Inlander 11/02/2023 by The Inlander

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NOVEMBER 2-8, 2023 | BOOM GOES THE DYNAMITE, SINCE 1993

Spokane’s favorite son Anton Watson returns for one last season at Gonzaga PAGE 22

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VOL. 31, NO. 4 | COVER DESIGN: DEREK HARRISON (ERICK DOXEY PHOTOS)

COMMENT 5 8 NEWS 18 CULTURE COVER STORY 22

FOOD 32 SCREEN 34 MUSIC 36 EVENTS 40

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EDITOR’S NOTE

went to college at Portland State University around the turn of this century. At the time, I didn’t know it had a basketball team, or a football team for that matter, but I did know I could score tickets to see the Trail Blazers for $5. This was when the NBA team was derisively referred to as the Jail Blazers for some of its member’s questionable behavior off the court. But hey, five bucks is five bucks. I’ve lived in Spokane 15 years and have yet to see the Zags play in real life. As this year’s COLLEGE BASKETBALL PREVIEW reports, this might be the season, especially to see Anton Watson play his last year, as we wrote about on page 22, or the dynamism of the Truong twins, on page 26. I’d love to see them play in the Arena, with their legion of fans bumping the rafters and howling their approval, as Seth Sommerfeld recommends on page 28. But if I don’t, that’s OK, too. There are plenty of regional teams worth seeing, and we wrote about them as well, starting on page 27. If all else fails, I’ll just wait for a pro league to set up shop here. Tickets are cheap to those games, at least in my experience. — NICHOLAS DESHAIS, editor

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SPOKANE • EASTERN WASHINGTON • NORTH IDAHO • INLANDER.COM 1227 WEST SUMMIT PARKWAY, SPOKANE, WA 99201 PHONE: 509-325-0634 | EMAIL: INFO@INLANDER.COM THE INLANDER is a locally owned, independent newspaper founded on Oct. 20, 1993. Please recycle THE INLANDER after you’re done with it. One copy free per person per week; extra copies are $1 each (call x226). For ADVERTISING information, email advertising@inlander.com. To have a SUBSCRIPTION mailed to you, call x210 ($78 per year). To find one of our more than 1,000 NEWSRACKS where you can pick up a paper free every Thursday, call x226 or email frankd@ inlander.com. THE INLANDER is a member of the Association of Alternative Newsmedia and is published at least twice per month. All contents of this newspaper are protected by United States copyright law. © 2023, Inland Publications, Inc.

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HAVE YOU EVER ATTENDED A ZAGS MEN’S BASKETBALL GAME? PAIGE FRANKLIN

Nope. I just moved to Spokane four or five months ago. If you had the chance to go to a game, would you take it? Oh definitely. It’s something I look forward to doing in the future if I can.

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ANTHONY PETTIT

I don’t have the ability to get them. It’s a lottery system, and I don’t have that kind of luck. If you got lucky enough, would you go? My family and I are die-hard Zags fans, so absolutely I would.

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NOVEMBER 2, 2023 INLANDER 5

COMMENT | ENVIRONMENT

Burning Man’s “city” emits nearly 100,000 tons of carbon every year. DUNCAN RAWLINSON/CC BY-NC 2.0 DEED PHOTO

Rainout at Black Rock This year, the Man did not Burn at Burning Man — but people took notice of the event’s environmental impacts BY OLLIE HANCOCK, HIGH COUNTRY NEWS

n September, about 70,000 people gathered on a dry lakebed, or playa, in northwestern Nevada’s Black Rock Desert for the annual Burning Man festival. The environmental consequences of the event have long been a point of debate, and this year they were impossible to ignore. The attendees, or “burners,” who were traveling to the playa ran into a climate protest that halted traffic with a barricade. Then, during the final days of the nine-day festival, a rainstorm left attendees stranded in foot-deep mud. The combination of these events raised urgent questions about the ecological and climate implications of a festival that has projected an ethos of environmental responsibility since its creation. In just 24 hours on Sept. 1, the Black Rock Playa was hit with 0.8 inches of rain — two to three months’ worth for the usually dry lakebed. The Bureau of Land Management closed the entrance for the remainder of the event. Attendees were told to shelter in place, avoid driving in mud, and conserve food and water. Social media was quick to ridicule those trapped on the playa, which included celebrities ranging from comedian Chris Rock to right-wing political activist Grover Norquist, especially since the oncecountercultural festival has earned a reputation as a refuge for the rich and elite. Although this

6 INLANDER NOVEMBER 2, 2023

year’s event provided more drama than usual, the playa faces much greater threats than mud-caked burners itching to get home.

till, although the rain and mud may have meant disaster for the human partygoers, it was cause for celebration for the desert’s invertebrate populations, the brachiopods. If the dry lakebed floods for a long-enough period of time, invertebrates, such as fairy shrimp and triops, will hatch. This abundance of returning life should be taken as a sign that, despite the miles of muddy tire tracks, the impacts of this year’s Burning Man might look worse than they are, according to Patrick Donnelly, the Nevada state director for the Center for Biological Diversity. “Burning Man occupies something like 5% of the Black Rock. The vast majority of the playa is totally untouched by their activities,” Donnelly said. “In general, they have really held true to their ‘Leave No Trace.’ [Last year] I went out to the sites about two weeks after the event. And I was driving around the playa, and you couldn’t tell they were there — and I had GPS coordinates for the site.” It’s true that the marks of this year’s Burning Man will be visible for a while. Driving on the wet playa scars the ground, The Nevada Indepen-

dent reported, and attempts by desperate burners to escape by vehicle, despite orders to stay in place, will create ruts. Donnelly says cleanup from this year will be a bigger challenge than in the past, but he hopes the event organizers will live up to their “leave no trace” principles. The real threats to the playa ecosystem, according to Donnelly, are gold and lithium mining, geothermal energy development, agricultural irrigation diversions, and cattle grazing. Many of these industries threaten the rivers that feed the playa. According to Donnelly, the Hycroft gold mine, which is visible from the festival site, is permitted for the loss of 6.99 billion gallons of water from the playa every year. Donnelly wishes that efforts to protect the playa ecosystem received the same attention as Burning Man’s muddy viral moment. “It’s wonderful that people seem to suddenly care so much about the Black Rock playa ecosystem,” he said. “You know, it would be great if when we put out an action alert to get comments on some projects that might destroy rural Nevada, we had all this viral engagement that people give to this kind of spectacle.” Before the rainstorm transformed Burning Man 2023 into a media laughingstock, a group of protesters tried to draw attention to the event’s carbon emissions. The process of moving tens of thousands of people across the world to a national conservation area, one that lacks permanent infrastructure, creates considerable carbon emissions. Burning Man even has its own airline that allows burners to charter private planes to Black Rock City. Event organizers estimate that it emits nearly 100,000 tons of carbon annually, according to a 2020 environmental sustainability report. Some protesters with the climate group Seven Circles traveled from Europe to barricade the road out to the Black Rock Playa, backing up traffic for miles. Video of the protest went viral after a Paiute tribal ranger drove his patrol vehicle through the barricade, drew his weapon and arrested several of the protesters.

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“It’s wonderful that people seem to suddenly care so much about the Black Rock playa ecosystem.” Seven Circles members said they were protesting the commodification of the event, adding that burners have lost sight of the festival’s intended purpose. A statement from the group calls for bans on private jets, single-use plastics, unnecessary propane burning and unlimited generator use. “Ban the lowest hanging fruit immediately: private jets,” Mun Chong, an organizer with Extinction Rebellion who has attended Burning Man in the past, said in a statement. “No single individual should have the luxury of emitting 10 to 20 times more carbon pollution than a commercial airline passenger.”

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ribal Chairman James Phoenix spoke about the challenges Burning Man creates for the neighboring Paiute Pyramid Lake Tribe back in July, describing issues that range from traffic jams to airplane violations, as well as litter along the highways that tribal officers are left to clean up. “One of the newer concerns is low-flying aircraft that fly over the lake, and some may even dip into the water. Really, we don’t care for that at all. It’s a nuisance to the community,” Phoenix said in an interview published by event organizers. Phoenix said the event also offers benefits to local vendors and brings excitement for community members who attend. Phoenix asked that burners be aware of their impacts, prepare ahead of time and clean up after themselves. “Please clean up after yourselves and respect our homeland,” he said. “This is our home now and forever in the existence of our people.” n

e at th

MAC

Sept 16-Dec 31, 2023 Support provided by

Ollie Hancock is an editorial intern for High Country News (hcn.org) reporting from Portland, Oregon.

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 INLANDER 7

CLOSING A GAP

A historic property may be added to Riverside State Park, connecting it to Waikiki Springs and providing river access vital to salmon reintroduction in the region

FROM LEFT: Caleb McGivney, Monica Tonasket and Brent Nichols walk the Glen Tana farm. YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

BY SUMMER SANDSTROM

istoric and virtually untouched, a 1,060-acre stretch of land north of Saint George’s School may go unnoticed. But past the worn-down barns and expansive fields lies densely wooded trails, rocky outcroppings and cliffs overlooking Spokane. There’s also an approximately 2-mile stretch of the Little Spokane River with unique hydrogeological conditions perfect for sustaining salmon. For decades, Glen Tana farm, as the land is called, has been sought after by both conservationists and developers. In August, it was purchased by the Inland Northwest Land Conservancy — a local nonprofit dedicated to conserving land, and improving and restoring waterways and habitats — with plans to sell the acreage to Washington State Parks and the Spokane Tribe of Indians. “I think it’s impossible to overstate the threat to this place,” says Carol Corbin, the conservancy’s director of philanthropy and communications. “When you go there and you see it, and you see the river, and you see the deer browsing in the meadow, and you see the ridgeline up against the sky, it’s obvious that it’s just a really important place to have protected in the long term.” Until the conservancy bought the land this August, it was owned by a family trust created by the late Charlotte S. Witherspoon, which entrusted the acreage to her five children with the requirement that any decision regarding selling the property be unanimous. In 2008, three of the Witherspoons — William, Grant and James — were interested in developing the property

8 INLANDER NOVEMBER 2, 2023

for housing and wanted to prepare it for subdivision, sparking legal battles with the other siblings, Peter and Tannis, who opposed developing the land. Yet an agreement was reached, with the five siblings opting to sell the property to the Land Conservancy for its $11.1 million market value. “This piece of land has been one that our organization has been looking at for over 20 years,” Corbin says. “Its adjacency to the urban core, the fact that it sits right on the line of the urban growth area of Spokane, puts it under tremendous threat for development. … Our hope for years has been that we would be able to protect it from development and to hopefully open it to access and enjoyment by the community.” The property was purchased by Thomas Griffith when he moved to Spokane from Canada in 1888 and established Glen Tana farm, which was “renowned across the entire country for its modern dairy practices and sanitary features,” according to a 2016 report from the state Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation. On the farm, the family opened a tea room in their home. Griffith also bred and raised border collies that won medals at competitions across the country, and he was the first president of the Spokane Kennel Club. At one point, the property spanned over 2,380 acres. Some parcels were sold and now are home to Saint George’s School and the Spokane Fish Hatchery. Glen Tana’s location connects both Riverside State Park and the Land Conservancy’s Waikiki Springs Nature Preserve, as well as some adjacent Washington State

Department of Fish and Wildlife lands. Lara Gricar, the Inland Northwest region manager for the state parks department, says only 9% of Spokane County is permanently protected public lands, compared with King County’s 51% or Yakima County’s 36%, making this acquisition even more important. “I also think — with the proximity to the city and within the county and to so many different neighborhoods as well as to an existing transit line — it may be serving some people that aren’t able to get out into different parts of Riverside right now,” Gricar says. Washington State Parks currently is gathering public comment on adding the property to Riverside State Park, and developing a management plan for the property with the Spokane Tribe and the Land Conservancy. “The idea is that we are bridge owners of that land, and then [the state parks and Spokane Tribe] will purchase the land from us and start to manage it for public access, likely around 2027,” Corbin says.

TRIBAL HISTORY

The Glen Tana property lies directly within the approximate 3 millions acres of the Spokane Tribe’s ancestral lands. Warren Seyler, a tribal member working for the Department of Natural Resources who develops presentations and curriculum about the Spokane Tribe’s history, says that the Little Spokane River once was home to a massive fishery. ...continued on page 10

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“CLOSING A GAP,” CONTINUED... “Right at that fork of the Spokane and the Little Spokane river, that was a major living area for the Spokane Tribe, mostly because of the fishery,” he says. “There was just an abundance of fish that came there, not just steelhead but other species of salmon and other resident fish.” Several miles west of Glen Tana, the Spokane and Little Spokane rivers converge, creating an economic hub marked in part by the fur trading post the Spokane House, established in 1810. Even before Spokane House, Seyler says that site served as a major living and trading location for the Spokane Tribe and other tribes in the region. “All up and down the Little Spokane, you would have had living areas of Spokane tribal people from the Spokane River all the way up to the foothills of Mount Spokane,” he says. Seyler adds that Indigenous people have lived by the Spokane and Little Spokane rivers, and on the Spokane Tribe’s ancestral lands, for upwards of 16,000 years. “That’s part of what it represents, is getting land back that represents the river people and all of our history that goes with that,” he says. “It’s almost hard to put into words because the value is so tremendous.”

PROTECTING THE RIVER

The roaring river bashing the sides of enormous rocks. Trails lined by dense forest, 200,000 feet of shoreline. And 135 miles of hiking, horseback riding and access to the Centennial Trail. Welcome to Riverside State Park. Made up of around 11,000 acres of land, Riverside is Washington’s second-largest state park. It was established in 1933 when the Civilian

The growing Riverside State Park. MAP COURTESY OF WASHINGTON STATE PARKS Conservation Corps and Aubrey White worked together to protect land along the Spokane River. “[White] had a vision that Spokane as it developed would not repeat the mistakes that a lot of the Eastern cities had done and allow urban sprawl to occur without any regard for preserving public lands, especially public recreational lands,” says Paul Neddo, Riverside’s ranger. White began buying land along the Spokane River after realizing how popular the modern-day Bowl and Pitcher area was among local residents. Throughout the years, state parks has added various parcels of land to the park, surrounding sections of the Spokane and the Little Spokane rivers. “There’s always been an interest in preserving as much of the river as we can and working with the tribe, so that’s one of the neat things I see happening with the Glen Tana is the partnership with Parks and Spokane Tribe with their fish hatchery,” says Neddo. “That would connect directly with and expand the natural area land which still allows recreation, but it also serves as a wildlife corridor right here next to the urban area.”

SALMON REINTRODUCTION

Until August 2021, 111 years had passed since salmon last swam in the Little Spokane River. “Salmon was a way of life,” says Monica Tonasket, secretary of the Spokane Tribal Business Council. “And once there was the elimination of salmon, a certain way of life went away.” Reintroducing the keystone species into the waterways was a primary reason the tribe worked with the Land Conservancy and state parks on acquiring the property, says Brent

Nichols, director of the Spokane Tribe of Indians’ Fisheries and Water Resources. The unique hydrogeology of the Little Spokane River on the Glen Tana property made it a crucial location to conserve for those efforts. The Spokane Tribe hopes to create an Indigenous Outreach Center at Glen Tana, documenting the tribe’s history of living by the Little Spokane River, how the construction of the dams affected the salmon, and today’s work to reintroduce the species to the waterways across the state. Nichols says the Spokane Tribe and the Land Conservancy collaborated in 2020 to acquire Waikiki Springs Nature Preserve and release salmon into those waterways. It was a pivotal step in their partnership and in proving that salmon could survive again in the Little Spokane River. “In this particular stretch right here from Waikiki Springs Trailhead down, you have a lot of influx from the aquifer water, and it’s cold water,” he says. “Even during the hot months, like last year in August when it was 100 degrees, the water here was still in the upper 50s, which is very survivable for salmon and trout.” He adds that another key to successfully restoring salmon populations in the river is restoring the habitat, not only at Glen Tana but within the entirety of Spokane’s watershed. The Spokane Tribe plans to begin working with the Spokane Conservation District on projects to reverse damage caused by farming and development along nearby stretches of the river. “Some of those will be shoreline plantings, so creating shade and getting those back along the banks, snags in the water so that the fish have a place to hide,” says Nichols. The Little Spokane River faces a unique set of threats due to water rights laws that are different from those of most other nearby rivers. “The river is unique in that property owners adjacent to the river actually own the riverbed itself,” says the conservancy’s Corbin. “People who own property along the main Spokane River, they own to the high water line and then the river is public domain, basically. But with the Little Spokane River, because it’s considered non-navigable, the property owners can kind of do whatever they want on their section of river.” As a result, the Spokane Tribe has to work with property owners on projects like reconnecting and restoring the original stream beds to make them suitable for salmon and other native fish species. “Reintroduction is not going to work without partnerships,” Nichols says. “Being able to create areas like this that are preserved and can be utilized for those purposes is going to be very important as we move into the future.”

NEXT STEPS

While the Glen Tana property is under ownership by the Land Conservancy, Washington State Parks just began its Classification and Management Plan, which develops park boundaries and management plans. The process requires multiple rounds of public input and comment, which began in September and are set to continue through late summer of 2024, when the plan will be presented to the Washington State Parks Commission for approval. If approved by the commissioners, the Glen Tana property will become part of Riverside State Park, and state parks will begin applying for grant funding along with the Spokane Tribe so they can both fully purchase the land from the Land Conservancy. And while the conservancy received $6.6 million from grants, state appropriations and donations, the group took out a loan to cover the remaining $4.5 million used to buy the property. “The collaboration between the Spokane Tribe, INLC and the Washington State Parks Department has been just really great,” says Tonasket. “We don’t always get that between agencies or entities, and it seems that as tribes, we’re used to fighting for things. In this case, it hasn’t been like that. “We’re working toward a common goal, and the work that we’re all doing isn’t just for the benefit of the Spokane Tribe, it’s for the benefit of the region.” n summers@inlander.com

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NOVEMBER 2, 2023 INLANDER 11

NEWS | EDUCATION

District in Danger After almost two months of inaction, the West Bonner School District has accepted Superintendent Branden Durst’s resignation and appointed two new trustees BY COLTON RASANEN

etween the recall of two board members, a failed levy that led the district to slash a third of its budget, the resignation of an unqualified superintendent, and an almost two-month hiatus in board decision-making caused by one trustee’s truancy, the West Bonner School Board may finally have a clear path forward after a year of nonstop turmoil. However, even with two new trustees on the board, a temporary superintendent in place and an upcoming election for most of the board members, the future is far from certain. On Wednesday, Oct. 25, trustee Troy Reinbold — surprisingly — attended a school board meeting after missing them since the beginning of September, and announcing that a family emergency would prevent him from attending further meetings by phone or in person. (His long absence excludes a 28-minute phone call into

12 INLANDER NOVEMBER 2, 2023

Branden Durst’s resignation as superintendent is just one of the many problems at West Bonner School District.

a Sept. 27 meeting when a new chair and vice chair were chosen, bills were paid and a vacancy notice was approved for the two open trustee seats.) Navigating the West Bonner School Board situation is challenging because most people at the state level have never encountered this level of dysfunction, says Quinn Perry, deputy director of government affairs at the Idaho School Boards Association. While the district has the authority to pay certain bills — like keeping the lights on or paying for already-approved contracts — Perry says without a quorum, district business can’t be conducted.

‘TIS THE SEASON C ATHED R AL OF ST. JO H N T H E E VA N GE L IST

HANDEL’S

MESSIAH

No new trustees were interviewed and appointed, Superintendent Branden Durst’s resignation could not be accepted, and regular action items, like simply approving meeting minutes, couldn’t be completed.

T H U R S D AY

NOVEMBER 16

7: 30 P M F R I D AY

NOVEMBER 17

7: 30 P M

S A T U R D AY

NOVEMBER 18

The board has lacked enough members for a quorum because of Reinbold’s absences, preventing it from taking most actions. This meant that no new trustees were interviewed and appointed, Superintendent Branden Durst’s Sept. 25 resignation could not be accepted, and regular action items, like simply approving meeting minutes, couldn’t be completed. The Bonner County Sheriff’s Office began investigating a criminal complaint against Reinbold for nonfeasance as a public official after he missed the regular Oct. 18 meeting. ...continued on next page

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NEWS | EDUCATION “DISTRICT IN DANGER,” CONTINUED... On Oct. 30, with Reinbold in attendance, the board appointed two new trustees. In two 2-1 votes, with Reinbold dissenting each time, the board appointed Ann Yount and Paul Turco to the empty seats.

rouble began for the North Idaho district, which serves about 1,100 students, after the sudden resignation of then-Superintendent Jackie Branum in March. As she struggled to retain teachers and raise wages, opposition arose to her recommended approach to handling major financial issues — a four-day school week.

When the supplemental levy — which would make up about 33% of the district’s budget — went to voters in May, it was rejected by just over 100 votes out of 3,295 cast. The existing supplemental levy expired in June, and the board was forced to make drastic changes, eliminating funding for school sports and extracurricular activities in an effort to prioritize hiring staff, food services, school safety and maintaining a transportation budget. This isn’t the first time a similar levy has failed in North Idaho. In March, a $25 million permanent levy in the Coeur d’Alene School District failed to receive enough support to pass. However in May, the district sent voters the same levy but with the stipulation that it would end after two years, and the new measure passed. After reckoning with the absence of a third of its budget, the West Bonner board decided to hire a superintendent without any K-12 education experience or the state-required certifications to qualify for the position. Reinbold, board Chair Keith Rutledge and Vice Chair Susan Brown voted to hire Durst in June. According to his contract, Durst would make $110,000 a year for the duration of his two-year contract. Trustees Margaret Hall and Carlyn Barton both voted against Durst’s hiring. Durst’s hiring caused concern at the Idaho State Board of Education, prompting members to notify the district about areas where it was out of compliance with state requirements. The Aug. 16 letter was sent specifically about the

After reckoning with the absence of a third of its budget, the West Bonner board decided to hire a superintendent without any K-12 education experience or the state-required certifications to qualify for the position. While her recommendation was approved by the school board, and kept a proposed levy at $4.7 million when it went to voters in May, she became a target in the district, even though she had support of a majority on the board and many parents. In a comment to Idaho Education News, Branum said she was convinced she did not have enough support in her efforts to enact change.

14 INLANDER NOVEMBER 2, 2023

district’s “decision to employ a non-certified individual as superintendent,” but it also included concerns about the district’s unbalanced budget, “significant disproportionality of students with disciplinary action” and failure to complete an application for federal funding. Later that month, voters in the district recalled both Brown and Rutledge in near-supermajority votes. This, however, didn’t prevent the trustees from attempting to refashion the district’s governance before the vote could be officially counted. Agenda items for a last-minute Sept. 1 meeting included actions meant to dissolve the current board of trustees and turn the meeting over to Durst. Priest River attorney Katherine Elsaesser filed for a temporary restraining order on behalf of “the 1,386 voters who voted in favor of the recall” and the school district to prevent the recalled members from enacting any changes before they were officially removed. Magistrate Judge Lori T. Meulenberg granted the temporary restraining order to prevent the lame duck meeting and ensured that the board couldn’t take any official action until Rutledge and Brown were officially removed. The order was valid for 14 days, according to court documents. Once the election was canvassed and the two trustees were officially removed, the board was able to take action once again — but only if all three remaining members actually attended the meetings. Next week, voters will decide the fate of the three remaining trustees. Hall faces off against Alan Galloway for Zone 1, Reinbold faces Elizabeth Glazier for Zone 3, and Barton faces Kathy Nash in Zone 5. n coltonr@inlander.com

NEWS | BRIEFS

Live Entertainment

The Maple Street Bridge cyclist. ELIZA BILLINGHAM PHOTO

Bike-sy

NIGHTHAWK LOUNGE FREE ADMISSION MUST BE AGE 21 OR OLDER

Daran Howard

A new mysterious bike hangs near the Spokane River. Plus, NIC gets hit with lawyer’s fees; and the Spokane City Council wants monthly budget updates.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2 ND | 7 PM Let us treat you to an evening of laughs! Daran Howard and opening act comedian Lynn Solomon are bringing their talents to the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel’s Coeur Comedy Series in the beautiful Nighthawk Lounge. Admission to the Nighthawk Lounge is free.

t the end of September 2022, a blue bicycle appeared atop a pylon in the middle of the Spokane River near the Sandifur Memorial Bridge in People’s Park. Who put it there? How did they get it up there? What does it mean? Not only do these questions go unanswered, but another mysterious, miraculous bicycle has suddenly arrived upstream from the original Banksy-esque bike in Peaceful Valley, this time with a rider. A sculpture of a woman riding a bicycle appeared on a support pillar of the Maple Street Bridge on the Clarke Avenue cul de sac around Friday, Oct. 20. She seems happy, with flowers in her basket and the ability to defy gravity, since she’s pedaling straight up the vertical edge. (Don’t worry, she’s wearing a helmet.) How did she get there? What is she trying to tell us? Do we have a pro-cycling guerrilla artist in our midst? (ELIZA BILLINGHAM)

SWAYNE’S SUIT

After months of litigation, a Kootenai County District Court judge has awarded North Idaho College President Nick Swayne nearly all of his court costs after winning his lawsuit against the college for permanent reinstatement. NIC must pay Swayne’s attorney fees and costs in the amounts of $150,882.50 and $433.73 respectively, according to a written decision. Between Nov. 28, 2022, and Aug. 4, 2023, his attorneys billed a total of $153,630 for 527.5 hours of work. The court reduced the fee award, meaning that Swayne will need to pay $2,747.50 out of his own pocket. First District Judge Cynthia Meyer wrote in her decision that Swayne’s fees were incurred under the circumstances of this novel and unique situation. She also ruled that because NIC failed to object to Swayne’s motion for fees and costs within the allotted time frame, the college waived any objection to paying those costs. This isn’t the end of Swayne’s lawsuit though. The attorneys representing NIC have appealed to the Idaho Supreme Court seeking to block Swayne’s reinstatement. (COLTON RASANEN)

BROADCASTING THE BUDGET

In the midst of a challenging financial year, Spokane City Council members are hoping to improve the city’s budget process with a new law that requires monthly budget updates from the mayoral administration. The ordinance — sponsored by Council President Lori Kinnear and Council members Jonathan Bingle and Michael Cathcart — would require the mayor’s senior Cabinet members to make themselves available for budget deliberations with the City Council on the second Thursday of each month. The ordinance stems in part from council members’ past complaints about sporadic budget communication from the mayoral administration. “As a council member not on the budget committee, I’m kind of left in the dark,” Bingle said while discussing the proposed changes during a Monday meeting. “Even if you’re on the budget committee, you’re in the dark,” Cathcart added. The ordinance would also require the monthly meetings to be publicly broadcast. The city’s recent budget discussions have technically been open to the public, but unlike most City Council meetings and study sessions, they’ve been held away from City Hall, and haven’t been broadcast or recorded. The ordinance is scheduled for a vote on Nov. 6. (NATE SANFORD)

Must be age 21 or older to attend lounge events. See our full Coeur Comedy Series lineup at www.cdacasino.com/entertainment.

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NOVEMBER 2, 2023 INLANDER 15

NEWS | ELECTION 2023

The $$$ Are In Ten big numbers breaking down the $4.6 million that’s been spent on Spokane’s 2023 elections, the $63,000 donated to Coeur d’Alene candidates, and more BY NATE SANFORD AND SAMANTHA WOHLFEIL

n unprecedented amount of money is pouring into Spokane elections this year. The 10 people running for city office have raised $2.1 million in direct contributions. And that’s not counting the $1.86 million that’s been spent by political action committees, which are not allowed to coordinate with candidates by law. The overwhelming majority of that outside spending — $1.66 million, or 89% — has been in support of conservative-leaning candidates. This year’s two ballot measures are also generating big amounts of money. PACs have spent $232,246 in opposition to Measure 1, which would raise the local sales tax to fund a new jail and other public safety services, and $15,308 in support. Proposition 1, which would expand the city’s homeless camping ban, has generated $329,079 in supportive spending, and $118,797 in opposition. All together, that’s $4.6 million in political spending this election season — about 12 bucks per registered voter. Here are some other big numbers that highlight this year’s efforts to buy… we mean earn votes.

For a fuller examination of these numbers, visit inlander.com

3 $0

Number of fundraising records broken in the race for mayor, council president and City Council

Independent outside spending on attack ads against this year’s least-attacked candidates

The previous record for fundraising in a Spokane mayoral race was set by David Condon, who raised $395,023 during his 2015 reelection, according to PDC data. Mayor Nadine Woodward and her opponent, Lisa Brown, both shattered that record this year. Woodward leads with $558,611 in direct contributions. Brown isn’t too far behind, with $508,548. The record for most money raised in the race for a single council district goes to Katey Treloar, with $160,240 in direct contributions.

Incumbent Council member Michael Cathcart and Treloar are the only two candidates to make it through this election cycle relatively unscathed, with no spending against them. The two other candidates with the smallest amount of attack ad spending against them: Earl Moore, with $9,081 in attacks from Citizens for Liberty and Labor PAC. And Lindsey Shaw, who faces Cathcart, with $4,062 in attacks from the Spokane Good Government Alliance PAC.

16 INLANDER NOVEMBER 2, 2023

$388,048 Amount spent on attack ads against Lisa Brown, this year’s most attacked candidate

The Spokane Good Government Alliance — a conservative PAC — has spent $388,048 on attack ads against Brown, making her the most attacked candidate in this year’s election. In close second is Betsy Wilkerson, who has been hit with $349,410 in attack ad spending from the

alliance in her run for council president. On the other side of the spectrum, the leftleaning Citizens for Liberty and Labor PAC has spent $80,023 on attack ads against Woodward and $57,231 on attacks against Wilkerson’s opponent, Kim Plese.

$63,451 Total donated to all seven active candidates for Coeur d’Alene City Council

The cumulative money donated to all seven active candidates for Coeur d’Alene City Council is $63,451, and only about half that has been spent campaigning so far. None of that money came from or went to political action committees to support those candidates.

Spokane’s spending blows that out of the water. Independent PAC expenditures just to support Woodward are more than five times that amount. The $1.8 million in total outside spending for Spokane’s races is more than 26 times the CDA total.

Deep-pocketed donors who aren’t Larry Stone Larry Stone is not alone. While the developer and businessman has received a lot of attention and scrutiny for his very large contributions this campaign season — totaling at least $290,000 — several other developers and large business owners have also been pouring big sums into similar causes this election. The donors below have focused their dollars on the conservative candidates or PACs in this year’s Spokane city elections: Developer William Lawson has given at least $150,000 through his own name and his company LTSK LLC. Downtown property owner and developer Jerry Dicker has given more than

$170,000 through his various businesses, which include the Dicker Family Trust, Ruby River Hotel and GVD Hospitality Management Services. Builder Bill Bouten has also given more than $115,000 through Sparwood Properties LLC, Bouten Construction and in his own name. Real estate tycoon Alvin J. Wolff Jr. and his family members who’ve inherited the Wolff Company have donated at least $206,000. The largest share of that, $160,000 to the Good Government Alliance, was made through FJ Contribution Company I LLC. The Gee Automotive family, including current CEO Ryan Gee, have contributed a combined $219,850.

56,225

Number of Spokane County ballots returned

As of Tuesday, Oct. 31, 15.49% of Spokane County voters had returned their ballots. That’s slightly higher than the same time in 2019, when

45,828 people — 13.86% of registered voters — had returned their ballots. Total turnout for the 2019 election was 47%.

7 CENTS Cost of a single anti-Paul Dillon text message

Texts are cheap. On Oct. 10, the Spokane Good Government Alliance paid RumbleUp! $216.80 for 3,252 anti-Paul Dillon text messages — roughly 7 cents per text. Prices seem to vary by district and candidate: 4,132 anti-Kitty Klitzke text messages from the same company cost 20 cents a text, while the same number of pro-Moore texts cost just 5 cents each. Mailers seem to be a bit more expensive. The alliance paid Camelback Strategy Group, a Republican political group, $5,228 for design, printing and postage of 4,741 pieces of anti-Shaw/proCathcart literature — a bit more than a dollar a mailer. Seven days of anti-Brown advertising on CNN, ESPN and TBS cost the alliance $12,500. Production of an anti-Wilkerson ad cost $6,750. The alliance has also paid Camelback Strategy Group for door-to-door canvassing services. For the month of September, canvassing in support of Cathcart, Treloar and Moore cost $6,250 per candidate. That same month, the alliance spent $18,750 on pro-Plese canvassing and $37,500 on pro-Woodward canvassing.

$26

Cost of balloons for Lindsey Shaw’s campaign kickoff event The PDC reports are a gold mine of random, one-off purchases and expenses. It’s not the most relevant information for voters this election season, but it is kind of interesting — and occasionally illuminating. Records show that Woodward’s campaign, for example, spent $114 on dessert items from Bruttles Gourmet Candy for her campaign office. Plese’s campaign spent $102 on decorative cakes and cupcakes from Rosauers, and $73 on mixed nuts, peanuts and cashew nuts from Costco for a fundraising event. Other campaign purchases include paying musicians to play at events, wine from a private cellar and 21 scoops of ice cream. Sometimes it’s just cash. Dillon, who won 42% of votes in the primary, gave his campaign manager a $500 “primary win bonus.” His opponent, Treloar, who won 32% of the votes, gave her campaign manager a $2,000 “victory bonus.”

$1.6 million Spending by Realtors and developers

The National Association of Realtors Fund, Spokane Good Government Alliance (heavily funded by developers and builders), the Washington Multi-Family Housing Association PAC and the Washington Realtors PAC have thrown a whopping $1,676,002 into Spokane races this election cycle. That’s about twice what the Washington Realtors PAC and the Spokane Good Government Alliance spent in 2019, when the mayor’s office and council president were also on the ballot. By early October of that year, just the Realtor spending alone had already surpassed the combined total of independent expenditures in Spokane races in any previous year going back to at least 2007. The National Association of Realtors has 1.5 million members and is ranked by Opensecrets.org as one of the largest PACs in the country. The group spent more than $12 million nationwide last year and has invested heavily in races in Seattle, Spokane and other cities this year. n

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 INLANDER 17

BOOKS

A Legend in the Making

Travis Baldree never imagined his novel writing challenge would become a bestseller. YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

How Spokane-based audiobook narrator and veteran game developer Travis Baldree’s cozy fantasy novel became a breakout bestseller BY CHEY SCOTT

t first, Travis Baldree just wanted to see if he could actually do it: Write a novel. After numerous failed attempts over the years to end November’s National Novel Writing Month challenge with a 50,000-word, book-length manuscript, Baldree decided in 2021 that he was serious this time. He and a friend agreed to help each other reach the goal. What he didn’t intend, however, was that the resulting story — a “cozy” fantasy novel about an orc adventurer named Viv who retires from her violence filled-career to open a peaceful coffee shop — would be a breakout success. In fact, the seed of the book began as more of a lighthearted joke. “Because we had both failed to do [National Novel Writing Month] before, we decided to do something that had no stakes for us, where it was not going to be the greatest idea in the world so that we wouldn’t be disappointed if we didn’t finish,” Baldree says. “All the previous times we’d attempted it, it was like if you were going to take the time to write a book, it had to be the best thing — it had to be world-shaking. So [this time] we just chose silly things.” Initially self-published in early 2022, Baldree’s Legends & Lattes — to his utter surprise — landed on The New York Times bestseller list. Earlier this year it was also nominated for both a Hugo and Nebula award, two of sci-fi and fantasy literature’s top accolades. While Legends & Lattes didn’t win either prize, Baldree himself was honored last month with the Hugo’s 2023 Astounding Award for Best New Writer. That recogni-

18 INLANDER NOVEMBER 2, 2023

tion came only a few weeks before the author’s follow-up novel, Bookshops & Bonedust, which arrives in bookstores on Nov. 7. A prequel to Legends, it’s set a few decades before Viv opens her coffee shop. The day before Bookshops & Bonedust comes out, Baldree makes the journey to Auntie’s Bookstore for a community celebration. “I had a really good time writing it,” he says. “I actually like it better than the first book.”

n Legends & Lattes, Viv hangs up her trusty sword after one last quest and heads to a midsized town where most residents have never even heard of — let alone tasted — coffee. After renovating a run-down building into a cozy cafe, Viv’s new acquaintances slowly bloom into trusted friendships. Deep down, though, she still doubts she’s deserving of all this good fortune — is her success genuine and earned or only happening because of the magical artifact she’s buried under the cafe’s floor? “Weirdly, I thought it was going to be a bit more of a joke because the concept sounds a bit ridiculous,” Baldree says. “But then I ended up writing it kind of in earnest and about halfway through I realized that it was a story about someone in their 40s who had done the same job for most of their life, retired because they didn’t like it anymore, and moved to a new city and started a new career, and met this whole community of people in their new career who turned out to be really essential to them.” As it turns out, Viv’s journey pretty closely mirrors her creator’s. Baldree and his wife relocated from Seattle back to Spokane in 2019 (he’s originally from the Colfax

area). Their family was just getting settled when COVID hit, and initial efforts to socialize and make friends in their new hometown were suddenly cut short. Thankfully, Baldree was able to do his day job — audiobook narration — from his home studio. This remote setup also allowed him to stay virtually connected to fellow writers, including many clients-turned-friends. While his professional career thus far includes stints as a video game developer — Baldree’s the creative force behind the Torchlight series — these days, most of his work is audiobook narration with a focus on sci-fi and fantasy genres. Books by authors who hire him tend to feature young male protagonists tasked with saving the world. (He’s narrated series by Will Wight, Kyle Kirrin, Nicoli Gonnella and many others.) “I [narrated] a lot of high-stakes, action-adventure stuff, and I was joking and said, ‘You know what I really want is just a Hallmark movie set in a fantasy world,’” Baldree recalls. So when he sat down to write what would become Legends & Lattes, Baldree went that direction. The result is a low-stakes, breezy read with a queer romance, and an overarching theme about self-acceptance and friendship. “That is not my normal genre, and I would never in a million years have expected to write this. And beyond that, have anybody read it or respond to it in any way.” he says. “If you had told anyone that this is what I was going to write, they probably would have said you were crazy because it just doesn’t seem obvious for me to do. ...continued on page 20

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CULTURE | BOOKS “A LEGEND IN THE MAKING,” CONTINUED... “I wanted it to be about somebody doing brave things, like switching jobs or moving to a new town, or trusting people when you didn’t before,” he continues. “And ultimately, for Viv, she takes a friendship that’s really strong, and she risks it to find out if it’s something more than that at the end. And that was just the sort of thing I wanted to write about.” After being self-published in February 2022, Legends & Lattes almost immediately caught readers’ attention thanks to a tweet of its colorful cover art shared by Seattle author Seanan McGuire, Baldree says. From there, word of the book widely began spreading via book reviewers on TikTok (aka “BookTok”) and other social media.

Viv, an orc, is the books’ protagonist. YOUNG KWAK PHOTO As the year wore on, Baldree saw Legends & Lattes appear on the shelves at Barnes & Noble and then, Auntie’s Bookstore. That summer, he was contacted by a literary agent and inked a deal with Tor Books to re-release Legends and write several new titles. With National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo for short) back again, Baldree says he’s currently not planning another attempt — after all, he wrote Bookshops & Bonedust in about a month this spring using the same process — but he does have some valuable insight to offer fellow writers. This month, he’s leading a few workshops for NaNoWriMo with Spokane Public Library (find details at spokanelibrary.org). “My realization was that a simple idea is plenty worthy of your time, and that when I sit down to come up with a book idea, it doesn’t have to have four POVs and an epic plot line and all of these twists and turns,” he says. “I can just choose a simple idea with a basic human struggle or realization at the core of it, and that’s enough of an engine for it to go.” n Travis Baldree: Bookshops & Bonedust • Mon, Nov. 6 at 7 pm • Free • Auntie’s Bookstore • 402 W. Main Ave. • auntiesbooks.com • travisbaldree.com

20 INLANDER NOVEMBER 2, 2023

CULTURE | ARTS

Seeing Double The 33 Artists Market celebrates its first anniversary with a two-day local art extravaganza BY MADISON PEARSON

held quarterly at the Wonder Building. In celebration of its first anniversary Pevonka is hosting a two-day extravaganza. On Saturday, Nov. 4, she’s bringing the market back to where it all started — The Hive — aiming to honor how far it’s come in just a year. The next day, attendees get to do it all over again at the Wonder Building, the market’s home for the past two iterations. Sunday’s event at the Wonder Building is a birthday party complete with an Electric Photoland photobooth, food, drinks and other festive activities for families.

rom the inception of 33 Artists Market, Pevonka’s goal has been to bring emerging artists and established artists into the same room. “I want to equip new artists with the resources and connections to be successful,” she says. “I like to set up booths very methodically: a brand-new artist next to one who has been doing this for eight years. I want them to feel confident going in, and even more confident and excited when they leave.” Artist Nicole Thomas (Instagram: @NicoleNuttArt) has participated in all three 33 Artists Markets and is bringing her unique art style, a blend of watercolor painting and embroidery, to Sunday’s Wonder Building market.

n 2020, Gwyn Pevonka decided to change her life. She and her husband needed a change after spending most of their lives in the southeastern United States. So, Pevonka’s husband joined the military and in summer 2021, the couple was sent across the country to Spokane from their longtime home in Tennessee. “I was very established in my community as an artist in Tennessee,” Pevonka says. “Once I was here, I had to rebuild my clientele and figure out how I fit into the art scene in Spokane.” Pevonka’s acclimation to the art scene in Spokane included attending as many art events as possible to learn about her new community and to figure where and how to fit in. In the time since, she founded the quarterly 33 Artists Market — now celebrating its first anniversary — which supports both established and new creatives. “I think I attended every art event I could,” she says. “I needed to figure out what was profitable, what was wellattended, what was marketed and what wasn’t marketed.” After settling in and finding her footing, in 2022 Pevonka became an artist-in-residence at the Hive, Spokane Public Library’s nontraditional library branch centered on art and creativity. Pevonka’s work and style are quite unique. It’s made over 20-30 consecutive days by adding one layer of paint at a time to a canvas, waiting for the layers Gwyn Pevonka founded 33 Artists Market to connect with and support local artists. YOUNG KWAK PHOTO to cure, carving away at the paint and then revealing the patterns beneath to create an image. And “The market is such a great event,” Thomas says. “You with the resulting paint chunks and scraps, she makes funky, meet so many different artists. People who are experienced chunky resin earrings. and those who are just starting out, so you get so many perAt the conclusion of the Hive’s artist residencies, particispectives in one room.” pants must complete a project that gives back to the commuWhen Thomas was finding her niche and beginning to nity. That’s when Pevonka decided to host an art market, and frequent local markets more regularly, she saw 33 Artists as a thus the 33 Artists Market was born. way to learn and grow. “I based it on this concept of an invite-chain market that “I took it as an opportunity to pick the brains of the artists I participated in while living in Tennessee,” she says. “I chose around me,” she says. “I met so many new people. I think that 33 because I was 33 when I started it and that also feels like what Gwyn has done is create a huge asset for our commuthe most perfect, manageable amount of artists.” nity, art and otherwise. It’s incredible.” Sure, Spokane has a plethora of art markets year-round. As for the future of the market, Pevonka has dreams of But Pevonka had some specifics in mind to set 33 Artists apart holding a large-scale 33 x 3 Artists Market with 99 artists, and from others. First, the market would be strictly indoors. even holding markets more frequently. But that’ll have to wait, “When I was exploring all of the markets, initially I found because lately Pevonka has been working to turn 33 Artists myself sweating in the sun, traipsing through snow and trying Market into a nonprofit. to avoid wildfire smoke,” she says. “Why are all the Spokane “I think that Spokane can benefit and grow from collaboart markets outdoors?” ration,” she says. “I want to put an emphasis on supporting Secondly, the market would follow a “chain” invite style, artists making a living by doing what they love doing. My where an artist can only be invited by an artist who’s already mission is to make an impact, and I think this is the way participating in the market. That artist then asks another to forward for the 33 Artists Market.” n join, and so forth. Ahead of 33 Artists’ debut in November 2022, Pevonka 33 Artists Market • Sat, Nov. 4 from 10 am-4 pm at the began inviting fellow artists to sell their work at the new Hive • 2904 E. Sprague Ave. • Sun, Nov. 5 from 10 am-4 event. Their responses were a resounding “yes.” pm at the Wonder Building • 835 N. Post St. • instagram. Since the inaugural event at the Hive, the market’s been com/33artistsmarket

CULTURE | DIGEST

THE WORST TV SPINOFFS EVER

THE BUZZ BIN

Sequel shows are a great idea — except when they aren’t BY BILL FROST

hile there are plenty of TV spinoff series that have worked — like the new Gen V from The Boys, Better Call Saul from Breaking Bad, Gutfeld! From Mein Kampf, etc. — not every show is worthy of a 2.0 knockoff. For every Frasier, there’s, well, Frasier 2023. Here are a few of the most embarrassing continuations in TV history, most of which are barely streamable (with just cause).

CSI: CYBER (2015-2016)

The unnecessary 2021 CSI: Vegas reboot is spared from being the worst series of the forensics franchise thanks to the existence of CSI: Cyber. The two-season series is almost impossible to find, with good reason: It’s more tech-challenged than your grandparents with a new universal remote. FBI psychologist Avery Ryan (Patricia Arquette) leads a team of hackers who bust cyber-criminals who commit atrocities like … setting WiFi-connected printers on fire. Two seasons, huh?

BAYWATCH NIGHTS (1995-1998)

Lifeguard Mitch Buchanan (David Hasselhoff) joins up with Baywatch cop Garner Ellerbee (Gregory Allen Williams) to start a private detective agency with an office above Lou Rawls’ nightclub. No cocaine was involved with that TV studio pitch, not at all. Even dumber, Baywatch Nights switched to an X-Files-esque paranormal format in Season 2, taking on sea monsters, vampires and parallel universes. How could a Baywatch spinoff with no beach babes possibly fail?

THE GOLDEN PALACE (1992)

Golden Girls Rose (Betty White), Blanche (Rue McClanahan) and Sophia (Estelle Getty) buy a Miami hotel (conveniently named The Golden Palace), only to find that it’s financially in the red and has only two employees (Don Cheadle and Cheech Marin). If you’re wondering “How does The Golden Girls work without Bea Arthur’s Dorothy?”, it didn’t. The Golden Palace was quickly canceled but eventually paved the way for the animated Golden Girls 3033 (yes, it’s real).

LIVING DOLLS (1989)

Wildly popular ’80s sitcom Who’s the Boss? had a spinoff you’ve never heard of, starring Halle Berry and Leah Remini. How is that possible? First, the backdoorpiloted Living Dolls had nothing to do with Who’s the Boss aside from a couple of guest appearances by Alyssa Milano. Second, Berry (5’5”) and Remini (5’3”) played aspiring models, which requires a suspension of height disbelief on the level of buying a beach lifeguard moonlighting as a detective/alien hunter.

BEVERLY HILLS BUNTZ (1987-1988)

Of all the actors to spin off into their own series from the celebrated cop show Hill Street Blues, future Deadwood creator David Milch went with Dennis Franz. Sure, Franz went on to greatness as Sipowicz on NYPD Blue in the ’90s, but handing him a headlining gig was Milch’s lousiest notion prior to John From Cincinnati (I see you, TV nerds — stand down). Beverly Hills Buntz managed to be both an unfunny comedy and an unexciting cop drama, which is a hell of a trick.

THREE’S A CROWD (1984)

After eight seasons of Three’s Company, ABC decided that Jack Tripper (John Ritter) could carry his own show. The cleverly titled Three’s a Crowd gave Jack a girlfriend (Mary Cadorette) and her disapproving rich father (Robert Mandan) … and that’s it. The network even turned down Three’s Company expat Suzanne Somers’ offer to play Jack’s girlfriend in the spinoff — that show would have been a hit. Even better, they could have played private detectives! Genius.

ARCHIE BUNKER’S PLACE (1979-1983)

Around the ninth season of All in the Family in 1978, star Jean Stapleton and show creator Norman Lear wanted to end the series because they thought it was creatively spent. CBS countered with, “But, money!” Carroll O’Connor relented and agreed to soldier on with Archie Bunker’s Place, wherein he ran his own bar in Queens and continued to spout his patented rage and TV-friendly racism. Thankfully, Old White Guy Grievance Syndrome was totally cured in the ’80s. n

Turns out these Golden Girls couldn’t top what already was solid gold.

PRESS ON Pickleball is poppin’. As America’s fastest-growing sport, it has allages appeal for its ease of entry and cardio potential. But here in the Inland Northwest when the weather turns icy cold and outdoor play is a no-go, indoor courts see a massive spike in demand — a real headache for those seeking a place to keep playing. Local picklers will soon have a new option, however, when THE PRESS PICKLEBALL CLUB opens in downtown Spokane late this year. The Press is housed in the Spokesman-Review’s old production facility (also home of Dry Fly Distilling) at 1 N. Monroe St. The facility will feature six courts, a locker room, online scheduling, and tournament play, and is currently slated to open by November’s end. Membership and drop-in pricing should be announced soon. Learn more at presspickleball.com. (CHEY SCOTT) BOSS, BABY The most seriously unserious music podcast is back! After going album-by-album through the discographies of U2, R.E.M. and Talking Heads, hosts Scott Auckerman (Comedy Bang! Bang!) and Adam Scott (Parks and Recreation) have returned to examine Bruce Springsteen’s career on the intentionally clunkily named U SPRINGIN’ SPRINGSTEEN ON MY BEAN?. For those unfamiliar with the pair’s absurd style, they do actually provide fun track-by-track analysis and background info for each record, but also do incredibly absurd and idiotic bits like mini podcasts within the podcast or just riffing on total nonsense (it often takes them well over 30 minutes to start talking about the music). Where else can you hear a discussion of The Boss’ 10-minute epic “New York City Serenade” devolve into a conversation about if there is a Roger Rabbit roller coaster at Disneyland? Nowhere, that’s where! (SETH SOMMERFELD) THIS WEEK’S PLAYLIST Noteworthy new music arriving in stores and online on Nov. 3. JIMMY BUFFETT, EQUAL STRAIN ON ALL PARTS. Before departing this mortal coil, the Lord of Margaritaville completed one final album, featuring more endearingly laid back tunes and a guest appearance by Paul McCartney. JUNG KOOK, GOLDEN. The BTS member’s solo career is already off to a stunning start with the super catchy No. 1 hit “Seven.” The K-pop-loving BTS Army will assuredly make Golden go gold. KEVIN ABSTRACT, BLANKET. The former Brockhampton leader has said his new hip-hop LP to be a “Sunny Day Real Estate, Nirvana, Modest Mouse type of record,” which at least makes it a curiosity worth a listen. (SETH SOMMERFELD)

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 INLANDER 21

22 INLANDER NOVEMBER 2, 2023

HE SPO-KING

With so much veteran talent leaving Gonzaga, Anton Watson will likely be asked to get more buckets. ERICK DOXEY PHOTO

After four years as a Bullpup and four more as a Bulldog,

Spokane’s favorite son Anton Watson returns for one last season at Gonzaga BY WILL MAUPIN

n the evening of May 31, the Gonzaga men’s basketball Twitter account posted a simple message featuring just three words, “22 is BACK,” and a 24-second highlight video set to a song by A Boogie Wit da Hoodie. The song? “King of My City.” The player in the clip? Anton Watson. The message? Spokane’s favorite son would be returning for his fifth and final year as a Gonzaga University Bulldog.

HOMETOWN HERO

“I think he has a huge impact on Spokane basketball, and I know that he is looked up to by so many young kids, and I know that he takes that responsibility very seriously,” says Matty McIntyre, Watson’s former coach at Gonzaga Prep. Over the summer, Watson showed up at a youth basketball camp McIntyre was running. He was asked to come just for the final 15 minutes but ended up staying well over an hour as he chatted and signed autographs — not only for the star-struck grade schoolers, but for many of the grown-ups in the gym as well. “To see the look in [the kids’] eyes and how excited they were to see Anton,” McIntyre said. “I mean, they’re idolizing this guy and hanging on every single word.” Watson isn’t the first local product to step into the spotlight for Gonzaga. Adam Morrison played at Mead. Sean Mallon suited up for Ferris. John Stockton and his son David both blazed the G-Prep-to-Gonzaga trail before Watson. One thing that sets Watson apart from the other local talent to grace the hardwood in the Kennel, though, is the era when he’s taken the spotlight. In recent seasons, Gonzaga has elevated to a level where it can now recruit the top players from around the country. Five-star prospects and McDonald’s All-Americans like Chet Holmgren and Jalen Suggs have made the leap straight from high school to Gonzaga. The Zags are now an international brand that can land players from all around the globe. And part of that success is thanks to Watson, a local kid who bought into the opportunity to stay home.

“I think it’s remarkable the fact that he chose to stay here and be who he is, and to embrace himself and do it in his community, his region,” says Gonzaga Assistant Coach Jorge Sanz. “Seeing his story, seeing the legacy he’s leaving at Gonzaga, and the legacy he’ll create after Gonzaga… it’s just reason to believe that it can be done.” Watson has become a fan favorite over his first four years with the Zags not just because he’s a local kid. He’s a really talented basketball player, after all. Watson was recently cited as one of 20 players on the preseason watch list for the Julius Erving Award, given annually to the nation’s best small forward (a trophy that Zags Rui Hachimura and Corey Kispert both won).

THE PRELUDE

At this point, Watson should be no stranger to those kinds of honors and lists. Watson was twice named Greater Spokane League MVP while at G-Prep, twice named MVP of the state tournament, and ranked as the number two high school prospect in the state of Washington (41st overall in the country) in the recruiting class of 2019, per the recruiting experts at 247Sports. Individual accolades don’t tell the whole story, though. Watson’s also been a winner every step of the way. Gonzaga Prep posted a record of 103 wins against just seven losses during Watson’s four years with the Bullpups. As a junior and as a senior, Watson helped G-Prep win back-to-back state titles Coach McIntyre saw that potential even before Watson had logged a single minute of high school basketball. Watson’s mother called McIntyre the day before a summer basketball camp to say that, while they lived in Coeur d’Alene at the time, her son played basketball and was considering Gonzaga Prep for high school. “I get those kinds of calls all the time,” McIntyre says. “And then I remember the next day seeing him walk through the gym, go through warmups, and I was like, ‘Oh man, this kid’s a little bit different.’ I remember right off the get go just seeing how [he was] talented and athletic and fluid. He was special, right from the first day I met him.” ...continued on next page

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 INLANDER 23

“THE SPO-KING,” CONTINUED... That impression was made the summer before Watson’s freshman year of high school. Just two years later, before his junior year, he had done enough to impress another coach — Mark Few. The Zags offered Watson a scholarship, and in June 2017, he committed to play at Gonzaga.

THE LAST ACT

On a team with one other returning starter (Nolan Hickman), and a roster loaded with transfers and freshmen, Watson is one of the few pillars of continuity and experience in the Gonzaga program this 2023-24 season. Watson spent his first four seasons as the yin to Drew Timme’s yang. He’s also played alongside Filip Petrusev, Corey Kispert, Jalen Suggs, Chet Holmgren, Andrew Nembhard and Julian Strawther, all of whom are now in the NBA. He’s never had to be the guy for Gonzaga. Last season, he was third on the team in scoring at 11.1 points per game. He was sixth in scoring in each of the two seasons prior, and in an injury-shortened freshman season, he ranked eighth. While always primarily known for his defensive acumen and knack for the tiny hustle plays — the tipped balls, the intuitive rotations — this year Watson will certainly need to increase his offensive output to help fill the shoes of his former running mates. He’s always been an efficient complementary piece — Watson had the highest offensive rating among Gonzaga’s starters last season — but now he’ll need to step into a full-blown leadership role. Watson lacks the bombastic personality of Timme or the incredible production of Morrison, but his understated commitment to making a positive impact is plain to see. “It is visible, his impact on our team because of his leadership,” says Sanz. “Andrew [Nembhard] was very similar in that he was not a loud guy, but he would find moments of when to

24 INLANDER NOVEMBER 2, 2023

Watson leads with quiet and calm determination. ERICK DOXEY PHOTO get from teammates what the game required at the time. [Watson’s] able to do that and he’s doing a great job with not only the younger guys, but everybody in the team.” While his scoring is likely to rise as his leadership role increases, the Zags almost certainly won’t rely on him to shoulder the bulk of the scoring load. He’s got plenty of other responsibilities to carry on the offensive end of the floor. Some, like his passing and ball control, show up in the stat sheet. Watson was fourth on the team last season with 2.4 assists per game. Over a six-game stretch to end the regular season and through the West Coast Conference Tournament, Watson accumulated 24 assists to zero turnovers. His ability to move the ball and not be a black hole in the post will be critical as this new-look Gonzaga roster develops chemistry, especially early in the season. Other responsibilities don’t show up in the box score, but they certainly don’t go unnoticed by astute fans, teammates and coaches. “It’s also the way he creates for others with a well-timed seal or screen or just nudges someone enough to where somebody else is getting a clear path to the basket,” Sanz says. “He’s the ultimate connector. Oftentimes he does not get the credit in terms of stat sheet because we don’t keep track of those in the game. But we certainly as a staff, we do see that and we demand it from him because we know he’s so good at it.” Gonzaga’s season doesn’t hinge on Watson’s performance, but his performance can be the glue that holds the team together throughout yet another arduous schedule, and maybe even the spark that pushes them to a magical run in March. Watson has already spent eight years playing at a highly successful level for Gonzaga, both Prep and University. He’s got one more year to add to his resume, but he’s already cemented his status as a legend of Spokane basketball. n

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NOVEMBER 2, 2023 INLANDER 25

Charlisse Leger-Walker leads WSU. WSU ATHLETICS PHOTO

ALWAYS ON GUARD Between Washington State’s Charlisse Leger-Walker and Gonzaga’s Truong twins, the Inland Northwest is a hotspot of women’s hoops guard play

THE NCAA MEN’S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT COMES BACK TO SPOKANE NEXT SPRING

pokane hoops heads rejoice. The most fun basketball week of the year — the opening days of the men’s NCAA Tournament — returns to Spokane Arena for first and second round games on March 22 and 24, 2024. It’ll be the first time the Lilac City has hosted the regional rounds of either the men’s or women’s tourney since 2016. ERICK DOXEY PHOTO

BY SETH SOMMERFELD

f you’re an Inland Northwest basketball fan looking to watch returning top-tier guards this 2023-24 season, it’s not even debatable — the women’s game is where it’s at. While the area men’s programs might have some good transfer guards coming into the various programs, the women’s teams return elite-level vets in their quests for NCAA Tournament glory. There are so many that we had to thin slice our coverage (so apologies in advance to Eastern Washington’s shutdown defensive guard Jamie Lorea and arguably the best deep threat in the country, Gonzaga’s Brynna Maxwell). When it comes to women’s hoops in the region, this season is going to be defined by three senior guards: Washington State’s potential Kiwi All-American Charlisse Leger-Walker and Gonzaga’s twin duo of Kaylynne and Kayleigh Truong.

AKA LEGEND-WALKER

This might be an oversimplification, but before New Zealand guard Leger-Walker arrived in Pullman in 2020, Washington State had made one NCAA Tournament ap-

26 INLANDER NOVEMBER 2, 2023

pearance… in 1991. Since the Kiwi star has joined the squad? How about three NCAA Tournament appearances in three years… plus a stunning Pac-12 Tournament Championship (the first in program history)… plus earning the Cougs first ever preseason Top 25 ranking (No. 24) heading into this campaign. While taking a program from the depths to national relevance has certainly been a team effort orchestrated by head coach Kamie Etheridge, it’s hard to deny the impact that Leger-Walker — an honorable mention All-American last season — has had on reshaping the culture at Wazzu. Even she’s a bit surprised things have turned out this well. “If I reflect back to kind of freshman year, this experience has been honestly surreal,” says Leger-Walker. “Being in the gym at one of the lowest points of where we were with this program, and now going all the way to last year being Pac-12 Tournament Champions. … . I’m just super proud of how far we’ve come and excited as well.” Leger-Walker was part of an influx of international talent that Coach Etheridge convinced to come to Pull-

While it’s not a guarantee, there’s an incredibly good chance Gonzaga will be playing at “home” for the Spokane regional if the team plays even close to its preseason Top 15 ranking. We can’t write in stone that those games will be hometown hero Anton Watson’s Spokane swan song… but, you know… probably. The catch? It’s pricey as heck. Currently the only tickets available via the NCAA are all-session packages available for $785 or $1,099 (and if Gonzaga ends up playing here, prices are only going to skyrocket higher). — SETH SOMMERFELD For more information visit SpokaneArena.com.

man. Having folks from disparate places come together at the same time actually bonded them closer together off-court, which then translated on the court, according to Leger-Walker. “A lot of us value family, a lot of us value that support, and there’s no better place to do that than Pullman,” says Leger-Walker. “I think the community here is next level. It’s what makes Pullman so amazing.” There were many milestones that marked WSU as a program on the rise over the past few years. Leger-Walker notched 20 points in her first-ever Pac-12 game against UW in December 2020, and a month later the Cougs knocked off No. 7 Arizona in an overtime thriller. The team started to believe they belonged with the elite in the brutally deep Pac-12 women’s basketball scene, but the crowning achievement came when they shocked the world and won last year’s conference tourney as the No. 7 seed. But Leger-Walker knows she and her teammates cannot keep basking on that high. While the Cougars have made the NCAA Tournament three straight years, they’ve yet to break through and get the program’s first ever win in an NCAA Tournament game. With that as a team goal (in addition to hopes of a WNBA career), Leger-Walker has been training hard this offseason to up her game — working on decision making consistency, trying to become more of a knockdown 3-point shooter and improving her defensive versatility. It helped that she was able to go home and play for New Zealand’s national team this offseason — testing her mettle against actual WNBA players and foreign standouts in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup — impressively finishing second in scoring among all players. This year the Cougs aren’t going to be able to play the role of the plucky underdogs who come out of nowhere anymore. For the first time ever, the Washington State women have a target on their backs. But for a competitor like LegerWalker, that challenge is part of the fun. To be the best, you’ve got to believe you’re the best. “The culture and mindset have shifted,” declares Leger-Walker.

eligibility.) The Zags are running it back for 2022-23. Expectations for the veteran team are extremely high. The squad honed its skills with a foreign tour in Vietnam this summer and hope steel sharpens steel with a daunting nonconference schedule that includes the likes of Stanford, Washington State, Alabama, Cal, Arizona and Louisville. After getting bully-balled during a disheartening season-ending First Round NCAA Tournament loss to Ole Miss last year, the Truongs know their team needs to get reps in against that top-level competition.

EASTERN WASHINGTON MEN

It’s never great when your conference player of the year transfers to the school down the road (see: Venters, Steele), but the sky certainly isn’t falling in Cheney. After a season that saw EWU boast one of the longest win streaks in the country on the way to a regular season Big Sky title, the Eagles are expected to keep up their winning ways under coach David Riley. Eastern was picked to finish second in the Big Sky in the preseason media poll, trailing only Weber State. British big man Ethan Price leads the way for the Eags as a preseason All-Big Sky selection. Another name to watch is former UCLA/ Wyoming guard Jake Kyman, a transfer who could step in instantly to fill the sharpshooting void left by Venters. Junior college transfer Andre Mulibea could also provide an instant scoring spark. The Eagles will test themselves with a Pac-12-heavy nonconference schedule that includes WSU, UW, USC, Utah and Stanford (plus Ole Miss and Cincinnati), but in the end it will be the Big Sky battles with Weber, the Montana schools, and Sac State that will determine how high these Eagles fly. Game to Watch: Feb. 7 vs. Weber State (SETH SOMMERFELD)

EASTERN WASHINGTON WOMEN

Could this be the year the Eagles make it to the NCAA Tournament for just the second time in program history, and first since 1987? After the turnaround head coach Joddie Gleason pulled off in her first two seasons in Cheney, the third year might just be the charm. After winning just nine games in year one under Gleason, last season the Eags soared to their first winning season since 2018 with a 19-11 record. Picked by the coaches to win the league this season, EWU is the only program that boasts two players on the preseason All-Big Sky team: guard Jamie Loera (last season’s Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year) and forward Jaydia Martin. Local players to watch include Lewis & Clark graduates Jacinta Buckley and Andie Zylak, and University High grad Ellie Boni. Game to Watch: Nov. 29 vs. Gonzaga (WILL MAUPIN)

A TWINNING COMBINATION

The Truong twins have always known they are both excellent point guards. The rest of the basketball world? Well, they really didn’t accept that truth until last year. Coming into last season, Kayleigh Truong was the star starting point guard for the Zags, while Kaylynne Truong’s role was more of a key contributor coming off the bench. But everything flipped when Kayleigh injured her foot early in the season at the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament in the Bahamas. To say Kaylynne stepped up when given the chance to fill her sister’s role would be a wild understatement. She took the reins as the starting point guard and led the Zags to a WCC regular season title — averaging 15.8 points and 5 assists per game while shooting a smoking 42.2% from 3 — and unexpectedly captured WCC Player of the Year honors. But both sisters grew a little frustrated by how surprised folks were that Kaylynne could seamlessly fill that star guard spot. “I personally don’t like the narrative,” says Kaylynne. “I’ve grown up with it, being the youngest. Obviously, it was unfortunate that Leigh went down and I had to step up, but it was, in a way, a blessing to me, just because I was able to show people what I can do.” In a senior night surprise last February, all the Bulldogs’ seniors — the Truongs, Brynna Maxwell and Eliza Hollingsworth — announced they’d return for their fifth years. (The 2020-21 COVID season didn’t count against

A LOOK AT THIS YEAR’S CROP OF INLAND NORTHWEST COLLEGE HOOPS TEAMS

IDAHO MEN

Kaylynne Truong looks to build on last year’s season. ERICK DOXEY PHOTO “We lacked practice against teams that play like Ole Miss in the SEC. So that’s why I’m so excited for this season, because our nonconference schedule is probably the best it’s been since I’ve been here,” says Kaylynne. “In the WCC, there are some athletic teams, but not many.” But nothing has the twins more excited than a Thanksgiving trip back to Texas for the Van Chancellor Classic, where the twins will get to play in front of family and friends who have rarely been able to see them play in person while at GU. Finally, the Truongs get to be co-stars playing side by side. “I feel like we just haven’t missed a beat,” says Kaylynne. “And we’re just very excited to play at Gonzaga together, because I feel like we haven’t been able to — excluding the first three or four games last season. I’m just excited to be sharing the court again with Leigh.” n

While Idaho’s football team has vaulted from the depth to a national force over the past couple years, the men on the hardwood are desperately overdue for a turnaround of their own. There’s a case to be made that the Vandals are the worst college hoops program in the country, having not won over 10 games in a full season since 2017-18. The monumental challenge of making Idaho competitive falls to new head coach Alex Pribble, who previously was an assistant coach at Seattle U and EWU. Pribble has completely overhauled the Vandals’ roster. The only two returning players for Idaho — Terren Frank and Jack Hatten — combined to appear in 13 games last season. It’s hard to know what to expect from a team that brings in three freshmen and eight transfers, most of whom didn’t play at Division I schools previously (the biggest name of the bunch is probably UW transfer Tyler Linhardt). To no one’s surprise, Idaho is picked to finish dead last in the Big Sky, but with so much fresh blood in the program, it should be an interesting ride nonetheless. Game to Watch: March 2 vs. Montana (SS) ...continued on page 29

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 INLANDER 27

ZAGS FOR THE MASSES

The Kennel rules, but... ERICK DOXEY PHOTO

It’s absurd that local fans can rarely see the Gonzaga men’s team play in real life

“S

o do you go to a lot of Gonzaga games?” People who don’t reside around these parts constantly throw this question at me once they learn they learn I live in Spokane. “Oh no! Of course not! It’s basically impossible to get tickets for men’s Zag games,” I reply with a laugh. “Nobody in Spokane gets to go to Gonzaga games!” But really, I’m not sure if I should be chuckling at the situation. The fact that the biggest team in Spokane — heck, the city’s signature cultural export — is usually completely inaccessible for local Zags fans is beyond absurd.

s a GU alumni, I have so many fond memories of attending games in the student section at McCarthey Athletic Center and helping the Kennel Club create one of the most raucous atmospheres in the country. Part of that admittedly is the arena’s modest size (6,000 capacity), which keeps the action intimate. It’s a truly special environment that all Zags fans should be able to experience. But that’s not how Gonzaga runs their operations. Tickets for GU games in McCarthey simply aren’t available to the public. There’s not even really a secondary market for them. Unless you snapped up season tickets when McCarthey opened in 2004 or have a friend with a ticket connection, Zags games are an ivory tower beyond the reach of us commoners (even the alumni ones). The pathetic nature of the situation really dawned on me when I visited a Zag friend in Las Vegas recently. Pretty much every year Gonzaga will play a major regular season game in Vegas (this year it’s USC on Dec. 2),

28 INLANDER NOVEMBER 2, 2023

BY SETH SOMMERFELD plus play a couple games in the West Coast Conference Tournament. Tickets are easy to snag, so my pal usually goes to three Bulldogs games per year. Let that linger for a second... When it comes to seeing their favorite team in-person, it is far, far easier to be a Gonzaga fan living 1,000-plus miles from campus in Las Vegas than it is to be one living walking distance from the Kennel in Spokane. That’s so f—ing dumb.

ince expanding McCarthey isn’t a viable option, there’s one obvious answer — play more often in Spokane Arena. It’s a no-brainer that playing games in a building with twice the capacity of McCarthey — one that actually puts tickets on sale to the public — could bring the team to the local Zag fan community. Those games can be an absolute blast, and still carry a distinct home court advantage, as was evident when the building was rocking during the Bulldogs’ beat down of the Kentucky Wildcats last season. But Spokane Arena is vastly underutilized by Gonzaga. Before the showdown with UK, the last game the Zags played in the Arena happened way back in 2014. For comparison, the team has played 11 games in Seattle’s Key/Climate Pledge Arena since 2005 (and that’s not counting Seattle road games at UW and NCAA Tourney games) versus only seven Spokane Arena tilts — and that’s despite Key/Climate Pledge Arena being under construction for three of those years! (For those keeping score at home, the cities where it’s easier than Spokane to see the Zags live now include Seattle and Las Vegas… plus I haven’t even mentioned San Francisco,

Los Angeles, San Diego and Portland… all of which also top Spokane in that respect.) Thankfully, Gonzaga is playing a game at Spokane Arena this coming season — a WCC matchup with Pepperdine on Jan. 4 — tickets go on sale to the public on Nov. 10 via TicketsWest.com. More of this, please! It seems from the outside that part of the reticence to play in Spokane Arena comes from not wanting to have marquee games off campus. And honestly, that’s fine! But then go fully the other way — put 2-4 of the “bad” games on the schedule in Spokane Arena every year. Sure there’s more excitement around a GU game in Spokane Arena against a ranked opponent, but because of the scarcity of the live product for the vast majority of area Bulldogs fans, we’ll show up for matchups versus teams like Pepperdine. Here’s my proposal: 1. Put one of the preseason exhibition games in the Arena (with cheaper tickets for children — it breaks my heart how many young fans never get to go to a GU game). It would turn the start of the year into a community gathering. 2. Put one or two of the Christmas break games in the Arena. The atmosphere in McCarthey without the students absolutely sucks anyway, so it’d actually improve the home court advantage! Plus folks would love getting those Zags tickets for a Christmas/holiday gift. 3. Put at least one WCC game in the Arena, too. It’ll break up the conference slate doldrums. Gonzaga basketball is part of Spokane’s identity. We’re long overdue for the program to become something the whole city can actually enjoy in person as a community. n

A LOOK AT THIS YEAR’S CROP OF INLAND NORTHWEST COLLEGE HOOPS TEAMS

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The Idaho women are under the direction of fresh leadership as well, having hired Carrie Eighmey (formerly of DII University of Nebraska at Kearney) to be their new head coach. Turning the Vandals into winners will be a tall task for the first-time DI coach, especially after the graduation of program and Big Sky legend, Beyonce Bea (now at WSU). But at least the bar is set relatively low, with Idaho tabbed to finish near the bottom of the Big Sky. As is standard operating procedure these days, Eighmey hit the transfer portal hard while also having an eye for international talent. Newbies to this year’s squad include Aussie Georgia Gray, Brazilian Ana Paula de Oliveira Dias, Dane Amalie Langer and Rwandan Hope Butera. Considering UI only returns three players that averaged over 10 minutes per game last year (Ashlyn Wallace, Asha Phillips, Sarah Brans), the globetrotting newcomers will need to make an immediate impact for the Vandals to actually make some noise in the Big Sky. Game to Watch: Jan. 13 vs. Eastern Washington (SS)

Mar Ubiergo Class of ‘27 - Business

GONZAGA MEN

Unfamiliarity isn’t something Gonzaga fans are used to experiencing in the Mark Few era, but the massive influx of fresh faces make this year’s squad both exciting and unpredictable. Essentially Spokane stalwart Anton Watson, polarizing guard Nolan Hickman and reserve center Ben Gregg are the only returning Zags contributors. But the rest of the roster is filled out with some seriously talented players including conference player-of-the-year caliber transfers — point guard Ryan Nembhard (Creighton, Andrew’s bro), forward Graham Ike (Wyoming), wing Steele Venters (EWU) — and intriguing international and stateside newbies — Jun Seok Yeo, Dusty Stromer, Pavle Stosic, Braden Huff, Luka Krajnovic. While Few historically tends to prefer not dipping too far into his team’s depth, it’s hard to imagine not running a deeper rotation this year considering the collection of talent. Despite all the newcomers, clearly there’s faith that Few will figure it out as Gonzaga was ranked No. 11 in the preseason AP Poll. That said, the Bulldogs were somewhat shockingly picked to finish second behind St. Mary’s in the WCC (despite SMC being 23rd in the AP Poll). As usual, the Bulldogs will have plenty of chances to prove their mettle with a loaded slate of ranked nonconference games versus defending champ UConn, Kentucky, USC, San Diego State and a Maui Invitational trip that starts with a Purdue showdown. If all goes to plan, expect GU to be playing the first rounds of the NCAA Tournament in Spokane. The team may be unfamiliar, but odds are the Zags will continue their familiar winning ways. Game to Watch: Dec. 15 vs. UConn (in Seattle) (SS)

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Surprise, surprise, the team that has won 17 of its past 19 West Coast Conference championships is the overwhelming favorite in the league once again. A seventh-consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament should be the absolute lowest expectation for this season, though that’s not to say getting there is assured to be smooth sailing. The Zags’ schedule features three teams ranked in the preseason AP Poll and eight teams that made the NCAA Tournament a season ago. Forward Yvonne Ejim and guards Brynna Maxwell, Kayleigh Truong and Kaylynne Truong — the latter is the reigning WCC Player of the Year — were all named preseason All-WCC. Maxwell and Kaylynne Truong were named to the preseason watch lists for national player of the year at their respective positions. Oh, and all four are in at least their fourth year of college. Talent and experience? That’s a winning combo. Game to Watch: Dec. 3 vs. Stanford (WM) ...continued on next page

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NOVEMBER 2, 2023 INLANDER 29

A LOOK AT THIS YEAR’S CROP OF INLAND NORTHWEST COLLEGE HOOPS TEAMS WASHINGTON STATE MEN

WASHINGTON STATE WOMEN

WHITWORTH MEN

WHITWORTH WOMEN

After back-to-back winning seasons in the Pac-12, head coach Kyle Smith has his work cut out for him in his fifth year at WSU. A bevy of offseason departures from key players with eligibility remaining has led to a nearly brand new roster for the Cougars. Senior forward Andrej Jakimovski is the lone returning starter from last year’s team. With eight freshmen on the roster compared to a combined seven juniors, seniors and fifth-year players, the Cougars are in a full blown rebuilding mode. The timing of this rebuild almost could not be worse, unfortunately, as the Pac-12 projects to be as tough as it has been in recent memory. After back-to-back seasons in the top-half of the conference standings, Washington State was picked 10th in the Pac-12 preseason poll. Game to Watch: Dec. 21 vs. Boise St. (WM)

Entering her sixth season on the job, Kamie Ethridge’s era as head coach has been easily the most successful run in Cougars’ history. Coming off of a third consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament — and a fifth-consecutive season with more wins than the year prior — the Cougars look poised to continue their climb. At No. 24 in the AP Poll, Wazzu enters the season ranked for the first time in program history. Senior center Bella Murekatete and senior guard Charlisse Leger-Walker were named to the top-20 preseason watch lists for national player of the year at their respective positions. A new weapon for the Cougars is graduate transfer from Idaho, Beyonce Bea, who ranks as the Vandals’ third-leading scorer all-time and is sixth among active players in Division I with 1,938 points. Game to Watch: Nov. 9 vs. Gonzaga (WM)

The Pirates are looking to bounce back after a frustrating 10-15 season that saw Whitworth lose seven times by two possessions or fewer. Consistency and valuing the basketball are keys for second year head coach Kenny Love, a former player on the men’s team. A year of experience, for both the coach and the players, should help catalyze improvement this season. There are seven upperclassmen, six of whom are seniors, on the Pirates’ roster. Guard Kim Dewey from Reardan is back in a leadership role this season. Younger players including sophomore Mya Edwards from Kettle Falls (who joined the team midway through last season) and freshman Zalisa Sanfo from Inchelium are also expected to make big impacts this year. Game to Watch: Jan. 2 vs. Whitman (WM) n

Last year’s Whitworth squad featured eight freshmen. This year’s squad features none. A year older and a year wiser is the theme at Whitworth. Mt. Spokane product Jerry Twenge was a full-time starter a season ago and returns this year for his graduate year. He’s joined in a leadership and scoring role by fellow seniors Sullivan Menard and Jake Holtz. Expect improved consistency this season thanks to the return of another Mt. Spokane product, point guard Jojo Anderson, who missed last season with an injury. The quest for a fifth consecutive Division III NCAA Tournament appearance will begin with a defense of home court. The Pirates open the season with nine straight games at Whitworth Fieldhouse. That monthlong homestand should help the team avoid the early-season stumbles they encountered last year and propel them into Northwest Conference play. Game to Watch: Dec. 7 vs. Wisconsin-Oshkosh (WM)

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30 INLANDER NOVEMBER 2, 2023

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NOVEMBER 2, 2023 INLANDER 31

The Coeur d’Alene Tribe shares its culture and history during annual water potato dig along the lakeshore

Daniel Peone digs for sqigwts. ERICK DOXEY PHOTOS

BY ELIZA BILLINGHAM

FIRST FOODS

HARVESTING MEMORIES

32 INLANDER NOVEMBER 2, 2023

t’s the end of October at Hawley’s Landing in Heyburn State Park in Idaho. Rocky Mountain maples and larch trees have turned patches of the mountains a golden yellow. Ponderosa pines are dark and shadowed, but outlined by a light dusting of snow. Below the ridge, Plummer Creek runs through a low wetland filled with sepia-colored tule grass. Scattered snowflakes swirl gently over the swamp, and it would be silent were it not for the sound of shovels overturning thick, black mud. It’s sqigwts ha’chesq’it, or water potato harvest day, for the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. Traditionally, the beginning of winter would be the end of the gathering season for the Coeur d’Alenes. After spending the spring and summer months following camas, elderberries and huckleberries, they would come to the edge of the lake before the cold set in to harvest sqigwts, sometimes called “water potato” or “wapato” in English. The starchy root of a common marsh plant was an important part of their diet, especially since it could be dried and preserved all winter. Today, the Coeur d’Alenes keep this tradition alive with communal sqigwts harvest days, open to tribal members, school students and the general public. On Oct. 25 and 26, visitors could come try their hand at harvesting sqigwts or watch as men from the Coeur d’Alene Fish and Wildlife Department dug in the mud for the purplish, egg-shaped treasure. Because of heavy metal contamination in the northern part of Lake Coeur d’Alene, the tribe is relegated to harvesting sqigwts in the southernmost part of the lake. In addition to harvesting, educational booths at the nearby campsite offer opportunities to learn about the Coeur d’Alene language, beaver lodges and ecological stewardship, hand-dug canoes, storytelling, and other traditional foods like smoked elk. “We get a lot of elders and tribal leaders down here a lot of times,” says Caj Matheson, a tribal council member and natural resources director for the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. “We just hang out and shoot the breeze. It becomes a communal event for us.” One booth offers newcomers the chance to taste sqigwts. It can be prepared in as many different ways as a potato can — boil it, mash it, stick it in a stew, and, perhaps the most tempting, deep fry it into a chip. Val Wade, an environmental health specialist who works for the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, makes fresh sqigwts chips for kids and adults alike, which taste something between a potato chip and a plantain chip — crisp and starchy but with a subtly sweet, almost chestnut, aftertaste. It’s not the

most traditional way to eat sqigwts, but every family has their own favorite way to prepare them, and this could certainly be added to the list.

undreds of years ago, gathering sqigwts was women’s work. They would wade into knee-deep water and disrupt the mud with their feet. Once sqigwts were released from the loosened soil, they floated to the top to be gathered into baskets or canoes. Today, men from the Coeur d’Alene Fish and Wildlife Department wear waders and boots in ankle deep mud, breaking it up with shovels. You can see a line along the bank where the brush is pushed back, a telltale sign that the lake water is higher in the spring. But by October, the water recedes tens of yards. “We have lost a lot of our traditional habitat due to the Post Falls Dam,” says Jade Mokry, outreach specialist for the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. “The dam holds the water levels at an unnatural state. We do have to dig for water potatoes manually — we have to use shovels and boots, and we don’t have the luxury of having the water.” Bryan Harper has been out in the 30-degree weather for two days, lifting and sifting through piles of cold mud for sqigwts. He’s been part of this harvest for 22 years, ever since he started working for the tribe’s fish and wildlife department. When he finds a root, he hands it to whoever’s standing nearby. It’s usually easier for Harper to dig out sqigwts than to let small children search for their own — it’s easy for little people to get stuck in the mud and leave a boot or two behind trying to pull free. Harper remembers visiting the harvest as a kid in grade school. Now he’s the one who gets to teach students about sqigwts. “We’re just trying to keep traditions alive and let the youth know what our ancestors went through,” Harper says. “Ten thousand years ago they were doing this to make it through their winters.” Three other younger fish and wildlife technicians have spent the past two days pulling sqigwts and preschoolers out of the mud. They happily stay out to help a new group of kids in the marsh and snow. “It’s like a treasure hunt for them,” says Daniel Peone, who’s on his way to becoming a biologist for the tribe. Peone and his colleagues, Jerry Martin and Silas Enick, also find “false” water potatoes in the mud, a similar-looking but different kind of underwater tuber that can make the eater sick.

They make sure the kids know the difference between a smooth sqigwts with purplish skin and a football shape, and the poisonous alternative that is courser and rounder. The three young guys are good at keeping cold, wet children entertained. “It’s fun, man, it’s cool seeing them happy,” Martin says. “Most of the time it’s our nieces or nephew or kids or family who we knew in school.”

econnecting to traditional foods not only passes down memory and knowledge to new generations, but could impact health, too. “What people are believing in, probably rightfully so, is that our bodies really have adjusted to the foods that have been here for thousands of years,” says Matheson, the tribe’s natural resources director. “So when we think about the last 100 or 150 years, having to adjust our diets to things that are very heavy on sugars and things like that, what we do know is that we have massive issues with obesity, with things like diabetes. The idea is, if we return to some of our traditional foods, that there will be a medicinal effect and impact on us. Some people will talk about an emotional, spiritual impact, and I don’t disagree with that, either.”

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The biggest sqigwts are almost the size of a chicken egg. Visitors from the Kalispel Tribe came from Usk to join their sister tribe’s sqigwts harvest. Their children sing a song that blesses the east, west, ground and creator before they leave. Their offering leaves some of the elders misty-eyed. “We’re super proud of the resource,” Matheson says. “We’re super proud of the event. We’re proud that we’re one of the few people that actually continue to harvest water potatoes and make use of them. They are also critical for us when we start thinking about doing things like cleaning up like the Coeur d’Alene River basin.” “We left here yesterday, it was so cold and snowy,” he says. “But we left here just thinking that, even though our bodies were hurting, we had so much fun down there.” n

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NOVEMBER 2, 2023 INLANDER 33

REVIEW

You Can’t

Handle the Truth Justine Triet’s Anatomy of a Fall provides yet another excellent acting showcase for Sandra Hüller BY CHASE HUTCHINSON

ANATOMY OF A FALL

Directed by Justine Triet Starring Sandra Hüller, Swann Arlaud, Milo Machado Graner Screening at the Magic Lantern

ust as is often the case in life, the truth is not so easily found in Justine Triet’s piercing, Palme d’Or-winning drama Anatomy of a Fall. There are a whole lot of potential truths that often run counter to each other and twist themselves up throughout what some have called a crime thriller when it is much more than that. In a basic sense, it is a film about a woman named Sandra Voyter who is arrested and put on trial in France over the suspicion of murdering her husband who “fell” to his death at their remote snowy home. Played by an expertly poised Sandra Hüller (who is having a banner year between this and the upcoming The Zone of Interest, which has also been making the festival rounds), Sandra is an acclaimed writer, a mother to her 11-year-old son, Daniel (Milo Machado Graner), and now one of the most scrutinized people in the world. This is both what the entire experience of the film is literally about and also only a fraction of what Triet has on her mind. Much in the way Alice Diop’s stunning 2022 film Saint Omer took us inside a courtroom where the results of the trial are ultimately less important than what the process reveals about the woman currently at the center of it, Anatomy of a Fall is about the steady disintegration of a marriage that has culminated in this moment. However, where the two differ is that Diop showed a great deal more restraint and patience in her film. This is not entirely a dig against Triet, as her film is more about playing around with the familiar conventions of the genre, but it remains the lesser of the two in terms of whether it is as successful in what it sets out to do. Where it remains unimpeachable is in its central leading performance. The world was first introduced to Hüller via her 2016 feature debut — the disquieting yet quietly riveting slow-motion horror film, Requiem. In many regards, Anatomy of a Fall feels like it could play as a companion piece to that film in how it attempts to get into the guts of a familiar genre in order to turn it inside out. Both are also similarly shaky at some key moments as they often hold us at a distance. Such a distance is not an accident in

either, but this is especially true in Anatomy of a Fall, as we are meant to feel kept in the dark along with young Daniel, who steadily begins to emerge as the protagonist. It is one of many risky yet daring gambles Triet manages to pull off even when moments building to it buckle under the pressure. In the eye of the tumultuous legal storm, not only does Hüller give another formidable performance that looks us dead in the eyes, but she excavates resonances from quieter moments where her character’s protective mask begins to ever so slightly slip. While the particulars of French courtrooms remain wildly chaotic — with Swann Arlaud’s measured defense attorney and Antoine Reinartz’s snarky prosecutor each giving pointedly grandiose performances — it is all about Sandra. The way Triet lets the camera linger on Hüller allows viewers to feel the full scope of her multifaceted performance. In one central flashback, she must do a lot all at once as she draws us right up to a possible truth before the film abruptly yanks it away once more. It is part of a constant push and pull that is all about creating an accelerating sense of free fall. This extends to the ending, which is where the film strikes its most effective yet elusive emotional notes. In particular, there is a simple yet devastating scene between mother and son that complicates everything we have experienced up to that point. Rather than providing closure, it bursts open a multitude of possibilities that bring into focus how even the most robust of trials (or, yes, even films) can barely scratch the surface of anything resembling the full truth. Sometimes, the most revealing questions are the ones that go unanswered. Even when Anatomy of a Fall wraps you up in a fraught final embrace, it is Sandra herself who may still be falling. n

Sandra Hüller makes the most of Fall’s dramatic complexities.

34 INLANDER NOVEMBER 2, 2023

SCREEN | ESSAY x REVIEW

ALSO OPENING DIVINITY

A trippy and nightmarish black-and-white sci-fi art film, Divinity revolves around its titular serum, which strives to perfect human immortality but (shocker) might have some dire consequences. Rated R

THE MARSH KING’S DAUGHTER

There are complicated father-daughter relationships and then there is The Marsh King’s Daughter, a psychological thriller in which Helena (Daisy Ridley) was born after her criminal father (Ben Mendelsohn) abducted her mother. Decades later, dad escapes from prison, and Helena must attempt to defend her family from him using the tricks he taught her. Rated R

THE PERSIAN VERSION

Writer/director Maryam Keshavarz crafts a comedic tale of a queer, young adult Iranian-American woman who clashes with her stern mother and many, colorful siblings while trying to find her own identity and dealing with being knocked up by a drag queen. Rated R

PRISCILLA

Writer/director Sofia Coppola looks to tell Priscilla Presley’s story with a tender dramatic touch, one that should stand in stark contrast to Baz Luhrmann’s glitzy and completely hollow 2022 biopic, Elvis. Rated R

WHAT HAPPENS LATER

Meg Ryan returns to the romcom game not only as a star, but also as a director and co-writer. When an epic snowstorm hits, Willa (Ryan) finds herself randomly stranded in a remote airport with an old flame (David Duchovny). Rated R

From Sphere to Eternity On the technological experience of Darren Aronofsky’s Postcard from Earth at the Sphere in Las Vegas BY SETH SOMMERFELD

ilm has always been an inherently technological art form. While mediums like visual arts, theater, music and dance spent millennia as only-in-person, analog experiences, movies only came to exist with cameras and projection methods on some sort of screen. Given this, there’s always a push to innovate in film — both from filmmakers (camera techniques, CGI, etc.) and theaters trying to get butts in seats (3D, IMAX, Smell-O-Vision, et al.). Audiences have been often thrilled by various advances that enhanced their viewing experience ever since being freaked out by the movie of the train coming at the screen. With an open mind to new theatrical innovations, I recently found myself at the Sphere in Las Vegas. The LED-covered dome just off the Strip has garnered viral attention since its late September opening thanks to its stunning exterior visuals, but I wanted to see what the all-encompassing screen on the inside was like. As part of the event space’s opening, they’re screening a new site-specific film by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan, Requiem for a Dream) called Postcard from Earth, which is part nature documentary and part sci-fi narrative (but mostly a tech demo to show off the Sphere and its screen). The screen at the Sphere is both the highest resolution screen on the planet (16k x 16k), but also partially wraps around the audience. In simplest terms, it basically feels like a planetarium on steroids, HGH, and any other performance enhancers it can get its hands on. POSTCARD From an audio FROM EARTH perspective, it’s Directed by Darren Aronofsky truly surround Screening at the Sphere in Las Vegas sound — with noise liable to emanate from any corner of the auditorium despite no visible speakers. And to further its immersiveness, it features some of the more gimmicky movie theater elements — seats that can rumble, pumped in smells and bursts of air at certain moments — to create a 4D experience. Postcard from Earth is designed to throw viewers into the deep end of the Sphere’s movie tech. The 50-minute film is, for all intents and purposes, a Planet Earth-like nature documentary primarily meant to showcase how images can look on the Sphere screen. And on that account, holy crap does it succeed. The cinematography team, led by Dustin Kukuk, captured some of the most stunning shots

              

I’ve ever seen committed to the (very, very) big screen. It’s hardly revolutionary to garner great imagery from the natural and human world, but the Sphere screen makes one feel like they’re actually engulfed to the point of being on-site. The seat shaking under the thundering steps of elephants or the air swirling during massive storms actually works, even if it occasionally makes Postcard from Earth feel almost like an amusement park movie ride — like the Disneyland Star Wars staple Star Tours, but for rich Vegas tourists. There are so many little scenes that are legitimately breathtaking: drone shots whirring over ice-capped mountains, spider jump scares, the colorful tapestry of a sky filled with kites, engrossing underwater shots of jellyfish, fireworks explosions, the colorful bursts of Holi celebrations, anxiety inducing manic time-lapse shots, even just screenfilling collages of human faces. It’s unrelenting, akin to the high-speed flood of imagery sequences in Requiem for a Dream, but done in slightly calmer waves to showcase the Earth’s majestic beauty… until things take a darker turn.

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ANATOMY OF A FALL Palmes d'Or Winner!

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The Sphere’s engulfing screen is dazzling. Postcard from Earth’s main flaw is the sci-fi narrative that bookends the documentary aspects. Essentially, it’s presented as if space colonizers from Earth are waking up from hibernation and being reminded of the planet humans came from by their spaceship’s technology in order to contextualize their start to colonizing a new planet (and hopefully not f— it up, unlike how humans trashed Earth). While it’s mainly a setup so that there can be AI-sounding narration over the film, it feels a tad cheesy, clunky and tacked on. It is however hilarious to see how clearly the notoriously bleak Aronofsky wanted the film to slowly transition from feel-amazing nature doc to a condemnation of humanity destroying this beautiful planet. You can almost hear the Sphere executives screaming, “Darren, this is our opening tech demo! Chill out! We’re trying not to get people to think they’re in a power-draining capitalist monolith of a venue! At least give us a mildly hopeful ending!” While I wouldn’t suggest every movie lover needs to rush to Vegas to see Postcard from Earth (it’s clearly making those tourists bucks right now and not worth the $90-$250 ticket price point unless you’re a huge film tech fanatic), it will certainly be interesting to see if other filmmakers of Aronfsky’s caliber decide to make more films for this one-site venue. Technology can’t be paradigm-shifting without massive scale, and the Sphere’s screen simply isn’t translatable tech. The Sphere may be revolutionary, but it’s hard to spark an actual revolution from one lone desert outpost. n

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PAGE 38 NOVEMBER 2, 2023 INLANDER 35

Despite pizza choice, Lawrence isn’t cheesy. DEANIE CHEN PHOTO

POP

FAMILY

MATTERS

The Jonas Brothers’ opener Lawrence brings sibling-powered soul music with an earnest familial connection BY MADISON PEARSON

he members of Lawrence have been making music together for as long as they can remember. No, literally. “We met quite young,” says Gracie Lawrence, as her brother and bandmate Clyde Lawrence chuckles in the background. “And we were always making music together around the house.” The two grew up in a creative household — mom is a dancer, and dad is writer and director Marc Lawrence of Miss Congeniality and Music and Lyrics fame — so forming a band seemed like the most natural path forward for the two musically-inclined siblings. “It was a constant throughout our childhood,” Gracie says. “When I was in middle school and Clyde was in high school, we’d play shows in cafes around New York to like 20 people. That’s where it started for us.” Given their four-year age difference, Clyde went off to college at Brown University while Gracie stayed back to finish high school. Brown is where Clyde began forming sonic bonds with other musicians and creating what would eventually become Lawrence. The group invited Gracie to perform with them on various occasions, and the connection was too strong to ignore. Lawrence’s melodies take turns listeners wouldn’t expect, catapulting them into a funk-filled stratosphere thanks to vocal gymnast Gracie. Once up in the sky, Clyde lends his soulful voice to the soundscape for a jolt of grit and power. (All while dressing in his stage outfit of choice — a shirt that reads “Thank God It’s Chicken

36 INLANDER NOVEMBER 2, 2023

Finger Friday” or a custom Lawrence baseball jersey depending on the night.) Now both Lawrence siblings are in their mid-20s and still making music together — just on a bit larger scale than the small New York cafes they once frequented. Lawrence’s rise to prominence started when the band’s single “Don’t Lose Sight” was used in a Microsoft Surface ad and consequently started trending on TikTok in 2022. The band subsequently has toured with “Gen-Z Mozart” Jacob Collier, collaborated with everyone from Jon Bellion to Doobie Brother Michael McDonald, and embarked on its own headlining tours. The Lawrence siblings now get to play their biggest gigs to date, having been tapped to open the Jonas Brothers’ arena tour (which stops at Spokane Arena on Nov. 7).

hen opening for a group like the JoBros, Gracie says that their set is their time to show audiences what Lawrence is all about. “When we’re opening for another band it’s a different experience, as opposed to our headlining shows where, you know, 100% of the audience is there to see Lawrence,” Gracie says. “As a performer, playing to a crowd of people hearing you for the first time can be scary, and it comes with its own challenges. But it’s really rewarding to perform for them and invite new listeners into our world.” And what a world Lawrence creates. Along the way, the duo has expanded their musical family with a sixpiece band consisting of friends from various stages of

their lives. Joining them on stage is Sam Askin on drums, Johnny Koh on guitar and Michael Karsh on bass, with Marc Langer, Jordan Cohen and Sumner Becker forming the band’s horn section. “Some of them are college friends,” Clyde says. “Some are from preschool. It all happened naturally — super organically. We call ourselves a family band because that’s what they feel like to us.” Together, Lawrence puts on a show packed with raw energy, talent and passion that audiences can feels from the moment the band stomps onto the stage. “We all feed off of each other for energy,” Clyde says, “Me, Gracie, the band and the audience. We have the best time up there because we’re all family and best friends doing what we love.” As for being on the road with the Jonases — another band composed of siblings — Clyde and Gracie agree that it’s brought a loving feeling to the entire tour. “It’s an extremely unique experience to be able to connect with your sibling in that way,” Gracie says. “It’s cool to see that happening at, you know, the most massive level for [the Jonas Brothers], and it’s an honor to be on the tour with them. Family is a huge part of what they do, and it’s something so significant to us that we carry with us wherever we go.” n Jonas Brothers, Lawrence • Tue, Nov. 7 at 7 pm • $50-$230 • All ages • Spokane Arena • 720 W. Mallon Ave. • spokanearena.com

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NOVEMBER 2, 2023 INLANDER 37

MUSIC | SOUND ADVICE

POP RUBEN STUDDARD & CLAY AIKEN

t the peak of American Idol fever in 2003, there were few folks more famous than Season 2’s battling finalists Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken. The pair made for a delightful entertaining odd couple: The rotund Studdard was a Black R&B powerhouse, while the spindly Aiken was a white soft pop crooner. While neither would go on to the massive musical success of other Idol alums like Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Daughtry and Jennifer Hudson, they’ve still got the pipes to pay the bills. Studdard and Aiken show off their star-making voices and friendship forged under reality TV lights chemistry when they team up in Airway Heights. — SETH SOMMERFELD Ruben Studdard & Clay Aiken • Sun, Nov. 5 at 7:30 pm • $39-$69 • All ages • Northern Quest Resort & Casino • 100 N. Hayford Rd., Airway Heights • northernquest.com

J = THE INLANDER RECOMMENDS THIS SHOW J = ALL AGES SHOW

LOCAL ROCK THE NIXON RODEO

Thursday, 11/2

Friday, 11/3

AK ASIAN RESTAURANT, James Motley ARBOR CREST WINE CELLARS, Son of Brad THE BEE’S KNEES WHISKEY BAR, Pamela Benton J THE BIG DIPPER, Lee DeWyze, Frank Viele, Bryson Coalt, Vika & the Velvets CHAN’S RED DRAGON ON THIRD, Whack A Mole THE DISTRICT BAR, Stop Light Observations, Little Bird J THE GRAIN SHED, Haywire J KNITTING FACTORY, Cooper Alan J NORTHERN QUEST CASINO, Strangelove: The Depeche Mode Experience PEND D’OREILLE WINERY, Monarch Mountain Band THE RIDLER PIANO BAR, Just Plain Darin SPOKANE EAGLES LODGE, Into the Drift Duo SPOKANE TRIBE CASINO, The Australian Bee Gees

38 INLANDER NOVEMBER 2, 2023

or over a decade, the Nixon Rodeo has been one of the rare consistent elements of the Spokane music scene. The band has built a local following with a hybrid style that mixes hard rock, metal and a dash of screamo. In October, Nixon Rodeo released Convalescence, a driving 14-track collection that highlights what the four-piece does best. To celebrate the occasion, the Nixon Rodeo is hosting a loaded local concert at an atypical venue, the Spokane Valley event center Players & Spectators. The festivities include the band playing Convalescence front-to-back, opening support from Pulling 4 Victory (a notable generational affair, as the young band features two of Nixon Rodeo singer Brent Forsyth’s sons) and a mechanical bull (it is a Rodeo after all). — SETH SOMMERFELD

ARBOR CREST WINE CELLARS, DJ Priestess CHAN’S RED DRAGON ON THIRD, Thursday Night Jam CHECKERBOARD TAPROOM, Weathered Shepherds J MCCRACKEN’S PUB AND BBQ, Nate Ostrander J QQ SUSHI & KITCHEN, Just Plain Darin THE STEAM PLANT, Echo Elysium ZOLA, The Night Mayors

The Nixon Rodeo, Alive In Barcelona, The Ongoing Concept, Pulling 4 Victory, Bruiser • Sat, Nov. 4 at 6 pm • $20-$35 • All ages • Players & Spectators • 12828 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley • monumentalshows.com J THE PODIUM, Skillet, Theory of a Deadman ZOLA, Star Court

Saturday, 11/4

219 LOUNGE, Headwaters ARBOR CREST WINE CELLARS, Michael Vallee J THE BIG DIPPER, Rock Club Fall Showcase CHALICE BREWING CO., S on of Brad CHAN’S RED DRAGON ON THIRD, Laffin Bones THE DISTRICT BAR, Cliffdiver, Sunsleeper, Glacier Veins

PEND D’OREILLE WINERY, Brian Jacobs J J PLAYERS & SPECTATORS, The Nixon Rodeo (Convalescence Album Release Show), Alive In Barcelona, The Ongoing Concept, Pulling 4 Victory, Bruiser J REVIVAL TEA COMPANY, Karli Fairbanks J SIRINYA’S THAI RESTAURANT, Pamela Jean J SNOW EATER BREWING CO., Just Plain Darin VANTAGE POINT BREWING CO., Wiebe Jammin’ ZOLA, Blake Braley

Sunday, 11/5

J THE BIG DIPPER, Steaksauce Mustache, Across the White Water Tower, Dead Low, Spooky HOGFISH, Open Mic J J NORTHERN QUEST CASINO, Ruben Studdard & Clay Aiken

Monday, 11/6

J EICHARDT’S PUB, Monday Night Blues Jam with John Firshi RED ROOM LOUNGE, Open Mic Night

Tuesday, 11/7 LITZ’S PUB & EATERY, Shuffle Dawgs ZOLA, Lucas Brown & Friends

Wednesday, 11/8

BARRISTER WINERY, Stagecoach West THE DRAFT ZONE, The Draft Zone Open Mic EMERGE, Emerge Cicada Sessions: Seth Anderson J KNITTING FACTORY, Chelsea Grin, Suicide Silence, I Am, Peelingflesh

MUSIC | VENUES PEND D’OREILLE WINERY, Dwayne Parsons RED ROOM LOUNGE, The Roomates J TIMBERS ROADHOUSE, Cary Beare Presents ZOLA, Jacob & Drew of Brittany’s House

Coming Up ...

J THE BIG DIPPER, Warp Chamber, Trash Casket, Bonemass, Big Knife, Nov. 9, 7:30 pm. J KNITTING FACTORY, The Brothers Comatose, Rainbow Girls, Nov. 9, 8 pm. J THE BIG DIPPER, London Get Down, Munson, Indy Heyer, Nov. 10, 7:30 pm. J NORTHERN QUEST CASINO, Native Jam: Tony Louie, Isaac Tonasket, Tyus Beebe, Nov. 10, 7:30 pm. J J THE BIG DIPPER, Thanksgiving Throwdown: Free The Jester, The Pink Socks, Not For Nothing, Flynn, Camerxn, Willie Woo Styx, Nuge, Kaleb J, Chartrey, Tr3ezy, Eric Acebo, Nov. 22, 5:30 pm. J J SPOKANE ARENA, Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve, Nov. 24, 7 pm. J J THE FOX THEATER, Bush, Bad Wolves, Dec. 6, 7 pm. J J KNITTING FACTORY, TV Girl, Jordana, Dec. 8, 8 pm. J THE DISTRICT BAR, Grieves, Oblé Reed, Dec. 16, 9 pm. J J REVIVAL TEA COMPANY, Blake Braley, Dec. 23, 7-9 pm. J THE DISTRICT BAR, Slothrust, Weekend Friends, Jan. 31, 9 pm. J J THE FOX THEATER, Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, Feb. 12, 7:30 pm. J J KNITTING FACTORY, Silversun Pickups, Hello Mary, Feb. 18, 8 pm. J J KNITTING FACTORY, Sarah Jarosz, Feb. 23, 8 pm. J J FIRST INTERSTATE CENTER FOR THE ARTS, Disney Princess: The Concert, March 27, 7 pm. J J NORTHERN QUEST CASINO, Boyz II Men, May 14, 7:30 pm. J J GORGE AMPHITHEATER, Noah Kahan, June 29. J J GORGE AMPHITHEATER, Blink-182, Pierce the Veil,

219 LOUNGE • 219 N. First Ave., Sandpoint • 208-263-5673 ARBOR CREST WINE CELLARS • 4705 N. Fruit Hill Rd., Spokane Valley • 509-927-9463 BABY BAR • 827 W. First Ave. • 509-847-1234 BARRISTER WINERY • 1213 W. Railroad Ave. • 509-465-3591 BEE’S KNEES WHISKY BAR • 1324 W. Lancaster Rd.., Hayden • 208-758-0558 BERSERK • 125 S. Stevens St. • 509-315-5101 THE BIG DIPPER • 171 S. Washington St. • 509-863-8098 BIGFOOT PUB • 9115 N. Division St. • 509-467-9638 BING CROSBY THEATER • 901 W. Sprague Ave. • 509-227-7638 BLACK DIAMOND • 9614 E. Sprague Ave. • 509891-8357 BOLO’S BAR & GRILL • 116 S. Best Rd., Spokane Valley • 509-891-8995 BOOMERS CLASSIC ROCK BAR • 18219 E. Appleway Ave., Spokane Valley • 509-368-9847 BUCER’S COFFEEHOUSE PUB • 201 S. Main St., Moscow • 208-596-0887 THE BULL HEAD • 10211 S. Electric St., Four Lakes • 509-838-9717 CHAN’S RED DRAGON • 1406 W. Third Ave. • 509-838-6688 COEUR D’ALENE CASINO • 37914 S. Nukwalqw St., Worley • 800-523-2464 COEUR D’ALENE CELLARS • 3890 N. Schreiber Way, Coeur d’Alene • 208-664-2336 CRUISERS BAR & GRILL • 6105 W Seltice Way, Post Falls • 208-446-7154 CURLEY’S HAUSER JUNCTION • 26433 W. Hwy. 53, Post Falls • 208-773-5816 EICHARDT’S PUB • 212 Cedar St., Sandpoint • 208-263-4005 FIRST INTERSTATE CENTER FOR THE ARTS • 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. • 509-279-7000 FOX THEATER • 1001 W. Sprague Ave. • 509-624-1200 IRON HORSE • 407 E. Sherman, Coeur d’Alene • 208-667-7314 IRON HORSE BAR & GRILL • 11105 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley • 509-926-8411 JOHN’S ALLEY • 114 E. Sixth St., Moscow • 208-883-7662 KNITTING FACTORY • 911 W. Sprague Ave. • 509-244-3279 LEFTBANK WINE BAR • 108 N. Washington St. • 509-315-8623 LUCKY YOU LOUNGE • 1801 W. Sunset Blvd. • 509-474-0511 MARYHILL WINERY • 1303 W. Summit Pkwy. • 509-443-3832 THE MASON JAR • 101 F St., Cheney • 509-359-8052 MAX AT MIRABEAU • 1100 N. Sullivan Rd., Spokane Valley • 509-922-6252 MILLIE’S • 28441 Hwy 57, Priest Lake • 208-443-0510 MOOSE LOUNGE • 401 E. Sherman Ave., Coeur d’Alene • 208-664-7901 MOOTSY’S • 406 W. Sprague Ave. • 509-838-1570 NASHVILLE NORTH • 6361 W. Seltice Way, Post Falls • 208-457-9128 NORTHERN QUEST RESORT & CASINO • 100 N. Hayford Rd., Airway Heights • 877-871-6772 NYNE BAR & BISTRO • 232 W. Sprague Ave. • 509-474-1621 PEND D’OREILLE WINERY • 301 Cedar St., Sandpoint • 208-265-8545 THE PODIUM • 511 W. Dean Ave. • 509-279-7000 POST FALLS BREWING CO. • 112 N. Spokane St., Post Falls • 208-773-7301 RAZZLE’S BAR & GRILL • 10325 N. Government Way, Hayden • 208-635-5874 RED ROOM LOUNGE • 521 W. Sprague Ave. • 509-838-7613 THE RIDLER PIANO BAR • 718 W. Riverside Ave. • 509-822-7938 SEASONS OF COEUR D’ALENE • 1004 S. Perry St. • 208-664-8008 SPOKANE ARENA • 720 W. Mallon Ave. • 509-279-7000 SOUTH PERRY LANTERN • 12303 E. Trent Ave., Spokane Valley • 509-473-9098 STEAM PLANT • 159 S. Lincoln St. • 509-777-3900 STORMIN’ NORMAN’S SHIPFACED SALOON • 12303 E. Trent Ave., Spokane Valley • 509-862-4852 TRANCHE • 705 Berney Dr., Wall Walla • 509-526-3500 ZOLA • 22 W. Main Ave. • 509-624-2416

Meet the People Who Shaped the Inland Northwest

Inlander Histories Volume 1 & 2

On Sale Now

Inlander.com/books

LOANS AVAILABLE

New Construction Land Development Bridge Loans Fix & Flip Call Now (509)926-1755 www.pmcmoney.com

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 INLANDER 39

COMEDY SWEET ’N’ SPICY

Dulcé Sloan might have a first name that means “sweet,” “gentle” or “delicate” in almost every romance language, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t pack a punch — a punchline, that is. Sloan’s zero tolerance for nonsense and side-splitting straight talk made her a favorite correspondent on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, where she put Karens in their place (more than once). Her satirical reportage has also put her on air with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen for CNN’s New Years’ Eve special, plus less newsy, more spicy channels like MTV and Comedy Central. Her most recent project is voicing Honeybee Shaw in Fox’s animated series The Great North, a show about a young Black woman from Fresno who moves to an Alaskan fishing town. Now, no longer a stranger to northern winters, Sloan is bringing her stand-up to Spokane. Expect an evening of shutting down stupidity and leveling up leopard print. — ELIZA BILLINGHAM Dulcé Sloan • Sun, Nov. 5 at 7 pm • $20-$28 • 18+ • Spokane Comedy Club • 315 W. Sprague • spokanecomedyclub.com • 509-318-9998

40 INLANDER NOVEMBER 2, 2023

VISUAL ARTS GIFTING SEASON

WORDS HOLIDAY MAGIC

It’s back! For the first time in seven years — and since a big move this past spring from the Garland District to the U-District — Spokane Art School is hosting Yuletide, its juried, indoor holiday art market. A plethora of local artists are filling the first and second floors of the Art School’s new space with handcrafted, individually produced works in a variety of mediums. You’ll find ceramics, paintings, soap, ornaments, cards and more items to purchase for yourself or others this holiday season. Every purchase directly benefits the incredible local artists participating in the show like Liz Bishop, Sheila Evans, Linnea Tobias, Lou Lou Pink and many more. Expect to leave with a unique gift for someone special and a lot of love in your heart for our local art scene. Happy gifting! — MADISON PEARSON

Halloween’s over, so it’s definitely not too early to get into the Christmas spirit. Start off with this special event co-hosted by Auntie’s Bookstore and Spokane Public Library featuring bestselling Irish author Eoin Colfer, best known for his popular Artemis Fowl fantasy series. Colfer’s next story, however, isn’t set in the Fowl universe, but one where Santa is actually a mere woodsman living in a park. Enter 11-year-old protagonist Juniper Lane, who encounters a boisterous cast of characters while on a quest to help save Santa’s magic. This new novel for young readers — and young readers at heart — is woven through with themes of hope, magic and heartwarming kindness, a perfect read to kick off the giving season. — CHEY SCOTT

Yuletide • Nov. 3-5; Fri from 10 am-9 pm, Sat from 10 am-6 pm, Sun from 10 am-3 pm • Free admission • Spokane Art School • 503 E. Second Ave. • spokaneartschool.net • 509-325-1500

Eoin Colfer: Juniper’s Christmas • Sun, Nov. 5 at 3:30 pm • Free • Central Library • 906 W. Main Ave. • spokanelibary.org • auntiesbooks.com

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

MUSIC OCEANIC ORCHESTRA

For its next Masterworks installment, the Spokane Symphony is joined by the Spokane Symphony Chorale to perform Ralph Vaughan Williams’ A Sea Symphony and a composition titled And God Created Great Whales by Alan Hovhaness. Vaughan William’s piece explores a variety of oceanic sounds, such as waves crashing on the shoreline, as well as a beach at night in solitude, plus songs for the sea, ships and explorers. Hovhaness’ composition incorporates recordings of whale songs with the orchestra. To bring the music to life even more, videos of deep blue waters and the majestic whales that call it home will be projected on a screen above the orchestra alongside the music. — SUMMER SANDSTROM Spokane Symphony Masterworks 4: Behold, The Sea • Sat, Nov. 4 at 7:30 pm and Sun, Nov. 5 at 3 pm • $19-$68 • The Fox Theater • 1001 W. Sprague Ave. • spokanesymphony.org • 509-624-1200

VISUAL ARTS RURAL REFLECTIONS

As new art is unveiled across the city for November’s First Friday showcase, Palouse-based photographer June T. Sanders’ work is on display at Entropy’s mezzanine gallery in downtown Spokane. The artist’s black-and-white photos of fellow queer and trans subjects are intended to provoke thoughtful reflection in viewers while highlighting both the beauty and complexity of navigating life in a world where hate and bigotry deeply permeate. As a queer artist based in a rural small town, Sanders places her subjects in tranquil, idyllic settings which often seem almost surreal: a dusty back road, overgrown tangles of vegetation, overlooking rolling, pillowy grain fields. The result is at once nostalgic and modern, a blending of past and present as if to say, “we have always been, and will always be, here.” — CHEY SCOTT First Friday: June T. Sanders • Nov. 3-26, open daily from 10 am-6 pm • Free • Entropy • 101 N. Stevens St. • explodingstars.com • junetsanders.net

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 INLANDER 41

leads to you. Until then, I will see you in my dreams. We have waited long enough. PIZZA HAT, FOX COSTUME, AND A KARAOKE NEAR-MISS In a local karaoke haven known as the Star Bar, I stood out wearing a leather jacket and a distinctive pizza hat, channeling my inner Britney Spears. During my musical escapade, I couldn’t help but lock eyes with an enchanting fox-costumed maiden, but despite summoning up the courage to chat, I faltered when it came to asking for your number. As I was about to make my move before my Uber whisked me away, I searched high and low, but the elusive fox had vanished into the night, leaving me with nothing but unspoken words and pizza-flavored regret. If you, the fox of my karaoke dreams, recall our brief encounter, reply. I’m still hoping to share a pizza and a song with you.

I SAW YOU FLUSHED DOWN THE BOWL I saw you at Bowl and Pitcher, on a date via an online app. I was wary, but took the chance at rejection, and that indeed happened. But how? Not in a dignified, courteous manner. Instead, after an hour and a half hike along the river with cordial conversation, we parted, but not before your last words behind a smile were, “I’ll talk to you.” Yeah, right. Instead, you unmatched me, even after I messaged a few hours later expressing my satisfaction of the afternoon, albeit brief. I liked you. But I privately felt as if I didn’t meet your qualifications. This was all inferred in a tacit way. That’s not new to me, but still it hurts. Is this where our society is headed? Click away your disapproval, no questions or explanations? NEON MOON KARAOKE! Last Friday night at Neon Moon, there was music in the air. We were singing karaoke and I didn’t get much time to talk with you but our brief interactions left me wondering if you’d like to get together sometime? I hope this reaches you. CROSS-COUNTRY COACH I saw you coaching at the big race this week. I spotted you on every corner of the race course, and your runners absolutely ran harder when they heard your voice. You’re clearly an athlete yourself, but your charisma is beyond sexy. I could never keep up with you, but maybe I could treat you to a post-run beverage? I might have to keep going to races… distance running clearly became a better spectator sport once you started coaching. RE: TERESA, THIS ONE IS ABOUT YOU I am also here waiting. Show me the way that

YOU SAW ME WITNESSES TO ACCIDENT Please respond if you witnessed a car accident on Oct. 22 at 3 pm. Sedan t-boned a SUV at the intersection of Havana and Broadway by the fairgrounds.

CHEERS KINDNESS MATTERS To the lovely lady at Walters Ranch, Oct. 22, 2023, who was collecting money and checking parking passes. Thank you for being a genuinely beautiful, compassionate, and understanding human being. I did not deserve your kindness, yet you gave it freely and abundantly. I thank you for impacting my life and day for good. I will never forget the moment we shared, and I appreciate you more than you will ever know. FINALLY LEGALLY 21! Happy Birthday, Skylar Anthony! What a crazy ride up until now, thanks for the gray hairs and great memories! Make smart choices or else... I LOVE YOU! XX&OO’s Nana MORE THAN A HEALING FLIGHT I was one of the Veterans selected to go on the Honor Flight a few weeks ago. I was extremely impressed with the coordination of the project. We are talking about literally a “whirlwind” (39 hours) trip to Washington, D.C., and back. I want to give a special thanks to all of the individuals who made my trip and 100 other Veterans the opportunity to experience this. While for

most, touching the Vietnam memorial is special. For others like me, touching it was a healing experience I will never ever forget. I also want to thanks the folks who met us at both airports and gave us a warm welcome. I wish I could have experienced

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this decades ago. Because of the Honor Flight, I actually feel like I have finally come home. Thank you. DOWNTOWN AQUARIUM Cheers to the brilliant person who suggested an aquarium take the place of the downtown STA Plaza! We have spent millions of taxpayer dollars to subsidize a system that, if we are honest, doesn’t really work well to have a vibrant environment. Plus I bet the bus drivers would prefer working with jellyfish! PROPS TO “THE JERK” I just wanted to give u a big “CHEERS” for (after all this time) acknowledging a wrong and trying to make it right! If more people had the mind to do the same the world would be a better place! GOOD JOB!! We should all take notes of your actions to better ourselves and others. ‘Tis the season! THANK YOU Thank you to all the girls who believed my ex’s sob stories! It was hard to see your nudes on his phone, but necessary! Thank you for giving me my life back. After decades of abuse I am finally able to heal. PORCELAIN IS CLASSY All the cafes offering their coffee in porcelain cups, not only is it less waste, but it makes your cafe more classy. It is more pleasant to drink coffee from porcelain instead of a paper cup with or without a plastic lid. There are fewer aromatic interferences, the feel of the porcelain on the lips is smoother, and it is more pleasant to look at porcelain. Serving a customer’s coffee in porcelain subtly says something very classy. It says, Stay here and drink your coffee as a guest. Why do I see so many paper cups on the tables of the cafes and in the trash cans of the cafes? HOT TODDY’S FRANCIS OCT. 29 Thanks for buying my drink! For today it’s Go Packers! Lol you made my day!

Provide basic info: your name and email (so we know you’re real). 4. To connect via I Saw You, provide a non-identifying email to be included with your submission — like “petals327@yahoo.com,” not “j.smith@comcast.net.”

42 INLANDER NOVEMBER 2, 2023

LOGIC IS MISSING We want to criminalize homelessness and raise billions for a new jail. I got an idea, let’s spend billions on free and/or affordable housing. No that’s too easy I guess. Or maybe the rich folks in this city know that property value goes

Your charisma is beyond sexy. ... Maybe I could treat you to a post-run beverage?

SOUND OFF 1. Visit Inlander.com/isawyou by 3 pm Monday. 2. Pick a category (I Saw You, You Saw Me, Cheers or Jeers). 3.

FREE TALK ON CHRISTIAN SCIENCE FOLLOWED BY OPEN Q&A

TO DELTA AIR BAGGAGE MANAGER TYLER This outstanding young man went far out of his way to help retreive international luggage that was stranded at Sea-Tac while the owners were home in Europe without them. They were not forwarded to their international

flight and were in jeparody of being lost forever. He got in touch with the right people, (which is impossible for the public to reach) and facilitated the bags’ safe return. Thank you, Tyler, you saved a family vacation! BEING HUMAN When helping a woman with her payment for food while checking out at Walmart or when buying lunch at River Park Square for a homeless man, I didn’t think of relating these incidents to anyone because I knew that I was giving kindness to another human. When I see that I can help in those ways, I will. My belief is that all of mankind was put here to provide kindness to those in need, in our own way.

JEERS RANDOM ACT OF ANGST You: an unknown stranger who bought our dinner at a Mexican restaraunt. What have you done? Now I have an obligation to pass this on to someone else. They may do likewise. When will it ever end? I also now have a feeling of “gratitude.” That is NOT normal in today’s America. And because you bought my dinner, it’s hard to dislike your politics, cultural stance, or ethnicity. You are forcing friendliness. I am left defenseless, adrift, and humbled. RADIO DJS Unless you’re a talk show, focus on music. You’re not influencers. Nobody cares about your partner pissing with door open, your high school bf having a foot fetish, what your wife ate for dinner last night because you can’t cook, what your kids are dressing up as for Halloween, pet peeves and holiday plans. Know your music, know your concerts, tours, and their stories, not yours. If you don’t care or want to talk about music, get out of the radio business to allow someone who does to step in…

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down when there’s a surplus. And that in a super tight sellers’/landlords’ market, homelessness is a guarantee. Maybe they don’t want to fix homelessness. Maybe they just want to move homeless people out of view. Maybe we should live in a country where we don’t commodify certain necessities, like shelter. ODE TO A MAYOR You again want to be mayor of our once beautiful city, I live here, I look daily how you’ve made it less pretty. You’ve made such a mess in your short time as mayor, not surprising as you lack empathy or the ability to care. Smiling at teleprompters and reading the news, does not equate to “paying your dues.” Being unqualified led to dangerous days, when you stood hand in hand, praying with Shea. You enriched a rich stone and we paid a mint, for a grift of a shelter now rotting on Trent. If you lie with dogs, you reap what you sew, two proverbs that illustrate what WE already know. Your tenure is up, but please don’t leave town, watch and learn how to mayor from good Lisa Brown. n

THIS WEEK'S ANSWERS J I B R E D T A R S A L S E A U A D A P T T O O D O R I F F L E S B O W L P R O L I E F U T T E R R O I D P R O Q U I D Q U O A T N O G O E S S L O W W E M E T A T R I P P O S E A P R O T O A S T T A U P E S L E E K N I T E I R R I T A N T E B A Y T R A C T O R P R O P D A S P E R I L P R O M O V E C U T B A I T B I O A E R I N C O I N S D O M I N G O S O P D R S

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

EVENTS | CALENDAR

BENEFIT EPICUREAN DELIGHT Benefiting the Blood Center Foundation of the Inland Northwest and Vitalant, guests can try gourmet food and drink creatively prepared and presented by local restaurants and libations. 21+. Nov. 3, 6 pm. $200-$425. Spokane Convention Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. epicureandelight.org (509-279-7000) SPOKANE VALLEY ARTS COUNCIL ARTIST SHOWCASE & AUCTION The 16th annual event features an art auction, artist demonstrations, live music and dinner. Friday’s event focuses on the artists behind the artworks. Nov. 3, 5-8 pm (free) and Nov. 4, 5-9 pm ($65). CenterPlace Regional Event Center, 2426 N. Discovery Pl. spokanevalleyarts.org (509-986-8333) CHAMPIONS AMONG US A dinner and auction event celebrating Spokane’s Nordic skiing community. Proceeds benefit Spokane Nordic. Nov. 4, 5 pm. $40-$70. The Boxcar Room, 116 W. Pacific Ave. spokanenordic.org EXTRA LIFE CHARITY GAME DAY A variety of gaming events throughout the day. Event entry fees are donated to Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital. Nov. 4, 8:30 am-10 pm. Uncle’s Games, 404 W. Main Ave. unclesgames.com/downtown (509-456-4607) RACE TO FEED OUR VETERANS 5K Walk or run through Fairmount Memorial Park. Proceeds benefit Meals on Wheels Spokane. Nov. 5, 10 am-noon. $25. Riverside Memorial Park, 211 N. Government Way. mowspokane.org FLANNEL FEST RED KETTLE GALA A fundraiser for The Kroc Center’s Kroc Community Outreach program. The event features auction items, dinner and festive activities. Nov. 9, 5:30 pm. $100. Best Western Coeur d’Alene, 506 W. Appleway Ave. kroccda.org

COMEDY COEUR COMEDY SERIES: DARAN HOWARD & LYNN SOLOMON Howard is a nationally touring comedian. Lynn Solomon is a stand-up comedian from Missoula. Nov. 2, 7-10 pm. Free. Nighthawk Lounge (CdA Casino), 27068 S. Highway 95. cdacasino.com COLIN JOST Jost serves as a head writer for Saturday Night Live and is the co-anchor of the Weekend Update sketch. Nov. 2, 7:30 pm. $40-$148. The Fox Theater, 1001 W. Sprague Ave. foxtheaterspokane.org (509-624-1200) DUNCAN TRUSSELL Trussell is an actor and comedian known for his podcast, The Duncan Trussell Family Hour. Nov. 2, 7:30 pm, Nov. 3, 7:30 & 10:15 pm and Nov. 4, 7 & 9:45 pm. $25-$35. Spokane Comedy Club, 315 W. Sprague. spokanecomedyclub.com (509-318-9998) NO CLUE A fully-improvised murder mystery comedy show. Fri, Nov. 3, at 7:30 pm. $9. Blue Door Theatre, 815 W. Garland Ave. bluedoortheatre.org SAFARI The Blue Door Theatre’s version of Whose Line, a fast-paced shortform improv show with some twists and turns. Sat, Nov. 4 from 7:30-8:45 pm. $9. Blue Door Theatre, 815 W. Garland Ave. bluedoortheatre.org DULCE SLOAN Sloan is a stand up comedian, actress and correspondent for The Daily Show. Nov. 5, 7 pm. $20-$28. Spokane Comedy Club, 315 W. Sprague. spokanecomedyclub.com

NATIVE AMERICAN COMEDY NIGHT Donovan Archambault, Mylo Smith and Thomas McClure perfom stand-up comedy. Nov. 5, 3:45 pm. $20-$35. Spokane Comedy Club, 315 W. Sprague. spokanecomedyclub.com (509-318-9998)

COMMUNITY MEND-IT CAFÉ FOR KIDS Learn to alter, upcycle and mend your clothes. Nov. 2, 5-6 pm. Free. South Hill Library, 3324 S. Perry St. spokanelibrary.org RUNNING A NEWSROOM Explore what it takes to broadcast a daily news show in this educational workshop including newsroom roles, writing news scripts, filming, editing and post-production tasks. Ages 8-12. Registration is required. Nov. 2, 4:30-6:30 pm. Free. Spokane Valley Library, 22 N. Herald Rd. scld.org (509-893-8400) DIA DE LOS MUERTOS CELEBRATION This 9th annual event includes the exhibition of colorful ofrendas (offerings), kids’ crafts, piñatas, face painting, and live performances. Nov. 3, 5-8 pm, Nov. 4, 2-7 pm and Nov. 5, 11 am. Free. Hispanic Business and Professionals Association, 1214 E Sprague Ave, Spokane, WA 99202. hbpaofspokane.org GROSSOLOGY: THE SCIENCE OF THE REALLY GROSS Explore the gross science of snot, boogers and farts with some hands-on activities. Ages 10-13. Nov. 3, 3-4 pm. Free. North Spokane Library, 44 E. Hawthorne Rd. scld.org SIP & SHOP HOLIDAY EVENT Browse a large selection of home decor and gifts. Enjoy light food and beverages while shopping in one of Spokane’s historic buildings. Nov. 3, 10 am-7 pm and Nov. 4, 10 am-7 pm. Free. Spokane Club, 1002 W. Riverside Ave. spokaneclub.org TECH TALK Come ask technology related questions. This is an open-style sit-down Q&A for basic questions about computers and mobile devices. Nov. 3, 3-5 pm. Free. Liberty Park Library, 402 S. Pittsburgh St. spokanelibrary.org 1912 CENTER WINTER MARKET A market featuring food, locally made goods, crafts and more. Nov. 4, 9 am-1 pm. Free. 1912 Center, 412 E. Third St. 1912center.org (208-669-2249) KELLY MILNER HALLS: DINOVEMBER Local children’s author Kelly Milner Halls shares information about dinosaurs, including Washington’s own dinosaur, Suciasaurus Rex. Nov. 4, 11 am-noon. Free. Central Library, 906 W. Main Ave. spokanelibrary.org CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF DEER PARK LIBRARY This anniversary celebration features activities, snacks, prize drawings, contests as well as live music. Nov. 4, 10 am-6 pm. Free. Deer Park Library, 208 Forest St. scld.org FRIENDS OF THE CHENEY LIBRARY BOOK SALE Buy gently used books of all genres. Nov. 4, 10 am-3 pm. Free. Cheney Library, 610 First St. scld.org HOLIDAY BAZAAR A holiday shopping market with handcrafted goods, food and more. Nov. 4, 9:30 am-4 pm. Free. Hamblen Park Presbyterian Church, 4102 S. Crestline St. hamblenpres.org HOLIDAY BLITZ SHOPPING EVENT Paint In My Hair hosts giveaways, gives out prizes, food and drinks at this twoday shopping event. Nov. 4, 10 am-6 pm and Nov. 5, 10 am-4 pm. Free. Paint In My Hair, 3036 N. Monroe St. facebook. com/paintinmyhair (509-326-6999)

INLAND NW TOY CLASSIC Over 75 exhibitors selling vintage toys and collectables. Nov. 4, 9 am-4 pm. $5-$10. Spokane County Fair & Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. facebook.com/InlandNWToyShowClassic (509-477-1766) PALOUSE FALL & HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR This craft fair features homemade, handmade and vintage items. Nov. 4, 9 am-3 pm. Free. Palouse Community Center, 220 E. Main St. palousecommunitycenter.org (509-878-2301) BRIDAL EXCHANGE Shop for afforadable wedding decor. Also features snacks and drinks for purchase. Nov. 5, 1-4 pm. $15. The Boxcar Room, 116 W. Pacific Ave. linktr.ee/paigeandcoevents CRANBERRIES, TURKEY & MURDER In a sprawling manor in the town of Mayflower Falls, the Dread family is hosting their yearly Thanksgiving dinner for their neighbors. Solve this murder mystery with the other dinner guests. Nov. 11, 6-9 pm. $29-$39. Crime Scene Entertainment, 2775 N. Howard St., Coeur d’Alene. crimesceneentertainment.com SEWCIAL CLUB Beth LaBar leads a club focused on stitching, mending and altering garments. Bring your own project to work on in the company of other makers. Nov. 11, 10 am-noon. Free. Art Salvage Spokane, 1925 N. Ash St. artsalvagespokane.com

FILM RATATOUILLE A rat who can cook makes an unusual alliance with a young kitchen worker at a Paris restaurant. Nov. 2-4 at 1-3 pm. $8. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main St. kenworthy.org AUDIO-VISUAL CLUB: SOUND BOARD CHECK, CHECK Discuss channel mixing, proper microphone usage and free software you can use for sound editing. Adults. Nov. 4, 4:30-5:30 pm. Free. Spokane Valley Library, 22 N. Herald Rd. scld.org (509-893-8400) THE JEWISH JAIL LADY AND THE HOLY THIEF: A STORY OF ADDICTION, RECOVERY, AND REDEMPTION A screening of the documentary The Jewish Jail Lady and The Holy Thief, a Q&A with the stars of the film and a panel discussion with local community leaders. Nov. 4, 6:30-9:30 pm. Free. Temple Beth Shalom, 1322 E. 30th Ave. sajfs.org (509-747-7394) LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING The future of civilization rests in the fate of the One Ring, which has been lost for centuries but is now in the hands of Hobbit Frodo Baggins. Nov. 8 & 10 at 1:30 & 7:30 pm, Nov. 9 at 1:30 pm. Garland Theater, 924 W. Garland Ave. garlandtheater.com WARREN MILLER’S ALL TIME This year’s film features archival Warren Miller footage and explores the birth of ski towns like Sun Valley. Nov. 8, 7:30 pm. $22-24. Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague. bingcrosbytheater.com KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON When oil is discovered in 1920s Oklahoma, Osage people are murdered one by one until the FBI steps in to unravel the mystery. Nov. 9-11 at 1-4 pm. $8. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main. kenworthy.org LEGO STOP-MOTION ANIMATION Create and edit videos of LEGO characters moving, jumping, and talking to each other. Ages 8-12. Nov. 10, 11 am-12:30 pm. Free. Spokane Valley Library, 22 N. Herald Rd. scld.org (509-893-8400)

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NOVEMBER 2, 2023 INLANDER 43

LEGALIZATION

A Strongly Worded Letter Two members of Washington’s congressional delegation joined a bipartisan call for cannabis policy reform BY WILL MAUPIN

n August, the federal Department of Health and Human Services recommended to the Drug Enforcement Administration that cannabis should be moved off Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. Last week, a bipartisan group of 31 members of Congress sent a letter to the DEA urging it to go further. “While Congress works on a comprehensive legalization bill, the administration and relevant agencies such as yours should recognize the merits of full descheduling and work with congressional leaders to ensure this happens,” the letter reads. “Continued federal prohibition and criminalization of marijuana does not reflect the will of the broader American electorate — it is time that the Drug Enforcement Administration’s work fully reflects this reality as well.” This back-and-forth between Congress and federal

calling for fully descheduling cannabis. Descheduling cannabis would remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act, paving the way for legalization at the federal level. Of the 31 members of Congress who signed this letter to the DEA, 27 are Democrats and four are Republicans. Two of the signatories are part of Washington’s congressional delegation: Pramila Jayapal and Marilyn Strickland, both of whom represent districts on the west side. Seven of the signatories represent districts in states where recreational cannabis remains illegal. While this letter may lead to nothing at all, it does represent yet another progression in what could be the most impactful reconsideration of federal cannabis policy since the legalization wave began to sweep across the nation in 2012. n

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

agencies began in October 2022 when the Biden administration asked HHS to begin a review of how cannabis is treated under federal law. That HHS review was completed and submitted to the DEA this August and recommended that cannabis be moved from Schedule I to Schedule III. Schedule III substances have less potential for abuse than Schedule I substances. While Schedule III substances have an accepted medical use, they also may lead to physical or psychological dependence. Schedule I substances are illegal to possess, manufacture or distribute. Schedule III substances are legal to possess with a prescription. While the DEA is currently exploring whether or not cannabis would be a better fit on Schedule III as opposed to Schedule I, this group of 31 Congress members are

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BE AWARE: Marijuana is legal for adults 21 and older under Washington State law (e.g., RCW 69.50, RCW 69.51A, HB0001 Initiative 502 and Senate Bill 5052). State law does not preempt federal law; possessing, using, distributing and selling marijuana remains illegal under federal law. In Washington state, consuming marijuana in public, driving while under the influence of marijuana and transporting marijuana across state lines are all illegal. Marijuana has intoxicating effects; there may be health risks associated with its consumption, and it may be habit-forming. It can also impair concentration, coordination and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. Keep out of reach of children. For more information, consult the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board at www.liq.wa.gov.

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NOVEMBER 2, 2023 INLANDER 45

EVENTS | CALENDAR

FOOD & DRINK DINNER WITH A MEDIUM A threecourse meal and conversation with medium Melissa Henyan. Nov. 2, 5:30-9 pm. $65. Honey Eatery and Social Club, 317 Sherman Ave. honeyeateryandsocialclub. com (208-930-1514) RAID THE CELLAR FRENCH COMFORT WINE DINNER The evening’s menu features six courses inspired by speciallyselected French wines. Nov. 3, 6-9 pm. $100. Beverly’s, 115 S. Second St. beverlyscda.com (208-292-5678) CURRY IN A HURRY In this entertainment-style class, Chef Noreen introduces students to Indian cuisine by going over some commonly used spices, aromatics of curry and curry basics. Nov. 3, 12-2:30 pm. $85. The Kitchen Engine, 621 W. Mallon Ave. thekitchenengine.com COOKING WITH SUWANEE: A THAI TURKEY FOR THANKSGIVING Chef and food blogger Suwanee makes a Thanksgiving meal with a Thai twist. Nov. 4, 2:30-3:30 pm. Free. Shadle Library, 2111 W. Wellesley Ave. spokanelibrary.org PIONEER DAY CELEBRATION A rouladen dinner and live German music. Reservations required. Nov. 4, 5:30-11 pm. $25. German American Hall, 25 W. Third Ave. facebook.com/GASSpokane COOKING IN THE GREENHOUSE Chef Teague Tatsch demonstrates how to make hot-and-sour zucchini noodles. Nov. 5, 12-2 pm. $50. Ritters Garden & Gift, 10120 N. Division St. 4ritter.com A LESSON IN LENTILS Chef Noreen teaches about different varieties of lentils, legumes and beans along with the most commonly used spices and aromatics of Dal. Nov. 9, 5:45-8:15 pm. $85. The Kitchen Engine, 621 W. Mallon Ave. thekitchenengine.com SOUTH INDIAN CULINARY CLASS Learn the art of creating an authentic Indian dish — turmeric chicken lentil soup — from selecting the perfect spices, to using locally grown lentils, to mastering the art of simmering. Nov. 9, 6-9 pm. $45. Dahmen Barn, 419 N. Park Way. artisanbarn.org (509-229-3414)

MUSIC VOCAL EXTRAVAGANZA The evening includes a wide variety of music from different styles and time periods performed by WSU’s four choirs. Nov. 3, 7:30-9 pm. Free. Bryan Hall Theatre (WSU), 605 Veterans Way. music.wsu.edu KPBX KIDS’ CONCERT: GATHER AROUND THE PIANO Pianist Frankie Ghee performs original tunes to sing along with. Located in the music building auditorium. Nov. 4, 1 pm. Free. Spokane Falls Community College, 3410 W. Whistalks Way. kpbx.org SPOKANE SYMPHONY MASTERWORKS 4: BEHOLD, THE SEA Joined by the Spokane Symphony Chorale, the orchestra performs Vaughan Williams’ “A Sea Symphony” and other selections. Nov. 4, 7:30 pm and Nov. 5, 3 pm. $19-$68. The Fox Theater, 1001 W. Sprague Ave. foxtheaterspokane.org (509-624-1200) ALL COMMUNITY HYMN SING Jon Van Vogt plays the Wurlitzer pipe organ and Pastor Gary Woodroof leads hymns Nov. 5, 3 pm. By donation. Spokane First Nazarene, 9004 N. Country Homes Blvd. sfnaz.org (509-467-8986)

46 INLANDER NOVEMBER 2, 2023

THE BRITISH ARE COMING! The concert rogram include The Wreckers Overture, the Crown of India Suite and Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D major. Nov. 5, 3 pm. $8.50-$21.25. University of Idaho Administration Building, 851 Campus Dr. wa-idsymphony.org (888-884-3246) INLAND NORTHWEST COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION AWARDS SHOW An event to recognize regional country music artists in a variety of categories. Nov. 5, 6 pm. $10-$20. Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave. northwestcma.com PLENTY GOOD ROOM A program of spirituals and civil rights music selected from primary sources. The concert also includes settings of poetry by Langston Hughes and Lucille Clifton and concludes with a set of gospel pieces. Nov. 5, 1-2:30 pm. $5-$20. St. James Episcopal Church, 1410 NE. Stadium Way. gladishcommunity.org (509-862-8937) SING ALONG WITH JUST PLAIN DARIN Sing along with local singer-songwriter to the best songs of the 60s, 70s, and 80s. No prior singing experience is required. Adults. Nov. 7, 7-8 pm. Free. Airway Heights Library, 1213 S. Lundstrom St. scld.org (509-893-8250) SONATA TRAMONTANA: À LA FRANÇAISE Carrie Krause (baroque violin) and John Lenti (theorbo) with special guest Stephen Swanson (bass viol) perform the next chapter of their duo “a la Francaise!” Nov. 8, 7-9 pm. Free. St. John’s Cathedral, 127 E. 12th Ave. baroquemusicmontana. org (406-599-3397) CANDLELIGHT: A TRIBUTE TO TAYLOR SWIFT A string quartet performs Taylor Swift songs surrounded by candles. Nov. 9, 9 pm. $31-$57. Riverside Place, 1108 W. Riverside Ave. feverup.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS MONSTER JAM World champion athletes drive 12,000-pound monster trucks and participate in speed, racing and freestyle stunts competitions. Nov. 3-5; Fri-Sat at 7 pm, Sat-Sun at 1 pm. $24-$82. Spokane Arena, 720 W. Mallon Ave. spokanearena. com (509-279-7000) PRACTICAL CENTERING YOGA Experience the benefits of yoga and pilates movements through these weekly exercise sessions led by instructor Larkin Barnett. Every Wednesday from 1:30-2:30 pm. $18-$20. Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org (509-456-3931) SPOKANE AUDUBON MEETING: NATIVE BEES A native bee conservation lecture presented by The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation education and outreach ambassador Dave Kollen. Nov. 8, 7-8:30 pm. Free. John A. Finch Arboretum, 3404 W. Woodland Blvd. audubonspokane.org STATE LAND FREE DAYS The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission invites visitors to enjoy a state park for free on select days each year. Nov. 11. Free. parks.wa.gov

THEATER & DANCE ELF JR. Buddy is raised as an elf, unaware that he is actually a human. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Nov.

2-5; Thu-Fri at 7:30 pm, Sat-Sun at 3 pm. $15-$20. Kroc Center, 1765 W. Golf Course Rd. cdaact.com (208-667-1865) THURSDAY EVENING SWING Drop-in beginner (Lindy Hop) and progressive (Collegiate Shag) lessons and social dancing to follow. Every Thursday from 6:30-9 pm. through Dec. 28. $5-$10. Woman’s Club of Spokane, 1428 W. Ninth. syncopationfoundation.org/spokane AMELIE A musical exploring themes of self-discovery, friendship and the transformative power of dreams. Thu-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm through Nov. 5. $10. Hartung Theater, 625 Stadium Dr. uidaho. edu/class/theatre (208-885-6111) DAZED AND AMAZED Over 50 aerial artists perform a show about Mary Poppins meeting the Wicked Witch in Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. Nov. 3-5; FriSat at 7 pm, Sat also at 1 pm, Sun at noon. $25. spokaneaerial.com (509-435-1576) FINDING NEMO JR. Marlin lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo. When Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. Nov. 3-12; Fri-Sat at 7 pm, Sat-Sun at 3 pm. $17-$20. Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave. cytspokane.org MURDER IN WONDERLAND Solve the case in this Alice in Wonderland-themed murder mystery. Nov. 4, 6-10 pm. $39. Crime Scene Entertainment, 2775 N. Howard St. crimesceneentertainment. com (208-369-3695) ORIENTAL JEWELS An evening of cultural dance starring students of Northwest Bellydance Academy, Saleenx, Ashley Lopez, Nefabit and Thorn Trinity. Nov. 4, 7-9 pm. $16. Spokane Community College, 1810 N. Greene St. northwestbellydance.com (509-481-1533) CRUMBLE (LAY ME DOWN, JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE) Struggling to cope with her father’s death, Janice is holding spiteful conversations with her dolls, and her mother is suffering from panic attacks Their only comforts are visitations from their respective celebrity crushes — Justin Timberlake and Harrison Ford. Nov. 10-19; Fri-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Spartan Theater at SFCC, 3410 W. Whistalks Way. spokanefalls.edu GRAVESTONE SALOON The last three sheriffs in Gravestone have been mysteriously shot in the back, solve the mystery with other participants. Nov. 10, 6-10 pm. $39. Crime Scene Entertainment, 2775 N. Howard. crimesceneentertainment.com HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS Max the Dog narrates as the Grinch decides to steal Christmas away from the Holiday loving Whos. Nov. 10-11; Fri at 7:30 pm, Sat at 3 pm and 7 pm. $45-$90. First Interstate Center for the Arts, 334 W. Spokane Falls. firstinterstatecenter.org

VISUAL ARTS KAREN ROBINETTE: BRUSHSTROKES OF LIFE This exhibit features watercolor paintings by Robinette. First Friday reception: Fri, Nov. 3 from 5-8 pm with music by Starlite Motel. Wed-Sat from 2-7 pm, Sun from noon-4 pm through Nov. 29. Ages 21+. Free. Craftsman Cellars, 1194 W. Summit Pkwy. craftsmanwinery. com (509-413-2434) EVERYTHING FIBER Featured artists work with fiber in their own unique way. Participating artists include Maggie Anderson, Elyse Horchstadt, Pierr Morgan, and more. Daily from 11 am-7 pm through Nov. 25. Free. Liberty Building, 203 N. Washington St. potteryplaceplus.com

KURT MADISON The SFCC instructor displays recent paintings. Mon-Thu from 9 am-4 pm, Fri from 9 am-1:30 pm through Nov. 30. Free. SFCC Fine Arts Gallery, 3410 W. Whistalks Way, Bldg. 6. scc.spokane.edu (509-533-3710) LADD BJORNEBY & JAKOB CHESTER Bjorneby paints in oils and acrylics, Chester showcases pencil drawings. Thu-Sat from 11 am-4 pm through Nov. 30. Free. Avenue West Gallery, 907 W. Boone Ave. avenuewestgallery.com (509-838-4999) ORIGINS OF IDENTITY This show features works focused around each individual artist’s identity. Tue-Sat from 10 am-6 pm through Nov. 4. Free. Emerge, 119 N. Second St. emergecda.com STEPH SAMMONS Sammons’ art depicts mythical creatures, people and animals in a defined, bold style. Daily from 11 am-7 pm through Nov. 30. Free. Pottery Place Plus, 203 N. Washington St. potterplaceplus.com COASTERS This annual sale benefits Embrace Washington by selling artistdesigned coasters for $10 each. Nov. 3-30, Wed-Fri from 11 am-5 pm. Opening reception: Fri, Nov 3 from 5-8 pm. $10. Trackside Studio, 115 S. Adams St. tracksidestudio.net (509-863-9904) FIRST FRIDAY Art galleries and businesses across downtown Spokane and beyond host monthly receptions to showcase new displays of art. Fri, Nov. 3 from 5-8 pm. Free. firstfridayspokane.org FIRST FRIDAYS WITH POAC First Friday arts events in Sandpoint, organized by the Pend Oreille Arts Council. Fri, Nov. 3 from 5:30-7:30 pm. Pend Oreille Arts Council Gallery, 110 Main St. artinsandpoint.org (208-263-6139) JUNE T. SANDERS This exhibition features works by the Palouse-based artist and collaborations with Abigail Hansel. Nov. 3-27, daily from 10 am-6 pm. Nov. 3-27, 10 am-6 pm. Free. Entropy, 101 N. Stevens St. explodingstars.com ENCHANTED FOREST Works depicting fairies, magical beings and nature by Kim Long, Diane Rowen Garmire and Michele Mokrey. Nov. 3-25; Wed-Sat from 11 am-5 pm. Free. New Moon Art Gallery, 1326 E. Sprague Ave. manicmoonandmore.com LENORA J. LOPEZ SCHINDLER: THE DOMICILE OF THE TREES A collection of paintings which Schindler produced while in a residency at The Hive, inspired by the landscape of Eastern Washington. Nov. 3-25, Fri-Sat from 12-8 pm. Free. Saranac Art Projects, 25 W. Main Ave. sapgallery.com SPOKANE HANDWEAVERS’ GUILD SHOW & SALE A display and sale of handwoven items created by guild members. Nov. 3, 2-9 pm and Nov. 4, 12-6 pm. Free. Barrister Winery, 1213 W. Railroad Ave. spokaneweavers.org SQUEAK MEISEL: RETURN TO EARTH Meisel is the chair of the department of fine arts at Washington State University. This exhibition features drawings and mixed media works. Nov. 3-25, by appointment. Free. Kolva-Sullivan Gallery, 115 S. Adams. kolva-sullivangallery.com TOBY KEOUGH: FLOWERS The local artist paints flowers with aim to bring smiles to the faces of viewers. Nov. 3-25, Thu-Sat from 4-7 pm through Nov. 25. Free. Terrain Gallery, 628 N. Monroe St. terrainspokane.com YULETIDE The Spokane Art School’s annual holiday event featuring fine arts and crafts for sale by local and regional artists. Nov. 3-5; Fri from 10 am-9 pm, Sat

from 10 am-6 pm and Sun from 10 am-3 pm. Free. Spokane Art School, 503 E. Second Ave.. spokaneartschool.net 27TH ANNUAL SMALL WORKS INVITATIONAL A show and sale that features works by over 100 artists, small enough to give as gifts this holiday season. Nov. 4-Dec. 24, Thu-Sun from 11 am-6 pm. Free. The Art Spirit Gallery, 415 Sherman Ave. theartspiritgallery.com 33 ARTISTS MARKET (THE HIVE) A local art market comprised of 33 artists selling art, jewelry, clothing, prints and more. Nov. 4, 10 am-4 pm. Free admission. The Hive, 2904 E. Sprague Ave. 33artistsmarket.com (803-603-5179) 33 ARTISTS MARKET (THE WONDER BUILDING) A local art market comprised of 33 artists selling art, jewelry, clothing, prints and more. Nov. 5, 10 am-4 pm. Free admission. The Wonder Building, 835 N. Post St. 33artistsmarket.com PRINT N PINT NIGHT Make an exclusive print of Santa Claus riding the Garbage Goat while learning about the history of screen printing. Nov. 10, 6-8 pm. $35. Vintage Print + Neon, 914 W. Garland Ave. facebook.com/vintageprint.us YOUTH MURAL AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM Learn about the history of murals, take a walking mural tour of downtown Coeur d’Alene and participate in the painting of a mural at Emerge. Nov. 6-15, Mon and Wed from 3:30-6:30 pm. $150. Emerge, 119 N. Second. emergecda.com

WORDS 3 MINUTE MIC A poetry open mic where readers may share up to three minutes’ worth of content. All ages. Nov. 3 from 7-8:30 pm. Free. Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. auntiesbooks.com WRITE TOGETHER: A COMMUNITY WRITING SESSION Bring your current project, favorite writing tools and write. Local novelist and Writing Education Specialist Sharma Shields provides prompts and advice if needed. Nov. 3, 10 am-1 pm. Free. Liberty Park Library, 402 S. Pittsburgh St. spokanelibrary.org EOIN COLFER: JUNIPER’S CHRISTMAS The author of the popular Artemis Fowl series celebrates the release of his latest title, Juniper’s Christmas, with readings and a signing. Nov. 5, 3:30-4:30 pm. Free. Central Library, 906 W. Main Ave. auntiesbooks.com (509-444-5336) TRAVIS BALDREE: BOOKSHOPS & BONEDUST Set in the world of New York Times bestselling Legends & Lattes, Bookshops & Bonedust is a journey of high fantasy, first loves and second-hand books. Nov. 6, 7 pm. Free. Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main. auntiesbooks.com EVERYBODY READS: JOANNE TOMPKINS Meet the 2023 Everybody Reads featured author of What Comes After. Nov. 8, noon. Free. Moscow Public Library, 110 S. Jefferson St. everybodyreads.org (208-882-3925) SPEED DATE A FEW BOOKS Find your next great reads, speed-dating style. Come prepared to talk about a book you loved, and one you didn’t. Registration required. Nov. 8, 2:15-3:15 pm. Free. North Spokane Library, 44 E. Hawthorne Rd. scld.org POETRY RISING Performances by Pamela Benton, Stephen Pitters, Clay Randall, musician Kevin Dukelow and local slam poet Twahan Simultaneous. Nov. 9, 6-7 pm. Free. South Hill Library, 3324 S. Perry St. spokanelibrary.org n

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Celebrating Native American Heritage Month CULTURAL SHARING & TASTING EXPERIENCE SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5 2 PM | FREE EVENT

Veterans Luncheon

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CASINO

HOTEL

DINING

SPA

Score Zags swag and much more! SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4 TH | 8 PM You could score Extra Play Cash, an autographed basketball or other great Gonzaga items. Come join in the fun and enter the drawing by 7:45 pm on Saturday, November 4 TH, 2023. Get one free ticket by entering the drawing at any kiosk on the drawing by 7:45 pm. Must be a Coeur Rewards member to participate. Not a Coeur Rewards member? Joining is free and easy. Just be 18 years or older and bring your valid I.D. to sign up for Coeur Rewards by 7:30 pm on the day of the drawing..

CHAMPIONSHIP

GOLF

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