TA H O E C I T Y
MARINA L A K E TA H O E • C A L I F O R N I A
MARINA
L A K E TA H O E • C A L I F O R N I A
(530) 583-1039 · TahoeCityMarina.com
Call (530) 546-5995, ext. 110, to be listed in Summer Fun. 7
TheTahoeWeekly.com
GET outside
Email news to editor@tahoethisweek.com
the outdoors | recreation | events | mountain life
Double the fun Kirkwood Mountain Resort
TA K E A M U LT I S P O R T G U I D E D A D V E N T U R E S TO RY BY T I M H AU S E R M A N
V
isitors to Lake Tahoe are often looking for ways to partake in several different outdoor recreational opportunities while they are here but are daunted by the challenges of finding the right equipment, learning the skills needed for the sport and knowing where to go. A great solution is to join one of Tahoe Adventure Company’s guided multisport trips. On these adventures, participants get to fill up their day with their choice of two sports that showcase the beauty of Tahoe. Choose from hiking, biking, kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing. I decided to check out what Tahoe newcomers thought about this approach by joining a paddleboard and mountain-biking multisport trip. I joined the McLane family from Arizona on their first trip to Lake Tahoe. The mother, father and two sons had little experience with either paddleboarding or mountain biking on rocky trails. We met at Tahoe Vista Recreation Area for the paddle portion of the day. My role was as a writer and photographer, so I went for a more stable kayak in which to follow them.
Vail announces
Photo Credit | Photographer?
plans for ski season
On these multisport adventures, participants with their choice of two
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Tahoe Adventure Company guide teaching participants how to stand up on their boards; Tahoe Adventure Company guide Peter Nocka leads a group of riders up the first hill at Tahoe Cross Country; The McLane Family learns a paddleboard technique on the beach.
sports that showcase the beauty of Tahoe.
8
Other requirements will include maintaining physical distancing on chairlifts and gondolas, including restrictions or reductions in the number of people on lifts. Ski schools will be open as will on-mountain dining, but with changes to help keep guests safe. As well, there will be a mountain access reservation system and limits on lift tickets to prioritize passholders. Heavenly and Northstar will open on Nov. 20, with Kirkwood slated to open on Dec. 4. | vailresorts.com
get to fill up their day
We met Tahoe Adventure Company’s Peter Nocka, a friendly and knowledgeable guide who made the experience relaxing and fun. During the day, everyone practiced physical distancing, as well as the rest of the COVID-19 protocol. Nocka started with a brief lesson both on the beach and in the water on paddleboard balance and paddle technique. The McLane’s spent a few minutes at the start gaining confidence with their new sport and were soon paddling over the choppy water with confidence. We headed south toward Agate Bay on the North Shore, stopping several times to give the new paddlers a break and for Nocka to pass on information about the natural history of Tahoe, Thunderbird Lodge and the impact of the Comstock Lode on Tahoe’s forest. I made myself useful by telling them about the Tahoe Rim Trail and places they may want to hike while they are in town. By noon, we’d paddled back to Tahoe Vista and everyone took a break for lunch before we headed out for the afternoon at Tahoe Cross Country.
Vail Resorts CEO Rob Katz announced on Aug. 27 the company’s 2020-21 winter operating plan, which includes requiring guests to wear face coverings to get on the mountain and in all parts of resort operations, including in lift lines and riding in lifts and gondolas.
In short order, Nocka had the family equipped and sized with mountain bikes and provided tips on how to ride a bike over dirt trails. As we rode, he stopped several times to give the riders a chance to catch their breath while passing on information about the wildflowers and about Tahoe’s infamous bears. We rode through a forest that was recently thinned and Nocka talked about the health of Tahoe’s forest and the efforts underway throughout the region to improve tree health. Over the course of two hours we rode about 8 miles, with the highlight being a beaver lodge in Antone Meadows. When we looped back to the trailhead by 4 p.m., the McLane’s were dusty and tired, but happy. They had the opportunity to learn two sports in a beautiful place, while not having to worry about acquiring equipment — and as an added bonus they learned a great deal about the region. I’m sure their day of paddling and pedaling will be a lasting memory of their trip.
COVID-19 SAFETY Before joining any group trip, be sure to ask about COVID-19 safety precautions. “All gear is cleaned after every use. Masks are worn at check-in all the way up to getting on the water, as well as when they return to shore,” says Katie Hickey, operations manager for Tahoe Adventure Company. Other precautions include health screenings in advance and using digital forms and making the experience as touchless as possible. In addition, all the activities are outside with plenty of distancing maintained at all times between the guides and the participants. Tahoe Adventure Company’s multisport trips include combinations of kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, paddleboarding and sailing. Tours are a minimum of four people; the maximum group size is limited. In addition to multisport trips, Tahoe Adventure Company provides a number of other single-sport guiding experiences including kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, backpacking and mountain biking. | (530) 913-9212, tahoeadventurecompany.com
Tahoe Donner
preps for ski season Tahoe Donner is preparing for the 2020-21 ski season and has been working on precautions, regulations and planning for several months to prepare for a safe winter operation for members, staff and guests, according to a press release. Mask-wearing and physical-distancing protocols will continue and be enforced. Expect facility access and anything indoors to be limited this winter. Face coverings will be required, especially in any indoor spaces, according to the release. The TD Pass Protection gives season passholders for Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort and/or Cross Country Ski Center until Dec. 10 to defer the value of an unused season pass to the 2021-22 season. | tahoedonner.com
September 2-8, 2020 GET OUTSIDE
Squaw Valley to change name Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows announced on Aug. 25 that it is making a commitment to change the name of the legendary California mountain destination. After extensive research into the etymology and history of the term “squaw,” both generally and specifically with respect to Squaw Valley, outreach to Native American groups, including the local Washoe Tribe, and outreach to the local and extended community, company leadership has decided it is time to drop the derogatory and offensive term “squaw” from the destination’s name,” according to a press release. Work to determine a new name is slated to begin immediately and will culminate with an announcement of a new name in 2021. Implementation of the name change will occur after the winter season concludes in 2021. A renaming project team headed by resort leadership will oversee the selection of the new name.
Fu l
lS
R
er v i c e B
est
ar
Courtesy Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows
Come Play With Us!
a uran
Fun for the whole family!
t
COVID-19 Restrictions may apply
GolfTahoeCity.com · 251 N. Lake Blvd.,Tahoe City · 530.583.1516 RENTALS | TOURS | LESSONS | SALES | DELIVERY
NIGHTLY SUNSET KAYAK TOURS $5 OFF Rentals & Tours
Must mention ad at booking & present upon arrival.
TAHOE CITY
Shop at 521 North Lake Blvd. Rentals on the water at Commons Beach SAND HARBOR STATE PARK
Rentals next to the boat ramp
Reservations 530.581.4336 | TahoeCityKayak.com & SandHarborRentals.com
“With the momentum of recognition and accountability we are seeing around the country, we have reached the conclusion that now is the right time to acknowledge a change needs to happen. While we love our local history and the memories we all associate with this place as it has been named for so long, we are confronted with the overwhelming evidence that the term ‘squaw’ is considered offensive,” said Ron Cohen, president and COO of Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows. “We will find a new name that reflects our core values, storied past and respect for all those who have enjoyed this land.” | squawalpine.com
eve nts Hike for Parks
Free Outdoor Movie Nights
Sierra State Parks Foundation Truckee | Sept. 2-7
Chicken in a Barrel South Lake Tahoe | Sept. 5, 6
Sierra State Parks Foundation is asking the community to get outside and walk/run/hike/ just get active to help reach a goal of 1,500 collective miles spread over at least 150 hikers. The $35 participation fee will go toward funding local state parks, which are being overused and underfunded. $35 | facebook.com
Sierra Summer Challenge Virtual challenge South Lake Tahoe | Sept. 2-7
Participants register for a friendly competition to either summit the most Sierra peaks or swim in the most Sierra alpine lakes, all while documenting their adventures and raising donations and awareness for the work that the alliance does to protect and restore the region. | (530) 542-4546, sierranevadaalliance.org
Enjoy free outdoor movies every Saturday (date night) and Sunday (family night). The movie begins at dusk, 8:45 p.m. 8:45 a.m. Free | tahoesouth.com
Adventure Van Expo Lake Tahoe Sierra | Twin Bridges | Sept. 5-7
Check out van builds, open-house vans, 4-wheel campers with three rigs and more. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $10-$150 | (530) 659-7453, eventbrite.com
Free Fishing Day California venues Tahoe City | Sept. 5
Fish without a license all day, while adhering to all other fishing regulations such as bag and size limits and river closures. Free | wildlife.ca.gov
CONTINUED ON PAGE 15
9
TheTahoeWeekly.com
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second part
in a series covering the tourism impacts that locals and visitors alike have experienced this summer. Read Part I, “Tahoe’s tourism
GRAPPLING WITH
tipping point,” at TheTahoeWeekly.com.
GARBAGE GRIEVANCES
&
10
BELOW Overflowing trash containers and dumped trash at Secline Beach. | Court Leve
S TO RY BY P R I YA H UT N E R
I
t only takes 110 steps from the end of my driveway to the small entryway to Donner Memorial State Park at the east end of Donner Lake. In the stretch of fewer than three-tenths of a mile on any given day, I collect an entire bag of garbage, most of it on the road. One evening I collected one yellow bathing suit top, five beer bottles, 10 beer cans, three disposable face masks, cigarette butts, napkins, tissues, an empty La Croix box, a windshield wiper and a trailer license plate. As I enter into the park, several signs from the Tahoe Fund mask campaign lie askew on the ground. Several bags of dog poop are stacked neatly in a pile in front of the signs. Behind the gate, more beer cans and a piece of Styrofoam. Once on the trail, I collected two pairs of children’s underwear, a small blue T-shirt, random pieces of paper and wrappers, half of an onion and a lot of toilet paper in the bushes only a few hundred yards from the portable toilets. Mine is only one of the hundreds of stories plaguing the Tahoe Sierra. The lakes, rivers and trails of Tahoe have become dumping grounds for the unconscious, lazy and unaware. If it’s not couches being dumped in the woods, overflowing Dumpsters or people leaving trash just about any place you can think of, then it’s an increased level of graffiti marring the boulders, train tunnels and signs. Garbage this summer has caused the community a lot of grief. The Tahoe Sierra is being trashed, but this isn’t a new problem in our community. This year it has been exacerbated by the pandemic and the sheer amount of people in the region, as local officials discussed in the first part of our series “Tahoe’s tourism tipping point” available at TheTahoeWeekly.com. Locals in Tahoe are fed up and frustrated as garbage and graffiti have taken center stage in this pristine mountain region. “Even before COVID, litter has been a major issue and has gone unchecked and has led us to where we are now,” says Court Leve, who founded Truckee Tahoe Litter Group on Facebook. “By ignoring the problem, it’s grown out of control. Have you ever seen anyone ‘educating’ or doing ‘positive messaging’ in your travels? Maybe at the entrance to a national park. And, do we really need to educate people on littering? Isn’t that something we learn in kindergarten? People respond to punishment. Speeding tickets work. DUIs work. Why the hesitancy of punishing people for destroying the environment?” One potential upside is the that issue of trash this summer in Tahoe has received a lot of press across California and Nevada. Community members have banded together frustrated by the sheer amount of litter that has besieged the area. I asked Leve if he thinks the press and public outcry has made a difference.
September 2-8, 2020 FEATURE
“Yes. It’s all coming to a head. I think this has been similar from South Lake Tahoe to Truckee and all around the Lake. Truckee Vice Mayor Anna Klovstad said the town is going to field calls regarding litter,” says Leve, who has been vocal about the lack of action from officials. But, he also says it’s frustrating because of the complicated nature of who is responsible for cleaning up public lands in the region. “You call one agency or government official and they say it isn’t their jurisdiction to deal with the litter problem,” Leve says.
currently working on solutions to keep the cleanliness and quality of our piers,” says Kyle Jost, marketing manager of TruckeeDonner Recreation & Park District. “Our maintenance staff is making a point to increase rounds along the piers to clean and inspect for the rest of the summer.” The district manages the public boat ramp, the 37 public piers around the lake, Shoreline Park and West End Beach. Jost also said that the district is also looking at solutions to address the garbage in the off-season.
WHOSE JOB IS IT?
Through Truckee Tahoe Litter Group, more than 2,000 members have been voicing concerns and posting photos of garbage, graffiti and wildlife eating garbage — they have also been expressing fire concerns. It has also become a place to post information about local cleanup efforts. And, members have been calling for more enforcement of litter laws. “We should be a model. Truckee-Tahoe should be the example for the world on stewardship,” says Leve, but he adds that local officials don’t make it easy to report or complain about what to do with the garbage.
Placer County, Nevada County and Town of Truckee have come under heavy fire recently from residents for not taking more responsibility for the issues of garbage mitigation and its impact on the region. These include not enough garbage receptacles or garbage pickup, not enough portable toilets, not enough parking, not enough education and not enough dollars being allocated to alleviate the problems. One of the biggest challenges when it comes to cleaning up trash and solving the many issues in the Tahoe Sierra is dealing with a plethora of agencies. Public lands throughout the region are owned and managed by a myriad of agencies and organizations, which includes five counties – Placer, Nevada, Eldorado, Douglas and Washoe — along with the City of South Lake Tahoe, the City of Carson City and Town of Truckee. Add to that agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, California and Nevada state parks, public works districts and nonprofit organizations, among others, that all need to work together. Among the many complaints from locals is that the section of the Truckee River between Tahoe City and Alpine Meadows were thousands of people float the river each summer is plagued with human feces, diapers and toilet paper. On any day, hoarders of rafters float the river looking for respite from the heat, but almost none of them are practicing physical distancing or wearing masks when near others and the river is being trashed. So, who is responsible for cleaning up this stretch of the Truckee River? “It’s the U.S. Forest Service’s responsibility. There are Porta Potties that are put out by the commercial rafting companies; they’re mandated to pay for that service. [Placer] County does not regulate the river,” says Cindy Gustafson, the 5th District supervisor for Placer County. Her district stretches from Auburn to the shores of Lake Tahoe. “The Forest Service is the entity that owns most of the access in and out of the river. Caltrans also has the right of way along the river, so it’s not a county function. But we do mandate that the commercial operators provide certain requirements,” says Gustafson. This includes removing trash and providing public toilets and parking for its customers. The same issue is echoed at Donner Lake in Truckee where the lake falls within the boundaries of Town of Truckee, but the town is not responsible for garbage. Rather that falls under a separate agency, TruckeeDonner Recreation & Parks District, says Truckee Mayor Dave Polivy. He noted that the town works with at least 16 agencies and organizations to tackle different services and functions. “The garbage and usage issue has not gone unnoticed by us at TDRPD. We are
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LACK OF ENFORCEMENT
(530) 525-7962 - ObexersBoat.com Obexer’s Marina - 5300 West Lake Blvd. - Homewood, CA
CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
c lea n u p eve n ts Donner Summit Graffiti Removal Project Donner Summit | Truckee | Sept. 2-4
Help clean up the graffiti on and around the train tunnels on Donner Summit. Meet each day at 8 a.m. or 1 p.m. at the Hangover Shed in the parking area of Summit Haus. 8 a.m. Free | facebook.com
F O R R E S E R VAT I O N S :
Call today or book online!
530-587-5777
gowhitewater.com
Truckee Cleanup Days Area venues | Truckee | Sept. 5
Volunteers will meet at a designated location to receive a TLC t-shirt, supplies and street assignment. All ages are welcome, but minors must be accompanied by an adult. 8 a.m. Free | keeptruckeegreen.org
Kings Beach Cleanup Lady Luck Skate Shop and Head Shop Kings Beach | Sept. 6
Help clean up Kings Beach. 8 a.m. Free
Kings Beach Clean Vibe Crew Kings Beach State Recreation Area | Sept. 7
Meets every Monday morning (socially distanced). “Come for the trash, stay for the donuts.” 8-10 a.m. Free | facebook.com
Tahoe Adventure Company Inspiring High Sierra Adventures
• Kayak & SUP Tours • Beachfront Kayak & SUP Rentals • 7010 N. Lake Blvd, Tahoe Vista • Gear Deliveries
Truckee River Cleanup Day River Ranch | Tahoe City | Sept. 8
Clean up the trash in and along the river and bike path from Tahoe City to Squaw Valley. Check in will begin at 8 a.m. and trash should be turned in to the River Ranch parking lot by 12:30 p.m. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Free | facebook.com
Keep Tahoe Blue Labor Day Cleanup area venues | Tahoe City | Sept. 8
Help keep our beaches clean. We provide cleanup materials, refreshments and a prize. Ride your bike to receive a special gift. 8-11:30 a.m. Free | keeptahoeblue.org
• Mountain Bike Tours • Guided Hiking • Backpacking • Family Adventures • Multisport Tours
MOOP the Lake Area venues | Tahoe City | Sept. 8, Sept. 9
Find a location that works for you and show up in your Burner Best, ready to help. Bring your own hat, gloves, moop bag, grabber and be sure to wear a mask.
GROUP & CORPORATE OUTINGS + TEAM BUILDING
530.913.9212 TahoeAdventureCompany.com 11
TheTahoeWeekly.com
LEFT: A used hypodermic needle sits in a public parking lot in Truckee. After contacting the Mayor, Town Manager, Town Clerk and other Truckee officials, the needle remained in the lot for 16 days before it was removed, says Court Leve. | Court Leve BELOW: Welcome to South Lake Tahoe. | Courtesy Jeanette Tillman of South Lake Refuse
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11
There is a $1,000 litter fine in California, but many locals do not see this being enforced and are demanding more stringent enforcement. But it is an issue of having to catch someone red-handed dumping or leaving litter, say local law enforcement. I reached out to Truckee Police, City of South Lake Police Department and Placer County Sheriff ’s Office to discuss litter enforcement efforts. Lt. Michelle Baxter, with Placer County Sheriff ’s Office, acknowledged that garbage is an issue but that a deputy has to catch someone in the act to issue a citation. She said that deputies cannot issue a citation
CONNECT & REPORT Citizen Science App | citizensciencetahoe.org Clean Up the Lake | cleanupthelake.org The League to Save Lake Tahoe | keeptahoeblue.org Tahoe In Balance on Facebook Tahoe Truckee Litter Group on Facebook Douglas County Code Enforcement Office | (775) 782-6214, douglascountynv.gov El Dorado County Eastern Slope area | (530 573-3450, edcgov.us Nevada County Illegal dumping | (530) 265-7111, mynevadacounty.com Placer County Garbage complaints | (530) 581-6240, placer.ca.gov Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal | (530) 583-7800, waste101.com South Lake Tahoe City of South Lake Tahoe | (530) 542-6000, cityofslt.us South Tahoe Refuse | (530) 541-5105, southtahoerefuse.com Clean Tahoe Program | (530) 544-4210, clean-tahoe.org Truckee Town of Truckee Trash complaints | recycle@ townoftruckee.com Keep Truckee Green | (530) 582-7700, keeptruckeegreen.org Truckee-Donner Recreation & Parks District | (530) 582-7720, tdrpd.org Washoe County Garbage complaints | (775) 328-6106, washoecounty.us 12
based on a report by a member of the public. She added that the department doesn’t have the manpower nor the budget to patrol for litterers and their deputies and detectives have other priorities. She noted that there’s been an increase in vehicle break-ins and bike thefts this summer with more people in the area. Deverie Acuff, support services manager for Truckee Police, responded by email stating that they have issued 17 litter citations in the past two months — most along Donner Pass Road.
THE SUMMER OF SINGLE-USE Many agencies and officials attribute the increase in the amount of garbage to the increase of more singleuse containers due to COVID-19 safety protocols. “We have a lot of people coming to Lake Tahoe, especially now during the pandemic. We also are seeing an increase in single-use of packaging and to-go stuff,” says Marilee Movius, community engagement manager for the League to Save Lake Tahoe. The league has been hosting a July 5th beach cleanup each year and has been collecting data since 2013. “The same number of litter items are collected during cleanups, but we’re seeing a lot smaller trash and less heavy stuff. And 30 percent of all the litter we collected from the cleanup this year was plastic,” says Movius. The Tahoe City Public Utility District (TCPUD) manages public beaches and the paved multiuse trails from Olympic Valley to Tahoe City and along a large portion of the West Shore and says it is also working on solutions for garbage and sees single-use containers as an issue. “Agencies are managing parks and facilities and yet we see the increase in trash. We know where the trash is coming from: a lot of it’s coming from to-go containers,” says Valli Murnane, director of TCPUD Parks and Recreation. “We are just trying to stack our shifts, increase our rounds on trash. It’s such a different year for us. What’s very noticeable in the parks department is this is something we’ve never seen before: this volume of people and this amount of trash.” Jeanette Tillman, sustainability coordinator for South Tahoe Refuse & Recycling Services, loves to talk trash. She acknowledges there’s a lot more garbage being picked up and the impact on the environment and wildlife is paramount. “Historically, we are able to recover from peak holidays and weekends where we see increases in the garbage. On average, we see about 275 tons of garbage per day that we take to the transfer station. We are seeing 75 tons more than normal from last year to this year on average. It’s a 30 percent increase in garbage,” says Tillman. The goal, says Tillman, is to try to mitigate some of the garbage issues and South Lake Refuse has put out additional Dumpsters free of charge to help deal with the increased garbage level. “Even with the increases, we’re still seeing people are illegally dumping,” she says. “People generate approximately 5 pounds of garbage a day each, on average. As human beings, we need to take responsibility for that garbage. It’s pretty simple, really. The No. 1 rule is to
reduce, the No. 2 rule is if you can’t reduce, then reuse, and if that’s not possible, recycle. Disposable masks are not recyclable and are going directly to the landfill. Choose a reusable mask,” says Tillman, who also hosts the “Trash Talk Podcast” on Spreaker. Both Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal, which collects garbage in Placer County and Truckee, and Waste Management, which collects garbage in Washoe County, say they’ve seen a decrease in commercial trash but an increase in residential trash and in public places like campgrounds. California State Parks have also been bombarded by increased levels in trash and have reported that they have spent $400,000 in garbage removal this summer at local parks. “We’ve seen a significant increase in residential garbage and garbage in campgrounds,” says Kelli Hare, operations and office manager of Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal. “Most of the campground hosts and rangers call us to say they’ve never seen activity like this before. And that’s incredible because we’re a tourist area.” Another issue is that when garbage isn’t secured or is left outside a Dumpster, it attracts wildlife. “People don’t realize that they’re supposed to keep their trash contained and they’re putting just loose trash right next to bear boxes,” says Hare.
LOCAL GROUPS TAKE ACTION The League to Save Lake Tahoe is looking to advocate for solutions and to get people involved. In partnership with UC Davis Tahoe Environment Research Center (TERC) and Desert Research Institute (DRI), they introduced the Citizen Science Tahoe app that can be used to report litter among other issues. Locals, visitors and organizations can see what’s going on at Lake Tahoe and share that information with organizations to develop solutions. “The app can be used to report litter and trash along with other things that you can report like aquatic invasive species, stormwater runoff or algae,” says Movius. Colin West, the founder and executive director of the environmental nonprofit Clean Up the Lake, has spearheaded efforts to clean up the waters of Lake Tahoe and Donner Lake using scuba divers. West and his volunteers have collected 3,700 pounds on the north shore of Donner Lake and more than 1,000 pounds out of Lake Tahoe. “Some of the stuff is decades old. We pulled up old whitewall tires, boomboxes, tapes, shoes and fishhooks,” says West, who adds that the pandemic and the weather thwarted his initial plans for a 72-mile cleanup of Lake Tahoe, which will now occur next year. “We’re going to go back and finish circumnavigating Donner Lake. The community in Truckee came out in an amazing way and we surpassed our goal on a GoFundMe to clean up Donner Lake and get signs on the public piers. It’s a partnership with Ella Hoyer, a 12-year-old girl,” says West, who wants to help youth understand the impact of garbage on the environment. The organization will also be releasing a short film about Donner Lake and is working with TERC and DRI to analyze the trash. These are just a few of the many locals and nonprofits that have stepped up to clean up the region, but there are still many unanswered questions of how to come up with short-term and long-term solutions. “We really believe that people should be the change we want to see in the world and sharing those good examples will be a positive change for others,” says Movius. n
September 2-8, 2020 FEATURE
TAKE CARE OF
TAHOE’S TRAILS S TO RY BY T I M H AU S E R M A N
T
he Tahoe Sierra is blessed with a plethora of beautiful trails for hiking and mountain biking. When lots of people descend on those trails, however, as they did this summer as soon as the stay-in-place order was lifted, the trails become damaged or destroyed. It’s important that all trail users treat the Tahoe environment with the respect it deserves. All it takes is to follow a few simple trail-etiquette rules and to apply these principles to hiking, camping or mountain biking on Tahoe trails. A good place to start is with the seven principles of Leave No Trace: • Plan ahead and prepare • Travel and camp on durable surfaces • Dispose of waste properly • Leave what you find • Minimize campfire impacts • Respect wildlife • Be considerate of other visitors
When lots of people descend on trails, as they did this summer, the trails become damaged or destroyed. It’s important that all trail users treat the Tahoe environment with the respect it deserves. PLAN AHEAD & PREPARE Bring plenty of water, food and the right clothing for your outdoor adventure. Prepare for how strenuous the trail will be and how long you will be going out. Let someone know where you are going and when you will return. Getting lost in the woods, especially during a pandemic and red fire alerts, is not only a danger for you, but is also a burden on our already stretched rescue personnel. If you choose a popular trail, understand that parking will be limited. Get to the trailhead early or choose a less popular trail. This first principle of LNT could also be called the Principle of Common Sense.
TRAVEL & CAMP ON DURABLE SURFACES Stay on the trail. Riding or walking off trail causes erosion and widens the trail. The COVID-19 exception for this rule is to step off the trail when other users pass so you can maintain at least 6 feet of physical distancing.
DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY There are three kinds of waste to talk about. The first is litter. Carry a bag for trash with you and pack it in, pack it out. This time of year, trash cans are often overflowing, so be prepared to take your garbage home with you if necessary. Don’t leave your garbage next to an overflowing trash can where wildlife can get into the trash. If you want to make a positive contribution, pick up someone else’s trash when out on the trails, which will improve the experience for the next user. The second kind of waste is human waste, also known as No. 2. If you need
to go, be sure and do it in a hole at least 6 inches deep; then bury the doody. Bring a plastic bag or dog bag with you (biodegradable is preferred) and carry it out with your used toilet paper. It is not fun to be hiking through the spectacular Desolation Wilderness and see white toilet paper flags covering the ground. The third kind of waste comes from dogs. We have a lot of dogs around these parts and yet there is still not any dog poop fairies. Dog owners must pick up their dogs’ poop. Equally importantly, take the dang poop bag with you. Because as I said, there are no poop fairies taking the bags out of the woods for you.
Camping at Crag Lake in Desolation Wilderness. | Tim Hauserman
Being considerate of others also means not leaving trash on the trail, giving space to other trail users and sharing the trail with different trail users peacefully. It means remembering what your mom taught you: be nice. Perhaps most importantly, being considerate of others means appreciating what a wonderful place Tahoe is and understanding that we all need to do our best to keep it that way.
LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND If you pick up that pretty rock or flower, the next person doesn’t get to enjoy it. Just leave it there. Now if you see a piece of garbage next to that pretty flower, pick that sucker up and take it out. Nice work and thank you.
MINIMIZE CAMPFIRE IMPACTS For Tahoe and really the entire Western United States, this means don’t even think about having a campfire. Speaking of fires, keep all burning objects out of the woods, including cigarettes or whatever other burning objects you might be smoking.
RESPECT WILDLIFE In Tahoe, leaving your garbage out attracts bears. Once bears get used to human food, they will decide to break into your garbage cans, then your house and your car. Have you seen what is left of the interior of a car after a bear got stuck in there? Often it is so destroyed it will have to be towed away. Attracting bears is not good for the bears or humans. Once they get habituated to humans, bears may eventually be trapped and killed.
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BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS In many ways this principle sums up the other six. What we do in the woods affects the experience of other trail users. Often there are two groups of users in the forest: those who like to make lots of noise because they have escaped civilization and those who go seeking peace and quiet as an antidote to the noise and clamor of civilization. Obviously those two ways of looking at nature are in conflict. There is enough noise in the world; let’s seek quiet and peace in the woods.
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The plot to bomb Harvey’s Resort Hotel
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n the early hours of Aug. 27, 1980, John Birges Sr., along with his sons, James and John Jr., waited in high-elevation terrain south of Lake Tahoe. They were expecting a helicopter loaded with $3 million in unmarked $100 bills – a ransom payoff by Harvey’s Resort Hotel-Casino in exchange for instructions on how to safely defuse a powerful bomb that Birges and his other accomplices had placed in the casino. An extortion letter explained that an unarmed pilot in a fully fueled helicopter loaded with the loot would follow a strobe-light signal on where to land and drop off the money. Birges’ plan was to highjack the chopper and fly the aircraft — a skill he had learned as a pilot in the Royal Hungarian Army Air Force fighting the Russians — to an airport near Placerville where his girlfriend, Ella Joan Williams, a corrupted deputy with the Fresno Probation Office, waited for him in her car. Jim and John Jr. would drive back to their homes in Fresno County and wait for Birges Sr. and Williams to show up with the money. What the Birges family didn’t know was that the casino’s owner, Harvey Gross, a former Sacramento meat wholesaler who had founded Harvey’s in 1944, refused to pay the blackmailers. Gross had built his gaming empire with decades of wit, hard work and sweat, from a one-room log cabin on Highway 50 called Harvey’s Wagon Wheel Saloon & Gambling Hall into South Lake Tahoe’s
Read Parts I & II at TheTahoeWeekly.com first high-rise casino-hotel tower with 11 floors and 197 rooms. Gross was more concerned about his employees losing work than the potential damage to his multimillion-dollar casino, but he didn’t budge in his decision. Gross wouldn’t pay even after the FBI told him that the odds were stacked against them successfully defusing the bomb. To buy time while technicians worked toward a safe solution for the sophisticated explosive, instead of bagging up genuine $100 bills to load on the helicopter,
14
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I
plain, green-colored paper was cut to the size of a bill and bundled with real notes on the outside to give the impression of bona-fide stacks of money. It all came to naught, however, because the pilot never saw Birges’ strobe light, despite circling the area for more than an hour. Unable to contact the pilot, the frustrated extortionists drove back to Fresno. During their various driving escapades that night, John Jr. hit a deer and damaged his car, Williams crashed her vehicle on a turn and needed hospital treatment for a head injury and in the urgency to make it back for his roofing job that morning, John Jr. was pulled over by California Highway Patrol and cited with a speed-ing ticket. Plus, the mountain highways near the expected drop-off zone were crawling with unmarked FBI vehicles and the agency had an airplane conducting surveillance overhead. Despite explicit warnings against it in the extortion letter, an armed marksman had hidden inside the helicopter to protect the pilot from harm. Meanwhile, after 36 hours of analysis and strategy planning, the explosive experts at Harvey’s realized that they had no good options on what to do with the bomb. They were stumped by its extraordinarily complex design and seamless construction. They had been cautioned that it would blow at the slightest touch or movement. The evil genius behind it all had written that law enforcement had just 24 hours to deliver the ransom. To mitigate potential damage, the device was surrounded with bags of sand. Nearby streets were cleared by the Nevada National Guard while police moved gamblers in nearby casinos away from windows facing Harvey’s.
Harvey’s Resort Hotel bombing on Aug. 27, 1980. | Courtesy FBI Archives
Only days before the busy, end-of-summer Labor Day holiday, crowds of locals and tourists gathered at police roadblocks, eagerly awaiting the possible explosion like it was Fourth of July. South Lake casinos started taking bets whether it would go off or not. With low confidence, a small explosive charge designed to instantly disconnect the elaborate switch system from the dynamite was deployed. Unfortunately, this render-safe procedure failed and triggered the detonators.
Harvey’s owner Harry Gross wouldn’t pay the ransom even after the FBI told him that the odds were stacked against them successfully defusing the bomb. Suddenly, a powerful blast ripped through the building. The massive detonation created a five-story cavity 40 to 50 feet in diameter in the center of the gaming floor and hotel tower. Inspectors found buckled girders, cracked walls, twisted rebar, dangling toilets and destroyed gaming machines. The explosion stunned the street spectators for several seconds before they curiously erupted into raucous cheers. Birges’ explosive device was the most powerful domestic bombing in the nation’s history — until the 1993 World Trade Center disaster. Although no one was injured, there would have been a tragic number of deaths if someone had bumped into the bomb before the casino-hotel was evacuated. Reconstruction cost about $18 million and it put some of Harveys’ employees out of work for eight months.
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Amazingly, a portion of the casino opened for gaming within 48 hours. John Birges never got his money, but he wasn’t done. Incredibly, he stole more dynamite from the Helms Power Plant with intent to re-do the bungled crime. But the FBI was making progress in its investigation. Clues to the perpetrators slowly came together. Agents traced the van’s license plate to Fresno and the Birges family. They found John Jr.’s speeding ticket, which stated how many people were in the car, its direction, time and location. The FBI agents tracked down hospital records for Williams’ treatment for a head wound that same night. Despite repeated denials, FBI agents placed them under surveillance. Nearly a year after the bombing, on Aug. 14, 1981, agents interrogated John Jr. and his brother Jim, threatening them both with charges of lying during a federal crime investigation. The brothers spilled the beans and agreed to testify against their father. The next day John Sr. and Williams were arrested. Law enforcement focused on punishing the mastermind of the crime, John Sr., and he was convicted on federal bombing and extortion charges. After spending 16 years in prison, John Birges Sr. died of liver cancer in 1996. Indicative of the uniqueness of Birges’ improvised explosive device, a mock-up of the bomb is still used for educational purposes at the FBI Academy at Quantico, Va. I was living in Truckee in 1980, but unfortunately failed to get the commemorative T-shirt: “I Got Bombed at Harveys.” 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.
September 2-8, 2020 GET OUTSIDE
events
Commemorative Tahoe coin minted
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9
Tahoe Meadows South Lake Tahoe | Sept. 6
The 10th annual Rose to Toads is a completely self-supported ride. Make sure your Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association membership is up to date to get first dibs on registration and shuttles spots. Brought to you by TAMBA in partnership with US Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. 6 a.m.-8 p.m. | facebook.com
Baby Storytime on Facebook Truckee Library Truckee | Sept. 7
Join Miss Amy for songs, books, and early literacy tips for babies during this Facebook Live event. Free | facebook.com
Virtual Music Together with Brooke
A Lake Tahoe commemorative coin will be minted at the historic U.S. Mint in the Nevada State
Zoom | Truckee | Sept. 8
This music class is for parents and \children to enjoy. Music Together teacher Brooke Chabot will lead families in interactive songs to do together in the comfort of their homes. 11-11:30 a.m. | kidzonemuseum.org
Museum in Carson City, Nev., as one of the ways individuals can take part in the protection and restoration of Lake Tahoe, according to the Tahoe
Coin images courtesy TRPA
Regional Planning Agency. A limited number of the coins are being minted. The coin commemorates the 50th anniversary of the bi-state partnership between Nevada and California that
LEGO Challenge on Facebook Live
formed Tahoe Regional Planning Agency in 1969 and that
Truckee Library Truckee | Sept. 8
spurred the cooperative effort to preserve and restore
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10th annual Rose to Toads
Lake Tahoe.
During this weekly Facebook live event, Miss Amy will read a story to inspire your brick creations then show you some examples that you can create at home. 4-4:30 p.m. Free | facebook.com/nevadacountylibrary, mynevadacounty.com
Proceeds from the coin sales will benefit environmental education work including the Tahoe In Depth environmental newspaper, Take Care Tahoe, the League to Save Lake Tahoe’s Eyes on the Lake project, Washoe Tribe initiatives and Nevada State Museum, according to TRPA. Only 1,645 coins will be minted in recognition of Lake Tahoe’s deepest point in feet, the agency said. The coin will be available as a single collector’s item or as a desk-top display with prices beginning at $125. Minting is expected to begin in November and coins will be shipped as they become available. | trpa.org
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Aquarius (Jan 19-Feb 19)
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The plot has shifted to deeper and more complex layers. Your perspectives are undergoing a steady process of change. Knowing how to best give to situations, however, has been a challenge. But that will change soon. Once you are clear, you will charge ahead.
Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20)
FIRE
EARTH
AIR
WATER
Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22)
The Sun in your sign is inspiring you to take new leads and directions. A summons to make your presence more fully known in the world was sounded earlier this year. As enthusiastic as you may be on one hand, on the other you are challenged to overcome the inertia associated with these uncertain times.
Libra (Sep 22-Oct 22)
Your relationships are getting deeper by the day. Positively, you feel able to think and see things more objectively. However, your own emotionally anchored biases may be preventing you from thinking more critically. Decipher the difference between your intuitions and instincts.
Aries (Mar 21-Apr 20)
Virgo time is more about work than play. However, Mars in Aries and Venus soon to enter Leo will help carry the summer spirit forward. Altogether, this suggests a rough ride in the relationship department, hopefully, followed by make-up love.
As if suddenly, you may feel called inward again. Your focus remains centered on family and you are eager to know what you can do and how you can help. This focus may be upon your own family or that of larger networks, like your community, country or humanity as a whole. Contending with inner complexities and fears as well as outer opposition is featured.
Taurus (Apr 20-May 21)
A blend of sober circumstances and inspirational thoughts are contributing to a creative impulse. Your focus will likely be spread across a spectrum of fronts. So, you are challenged to persevere slowly. As eager as you are to lean on hard-earned lessons, some measure of invention is required now.
Scorpio (Oct 22-Nov 21)
More than usual, you are keen to keep an open mind and exercise your abilities to think critically. Doing so will activate the muscle and you could get very good at it. To do so you must be willing to identify all conclusions you have anchored in your perception. Be willing to question why you think and believe what you do.
Sagittarius (Nov 21-Dec 21)
Gemini (May 21-Jun 21)
Directing your focus to home and family is stimulating critical analysis. This many include deciphering where repairs and investments are required. As well, you may be in the mood for a bout of clearing the clutter. It is likely that you will want to create a new atmosphere and some of your measures may be deemed radical.
The time has come to put on your sober thinking cap. Your focus may become hyper practical and even pragmatic as you critically assess what you deem to be necessary and important. You may feel extra reactive regarding security so it will help to make extra efforts to be more objective. Positively, you are excited to be in the game and feel strongly that you are a contender.
Cancer (Jun 21-Jul 22)
Circumstances are pushing you to pay closer attention to the finer details. Yet, at the same time, destiny is challenging you to let go of control and trust the process. Positively, you are working to expand your horizons no matter what it takes yet to achieve the success you need to clarify your direction.
Capricorn (Dec 21-Jan 19)
You are extra keen to understand the finer details of the bigger picture. Your love of family, flag, and country may feel extra strong right now. Whether you are fully conscious of it or not, you are probably doing a lot of inner work. This may manifest externally as with renovations but could be internal as well. This is an expansive time for you generally yet you need to be sharp with your objectives.
Leo (Jul 22-Aug 23)
As if scaling a complex and steep hiking trail, you have to concentrate and exercise diligence. Practical matters are a central focus and may also be leaving you feeling unsettled and perhaps insecure and worried. This mood has prevailed for some weeks now but will shift soon when Venus enters your sign.
CryptoQuip
If everybody were to gain a bunch of weight, would that bring us all closer together?
Hocus Focus differences: 1. Picture has been added, 2. Boy’s sleeve is different, 3. Man has a bow tie, 4. Napkin dispenser is larger, 5. Number of flavors has changed, 6. Partial window sign is missing.
16
September 2-8, 2020 THE MAKERS
THE makers
Email news to editor@tahoethisweek.com
creative awareness | arts & culture | the makers movement
“Classic Blue” | Dylan Silver
Tahoe Slab Furniture C R E A T I O N S F R O M S U S T A I N A B LY S O U R C E D T I M B E R S TO RY BY K AY L A A N D E R S O N | P H OTO S C O U R T E SY C O L I N DAV I S
Carson City
Water Art Show
Capital City Arts Initiative (CCAI) presents its exhibition, “H2O 2020,” with work by eight Great Basin artists at the CCAI Courthouse Gallery. The artists are Cyndy Brenneman, Vanessa Martinez, Nolan Preece, Nancy Raven, Craig Sheppard, Dylan Silver, Cathryne Trachok and Candida Webb. All of the artists’ work is focused on the theme of water, selected as an appropriate and cooling theme for the hot and dry summer days. The exhibition will be in the gallery until Sept. 24. The Courthouse is located at 885 E Musser St., Carson City. The public is welcome to the second-floor gallery, open Mondays to Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5p.m. | ccainv.org
th e art s Call for Artist Submissions Glass Garage Collective Stateline | Sept. 2-March 6
The Glass Garage Collective has issued a call to artists for “We Are All Guests Here” project to all participants to submit art on the theme: People + Place. Glass Garage Collective is a media and correspondence platform founded in 2020. 1 p.m. | glassgaragecollective.com
Nevada City Film Festival Online Online | Truckee | Sept. 2-4
“The Sundance of the Sierra” returns this year with nearly 100 Nevada County Film Festival official selections screened online for independent film lovers around the globe to enjoy in the comfort of their own homes. | nevadacountygold.com
“Black, white, and a hint of...” art show Tahoe Art League Art Center South Lake Tahoe | Sept. 4
The TAL Art Gallery will feature “Black, white, and a hint of” art show. Masks are required and maintaining social distancing is a must. This show will go through September. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | (530) 544-2313, talart.org
TOP: The Tahoe City Tahoe Slab Furniture store;
T
he road to how Tahoe Slab Furniture started was a rough one, but it hasn’t kept people from ordering beautiful custom, live-edge wood furniture made from sustainably sourced timber of the Sierra Nevada and California’s Central Valley orchards.
LEFT: A black walnut river dining table for a client
in Carson City, Nev.; BELOW: Donald Campbell working on a Buckeye burl coffee table.
“People have a dream of what they want their home to look like and I enjoy making epic live-edge tables and doing the epoxy work. It’s fun to work with people on their designs.” –Colin Davis Back in 2017, Tahoe Slab Furniture owner Colin Davis bought a house in Tahoe City and always had the idea to make his own furniture. As with many homes in North Lake Tahoe, there was a dead pine tree in his yard. He saw an opportunity to try to use the wood and give it a second life — but it didn’t quite work out as planned. Explore Tahoe’s vibrant arts scene
at TheTahoeWeekly.com
“I had a pine tree in my yard that need to be taken down, but I didn’t want to waste the wood and felt like I needed to make it into something,” Davis says. “So, I bought a chainsaw mill and had plans in mind to make it into a table. However, then I found out I had to wait three years for the wood to season and dry out before I could do anything with it.” With all these plans and anxious to get started on them, he decided not to wait and went to a local lumber yard to buy wood — but was faced with another hurdle.
“Buying locally sourced wood was expensive so to make it cost effective I got it in bulk,” he says. “With more wood I needed more equipment, so I got bigger tools and started making wood furniture out of my garage.” Using his bulk wood and equipment, he started making furniture for himself, his friends and family and custom items for those who asked. But, when the neighbors started complaining about the noise, he realized he had to find a space to work outside of his home. In 2018, he found a place in Tahoe City to build his shop, but soon after the owner decided to tear down the building and replace it with a hotel. Eventually, Davis found a space for his shop about an hour and a half away from the edge of Tahoe National Forest in North San Juan just outside of Nevada City. There a team of six craftsmen create heirloom-quality furniture pieces by way of milling, vacuum kiln drying, surfacing and finishing work. All Tahoe Slab Furniture wood is sourced between Reno, Nev., and the Central Valley; the company doesn’t use anything that doesn’t come from arborists or hasn’t naturally fallen. Since opening the workshop in North San Juan, Tahoe Slab Furniture also found neighbor and blacksmith Eric Clausen, who forges his own metalwork. Now retired, he makes knives from old bandsaw blades and handles sourced through Tahoe Slab Furniture and sold through its website. The heirloom furniture company has also partnered with Greywood Design owner and Incline Village, Nev., native Tom Loeschner for custom milling services.
“Tom has been doing this for a long time and we’ve bought a lot of wood from him. We found him on Facebook and learned a lot about how to make tables using extraordinary wood from urban environments,” he says. Now two years later, Davis says that his favorite part of running Tahoe Slab Furniture is realizing people’s visions. “People have a dream of what they want their home to look like and I enjoy making epic live-edge tables and doing the epoxy work. It’s fun to work with people on their designs,” he says. “I love doing epoxy work and the river tables, taking all these different types of wood that would otherwise be discarded and aren’t even burnable and making them into something extraordinary.”
One of his most recent and breathtaking pieces of work is a coffee table made of English walnut burl wood with added blue to make it resemble Lake Tahoe. The wood grain and swirling colors make it look almost hypnotic. “We put about 80 hours into the average table,” Davis says. “In our two years of doing this we never built a single thing that we planned on selling. Most of what we make are custom builds. I love that you can make an heirloom quality piece of work that people appreciate out of something that would otherwise be thrown away.” Tahoe Slab Furniture has a retail shop in Tahoe City that’s open by appointment only. | tahoeslab.com 17
TheTahoeWeekly.com
THE lineup live music | shows | nightlife
festivals | entertainment
Jetta Cole BREAKS THROUGH
live
S TO RY BY S E A N M c A L I N D I N
SEPTEMBER 4 | FRIDAY Dylan Casey’s, Zephyr Cove, 5-8 p.m. Sunsets Live Music Series Village at Squaw, Olympic Valley, 5-7 p.m. Rustler’s Moon Gar Woods Lake Tahoe, Carnelian Bay, 8 p.m.
SEPTEMBER 5 | SATURDAY Live Music Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar, Truckee, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunsets Live Music Series Village at Squaw, Olympic Valley, 5-7 p.m.
SEPTEMBER 6 | SUNDAY Live Music Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar, Truckee, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunsets Live Music Series Village at Squaw, Olympic Valley, 5-7 p.m.
SEPTEMBER 7 | MONDAY Floating Concert w/Blues Monsters Tahoe City Marina, Tahoe City, 2-5 p.m.
Major Motion Pictures · Independent Films Live Music · Dance Performances
Our pop-up drive-in runs Thursdays-Sundays for the summer.
The Blues Brothers Sept. 3-6
The Rolling Stones – Havana Moon Sept. 10-13
Lumineers: Live From the Artists Den Sept. 17-20
Matchstick Productions’ ‘Huck Yeah’ Sept. 23-26
The Dark Divide Oct. TBD
Stevie Nicks 24k Gold Oct. 21 & 25
Visit TahoeArtHausCinema.com for showtimes, schedule, events + tkts THE COBBLESTONE CENTER 475 N LAKE BLVD., TAHOE CITY, CA | 530-584-2431
18
J
etta Cole’s new music video for “Woodstock” opens with a gorgeous shot of a classic pickup truck driving through the Sierra Nevada. Images of Guitarfish Music Festival punctuate the frame as the cosmic gypsy songstress takes the stage before a swirling crowd of colorful hippies. “It’s been a joke that I’ve been singing before I could talk,” says the artist who grew up in Gardnerville, Nev. “My family always kind of made fun of me for being this freedom-loving butterfly who never took life too seriously. I keep things light as best I can.” Cole’s voice soars powerfully over altrocker Pamela Parker’s stripped-down piano on the classic Joni Mitchell composition. Although “Woodstock” is now more than 50 years old, Cole sees the message as ever more relevant today. “I think about coming from someone’s fresh eyes and that’s my view of the world,” she says. “I’m not the kind of the person who researches everything. I let things come to me. There’s something innocent and unique about that one that tugs at my heartstrings.” On the first day of filming, Cole jumped off a boat onto the dock and broke her ankle in three places. Laid up at home on painkillers, she went through what can only be described as a personal transformation. Five years earlier, Cole had been sexually assaulted. While recovering from her ankle injury, remembrances of her assault flooded back. “All of these repressed memories came up,” she says. “I knew I had been physically abused as a child, but I realized I was also sexually abused. It’s just the truth. I was running away. Now I’m breaking the cycle with my own children. I felt like the universe was telling me: ‘It’s time to face this. You just want to play in the sunshine, but I can’t do that until you confront your demons.’ My soul was asking me to slow down and listen.” When she finally got out of bed eight weeks later, Cole built a music studio at her condo in Tahoe Keys and began recording demos for her debut album. “I feel like it’s all part of this empowerment,” she says. “I have nothing to hide. This is my total truth. This is who I am. This is what I’ve gone through. I don’t feel shy about it. I don’t feel ashamed anymore. I feel like if I can be honest about it, then maybe it can help someone going through this.” Working through the pain has revealed a cascade of creativity Cole has never felt before. “I actually feel like that was a gift from the universe,” she says. “I don’t have to suffer any more abuse. I’m pouring music out of me every time I turn a corner.
NEO-SOUL
“ I felt like the universe was telling me: ‘It’s time to face this. You just want to play in the sunshine, but I can’t do that until you confront your demons.’ My soul was asking me to slow down and listen.” –Jetta Cole I sometimes wake up in the night and a whole song comes through me. I have so much content, so much to work with. I ask myself: ‘What is going to heal people and inspire people the most?’ It’s wild to me how it’s all happened and how it’s brought things together.” Another tender ballad called, “Give Thanks,” was written while she was sitting with her newborn daughter, November Celeste, on a stormy winter day. “I felt a little sad somehow,” she says. “I don’t know why. Maybe it was the weather. The song is a journey from this melancholy place to where it’s okay. In the end, it’s a beautiful story about living life and accepting what it means to be human.” Armed with fresh confidence and personal insight, Cole is set to break out as one of the most talented and charismatic vocalists in the Tahoe Sierra. “Honestly, I feel very excited and called at this moment,” she says. “I’ve come to a place of maturity through the things I’ve
experienced and the hardships I’ve gone through. I believe it’s shaped not only my soul, but my sound. In the past, maybe my goal was fame. It was really coming from an egotistical place. I’ve removed myself now. I have zero expectations. I just want my music to reach as many people as possible. Whoever it’s made for, I want the music to reach their lives and move them. Maybe it makes them feel happy in this time of darkness. I do believe it’s a calling and it’s meant to be. It’s the perfect time to do it. It feels perfect.” | soundcloud.com/jettacole Watch the music video for “Woodstock”
at TheTahoeWeekly.com
Sean McAlindin is a writer and musician living in Truckee, who loves a secret powder stash just as much as a good jam. You can reach him at entertainment@tahoethisweek.com. Other writings and original music are available at seanmcalindin.com.
September 2-8, 2020 THE LINEUP
“Tahoe Gal”
T A H O E
hosts
benefit concert Many events in September have been canceled due to ongoing restrictions on large gatherings. These events are still being held as of press time, but events may be still be canceled, so check in advance for schedules. Distancing guidelines remain in the place and masks are still required in Nevada and California. For the most up-to-date information, visit the Events calendar at TheTahoeWeekly.com. SEPTEMBER EDITION
Sierra Summer Challenge
Anchor a boat, kayak or paddleboard around the “Tahoe Gal” to enjoy a free concert with the Blues Monsters on Lake Tahoe near the Tahoe City Marina on Sept. 7 from 2 to 5 p.m. to benefit wildfire victims.
Enjoy Trails & Vistas’ “Art Within Nature” virtually Sept. 19
Until Sept. 7 Area venues | Sierra Nevada Mountains
sierranevadaalliance.org
Hike for Parks Until Sept.7 | California State Parks
sierrastateparks.org Courtesy Trails & Vistas
Outdoor Movie Nights Until Sept. 27 Chicken in A Barrel | South Lake Tahoe
tahoesouth.com
Carson Canyon Railbike Tours Sept. 2-October Carson City Eastgate Depot | Carson City, Nev.
vtrailway.com
Tahoe City Sidewalk Sale Sept. 4-7 | Downtown | Tahoe City
visittahoecity.org
Sunsets Live Music Series Sept. 4-6, 12, 19, 26 Village at Squaw | Olympic Valley
squawalpine.com
Steam Train Excursions Sept. 4-6 | V&T Train Depot | Virginia City, Nev.
virginiatruckee.com
California Free Fishing Day Sept. 5 | Area venues
wildlife.ca.gov
Carson City Wine Walk Sept. 5 | Virtual | Carson City, Nev.
visitcarsoncity.com
Adventure Van Expo Sept. 5-6 | Sierra At Tahoe | Twin Bridges
adventurevanexpo.com
Steam Train Rides Sept. 5-7 | Nevada State Railroad Museum Carson City, Nev.
carsonrailroadmuseum.org
Rose to Toads
Nitro Circus Live
Sept. 6 | Tahoe Meadows | Reno, Nev.
Sept. 18 | Greater Nevada Field | Reno, Nev.
www.tamba.org
Floating Concert on Tahoe Gal w/Blues Monsters Sept. 7 | Lake Tahoe | Tahoe City
tahoegal.com
Jazz & Beyond Music Festival Sept. 8, 15 | Livestreamed Sept. 13 | Empire Ranch Golf | Carson City, Nev. Sept. 20 | Silver Saddle Ranch | Carson City, Nev.
jazzcarsoncity.com
Sample the Sierra & Restaurant Week Sept. 10-20 | Virtual
samplethesierra.com
Sierra Nevada Yarn Crawl Sept. 11-13 | Virtual
sierranevadayarncrawl.com
Snaffle Bit Futurity Sept. 16-20 | Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center | Reno, Nev.
renosnafflebitfuturity.com
Third Thursday Wine Walk Sept. 17 | Area venues | Gardnerville, Nev.
Facebook Main St Gardnerville
Nitro Circus on Facebook
Writers in the Woods Sept. 18-19 | Virtual
Donations will be collected for a wildfire fund TBD to help those in need from this summer’s many devastating wildfires. Bring cash to donate, as well. Grab and Go food and drink will be available for purchase from the “Tahoe Gal.” COVID requirements will be observed and everyone will need to practice physical distancing from others. | tahoegal.com
ALL RIDES ARE FREE! Just hop on the bus.
sierranevada.edu
Trails & Vistas “Art Within Nature” Sept. 19 | Online
trailsandvistas.org
Fall ALE Fest & Wing Cookoff Sept. 19 | Heavenly Village | South Lake Tahoe
Visit Heavenly Village Lake Tahoe on Facebook
September Virtual Wine Lock Sept. 19 | Virtual
Sierra Arts Foundation on Facebook
Tahoe Cup Lake Crossing
TART Daily Regional Routes TART Night Service TART Truckee Local Route
Sept. 19 | Lakeview Commons to Carnelian Bay
tahoepaddleracing.com
Virginia City Hill Climb Sept. 19-20 | Virginia City, Nev.
virginiacityhillclimb.com
Covid-19: Social distancing and safety precautions are in place to keep riders and drivers safe.
Big Blue Adventure Race Series Sept. 20, 25, Oct. 4 | Area venues
bigblueadventure.com
TahoeTruckeeTransit.com 19
TheTahoeWeekly.com
EAT &drink
food & libations | recipes | delicious events
THE PLEASURE OF
Popcorn
tasty tidbits
S TO RY & P H OTO S BY P R I YA H UT N E R
Tahoe City Farmers Market Commons Beach | Tahoe City | Sept. 3
The Tahoe City Farmers Market is every Thursday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. until Oct. 8. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | tahoecityfarmersmarket.com
Incline Village Farmers Market Incline Village Library Incline Village | Sept. 3
The Incline Village Farmers Market is every Thursday until Sept. 3. 3-6 p.m. | (775) 832-4130, laketahoemarkets.com
Romano’s Certified Farmers Market
P
opcorn has been around a long time. Kernels of corn were discovered in New Mexico in what is called the Bat Cave that was once occupied by the Cochise culture. These kernels were carbon dated and shown to be approximately 5,600 years old. Today, nearly 17 billion quarts of popcorn are consumed in the U.S. yearly and who doesn’t love a bowl of hot-popped corn dripping with butter with salt? It is a snack that goes hand in hand with a movie night.
Sierra Valley Farms Beckwourth | Sept. 4
The Farmers Market is every Friday until Sept. 11. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | sierravalleyfarms.com
Truckee Certified Farmers Market Truckee River Regional Park Truckee | Sept. 8
The Truckee Certified Farmers Market is every Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. until Oct. 15. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | truckeecertifiedfa. wixsite.com
El Dorado County Certified Farmer’s Market American Legion Parking Lot South Lake Tahoe | Sept. 8
Certified Farmer’s Market is held at the American Legion parking lot, on Tuesdays through Oct. 13. There are new procedures due to the coronavirus that line up with the state and county guidelines for outdoor events serving prepared and fresh food. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Free | eldoradofarmersmarket.com
Email news to editor@tahoethisweek.com
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Give your popcorn a world flare. For Indian flavors use curry, for Mexican add cumin and lime zest, for Japanese try Gomashio seasoning with a dash of sesame oil or rice seasoning with a drizzle of rice wine vinegar. If you’re in the mood for Italian, try olive oil, garlic, parmesan cheese with fresh rosemary or oregano sprinkled on. Berbere seasoning will give popcorn an Ethiopian flare and jerk spice and a tad of Scotch Bonnet hot sauce will get you in the Jamaican mood. Other ways to spice up your popcorn is to try chili flakes, Tabasco and cayenne; or cheddar cheese, ranch dressing or Doritos, onion or taco flavors. Dill pickle and truffle oil are divine. Mixed seeds will give your popcorn the Sunday morning taste of an everything bagel. There are hundreds of flavors.
Priya Hutner is a writer, personal chef and workshop facilitator. She is the owner of the Seasoned Sage, which prepares organic artisan meals for dinner parties and events. She also offers in-home cooking classes, parties and local pop up dinners. As a breath meditation teacher and long-time yogi, she facilitates workshops and classes that focus on gaining a deeper awareness of self. Send story ideas to priya@ tahoethisweek.com. | (772) 913-0008, pria78@gmail.com, seasonedsage.com
When it comes to eating Kitchen sink popcorn.
There are many ways to enjoy the pleasure of popcorn and there are several methods in which to cook popcorn and flavor it. Popcorn can be air popped, cooked in a pot on the stovetop, microwaved or cooked on a campfire. There are electric popcorn makers, Whirley Pop Popcorn poppers and air popper machines. People skillet cook it, grill it, wok cook it, fry it and even pop the corn on the cob in a bag in the microwave. Jiffy Pop has been around for almost 70 years. It continues to fascinate kids as they watch the foil expand while shaking it over a hot burner until it puffs up and looks like it will explode. Air-popped corn is great for a low-calorie healthy version of popcorn. I personally love the stovetop method. It’s easy and the corn can be popped with olive oil or melted butter or both. When it comes to eating popcorn, it’s all about the toppings. Popcorn can be savory, sweet, spicy or — if you’re a purist — just buttered. It seems like there is an infinite number of flavor combinations with which to dress up your popcorn. I grew up on an ashram and we ate healthy — and butter was a rarity. My parents popped corn with an air popper, drizzled olive oil on top, added nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor) and added salt and pepper. To this day, I call it ashram popcorn although it seems many people enjoy this type of popcorn. I’ve added a lot of lemon pepper to my version. If nutritional yeast isn’t your thing, try olive oil, salt and a lot of lemon pepper. It’s delicious.
popcorn, it’s all about the toppings. Popcorn can be savory, sweet, spicy or — if you’re a purist — just buttered.
ASHRAM POPCORN From the kitchen of Priya Hutner 4 T olive oil, vegetable oil or butter (save half for popped corn) ½ C popcorn kernels ½ C nutritional yeast, more if desired
SWEET POPCORN Sweet-popped corn is another route. Who doesn’t love caramel corn or salted caramel? If you like it sweet, try cinnamon and sugar, honey and butter, melted chocolate — or chili and chocolate for a sweet and spicy combination. Then there’s mixing up your popcorn with other snacks such as homemade moose munch: butter toffee, caramel popcorn, nuts and chocolate. Mix popcorn with your favorite snack such as Goldfish crackers, pretzels or trail mix with chocolate chips or M&Ms. Experiment with cereal such as Honey Nut Cheerios or Chex Mix. Explore the pantry and consider kitchen sink popcorn with what you have on hand — melted chocolate, creamy peanut butter, caramel, marshmallows or Nutella — to add to your warm popcorn and enjoy it in a bowl of ice cream. There are so many creative ways to enjoy popcorn, it’s mindboggling. Need something unique to do with the kids or after the family dinner? Have a popcorn bar. It’s fun, experimental, creative and expressive. Pop your corn and lay out toppings to mix and match.
Salt to taste 1 t lemon pepper
Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Place a few kernels in the pan. Once they begin to pop, add in the rest of the kernels. Cover with a lid. Once you hear the kernels start popping, shake the pot a bit to coat the kernels with oil. Be mindful not to burn the popcorn during this process. I shake a few times during the popping process. When the kernels start to pop slowly this means most of the kernels are done. Remove the pot from the heat and let sit for a minute. Place the popcorn in large bowl and pour oil or melted butter over popcorn and mix. Add nutritional yeast and spices. Pop some kernels in your mouth to taste and add more oil or spices if needed and enjoy.
September 2-8, 2020 EAT & DRINK
W I N E S F R O M P O R T U G A L’ S
Alentejo Region S TO RY BY L O U P H I L L I P S
W
Kings Beach
hen wine lovers think of Portugal, most think about port wines from Douro Valley, but we are heading south and east to the Alentejo (ah-len-tay-zhoo) region where wines of a different style have been crafted for centuries and are now getting their moment in the sun. Although many of the grape varieties are the same, the style of wines could not be more different. Where Douro wines are all about richness and power, Alentejo’s wines are lithe and energetic.
Full Service on Patio & Takeout orders 12:00pm-8:00pm
Full
Bar
(530) 546-4539 8345 North Lake Blvd. - Across from the State Beach in Kings Beach
As with most wines from Portugal, they are not varietally labelled and are usually blends of several grapes. The main reason for this stylistic difference is the farming and winemaking practices that create the bright type of wine featured here. Grapes are harvested at lower ripeness levels, which means less alcohol and greater acidity in the wines. There is little use of new barrels and this lets the spice and bright fresh-fruit components shine.
This is a hot region so native grapes that are acclimated make the best whites. They are often based on the varietal Antão Vaz, which retains good acidity and tropical fruit flavors, often complemented by Arinto and Roupeiro, which also stay fresh despite the hot climate. The winemaking philosophy in Alentejo is to create food-friendly wines and they come with alive rustic, hearty fare. Woodfired meats, bean dishes, root vegetables and salads are great matches. This region is also dedicated to sustainable practices with about 50 percent of growers complying with this protocol. I am a big fan of this process because it addresses the welfare of the people involved in growing and making wine while also benefitting the planet. The whole point of our virtual wine tour is to widen our palates while still drinking delicious wine and Alentejo wines ring the bell on both counts. Due to the absence of varietal labelling and the unique style of these wines, be sure to get some input from your favorite wine seller. Cheers.
FOR TAKE OUT OR DINE IN, SEE MENUS BELOW BRUNCH & LUNCH
WINE LIST
DINNER
Plenty of Outdoor Seating Spindleshankstahoe.com | 400 Brassie Ave, Suite B · Kings Beach | (530) 546.2191
Explore more wines with Lou
at TheTahoeWeekly.com
Lou Phillips is a Level 3 Advanced Sommelier in Tahoe and his consulting business wineprowest.com assists in the selling, buying and managing wine collections. He may be reached at (775) 544-3435 or wineguru123@gmail.com.
As with most wines from Portugal, they are not varietally labelled and are usually blends of several grapes. The reds typically feature native Castelão, Trincadeira, Alicante Bouschet and Aragonez (Tempranillo) and more recently Cabernet and Syrah are gaining traction, as well.
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TheTahoeWeekly.com
FROM CHEF SMITTY’S KITCHEN
Asian Pork Ribs BY C H E F DAV I D “ S M I T T Y ” S M I T H
S
Famous for our Mexican Dinners (530) 587-3557 10186 Donner Pass Rd - Truckee
Sierra Community House Food Distribution We’re delivering perishable food bags weekly in Truckee & North Lake Tahoe.
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.
Fine Italian Food & Spirits
o, I’ve been on a rib binge lately. I cook the meat until it’s tender and all the sinewy tissues are broken down and kind of melt in your mouth. In anticipation of Labor Day, I did some experimenting with the HoneyGarlic Glazed Ribs (visit TheTahoeWeekly.com for the recipe) and I thought they came out great. This time, I wanted to try more of an Asian-style rib. After searching through a bunch of recipes — a lot of which were easy recipes using orange marmalade, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic and ginger — I found one that looked like what I wanted. I wanted more of the exotic flavors and not just the common ones. As usual, I changed things around a little to match what ingredients I had on hand. I think these came out excellently. For the five-spice mixture, I didn’t have star anise or Szechuan peppercorns. Also, a lot of five-spice mixtures contain up to seven spices and I did add the ginger and nutmeg.
You can do the first stage in the oven and finish them on the grill. I did all the cooking in the oven, but they also would be great on the grill as long as you use indirect heat. You also can do the first stage in the oven and finish them on the grill, which is what I would do. This will make the meat more tender without having to spend hours on the grill. The next time you get that rib craving, but want to go for a different flavor, give this recipe a shot and enjoy.
at TheTahoeWeekly.com
(530) 546-2434 BAR - 4:30 p.m. DINNER - 5 p.m. 7739 N Lake Blvd - Kings Beach
David “Smitty” Smith is a personal chef specializing in dinner parties, cooking classes and special events. Trained under Master Chef Anton Flory at Top Notch Resort in Stowe, Vt., Smitty is known for his creative use of fresh ingredients. Contact him at (530) 412-3598 or tmmsmitty@gmail.com.
LanzasTahoe.com
From the kitchen of: Chef David “Smitty” Smith
SPICE MIX 1 T cinnamon 1½ T fennel seed, ground 1 T clove 1 T 6-pepper blend (store-bought blend) 1 T ground ginger ½ T nutmeg
MARINADE
Try Smitty’s Honey-Ginger Glazed Ribs
Locals Love Lanza’s!
ASIAN PORK RIBS
½ C Hoisin sauce ½ C sherry ¼ C honey ¼ C soy sauce 2 T sesame oil 1½ T chili paste 2 T ginger, freshly grated 2 garlic cloves, chopped 2 T ketchup 2 T brown sugar 1 T Spice Mix (from above) 3-4 racks of ribs, cut in half 1 C honey for glaze
Mix all the ingredients well and marinade the ribs in a plastic bag overnight. Place ribs in a roasting pan and spoon on some marinade. Seal the pan with plastic wrap and then foil and bake at 225 degrees F for 3½ to 4 hours. Remove from pan and discard grease. Place back in pan. At 350 degrees F roast uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes spooning on a little honey every 10 minutes. If finishing on the grill, use indirect heat and flip every 10 minutes, spooning on a little honey after each flip.
Sunday through Thursday not valid with any other offer | Expires May 22, 2019
Lakeview Deck and Patio Open daily for Dining 12-8pm
Food, Beer & Wine
JasonsBeachSideGrille.com
•
(530) 546-3315
8338 NORTH LAKE BLVD., KINGS BEACH, CA
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Takeout 7 days a week. 11:30am-7:30pm
Truckee, CA 10089 W. River St. (530) 582-5000 MorgansLobsterShack.com
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