October 28 to November 17, 2020

october 28-november 17, 2020

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dr. jekyll & mr. hyde of

entertainment la niĂąa riding the

royal gorge rim trail

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November 14 and 15

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tahoexc.org

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OLYMPIC VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

(530) 583-5475 925 Country Club Dr. Tahoe City

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October 28-November 17, 2020

14

Volume 39 | Issue 24 TM

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

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

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Editorial Inquiries editor@tahoethisweek.com

Courtesy Lynn Baumgartner

Cover Photography production@tahoethisweek.com

E-NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIBE

to our monthly e-newsletter at TheTahoeWeekly.com

in this issue

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

OCTOBER 28-NOVEMBER 17, 2020 FEATURES

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

Al Tahoe Tour

LOOKING AHEAD TO TAHOE’S SKI SEASON FROM THE PUBLISHER

As October fades into November, cooler daytime temperatures set in and nights move to below freezing. These are the conditions local ski areas need to soon start making snow for the upcoming winter season, which kicks off in less than a month. Several local ski areas anticipate opening before Thanksgiving, as conditions permit, so it’s time to get ready for the winter (scheduled opening dates are in this edition).

With ski resorts opening in November, talk has turned to weather predictions for the upcoming season. Everyone has their own ideas about how to tell what the winter season will bring, but the fact remains that no one can predict the weather more than 2 weeks out. And, even then, it can still change dramatically. What is anticipated in the long-range forecast (a prediction) is a La Niña winter, which weather historian Mark McLaughlin says has “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde characteristics.” That’s an interesting way to look at the weather in the Tahoe Sierra in almost any year. Read more about Mark’s take on a La Niña winter, along with his look back at the 2019-20 winter season in this edition.

But before the snow flies, there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the last of the fall color and to explore. Mark recently went to the historic Al Tahoe region on the South Shore to explore the newly created Al Tahoe History Hunt created by the Lake Tahoe Historical Society, while Tim Hauserman explores some of the mountain biking trails as part of the Truckee Donner Land Trust’s Royal Gorge Rim Trail.

For more local hikes and mountain bike rides, read our listings in this edition or visit TheTahoeWeekly.com.

LAST CHANCE TO WIN ANDY SKAFF PAINTING 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 of Parsley Fresh Eats

Entertainment Inquiries entertainment@tahoethisweek.com

Our donation giveaway comes to a close on Nov. 9 for an original Andy Skaff painting to benefit Tahoe Weekly. The 30” x 30” painting titled “October Gold III” is valued at $3,000.

For each $35 donation, you’re entered into the drawing for this amazing piece of work. The more you donate, the better your chances for winning. Donations are not tax-deductible.

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Royal Gorge Rim Trail Winter Weather

6 8 13

GET OUTSIDE Sightseeing

4

Lake Tahoe Facts

5

Events

7

Hiking

10

Mountain Biking

11

Bike Paths & Paved Trails

12

THE MAKERS Public Art Tour, Part III

14

The Arts

15

THE LINEUP Eric Lundholm

16

November Music, Events & Festivals

17

Live

17

FUN & GAMES Horoscope & Puzzles

18

EAT & DRINK Locally Grown Hops & Brews

19

Tasty Tidbits

19

Turkey Chili

20

Viña Castellano

21

Tahoe restaurants

22

on the cover The last vestiges of fall color line the banks of the Truckee River running along Interstate 80 near remnants of the wooden flume once used to divert water to the old Farad Hydroelectric Power Plant built in 1899. Explore the TahoePyramid hiking and biking trail that now runs along the Truckee River to enjoy the fall colors.

Read more about this historic stretch of the river at TheTahoeWeekly.com. Photography

by Scott Thompson | ScottShotsPhoto.com, @ScottShotsPhoto

3

LAKE LEVEL Lake Tahoe Natural rim 6,223’

TheTahoeWeekly.com

Readings taken on Friday, October 23, 2020 ELEVATION :

RESERVOIR CAPACITY

6,226.13 |

IN 2019:

C PACITY CITY:: 40 CIT 0,870 0 BOCA 12,362 CAPA

SIGHTSEEING

STAMPEDE 19,9661 PROSSER 11,061

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

(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

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

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

6,227.55

225

200,000 AF

175

75

50

TROA.NET

Measured in Acre Feet (AF)

Tahoe Science Ctr CLOSED

Gatekeeper’s Museum

Tahoe City

Truckee River | FLOW AT FARAD 462 (530) 583-1762 | northtahoemuseums.org Featuring historic photos, the Steinbach Indian Basket Museum and historical memorabilia. TART

KidZone Children’s CLOSED 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 225

Truckee

200,000 AF

25

150,000 AF

Measured in Cubic Feet Per Second (CFS)

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:

Truckee Railroad Museum

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

East Shore

IN 2019:

CAPACITY: C 226,500

Emigrant Trail Museum

Thunderbird Lodge CLOSED

High Camp OPENING TBD

Kings Beach

462

(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

STAMPEDE 19,9661

FLOW AT FARAD

(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

|

6,226.13 |

175

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

Truckee River C PACITY CAPA CITY:: 40 CIT 0,870 0 BOCA 12,362

ELEVATION :

150,000 AF

Tahoe City Field Station

RESERVOIR CAPACITY

125

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

Taylor Creek Visitor Center South Lake Tahoe

North Shore

Readings taken on Friday, October 23, 2020

100,000 AF

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

Tahoe City

CAPACITY: 18,300 C 8

125

INDEPENDENCE 1,3763

75

West Shore

CAPACITY: 9,500 C 5

50

Eagle Rock

CAPACITY: 29,840 2

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

25

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.

CAPACITY: C 226,500

100,000 AF

DONNER 4,690

Check schedules & openings before visiting.

East Shore

Measured in Acre Feet (AF)

Looking over Kyburz Flat in mid-October from the More’s Way Station historic site north of Truckee. | Katherine E. Hill

ATTRACTIONS Cave Rock

6,227.55

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 CLOSED

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

October 28-November 17, 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

Truckee Truckee

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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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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

Fannette Island

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

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Learn about the natural history of the Tahoe Sierra

at TheTahoeWeekly.com

TAHOE LAKESIDE KEYS LAKESIDE

KEYS

for details

LAKE TAHOE AIRPORT Fallen

EDGEWOOD TAHOE

LAKE TAHOE

LAKESIDE BIJOU

TAHOE PARADISE LAKE TAHOE

Kirkwood Kirkwood

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

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.

FREEL PEAK

TAHOE PARADISE

TAHOE PARADISE

LAKE TAHOE

Lake Clarity: 2019: 62.7 feet avg. depth.

1968: First recorded at 102.4 feet

Size: 22 miles long, 12 miles wide

Stateline

PEAKSouth Shore

Leaf Lake

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

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.

BIJOU CAMP RICHARDSONBIJOUFREEL

FREEL Meyers TAHOE PARADISEPEAK FREEL LAKE TAHOE Meyers AIRPORT PEAK LAKE TAHOE Meyers Echo Lakes AIRPORT

Kirkwood

anne@tahoethisweek.com

Natural rim: 6,223’

Cave Rock

EDGEWOOD

Cave Rock TAHOE

CAMP RICHARDSON

Email

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.

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LAKE

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Why is the lake blue?

The Lake of the Sky appears blue in color as other colors in the light spectrum are absorbed and the blue light is scattered back.

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the outdoors | recreation | events | mountain life

Courtesy Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition

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

A

t South Lake Tahoe, most visitors and even many locals, fixate on the Stateline district with its massive casinos and 24-hour lifestyle. But tucked away, not too far from the bustling crowds and flashing lights is a quiet historic neighborhood known as Al Tahoe. This compact residential community is bound by the Upper Truckee Marsh ecosystem on the west, Lake Tahoe to the north and Highway 50 on the south and east as the road curves around the sprawling Upper Truckee River wetlands.

Bike racks installed The nonprofit Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition has installed another 100 bike racks in high-priority spots near town centers and one public bike-repair station offering parking for 200 bikes. In total, the coalition and Tahoe Fund have teamed up to provide access to 450 bike racks since 2018.

Download the Al Tahoe History Hunt map at TheTahoeWeekly.com ABOVE: Regan Beach.

LEFT: Upper Truckee River wetlands.

This area is the site of Lake Tahoe’s first lakeshore hotel, built in 1859, initially named the Lake Bigler House.

Al Tahoe Pioneer Cemetery.

Road to reach the prosperous Comstock mines of Virginia City, Nev., the hotels and lodging houses at South Lake began to rely more on loggers, cattlemen, commercial fishermen and the ever-increasing summer influx of tourism.

In 1907, Almerin (Al) Sprague built the Al Tahoe Hotel and thereafter the name was applied to that location. Lumber for construction was barged in by boat and the Al Tahoe post office was opened the following year. The facility expanded over time to include a three-story modern hotel with cottages, cabins and housekeeping tents all adjacent to a nice stretch of sandy beach. Free activities and amenities included trout fishing excursions, horseback riding and sightseeing tours by car or boat. Tennis courts, billiard tables and even a swimming pool were also available for guests. Sprague fed his visitors well with 6

The original building of the Al Tahoe Hotel.

fresh vegetables, meat and poultry from the manager’s ranch and dairy.

Frank and Esther Globin purchased the property and operations in 1924. It was the restless and energetic Roaring Twenties so the Globin’s installed a large dance pavilion over the water and called it Globin’s Chalet. During the warm summer months, popular bands of the era played music into the wee hours of the night. The Globin’s ran the hotel until 1965 when it was torn down — as were other historic South Tahoe resorts, due to the expense of installing newly required sewage systems.

Like most of Lake Tahoe’s pre-war

architecture, virtually all of the large historic buildings located in the Al Tahoe area are gone, victims of neglect, vandalism, fire, costs of modernization or heavy snow loads. But that doesn’t mean that residents and visitors today can’t experience Tahoe’s exciting and colorful past. Lake Tahoe Historical Society is in the process of creating historic walking or auto tours in the region.

The Al Tahoe History Hunt is the first product to come out of this worthwhile effort by the devoted staff at the society.

Strategically placed about the Al Tahoe neighborhood are 10 blue, turquoise and white signs that represent an important historic site. To facilitate the learning process, each sign is labeled with a QR code than can be scanned with a smart phone to learn the significance of that location. A Washoe Indian campsite, traces of old wagon roads, the original locations of popular hotels and gravestones in a pioneer cemetery are all part of the hunt for history. On the society website is a map of the Al Tahoe district that can be viewed by phone or printed out in advance.

Paper maps and exhibits are available at the society’s museum located at 3058 Lake Tahoe Boulevard.

For my exploration on the Al Tahoe History Hunt, I brought my bicycle to cover more ground in a timely manner while during the same afternoon pedaling the extensive trail system throughout the Truckee River Marsh area with its quiet paths, hidden beaches and spectacular views of Mount Tallac and the Sierra crest.

These wetlands are home to rich native fish and bird habitats.

The Upper Truckee Marsh is currently being restored by the California Tahoe Conservancy to stabilize and improve the complex and unique ecology of this important environment that filters and cleans river water entering Lake Tahoe.

The restoration of 250 acres of floodplain will also make it more resilient to drought, flood, and impacts from climate change. | laketahoemuseum.org 

Photo Credit | Photographer?

This area is the site of Lake Tahoe’s first lakeshore hotel, built in 1859, initially named the Lake Bigler House. The owners were counting on wagon and stage traffic from the nearby Johnson Pass emigrant road. They also erroneously believed that the route of the upcoming transcontinental railroad (constructed between 1863 and 1869) would go through Lake Valley.

Instead, Central Pacific Railroad laid track over Donner Pass, far to the north. South Shore’s hostelry business for travelers and teamsters would become well-established over the next few decades. In the mid1860s, when the bulk of trans-Sierra traffic switched to either the railroad or the Dutch Flat Donner Lake Wagon

The bike racks were installed at 31 locations in South Lake Tahoe, Kings Beach, Tahoe City and Incline Village, Nev. Each of the two styles of racks provided can park two bicycles.

This year, a fix-it station and bike rack was installed in memory of the late Pam Emmerich, a long-time resident, community advocate and champion of bicycling.

An interactive map of existing rack locations can be found online. | tahoebike.org

Christmas tree permits on sale Christmas tree permits for National Forest lands will be available for purchase online this year. Details about designated cutting areas, dates and types of trees that may be cut can be found on the recreation.gov website.

The Forest Service decided to offer permit sales online as an added convenience for visitors, as well as provide an alternative to in-person transactions at offices that may remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Permits cost $10 each, plus a $2.50 online processing fee with a limit of one per family. Cutting under these permits is allowed until Dec. 31. Permit holders should follow permit guidelines for responsible collection, including not trespassing onto private property when entering or leaving National Forest cutting areas. Observe seasonal road closures and be prepared to hike to the cutting area to find a tree.

No off-road travel is allowed. Weather permitting, some National Forest roads will remain open to improve access to cutting areas. | recreation.gov

October 28-November 17, 2020 GET OUTSIDE

Lily Lake Trail building

Mommy and Me

Angora Lakes Road South Lake Tahoe | Oct. 28, 30

Barton Health South Lake Tahoe | Oct. 28

Tahoe Rising Virtual | Incline Village | Oct. 28

Attendees of the three Tahoe Rising virtual events will discuss challenges facing Lake Tahoe in this current pandemic – from economic, community and environmental perspectives. Keynote speakers will share their wisdom from around the country. Panel sessions with those experts combined with local Tahoe leaders enhance these conversations.

10 a.m.-12 p.m. $20-$35 | tahoeprosperity.org

Mommy & Me is an ongoing support group for new mothers and their babies.

Attend virtually each week to share experiences and discuss the joys and challenges of parenting. 1-2 p.m. Free | (530) 539-6620, bartonorthopedicsandwellness.com

Virtual RUFF (Read Up For Fun) TR Facebook Truckee | Oct. 28, Nov. 4, 11, 18

Kids can join for a virtual visit with our furry friends. Our volunteers tell a story to one of the therapy animals on Facebook.

4-5 p.m. Free | (530) 582-7846, madelynhelling.evanced.info

Sugar Pine Plantings

Preschool Storytime

Area venues | Oct. 28, 30, 31, Nov. 5, 8

Instagram Truckee | Oct. 29, Nov. 5, 12

Sugar Pine Foundation will be holding a small group plantings of 20 people or less in South Lake Tahoe, Truckee and Tahoe City. They will give away some seedlings at the planting.

10 a.m.-12 p.m. Free | (650) 814-9565, sugarpinefoundation.org

Get ready to read, dance, sing, and play with this Storytime for preschoolers, happening live on Instagram each week.

10:30-11 a.m. Free | placer.ca.gov

Truckee Community Storytime

Impacts of Wildfire Smoke on Human Health

Facebook | Truckee | Oct. 28, Nov. 4, 11, 18

Virtual | Incline Village | Oct. 29

Join Truckee Library on Facebook Live for extra special Storytimes with local local community leaders. 10:30-11 a.m. Free | (530) 582-7846, madelynhelling.evanced.info

Join UC Davis Professor Kent Pinkerton to learn about the health effects of wildfire smoke. 12 p.m. Free | eventbrite.com

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Courtesy Boreal

Help build the LIly Lake Trail with Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association. Bring a lunch and water. 8:30 a.m. Free | facebook.com

The 2020-21 ski season will look a bit different with COVID safety protocols in place, limitations on day ticket sales and several area resorts opening first only to passholders. Season pass sales are also being limited, so buy a pass to your favorite resort(s) ASAP. One big difference for the upcoming ski season is less of an emphasis on being the first to open and a focus on being able to open safely due to the pandemic. Mount Rose and Boreal usually are the first to open for the winter season with typical opening dates in mid to late October but will not be opening until much later this year.

Ski areas announces season plans at TheTahoeWeekly.com Read our roundup for ski area plans at TheTahoeWeekly.com and stay tuned for our annual Downhill Ski Guide in our Nov. 18 edition.

Ski resort opening dates 2020-21 Winter Ski Season Opening Dates (as of Oct. 23, 2020) Auburn Ski Club | TBD Boreal | Nov. 23 Diamond Peak | Dec. 10

Photo Credit | Photographer?

eve n ts

Donner Ski Ranch | TBD Granlibakken | Open as conditions permit Heavenly | Nov. 20 Homewood | Dec. 11 Kirkwood | Dec. 4 Mount Rose | Open from top first when conditions permit Northstar | Nov. 20 Royal Gorge | TBD Sierra-at-Tahoe | TBD Soda Springs | 3rd week in November Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows | Nov. 25 Sugar Bowl | Nov. 27 Tahoe City Winter Sports Park | Nov. 27 Tahoe Cross Country | TBD Tahoe Donner Cross County | Nov. 27 Tahoe Donner Downhill | Dec. 11

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TheTahoeWeekly.com

RIDING THE

The view south along the Pacific Crest from Andesite Peak.

ROYAL GORGE RIM TRAIL S TO RY BY T I M H AU S E R M A N

When I’ve thought

of Donner Summit for outdoor pursuits, my focus has been on skiing at Royal Gorge Cross Country in the winter, hiking up to Mount Judah on the Pacific Crest Trail in the summer and the classic road bike from Donner Lake to Cisco Grove in the spring and fall. Recently, however, I discovered something new and fun to do on Donner Summit: mountain biking the network of trails created and enhanced at Royal Gorge by Truckee Donner Land Trust. In combination with the Royal Gorge ski trails, the recently built Hewlett Rim Trail brings riders and hikers past wildflower dotted grassy flats, through deep forests of giant firs and up to spectacular canyon vistas at the top of Rowton Peak.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The Ice Lakes viewpoint from the Bogus Basin Trail. | Courtesy Lynn Baumgartner; Rolling through the flowers on Claim Jumper. | Courtesy Lynn Baumgartner; Coming off of Rowton. | Courtesy Truckee Donner Land Trust

The trail was a super fun, rolling downhill with flowy turns ... Once I hit Claim

8

THE TRAIL

Jumper Trail, the fun continued

Royal Gorge Rim Trail 13 miles RT | Moderate

with a gentle downhill single

The first thing you want to do when it comes to riding the trails at Royal Gorge is don’t do what I did, which is show up at the trailhead on a smoky day. I climbed out to the Bill and Flora Point, and to the top of Rowton Peak, and sure, I could tell the views from there would be spectacular when the smoke cleared, but on that smoky day, there was a whole lot of possibility. No worries, the ride itself was worth it with a lovely forest, lots of wildflowers and some fine single-track trail.

I ended up riding about 10 miles from the Hoelter Hall trailhead, which is located just before the end of Soda Springs Road above Ice Lakes. The loop I was planning on riding was more likely close to 7 miles, but I was having so much fun on some of the lower trails that I decided to wander around and extend the ride. Be sure to bring along a copy of the Land Trust map and take a gander at it every time you see a Royal Gorge ski area sign — they pop up pretty frequently. When you see how tall those signs are, you will be reminded that it snows a lot on Donner Summit. Still, you may end up riding a different route than you planned. The trail network is extensive with lot of unmarked use trails thrown in to confuse us. It’s all good, you can’t really get too lost just don’t ride with a tight deadline.

I rode up to Rowton Peak counterclockwise. This meant that I quickly reached the Bill and Flora Point viewpoint with expansive canyon views. Good thing I took a quick break because the toughest section of the ride was up next — a super steep switchbacking

trail paralleling Bogus Basin ski area that forced me to get off my bike several times on the tight switchbacks. Eventually, Hewlett Rim Trail met a Royal Gorge ski area road, where a lovely view of Serene Lakes unfolded below, and several benches awaited my posterior.

Now the riding got easier, starting with a gentle rise to Bogus Basin Hut and then a well-graded switchbacking single track winding past asters and pennyroyal on the long climb up to Rowton Peak.

From the top, the view of the canyon below is extraordinary From Rowton Peak, my choices were to climb up Razorback Ridge Trail with its cliff-topping views to the south or take the more gently rolling Bogus Basin Trail on a long jaunt to its junction with Claim Jumper Trail. I chose the latter and was happy with the decision. The trail was a fun, rolling downhill with flowy turns that were just within my skill level.

Once I hit Claim Jumper Trail, the fun continued with a gentle downhill single track through a lush carpet of wildflowers.

When I reached a junction with Switchback Trail, I hung a right to put in some extra distance through rolling grassy terrain that was a blast to ride, before turning around and heading back to that Claim Jumper/Switchback junction. There I got a bit confused trying to locate the route back to the trailhead. Look for a steep uphill on a double-tracked old road that looks bright white; it will shortly reach another Switchback sign, which you follow back to the trailhead.

track through a lush carpet of wildflowers.

Download the trail map at TheTahoeWeekly.com I’d like to head back to check out the Royal Gorge trails again for three reasons. First, I want to partake of the views. Second, once I’m familiar with a trail, I have more confidence taking on the twists and turns.

Third, I only touched the surface of the trails. I could also ride out to Point Mariah or to Lyle’s Lookout.

The trail network dishes out a variety of trails of difficulty from easy rolling terrain to some steep switchbacks. Intermediate riders should have fun with all the terrain, although some may need to get off their bikes on a few switchbacks. I would not recommend the trail for beginning mountain bikers.

There are also several hiker-only trails. One goes straight from the trailhead to the viewpoint on Rowton Peak making for a 5-miles roundtrip hike with a lot of view bang for your distance buck. | truckeedonnerlandtrust.org 

October 28-November 17, 2020 GET OUTSIDE

events CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

Drive-In Movie and Trunk or Treat

Trail of Treats (residents only)

Truckee Tahoe Airport Truckee | Oct. 30

This safe halloween experience will be a one-way, walk-through trail. Guests will move through the event in timed intervals. There is a reservation process. Must show proof of residency both to register and be admitted.

All minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Group size limited to 6 people from same household. Masks required. 2-6 p.m. | (877) 468-4397, facebook.com

A Night at the Movies Virtual | Truckee | Oct. 29

The 67th annual Truckee Chamber of Commerce Awards is an opportunity to thank members, extend appreciation, provide hope, encouragement and have some fun. Many have stepped up to meet the pandemic headon with passion, innovation and a tireless commitment. They will be presented with this year’s Hometown Heroes awards. 6 p.m. | (530) 587-8808, truckeeawards.com

Halloween Scavenger Hunt Area venues Tahoe City | Oct. 30, 31

Tahoe City PUD and Tahoe City Downtown Assoc. are partnering up to present a safe, fun and socially distant way to explore downtown and complete more than 20 challenges to earn points. Prizes awarded to 1st-, 2nd- and 3rdplace teams. Must download Goosechase app.

12 p.m. Free | visittahoecity.org

This free event features the movie “Coco.”

Trunk or Treat begins at 5:30 p.m. followed by trivia contests and a debut screening of “A Room for Equality” featuring Truckee High School students. “Coco” will begin at 7 p.m.

One free ticket per vehicle. 5:30-9 p.m. Free | madelynhelling.evanced.info

Courtesy Ritz-Carlton, Photo Credit Lake| Photographer?

Tahoe

Incline Village Fitness Trail Incline Village | Oct. 29

Drive-Thru Trick or Treat Bertie’s Hot Chicken Incline Village | Oct. 31

Bertie’s Hot Chicken is taking the steps to keep everyone safe while simultaneously celebrating the spirit of Halloween with a drive-thru trick or treat booth. 6-9 p.m. Free | facebook.com

Soroptishop 2020 Virtual Holiday Market Truckee | Nov. 1-8

This virtual Holiday Market offers jewelry, clothes, food and alcohol, art and collectibles, skin care, household items, toy and children’s items, entertainment and holiday gifts, all from the comforts of home. Free | facebook.com

Bilingual Preschool Storytime Truckee Library | Truckee | Nov. 2

Bilingual Preschool Storytime is offered twice a month. 10 a.m. Free | (530) 582-7846

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Support local nominees in

USA Today contest

USA Today is hosting its annual 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards and a number of local businesses and ski areas have been nominated. In each category, industry experts nominated their top 20 picks. Voting is open until Nov. 9; winners will be announced on Nov. 20. Vote at 10best.com Best XC Ski Resort | Tahoe Cross Country in Tahoe City has been nominated.

Favorite Winter Resort in North America | Kirkwood Ski Area has been nominated.

Favorite North American Ski Town | Truckee has been nominated.

Favorite Ski Area Hotel in North American | PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn in Olympic Valley and The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe at Northstar have both been nominated.

9

TheTahoeWeekly.com

HISTORIAN & AUTHOR

Hiking

MARK MCL AUGHLIN’S NEWEST BOOK - UPDATED EDITION

*Trails open depending on conditions.

Mileage is roundtrip, with levels based on family access.

All trails are more heavily used on weekends.

Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com for more Hiking Trails to enjoy.

O rd e r b o o k s d i re c t a t

TAHOE RIM TRAIL

T h e S to r m K i n g. co m

Moderate The Tahoe Rim Trail is a 164.8-mile loop trail that encircles Lake Tahoe. The trail is open to hikers and equestrians, and mountain bikers in some sections. It is generally moderate in difficulty, with a 10 percent average grade and elevations ranging from 6,300 to 10,333’. Visit tahoerimtrail.org for maps, guided hikes & descriptions.

or pick up a copy at: • Geared for Games • Alice’s Mountain Market located at Squaw Valley • Donner Memorial State Park

• Word After Word Bookshop • Gratitude Gifts • Mind Play

Group presentations · In-home talks (530) 546-5612 · mark@TheStormKing.com

LAKE TAHOE

HO M E I M P R OV E M E N T Call (530) 546-5995, ext. 110, to be included in Home Improvement.

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775-302-0232 | parraconstructionllc.com Lic # CA: 974622/ NV: 0086046A

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MARLETTE LAKE Moderate | 9 miles RT Walk along the dirt path through the picnic area and follow signs to Marlette Lake. Mostly sun exposed. Great wildflowers in early summer. Start at Spooner Lake State Park.

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Easy | 3 miles RT Follow the trail to Chimney Beach trail and follow the trail to the end and over a group of boulders to reach the sandy beaches of Secret Harbor (the wooden steps off the trail lead to the nude beach at Secret Cove). Off Hwy. 28.

SKUNK HARBOR Moderate | 2.8 miles RT This interesting hike ends at a beautiful cove lined with boulders and a luxurious sandy beach on the edge of Lake Tahoe with some of the warmest waters around the lake.

Visitors can look inside the historic party house owned by George and Caroline Newhall in the 1920s along beach.

Park north of gate; do not block gate off Hwy. 28.

SPOONER LAKE Easy | 1.8 miles RT Spooner Lake is a great, easy hike for any season with interpretive displays. At Spooner Lake State Park.

NORTH SHORE

PICNIC ROCK Moderate | 3.6 miles RT Just off the Tahoe Rim Trail, the expansive view from the top provides a panorama of both Lake Tahoe and the Martis Valley. A single track winds up, offering a gradual climb with no technical challenges, until reaching Picnic Rock, an old volcanic rock. Off Hwy. 267.

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Wood Splitting & Stacking • Stump Grinder • Crane Work Licensed & Insured

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Easy | .5 miles RT This short hike offers superb views of Lake Tahoe.

A short, self-guided nature trail explains the history of the North Shore. Hwy. 28 in Crystal Bay. SOUTH SHORE

LOWER & UPPER ECHO LAKES Easy | 2.4-4.8 miles RT Lower and Upper Echo Lakes is a little-known paradise perched atop Echo Summit, 5 miles west of Meyers on Hwy. 50. The trailhead begins next to the dam. Once you reach Upper Echo Lake, 2.4 miles from the start, you’ll see a kiosk at a dock for a water taxi. You can take a taxi back or return the way you came, or continue into Desolation Wilderness.

The ride is a relaxing 20-minute tour through the channels connecting the two lakes. Taxi, cash only. (530) 659-7207.

WEST SHORE

CASCADE FALLS Moderate | 1.4 miles RT This boulder-strewn hike takes hikers to the waterfall descending from Desolation Wilderness into Cascade Lake. The falls are raging in the spring and are often a trickle by late summer. Near the end of the trail, walk up a large, flat boulder to the top of a hill where the trail can become confusing. Look for wooden posts marking the trail. Trailhead at Bayview Campground off Hwy. 89. Not recommended for small children or small dogs.

EAGLE ROCK

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Moderate | 1 mile RT Quick hike to the top of a volcanic outcropping offers panoramic views of the area off Hwy. 89 south of Tahoe City.

EAGLE FALLS & LAKE Easy-Moderate | .1-3 miles RT Great views of Lake Tahoe & Emerald Bay. Falls 5-minute walk from parking lot. Steady ascent to Eagle Lake not recommended for young children. West end of picnic area across from Emerald Bay, Hwy. 89.

EMERALD BAY & VIKINGSHOLM CASTLE Moderate | 2.5 miles+ RT | No dogs Steep descent to Vikingsholm Castle. Can continue to Eagle & Emerald Points around the bay for easy hikes. Connects to Rubicon Trail (see below). Park on either side of rocky overlook in Emerald Bay on Hwy. 89. ADA access (530) 525-9529.

GRANITE LAKE Moderate | 2.2 miles RT A small alpine lake situated on the cusp of Desolation Wilderness, the hike is a popular entrance for hikers and equestrians to the back country and a spectacular trek towering over the pristine waters of Emerald Bay. Steady ascent of 850’ in less than 1 mile. Trailhead at Bayview Campground off Hwy. 89.

PAGE MEADOWS Easy-Moderate | 4-6 miles RT The hike to Page Meadows is a local favorite because of its easy access and beautiful scenery through forests to an expanse of several meadows. You can start the hike to Page Meadows from 64 Acres off Hwy. 89 along the Tahoe Rim Trail for a longer hike or from Ward Creek Boulevard off Hwy. 89.

RUBICON TRAIL & LIGHTHOUSE Easy-Moderate | .5-9 miles | No dogs Hike starts at Calawee Cove at D.L. Bliss State Park or Emerald Bay. Trail follows cliffs and coves along Lake Tahoe, nesting ospreys and eagles, short side trail to Rubicon Lighthouse, which is easy to access with small children.

Park closees Oct. 31.

BALANCING ROCK Easy | .5 miles | No dogs A short, self-guided nature trail featuring Balancing Rock, an overlying rock of 130 tones balanced on a rock. At D.L. Bliss State Park.

SUGAR PINE POINT STATE PARK Easy | 1.5 miles RT The nature trail loops through the forest past an array of wildflowers and through several sections of dense slash bleached nearly white from years of sun exposure. There are great spots to relax on the beach below Ehrman Mansion.

ALPINE MEADOWS

FIVE LAKES Strenuous | 5 miles RT Five Lakes is a great hike inside Granite Chief Wilderness, with the first 1 mile+ a steady ascent with great views of Alpine Meadows. Trailhead 1.8 miles up Alpine Meadows Road from Hwy. 89 across from Deer Park Drive.

Dogs prohibited May 15-July 15.

OLYMPIC VALLEY

SHIRLEY CANYON & SHIRLEY LAKE Easy-Strenuous | .5-5 miles RT This hike follows a creek as it passes by waterfalls and spectacular granite boulders along Shirley Creek. Park at the end of Squaw Peak Road. The first section that follows the creek is great for kids. As you climb, the trail may sometimes be hard to distinguish, so keep the creek on your right going up and on your left going down. Can continue a strenuous climb to High Camp and take the Aerial Tram to the valley (schedule at squawalpine.com). Tram closed.

SQUAW & EMIGRANT PEAKS Moderate | 3.4-4.4 miles RT Ride the Aerial Tram to High Camp, elev. 8,200’, and choose from a variety of trails (maps from Guest Services or squawalpine.com). Climb to the weathered buttresses atop Squaw Peak, visit the historic Watson Monument at Emigrant Peak or meander through the meadows covered with wildflowers, and enjoy the panoramic views afforded from Squaw’s spacious upper mountain. Tram ticket required. Hikes in the meadows good for small children.

Tram closed.

TRUCKEE

GLACIER MEADOW LOOP Easy | .5 miles RT Short, self-guided nature loop with signs that explain how glacial action carved and polished the surface landscape. Take Interstate 80 W from Truckee to the Castle Peak/Boreal Ridge Road exit.

MARTIS CREEK WILDLIFE AREA Easy | 4 miles RT Loop through Martis Creek meadow for a walk along the creek. Off Hwy. 267.

October 28-November 17, 2020 GET OUTSIDE

Courtesy Mountaineer

Mountain Biking

GEAR FOR EVERY

ADVENTURE

Ski shuttle Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com for more Mountain Biking Trails and Local Bike Paths to enjoy.

Always check to see if trails & parks are open before visiting.

NORTH SHORE

INCLINE BIKE PARK Incline Bike Project on Facebook Park terrain and features for all ages.

TAHOE CROSS COUNTRY (530) 583-5475 | tahoexc.org All levels | Varied terrain Tahoe Cross Country offers marked mountain biking and hiking trails in the Burton Creek State Park area just north of Tahoe City. Trail access is free and the terrain is ideal for beginner and intermediate mountain bikers. Advanced riders can find challenging terrain on the Tahoe Rim Trail and around Mount Watson.

WESTERN STATES TRAIL Strenuous | 11.6 miles RT This is a challenging and exhilarating ride (sometimes referred to as Three Bridges Trail) that will afford you a fun downhill swoop and beautiful mountain views. You can ride it either way, starting on either side of the Midway Bridge between Alpine Meadows and Olympic Valley off Hwy. 89.

EAST SHORE

FLUME TRAIL Strenuous | 14 miles There are several mountain biking trails off the Flume Trail, but if you follow the Flume Trail the whole way you will be rewarded with magnificent views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains. The Flume Trail rises 1,600’ above the East Shore of Lake Tahoe. At the end of the Flume Trail, there is a 3-mile, 1,600’ descent down to Tunnel Creek Station on Hwy. 28. It is a moderately difficult ride at 7,000’ to 8,000’ in elevation with more than 1,000’ of climbing and 4.5-miles of single track. It has several steep sections.

Shuttle available at Tunnel Creek Café off Hwy. 28 in Incline Village to Spooner Lake State Park. Info (775) 298-2501.

Call for shuttle schedule.

MOUNT ROSE TO SPOONER LAKE Strenuous | 20 miles The beginning of this beautiful section of the Tahoe Rim Trail is at 8,700’ above the Sheep Flats (aka Tahoe Meadows) on Mount Rose. The first part of the trail parallels the highway and then descends through the meadows and briefly joins the Ophir Creek trail. Look for Rim Trail signs, then after a quarter-mile up and to the right of the Ophir Creek trail (don’t stay on the Ophir Creek Trail). After a 300’ climb out of the meadows, you begin to contour your way to the Tunnel Creek road. At 9 miles, you will come to the Tunnel Creek Road. Follow it a half-mile with the Flume Trail on the right. Continue straight for an 800’ switchbacking climb. Near the top of the climb, consider taking the vista trail to the Sand Harbor overlook.

Once at the top, the trail winds down past the Marlette Peak campground to Hobart Road. The Rim Trail past this point is closed to bikes, so your only path back to Spooner is along this road to the right and down to Marlette Lake.

A short, but tough climb leads out of the Marlette basin and then it is downhill back to Spooner Lake. Mind the speed on this descent due to heavy equestrian and hiking use.

Shuttle (775) 298-2501. Call for schedule.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

BIJOU BIKE PARK bijoubikepark.org The 5-acre park features pump tracks, BMX Track, striderfriendly pump track, jump lines and loop trail. Dawn-dusk.

CORRAL AREA TRAILS tamba.org All levels | Varied terrain Corral area trails include Sidewinders, Cedar and Armstrong Connector. This area has a high density of trails for all ability levels and serves as the unofficial hub of mountain bike activity in the South Shore. Featuring log rides, jumps and rock rolls including the new jumps, berms, rollers and hips. The trails all run parallel to the Fountain Place paved road. These trails link to Armstong Trail, the Tahoe Rim Trail, Powerline, Railroad Grade and this is also where Toads ends.

KIRKWOOD (209) 258-7277 | kirkwood.com The mountain bike park offers a network of lift-accessed trails for all levels with 22 trails in the valley, and 12 accessed by the lift, with 11.5 miles of single track. The bike park features log rides, pump tracks and other terrain features.

Open; no lift access for 2020.

MR. TOADS WILD RIDE Moderate-Strenuous | 6.2 miles Mr. Toad’s heads mostly downhill from the Tahoe Rim Trail with several options for making a loop. The upper section of this trail is much more technical than either section of the TRT and has many big drops and sections of nothing but rocks. There is also a huge stair step section that comes up on you quickly.

TRUCKEE

COLDSTREAM VALLEY Easy to moderate | 6 miles RT This loop offers a mellow ride offering views of the Sierra Crest, has nice flowers in the spring and circumnavigates a series of ponds. From Donner Pass Road, take Coldstream Road, which alternates pavement and dirt. After a short climb up the old terminal moraine of the glacier that once filled this valley, the valley opens up. Proceed on this road until you come to private property signs at the last pond, then turn left on the dirt road and return on the east side of the valley. Park outside the white gate on Coldstream.

DONNER SKI RANCH (530) 426-9350 | facebook.com/old40bikepark Offering lift-accessed mountain biking on its trails with varied terrain and great views. Call for schedule.

EMIGRANT TRAIL Moderate | 15+ miles Offers rolling, wide, single-track through high desert, winding through sagebrush, seasonally wet meadows and Jeffrey Pine forests. North of Truckee on Hwy. 89 to Donner Camp picnic area. If too wet, proceed 2.5 miles on Hwy. 89 to Prosser Creek Bridge pullout. 15 miles to Stampede, but can continue on to other areas.

to return

Squaw Alpine Transit Company (SATCo), the nonprofit formed as a collaborative effort by Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows’ homeowner associations, lodging properties and the ski resort, announced the return of its complimentary Mountaineer on-demand, shuttle service provided within the two valleys during the 2020-21 winter season.

A Mountaineer vehicle fleet of six is scheduled to offer service from Dec. 17 to April 11, 2021, in Olympic Valley, Thursdays through Mondays from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and in Alpine Meadows on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Passengers and drivers will be required to wear face coverings at all times within the shuttles, and vehicle occupancy will be reduced to adhere to distancing guidelines. Download the free Mountaineer app for current schedules. Inter-valley transportation services will continue to be offered between the two resorts through the Squaw Alpine Shuttle operated by Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows. | squawalpinetransit.org

Now Carrying Blundstone Boots!

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

ALL RIDES ARE FREE! Just hop on the bus.

NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA (530) 562-2268 | northstarcalifornia.com All levels | Varied terrain Northstar’s Mountain Bike Park boasts more than 100 miles of trails for mountain biking including its signature trail, LiveWire, and the most extensive life-accessed trail network in the Western United States. The park features Skill Development Areas and terrain features including jumps, rails and bridges. Downhill Mountain Bike Race Series and Cross-Country Race Series open to everyone. Closed.

TRUCKEE PUMP TRACK/BMX truckeebikepark.org The Park has the sweetest flow lines and the smoothest strider/pump track for all skills levels to progress along with beginner to advanced jump lines. Featuring a dual pump track, dirt jumps, flow lines, dual slalom track, xc trail, drop zone, medium slopestyle line and more. Open from sunrise to sunset. Helmets & brakes required.

WOODWARD TAHOE MOUNTAIN BIKE/BMX (530) 426-1114 | rideboreal.com The Slabs lift-served bike park featuring flow lines with natural elements, granite rock and obstacles with berms, wall rides and jumps. And, visit The Trenches BMX park.

All levels.

MOUNT ROSE

SKY TAVERN (775) 323-5125 | skytavern.org The mountain bike park features downhill, climbing and dual slalom trails, designed as a series of progressive trails.

Open sunrise to sunset spring to fall.

Check trail conditions before heading out.

Please do not bike on wet trails.

Nordic, backcountry ski swap Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area’s Nordic and Backcountry Ski Swap is on Nov. 14 and 15 at the lodge. The swap will include a food truck in the parking lot and staff on hand to help with gear questions. The annual event is one of the ski area’s main fundraisers for Tahoe XC youth programs.

Times TBA. Entry is $5 and includes a raffle ticket. Bring last year’s season pass for free entry. | tahoexc.org

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

Paved Paths & Cycling Routes

eve nts CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

Baby Storytime Facebook | Truckee | Nov. 2

Join Miss Amy for songs, books, and early literacy tips for babies during this Facebook Live event. 10:30-11 a.m. Free | (530) 470-2695, mynevadacounty.com

5th Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival Truckee Virtual | Truckee | Nov. 6

Halloween events take on new look

Halloween will look different this year with distancing requirements in place and safety the No. 1 priority. There are a number of local events happening in the Tahoe Sierra as of press time; be sure to check schedules in advance.

For regional events, read our Tahoe Music, Events & Festivals in this edition or at TheTahoeWeekly.com.

Incline Village, Nev. | The annual Trail of Treats and Terror returns with a oneway trail through a haunted forest to enjoy the season and take family photos on Oct. 29 from 2 to 6 p.m. for residents of Incline Village and Crystal Bay only.

Face coverings and reservations are required. | RSVP (775) 832-1310, yourtahoeplace.com Bertie’s Hot Chicken will also be hosting a Drive-Thru Trick or Treat on Oct. 31 from 6 to 9 p.m. | Bertie’s Hot Chicken on Facebook South Lake Tahoe | Lake Tahoe Historical Society has put together a self-guided tour of areas with Halloween decorations in South Lake Tahoe for people to enjoy. The map is available online or at the museum at 3058 Lake Tahoe Blvd. | laketahoemuseum.org Tahoe City | Take part in the Tahoe City Halloween Scavenger Hunt from noon on Oct. 30 to 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 31 through the Goosechase app. Prizes will be awarded. | visittahoecity.org Tahoe Art Haus & Cinema will host a Drive in Movie featuring “Beetlejuice” with a costume parade and safe candy handout on Oct. 30 and 31. | tahoearthauscinema.com Truckee | There is a free Drive in Movie and Trunk or Treat on Oct. 30 at the Truckee \Tahoe Airport. The Trunk of Treat is drive-thru style from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

The movie “Coco” starts at 7 p.m. and parking is first-come, first-served. There will also be interactive trivia games using the app Crowdpurr. | Truckee Tahoe Airport on Facebook 12

Celebrate the environment of TruckeeTahoe with Mountain Area Preservation at the downtown Community Arts Center for the fifth annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival.

The evening will be filled with award-winning films focused on adventure, activism and conservation. 5-9 p.m. $25-$50 | (530) 582-6750, mapf.org

Truckee Cleanup Days Area venues | Truckee | Nov. 7

Truckee Litter Corps (TLC) is a volunteerled litter cleanup group that meets to clean up Truckee streets and trails. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. 8 a.m. Free | keeptruckeegreen.org

Virtual Music Together with Brooke Zoom | Truckee | Nov. 10

This music class is for parents and children to enjoy. Music Together teacher Brooke Chabot will lead families in interactive songs to do together in the comfort of their homes.

11-11:30 a.m. | kidzonemuseum.org

Virtual Veterans’ Day Celebration Virtual | Truckee | Nov. 11

The special guest speaker is Capt. Greg Seeger, US Marine Corps veteran. Music is provided by the Mountain Belles. Free to-go lunch for veterans and families at Veterans Hall and Victory Plaza following the ceremony. 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Free | townoftruckee.com

Entrepreneurs Assembly Roundtable Mountain Workspace Incline Village | Nov. 12

Join this fast-growing, mentor-facilitated business round table group, and learn how to start or grow your company. 6-9 p.m.

Free | eventbrite.com

Nordic & Backcountry Ski Swap Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area Tahoe City | Nov. 14

Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area’s Nordic and backcountry ski swap is always the second Saturday in November. Includes a food truck and raffle prizes. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $5 | tahoexc.org

LUNAFEST Fundraiser Zoom | Incline Village | Nov. 18

American Association of University Women Tahoe Nevada Branch is hosting a virtual film-screening fundraiser to benefit its Scholarship Fund. The cost is $25. View eight short films written, directed and produced by women. 4:30 p.m. $25 | https:// www.eventbrite.com

Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com for more Paths & Trails to explore.

PAVED MULTIUSE TRAILS BIKE PATH RULES • Keep dogs leashed

• Pedestrians must yield to bikes • Don’t stop on the trail; move to the side • E-bikes allowed on most paths; check in advance • Cyclists call out when passing pedestrians • Cyclists pass on the left EAST SHORE

EAST SHORE TRAIL Easy-moderate | 6 miles RT | tahoefund.org Runs along Lake Tahoe and connects to Hwy. 28 from south end of Incline Village, Nev., to Sand Harbor State Park.

Parking near Ponderosa Ranch Road. Electric assist OK. TART, East Shore Express NORTH SHORE

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

TAHOE CITY TO CARNELIAN BAY Easy-moderate | 8+ miles RT | tcpud.org First 2.5 miles mostly level with a half-mile climb up Dollar Hill. Cross Highway 28 to access 2.2-mile section to Fulton Crescent above Carnelian Bay. Public parking at 64 Acres, Commons Beach, Jackpine and Dollar Point. Electric assist OK. TART

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

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

Access to shopping and parks. Park at Preston Field on Hwy. 28. TART WEST SHORE

TAHOE CITY TO MEEKS BAY Moderate | 25+ miles RT | tcpud.org Mostly separate from the highway, the trail includes a few miles of highway shoulder and residential streets. Terrain is varied with a few steep sections. Access to picnicking, beaches and playgrounds. Public parking at 64 Acres.

Electric assist OK. TART OLYMPIC VALLEY

OLYMPIC VALLEY Easy | 4 miles RT | tcpud.org A 2-mile trail runs beside Squaw Valley Road to the ski area from the Squaw Valley condos to Victoria Road, with views of the meadow and surrounding peaks. Public parking at Squaw Valley Park or Village at Squaw. Electric assist OK. TART TRUCKEE

TRUCKEE LEGACY TRAIL Easy | 6 miles RT | tdrpd.org Stretches from downtown Truckee to Truckee River Regional Park, River View Sports Park and Glenshire.

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

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

CAMP RICHARDSON BIKE PATH Easy | 6 miles RT The trail parallels State Route 89 (Emerald Bay Road) for more than 3 miles, offering access to a number of local historic and recreational amenities. Park at Taylor Creek, Baldwin or Pope beaches. Visit tahoebike.org for more info.

SOUTH SHORE BIKE PATH Easy | 7 miles RT | cityofslt.us Follow the bike trail along South Shore, with sections along Lakeview Commons, Reagan Beach and playgrounds.

Public parking at Parks and Recreation lot on Rufus Allen Boulevard. Visit tahoebike.org for more info.

CYCLING ROUTES AROUND LAKE TAHOE Strenuous | 72 miles This challenging route is a scenic trip around Lake Tahoe.

A mix of flat spots, rolling hills and some steep climbs.

Heavy traffic through South Lake Tahoe. Amazing views.

BARKER PASS Moderate-strenuous | 10 miles RT Barker Pass is one of the most beautiful rides in Tahoe, if you don’t mind a little climbing with 5 miles and 1,700 vertical feet. But if you’re up to the task, you will be rewarded with pristine wilderness, spectacular alpine views, smooth pavement and almost no traffic. You will pass through lush meadows, aspens, Lodgepole pines and several varieties of fir.

Take Highway 89 south of Tahoe City to Barker Pass Road for about 4.2 miles. Look for the brown sign on the right for Blackwood Canyon/Kaspian, and shortly afterward you will see the Forest Service road.

OLD 40 TO CISCO GROVE Moderate-strenuous | 39 miles RT This route is one of the easiest to follow, and one of the best. It has it all the views, a good climb, a technical descent, a restaurant en route, Donner Lake and miles of lightly traveled roads. From downtown Truckee head west on Donner Pass Road until it ends in Cisco Grove.

After passing Donner Lake, you begin the long and challenging, but scenic, grind up the summit. This climb has a vertical rise of less than 1,000’. From the top of the summit, it is a rolling downhill along the Yuba River all the way to Cisco Grove. The descent down to Donner Lake is a technical one. Watch your speed, and make sure your brakes work. Parking at West End Beach and boat ramp.

INCLINE TO MOUNT ROSE SUMMIT Strenuous | 16 miles RT Ride about Lake Tahoe for panoramic views of the basin climbing to 8,900’ on the Mount Rose Highway out of Incline Village, Nev., to the Mount Rose Pass. While 8 miles of climbing is tough, it’s a fairly gentle grade. Just put it in your lowest gear and keep pedaling, followed by 8 miles of downhill at fast speeds with sandy bike lands. Keeping your speed under control is vital. Parking at Preston Field in Incline Village or start at the top and park at Tahoe Meadows or at the summit.

HOPE VALLEY TO BLUE LAKES Moderate | 28 miles RT You can explore the Highway 88 in either direction of Hope Valley, but 12-mile ride from the valley to Blue Lakes is a biker’s dream: smooth roads, doable climbs and spectacular alpine scenery with a lake at the end. Park at the intersection of Highways 88 and 89 and turn right. In 2 miles, turn onto Blue Lakes Road. The ride starts out mostly level until you pass the Hope Valley campground where it begins to steadily ascend before reaching the pass with a panoramic view of the area. Then descend for several miles to end at Blue lakes before the return trip.

October 28-November 17, 2020 HISTORY

Winter weather:

MARK’S COLUMN IS

SPONSORED BY

A L O O K BAC K A N D A H E A D TO L A N I Ñ A S TO RY & P H OTO BY M A R K M c L AU G H L I N

t happens every year like clockwork.

October’s shorter days and colder nights trigger weather prophets — professional, as well as amateur — to come forth with their long-range winter forecasts. It’s also the end of the previous water year and traditionally a time to look forward to the upcoming storm season.

In the West, precipitation (rain combined with the liquid equivalent of snow) is measured in water years as opposed to calendar years. In California, the water year runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30 because early October is historically the time of minimum stream and reservoir levels, as well as the traditional start of the rainy season.

The 2019-20 winter was influenced by anemic El Niño conditions in the equatorial Pacific Ocean that helped establish extended atmospheric blocking patterns. Sea surface temperatures were slightly above normal and significant storms were few and far between. The Storm King tossed out a teaser snowstorm in late September, but then the next two months were warm and bone dry. In early November, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows optimistically fired up snow-making operations, but warm temperatures limited production. Beginning Thanksgiving weekend, a parade of cold winter storms boosted the snowpack to 248 percent of normal at Tahoe Sierra resorts and business surged through the all-important Christmas and New Year holidays.

During January 2020, however, a stubborn high-pressure cell shunted many storms away from the area and an extended period of low-level stratus clouds formed due to temperature inversions. In a mixing atmosphere, warmer air resides at the surface while the temperature cools with altitude. An inversion reverses that profile and colder air and moisture near the surface cause the formation of ground fog or low-level clouds. During such conditions, upper ski slopes are often sunny and warm while a damp and chilly low-level cloud deck plagues Lake Tahoe and Truckee.

February 2020 set a new and unwanted weather record. Virtually no rain or snow were measured — only 2 inches of snow fell on the mountains at Squaw Valley — the driest February ever. My first mentor, Dr. David Ludlum, a Princeton University professor and America’s foremost weather historian, hit the nail on the head when he said, “The variability of California weather seems to be its greatest consistency.”

It’s true. The Golden State’s climate is wildly unpredictable from year to year and the extremes of wet and dry reflect poorly on what can be expected from what’s considered normal or average.

Finally, after months of sketchy snowfall, on March 14 the National Weather Service warned that the biggest storm of the winter was barreling toward the Tahoe Sierra. In just four days, ski areas picked up between 6 and 9 feet of snow.

However, just as the storm arrived all resorts were forced to close for the season due to the Coronavirus pandemic. It was

Photo Credit | Photographer?

I

Kids’ Seasonal Rentals available NOW in Tahoe City & Truckee Downtown!

LOCATED IN

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

a heartbreaking end to a somewhat disappointing ski season. For 2020, Squaw Valleys’ aggregate upper mountain snowfall eclipsed 32 feet, but nearly 13 feet of it came after the resort shutdown. Precipitation for the region came in at a paltry 73 percent of average with much less in most of the state. Only Southern California did well.

The Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde characteristics of La Niña will keep forecasters on their toes as we move through this season.

For the first time in the 30 years that I’ve been chronicling Tahoe Sierra weather and climate, I cannot share vital snowfall and precipitation data from the Central Sierra Snow Lab located near Donner Pass. Randall Osterhuber, the longtime manager of the lab, retired last year and a replacement station supervisor was slow in coming. There were no observations made between Dec. 1, 2019, and April 1. Osterhuber will be missed.

He was a consummate professional at his job for decades.

LA NIÑA PREDICTED So, what’s in store for this season? As of October 2020, National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center has issued a La Niña Advisory for the upcoming winter. Confidence that a strengthening La Niña event will persist through winter 2021 is relatively high — at about 75 percent. La Niña is the term used when equatorial sea-surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean are cooler than normal. El Niño is used when temperatures are warmer than average.

These temperature anomalies, coupled

Temperature inversion over western Nevada from Diamond Peak Resort. | Mark McLaughlin

with atmospheric pressure changes, influence the storm-steering jet stream.

Historically it leads to wetter conditions in the Pacific Northwest with drier weather in California, especially in southern California. Northern California can swing either way, with Interstate 80 about the pivot point. Other factors at play during the course of a winter season, such as the Madden-Julian Oscillation and oceanic Kelvin wave activity, can also significantly impact surface and subsurface conditions across the Pacific Ocean. The Climate Prediction Center’s current seasonal outlooks for temperature and precipitation predict elevated chances for above normal temperatures from the central Sierra and points south. Precipitation is expected to be increasingly below average south of our region.

California is divided into 10 hydrological regions. Truckee and Lake Tahoe are located in the North Lahontan region, which includes all lakes and reservoirs within the Truckee, Carson and Walker river watersheds. Generally, in our neck of the woods, La Niña events produce close to normal precipitation — within about 10 percent of the annual average. Although not guaranteed this year, strong La Niña events energize the polar jet stream with winters that tend to be very cold, but rather dry with a few extreme precipitation events. One signature to look for as we move into winter is that, statistically, La Niña years that start out dry generally continue that way, averaging 60 percent to 90 percent of normal precipitation for the year.

The La Niña-influenced winter of 2017 started off with the wettest October in history and ended up with record-setting precipitation totals.

The Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde characteristics of La Niña will keep forecasters on their toes as we move through

this season. Dr. Kelly Redmond, former deputy director and regional climatologist at Western Regional Climate Center once stated that La Niña conditions “seem to raise the odds in the Sierra Nevada of wintertime floods.” Redmond studied the La Niña connection on the American River between 1933 and 2000 and found that they enhanced stream flow an average 60 percent greater than in El Niño-influenced winters. La Niña episodes appear more likely to tap atmospheric rivers that funnel heavy precipitation into the Tahoe Sierra.

Read more local history at TheTahoeWeekly.com Ninety percent of winter floods in the mountains are these wet mantle events when high-elevation rain melts the existing snowpack. Indicative of this trend, many of the most notable flood events on the Truckee River have occurred during La Niña-influenced winters.

In fact, California and Nevada’s biggest floods have all occurred during cool, oceanic events.  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 Tahoe Sierra Public Art Tour, Part III TRUCKEE S TO RY & P H OTO S BY K AY L A A N D E R S O N

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the third part in a series

on public art in the Tahoe Sierra. Read Part I & II at TheTahoeWeekly.com.

T

ruckee is rich in culture and history, inspiring people to explore and recreate in its rugged terrain while also promoting commerce and drawing in creative minds.

Therefore, it makes sense to enrich the community with public art everywhere, located all around the area among Truckee’s emerging population.

The eyes on West River Street were yarn bombed by an anonymous crochet

LEFT PAGE

artist who calls

CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: “Mountain Flowers” in the Donner Pass Road/Pioneer Trail roundabout; “The Rusty Ramblers” metal sculpture on Donner Pass Road; West River Street crocheted eyes from the pop-up artist Yarn Gurl.

herself Yarn Gurl.

“Truckee Ants”

“Uplifted”

Alder Drive & Prosser Dam Road

In the roundabout at the intersection of Alder Drive/Prosser Dam Road are giant metal ant sculptures that seem to stare at vehicles going to and from Truckee. Metal artist Matt Parkhurst originally proposed the idea of installing two ant sculptures.

The Town of Truckee decided to purchase six more to make the roundabout appear more like an ant hill.

“Mountain Flowers” Donner Pass Road & Pioneer Trail

In the roundabout at the intersection of Donner Pass Road and Pioneer Trail, reaching high into the sky at 16 and 18 feet tall, are iron wildflowers. Artist and Gallery 5830’ co-owner Troy Corliss gifted the piece; a lot of his work is intended for large-scale environments. To create “Mountain Flowers,” he enlisted the help of The Mountain Forge, Huldrege & Kull (now NV5), Perennial Landscape & Nursery and JMC Industrial Finishing to provide services and supplies.

“DeRailed” 10065 Donner Pass Road

“DeRailed,” a sculpture created by Bernie LaForest, in front of The Depot is made of repurposed rail steel and part of Truckee Artistic Bike Rack Project commissioned by the Town of Truckee.

“Locomotion No. 4294” 10115 Donner Pass Road

A large metal bike stands between Mountain Home Center and Tahoe Oil & Spice. The metal sculpture, by Fred Besch, 14

Bridge & Jibboom Streets

‘’Uplifted’ was designed by Karin Johnson and created by Karin Johnson and Jewelz Vaio. It sits at the corner of Trout Creek Park and is part of Truckee Public Arts Commission’s Art Bike Rack Project. was named after 1940 and 1950s scabforward engines that pulled heavy loads over Donner Pass Summit. Besch collaborated with architect Peter Gerdin, Justin Self of Fusion Craft Works, Kelly Brothers Painting, Inc. and Town of Truckee to complete it. The art shares plaza space with a giant chess board that was created and donated

by Truckee Roundhouse Makerspace.

“High Iron”

West River Street art

10156 Donner Pass Road

10153 West River St.

“Victory Highway Eagle Monument”

This multipiece metal sculpture, aka “The Band,” is located on the train tracks side of Donner Pass Road in Brickelltown.

Created by local artist Anton Standteiner of The Mountain Forge, this is a fun iron depiction featuring lively musicians rocking out on the road. Town of Truckee embraced it as part of the Brickelltown Streetscape improvement project.

Donner Pass Road & Spring Street

Originally built in 1928 by Caltrans and the Town of Truckee, this monument was on Old Highway 40 before it was vandalized and taken down. The giant sculpted metal eagle was then relocated to the corner of Spring Street and Donner Pass Road; a rededication event took place in July 1998. The monument pays tribute to Californians who fought in World War I.

Truckee murals 10156 Donner Pass Road & 10050 Bridge St.

Near the Eagle monument, you’ll see the “Truckee, Calif.” mural painted on the side of a brick building in Brickelltown that houses California 89. While on the other end of downtown, there’s a “Welcome to Truckee California” next to the Post Office on Bridge Street.

‘’High Iron’’ by Bernie LaForest of Striker Forge is the most vertical in the Truckee Artistic Bike Rack project. The sculpture is made of rail steel and was commissioned by the Town of Truckee.

“Rusty Ramblers” Donner Pass Road in Brickelltown

Share your favorite public art @TheTahoeWeekly on Facebook or Instagram #tahoepublicart

On a chain-link fence between two abandoned buildings on West River Street, 35 woven eyes of all shapes and sizes peer onto the road. These eyes were yarn bombed by an anonymous crochet artist who calls herself Yarn Gurl. Her purpose was to create art that makes people want to “stop and smell the roses” and remain in the present. Next to the crocheted eyes, three cartoon heads were painted on a building also staring out into the street.

They were created by Yon, a San Franciscobased street artist.

“Animal Tracks” 10125 Pine Ave.

Next to Tahoe Forest Hospital is “Animal Tracks,” a steel bike-rack sculpture featuring paw prints of local animals created by artist Kevin Kremler as part of the Truckee Artistic Bike Rack Project.

“Building Communities” Truckee River Regional Park

This project includes steel parts from the San Francisco Bay Bridge that is now the Kids Train Platform. It was the brainchild of Anton “Toni” Standteiner of Mountain Forge.

October 28-November 17, 2020 GET OUTSIDE

Photographers stream their art

“Martis Sculpture” Soaring Way & Truckee Airport Road

‘’Martis Sculpture’’ was created by Anton Standteiner of The Mountain Forge and commissioned by the Town of Truckee. The flow and style of the sculpture honors the Native American people who once inhabited Martis Valley. It stands in front of the Martis Outlook professional building.

Olof and Elizabeth Carmel, owners of Carmel Gallery in Truckee, have launched a new art subscription channel, called NatureStream.TV, which features streaming art displays and ambient nature films.

“Community As Ecosystem”

Watch a preview of The Seasons of Lake Tahoe

8924 Donner Pass Road

The mural “Community As Ecosystem” celebrates all who came together to help fund Truckee’s Aquatic Center and is located inside the Truckee Community Swimming Pool building.

at TheTahoeWeekly.com

NatureStream.TV apps provide instant access to fine art photographs and ambient nature films on TVs, mobile devices and computers. NatureStream.TV apps are available for all streaming devices, including Roku, Apple TV, iOS, Amazon fire, Android and Website platforms. By making their nature photographs and films accessible via ubiquitous TV and tablet screens, the Carmels hope to expand the use of TVs and mobile devices as art displays and tools for relaxation and stress reduction.

The Carmels have owned and operated Carmel Gallery in Truckee since 2006, where they sell their limited edition photographic prints. | thecarmelgallery.com

the art s Anna Bunnell artist’s talk Zoom | Incline Village | Oct. 28

Anna Bunnell, BFA 2019, was the recipient of the 2019 Perspective on Design award. 5:30 p.m. | (775) 831-1314, sierranevada.edu

Call for Artist Submissions

“The Feather”

Glass Garage Collective Stateline | Oct. 28-March 6

8924 Donner Pass Road

‘’The Feather,” also part of the Truckee Artistic Bike Rack Project, was designed

by Lauren Bello Okerman and is made of powder-coated steel. The art serves as a bike rack in front of the Truckee Donner Recreation & Park District.

The “We Are All Guests Here” project asks all participants to submit art on the theme: People + Place. 1 p.m. | glassgaragecollective.com

Call for artists and makers North Tahoe Arts Tahoe City | Oct. 28-Nov. 4

Glenshire

Accepting applications for the annual Holly Arts Show, Nov. 5 to Jan. 7, 2021. | (530) 581-2787, northtahoearts.com

Heart Stump sculpture Glenshire Drive

This red wooden sculpture on Glenshire Drive was created out of a tree stump. The sculpture is harder to see than the wooden heart sculpture on Highway 267 near Northstar that as featured in Part I of the series.

You can spot it on the left-hand side of Glenshire Drive as you are heading westbound into Truckee. It’s carved on a hillside. Look for it after completing the curve in the road.

Donner Lake “Pioneer Monument” Donner Memorial State Park

The more than 100-year-old “Pioneer Monument” was dedicated on June 6, 1918, and was erected in honor of all who made the difficult trek across the western plains and mountains to reach California during the 1840s. It was placed near the site of the cabins that gave shelter to the Donner Party.

“El Dragon” West End Beach

‘’El Dragon’’ is another project of the Truckee Artistic Bike Rack Project. It came to life with the help of Mountain Forge and is based on the design of then second graders Hope Smith and Florian Standteiner. It is meant to honor the Chinese who worked on the railroad in Truckee.

Use our Public Art map to create your own art tour

at TheTahoeWeekly.com

Petroglyphs Old Highway 40

On Donner Summit, you can see ancient petroglyphs that were carved into stone

by Native Americans. The petroglyphs are marked with a historic sign on the side of Old Highway 40 (Donner Pass Road).

RIGHT PAGE

Rasjad Hopkins art exhibit

TOP TO BOTTOM: “Big Bike” metal sculpture in

Scott Forrest Fine Art Studio South Lake Tahoe | Oct. 28-31

downtown Truckee; Yon mural on West River Street; “Truckee Ants” in the Alder Drive/Prosser Dam Road roundabout; Truckee, Calif., mural on a brick wall in Brickelltown.

Rasjad Hopkins who has been influencing the creative market for decades.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. | (310) 213-3333, facebook.com

Evening of Poetry

Donner Summit “Snowshoe Thompson” statue

Kings Beach Library | Nov. 4

Bring original poetry, favorite poems or just listen. First Wednesday of each month.

6-7 p.m. | (530) 546-2021, placer.ca.gov

19865 Boreal Ridge Road

One of the region’s statues commemorating Snowshoe Thompson, the legendary mail carrier who crossed the Sierra 180 miles roundtrip on skis to carry the mail from Genoa, Nev., to Placerville from 1856 to 1876, is located outside the Western Ski Sports Museum next to Boreal Mountain resort. Another is located in the Village at Squaw Valley. 

Tahoe Art League Meeting Senior Center South Lake Tahoe | 2nd Tuesday

Meetings are free and open to the public. 6-8 p.m. | (530) 544-2313, business. tahoechamber.org

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TheTahoeWeekly.com

THE lineup live music | shows | nightlife

Live music returns to CBC

festivals | entertainment

The Crystal Bay Casino announced in midOctober that it was returning to live music in the Crown Room with limited tickets due to mandates from the State of Nevada. As of press time, tickets are only being sold to parties of two or four only with a 130-person show capacity.

Eric Lundholm B RO K E O N STO K E

Upcoming shows include Petty Theft with two shows on Nov. 14 and The Greg Golden Band on Nov. 21. Tickets to the Jackie Greene shows have already sold out. | crystalbaycasino.com

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

L

Watch Eric Lundholm jam with drummer Elise Trouw

at TheTahoeWeekly.com

Lundholm now works part-time on the dock at Tahoe Watermans Landing in Carnelian Bay while waiting for the mountains to open again. He started his own repair and custom build paddle and surfboard company called ELevate Board Designs.

The album title, “Broke Ass,” is inspired

by Lundholm’s penchant for living in expensive beach and mountain towns on a meager income. This challenge grew even bigger last year after he was bitten by a rat while working on a house in Idaho. He developed an infection that required open 16

Tahoe City

duo releases voting song With Election Day approaching, a North Lake Tahoe-based creative duo has released an original song and animated music video titled, “Turn The Page,” in an effort to urge and inspire citizens to get out and vote.

Jonathan Herre

ike a surfer learning to ride a wave, the life of an artist can be a turbulent process punctuated by brief moments of bliss.

Eric Lundholm grew up in Makakilo, Hawaii, where, like many island children, he learned early on to strum basic ukulele songs such as “Surf ” by the Ka’au Crater Boys.

“I just went from there,” says the easygoing musician and board sports enthusiast.

“I never really wanted to be a rock star per se.”

When he was 12, Lundholm’s family moved to the northern Idaho city of Coeur D’Alene near mountain resorts Schweitzer Mountain and Lookout Pass. After high school, he followed his twin passions for snowboarding and music while living in Colorado and Montana before eventually returning to the island of Oahu.

The first time he performed on stage was at Duke’s Ukes Contest in Waikiki. This led to the formation of the barhopping Salty String Band and a job with The Ukulele Site instrument builders in Haleiwa.

“I love playing small venues, breweries and bars,” says Lundholm. “That’s a lot of fun for me — sharing my music with people. If I can make a little money doing it that’s cool, too.”

While working at the uke shop one day, Lundholm met local luthiers Tyler Joersz and Devin Price of Tyde Music who inspired him to move to Lake Tahoe.

He landed a job as a snowboard instructor at Northstar California Resort until the pandemic closed everything down in March. He wrote and posted the beautifully mellow folk song “Nothing to Do” in response. Then he started recording his debut EP. “I’m kind of hoping this is a catalyst to getting together with the right people,” says Lundholm. “With the lockdown and being so new in town, it’s been hard to go out and make those connections. Although it’s definitely giving me a lot of time to play on my own.”

INDIE FOLK ROCK

“ Naturally I’m an introvert, so for me to go out and play music and perform is my way of getting myself out there. It’s my way of living a normal life and expressing myself. So, it’s kind of healing in that sense.”

–Eric Lundholm

heart surgery. Without health insurance or workers’ compensation, he was stuck with the bill.

“When I play my instruments, it’s definitely cathartic,” he says. “Naturally I’m an introvert, so for me to go out and play music and perform is my way of getting myself out there. It’s my way of living a normal life and expressing myself. So it’s kind of healing in that sense.”

ISLAND GROWN, MOUNTAIN MOLDED The five-song “Broke Ass” EP is an eclectic assortment of alt-rock, traditional Hawaiian and ambient compositions inspired by sandy beaches and rocky peaks, the highs and the lows of Lundholm’s adventurous lifetime.

Opening track “The Hat Song” recalls the simple, catchy hooks and indie voice of Rivers Cuomo of Weezer while expressing the passions and struggle of an artist/athlete perpetually “broke on stoke.”

“Haleiwa Shuffle” is an upbeat instrumental Lundholm whipped up to show off his formidable ukulele chops. The humorously folky “Broke Ass Theme Song” was written on the beach one day while contemplating what to do between jobs.

Hard-rocking “Do What I Can” is about staying positive in the face of adversity.

The authentic EP closes with the wonderfully ambient 7 minutes of “Insomnia.”

“I wrote that the day that I bought my acoustic guitar,” says the artist. “I just sat down started playing chords with my looper and it turned into this. It’s evolved since I first played it. I like where it’s come to.”

As a bonus track, Lundholm is releasing an honest and heartrending acoustic version of Kid Cudi’s ubiquitous 2009 hip-hop anthem “Pursuit of Happiness” on SoundCloud.

“I feel a little bit of connection with that song because that’s what my life has been about, bouncing between surf towns and mountain towns trying to play music,” he says. “As of the last month or two it’s been pretty great. Things are lightening up. I’m hoping to collaborate with some people once life opens up again.” | ELevate Board Designs on Facebook  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.

Written in the style and spirit of timeless protest songs of the 1960s, “Turn The Page” takes a look at the current state of the nation and the increasing dissonance, anger, rhetoric and unrest in American politics and in communities across the nation.

“This song is a call to action,” says songwriter, musician, and producer Eric T. Brandt in a press release. “It’s time to stand up and exercise the cornerstone of our democracy, our right — our duty — to vote. Ultimately, the goal of the song is to get people to vote.

We, the people, all of us, have to stand up and participate in order to keep this democracy alive and true.”

The song grew from a conversation between Brandt and creative partner/animator Tamara Warren about what they saw as growing unpleasantness emanating from Washington.

“We were becoming increasingly disgusted and concerned about the rampant and unchecked growth of angry and unsettling conduct being displayed by our nation’s elected leaders,” says Brandt. “We looked at each other and agreed that it’s time to do something to help stop this increasingly grim and alarming situation. Voting is the key.”

Brandt and Warren immersed themselves in the project over the last few months, working from their home studios in Tahoe City. Both contributed to the lyrics and Brandt wrote the music and performed and produced the song. Warren, a digital artist, created the animated music video. The song also includes the talents of notable musicians Timothy Drury on keyboards and Nick South on bass.

Brandt and Warren are asking listeners to help spread the word and inspire people to vote by sharing the video and also posting a video of themselves and friends singing along to the song’s chorus, using the hashtag #turnthepage. | erictbrandt.com, text “turnthepage” to 24587

OCT. 28-NOV. 30, 2020 EDITION

October 28-November 17, 2020 THE LINEUP

T A H O E

Many events in October have moved to virtual formats or have been canceled due to ongoing restrictions on large gatherings. These events listed below are still being held as of press time, but events may be still be canceled, so check in advance for schedules.

Distancing guidelines remain in the place and masks are still required in Nevada and California.

Enjoy local brews at Achieve Tahoe’s Foam Fest through Oct. 31. | Courtesy Alibi Ale Works

For the most up-to-date information, visit the Events calendar at TheTahoeWeekly.com.

“Purple Mountains” film

Fright at the Fairgrounds

Apex Concert: Clara & Felix

Crafts for Christmas

Ongoing | Virtual

Oct. 30-31 | Douglas County Fairgrounds Gardnerville, Nev.

Nov. 12 | Virtual

Nov. 26-29 | Nugget Casino Resort Sparks, Nev.

purplemountainsfilm.com

Achieve Tahoe’s Foam Fest Until Oct. 31 | FiftyFifty Brewing, Truckee Brewing Co., Alibi Ale Works | Truckee

achievetahoe.org

Facebook

Ghost Train Oct. 30 & 31 | Mills Park | Carson City, Nev.

wildhorsetheater.com

Halloween Happenings Tour

Drive-Thru Trick or Treat

Until Oct. 31 | Self-guided Halloween Decorations | South Lake Tahoe

Oct. 31 | Bertie’s Hot Chicken Incline Village, Nev.

laketahoemuseum.org

Bertie’s Hot Chicken on Facebook

Halloween Railbike Rides

Nevada Day Fall Fest

Until Oct. 31 | V&T Railway | Carson City, Nev.

Oct. 31 | Arlington Square | Carson City, Nev.

vtrailway.com

visitcarsoncity.com

Halloween Reimagined

Hunt for Spirits

Until Oct. 31 | Area venues | Reno/Sparks, Nev.

Oct. 31 | Virginia City Historic District

pumpkinpalooza.org

Facebook

unr.edu

M5 Mexican Brass Nov. 12 | Virtual

unr.edu

Carson Valley Turkey Trot 5K Nov. 12-26 | Minden Park | Minden, Nev.

visitcarsonvalley.org

Sierra Nevada University’s Writers in the Woods Nov. 13-14 | Virtual

sierranevada.edu

Sciencecast —Televised Fundraiser Nov. 14 | KRNV News 4 & Facebook Reno, Nev.

nvdm.org

Trail of Treats and Terror

Virtual Soroptishop Holiday Market

Nordic & Backcountry Ski Swap

Oct. 29 | Incline Village

Nov. 1-8 | Virtual

Nov. 14 | Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area Tahoe City

(residents only by RSVP)

yourtahoeplace.com

Boonanza Drive-Thru Trick or Treat Oct. 29 | Centennial Sports Complex Carson City, Nev.

visitcarsoncity.com

Drive In Movie & Trunk or Treat Oct. 30 | Truckee Tahoe Airport

Truckee Tahoe Airport on Facebook

Tahoe City Halloween Hunt Oct. 30-31 | Scavenger Hunt

visittahoecity.org

sitd.info

Wild & Scenic Film Festival Nov. 6 | Virtual

mountainareapreservation.org

Downtown Wine Walk Nov. 7 | Carson City, Nev.

downtowncarson.org

Tahoe Art Walk Nov. 14 | Area venues | South Lake Tahoe

maketahoe.com

Cadillac Ball Nov. 14 | Virtual

cadillacball.com

Reno Philharmonic’s “Dare We Dance?”

LUNAFEST Fundraiser

Nov. 7 & 8 | Virtual

Nov. 18-19 | Virtual

renophil.com

Drive In Movie & Costume Parade

Reno Wind Symphony’s Veteran’s Day Salute

Oct. 30 & 31 | Tahoe Art Haus | Tahoe City

Nov. 8 | Virtual

tahoearthauscinema.com

tahoexc.org

renowindsymphony.com

tahoe-nv.aauw.net

Winter Speaker Series Nov. 19 | Virtual

wildboundlive.com

Haunted Hills & Mills

Veteran’s Day Cruise

Holiday Festival & Bud Fish Tree Lighting Ceremony

Oct. 30-31 | Gold Hill Hotel | Virginia City, Nev.

Nov. 11 | C Street | Virginia City, Nev.

Nov. 20 | Virtual | Truckee

goldhillhotel.net

visitvirginiacitynv.com

historictruckee.com

nuggetcasinoresort.com

Candy Cane Express & Train O’Lights Nov. 28-December | V&T Depot Virginia City, Nev.

virginiatruckee.com

Tahoe City Holiday Hop Nov. 28 | Downtown | Tahoe City

visittahoecity.org

l i ve OCTOBER 29 | THURSDAY Live Music Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar, Truckee, 6 p.m.

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

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

OCTOBER 30 | FRIDAY Live Music Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar, Truckee, 6 p.m.

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

Michael Sinclair Bar of America, Truckee, 8:30 p.m.-12 a.m.

OCTOBER 31 | SATURDAY Live Music Under the Tent Bar of America, Truckee, 8 p.m.

Michael Sinclair Bar of America, Truckee, 8:30 p.m.-12 a.m.

NOVEMBER 5 | THURSDAY Live Music Under the Tent Bar of America, Truckee, 8 p.m.

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

NOVEMBER 6 | FRIDAY Dylan Casey’s, Zephyr Cove, 5-8 p.m.

NOVEMBER 12 | THURSDAY Open Mic Classic Cue, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.

NOVEMBER 14 | SATURDAY Mudd Bonz Casey’s, Zephyr Cove, 6-9 p.m.

17

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Horoscopes Puzzles Michael O’Connor, Life Coach Astrologer SunStarAstrology.com

Your business’

LOGO here

Aries (Mar 21-Apr 20)

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A process of deep reflection and review is underway. It is linked to the status and quality of some of your closest relationships. You yearn for more intimacy and want to feel the same in return. This is not merely a matter of desire and passion. Love and harmony and romance too are more important than usual.

Taurus (Apr 20-May 21) FIRE

EARTH

AIR

WATER

Scorpio (Oct 22-Nov 21) The Sun now in your sign indicates that you are ready to advance your position. Positively, you are willing to make the extra effort. But, don’t procrastinate.

By next weekend you will be happy to step back behind the scenes for a while. For best results, focus on a variety of creative projects without the pressure to have to complete them.

Sagittarius (Nov 21-Dec 21) You are hardly alone in your desire to step out of the limelight for a while. The pull inward has been strong for some time already and is extra strong now. However, it may not be so easy due to a steadily mounting workload. You may feel a little more social next week so postpone engagements if you can.

Otherwise, be willing to listen more and speak less.

Capricorn (Dec 21-Jan 19) Who are your friends and your allies? Following up on initiatives taken over the past few weeks is likely and ideal as the results of your efforts will come in soon.

Positively, you are feeling strong and optimistic. Yet, you are wise to remain open to acquiring new insights, skills, tools, techniques and/or wisdom to give you that added boost.

Aquarius (Jan 19-Feb 19) Circumstances are pushing you to assert a strong lead. Yet, balancing it with a humble and realistic assessment of your strengths and weaknesses will prove helpful. This will allow you to remain authentic and, even despite any shortcomings, others will respect you for your self-honesty. Focus to be detached and not take matters personally. Stand corrected, if necessary.

Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20) The Sun in Scorpio will inspire a philosophical and diplomatic mood. Yet, Mercury retrograde in Scorpio may be leaving you feeling a little lost. Don’t worry, it will not last very long. Make every effort to trust the flow and to allow yourself to lay low. After all, this time of year invites it. As the spiritual teachers say, observe without judgment or reaction.

Creating a new quality of balance and flow in your daily rhythm is a strong focus now. You are realizing that you have to give more to receive accordingly. This will lead you to enter into intimate dialogue with significant others. You are quite sure about moving on from the way things are currently and have been.

Gemini (May 21-Jun 21) You have been enjoying a playful cycle. However, starting now you will enter a more sober and serious mood. You have business to attend to and it is not a laughing matter. You will still aspire to be diplomatic, but you will not gladly tolerate foolishness.

Meanwhile, your energy levels may be vacillating, and this will continue for a few more weeks.

Cancer (Jun 21-Jul 22) You have been happy to huddle close to home.

Yet, change is in the air. Positively, this change could include a financial boost in your favor. Entering into serious conversations with family and significant others is featured. You are eager to strike a new deal, but you want to feel certain that everyone is in agreement.

Leo (Jul 22-Aug 23) A steady push forward to enter into a new state of freedom continues. More than usual, you will be happy to huddle as close to home as you can. However, this is not to say progress will not be made. But, this time could prove to be more internal than usual and you are probably wise to trust the flow.

Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22) Building upon new foundations continues.

At worst, it may feel like progress is slow. This may seem especially true in terms of your otherwise ardent desire to forge ahead. So, you are left to accept steady progress. After all, the process of bringing in the new comes with the task of also clearing the old which could include completing projects started in the past.

Libra (Sep 22-Oct 22) As eager as you are to maintain peace and harmony and take a diplomatic approach, certain individuals are probably causing you to feel conflicted and frustrated. The challenge includes seeing through your own attachments and fixed perspectives.

Some lions built a drinking tavern and gave it the tagline “Where everybody knows your mane.”

CryptoQuip

Hocus Focus differences: 1. Cloud is missing, 2. Artist has glasses, 3. Boy’s neckline is different, 4. Easel has third leg, 5. Painting is different, 6. Artist’s paint rag is gone.

18

October 28-November 17, 2020 EAT & DRINK

EAT &drink

Email news to editor@tahoethisweek.com

food & libations | recipes | delicious events

Hop into Fall L O C A L LY G R O W N H O P S A N D B R E W S Courtesy Slow Food Lake Tahoe

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

Community Garden Project a go Truckee-Donner Recreation & Parks District has given Slow Food Lake Tahoe permission to build a community garden next to its Food Bank Garden in Truckee River Regional Park. This space will be dedicated to the local community. Slow Food Lake Tahoe will build and rent garden bed plots to aspiring gardeners in which to grow their own food at high altitude.

T

he hop plant is unique. The flowers resemble an alien green pineapple. The fast-growing hanging vine can grow up to 30 feet tall, spreads almost 3 feet wide and lives for 20 years. The hop flower is not sweet. It’s what gives the bitterness to the beer while offering floral and citrus flavor to the brew. Consider the delicious hoppy IPA or pale ale. While hops can be ornamental and provide shade in the summer months, come fall it is harvest time.

In the Tahoe Sierra, hops grow wild.

According to owner of the recently opened Donner Creek Brewing, Greg Speicher, Truckee’s first brewery in Boca was making lager in the late 19th Century. Hops were grown in the region to make their beer

THE BREWS Slow Food hops Alibi Ale Works | Truckee & Incline Vlg alibialeworks.com

The Louie Wet Hops

The nonprofit organization will be organizing a volunteer committee to help navigate raising funds and building out the space this fall through next spring 2021.

Organizers are also looking for anyone with marketing and public relations expertise to help promote the project. Those interested should email pfgeary@gmail. com. | slowfoodlaketahoe.org

Court Leve | Foam Fest

tasty tidbits

The Brewing Lair | Blairsden thebrewinglair.com

The Shred Donner Creek Brewing | Truckee Donner Creek Brewing on Facebook

Boca Ghost The Good Wolf Brewing | Truckee thegoodwolfbrewing.com

– The Shred. Back then, hops were also imported from Sacramento and Napa and it seems the seeds were sown in the soil of the Tahoe region.

Speicher is a fan of locally grown hops; he harvested the flowers growing wild around Truckee — on West River Street in particular. With his bounty of hops, he produced a small batch of seasonal beer. The brewery serves several types of beers from IPAs to pale ales, along with a mild English brew Enjoy the tastes of Tahoe

at TheTahoeWeekly.com

Foam Fest Truckee | Oct. 28-31

For $30 receive a Foam Fest mug and one 16-ounce beer at each participating location in October to support Achieve Tahoe: Truckee Brewing Company, Alibi Ale Works Truckee Public House and Fifty Fifty Brewing Company. $30 | (530) 581-4161, achievetahoe.com

Rich Delano with Louie Romano, the inspiration for Louie Wet Hops Beer. | Courtesy The Brewing Lair; Sue and Rich Delano, owners of The Brewing Lair. | Courtesy The Brewing Lair; Greg Speicher of Donner Creek Brewing. | Courtesy Gary Speicher; Hops harvested by Greg Speicher of Donner Creek Brewing. | Courtesy Gary Speicher; The Brewing Lair pint and growler ale. | Courtesy The Brewing Lair.

and French Saison. The hops provide bitterness to balance the sweetness of the malt.

“They have a lot of citrus and pine notes,” says Speicher.

Donner Creek Brewing on Deerfield Drive in Truckee serves gourmet grilledcheese sandwiches, along with small-batch craft beers and a selection of gluten-free hard seltzers and ciders.

Kati Townsend Merino, director of Slow Food Lake Tahoe’s Food Bank Garden, also grows hops. They donated their yield to Alibi Ale Works with locations in

Truckee and Incline Village, Nev. Alibi Ale Works will produce a beer from the hops and donate a portion of the proceeds back to the Food Bank Garden.

Susan Delano, co-owner of The Brewing Lair in Blairsden, also uses locally grown hops to create the Louie Wet Hops beer.

Gary Romano of Sierra Valley Farms grows hops annually, which are donated to the Brewers Lair. The beer is a tribute to Romano’s father, Louie, who recently passed away.

“We harvest the hops every Labor Day weekend if the hops are cooperating. We have about 40 volunteers that pick the hops from 9 to 5,” says Delano.

Once harvested, they take the hops directly to the brewery and brew them as quickly as possible. “The hops deteriorate rapidly, and we want the hops as fresh as possible,” she says.

Her husband Rich is the head brewer and co-owner of The Brewing Lair. He brews several different types of ales, both year-round and seasonal varieties. The Louie Wet Hops doesn’t have a high alcohol content and offers a lovely hint of hops.

This year volunteers picked 115 pounds of hops, which yielded 15 barrels of brew, the equivalent to 450 gallons of beer. The beer is available on tap for another month.

The Brewing Lair is an outdoor venue, open seven days a week through November. Once winter sets in, they’ll move to weekend hours and set up a fire pit.

The Good Wolf, also brewing in Truckee, will be releasing its Boca Ghost in November brewed from hops harvested from behind New Moon Natural Moons.

Along with making great beer, hops can be used to make a calming tea and a yeast starter for breadmaking. It can also be added to soups and stews and the flowers can be infused for salad dressing.  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

19

Sunday through Thursday not valid with any other offer | Expires May 22, 2019

TheTahoeWeekly.com

Lakeview Deck and Patio

FROM CHEF SMITTY’S KITCHEN

Turkey Chili

Open daily for Dining 12-8pm

JasonsBeachSideGrille.com

•

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

(530) 546-3315

8338 NORTH LAKE BLVD., KINGS BEACH, CA

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.

I

wanted to relax and have a simple meal.

My friend Kitty has always told me of her chili and I decided the cooler temperatures of fall was the perfect time to make it. It really is easy to make. The only thing I’m changing from her normal recipe is the herbs and spices because she normally uses a package of Old El Paso chili seasoning. I didn’t have any and didn’t feel like going to the store, so I used what I had on hand. I made the chili with turkey, but feel free to use whatever meat you want. 

I decided the cooler temperatures of fall was the perfect time to make it.

Find more of Chef Smitty’s recipes

at TheTahoeWeekly.com

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.

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From the kitchen of: Chef David “Smitty” Smith 1 lb. ground turkey 1 sweet green pepper, medium diced 1 jar Newman’s salsa, hot 1 15 oz. can black beans, rinsed 1 15 oz. can red beans, rinsed 1 28 oz. can tomato sauce 1 T oil 1 package Old El Paso chili seasoning or seasoning mix

SEASONING MIX 2 t chipotle powder 1 T cumin ½ T chili powder 2 T dried oregano Salt & pepper to taste

In a skillet, brown the meat in the oil. Add the pepper and sauté to let the pepper start to soften. Add the rest of the ingredients and let simmer for half an hour, stirring occasionally.

October 28-November 17, 2020 EAT & DRINK

W I N E R IE S O F T H E S IE R R A FOOTHILLS

Viña Castellano S TO RY BY BA R BA R A K E C K | P H OTO S BY J O H A N M A R T I N

W

hen the Abuelita blend of Spanish varietals from Viña Castellano was awarded a Best of California designation in the 2014 California State Fair, Teena Wilkins was emotional. “All these years of hard work, family investment and involvement, risk taking and course corrections, all that was finally recognized, and it felt so good.”

Wilkins is the co-owner of Viña Castellano Estate Vineyards and Winery in Auburn, which started in 1999 when she and her late father, Gabe Mendez, put in Tempranillo and Syrah. The vineyard, now 10 acres, sits on land owned for 40 years by her forebears, the Mendez family. From the beginning, it was a family venture.

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She was inspired in part by her father’s trips back to visit relatives in the Castile region of Spain.

Shared cultural traditions are what led Wilkins into this enterprise. “I grew up with my grandmother, Mercedes MariaMendez, living next door; she made 200 gallons of wine every year from the time she was a young girl until she was a very old woman,” she recalls. “Wine was part of our food life, and Sunday dinners introduced us to the taste of wine with food from a young age.”

In 1998, Wilkins started taking classes at UC Davis that were designed with would-be winery owners in mind. She was inspired in part by her father’s trips back to visit relatives in the Castile region of Spain. He’d come back with the gleam of Tempranillo in his eye and a conviction that his Sierra Foothill’s land was similar to the terroir in which Spanish wine grapes were growing. They pooled resources and dreams and planted the Tempranillo and Syrah.

By 2003, the vineyard yielded enough fruit for a first crush, which took place at a facility in Cloverdale near Auburn.

Work was under way to excavate a cave on their own property. The construction of the cave, including lining it with large granite stones that had been removed when the vineyard was planted, took some years. But, by 2005, winemaking began there.

Today, the cave provides Wilkins and her winery consultant, Derek Irwin, with plenty of room to produce 2,000 cases of estate wine. There are now 10 planted acres, and another 15 acres will be planted in the future. Barrels take up a goodly portion of room in the cave; the OldWorld winemaking style for which Viña Castellano is known means that many of their wines are aged in the barrel for three or more years.

Teena Wilkins.

“We call ourselves Old World Winemakers with a Modern Twist,” she says.

“We have to deal with the tendency of Sierra Foothill wines to have higher alcohol and yet make sure our wines are food-friendly and balanced.” Viña Castellano’s Mediterranean-like soils combine with warm days and cool nights to produce luscious grapes that result in intense and full-bodied wines.

Although known as Tempranillo experts, Viña Castellano is continuing to search out, plant and produce wines of Spanish heritage as their signature wines. They’ve planted Verdejo (an important white grape from Spain), Garnacha (Grenache), Monastrell (Mourvedre) and they also make a Rosado (Rosé) using Syrah. To emphasize the family’s Spanish heritage, the winery is named in honor of the family’s Castillan roots.

“Viña is the Spanish word for vineyard and Castile is the region in Spain from whence the Mendez and Maria families emigrated and where they still have family today; Castellano is what you would call a man from that region,” Wilkins explains.

The wine-tasting experience in Viña Castellano’s cave is one that’s convivial.

“You don’t have to be a connoisseur to enjoy our wines,” notes Wilkins. “Our wines are approachable, fresh, yet complex.”

At 1,300 feet elevation, the winery and vineyard offer beautiful Foothills scenery and a view of the Sierra Nevada. Salut.

Viña Castellano is located at 4590 Bell Road in Auburn. Check in advance for tasting schedule. | (530) 889-2855, www.vinacastellano.com 

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be kind be calm be helpful

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is an excerpt from the

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Tahoe restaurants R E - I N V E N T I N G A N D I N N OVAT I N G I N U N U S U A L T I M E S S TO RY BY P R I YA H UT N E R

I

nnovation and re-invention are some of the methods restaurants must use to stay relevant. Keeping up with current food trends is imperative to keeping customers engaged and in creating a great dining experience. But 2020 has been unlike any year we’ve encountered. COVID-19 has changed everything.

While many people remain on edge and are staying closer to home, summer in Tahoe was anything but slow. People moved from the cities and bought homes

“There are three to four new items weekly. People order three to five meals a week,” says Bellas. She, along with her chef Frank DeSoutte, create menus that offer a global theme. With Asian, Korean Bulgogi and curries, they have a selection of bowls, including vegan bowls, Kale Caesar Salad bowls and their wildly popular ramen bowls that you can add a protein to like salmon or shrimp.

What does it take to survive these times?

How do restaurants shift? People are tired

With outdoor dining, a great to-go menu and a fish and seafood market, Morgan’s is doing well, but Whitney is concerned with winter around the corner how the cold will affect the town and other restaurants who have relied on outdoor dining.

“Everyone is doing well right now.

There has been more business in town, but once it snows what’s going to happen?” he asks.

Ed Coleman of Christy Hill in Tahoe City and co-owner of Pianeta in Truckee

vigilant and maintain all safety protocols to keep their staff and patrons safe.

Both Whitney and Coleman mentioned the terrible shortage of labor in Tahoe.

It’s one of the more critical issues for restaurant owners. With the lack of affordable housing, many of their staff are driving in from Reno.

The South Lake Restaurant Association meets every two weeks and brainstorms how restaurants can sustain and best serve the South Lake area this winter.

“ The last seven months have been very busy.

Last Saturday was our busiest Saturday in the last seven weeks.

October and November are generally slow.”

–Shawn Whitney LEFT: Morgan’s bestselling lobster roll; RIGHT: Morgans Chowder in a Bread Bowl. | Courtesy Morgan’s Lobster Shack

here while second homeowners relocated to their mountain homes. And most restaurants have been seemingly busy, albeit not without their challenges.

Restaurants around Tahoe took to outdoor dining space and made concessions with limited indoor seated. Many of the establishments around the lake are maintaining some semblance of business as unusual. In contrast, others have closed their doors and some brave souls have opened a new business during these uncertain times.

Janet Bellas of Bella Affair Catering has been catering for 35 years in the North Tahoe area when the pandemic struck. She reinvented her catering business this July and opened Parsley Fresh Eats in Crystal Bay, Nev., a takeout-only meal service.

Customers order online and pick up their meals. Parsley offers soups, salads and unique and healthy bowls that can be eaten either for lunch or dinner. The menu items are organic and nutritious.

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of cooking at home. They are looking to be cooked for and served.

Shawn Whitney, owner of Morgan’s Lobster Shack in Truckee, worked hard all summer and is still working hard now as fall is in full tilt.

“The last seven months have been very busy. Last Saturday was our busiest Saturday in the last seven weeks. October and November are generally slow,” says Whitney, who adds, he doesn’t see it slowing down any time soon.

He attributes some of the booming business to the beautiful fall weather, but it’s definitely the pandemic that is driving it.

“COVID is the biggest push. We have more homeowners that have moved here with families that are working from home,” he says.

Lobster rolls, fish and chips and grilled salmon or halibut on a salad are some of the restaurant’s best sellers. Whitney has seen an increase in sales not only in their takeout menu but their fresh fish market, as well.

“We have a good product and quality fresh fish,” he says.

Parsley’s takeout, to-go bowls: LEFT: Chicken Kimchi Soup (left) and Vegetable Posolé; RIGHT: Basil Chicken Stirfry & Cauliflower Rice | Courtesy of Parsley Fresh Eats

echoes a similar sentiment. Summer has been good to both restaurants in light of the pandemic. After closing in March, Christy Hill reopened and offered a scaled-down takeout menu with meal kits offering dinners such as Osso Bucco and lasagna.

“Once we got the green light to reopen to 50 percent, we trained our staff with protocols to be as safe as possible. We moved outdoors and used the Sand Bar for more dining,” says Coleman. They hired some strong young people to help run food.

“We’ve had a really busy summer.

Pianeta had a busy summer as well and sold out nightly,” says Coleman.

In November, Christy Hill will be adding a sunset menu offering from 4 to 6 p.m.

With the impending winter, Coleman says they’ll consider outdoor seating with heaters at Christy Hill and possibly at Pianeta. Both restaurants will offer a limited takeout menu. The most important thing for Coleman is that they remain

“Restaurants were slammed this summer even overwhelmed at times by the amount of business they saw. Winter puts a wrench in the whole situation. The restaurants are working as one community and sharing their creative ideas,” explains Annie Handrick, communications and marketing director for the South Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce.

Some restaurants have installed air filtration systems in their establishments, she said, while others explore tents and heaters for outdoor dining this winter.

Handrick says that creative ideas and collaboration are impressive as restaurants in South Lake explore ways to operate in the face of a pandemic this winter.

There’s so much uncertainty and change in the air; many restaurants are working hard to re-invent themselves and serve the Tahoe community. From exploring takeout menus to adding canned cocktails to their menus, restaurants are trying to create a new normal in very strange times. For those of us who love the Tahoe Sierra in winter, maybe eating outdoors in the snow might be a new way to dine.  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

October 28-November 17, 2020 EAT & DRINK

the tahoe foodie Dine-In

Outdoor Seating

Take-out

Delivery

This could be YOU Call Anne for more information.

Anne Artoux (530) 546-5995, ext. 110 anne@tahoethisweek.com

Morgan’s brings you the freshest seafood and produce available. With fresh fish arriving almost daily and locally grown produce when in season you’ll be sure to find something new and delicious. We love traditional East Coast fare; lobster rolls, fried clams, and haddock, and wanted to share these tasty treats with our friends out west. Named Top 24 Lobster Rolls in American on Yelp!

10089 West River St. | Truckee, CA (530) 582-5000 | morganslobstershack.com

KINGS BEACH

CRYSTAL BAY

8345 North Lake Blvd. | Kings Beach, CA (530) 546-4539 | laspanchitas.com

Creative American

Soule Domain’s intimate restaurant deliciously combines style & romance in the cozy dining room. The Soule Domain proudly uses natural, free range, and organic meats and poultry whenever possible. Our local, seasonal produce offers the highest quality of ingredients in our dishes. Chef and owner Charlie Soule brings passionate culinary skills to create twists to traditional dishes while infusing them with influences from around the globe.

9983 Cove St. (Stateline Dr.) | Kings Beach, CA 530.546.7529 | souledomain.com

Global-inspired fresh eats

Parsley, a new meal experience for North Lake Tahoe, is rethinking how you dine. Mouthwatering meals to go! Order food for now and later. Ready to eat or easy to heat. Online ordering is a cinch and pickup scheduling a breeze.

22 Highway 28 | Crystal Bay, NV (775) 831-3663 | parsleyfresh.com

Mexican

Located in historic Truckee, El Toro Bravo has been serving authentic Mexican cuisine and cocktails since 1988. El Toro Bravo both in Capitola (50 years) and Truckee (28 years) were started by Delia “Grandma” Rey. Creating a menu from recipes that she grew up with, El Toro Bravo is now into its third and fourth generations as family-owned and run restaurants. When you enter El Toro Bravo you are coming into our home and treated as family. Benvenidos y Gracias!

Louis Phillips

American

8338 North Lake Blvd. | Kings Beach, CA (530) 546-3315 | jasonsbeachsidegrille.com

Sommelier Services

Lou Phillips is a Level 3 Sommelier offering Sommelier Services to a variety of clients including establishing wine collections, representing your collection sale, staff training and more.

Tahoe & Truckee (775) 544-3435 | wineguru123@gmail.com

The Seasoned Sage

Italian

Lanza’s is a family-owned Italian restaurant located in Kings Beach/Tahoe Vista in North Lake Tahoe. Known for delicious, traditional, Italian dishes and huge portions, you simply cannot go home hungry. With a kid’s menu, gluten-free menu and full bar, it’s no wonder Locals Love Lanza’s.

7739 North Lake Blvd. | Kings Beach, CA (530) 546-2434 | lanzastahoe.com

Soule Domain

10186 Donner Pass Rd. | Truckee, CA (530) 587-3557 | etbtruckee.com

Jason’s Beachside Grille located in the heart of King’s Beach in North Lake Tahoe is a family-friendly American restaurant offering lake views on our scenic lakefront deck and grassy sandbar area.

Savor American classics like prime rib, steaks, baked chicken, baby back ribs, salads, and more. Full bar and kid’s menu.

Lanza’s Restaurant KINGS BEACH

TRUCKEE

KINGS BEACH

Las Panchitas is a family-owned establishment serving traditional Mexican food to locals and visitors to Lake Tahoe since 1982. From tacos and fajitas to a long list of house specials, Las Panchitas serves up meals that are satisfyingly delicious and easy on the wallet. Wash your meal down with a frosty margarita.

Jason’s Beachside Grille

115 Grove St. | Tahoe City, CA (530) 583-8551 | christyhill.com

El Toro Bravo

Fine Mexican

LAKE TAHOE

KINGS BEACH

400 Brassie Way | Kings Beach, CA (530) 546-2191 | spindleshankstahoe.com

Modern American

Tahoe’s premier dining experience, the restaurant sits just 100 feet above the shoreline of Lake Tahoe offering diners a panoramic vista. Using the freshest and finest seasonal ingredients, Christy Hill offers Modern American cuisine with refined Mediterranean influences. Diners enjoy a chance to explore fine wines from around the world with an extensive list that has received a Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence” since 1982.

Parsley

American Bistro

Tantalizing every taste bud from breakfast to dinner, Spindleshanks has been serving loyal diners on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe for 20 years.

Owner and Head Chef Steve Marks sources the freshest ingredients for his American dishes and draws upon the flavors of Asia, Europe and south of the border to make his dishes memorable. Home to some of Tahoe’s best wine pairings, a full bar and bocce courts (fair weather).

TRUCKEE

TRUCKEE

Morgan’s Lobster Shack & Fish Market Seafood

CRYSTAL BAY / KINGS BEACH

TAHOE CITY

$90 per issue

Las Panchitas

Happy Hour

Christy Hill

Advertise here for only

Spindleshanks

Catering

Meal Delivery

The Seasoned Sage is available to prepare dinners for your family, host your next dinner party or cater your special event specializing in themed-dinner parties, Ethnic cuisine, simple elegant meals, healthy organic dinners, or diet-conscious cuisine. We design and create dinners for all occasion and take the stress out of entertaining.

Specializing in Asian Fusion, Vegetarian, Vegan, and Mediterranean.

Truckee, CA (772) 913-0008 | theseasonedsage.com

Disclaimer: Due to Covid and changing regulations please check with restaurant for hours and dining options.

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Donation

GIVEAWAY

Donate to Tahoe Weekly for a chance to WIN a work of art

FROM ANDY SKAFF Andy and Lois Skaff have generously donated an original piece of art from the collection of Andy Skaff. The 30” x 30”framed painting titled “October Gold III” is valued at $3,000.

For more information about Andy Skaff and his paintings, please visit askaff.com

For every $35 donated, you will have a chance to win.

The more you donate the better your chances for bringing home an Andy Skaff painting.

Donations are not tax-deductible. No purchase necessary, donations only. the lucky recipient of the painting will be notified by email on November 9th.

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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