September 16 to 22, 2020

local. independent. fresh.

september 16-22, 2020

microplastics tahoe’s tiniest trash

explore

kings beach by bike

tahoe

eat & drink

history arts

get outside

greathouse of dance

changing lives through movement

a new life

for food scraps

delivering the fun since 1982

ADVENTURE CHALLENGE

SEPT. 19 - OCT. 18

Register your team and learn more at visittahoecity.org/explorathon

BOAT RENTALS & FUEL DOCK Fuel dock 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Boat Rentals 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WEATHER PERMITTING

Wye

Grove St.

MARINA

TA H O E C I T Y, C A Truckee

Jackpine

TA H O E C I T Y

Homewood

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

Green Initiatives

We live in a special place. As a deeply committed community partner, the Truckee Tahoe Airport District cares about our environment and we work diligently to minimize the airport’s impact on the region. From new ADS-B technology, to using electric vehicles on the airfield, and preserving more than 1,600 acres of open space land, the District will continue to seek the most sustainable way of operating.

Connected by More Than A Runway

New flight tracking program (ADS-B) allows for more efficient flying Photo by Anders Clark, Disciples of Flight

GOING GREEN TO KEEP OUR REGION BLUE.

Over the past five years, we’ve developed a number of initiatives that reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and keep our community clean and blue.

Implementation of Greenhouse Gas Inventory & GHG Emission Reduction Plan Land management plan for forest health and wildfire prevention Open-space land acquisitions for public use Electric vehicles & E-bikes used on field Energy-efficient hangar lighting

Learn more at: truckeetahoeairport.com

fun. unique. everywhere.

September 16-22, 2020

Volume 39 | Issue 19 TM

P.O. Box 154 | Tahoe Vista, CA 96145 (530) 546-5995 | f (530) 546-8113 TheTahoeWeekly.com Facebook.com/TheTahoeWeekly @TheTahoeWeekly

6

SUBMISSIONS Events & Entertainment Submit at TheTahoeWeekly.com Click on Events Calendar

13

Editorial Inquiries editor@tahoethisweek.com

E-NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIBE

to our monthly e-newsletter at TheTahoeWeekly.com

15

in this issue

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.

Courtesy Mark McLaughlin

Cover Photography production@tahoethisweek.com

Courtesy Brandon Greathouse

Entertainment Inquiries entertainment@tahoethisweek.com

SEPT. 16-22, 2020

FIGHTING TAHOE’S TINIEST TRASH FROM THE PUBLISHER

Microscopic trash is polluting Lake Tahoe, Donner Lake and other local waterways.

It’s contaminating our waterways, endangering wildlife and aquatic species, and our health.

For the last month, Tahoe Weekly has been highlighting the impacts of litter in the Tahoe Sierra, which has become exponentially worse by the overwhelming numbers of people in the region this summer.

In the fourth installment of our series, Priya Hutner looks at our tiniest trash – microplastics. Whether it’s caused by trash breaking down over time or the tiny plastics used to make synthetic clothing, it’s polluting our waters. The impacts on humans are still not understood, say researchers, but it’s in Lake Tahoe, it’s on our beaches, and research shows that it could be falling with the rain and snow, or found in drinking water. Read the first three parts of our series at TheTahoeWeekly.com.

The Tahoe Sierra has been inundated with people this summer escaping to Tahoe for a respite from COVID quarantines at home to visit our small, mountain community.

With them they have brought more trash at local beaches, parks and trails and to our towns. Locals are overwhelmed and frustrated by the lack of respect for our community, the filth that has been wrought upon our neighborhoods, the danger to wildlife litter brings and now to Lake Tahoe itself.

The famed waters of Tahoe are one of the may draws for our tourist-based economy, yet we are all endangering it’s clarity and our economy by littering. From the plastic bottle left on the beach, to the cigarette butts carelessly tossed on the ground, even to the synthetic sports apparel that is so popular with our adventure-loving local population that produce microplastics. The cycle of litter seems to never end.

It’s imperative that we all do our part to help address our litter crisis. Pack out all trash from beaches, parks and trails. Pick up after your dog and dispose of it in the trash (those biodegradable bags produce microplastics, too). Pick up litter when you see it. Join a local litter cleanup. Use a restroom, not a neighborhood bush, to do your business and pack out your toilet paper. (If you must go in the outdoors, read our feature “Pooping in the Woods” at TheTahoeWeekly.com.) Educate your friends, family and neighbors about the dangers of litter – from microplastics, to health concerns, to water quality to endangering wildlife to cigarette butts that can cause wildfires.

And, talk to local officials and urge them to take action – to add more litter pickups and more trash receptables; to educate visitors and locals; to increase trash services for day visitors and dispersed campers; and to build public restrooms in town centers, at all beaches and parks and at busy trailheads, including at our multiuse paths.

TAHOE SLAB DONATION GIVEAWAY Our Donation Giveaway to win a custom table from Tahoe Slab continues until Oct. 5. Tahoe Slab is creating a custom, handcrafted 24” x 48” English walnut and Tahoe Blue epoxy coffee table for our giveaway. The table is valued at more than $2,000 and supporters will be entered into the giveaway with every $20 donation to Tahoe Weekly until Oct. 5. We will hold a random drawing on Oct. 5. Enter by donating at paypal.me/TahoeWeekly.

FEATURES Explore Kings Beach by Bike Microplastics Peter Lassen, Part II

6 8 13

GET OUTSIDE Sightseeing

4

Lake Tahoe Facts

5

Events

6

Summer Fun

7

Marinas & Boat Ramps

12

THE MAKERS Trails & Vistas

14

The Arts

14

THE LINEUP Greathouse of Dance

15

Live

15

FUN & GAMES Horoscope & Puzzles

16

EAT & DRINK A New Life for Food Scraps

17

Shrimp Scampi

18

Tasty Tidbits

18

Que Syrah, Part II

19

on the cover Jesse Plourde scans the bottom of Lake Tahoe near Bonsai Rock for garbage during an underwater cleanup in 2018. The event, organized by Plourde and Meagan Cassou, removed hundreds of pounds of garbage from beneath the surface. Photography by Dylan Silver | DylanSilver.com, @dylan_silver

Follow this progress of the table’s creation by following Tahoe Slab @tahoeslabfurniture on Facebook and @tahoeslab on Instagram.  3

LAKE LEVEL Lake Tahoe Natural rim 6,223’

Readings taken on Friday, September 11, 2020 ELEVATION :

RESERVOIR CAPACITY

6,226.74 |

6,228.28

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

4

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

100,000 AF

75

50

25

Gatekeeper’s Museum

Tahoe City

Truckee River | FLOW AT FARAD 497 (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)

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

497

(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

6,228.28

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

|

6,226.74 |

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

ELEVATION :

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

Readings taken on Friday, September 11, 2020

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

CAPACITY: 18,300 C 8 150,000 AF

INDEPENDENCE 1,3763

LAKE LEVEL A 20,400 40 MARTIS 1,052 CAPACITY: Lake Tahoe Natural rim 6,223’

25

East Shore

CAPACITY: 9,500 C 5

125

DONNER 4,690

Check schedules & openings before visiting.

Cave Rock

CAPACITY: 29,840 2

Views of the Little Truckee River along the 2.4-mile trail at Perazzo Meadows, north of Truckee. | 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 16-22, 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

BOCA RESERVOIR OLD GREENWOOD RENO-TAHOE PROSSER RESERVOIR INTERNATIONAL TRUCKEE BOCA RESERVOIR AIRPORT STAMPEDE RESERVOIR AIRPORT OLD GREENWOOD TRUCKEE BOCA RESERVOIR PROSSER RESERVOIR AIRPORT Donner Lake PONDEROSA TRUCKEE RENO-TAHOE PROSSER RESERVOIR STAMPEDE RESERVOIR BOCA RESERVOIR DONNER AIRPORT INTERNATIONAL PONDEROSA Summit SCHAFFER’S RENO-TAHOE MILL LAKE AIRPORT RESERVOIR PROSSERSTAMPEDE RESERVOIR INTERNATIONAL ra T PONDEROSA m i eR AIRPORT STAMPEDE RESERVOIR ho a SCHAFFER’S MILL T INCLINE VILLAGE a r SCHAFFER’S MILL Rim T MOUNTAIN oe a r NORTHSTAR ah im T R T SCHAFFER’S MILL INCLINE VILLAGE oe r ah MOUNTAIN R i m TT INCLINE VILLAGE OLD BROCKWAYh o e INCLINE VILLAGE NORTHSTAR a MOUNTAIN T CHAMPIONSHIP INCLINE VILLAGE NORTHSTAR Truckee MOUNTAIN WEST EAST River OLD BROCKWAY INCLINE VILLAGE SNORTHSTAR OUTH CHAMPIONSHIP OLD BROCKWAY INCLINE VILLAGE CHAMPIONSHIP OLD BROCKWAY INCLINE VILLAGE CHAMPIONSHIP DEEPEST COON ST.

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The Lost Sierra

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North Shore

Incline Village Incline Village Crystal Incline Village Kings Bay WHITEHAWK Tahoe Vista RANCH Crystal Beach Carnelian BayTahoe Vista NAKOMA Crystal Kings Bay Olympic Tahoe Vista POINT FEATHER Kings Crystal Bay Beach BOAT LAUNCH SIERRA Carnelian Bay Valley RIVER PARK BOAT CO. Kings Beach DEEPEST Bay Olympic Carnelian Bay COON ST. POINT SANDDEEPEST BOAT LAUNCH SIERRA Beach Olympic TAHOE COON ST. NORTH Valley Carnelian Bay CITY HARBOR BOAT CO. POINT Marlette BOAT LAUNCH TAHOE SIERRA RESORT AT DEEPEST Valley Olympic Lake BOAT CO. COON ST. Tahoe SAND SQUAW CREEK POINT BOAT LAUNCH SIERRA NORTH Dollar Hill TAHOE CITY HARBOR Valley LAKE TAHOE VISTA SAND City BOAT CO. TAHOE RESORT AT MARINAS NORTH FOREST TAHOE CITY REC AREA HARBOR Tahoe SQUAW CREEK TAHOE SAND Alpine RESORT AT Dollar Hill NORTH CITY LAKE HARBOR TAHOE VISTA Tahoe City SQUAW CREEK TAHOE TAHOE TAHOE NV Dollar Hill RESORT AT CITY Meadows FOREST REC AREA LAKE TAHOE VISTA City Tahoe SQUAW CREEK Alpine Dollar MARINA Carson FOREST Hill RECTAHOE AREA LAKE TAHOE VISTA City Meadows Alpine CITY City Sunnyside FOREST TAHOE REC AREA MARINA BOAT RAMPS Carson AlpineMeadows CITY SUNNYSIDE TAHOE MARINA Carson City CITY Meadows Sunnyside il Spooner Lake a MARINA Tr Carson City Sunnyside SUNNYSIDE City il SUNNYSIDE Sunnyside ra GRAEAGLE MEADOWS

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Lake

HOMEWOOD

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Ta h o e R i m

Zephyr Cove CAVE ROCK Cave Rock South EDGEWOOD CAVE ROCK Lake Tahoe Zephyr Cove TAHOE EDGEWOOD CAVE ROCK Stateline Emerald Bay Average Water Temperature: 42.1˚F Zephyr CoveSouth TAHOE Fannette Island South Lake Tahoe Zephyr Cove SKI RUN Emerald Bay Lake Tahoe South Average Surface Water Temperature: 51.9˚F Fannette Island LAKESIDE Stateline Emerald Bay TAHOEEagle Lake Tahoe SKI RUN Fannette Island Stateline Lake KEYS Emerald Bay64.9˚F BIJOU SKI RUN Average Surface Temperature in July: Watershed Area: 312 square miles

CAMP RICHARDSON

Highest Peak: Freel Peak at 10,881 feet Average Snowfall: 409 Tr ail R i minches Ta h oe

Permanent Population: 66,000 T Ta h oe

aho e

CAMP RICHARDSON CAMP RICHARDSON Ta h o e R i m Tr ail

Cascade SKI RUN Lake TAHOE

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

Lake Clarity: 2019: 62.7 feet avg. depth.

1968: First recorded at 102.4 feet Average depth: 1,000 feet 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.

LAKE TAHOE AIRPORT

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’

Lake Tahoe is as long as the English Channel is wide.

Shoreline: 72 miles Lake Tahoe has a surface area of 191 square miles. If Lake Tahoe were emptied, it would submerge California under 15 inches of water.

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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.

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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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• Word After Word Bookshop • Gratitude Gifts • Mind Play

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Courtesy Purple Mountains

the outdoors | recreation | events | mountain life

Explore Kings Beach

BY B I K E

Jones’ premieres

S TO RY & P H OTO S BY K AY L A A N D E R S O N

I

n Tahoe’s longest summer ever, I’ve become accustomed to not leaving the house on the weekends. However, with an open art-studio tour organized by the locals that was going on a few miles away from my house recently in Carnelian Bay, I decided to venture out and say hi to the participating artists and explore Kings Beach by bike.

“Purple Mountains” In the new film, “Purple Mountains,” pro snowboarder Jeremy Jones seeks common ground about climate change in the heart of America’s purple states, one voter at a time. The virtual premiere event is on Sept. 16 at 5 p.m., featuring a live Q&A with Jones and director Josh Murphy.

There is a lot of action happening at Kings Beach State Recreation Area.

Watch the trailer at TheTahoeWeekly.com

Located smack dab in the middle of North Lake Tahoe, Kings Beach has everything to offer, including but not limited to gift shops, restaurants, gas stations, bars, a golf course and a miniature golf course, beaches, schools, hotels, coffee shops, an events center, convenience stores, adventure sports rental shops and a neighborhood in what’s known as The Grid. The best part about it is everything is within walking distance on the main street, Highway 28, aka, North Lake Tahoe Boulevard.

Kings Beach State Recreation Area on a summer Saturday.

Nicole Stirling’s Glow Booth.

The Robin’s Nest, one of the gift shops in Kings Beach.

The bustling town of Kings Beach starts at the intersection of Highways 267 and 28 where there’s a Safeway, Old Brockway Golf Course and North Tahoe Beach.

Turn left at the intersection and proceed into Kings Beach, which spans east to the California/Nevada border at Crystal Bay, Nev. One will pass a Rite-Aid, a couple of hotels and restaurants that serve everything from sushi to pizza, Mexican food and casual American fare. Two roundabouts help the flow of traffic into The Grid and over to Kings Beach State Recreation Area where parking costs $10 a vehicle.

6

Before I get into the main part of town, I veer left and go up Secline Street, riding my bike past ACE Hardware. I follow the pink signs to open art studios located in The Grid. I think back to yard sales, block parties and hiking trails I’ve been on throughout The Grid.

On this particular warm, sunny day, I end up at artist Nicole Stirling’s studio first where she offers lemonade for $1 a cup. After putting on 3-D glasses and checking out her glow-in-the-dark mandalas, I head over to Sara Smith’s studio on Steelhead. Next, I go to the opposite end of The Grid to visit a pet portrait/landscape artist and work my way back visiting a jewelry maker, a photographer and a potter. All artists are within about a block or two of each other.

After a few hours of riding my bike around The Grid, I head down toward the lake. It is hard to decide what to eat. I know from experience that The Grid Bar & Grill’s chicken burger is so good, but I eventually decide on a burrito from The Burrito Window and sit out front and people watch while the Beach Boys song “Kokomo” spills out from inside.

There is a lot of action happening at Kings Beach State Recreation Area; flaggers are at the roundabouts to help keep traffic moving and people safe.

What’s nice about being on a bicycle is that entry into most state parks is free and there’s plenty of sandy areas to post up and go for a swim. On this particular Saturday, the lake is busy with boaters, paddleboarders, kayakers, parasailers and people lined up at the North Tahoe Watersports kiosk to rent an experience out on Big Blue.

Riding my bike back lakeside, I think back to one Halloween when I paddled from Tahoe Vista to Kings Beach. I got a coffee at Java Hut and continued to Speedboat Beach. Once a group of us got paddleboards at Adrift Tahoe and followed that fun time up with a beach cleanup.

On my way out of town, I visit a couple more artist studios and am back home in three hours before the afternoon thunderstorms roll in, thinking about everything I accomplished on my 6.4-mile cruise from Carnelian Bay to Kings Beach and back. 

Professional snowboarder and mountaineer Jones has an intimate relationship with the outdoors. It’s his escape, his identity and his legacy. But over the course of his 45 years in the mountains, he’s seen things change: more extreme weather, fewer snow days and economic strain on mountain towns.

Motivated by an urge to protect the places he loves, Jones sets out on a physical and philosophical journey to find common ground with fellow outdoor people across diverse political backgrounds. He learns their hopes and fears while walking a mile in their shoes on the mountain and in the snow.

With intimacy and emotion set against breathtaking backdrops, “Purple Mountains” navigates America’s divide with a refreshing perspective. Registration is required and spots are limited. | Register purplemountainsfilm.com

events Tahoe Blue Crew Training Online training | Stateline | Sept. 16 10 a.m. Free | keeptahoeblue.org

The Tahoe Cup Lake Crossing Tahoe Waterman Paddle Racing Carnelian Bay | Sept. 19, 20

22 miles. 5 a.m.-4 p.m. | facebook.com

Free Outdoor Movie Nights Chicken in a Barrel South Lake Tahoe | Sept. 19, 20

8:45 p.m. Free | tahoesouth.com

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

September 16-22, 2020 GET OUTSIDE ADVERTISEMENT

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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

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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

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25-yard indoor/outdoor year-round pool. Lessons.

Opening TBD. BlueGo

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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

(530) 542-6056 | citiofslt.com

18-hole course at Incline Park at 980 Incline Way. Free. Daily dawn-dusk. TART

TRUCKEE

(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

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.

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SOUTH LAKE TAHOE Bijou Community Park features a skateboard park on Al Tahoe Boulevard off Highway 50. BlueGo

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

TAHOEDONNER.COM/SKISEASONPASSES

Community Recreation Center offers 29’ climbing wall & 12’ bouldering wall. All ages & levels. Lessons available. Opening TBD. TART

(530) 546-4212 | northtahoeparks.com

TRUCKEE

LEARN MORE + BUY NOW AT

(530) 582-7720 | tdrpd.com

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

Purchase Now and Receive Buddy Passes, Discounts + More

(530) 582-7720 | tdrpd.com

ROCK CLIMBING WALLS

KIRKWOOD

Free Ski Days at Neighboring Resorts Restrictions apply

(800) 403-0206 | squawalpine.com

INCLINE VILLAGE

(775) 832-1300 | inclinerecreation.com

No Blackout Dates at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort or Cross Country Ski Center

20 years

e o h a T u o y k Th a n Celebrating 20 Years

of service to the Lake Tahoe Boating Community

(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 18 holes at Sierra College Campus. Free. Daily dawndusk. TART

ZEPHYR COVE The Zephyr Cove course is 18 holes covering 5,256 feet with holes of varying lengths. On Warrior Way. BlueGo

Call (530) 546-5995, ext. 110, to be listed in Summer Fun.

Call Steve at (775) 287-1089

for our full service, low rate guarantee.

TahoeBoatManagement.com 7

TheTahoeWeekly.com

8

September 16-22, 2020 FEATURE

MICROPLASTICS: TAHOE’S TINIEST TRASH S TO RY BY P R I YA H UT N E R | P H OTO S C O U R T E SY D E S E R T R E S E A R C H I N S T I T UT E

t starts with a cigarette butt tossed on the sand, or an abandoned dog poop bag, a water EDITOR’S NOTE: : This is the fourth

bottle cast aside near the water’s

part in a series covering the tourism

edge. Each of these items threaten

impacts that locals and visitors alike

the water quality of Lake Tahoe and

have experienced this summer. Read Part I, “Tahoe’s tourism tipping point,” Part II, “Grappling with garbage & grievances,” and Part III “Trash kills bears” at TheTahoeWeekly.com

other pristine bodies of water in the Tahoe Sierra. When cigarette butts, plastic bags, water bottles and other garbage break down, they are re-

Arienzo adds that scientists have even found evidence of microplastics in the atmosphere.

“Studies have shown that rainfall can contain microplastics, and our work has shown that the snowpack itself can contain back microplastics, so when the snow falls, it can have plastic falling with it,” says Arienzo.

“Synthetic fibers that are either woven into clothing, upholstery, can enter the waterways or even the air,” explains Meghan Collins, education program manager at DRI. DRI, UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC), Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID), the League to Save Lake Tahoe and Clean Up the Lake are all working on reducing litter that ultimately become microplastics.

duced into smaller pieces called microplastics and pollute the water.

Microplastics have been found in the oceans, lakes and water bodies around the globe, in drinking water and now they are in Lake Tahoe.

OPPOSITE Only a small fraction of the trash and plasticpulled from Lake Tahoe.

RIGHT Microplastics collected during a trawl of Lake Tahoe and documented in a petri dish.

Microplastics are an emerging field of science and the Reno, Nev.-based Desert Research Institute (DRI) is one of the organizations at the forefront of studying microplastics.

“We define microplastics as smaller than the size of a pencil eraser or less than 5 millimeters to about 1 micron, which is about the size of a bacteria. It’s the breakdown of larger pieces of plastic, what we call macroplastics, that can break down into these smaller pieces of plastic,” explains Monica Arienzo, lab director at DRI. “For example, we can think about the human activity that’s happening on Lake Tahoe. Somebody is driving their boat around the lake. Their Styrofoam cooler flies off and into the lake or people who put their cigarette butts out along the beach, which breaks down into smaller pieces of plastic,” says Arienzo.

FIGHTING THE LITTER In an effort to clean up Lake Tahoe, the nonprofit League to Save Lake Tahoe hosts clean up days where volunteers pick up litter along the beaches, much of which could turn into microplastics.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

“A lot of the broken-down trash found is cigarette butts and single-use plastics. And 98 percent of cigarettes have plastic fibers in the filters and are plastics themselves. They don’t biodegrade, and in their broken-down state, the plastic is really toxic. It leaches out chemicals in the water,” explains Marilee Movius, community engagement manager for the League.

Thirty percent of all the litter the organization collected from its cleanup efforts was plastic. When people litter on beaches, it can eventually make its way into the Lake Tahoe and nearby waterways.

“Since 2014, the League to Save Lake Tahoe has been instrumental in implementing solutions such as supporting the plastic bag ban in 2015 and the polystyrene ban in 2018 in the South Lake Tahoe city limits,” explains Morvius.

“In 2018, we collected 19,819 butts at cleanup events. In 2019, that figure was 21,969. From 2019 through today, we’ve collected 9,215 cigarette butts through our [cigarette] canister program,” says Chris Joseph, The League’s communications manager. The League has distributed 250 cigarette canisters in high traffic areas around Lake Tahoe in an effort to divert cigarette butts from being tossed onto the ground and leaching toxic chemicals into the environment or ending up as microplastics.

Clean Up the Lake, a nonprofit environmental organization that coordinates cleanup efforts, is currently focused on Lake Tahoe and Donner Lake. The organization dives for garbage that eventually will break down into microplastics. Volunteers recently completed a cleanup along Lake Tahoe retrieving 2,248 lbs. of garbage in a 6-mile stretch in 6 days.

“We’re going to be cleaning Tahoe for years to come,” says Colin West, founder and executive director of Clean Up the Lake, noting that they couldn’t retrieve heavier items including a 100-lb. anchor, construction metal, pieces of boats and abandoned buoys markers.

“It is somewhat comparative to Donner Lake, where we collected 3,700 pounds in 10 days in only 3 miles.

Donner is definitely dirty per mile,” says West of volunteer work earlier this summer. Clean Up the Lake’s efforts have yielded rubber tires, shoes, hats, old boom boxes and all manner of trash in both Lake Tahoe and Donner Lake.

Desert Research Institute | dri.edu

According to Sadye Easler, program manager for Clean Up the Lake, the organization uses an archeological application called Wild Note to mark the heavy items and tag the GPS locations enabling them to go back and retrieve the items later.

“We noticed we had a lot of large accumulation of trash in areas along the Nevada side of [Lake Tahoe].

We will be returning to clean up the things that we weren’t able to pull out,” says Easler.

Clean Up the Lake plans to finish cleaning up the south side of Donner Lake in the next few weeks and will conduct a few more dives in Lake Tahoe this fall.

They will complete a 72-mile clean-up effort around Lake Tahoe next year.

League to Save Lake Tahoe | keeptahoeblue.org

UNDERSTANDING MICROPLASTICS

CONNECT California Water Boards | waterboards.ca.gov Citizen Science Tahoe app citizensciencetahoe.org/home Clean Up the Lake | cleanupthelake.org

Tahoe Environmental Research Center tahoe.ucdavis.edu Tahoe Institute of Natural Science | tinsweb.org

KAYAK FOR SCIENCE TERC will host a day kayaking trips from Sept. 20 to 26 in support of the Citizen Science Tahoe. Using the app, participants will collect valuable water quality, algal growth and microplastics data. Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com for the itinerary. | Register hmsegale@ ucdavis.edu, amyshyakova@ucdavis.edu

10

The California Water Boards, a collective of state and regional water agencies, recently designated microplastics as an emerging contaminant, and will conduct research and studies to ensure that the state’s drinking water is safe. Arienzo adds that there are also a number of research projects being conducted to reduce the microplastics in the water included better recycling programs, wastewater treatment processes that reduce microplastics and a program that explores microbes that eat plastics. Arienzo also mentions efforts being made by Patagonia and REI to minimize microplastics in clothing.

Collins suggests there are several ways people can stop items from becoming microplastics. Don’t use single-use plastics like plastic water bottles and plastic bags. Install filters on washing machines to prevent microplastics from synthetic clothing from going down the drain, empty the lint catcher in the dryer frequently and buy clothing made from natural fibers like wool and cotton.

In 2018, TERC gathered several samples of sand from different beaches around Lake Tahoe and found microplastics in every beach sample. TERC is currently engaged in a yearlong study on microplastics funded by the Nevada Dept. of Environmental Protection.

“The study explores where the plastics end up in the Lake [Tahoe],” explains Katie Senft, staff researcher for TERC. The study will examine five aspects of Lake Tahoe – the surface of the water, the different depths of the water, the sediment on the lake floor, drinking water and aquatic life, specifically Asian clams and kokanee salmon, which Senft says are indicators of species that might have microplastics in its system.

TERC has also introduced a program that engages the community in efforts to help save Lake Tahoe.

The Citizen Scientist Tahoe app is an education and outreach application that engages the public to make observations about lake quality, garbage and detect algae blooms.

“The microplastics research group at DRI is unique because we’re a group of scientists and educators seeking to involve people in science from the very beginning. In doing so, we could help to build community member understanding. People are involved in monitoring microplastics stormwater and outflows from dryer vents. So as people monitor their community, it helps build their awareness. It also helps us as scientists understand community members’ perceptions and motivations for being involved in the solutions because we are a solution-oriented,” explains Collins.

ABOVE Trawling on Lake Tahoe to collect microplastics and other trash.

September 9-15, 2020 FEATURE

GEAR FOR EVERY

ADVENTURE Second Truckee Location Now open!

THE IMPACT “We still don’t know all the impacts of microplastics. We’ve seen the pictures of whales and turtles and other aquatic life with their guts full of macroplastics. We know microplastics are in the environment.

We’ve got to understand where [microplastics] are at in the food web,” says Dr. John Umek at DRI. He also says DRI scientists don’t know the full impact on humans yet either.

Will Richardson of Tahoe Institute of Science points out that the impact of garbage on humans is concerning, especially when it comes to microplastics.

“Any plastic trash is going to have Endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can affect our hormones, may cause cancer, or mess with things like reproductive rates and behavioral stuff.

A lot of these chemicals are occurring on the landscape at pretty high levels that are no good for us at all. They need to be contained and managed in some way and not just strewn about everywhere. You wouldn’t think a plastic bag thrown out of a car could cause that much damage, but it can,” says Richardson.

All of the researchers agree that the need to reduce garbage in the environment is essential, so it doesn’t end up as microplastics in local waterways impacting drinking water, wildlife or aquatic species. The proper disposal of cigarette butts and litter is imperative, and they encourage making informed choices like reducing or eliminating the use of single-use plastics, choosing natural fiber clothing and maintaining washers and dryers. 

ABOVE Diving for trash during the making of the film “Making a Difference” | Courtesy Dylan Silver INSET Meghan Collins and Monica Arienzo in the lab.

A petri dish with microplastic samples taken from Lake Tahoe.

REPORT LITTER El Dorado County Eastern Slope area | (530 573-3450, edcgov.us Douglas County Code Enforcement Office | (775) 782-6214, douglascountynv.gov Nevada County Illegal dumping | (530) 265-7111, mynevadacounty.com

11320 Donner Pass Rd. | Truckee, CA 10001 Soaring Way #105 | Truckee, CA

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

ALL RIDES ARE FREE!

South Tahoe Refuse | (530) 541-5105, southtahoerefuse.com

Just hop on the bus.

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

TART Daily Regional Routes TART Night Service TART Truckee Local Route

Covid-19: Social distancing and safety precautions are in place to keep riders and drivers safe.

TahoeTruckeeTransit.com 11

TheTahoeWeekly.com

Marinas & Boat Ramps

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Call (530) 546-5995, ext. 110, to be listed in Marinas.

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OBEXER’S Homewood | (530) 525-7962 | obexersboat.com

Power boats & jet skis

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Power boats & pontoons

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TAHOE CITY MARINA Marina & Rentals: (530) 583-1039 Service: (530) 581-2516 | tahoecitymarina.com

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BOAT INSPECTIONS MANDATORY INSPECTIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR LAKE TAHOE, ECHO LAKES, FALLEN LEAF LAKE, DONNER LAKE, AREA RESERVOIRS & WEBBER LAKE.

Courtesy TCDA

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Office: (530) 525-5966 | Service: (530) 525-3373 homewoodmarina.net

REPAIRS

HOMEWOOD HIGH & DRY MARINA

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Power boats & jet skis

RENTALS

TRAILER PARKING

SLIP/BUOY RENTALS

MARINAS

RESTROOMS

*Restrictions vary by location. Call in advance to check schedules.

Explorathon kicks off Tahoe City Downtown Association is hosting the inaugural Explorathon, a month-long digital activity challenge from Sept. 19 to Oct. 18.

LAKE TAHOE

(888) 824-6267 | tahoeboatinspections.com | Stations open by appointment only at tahoeboatinspections.com.

NORTH SHORE LAKE FOREST: Lake Forest Rd. | ALPINE MEADOWS: Hwy. 89 at Alpine Meadows Rd. TRUCKEE TRUCKEE-TAHOE AIRPORT: Hwy. 267 off Airport Rd., Truckee.

EAST SHORE CAVE ROCK: Hwy. 50. | SPOONER SUMMIT: Junction of Hwys. 28 & 50. No vessels more than 30’.

SOUTH SHORE MEYERS: At the junction of Hwys. 89 & 50.

TRUCKEE AREA

(530) 582-2361 | truckeeboatinspections.com Mandatory self inspections are required for all vessels for Donner Lake at inspection stations above. (530) 582-7724.

Mandatory self inspections are in place at Prosser, Boca, Jackson Meadows & Stampede reservoirs.

CALIFORNIA BOATER CARD CALIFORNIA REQUIRES BOAT OPERATORS TO PASS A MANDATORY BOAT SAFETY EDUCATION COURSE. This law will be phased in over eight years by age. | californiaboatercard.com

PUBLIC RAMPS LAKE TAHOE

LAKE FOREST

(530) 583-3796

1.5 miles east of Tahoe City, off Hwy. 28

TAHOE VISTA REC. AREA (530) 546-4212 Hwy. 28, Bottom of National Ave.

COON ST. BOAT LAUNCH (530) 583-3075 Hwy. 28, Bottom of Coon St. in Kings Beach

SAND HARBOR

(775) 831-0494

Hwy. 28, 2 miles south of Incline Village

CAVE ROCK

(775) 831-0494

Sun. only Sept. 18-20 & Sept. 25-27. Closes Sept. 27 for the season.

Picnic area, beach, restrooms.

Call for schedule. Restrooms.

(530) 542-2981

Hwy. 50 at Lakeview Ave., South Lake Tahoe

Closed for the season. Picnic area, restrooms.

AREA LAKES

BOCA/STAMPEDE RSVR.

(530) 587-3558 I-80, Hirschdale exit

DONNER LAKE

(530) 582-7720

I-80, Donner Lake exit

INDEPENDENCE LAKE

(775) 322-4990

Independence Lake Rd., 20 miles north of Truckee

PROSSER RSVR.

(530) 587-3558

Hwy. 89, 2 miles north of Truckee

WEBBER LAKE

(530) 582-4711

Henness Pass Rd., 26 miles north of Truckee

Participants can complete the challenges at his or her own pace and will be able to track progress on the event leaderboard and have a chance to win weekly prizes.

Teams can participate for a weekend or the entire month for a chance at the grand prize, selected by raffle at the end of the challenge.

While many of the challenges will encourage outdoor exploration, some will include indoor activities, and all will be family-friendly. To participate, teams must download the free GooseChase app (available for Android and iOS), create a team within the app and start completing challenges.

Thanks to generous sponsor support, participation in the Tahoe City Explorathon is free, but a $10 donation per person to Tahoe City Downtown Association is encouraged to support future events. | visittahoecity.org/explorathon

6 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. Picnic area, beach, Visitors’ Center, food, restrooms.

Sealed boats only.

6 a.m.-8 p.m. Picnic area, restrooms.

Hwy. 50, East Shore

EL DORADO BEACH

Mon.-Thurs. 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Fri.-Sun. 6 a.m.-8 p.m. $15-$20. Pass available. Restrooms.

One-way exit only after closing.

Teams consisting of 2 to 6 people, of all ages, can sign up to participate in challenges that encourage adventure, team bonding, discovery of new places within the community and support for local businesses. Teams will earn points for completing chosen adventures and documenting the challenges using the free GooseChase scavenger hunt app. Challenges vary from easy to athletic and will include posting photos, videos, GPS check-ins and correctly answering trivia questions.

45 mph speed limit. No launching fee. $10 parking. Subject to closure during low water levels. Mandatory inspections.

Call for schedule. 2 boat lanes, fish cleaning station, restrooms.

Restricted to on-site watercraft: kayaks, tubes & small motor boats available on first-come, first-served basis until Oct. 1 at no charge. No outside craft. Boat schedule at nature.org.

10 mph speed limit strictly enforced. No fees for parking or launching.

Mandatory inspections.

5 mph speed limit. Boat ramp & trailer parking. Self inspection required.

Sierra County Inspection form at sierracounty.ca.gov.

PUBLIC PIERS Public piers are free, but have limited space; often limited to loading and unloading.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

Guided Hike, Loch Levon Lakes Loch Levon trail | Soda Springs | Sept. 19

Distance is about 6 to 8 miles roundtrip and can be strenuous in parts. 9 a.m. Free | (530) 448-1643, carmencarr.com

The Chinese: Heroes of the Transcontinental Railroad SSPF on Facebook | Truckee | Sept. 19

Discussion. 5-6:30 p.m. Free | (530) 5839911, facebook.com

Tahoe’s Trash Pick Up Challenge Area venues | South Lake Tahoe | Sept. 19

A physically distanced, RSVP-only cleanup event, where to remove trash from various waterw Free | false, tahoesouth.com

DONNER LAKE

DONNER LAKE

I-80, Donner Lake exit

37 public piers on north shore from the boat ramp east. Fenced piers are private.

LAKE TAHOE

GAR WOODS

Carnelian Bay

KINGS BEACH

Bottom of Coon St.

SKYLANDIA PARK

Lake Forest

Access to restaurant, small beaches. Restrooms.

Busy pier adjacent to town, public beach, picnic sites. Restrooms.

Small beach, picnic facilities. Restrooms.

KASPIAN PICNIC AREA West Shore

Between Tahoe City and Homewood. Picnic area, beach. Restrooms.

GROVE STREET

Open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Located east of Commons Beach. Restrooms at Commons Beach.

Center of Tahoe City

SUGAR PINE POINT 12

Tahoma

Hiking, Ehrman Mansion tours, nature trail. Restrooms.

Tahoe City Explorathon Downtown Tahoe City | Sept. 19-Oct. 18

The Tahoe City Explorathon is a month-long digital activity challenge-based event. Free | visittahoecity.org

Tahoe Big Blue Adventure Challenge Big Blue Adventure | Tahoe City | Sept. 20

Participating teams will complete in an 8-hour maximum time format. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | facebook.com

Kings Beach Clean Vibe Crew Kings Beach State Recreation Area | Sept. 21

Every Monday morning (socially distanced).

“Come for the trash, stay for the donuts.”

8-10 a.m. Free | facebook.com

Bilingual Preschool Storytime Truckee Library | Truckee | Sept. 21 10 a.m. Free | (530) 582-7846

Baby Storytime on Facebook Truckee Library | Sept. 21

Join Miss Amy for songs, books, and early literacy tips for babies during this Facebook Live event. Free | facebook.com

LEGO Challenge on Facebook Live Truckee Library | Truckee | Sept. 22

4-4:30 p.m. Free | facebook.com/nevadacountylibrary, mynevadacounty.com

Kayak Lake Tahoe for Citizen Science Tahoe

Draft State Route 89 Corridor Plan Webinar

Area venues | Incline Village | Sept. 20-26

Webinar | South Lake Tahoe | Sept. 22

Collect valuable water quality, algal growth and microplastics data. Pre-registration required. 7:30 a.m. Free | tahoe.ucdavis.edu

Announcement of the availability of the Draft State Route 89 Recreation Corridor Management Plan. Public input will be available through September. 5:30-7 p.m. Free | trpa.org

September 16-22, 2020 HISTORY

Peter Lassen:

MARK’S COLUMN IS

SPONSORED BY

AN AMBITIOUS TRAILBLAZER W H O G O T L O S T, P A R T I I

S

imilar to other flawed trailblazers chronicled in the annals of U.S. Western history, charlatans such as Lansford Hastings and Stephen Meek, Peter Lassen was not really a bad guy. But like the others he also made a rookie and impetuous mistake by not scoping out a new trail himself before risking the lives of others, especially young families with women and children unprepared for extreme hardship.

It was a common trait among commercial opportunists those days when viable shortcuts were readily adopted by trail-weary wagon trains.

Veteran trappers and mountain men turned guides such as James Clyman, Joseph Chiles and Joseph Walker, to name a few, understood the lay of the land from years of exploration. They could communicate with Indians and they had the tools, aptitude and skills for brute survival. Still, even these luminaries, on occasion, barely escaped with their lives. With the demise of the beaver and fur trade in the 1830s, men of that caliber found work as hired professionals that could safely guide wagon trains on rough trails during the 1840s migrations to the Pacific Coast. It was prosperous work until the California Gold Rush changed the dynamics and the trail west became a crowded free-for-all.

Danish pioneer Lassen owned an immense cattle ranch of 34 square miles on the Sacramento River in far northern California. His Rancho Bosquero land grant was more than four times the size of the state of New Jersey and he wanted emigrants to buy 160-acre homesteads from him to settle the land. Unfortunately, his property was too far north of the California Trail and too far south of the Oregon Trail for him to benefit substantially from either. A reliable tract that branched off from the California Trail and led northwest directly to his rancho was required.

To blaze that new route, Lassen should have traveled east from his ranch and explored the rugged country he intended to lead wagons through. Instead, he headed 90 miles south to John Sutter’s Fort, where in July 1847, Lassen joined a small American military detachment on its way east via Donner Pass.

The well-known Truckee route was a difficult, but established trail that most westbound emigrant families took, despite its notorious legacy from the tragic 1846 Donner Party. A small minority of pioneers used the Santa Fe Trail through the desert southwest into southern California. Soon, however, the formerly dominant Truckee route would play second fiddle to the Carson Trail, which followed the Carson River toward South Lake Tahoe and then west. It may seem counterintuitive, but the discovery of Carson Pass was accomplished from the west by remnants of the Mormon Battalion, which was heading east to Salt Lake City in Utah Territory. The military unit had been volunteered by church leader Brigham Young to serve in the MexicanAmerican War as a show of loyalty to the United States government. These 45 Mormon men spent two weeks moving boulders and cutting trees in a notable feat of pioneer road building. They hauled

Part of Lassen’s Ranch.

18 wagons over Carson Pass and made their way to the California Trail. It was this group that first spread the exciting news to westbound adventurers that gold had been discovered in California.

In Missouri, Peter Lassen struggled to convince people to follow him on the new (but still nonexistent) cutoff to his ranch, a shortcut that he had never seen.

After the opening of Carson Pass, the slightly easier crossing siphoned wagons from the Truckee route during the 1850s Gold Rush until the early 1860s when a rough road was constructed over Donner Pass to accommodate the near-constant freight wagon traffic between Sacramento and Nevada Territory’s booming Comstock mines at Virginia City. The California Trail can be compared to a long rope with frayed ends. Multiple routes fed into the main

Photo Credit | Photographer?

S TO RY & P H OTO S BY M A R K M c L AU G H L I N

road from frontier supply towns on the Missouri River at the east end and then, after the bulk of the journey was completed, various strands at its western end led to different trails for the final approach over the Sierra Nevada into California. These alternative routes started near the Humboldt Sink, terminus of the Humboldt River.

In Missouri, Lassen struggled to convince people to follow him on the new (but still nonexistent) cutoff to his ranch. Like Hastings and Meek, it was a shortcut that he had never seen. Lassen’s reckless confidence bordered on insanity. Although a total of 2,335 emigrants had traveled west to California along the Humboldt River route since 1841, it was still a primitive, dangerous trail. The year before Lassen’s journey, 24 emigrants had been killed by Indians. It was also only the second time the prosperous millwright and cattleman had seen the desolate region, having first reached California via the Oregon Trail and by ship in 1840.

Testament to Lassen’s strong-willed but flawed character was given by his friend, John Bidwell, a California pioneer who traveled overland in 1841 and became a noted soldier, statesman, politician and philanthropist. He stated, “Peter was a singular man, very industrious, very ingenious and very fond of pioneering — in fact, of the latter stubbornly so. He had great confidence in his own power as a woodsman, but, strangely enough, he always got lost.”

After its confluence with the Little Humboldt River, an ephemeral stream that reduced to a trickle during the hot, dry summer months, the Humboldt

MARKETPLACE

LOCATED IN

TAHOE CITY, TRUCKEE, SQUAW VALLEY & KINGS BEACH TahoeDaves.com

River turned southwest. Fifty miles on — about 22 miles northeast of present-day Lovelock, Nev. — sojourners reached a large meadow at the edge of the Black Rock Desert, the last good grazing until the Humboldt Sink. This was the turnoff for the perilous Applegate Trail to Oregon and the first leg of Lassen’s hoped-for cutoff to his ranch. To the uninitiated, the vast, level playa seemed like a good place to detour to the northwest to outflank the high peaks and passes of the central Sierra Crest. It soon became known as Lassen Meadows and the detour to Lassen’s Trail.

In May 1848, the legendary trapper, James Clyman, left Missouri with the first of several wagon trains heading west that year. There were only about 400 Californiabound settlers on the road that season — the war with Mexico scared some off while others joined their state’s volunteer militia.

Crucially, there was no word of gold yet.

Read Part I of Mark’s story on Peter Lassen at TheTahoeWeekly.com Ten days after Clyman’s departure, Lassen took charge of a small company with 10 wagons. After a relatively uneventful journey, Lassen reached the Applegate turnoff. There they let the oxen graze in the grassy oasis at the edge of the Black Rock playa before heading out. Near the approach to southeastern Oregon, Lassen led the wagons off the marked trail and headed south to Goose Lake, which straddles the Oregon/California border. Within two days, it became apparent that the confident trailblazer was completely lost.

Read the conclusion in the next edition and at TheTahoeWeekly.com.  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.

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THE makers

Email news to editor@tahoethisweek.com

creative awareness | arts & culture | the makers movement

Trails & Vistas DEBUTS ART HIKE FILM S TO RY BY K AY L A A N D E R S O N | P H OTO S BY J E F F E N G E R B R ET S O N , C O U R T E SY T R A I LS & V I S TAS

L

ike many arts events that’ve been canceled or gone virtual this year due to COVID-19, the beloved Trails & Vistas art hikes and performances have also gone virtual marking the first time the art hike will be presented as a film.

In July 2020, past Trails & Vistas musicians, poets and dancers began filming a virtual art hike titled “Full Circle.” This 40-minute film will be released on Sept.

18. It will feature a few of Trails & Vistas favorite venues where the art hikes have taken place over the last 17 years.

“We held off as long as we could and eventually decided to shift this year’s art hike to a virtual event. The art sites that we chose are more visual to give viewers the experience of being out there with the musician or poet and noticing natural elements along the way, like the granite rocks and twisted junipers,” says Nancy Tieken Lopez, founder and artistic director of Trails & Vistas.

Lopez is hoping that the funds generated from the film will help the nonprofit arts organization stay alive through this year so it can resume its regular art hikes and World Concert in 2021.

Calling all fiction writers for an opportunity to win cash prizes in High Sierra Writers’ 2020 writing competition. Choose among three categories – flash fiction, short story and first chapter of a novel. Every contestant may enter each category twice.

Entries will be judged by professionals and the winners will receive feedback.

ABOVE: InnerRhythms Dance alumni Nicky Shindler

in the blackbird dress at a 2009 art hike.

LEFT: Singer and songwriter Emily Tessmer in white

wings at a 2013 art hike.

“FULL CIRCLE” Available Sept. 18-Oct. 18 $20 adult or family | $15 student

Movie tickets cost $15 per student and $20 per adult or family. The price buys the attendee access to the film to view at home on or after Sept. 18 until Oct. 18. Those going through financial hardship can email Lopez for information on how to gain access to the flick.

“I want everyone to have access to this film at a time when it’s needed the most,” she says.

Some of the highlights of “Full Circle” include performances by harpist Motoshi Kosako, Truckee ballerina Leigh Collins and local musicians Emily Tessmer and Danny Strurtevant. Many of the musicians are paired up with InnerRhythms Dance, a group that has been involved with Trails & Vistas since its inception.

“A few of these dancers were 12 years old when they started performing with us in 2004. Now they’re adults. That’s one of the reasons why this film is called ‘Full Circle,’ it symbolizes where Trails & Vistas began to where it is now, as well as the seedlings growing up into trees that continue nourishing the environment,” Lopez says.

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Writing contest open

Likewise, filming “Full Circle” was nourishing for the artists involved; many expressed to Lopez about being thrilled to contribute their creative talents during these crazy times.

“When we were out filming InnerRhythms founder Elizabeth Archer said, ‘This is feeding my soul,’” Lopez says. “It’s important to get out and do something creative for the community. Everyone is craving the arts and music.”

When asked if there are any silver linings to producing a virtual art hike rather than hosting it live, Lopez says: “It’s about what the artists shared with me, giving voice to what we do, feeding into that social function of art and giving back with a focus on the connection with the land around you. It’s taught me to simplify things, be grateful for this land, friends and family and this collaboration over the last 17 years. I’ve recognized the strength of friendship with these artists.”

This has also given Lopez the opportunity to shift from being the artistic director to one of the artists.

“I was able to make sculptural pieces for the film. It’s fun to work in a different art medium again. I had all of these ideas sitting in a red folder that I’ve wanted to do for years and I could finally make them happen,” she says.

Lopez created three life-size encaustic wax dresses, each of them symbolizing something that meant a lot to her while creating Trails & Vistas. For instance, one of the dresses, called “Cold Mountain Poems,” is named after two Buddhist monks who, in 700 A.D., would write down poems on landmarks and then disappear.

“It opened my eyes to how I could take my artwork out to the trails and not have that direct connection to the artist,” she

“ It opened my eyes to how I could take my artwork out to the trails and not have that direct connection to the artist.”

–Nancy Tieken Lopez says. “I believe the arts are essential; I’m grateful for the California Arts Council matching grant that’s helping us hang on.

If people buy a movie ticket that will really help keep our local arts alive, too.”

For a $100 donation people get a film ticket and an art vessel mailed to them that of sensory items to enjoy while watching the film. | Tickets trailsandvistas.org 

High Sierra Writers exists to help writers to continue to develop his or her skills. The contest is open to anyone 16 or older and entries must be received by Oct. 15. A fee of $10 for flash fiction and $15 per short story, and $15 per first chapter is required for each entry. Winners will be announced at the December High Sierra Writers’ meeting. | Details highsierrawriters.org.

Explore Tahoe’s vibrant arts scene

at TheTahoeWeekly.com

the art s Call for Artist Submissions Glass Garage Collective Stateline | Sept. 16-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

Virtual Art Hike “Full Circle” Virtual | Tahoe City | Sept. 18-Oct. 1

The Full Circle film takes the viewer on a lush and exquisite journey through the Trails and Vistas art hikes and will transport viewers to the heart of the Sierra mountains through the combination of nature, art, poetry, music, and dance. | trailsandvistas.org

Writers in the Woods Sierra Nevada University Incline Village | Sept. 18

SNC Tahoe’s Writers in the Woods brings well-known poets and writers from all over the country to the campus for intimate readings and workshops, where audience members can meet and exchange ideas with the guest writers virtually. | (775) 831-1314, sierranevada.edu

THE lineup live music | shows | nightlife

September 16-22, 2020 THE LINEUP

festivals | entertainment

Greathouse of Dance C H A N G I N G L I V E S T H ROU G H M OV E M E N T

l i ve

S TO RY BY S E A N M c A L I N D I N

D

ance is more than body movement. It is the embodiment of one’s very soul.

“Your life and dance reflect each other,” says dance educator Brandon Greathouse.

“If you’re a peaceful person, it shows up in your dance. If you’re unsettled in life, it shows up in your dance. I help people balance their lives.”

Greathouse is the director of The Greathouse of Dance on Front Street in Old Town Sacramento where he teaches hip-hop and breakdancing. For the past five years, he’s also been commuting to InnerRhythms Dance nonprofit dance studio twice a week to work with local youth.

SEPTEMBER 17 | THURSDAY Live Music Under the Tent Bar of America, Truckee, 8-11 p.m.

Open Mic Classic Cue, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 18 | FRIDAY Live Music Gar Woods Lake Tahoe, Carnelian Bay, 7-10 p.m.

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

“I want students to learn

SEPTEMBER 19 | SATURDAY

that they can use dance Sunsets Live Music Series Village at Squaw, Olympic Valley, 5-7 p.m.

and movement to express their emotions,

Live Music Gar Woods Lake Tahoe, Carnelian Bay, 7-10 p.m.

feelings and views. I try to give them the tools,

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

so they can best express themselves through their movement.”

–Brandon Greathouse “I fell in love with the kids, the parents and way of life in Truckee and never stopped coming,” he says. “I love the community here. When I heard they were going to close down, I didn’t want that to happen.

I stepped up so we could keep it going.”

He’s now opening a Greathouse of Dance in Truckee after Executive Director Elizabeth Archer decided to shutter InnerRhythms’ Donner Pass Road studio in light of the pandemic. The longstanding nonprofit plans to remain active as a creative entity and has already helped secure funding for Greathouse to take over its educational programming and dance space.

“The goal is to get people back to dancing and help them get some of the mental frustration out,” he says. “There are a lot of people going through it right now because they are stuck and lost. It’s good to get people’s mental health back to a safe place.

We want to be able to offer that to the community and the parents.”

This fall, Greathouse of Dance plans to provide in-person, physical distanced classes in ballet, contemporary dance, hiphop, jazz, tap and DJing.

“I want to give students a safe place to grow and to learn and discover who they are,” says Greathouse. “I started off in the dance community learning everyone else’s

style and trying to match them. Ten years in, I had to learn who I was and how I dance. It was a long process of understanding how to express myself the way I move.

I want students to learn that they can use dance and movement to express their emotions, feelings and views. I try to give them the tools, so they can best express themselves through their movement.”

Greathouse first learned to dance after a Hawaiian crew performed at his church when he was 12. He trained with California youth crews Boogie Monstarz and Press P.L.A.Y., which stands for passion, youth, art, love.” His own students have gone on to dance with Beyoncé, Justin Bieber and world-touring phenoms Jabbawockeez, who performed on “America’s Got Talent” and during the NBA Finals.

“Just watching the way everything falls into place, it’s crazy inspiring,” he says. “To see them go from kids dancing in a studio to ‘[Randy Jackson Presents] America’s Best Dance Crew,’ I started seeing the power of what we do.”

As an artist, Greathouse specializes in a style called beats manipulation.

“It’s a technical term for trying to create a visual interpretation of what you hear audibly,” he says. “The basics of it were taken from the philosophy of Bruce Lee. It’s basically having the style be no style.

Everything is useful at the right moment when necessary. When you eliminate a style, you can express yourself at the highest level without limitations.”

Brandon “Knowbody” Greathouse taps into his students’ inner spirit to create inspiring dance and change lives.

Before coronavirus hit, Greathouse was scheduled to host a national tour of NBC’s “World of Dance.”

“Everything happens for a reason,” he says. “I don’t want the legacy of dance to end with me. I want to be able to pass it on to the next generation who takes it on with the same love and passion. If you can express yourself regardless of what’s going on in the world, you’ll always have peace.

I will always keep spreading love and helping people upgrade their lives.”

What inspires Greathouse most is seeing his students grow and change their lives for the better through dance.

Major Motion Pictures · Independent Films Live Music · Dance Performances

Find more local music

at TheTahoeWeekly.com

Our pop-up drive-in runs Thursdays-Sundays through October.

“You can tell when they’ve had a bad day at school,” he says. “They’re just not with it. Once the music hits, all of that is gone.

They feel it. I feel it. It’s healing for everyone.” | greathouseofdancetruckee.com 

Lumineers: Live From the Artists Den

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.

Stevie Nicks 24k Gold

Sept. 17-20

Matchstick Productions’ ‘Huck Yeah’ Sept. 23-26

The Dark Divide Oct. 1-4

Oct. 21 & 25

Visit TahoeArtHausCinema.com for showtimes, schedule, events + tkts THE COBBLESTONE CENTER 475 N LAKE BLVD., TAHOE CITY, CA | 530-584-2431

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Horoscopes Puzzles

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Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22) A steady march forward continues. While practical considerations are featured, your focus may also be directed to emotional and spiritual concerns and interests. Sublimating physical desires and redirecting the energy to more constructive activities is likely.

Getting clear about who are the most important people in your life and how you can best relate to them continues. While this focus will include those in your personal life, it may include your public outreach, as well. To this end, you are willing to do some research and make what investments you deem necessary. Your focus is practical, and you want results.

Aries (Mar 21-Apr 20) Your ruling planet, Mars, now retrograde will synchronize with a shift in your approach. Where you have likely been charging ahead over the past few months, now you are likely to proceed with more caution. At worst, this could leave you feeling impatient, frustrated, and insecure. Other factors encourage you to take a diplomatic approach, especially in your love life.

Taurus (Apr 20-May 21) Balancing the urge for inner retreat and outer expression continues. The latter may find its most satisfying outlet in the company of friends. The middle ground could be achieved with more intimate encounters as opposed to large and loud gatherings.

Scorpio (Oct 22-Nov 21) You may be feeling extra protective of your sense of individuality these days. You more than most already feel very determined to honor your unique style and approach no matter what others think about you.

And you are not much in the mood to have to explain yourself, either.

Sagittarius (Nov 21-Dec 21) Practical concerns and considerations are uppermost on your mind these days. Financial matters are high on the list and will include knowledge regarding making investments. However, you are also in the mood to socialize more, as if all of a sudden. This focus includes cultural interests.

Capricorn (Dec 21-Jan 19) Paying attention to the finer details of a bigger picture perspective on reality continues. Concerns about your own financial affairs and how these are related to larger social and even global affairs are featured.

Aquarius (Jan 19-Feb 19) You have entered a subtle yet sure process of change and transformation. It could include your physical body, but also your mental attitude and emotional states, as well. This is especially true in your personal life and in your relationship with your significant other.

You have entered a cycle that will lead you to attend to unfinished business. Much of your focus will be upon home and family. Taking time out from social activities is likely and if you do not you may feel uneasy and impatient. Positively, you are in a mood to create beauty and harmony for you and those who matter most.

Gemini (May 21-Jun 21) Improvement is a keyword during Virgo time.

Clearing the clutter may be the simplest and best approach. This focus is supported by other factors, as well. Yet, you are also in a mood to be crafty and creative. This may well include social interaction.

However, you are also in a mood to dream and to reflect.

So, at least some of the influence of this cycle will include receiving inspiration.

Cancer (Jun 21-Jul 22) A steady stream of thoughts and ideas are flowing through your mind. Sharing these with significant others will prove extra important. Making key investments to enhance your overall lifestyle is a central theme and focus. In more practical terms, this is a time of decision. Yet, as eager as you are to proceed, you may be dealing with time restraints. A slow but sure pace will probably work best.

Leo (Jul 22-Aug 23) Making key adjustments and improvements is a central theme now. The focus will be directed towards practical matters such as your career or business but may well be directed to your home and living environment as well. Venus in your sign will inspire you to share your love and express yourself in beautiful and creative ways. Those who receive your love will feel blessed.

CryptoQuip

Libra (Sep 22-Oct 22)

If one is unclear on how much margarine to use, I’d guess it would be butter confusion!

Hocus Focus differences: 1. Baseball has been added, 2. Building is gone, 3. Catcher’s shoes are different, 4. Fence has been repaired, 5. Pitcher’s pants are longer, 6. Boy’s hat is different.

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EAT &drink

September 16-22, 2020 EAT & DRINK

food & libations | recipes | delicious events

A NEW LIFE FOR

food scraps S TO RY BY P R I YA H UT N E R

A

mericans discard nearly 40 million tons of food every year. Reducing waste is important because it fills the country’s landfills with more garbage. Repurposing scraps and cooking consciously can reduce the amount of trash we generate, minimize food waste and create something delicious.

While prepping meals, most of us chop up the herbs; use the tops and throw away the stems. These stems can be used as a base for soup or salad dressing, chopped up and sprinkled on a salad or made into a delicious pesto. Cilantro pesto, great on tacos and quesadillas, is easy to make with leftover stems.

CILANTRO PESTO RECIPE From the kitchen of Priya Hutner ¼ C olive oil 2 cloves garlic ¼ C walnuts or pine nuts 1 C fresh cilantro & stems ¼ C water Salt & pepper to taste Red pepper flakes taste (optional)

Toss ingredients in a blender.

Refrigerate until ready to use. Serve with tortillas, tacos, quesadillas or scrambled eggs.

Cilantro pesto, great on tacos and quesadillas, is easy to make with leftover stems.

LEFTOVERS FOR STOCK Leftover chicken and beef bones are great for stock. Add the leaves and ends of vegetables and stems of herbs that you might otherwise discard. Add in a stockpot with bones and simmer with your favorite spices. Celery leaves are excellent to add to stocks and soups — especially chicken stock. If you don’t eat animal protein, use the discarded parts of vegetables for vegetable stock.

you’d like to pickle. The juice can also be used to make salad dressing or a Sunday morning Bloody Mary.

I don’t discard strawberry tops. I pull off as much of the green stem as possible and freeze the tops for future use. I make strawberry vinaigrette dressing or fruit compote for pancakes.

When cutting up butternut, acorn or pumpkin squash, don’t discard the seeds.

Roast them with some olive oil and salt for a savory snack or to top a salad.

MAKE CROUTONS & BREADCRUMBS Is your loaf of bread going stale?

Before it gets hard a rock or goes moldy, make croutons. Cube the bread, drizzle with olive oil and salt and bake for a few minutes until lightly browned. Garlic and parmesan are also delicious on homemade croutons.

them in a blender and use them for breadcrumbs, as well. Potato chips are great to add to a casserole.

REGROW YOUR VEGGIES Another way to deal with food scraps is to regrow some of your vegetables. Green onions, leeks, onions, celery and romaine lettuce are relatively easy to grow in water.

Discarded carrot tops and potatoes can grow in soil. Store-bought herbs can often root in water.

I’ve not been too successful at growing avocados from the pit; it’s a bit difficult.

My friends have done it and it makes an excellent house plant, as do pineapple tops.

Whether you use food scraps make a beautiful meal, sweet marmalade with or grow new plants from waste, doing this will reduce the amount of household garbage you generate on a daily basis.

The Town of Truckee also offers a composting program for residential food waste for items that can’t be reused. | keeptruckeegreen.org.  Enjoy the tastes of Tahoe

THE TOPS ARE TASTY

USE THE RINDS & SEEDS

Carrot greens, beet greens and radish greens can also be repurposed. If they are fresh, use them in a salad; if they are wilted, sauté them with a little olive oil and garlic.

Broccoli stems are my all-time favorite.

They are absolutely the best in a stir fry.

Peel off the tough outer layer and slice them thinly. They offer a nutritious crunch to an Asian stir fry. Roast or fry the peels from white or sweet potatoes and enjoy crispy, tasty chips.

Most of us cast away our lemon and orange rinds. Lemon rinds can be used for morning espresso or black coffee.

Lemon peels are also great to clean stainless steel.

Candied orange peels are another way to use the entire fruit of the orange. Use citrus peels for marmalade. Watermelon rinds can be pickled. And don’t throw out your pickle juice. Save it and throw in some fresh cucumbers and dill or other vegetables

at TheTahoeWeekly.com

Stale bread is also good for making breadcrumbs.

Store-bought breadcrumbs have all sorts of additives that I don’t particularly want in my diet. If that half bag of opened tortilla chips are starting to go stale throw

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

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FROM CHEF SMITTY’S KITCHEN

Fine Italian Food & Spirits

Shrimp Scampi

tasty tidbits

BY C H E F DAV I D “ S M I T T Y ” S M I T H

Sample the Sierra Virtual South Lake Tahoe | Sept. 16-20

Locals Love Lanza’s!

(530) 546-2434 BAR - 4:30 p.m. DINNER - 5 p.m.

7739 N Lake Blvd - Kings Beach

LanzasTahoe.com 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.

On the Sample the Sierra Web site, Facebook and Instagram, the festival will present a variety of food-related entertainment typically found at the event, including cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, musical performances, giveaways, and shopping. | (775) 588-1728, samplethesierra.com

Tahoe City Farmers Market Commons Beach Tahoe City | Sept. 17

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

Fall ALE Fest & Chicken Wing Contest Heavenly Village South Lake Tahoe | Sept. 19

Beer, spirits, kombucha, and soda tasting. Age 21 and over, includes wrist band and commemorative glass 1-6 p.m. | theshopsatheavenly.com

Truckee Certified Farmers Market Truckee River Regional Park Truckee | Sept. 22

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. 22

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

Famous for our

F

all is approaching and that means my good friend Kitty will be making her annual trip soon.

Kitty and I met back in 1991, when she was a lifty and I was a first-year ski instructor. After working on the slopes all day, we would both go to our night jobs at

Scampi is great as an appetizer or entrée and is often served alone or over pasta.

Resort at Squaw Creek, which happened to be in the same restaurant. She was a waitress and I was cooking. As we became better friends, I asked where she was from and she said Nantucket. Well, I already had my summer job set up for that year, which just happened to be at the Nantucket Yacht Club, and we have been great friends ever since.

The thing about Kitty’s vacation is that I’m not even sure if I’m the most excited person to see her. Well, I probably am the happiest to see her, but all my friends look forward to her arrival for a much different reason.

Mexican Dinners

Kitty’s husband, Spanky, doesn’t come with her, but what he does do is give Kitty a day or two to settle in and then he sends out a big box of fresh East Coast seafood. Last year it was lobsters, steamers (real East Coast soft shells), oysters, clams, Nantucket Bay scallops and a variety of smoked fish and we added shrimp from out here.

We have the biggest seafood dinner of the year and prepare each item in multiple ways — and that is another reason why everyone looks forward to her vacation.

Find more of Chef Smitty’s recipes

at TheTahoeWeekly.com

I thought I would do Shrimp Scampi this year. Scampi is great as an appetizer or entrée and is often served alone or over pasta. It is quick and easy to prepare, so if you are craving seafood for dinner, give it a try.  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.

(530) 587-3557 10186 Donner Pass Rd - Truckee

SHRIMP SCAMPI

From the kitchen of: Chef David “Smitty” Smith 1½ lbs. shrimp size 16-20s, shelled & deveined 4 T butter 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced 4 oz. white wine 1 lemon ¼ bunch flat leaf parsley, chopped Salt and pepper

Kings Beach 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 18

Use a sauté pan that is large enough so the shrimp will not be overlapping when cooking or cook them in two batches. Place the pan on medium-high heat with 3 T of the butter, the garlic and the shrimp. Cook the shrimp for about 1 to 2 minutes, flip and add 3 oz. of the white wine.

Let this cook just until the shrimp are barely cooked through; they will be opaque or white and no longer clear when you break one in half.

If serving alone, squeeze lemon juice to taste, add the parsley and season with salt and pepper.

If serving over pasta and you want a little extra sauce, remove the shrimp from the pan, add the rest of the butter and wine. Once that is all melted, add the lemon, parsley, salt and pepper.

Add the shrimp and immediately toss with the pasta and serve.

September 16-22, 2020 EAT & DRINK

Que Syrah PA R T I I S TO RY & P H OTO S BY L O U P H I L L I P S

T

he next three stops on our virtual Syrah tour offer thrilling examples and some real bargains to boot.

We’re off to Washington State, specifically its southeast corner, where in addition to sporting some of the coolest wineregion names anywhere, we find wonderful Syrahs in many styles. Warmer areas, such as Horse Heaven Hills and Red Mountain, produce outright blockbusters full of dark berries and licorice flavors. To the south, and even creeping into northeast Oregon, lies The Rocks area, named as such because the vineyards here look more like quarries and there is an unmistakable mineral streak in these wines. Although not shrinking violets, The Rocks’ Syrahs are more restrained in fruit than their northern neighbors and feature a gaminess that Syrah aficionados crave.

Food, Beer & Wine

Takeout 7 days a week. 11:30am-7:30pm

Truckee, CA 10089 W. River St. (530) 582-5000 MorgansLobsterShack.com

Languedoc Syrah Cuvee, 2017 La Grange des Combes.

of the Central Coast such as Paso Robles and Temecula Valley, as well as being a perfect bottle partner in Zinfandels from all over the state.

FOR TAKE OUT OR DINE IN, SEE MENUS BELOW BRUNCH & LUNCH

WINE LIST

DINNER

Although not shrinking violets, The Rocks’ Syrahs are more restrained in fruit than their northern neighbors and feature a gaminess that Syrah aficiona-

Plenty of Outdoor Seating Spindleshankstahoe.com | 400 Brassie Ave, Suite B · Kings Beach | (530) 546.2191

dos crave.

A Washington classic, 2016 Sequel.

Assisted by our virtual magic carpet, we are going to do a little continent leaping, starting with a flight to the south of France, the regions of Languedoc and Roussillon. Hugging the southern coast between Provence and Spain, these areas are best known for quaffable bulk wines.

However, in the mountainous nooks and crannies lie terroirs with the complex soils and cooling winds that make for fascinating Syrahs. The best are a cross between the Old and New worlds and bring the bramble and herbaceousness of Rhône versions, with the richness and more forward dark fruits of California or Washington.

While some star producers are getting Rhône-level prices, there are bargains aplenty for those in the know. Domaine Lafage’s offerings are consistently excellent and start less than $15.

Leaping to the Southern Hemisphere, we find a relative newcomer to the Syrah party. Chile, especially in the cooler growing regions, is kicking out some beautiful versions, that also find a crossroad of Newand Old-World qualities. Like most reds from Chile, they have some bright green herb notes and a distinct smokiness that add extra levels of complexity and make them flexible food matches.

Although it does well solo, Syrah is also one of the grape world’s great dance partners. In Australia it bebops with Cabernet to make some of that country’s best red wines.

In California it two steps with Grenache and Mourvèdre, creating the most revered wines from the warmer parts

In the more traditional regions of the Southern Rhône and Languedoc-Rousillion, it does a sultry slow dance with a multitude of red Rhône varietals.

Read Part I of Lou’s series

at TheTahoeWeekly.com

Because Syrah reflects its home turf so well, I recommend purchasing several versions for your own tasting and explore their similarities and differences. Cheers.  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.

19

Donation

GIVEAWAY FROM TAHOE SLAB FURNITURE

Donate to Tahoe Weekly for a chance to WIN a table from Tahoe Slab Furniture

Tahoe Slab Furniture has generously donated a handcrafted, one-of-a-kind coffee table valued at more than $2,000 to Tahoe Weekly. The 24”x 48” English walnut and Tahoe Blue epoxy coffee table is being built by Tahoe Slab from lumber salvaged from an orchard in Chico.

Follow the table being made @tahoeslabfurniture on FB, @tahoeslab on IG. For every $20 donated, you will have a chance to win.

The more you donate the better your chances for bringing home a gorgeous heirloom quality table.

Donations are not tax-deductible.

No purchase necessary, donations only.

Winner will be drawn at random on Monday, Oct. 5 and contacted by email.

Donate at PayPal.me/TahoeWeekly | PayPal.com or PayPal app publisher@tahoethisweek.com or mail checks to P.O. Box 154, Tahoe Vista, CA 96148. Email addresses are required for notification.

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