January 8 to 22, 2020 by Tahoe Guide (Tahoe Weekly)

jan. 8-22, 2020

fun. unique. everywhere.

NOW ON STANDS

WEDNESDAYS!

THE CALL OF

BACK-COUNTRY ICE SKATING

FIRST TRACKS

A DATE WITH PRISTINE, UNTRACKED GROOMERS

THEO KATZMAN IS MODERN JOHNNY // HOROSCOPE FOR 2020 // SKIDUCK BRINGS ALL KIDS TO THE SLOPES //

Great days don’t end with the last run

EVENTS 2019/20 February 15–23: Kid-o-Rama March 19–22: U.S. Freestyle Mogul National Championships March 27–29: WinterWonderGrass Tahoe April 12: Easter Brunch April 18: Tahoe Truckee Earth Day Festival April 18: 36th Annual Snow Golf Tournament at Alpine Meadows* May 2: 30th Annual Cushing Crossing*

Ongoing Events: Sunset Happy Hour Disco Tubing Moonlit Snowshoe Tour & Dinner at Alpine Meadows Winter Fireworks Free Mountain Host Tours

Please check squawalpine.com for most up to date calendar of events. *Weather dependent subject to change

NOW FREE!

Erik Bergen

Just hop on the bus.

TAHOE TRUCKEE AREA

REGIONAL TRANSIT

WINTER 2020 BUS SERVICES

FREE North Shore and NEW Truckee Night Service! NEW this winter night service extends to Truckee until 11pm with North Shore routes extended until 2am. Enjoy a night out on the town within Tahoe City, Tahoe Vista, Kings Beach, Crystal Bay, Northstar, Squaw Valley

FREE Park and Ride Weekends | President’s Day

and Truckee!

4–5, 11–12, 18–19, 25–26

February 2020:

1–2, 8-9, 15–17, 22–23, 29

March 2020:

1, 7–8, 14–15, 21–22, 28–29

Go to TahoeTruckeeTransit.com for Park and Ride details.

I-80 I-80South South Shore Dr.

Shore Dr.

Donner Pass Rd.

PARK &

RIDE Old Highschool

PARK &

RIDE Old Highschool

Gateway Center

Gateway TRUCKEE Center H Donner Pass Rd.

Donner Lake

Depot

SQUAW 89 VALLEY SQUAW VALLEY

KINGS BEACH KINGS P Minnow P TAHOE VISTA BEACH 28 RIDE

National /28

TAHOE VISTA 89

Alpine Meadows

Grove St.

431 431

INCLINE VILLAGE INCLINE 28 VILLAGE CRYSTAL BAY 28

North Minnow P P Tahoe Event North Cntr. CRYSTAL Tahoe Event CARNELIAN BAY Cntr.

CARNELIAN TAHOE CITY BAY TAHOE CITY SUNNYSIDE

BAY

Hyatt Hyatt

Diamond Peak

Sand Harbor Sand Harbor

89 SUNNYSIDE

Homewood Mountain Resort Homewood Mountain Resort

National /28

Grove St. Alpine Meadows P Tahoe City Transit Center P

Truckee. Extended 30-minute service through April 6 to:

PARK &

89NORTHSTAR

Deerfield Dr. | Crossroads

RENO

I-80

Rd.

Granlibakken

Hourly service on Highway 267 and Highway 89 to/from

RENO

I-80

Regional Truckee Airport Park Town Hall P PARK & Regional Park Brockway 267 Truckee AirportRIDE Town Hall Rd.

Brockway 267 NORTHSTAR

Deerfield Dr. | Crossroads

Donner Lake

Granlibakken P Tahoe City Transit Center

FREE Daily Regional Routes

Henness Flat

Pioneer TRUCKEE Trail

From area Park and Ride lots January 2020:

Henness Flat

Pioneer Trail

FREE to/from Squaw Valley and Northstar California

HOMEWOOD

TAHOMA HOMEWOOD Sugar Pine Point

TAHOMA

Sugar Pine Point

MEEKS BAY

Crystal Bay, Kings Beach, Tahoe Vista, Carnelian Bay, Tahoe City, Squaw Valley, and Northstar.

FREE PARK & RIDE TART P PUBLIC NIGHT PARKING to Northstar & PUBLIC SERVICE Squaw BUS FREE PUBLIC PARK & RIDE Valley TART P NIGHT PARKING to Northstar & PUBLIC SERVICE Squaw Valley BUS

TahoeTruckeeTransit.com – Text “TART” to 24587 Take the North Lake Tahoe Express: Daily airport shuttle from 5:30am–midnight. NorthLakeTahoeExpress.com | (866) 216-5222

local. independent. relevant.

Craig Newman

TheTahoeWeekly.com

Volume 39 | Issue 1 TM

P.O. Box 87 | Tahoe City, CA 96145 (530) 546-5995 | f (530) 546-8113 TheTahoeWeekly.com

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

John Dittli

MAKING IT HAPPEN

IN THIS ISSUE First Tracks

Sierra Stories

Back-Country Ice Skating

TAHOE WEEKLY NOW OUT ON WEDNESDAY! FROM THE PUBLISHER

OUT & ABOUT Lake Tahoe Facts

Sightseeing

Events

FAMILY FUN SkiDUCK

For the Kids

ARTS & CULTURE

We’re kicking off the start of the new decade with some big news – Tahoe Weekly will now be out on stands on Wednesdays. (Actually, we quietly started delivery on Wednesdays in mid-October to test it out, but now we’re officially doing it.) Tahoe is busier now and we all know it. And, more people are coming to Tahoe for longer stays and extending those weekend trips to come on Thursday. There are also a lot of events on Thursdays now and more of the weekend festivals kick off on a Wednesday or Thursday. So, it made sense for us to make the move. Look for Tahoe Weekly out on Wednesdays online and in stands every two weeks from mid-October to Memorial Day (with extra editions out during holidays) and weekly from Memorial Day to mid-October. Happy New Year!

Craig Newman

Tahoe Weekly’s top 10

The Arts

I’ve been watching and reading the 2019 recaps of the so-called biggest news from local and national news outlets and I’ve been surprised at what they consider the most important stories over the last year.

MUSIC SCENE Theo Katzman

Entertainment Calendar & Live Music

FUN & GAMES Horoscope & Puzzles

Petra

Tasty Tidbits

Wine Column

Chef’s Recipe

ON THE COVER

I spent 20 years in newspapers, so I understand the tendency for news outlets to focus on the more shocking, and frankly depressing, aspects of news reports. But there are always important social, cultural and environmental issues that impact our lives even more sometimes than hard news. So, I took a look at our social media channels, at TheTahoeWeekly.com, at reader feedback we’ve received and what’s been talked about the most in 2019 to see just what were the most read, most popular and most relevant features we covered. You won’t find any death, destruction or mayhem here.

Tahoe Weekly’s Top 10 stories

LOCAL FLAVOR

1. Lake Tahoe clarity improves 10 feet (this is a big one folks) 2. Tahoe’s Best Lift Ticket Deals for Family Fun 3. Tahoe Music, Events & Festivals guide 4. Echo Lakes gateway to Desolation Wilderness 5. Emerald Pools await at Silver Lake Potholes 6. Penny Bear to stay in Tahoe City 7. 19th Annual Tahoe Downhill Ski Guide 8. Skiing at Squaw until July 7 9. Forest Service eyes plans on snowmobiles 10. 41 feet of snow in 2018-19 

A skier enjoys fresh, untracked powder at Northstar California on a bluebird day in the Tahoe Sierra. Read Priya Hutner’s adventure exploring “First tracks at Northstar: A date with pristine, untracked groomers” in this edition or at TheTahoeWeekly.com. Photography by Chris Bartkowski | northstarcalifornia.com, @northstar_california

TheTahoeWeekly.com | 4

Sales & Marketing Manager Anne Artoux anne@tahoethisweek.com, ext. 110 Art Director Alyssa Ganong production@tahoethisweek.com, ext. 106 Graphic Designer Justeen Ferguson graphics@tahoethisweek.com, ext. 101

JANUARY 8-22, 2020

FEATURES

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

Facebook.com/TheTahoeWeekly |

@TheTahoeWeekly

Entertainment Editor Sean McAlindin entertainment@tahoethisweek.com Food Editor Priya Hutner priya@tahoethisweek.com Family Editor Michelle Allen michelle@tahoethisweek.com Copy Editor Katrina Veit Contributing Writers John Dee, Barbara Keck, Bruce Ajari, Mark McLaughlin, David “Smitty” Smith, Priya Hutner, Katrina Veit, Kayla Anderson, Lou Phillips, Sean McAlindin, Tim Hauserman, Alex Green, Lisa Michelle, Cam Schilling, Alex Silgalis

TAHOE WEEKLY is published weekly throughout the summer and biweekly the rest of the year, with occassional extra issues at holiday times by Range of Light Media Group, Inc. Look for new issues on Thursdays. Subscribe to the free digital edition at issuu.com/ TheTahoeWeekly. Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com. TAHOE WEEKLY, est. 1982, ©2007. Reproduction in whole or in part without publisher’s express permission is prohibited. Contributions welcome via e-mail. The Weekly is not responsible for unsolicited submissions. Member: North Lake Tahoe Resort Association, North Tahoe Business Association, Incline Community Business Association, Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce, Tahoe City Downtown Association, Truckee Downtown Merchants Association, Tahoe South Chamber of Commerce and Alpine County Chamber of Commerce. Printed on recycled paper with soy-based inks. Please recycle your copy.

… the mighty Sierra, miles in height, and so gloriously colored and so radiant, it seemed not clothed with light but wholly composed of it, like the wall of some celestial city... Then it seemed to me that the Sierra should be called, not the Nevada or Snowy Range, but the Range of Light. –John Muir

January 8-22, 2020

LAKE TAHOE FACTS | CLAIR TAPPAAN

Donner Summit

Truckee Donner Lake

TRUCKEE AIRPORT

DONNER SKI RANCH

ROYAL GORGE

h Ta

SUGAR BOWL

CROSS-COUNTRY SKI AREAS

SQUAW CREEK

Average depth: 1,000 feet

DEEPEST POINT

TAHOE CROSS COUNTRY

Maximum depth: 1,645 feet

Marlette Lake

NV Dollar Hill

Tahoe City

Lake

GRANKLIBAKKEN

Sunnyside

Eagle Rock

Carson City

Spooner Lake

Tahoe

Ta h o e R i m

Lake Clarity: 2018: 70.9 feet avg. depth. 1968: First recorded at 102.4 feet

Crystal Bay

Kings Beach

Carnelian Bay

SNO-PARKS ai Tr

DIAMOND PEAK

Incline Village

Tahoe Vista

TAHOE CITY WINTER SPORTS PARK

ALPINE MEADOWS

CASINOS

ra Rim T

NORTH TAHOE REGIONAL PARK

Olympic Valley SQUAW VALLEY

NEVADA NORDIC

Glenbrook o Ta h

HOMEWOOD

m Tr a i l

TheTahoeWeekly.com

SUGAR PINE POINT STATE PARK

Meeks Bay

Age of Lake Tahoe: 2 million years Emerald Bay

Watershed Area: 312 square miles Average Water Temperature: 42.1˚F

Cascade Lake

Average Surface Water Temperature: 51.9˚F Average Surface Temperature in July: 64.9˚F Highest Peak: Freel Peak at 10,881 feet

Ta h oe

R i m Tr ail

Average Snowfall: 409 inches

Cave Rock

Lake Tahoe sits at an average elevation of between 6,223’ and 6,229.1’. The top 6.1’ of water is controlled by the dam in Tahoe City and holds up to 744,600 acre feet of water.

Zephyr Cove

Size: 22 miles long, 12 miles wide

Learn about the natural history of the Tahoe Sierra. Click on Nature & Environment under the Out & About menu.

Fannette Island

Volume: 39 trillion gallons

Natural rim: 6,223’

e Ri

Tahoma

Lake Tahoe is the 2nd deepest lake in the U.S. (Crater Lake in Oregon, at 1,932 feet, is the deepest), and the 11th deepest in the world.

There is enough water in Lake Tahoe to supply everyone in the United States with more than 75 gallons of water per day for 5 years.

Homewood

EXCLUSIVE CONTENT AT

WEST EAST SOUTH

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

NORTHSTAR

Truckee River

DOWNHILL SKI AREAS

MT. ROSE

RENO-TAHOE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

DONNER MEMORIAL STATE PARK

SKY TAVERN

SODA SPRINGS

BOREAL

Reno & Sparks

TAHOE DONNER

AUBURN SKI TRAINING CENTER

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

South Lake Tahoe

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

Stateline HEAVENLY

CAMP RICHARDSON

Fallen Leaf Lake

Shoreline: 72 miles

BIJOU PARK / LAKE TAHOE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Meyers

LAKE TAHOE AIRPORT

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

FREEL PEAK

ECHO LAKES

Permanent Population: 66,000 Number of Visitors: 3 million annually Kirkwood

SIERRA-AT-TAHOE

HOPE VALLEY

Markleeville

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

KIRKWOOD

North Lake Tahoe's Only Contemporary Steakhouse

at resort at squaw creek

locally sourced meat sustainable seafood featuring produce from on-site hydroponic garden garden to glass cocktails open wednesday - sunday | 5:30pm - 9:30pm | reservations recommended | 530.581.6621 5

TheTahoeWeekly.com

SIGHTSEEING

Cross country skiing at Donner Memorial State Park, Truckee. | Katherine E. Hill

Eagle Rock

West Shore

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

Explore Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe

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

Fannette Island

Emerald Bay

(530) 541-3030 | parks.ca.gov Lake Tahoe’s only island is located in Emerald Bay & is home to an old tea house. Boat access only. (Closed Feb. 1-June 15 for nesting birds.)

Heavenly

South Lake Tahoe

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

Hellman-Ehrman Mansion

West Shore

$10 parking | parks.ca.gov (530) 525-7232 Park | (530) 583-9911 Tours Sugar Pine Point State Park is home to the historic Ehrman Mansion (open for tours in the summer), see boathouses with historic boats, and General Phipps Cabin built in the late 1800s. TART

North Tahoe Arts Center

Tahoe City

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

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

EXCLUSIVE CONTENT AT

TheTahoeWeekly.com Find more places to explore. Click on the Explore Tahoe menu.

Tahoe City

North Shore

visittahoecity.com Tahoe City is popular for shopping and dining with historical sites. At the junction of highways 89 & 28, visitors may see the Tahoe City Dam, Lake Tahoe’s only outlet, and Fanny Bridge. Peer into Watson Cabin (1909) in the center of town for a glimpse at pioneer life. Free parking at Commons Beach, Grove Street, Jackpine Street, and 64 acres at Highways 89 & 28. TART

Tallac Historic Site

South Lake Tahoe

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

C PACITY CITY:: 40 0,870 ,8 BOCA 12,362 CAPA

Truckee

IN 2018:

Measured in Acre Feet (AF)

Old Jail Museum

C 226,500 STAMPEDE 19,9661 CAPACITY: truckeehistory.org | truckee.com The historic town of Truckee was settled CAPACITY: 29,840 PROSSER 11,061 in 1863, and grew quickly as a stagecoach CAPACITY: C 9,500 50Pacific Railroad. DONNER 4,690 stop and route for the Central During these early days, many of Truckee’s INDEPENDENCE 1,3763 CCAPACITY: 18,300 historical homes and buildings were built including The Truckee Hotel (1868) and the CAPACITY: A 20,400 0 MARTIS 1,052 Capitol Building (1868). Stop by the Depot for a walking tour of historic downtown. Paid parking downtown. TART Truckee River | FLOW AT FARAD 3650

Truckee

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

Olympic Museum

Watson Cabin

Tahoe City

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

MUSEUMS Truckee

(530) 582-7892 | parks.ca.gov The Donner Memorial State Park features exhibits and artifacts on the Donner Party (184647) at the visitor center, and see the towering Pioneer Monument. TART

Soda Springs

donnersummithistoricalsociety.org Museum at the corner of Old Highway 40 & Soda Springs Road. Take the 20-mile interpretive driving tour along Old 40. TART Tahoe City

KidZone Children’s Museum

Truckee

Sat.-Sun. & holidays truckeedonnerrailroadsociety.com Located in a caboose next to the Truckee Depot. Exhibits include the train’s role in logging, fighting snow on the railway, the role of Chinese emigrants and a children’s area. TART

Western SkiSport Museum

Donner Summit

Fri.-Sun. | Free (530) 426-3313, ext. 113 | auburnskiclub.org Showcasing the history of skiing, exhibits include snowshoes from the 1850s, ski equipment from the 20th Century and a pair of 8-footlong skis used by John “Snowshoe” Thompson, a legendary mail carrier. TART

Truckee

Tues.-Sun. | Locals’ first Tues. half price (530) 587-5437 | kidzonemuseum.org For kids up to age 7 with interactive exhibits, science & art classes, the BabyZone & the Jungle Gym. TART

Lake Tahoe Museum

Incline Village

Tues.-Fri. & by appt. | Free (775) 881-7566 | tahoesciencecenter.org University of California, Davis, science education center at Sierra Nevada College. Exhibits include a virtual research boat, biology lab, 3D movies and docent-led tours. Ages 8+. TART

Truckee Railroad Museum

Donner Memorial Visitor Center

Donner Summit Historical Society

Tahoe Science Center

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

South Lake Tahoe

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

Olympic Valley

(800) 403-0206 | squawalpine.com Squaw Valley, host of the VIII Winter Olympic Games in 1960, celebrates its OlympicTROA.NET History Measured in Cubic Feet Per Second (CFS) with the symbolic Tower of Nations and Olympic Flame at the entrance to the valley. The Vikingsholm Castle Emerald Bay Olympic Museum at High Camp features historic Parking fee | Tours in summer only memorabilia and photographs. TART (530) 541-3030 | (530) 525-9529 ADA parks.ca.gov or vikingsholm.com Tahoe Maritime Museum Tahoe City Tour the grounds of Vikingsholm Castle, see (530) 583-9283 | tahoemaritimemuseum.org Eagle Falls and Fannette Island (the Lake’s only island), home to an old Tea House, and explore Featuring self-guided tours, exhibits and hands-on activities for kids on maritime snowshoeing trails. TART history. TART

Gatekeeper’s Museum

Boots McFarland by Geolyn Carvin | BootsMcFarland.com

6,226.67

225

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

RESERVOIR CAPACITY

6,227.48 |

175

North Shore

ELEVATION :

150,000 AF

Donner Summit, just west of Truckee, holds the record for the United States’ snowiest April. On April 1, 1880, a storm dumped 4’ of snow on the Sierra Nevada west slope within 24 hours. A massive snow slide near Emigrant Gap buried Central Pacific Railroad’s tracks under 75’ of snow, ice and rock. For the rest of the month, storm cycles continued to flow in, dropping a total of 298”.

Kings Beach

Readings taken on Monday, January 6, 2020

125

Truckee

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

LAKE LEVEL Lake Tahoe Natural rim 6,223’

100,000 AF

Donner Summit

Olympic Valley

Drive through one of the area’s natural wonders at Cave Rock, the neck of an old volcano. The area is named for the small caves above Highway 50 that were cut by waves when Lake Tahoe was 200 feet higher during the ice ages.

High Camp

East Shore

Cave Rock

200,000 AF

ATTRACTIONS

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

Out

OUTDOORS & RECREATION, EVENTS & MORE

January 8-22, 2020

OUT & ABOUT

&ABOUT

First tracks at Northstar

Tell us what’s happening. Email editor@tahoethisweek.com.

A D AT E W I T H P R I S T I N E , U N T R A C K E D G R O O M E R S

EXCLUSIVE CONTENT AT

S T O R Y P R I YA H U T N E R | P H O T O S B Y A L I S O N B E R M A N T

TheTahoeWeekly.com

2019-20 Tahoe Downhill Ski & Nordic Guides Click on Out & About: Winter.

“Twain” film released

A new short, time-lapse film of Lake Tahoe, with a narrative inspired by the thoughts of American writer, satirist, publisher and lecturer Mark Twain, has been released by local filmmaker Justin Majeczky in partnership with the nonprofit Tahoe Fund.

he alarm rings, I squint one eye open and look at the time. Part of me wants to hit the snooze button and bury my head back in my pillow, but criminal attorney Alison Bermant and I have a date with some pristine, untracked groomers at Northstar California. I get up out of bed. It’s still dark out. It’s a balmy 18 degrees as we drive through Martis Valley. We park the car in the VIP parking area. The sky is just

There are no lift lines and no waiting. I relish in the quiet with only the sound of our skis skimming and crunching atop

“Twain” | Courtesy Tahoe Fund

the snow.

Created to showcase the awe-inspiring majesty of Lake Tahoe, the film is also intended to generate awareness of the Tahoe Fund and the environmental projects it supports around the lake. Video for “Twain” was captured over the course of five years from a variety of vantage points, and throughout all seasons by Majeczky and other talented local filmmakers. The 3.5-minute film can be viewed at TheTahoeWeekly.com; click on Explore Tahoe, or on YouTube.

Smoking banned at states parks, beaches People are no longer allowed to smoke or vape any products at California state parks or beaches under a new law. The law prohibits the use of cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, marijuana and vaping. As well, there will be a $25 fine for anyone caught smoking.

beginning to lighten. We slip on our ski boots, zip up our ski jackets and hoist our skis onto our shoulders. The village is eerily quiet as we make our way to the Platinum Club in the Northstar Village for our Platinum First Tracks adventure. Once all of the participants arrive, we are guided to the base of the gondola, where the Northstar Ski School director Don Yuhas welcomes the small group of people who have signed up for the 7:30 a.m. activity. We break up into groups and head up the lift. The opportunity to explore untouched groomers is both exciting, exhilarating and awe-inspiring. Here out in the elements with sweeping views and no one around is pretty epic. The cold air on my cheeks is enlivening. The sun is just rising at the top of the Comstock Express. The freshly groomed snow glistens and sparkles. We lap untouched runs named Stump Alley, West Ridge and Axe Handle.

PLATINUM FIRST TRACKS Jan. 19, Feb. 2 & 16, March 1 & 15

We ski East Ridge to Dutchman and West Ridge to SpringBoard with no one else around. There are no lift lines and no waiting. I relish in the quiet with only the sound of our skis skimming and crunching atop the snow. The rising sun warms me. Alison lays down on the ski run and shoots

TOP: Priya Hutner makes her way down the hill; LEFT: Sunrise at Northstar California.

some photos. The views of Martis Valley are stunning. The pines and woods like silent sentries surround us. It’s a beautiful experience to ski before the lifts open for the day. I have only skied Northstar once before; it was lovely to tour the mountain with highly qualified ski instructors. We continued to lap runs for a couple of hours before the resort starts spinning its lifts, which open at 8:30 a.m. People appear from what seems as out of nowhere. We ski over to Zephyr Lodge, where we are served a beautiful breakfast buffet with eggs, bagels and lox, fresh fruit and juices — all included with the Platinum

experience. When we finish breakfast, Alison and I go out to ski some more. We explore some of the other runs on the mountain. The runs begin to get crowded as more people arrived. We decide to head off-piste to explore different parts of the mountain that neither of us are familiar with; it provides a bonus to our adventure. We ski down to Northstar Village for an afternoon Bloody Mary with a shrimp, onion, olive and pickled bean on a stick along with a celery stalk — basically a salad on top of our cocktail. It is tasty and hits the spot after a day of schussing down the hill. Northstar offers the fun and fantastic pre-dawn experience of Platinum First Tracks on Jan. 19, Feb. 2 and 16, and March 1 and 15, which includes VIP parking and breakfast for $225 a person, all ages. There is something about fresh tracks that is thrilling, whether it’s riding on the newly groomed corduroy or fresh fluffy powder. | (530) 562-3500, northstarcalifornia.com  7

OUT & ABOUT

TheTahoeWeekly.com

EVENTS

JANUARY 8-23, 2020 How to Get a Job in the Outdoor Industry Coalition Snow | Truckee | Jan. 9

We Are Change Makers is an annual event series created by Jen Gurecki that benefits Zawadisha, an organization that removes the barriers for rural women to access clean energy and water products. This winter we’re focusing on inspirational leaders who share their perspective on important topics that inspire difficult and productive conversations. 6-8 p.m. | facebook.com

Friday Fun Nights Northstar California Resort Truckee | Jan. 10, 17

The Village at Northstar offers Friday Fun Nights. Disco lights surround the ice-skating rink while DJs spin popular music from 5 to 8 p.m. There will be drink specials, complimentary face painting and treats around the fire pit. 5-8 p.m. | (800) 466-6784, northstarcalifornia.com

Moonlight Snowshoe Hikes

Esteban Mena | Alpenglow Sports

Diamond Peak Ski Resort Incline Village | Jan. 10

Adrian Ballinger to discuss expedition Alpenglow Sports hosts professional mountaineer and founder of Alpenglow Expeditions, Adrian Ballinger as the fourth speaker in its Winter Speaker Series on Jan. 23. Ballinger will talk about his recent expedition to the Karakoram mountain range in Pakistan, the trials and tribulations he and his team faced along the way and his triumphant summit of the mythical mountain, K2, without oxygen.

DELIVERING

LEGAL CANNABIS RIGHT TO YOUR DOOR!

Serving North Lake Tahoe: Truckee, Olympic Valley, Tahoe City, Kings Beach, Northstar & surrounding areas. ORDER ONLINE OR BY PHONE!

10% OFF 1ST ORDER Sunday - Wednesday 12pm-8pm Thursday - Saturday 12pm-9pm (530) 562-7017

wintergreensdelivery.com LIC# C9-00000061-LIC

The event will take place at 7 p.m. in the Olympic Village Lodge at Squaw Valley. Admission is free and bar and raffle proceeds go to Truckee Donner Land Trust. All ages are welcome. The last in the series will feature Hadley Hammer on Feb. 20. The series is sponsored by Tahoe Weekly. | alpenglowsports.com

Join a Community Snowshoe Hike to Diamond Peak’s Snowflake Lodge for ages 10 and older. Enjoy s’mores and hot cocoa at the top. 5:30 p.m. $20-$25 | (775) 832-1177, diamondpeak.com

Moonlight Snowshoe Trek Kirkwood Mountain Resort Kirkwood | Jan. 10, 11

Trek our trails with us during the Full Moon. There is nothing more unique and beautiful than the reflected light of the moon on the snow. Reservations required. 6 p.m. $7-$35 | (209) 258-7248, kirkwood.com

Motorized Avalanche Rescue Area venues Incline Village | Jan. 10, 11

This 1.5-day class provides avalanche rescue practice for motorized users. Learning is through a mix of classroom and field practice, with an emphasis on field practice. It is recommended that only graduates of a Level 1 register for this class, which follows the guidelines for Avalanche Rescue established by American Avalanche Association. 7-9:30 p.m. | sierraavalanchecenter.org

Diamond Cut

Lost Trail Lodge Ice Retreat

Demo Days

Diamond Peak ski area Incline Village | Jan. 8

Lost Trail Lodge | Truckee | Jan. 9-12

Sugar Bowl | Norden | Jan. 11

Diamond Peak’s video edit contest is back for a second year and will accept submissions. Prizes will be awarded to the top submissions in All Mountain, Terrain Park, Grom, Mini-Grom and Viewers’ Choice. | diamondpeak.com

This winter weekend in Coldstream Canyon offers ice climbing, back-country skiing and snowshoeing. The AAC Sierra Nevada Section has lodge accommodations. Ski or snowshoe in with your gear for the weekend, about a 3-mile trek. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | allevents.in

GED Preparation Class TTUSD offices Truckee | Jan. 9, 14, 16, 21, 23

TTUSD Adult Education offers free GED Preparation classes in Truckee. This class will be offered Tuesdays and Thursdays in the morning at the TTUSD District Office. 9-10:30 a.m. Free | ttusd.org

Conversation Cafe Incline Rec Center Incline Village | Jan. 9, 16, 23

Join this drop-in forum with Incline Senior Program. Meet others and share interesting views, have discussion on engaging topics. Optional continental breakfast is available for a nominal fee. 10-11 a.m. $5 | yourtahoeplace.com

Cry Pillow Party Coalition Snow Clubhouse Truckee | Jan. 9

Ready for a mascara-smearing, snot oozing, good cry after a long day of showing up in the world in a way that makes other people uncomfortable, intimated, and/or fearful? If you’re tired of going it alone, come shed some tears with us at our Cry Pillow Parties. We’ll have wine, snacksand hugs. 6 p.m. Free | facebook.com

Vendor Demo Day in the Sugar Bowl Village is free to all pass holders and those with day passes. Solomon, paco’s, Fischer and Toko will be there. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free | facebook.com

USASA Rail Jam #1 Sierra-at-Tahoe Twin Bridges | Jan. 11

The USASA South Shore Series kicks off with an evening rail jam that is open to members of all ages. The event will be held near the Solstice Plaza. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | (530) 659-7453, sierraattahoe.com

Stories in the Snow kit giveaways Diamond Peak Ski Resort Incline Village | Jan. 11, 12

Get a free Stories in the Snow kit. A team will be on site to get you started as a citizen scientist taking snow-crystal images. 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Free | (775) 832-1177, facebook.com

January 8-22, 2020

Winter Fireworks at Squaw Valley

AIARE Avalanche Training Level 1

KT Deck at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows Olympic Valley | Jan. 11, 18

North American Ski Training Center Truckee | Jan. 18-20

Saturdays in January and February, Squaw be lighting the night air with a special fireworks show on the KT Base Bar, with free live music at in the Plaza Bar from 4 to 6 p.m. 7-9 p.m. Free | (800) 403-0206, squawalpine.com

Twilight Snowshoe Tours Northstar California Resort Truckee | Jan. 11

The group will meander through the pine tree-lined forest, ultimately concluding the tour at The Village at Northstar. During the adventure, snowshoer’s will also relax around a fire pit to enjoy s’mores and hot chocolate. Dogs on leashes are welcome. 5 p.m. $50-$70 | (800) 466-6784, eventbrite.com

Full Moon Snowshoe Tour Sugar Pine Point State Park Tahoma | Jan. 11

State Park interpreters will be leading these tours exploring the natural and cultural history around the Hellman-Ehrman estate and Lake Tahoe shoreline. Few experiences are as magical as snowshoeing by the light of a full moon along the snow-covered Tahoe shore. Cost includes showshoe rental, guided hike and park entrance fee. 6:30 p.m. $25-$40 | sierrastateparks.org

Old Skool Classic Race Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area Tahoe City | Jan. 12

Go old school with a single-groomed classic-track race course through the woods. The course will occasionally have passing lanes where the single track overlaps with the regular trail system. Proceeds go to youth programs at Tahoe Cross Country. 8 a.m. | tahoexc.org

USASA Slopestyle #1 Sierra-at-Tahoe | Twin Bridges | Jan. 12

USASA brings their South Shore Series to Sierra for this amateur slopestyle competition open to USASA riders of all ages. 8 a.m.3 p.m. | (530) 659-7453, sierraattahoe.com

Free Yourself From Nicotine Tahoe Forest Center for Health Truckee | Jan. 13, 20

Whether you are exploring the idea of quitting or ready to quit today, this class will support you every step of the way. This safe, judgment-free group, health coaching program is designed to meet you where you are. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Free | tfhd.com

Giving Fund Speaker Series Alder Creek Adventure Center | Truckee | Jan. 16 The Giving Fund is sponsoring a five-part speaker series on different topics such as the physics of snow, micro-plastics, the art of grooming and more. Food and drinks are avialble for purchase at Alder Creek Cafe. 4:30-6 p.m. $5-$20 | brownpapertickets.com

he AIARE curriculum is a three-day intensive seminar designed to give an understanding of avalanche formation, observation skills, the ability to use an avalanche transceiver and probe and how to dig a snow study pit. This is a minimum amount of know-how if you want to travel, ski or ride in the back country or side-country safely. 8 a.m. $495 | (530) 3862102, chamber.truckee.com

Backcountry Basics Course with NASTC Homewood Mountain Resort Homewood | Jan. 18, 19

This course is designed to be a practical hands-on experience where you will learn the right way to do these things from a staff of trained and experienced back-country professionals. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. $199-$249 | (530) 525-2992, skihomewood.com

Demo Days Royal Gorge Cross Country Soda Springs | Jan. 18

Vendor Demo day is at Summit Station, free to passholders and those with day passes. Salomon, Paco’s, Fischer, Toko will be there. 9 a.m. Free

Snowboard Demo Days Sierra-At-Tahoe South Lake Tahoe | Jan. 18, 19

Nitro and Burton will be in the Plaza on Saturday and Never Summer on Sunday with new boards for everyone to try out. 9 a.m. Free | sierraattahoe.com

Area venues | Truckee | Jan. 17-19

This 24-hour course provides an introduction to avalanche risk management for motorized users. Learning will occur through a mix of classroom and field practice, with an emphasis on field practice. This course follows the guidelines for Recreational Level I Avalanche Training as established by the American Avalanche Association. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Free | sierraavalanchecenter.org

ADULT TICKETs starting at

KIDS byop

$84

6 & UNDER SKI FREE

$20 off adult ticket

Bring Your Other Pass Deal

Purchase lift tickets & rentals online: DiamondPeak.com

SkiBike Rally Sierra-at-Tahoe Twin Bridges | Jan. 18

The American SkiBike Association will be hosting a rally at Sierra full of fun events to get you out on the mountain. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | (530) 659-7453, sierraattahoe.com

Nachtspektakel Homewood Mountain Resort Homewood | Jan. 18

SKI OR RIDE FOR FREE

The evening begins with a guided skin up to Big Blue View Bar where guests will enjoy a hot meal, drinks and a bonfire under the stars. Afterwards the group will ski back to the base area together. Skiers and riders should be comfortable skiing on intermediate runs. 4:30-9:30 p.m. | (530) 525-2992, facebook.com

Snowshoe Cocktail Races Camp Richardson South Lake Tahoe | Jan. 18

Think you have what it takes to run with a full cocktail tray in hand through obstacles up and down the beach while wearing snowshoes? We have great prizes for the fastest (and cleanest) at the obstacle course finish line. 5 p.m. | camprichardson.com

Snowshoe Stargazing Tours Motorized Avalanche Level 1

OUT & ABOUT

Northstar California Resort Truckee | Jan. 18

Guests of all ages can take an easy to moderate snowshoe walk with an unobstructed view of the cosmos. Stargazing Snowshoe Tours are two to two and a half hours in length. Tours conclude at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe with telescope viewing and hot beverages. 5 p.m. $57-$79 | (800) 466-6784, tahoeadventurecompany.com

Purchase a CA or NV Tahoe license plate and get one free Alpine or Nordic ticket to the Tahoe resort of your choice*. For more information or to purchase your license plate online, visit tahoeplates.com. Julia Mancuso World Cup alpine ski racer

*restrictions apply

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

FEATURE

TheTahoeWeekly.com

SIERRA STORIES BY MARK McLAUGHLIN

Suga r Bowl | B i r t h o f a n H i s t o r i c S k i R e s o r t , P a r t I I I Sugar Bowl’s inaugural men’s and women’s races were won by Friedl Pfeifer and Gretchen Frazer, two of America’s best skiers at the time. Frazer went on to qualify for two U.S. Olympic ski teams and became the first American to win an Olympic alpine medal when she earned silver in 1948 at St. Moritz, Switzerland. Pfeifer, who started his own ski school in Sun Valley and won the U.S. national title in the slalom in 1940, later fought with distinction and was seriously wounded in combat with the storied 10th Mountain

The Silver Belt race began near the summit of Mount Lincoln at 8,383 feet, then plummeted 1,300 vertical feet down the gnarliest terrain at Sugar Bowl through gullies, cliffs and bumps.

their motoring guests, a three-story garage was built in 1963 along Highway 40, where skiers could park their cars, then board the Magic Carpet gondola for a ride into the resort. In the 1930s, Austrian immigrant Wilhelm “Bill” Klein had been one of the skiers who introduced Scholl to the future site of Sugar Bowl. During World War II, Klein served with the 10th Mountain Division as a technical master sergeant in charge of the instructors, who were teaching American troops to ski. After the war, Klein returned to his ski school and retail businesses at the Sierra Club’s Clair Tappaan Lodge near Donner Pass. But when Schroll retired as Sugar Bowl ski school director, Klein took over the position. In 1947, a European named Dennis Wiles got a job at Sugar Bowl working in the cook shack. He was a decent skier and soon asked Klein to train him as an instructor. Klein obliged and Wiles worked at Sugar Bowl; he taught skiing for several seasons. Nearly four decades later

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t’s been 80 years since Sugar Bowl opened in December 1939 to become California’s first world-class ski area. Hannes Schroll, an Austrian immigrant who was Sugar Bowl Corporation’s first president and popular ski-school director, brought European flair and technique to the slopes of the high Sierra. His powerful skiing style and raucous yodeling became legendary. The newly built resort had two surface rope tows, but looking to set a higher bar in its skiing experience, the company installed a chairlift that whisked skiers to the top of Mount Disney in minutes. The lift was the second one installed in the United States, preceded only by a similar singleseat version at Sun Valley, Idaho. Sugar Bowl’s innovative apparatus was designed by Henry Howard, a mining engineer. The challenging terrain and extended vertical drop the lift accessed inspired Schroll

Our Mission: We connect and empower our community through family strengthening, crisis intervention, hunger relief, and legal services.

Hunger Relief Program (formerly Project MANA):

775-298-4161

WEEKLY FOOD DISTRIBUTION LOCATIONS AND TIMES:

MONDAYS TAHOE CITY | 3:00pm to 3:30pm Fairway Community Center, 330 Fairway Drive

Norman “Red” Rockholm rides the Sugar Bowl lift he helped build. | Courtesy Donner Summit Historical Society

to create the Silver Belt race to draw the world’s best skiers to his resort so they could spread the word. Starting in 1940, top-ranked skiers of the day competed in Sugar Bowl’s giant slalom race, hoping to take home accolades and the 3-foot long, silver-studded waist belt with its big silver buckle. The trophy was based on an award given to “Cornish Bob” Oliver who had won the first official championship downhill ski race in 1867 at La Porte, when he beat all other longboard racers to take home a silver belt prize worth $75. The Silver Belt race began near the summit of Mount Lincoln at 8,383 feet, then plummeted 1,300 vertical feet down the gnarliest terrain at Sugar Bowl through gullies, cliffs and bumps.

Tahoe Science Center Hands-on science activities, Guided tours & 3-D movies Open Tues.–Fri., 1–5 p.m.

TUESDAYS TRUCKEE | 3:30pm to 4pm Sierra Senior Center, 10040 Estates Drive

(or by appointment, closed all holidays)

WEDNESDAYS KINGS BEACH | 3:00pm to 3:30pm Community House, 265 Bear Street

TahoeScienceCenter.org

THURSDAYS INCLINE VILLAGE | 3:00pm to 3:30pm St. Patrick’s Church 341 Village Blvd. sierracommunityhouse.org

(775) 881-7566

Division ski troops. Both Pfeifer and Frazer are honored members of the U.S. Ski Hall of Fame. Over the years, the winners of the original Silver Belt race series (1940 to 1975) read like a who’s who of champions including Ski Hall of Fame members Alf Engen, Buddy Werner and Jean Saubert. The list also includes notable Tahoe Sierra skiers: Dodie Post in 1949, Babette Haueisen in 1955, Starr Walton in 1957 and 1960, and Eric Poulsen in 1969 and 1970. Today, that legacy has morphed into Sugar Bowl’s three-event Silver Belt Series. During World War II, Sugar Bowl was closed by the U.S. Army to eliminate crowds and protect the transcontinental railroad tracks from possible sabotage. The resort opened again at Christmas of 1945, but Southern Pacific Railroad canceled its popular Snowball Special express trains that delivered carloads of customers. Skiers still flocked to Sugar Bowl, but now they arrived by automobile. In 1953, Schroll and his brother-inlaw, Jerome Hill, replaced their over-snow tractor system with a new gondola called the Magic Carpet, which whisked skiers to the lodge in quick, efficient style. This aerial tramway was the first of its type in the country. Hill, who had inherited some of his father’s fortune from the Great Northern Railroad, financed the deal himself. Hannes had married Jerome’s sister Maude. The suspended cable cars were detachable and carried six passengers each. As the gondola cabins filled with skiers, they were pushed along a track from which a mechanism engaged them with a moving overhead cable. Winter access to Sugar Bowl had always been limited to in-house transportation and the lack of automobiles, trucks, snowplows, noise and congestion preserved its old-world charm. As long as most of their clientele arrived by train, the system worked well, but after World War II America’s love affair with the automobile really took off. Undeterred, Sugar Bowl refused to build a road into the village and instead became the first resort in the U.S. to ban automobiles. To accommodate

TheTahoeWeekly.com Click on Explore Tahoe: History to read Parts I & II. it turned out that Wiles was really Georg Gaertner, a former German prisoner of war who avoided repatriation by escaping from a New Mexico POW camp. Gaertner admitted to Klein that he had removed the military’s wanted poster from the Norden post office shortly after his arrival at Sugar Bowl. Gaertner was later pardoned and wrote a book called “Hitler’s Last Soldier in America.” Today, Sugar Bowl has been expanded and improved in virtually every way. The resort now encompasses four major moun-

S I LV E R B E LT SERIES M A R C H 7 | Q UA D C R U S H E R M A R C H 14 | B A N K E D S L A L O M

tain peaks served by high-speed chair lifts. Bending to economic realities, a paved road was built offering access to automobiles, buses or taxis with convenient parking. On Highway 40 skiers and riders can catch the Village Gondola that will deliver them to lifts and lodging. The spectacular terrain provides skiers and snowboarders with an endless variety of challenges. With some of Tahoe’s finest off-piste terrain and deep snow, even after 80 years the area is still mecca for powder hounds. | sugarbowl.com  Tahoe historian Mark McLaughlin is a nationally published author and professional speaker. His award-winning books are available at local stores or at thestormking.com. You may reach him at mark@ thestormking.com. Check out his blog at tahoenuggets.com or read more at TheTahoeWeekly.com. Click on History under the Explore Tahoe tab.

January 8-22, 2020

JANUARY 8-23, 2020

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

Waxing & Ski Maintenance Start Haus | Truckee | Jan. 18

The basics of wax selection and application, tuning basics, edge maintenance and more will be discussed. 6-7 p.m. Free | facebook.com

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TheTahoeWeekly.com Explore more events in the Tahoe Sierra or submit your event. Click on Event Calendar. FREE! Ski + Snowboarding Safety Weekend Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort Truckee | Jan. 18-20

Kids and parents are invited to participate in the Ski + Snowboarding Safety Weekend. Activities taking place around the mountain are designed to entertain the family while increasing safety awareness. Free | tahoedonner.com

McKinney Cup Mt. Rose Ski Area Reno | Jan. 22, 23

The McKinney Cup, a USSF Far West Masters event, pits some the fastest skiers in the sport against each other in Giant Slalom, sponsored by Tamara McKinney in memory of members of her family, Steve, McLane and Frances McKinney. | skirose.com

Snowshoe Hike Echo Summit | Meyers | Jan. 23

This National Winter Trails Day, The Tahoe Rim Trail Association and the Sugar Pine Foundation will be co-hosting an afternoon snowshoe trek to Echo Lake. This will be a leisurely snowshoe from the Echo Lake Sno-Park. 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $5 | facebook.com

Connect for a Cause Charity Mixer Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Stateline | Jan. 23

All proceeds from the event raffle will be donated to Bread & Broth. Food banks are often depleted after the holidays and your contribution will help local charities refill their supply for our community. Guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to be entered to win the door prize. 5:30-8:30 p.m. $20 | (844) 588-7625, business.tahoechamber.org

Alpenglowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Winter Speaker Series Olympic Village Lodge Olympic Valley | Jan. 23

The Alpenglow Sports series features athlete speakers: Adrian Ballinger on Jan. 23 and Hadley Hammer on Feb. 20. All shows are free and designed to motivate, educate and inspire. Bar and raffle proceeds benefit five hand-chosen, nonprofit groups. 7 p.m. Free | alpenglowsports.com

Courtesy Northstar California

EVENTS

OUT & ABOUT

Snowshoe Tours and Stargazing Tahoe Adventure Company offers guided Snowshoe Star Tours on Jan. 20 and Feb. 24 in area venues. The four-hour tour includes a 1- to 3-mile snowshoe trek with experienced guides, a telescopic view of the starry expanse with star guide and poet Tony Berendsen, hot drinks and refreshments, snowshoes, poles and permit fees. | tahoeadventurecompany.com Snowshoe Stargazing Tours are at Northstarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cross Country, Telemark & Snowshoe Center on Jan. 18 and 25 and Feb. 15 and 29, starting at 5 p.m. These easy-to-moderate snowshoe tours are led by Tony Berendsen, who gives a science-based talk about the cosmos. The tour will conclude at Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe with Celestron telescope viewing and hot beverages. | northstarcalifornia.com

FAMILY FUN

TheTahoeWeekly.com

Family FUN

S K I D U C K WA N T S T O B R I N G A L L

kids to the slopes STORY BY MICHELLE ALLEN

magine living in an area with worldclass ski resorts but never being able to experience downhill skiing for snowboarding because it was too expensive. For many children in the Tahoe Sierra and Northern Nevada, that’s a reality with the expense of equipment, lessons and tickets making the sport out of reach. That’s where Clint Lunde came in. An avid skier, Lunde enjoyed his time on the slopes and says he always made a point to stop and take a moment to be grateful when he was skiing. In 2009, he was injured while skiing and even during his

Courtesy SkiDUCK

The goal is not to turn the kids into skiers and riders but to allow them to see the world from a different perspective. recovery he was able to find gratitude. He was thankful for the beautiful mountains, the time spent with friends and the ability to ski. He wanted to share this gratitude with others, and was inspired to create the SkiDUCK program, to bridge the financial gap by providing access to skiing and snowboarding to underprivileged kids. “The best way to be grateful is to share with others the things we love,” Lunde says. The SkiDUCK program is a volunteerbased, non-profit organization dedicated to teaching skiing and snowboarding (Ski) to disadvantaged and underprivileged children and older kids (DUCK). SkiDUCK held its first on-slope event on Feb. 7, 2010, at Squaw Valley. In its first season, the SkiDUCK program introduced

more than 100 kids to skiing and snowboarding. SkiDUCK has held events at other Tahoe area resorts and across the country but its partnership with Squaw Alpine has continued since 2009. Squaw Alpine is now the home base for SkiDUCK and donates about 1,800 to 2,000 lift tickets, lessons and rentals to help around 500 kids per season learn how to ski or ride. SkiDUCK events at Squaw Alpine are held throughout the season on select Wednesdays and Sundays. SkiDUCK partners with local schools like Glenshire Elementary, Alder Creek Middle School, Truckee High School and school districts of Reno. They also partner with some school districts in the foothills, Sacramento and the Bay Area and local chapters of the Boys & Girls Club, Boy Scouts and Big Brothers Big Sisters of El Dorado County and Nevada County/Truckee. These groups select kids for the program and SkiDUCK facilities the coordination with

Squaw Alpine. Once the kids hit the slopes, everything is taken care of and they are free to enjoy their time on the mountain. The youth groups provide their own transportation to the resort but through donations, SkiDUCK covers the expense for equipment, lessons and lift ticket. Squaw Alpine donates a significant amount to SkiDUCK, and they also receive donations from individuals and local businesses. Kids in the program range in age from 7 to 8 and sometimes older. Some of the kids have had trauma in their lives or are having trouble in school or at home. SkiDUCK provides a safe environment for them to have fun and be exposed to something new. The goal is not to turn the kids into skiers and riders but to allow them to see the world from a different perspective, to find gratitude and purpose, to be motivated to do well in school or to be more responsible. Lunde believes that with hard work and determination something good can

come out of just about any bad experience. SkiDUCK strives to instill this philosophy in its participants hoping to show them a way to weather life’s ups and downs and find light even in the darkest times. Visit the Web site to volunteer with the program, to make a donation or for a list of local schools and organizations that SkiDUCK works with. | skiduck.org 

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TheTahoeWeekly.com Find more family-friendly activities to enjoy. Click on Family Fun under the Out & About menu. Michelle Allen is a nearly 20-year resident of Tahoe and mother to a rambunctious 7-year-old and understands the challenges of keeping kids entertained. She may be reached at michelle@ tahoethisweek.com.

January 8-22, 2020

JANUARY 8-23, 2020

Courtesy KidZone Museum Photo Credit | Photographer?

FOR THE KIDS

FAMILY FUN

Fridays of Family Fun KidZone Museum in Truckee offers Family Fun Fridays every Friday of the month from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. This is a play-based class designed to inspire and enrich kids’ brains, bodies and hearts. The planned activities are all about exploration and discovery, where curiosity is treasured and kids are encouraged to feel, touch and learn through sensory activities. The event is free to members or with the price of admission. | kidzonemuseum.org

IV Quad

Toddler Story Time

Incline Village Library | Jan. 9, 16, 23

Incline Village Library | Jan. 14, 21

Mother Goose on the Loose

Twosday Morning

South Lake Tahoe Library | Jan. 9, 16, 23

Kahle Community Center Stateline | Jan. 14, 21

3-5 p.m. | (775) 832-4130, libraryaware.com

10:30 a.m. Free | engagedpatrons.org

Paws2Read Incline Village Library | Jan. 9

4-5 p.m. | (775) 832-4130, washoecountylibrary.us

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

9:30-11 a.m. $3 | douglascountynv.hosted.civiclive.com

2’s & 3’s on the Go South Lake Tahoe Library | Jan. 15, 22

10:30 a.m. Free | engagedpatrons.org

Early Literacy Storytime South Lake Tahoe Library | Jan. 10, 17

10:30 a.m. Free | engagedpatrons.org

Family Fun Fridays KidZone Museum | Truckee | Jan. 10, 17

11 a.m.-12 p.m. Free | kidzonemuseum.org

Nautical Storytime and Boat Building Tahoe Maritime Museum | Tahoe City | Jan. 10 10:30-11:30 a.m. | tahoemaritimemuseum.org

Mid-Day Movies Community Arts Center Truckee | Jan. 15, 22

1 p.m. | (530) 582-7720, indd.adobe.com

RUFF, Read Up for Fun Truckee Library | Jan. 15, Jan. 22

4-5 p.m. | (530) 582-7846, truckeefol.org

RUFF: Read Up For Fun South Lake Tahoe Library | Jan. 15, 22 4 p.m. Free | engagedpatrons.org

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TheTahoeWeekly.com Explore more events in the Tahoe Sierra or submit your event. Click on Event Calendar. FREE!

Toddler Time TV Shows Community Arts Center Truckee | Jan. 15, 22

10-11 a.m. Free | (530) 582-7200, tdrpd.org

Young Readers Society: Teen Chapter Teen Scene Kahle Community Center | Stateline | Jan. 10, Jan. 17

Word After Word Books | Truckee | Jan. 17 5:30-6:30 p.m. | wordafterwordbooks.com

6:30-9 p.m. $5 | (775) 586-7271

Dive in Movie Series Movie Night Incline Village Library | Jan. 11

Truckee Indoor Community Pool Truckee | Jan. 18

Baby Story Time

Kids Night Out

Incline Village Library | Jan. 14, 21

Northwoods Clubhouse | Truckee | Jan. 18

6-8 p.m. Free | (775) 832-4130

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

4-6 p.m. | (530) 550-4406, indd.adobe.com

5-9 p.m. | tahoedonner.com

Make and Take Teen Tuesdays Incline Village Library | Jan. 14, 21

4-5 p.m. | (775) 832-4130, libraryaware.com

Incline Village Library | Jan. 22

4-4:45 p.m. | (775) 832-4130, washoecountylibrary.us

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FEATURE

TheTahoeWeekly.com

THE CALL OF

BACK-COUNTRY

ICE SKATING STORY BY SEAN McALINDIN

magine effortlessly ice skating across a crystal-clear lake of pure glass. The air is cool on your exposed face as you glide by a backdrop of granite peaks and stark blue sky. Now imagine hiking 20 miles to get there.

Would you do it?

How the ice talks, how it looks, how it behaves —

PENNSYLVANIA NATIVE STEVE White was skating on Mill Pond in Bishop 30 years ago during a cold, droughty winter when he was struck by a crazy idea. “The light bulb went off in my head,” says the wily White. “I’ve skied through the High Sierra. I know the lakes freeze. There must a time when they freeze before the snow falls.”

it’s just magical. I’m a back-country

Not for the faint of heart

powder junky and I like a good ice day as much as a good powder day. You go home with a feeling that you really touched Mother Earth. –John Rossetto

For one of their first objectives, Dittli and White set out for Tulainyo Lake beneath Mount Russell on the Inyo and Tulare county line. At 12,800 feet, it’s the highest body of water in the Sierra Nevada. “Nobody knew anything about it,” says White. “It was crazy. I since found out there are a few people who made forays. They were doing it in a dry winter because they couldn’t ski. It’s a reason to go out in November with easy hiking to these beautifully frozen lakes. It’s another level of magic. It’s another level of beauty. It’s a gift from nature. Nature has frozen a lake and someone is here to take advantage of it.”

White had grown up skating frozen ponds in the Adirondacks and Poconos. He called up his adventure buddy and photographer John Dittli. What started out as a couple of diehard back-country skiers killing time until the snows came is now one of the greatest and most graceful of frontiers in extreme sports.

KEEP IN MIND THIS activity is not without its obvious hazards. For starters, you’re skating on untested ice at high altitudes miles from your car and possibly much farther from definitive medical care — that is if you make it out of the water alive. Almost every experienced backcountry skater goes in at one point or another. It’s recommended to carry rescue picks, a throw rope and extra dry, warm clothes to go along with the rest of your typical back-country survival kit. An ice-climbing screw can be used to test the thickness of the ice. Amazingly enough, one can skate safely at as thin as 2 inches in the correct conditions. White has fallen through twice. One time he hopped right out like it was nothing. (Many alpine lakes are actually quite shallow, especially around the edges.) The next time on Evolution Lake 15 miles from the trailhead, he wasn’t quite so lucky.

January 8-22, 2020

“As I fell forward on my chest, the ice held,” he says. “I didn’t get submerged but I cracked a few ribs. I knew the ice was getting thin and I wanted to know how far I could go. I’m wiser now. There is a perception of risk. It’s an adrenaline rush. You know that it’s 4 inches thick, but you can see the bottom whizzing by. It’s the horror of falling through. We all have that.”

“Steve and I have always been really secretive of the lakes we skate,” says Dittli. “We’re coming from a background of wanting to preserve a place. You don’t want crowds of people showing up at a lake because of the im-pacts that can happen in a fragile environment. We joke to ourselves that we never imagined that back-country ice skating would ever get popular. But I said the same thing about backcountry skiing in the 8os and how wrong was I?”

Back-country skating in Tahoe

In addition to long, dark silent hikes, part of the peculiar delight of back-country ice skating is just how unpredictable it can be to find the proper lake at the ideal time. Oftentimes committed seekers will plan a trip that passes by several lakes at various elevations and aspects in hopes of finding the perfect conditions. “It’s like Papa Bear, Mama Bear and Baby Bear,” says White. “You never know until you get there, but sometimes one will be just right. Part of the fun of the sport is you really have to pay attention to it. You almost have to be obsessed.” Together, Dittli and White have skated countless hidden, sublime lakes in iconic destinations throughout the High Sierra such as the Kuna Crest, Rae Lakes along the John Muir Trail and beneath the shadow of Mount Whitney.

WITH WARMER WEATHER and lower elevations in Lake Tahoe, finding the appropriate conditions for ice skating can be even more elusive. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t folks who don’t try. John Rossetto and Peter Underwood have been exploring the skating of alpine lakes in our region for years. They’ve had success in Desolation Wilderness where they skated a plethora of obscure corners including Azure, Half Moon, Heather and Susie lakes to name a few. Others have reported good conditions at Frog Pond and Summit Lake high on Donner Summit. Last season, people skated on Emerald Bay for one day. “It’s a fine edge you are going after here with safety and the fun of it,” says Rossetto. “How the ice talks, how it looks, how it behaves — it’s just magical. I’m a back-country powder junky and I like a good ice day as much as a good powder day. You go home with a feeling that you really touched Mother Earth.” And sometimes, if you’re really lucky, the ice speaks. One Christmas night Rossetto was camping with his wife on Gilmore Lake in Desolation Wilderness when the enchanted ice quakes began. “You have to hear it,” he says. “People say it sounds like everything from whale noises to an original Star Trek photon torpedo. The tone is hard to describe. It’s truly otherworldly.” 

FEATURE

Steve White skates in Granite Park in the John Muir Wilderness. | John Dittli

ICE SKATING SPOTS Always check conditions before going onto the ice.

Coldstream Canyon, Truckee Boca and Prosser reservoirs, Truckee Donner Lake, Truckee Sawmill Pond, South Lake Tahoe Caples Lake, Kirkwood Lake Davis, Beckwourth Indian Creek Reservoir, Markleeville

Be safe on the ice For safety tips and to check ice conditions, visit https://bit.ly/2ZGwOmk.

LEFT: Peter Underwood explores the ice falls

alongside Angora Lake. | John Rossetto OPPOSITE PAGE: Karey Todd is all smiles on the crystal clear ice at Stony Ridge Lake. | John Rossetto

THE ARTS

TheTahoeWeekly.com

Arts

& CULTURE

CREATIVE AWARENESS

SURREALIST IMPRESSIONIST ART OF

Local kids’

artwork featured

Alexa Herrera

Craig Newman S T O R Y B Y K AY L A A N D E R S O N

taring at Craig Newman’s “Tallac Morning” landscape painting, the observer’s eyes swirl around the surreal Van Gogh-like image. It’s colorful and at the same time relaxing, the clouds forming waves that float over a vanilla sky. A lot of Newman’s art has a modern psychedelic feel as if he acutely relays his view of the places, people and symbols in which he finds a distinct beauty. Newman began his unique take on art when he was about 6 years old. He would sit down with his sketchbook and crayons and start doodling as he watched famed

Newman does a lot of commissions and prints that have Tahoe themes — especially of Emerald Bay. “Emerald Bay is our Eiffel Tower of Tahoe,” he says. He also likes to paint wild fantasy landscapes, representative nature scenes with waves, trees, mountains and more with swirls and popping color. “I have one painting with waves, trees and the sun. They all have eyes and they’re all looking at each other, representing awareness all around. I try to capture movement, light and emotion that takes

The North Tahoe Public Utility District is featuring the work of local students on its resident parking stickers for 2020-21. The Boys & Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe asked local students to draw a picture of how the parks make their lives better. The artwork will be on the stickers of the Resident Benefit and Park Supporter programs. The winners are Alexa Herrera featured on the Resident Sticker, Francisco Jones featured on the 2020 Park Supporter sticker and Haidyn Jimenez featured on the 2021 Park Supporter stickers. The stickers offer free parking at North Tahoe Regional Park and Tahoe Vista Recreation Area to residents of NTPUD and to supporters who purchase a Park Supporter sticker. | northtahoeparks.com

movement, light and the emotion that takes place. I try to emphasize a lot more color contrast because I want to catch the moment of being in that place.” –Craig Newman painter Bob Ross on PBS. At that young age, Newman started drawing and painting mountains, trees, clouds and little cabins. This South Lake Tahoe native’s love of art stuck with him throughout high school. When he was 15 years old, he started taking art classes with Phyllis Shafer at Lake Tahoe Community College. His love of art continued after he graduated, and he honed his craft as he learned about perspective, composition, atmosphere and portraiture. 16

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Craig Newman painting. | Claire Nightingale; “Swirly Clouds Over Sand Harbor” | Craig Newman; “Emerald Bay” | Craig Newman

place. I try to emphasize a lot more color contrast because I want to catch the moment of being in that place,” he says. His favorite subjects to paint include a combination of clouds, waves and mountains. “Even though they’re completely different elements, they have similar patterns,” he says. “I like to do similar objects and repeat them throughout the whole painting.” Throughout his adult life as an artist, Newman feels he has progressed quite a bit in his work and he admits that teaching art helps him become a better artist. “My biggest change has been in landscapes. I teach a Bob Ross-like landscape class at Ski Run Marina, three to four times a week and just by doing that I’ve vastly improved,” he says. Because Newman had the opportunity to grow an appreciation for art at a young age, he is paying it forward by teaching art at Tahoe Valley Elementary School to inspire the next generation of artists. “It’s fun. I plant seeds and say nice things about their work and hope they continue to paint and draw,” he says. | craignewmanart.com. 

EXCLUSIVE CONTENT AT

TheTahoeWeekly.com Explore the vibrant arts scene in the Tahoe Sierra. Click on Arts & Culture.

Apply to Plein Air Open Courtesy North Tahoe Arts

“I try to capture

“[Shafer] has an effective teaching style, which allowed me to follow my own creativity by taking it step by step,” Newman says. But then he laughs and admits that he was a pain when he was a teen taking her classes. He tended to go outside the box, taking a twist on the assignments. He would be told to paint something tangible like a bottle or a brass horn and then skew it into something more imaginative. He did it so often that Shafer ended up creating a class that was pretty much tailored specifically to him called Figurative and Narrative Painting, with the artistic coursework based around a storyline and fantastical myth. “It was a collaborative effort. She helped me see what I innately had,” Newman says. It was with her help that Newman was able to apply his own original painting style to images of the Tahoe Sierra, adding a vibrant color and movement to favorite Tahoe landscapes. Newman now considers himself a surrealist impressionist. His own favorite artists include Claude Monet for his use of color, Vincent Van Gogh for his use of movement and M.C. Escher for his wild and intense depictions/illusions of landscapes and structures. “And Phyllis Schafer of course because her art has a lot of movement and liveliness to it. Nothing about it ever feels mundane, it’s very real,” he says.

North Tahoe Arts will host the North Lake Tahoe Plein Air Festival from June 23 to 27, with applications for artists being accepted until Feb. 29. Activities include plein-airpainting demonstrations, hosted paint-outs with refreshments and an event-long Plein Air gallery exhibit at which artists can showcase and sell work until July 21. | Apply juriedartservices.com

January 8-22, 2020

Arts

THE ARTS

THE

WILD & SCENIC FILM FESTIVAL RETURNS

The 18th annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival will be from Jan. 16 to 20 in area venues in Grass Valley and Nevada City. Hosted by South Yuba River Citizen’s League, the event inspires environmental activism and a love for nature through film with more than 100 films, workshops, filmmaker and activist talks, family-friendly programs, exhibits, parties and more. The festival will also tour with showings on Jan. 25 at Cargo Concert Hall in Reno, Nev., on April 17 at Community Arts Center in Truckee and on April 18 at Tahoe Tap House in Tahoe City. Tahoe Weekly is a sponsor | wildandscenicfilmfestival.org

Call to artists North Tahoe Arts and Alpenglow Sports Mountain Fest is accepting submissions for a juried exhibit to run from Feb. 6 to March 3 on “What’s your best mountain life?” Submissions are being accepted until Jan. 31. There will be a cocktail reception on Feb. 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. For details, email info@northtahoearts.com.

Call for Lion Heart show Artists are needed to participate in High Fives Foundation’s 10th Annual Lion Heart Art Show at Riverside Studios in Truckee on Feb. 7 from 4 to 8 p.m. Artists may pick up wood planks to create artwork to benefit High Fives at Riverside while supplies last. Artists may donate all or half of the proceeds to the sale for the Foundation. Completed artworks must be delivered by Feb. 1. | (530) 587- 3789

Broken “Ceramics Class”

Open Studio

Knit & Sip

South Lake Tahoe Senior Center Jan. 9, 14, 16, 21

South Lake Tahoe Senior Center | Thursdays

Alibi Ale Works | Truckee | Jan. 19

Tahoe Art League Meeting

Gathering of Artists

South Lake Tahoe Senior Center | Jan. 14

North Tahoe Arts | Tahoe City | Jan. 21

10 a.m.-1 p.m. | (530) 544-2313

4-6 p.m. | alibialeworks.com

1:30-4:30 p.m. | (530) 544-1482, talart.org

Diamond Cut Diamond Peak Ski Area Incline Village | Jan. 9-March 15

6-8 p.m. | (530) 544-2313, business.tahoechamber.org

10 a.m.-2 p.m. | (530) 581-2787, northtahoearts.com

diamondpeak.com

Wine and Wool Wednesdays Fab and Funky Art Sale North Tahoe Arts | Tahoe City | Jan. 9-Feb. 4 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | (530) 581-2787, northtahoearts.org

Glasses Wine Bar | Incline Village | Jan. 15, 22 5:30-7 p.m. | (530) 270-9463, glasseswinebar.com

“Fall Into Art” Community Rec Center Truckee | Jan. 9-Feb. 29 tdprd.org

“Going Places: Sailing By Stars” Tahoe Maritime Museum Tahoe City | Jan. 9-23

10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | (530) 583-9283, tahoemaritimemuseum.org

“Outboards: In-Style” Tahoe Maritime Museum Tahoe City | Jan. 9-23

10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | tahoemaritimemuseum.org

Public Tour Truckee Roundhouse | Thursdays

2-2:45 p.m. | chamber.truckee.com

“The Push” Alibi Ale Works | Truckee | Jan. 9 6 p.m. | facebook.com

Regine Bandel art exhibit City Hall Lobby South Lake Tahoe | Jan. 9-March 31

8 a.m.-5 p.m. | cityofslt.regroup.com

THE ARTS JANUARY 8-23, 2020

What’s Your Story? Sierra Nevada College | Incline Village Jan. 9-11 (775) 831-1314, sierranevada.edu

“A Series of Ricochets”

Fiber Art Friday

Sierra Nevada College Incline Village | Jan. 9-Feb. 14

South Lake Tahoe Library | Jan. 10, 17 1 p.m. | engagedpatrons.org

10 a.m. | (775) 831-1314, sierranevada.edu

Tahoe Art Walk Andy Skaff art exhibit Wolfdale’s | Tahoe City | Jan. 9-31

Area venues | South Lake Tahoe | Jan. 11

Come Shop with us at the Resort at Squaw Creek

2-6 p.m. | tahoeartwalk.com

5 p.m. | wolfdales.com

MUSIC SCENE

Music SCENE TheTahoeWeekly.com

LIVE MUSIC, SHOWS & NIGHTLIFE

Theo Katzman

IS MODERN JOHNNY STORY BY SEAN McALINDIN

Jan. 17 | 9 p.m. | Crystal Bay Casino | Crystal Bay, Nev.

EXCLUSIVE CONTENT AT

TheTahoeWeekly.com Watch the in video of “Like a Woman Scorned” “Sarcasm is my chief literary device,” says Katzman. “Right now there are a bunch of world leaders acting truly terribly and it’s sort of winning. So what I did is take an honest look at what I see in terms of their behavior and listed it in terms of what you can do with the prize being your president.” The second tune could be Bernie Sander’s new campaign theme song: “(I Don’t Want to Be A) Billionaire.” “I was just feeling burnt out on how much we talk about billionaires in our 18

CALENDAR JANUARY 8-23, 2020

EXCLUSIVE CONTENT AT

TheTahoeWeekly.com Check out the Tahoe Music, Events & Festivals guide for all the winter fun. Click on Music Scene.

apturing zeitgeist in song has always been elusive at best. The question is: How does one compress a moment of time into a single musical statement? Look no farther than Theo Katzman’s latest record “Modern Johnny Sings: Songs in the Age of Vibe” for an answer. Katzman was raised by two musical parents. His mother was the child of classical musicians, his father tops in the 80s Los Angeles jazz scene as a trumpet player on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.” “Through my years growing up my parents never pushed me,” he says. “My dad would drop these gems of wisdom though when I was practicing — these little nuggets. I wanted to do music and they supported me. Hell, they let me put my drums in the living room.” When he was a teenager, the family moved to Ann Arbor, Mich., and Katzman attended the University of Michigan jazz program where he founded Vulfpeck. But rather than tour with the uber-popular proto-funk supergroup this winter, Katzman is focused on his solo project and a 37-date North American tour that begins in Seattle on Jan. 10. On Dec. 6, he released the first of three parts of the new album in a three-song EP dubbed “Modern Johnny Tackles The Issues.” It’s a tongue-in-cheek exploration of current events ranging from President Trump to income equality and women’s rights. “Modern Johnny is a feeling,” says Katzman. “It’s a concept. It’s closer to Vonnegut’s Kilgore Trout than Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust. He is an archetypal character who represents the journey, the reality, the plight of the singer-songwriter trying to make it in today’s music world.” The lead single is called “You Could Be President.”

E N T E RTA I N M E N T

JANUARY 8 | WEDNESDAY Mr. D River Ranch, Tahoe City, 4-7 p.m. Unplugged Truckee Philosophy, Truckee, 6-9 p.m. Live Music CB’s Bistro, Carnelian Bay, 6-9 p.m. Live Music McP’s Irish Pub, South Lake Tahoe, 8 p.m. The Improv Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 9 p.m.

Theo Katzman won’t be actually be playing the electric guitar with a violin bow in Crystal Bay, but this photo does encapsulate how he feels about being in Lake Tahoe.

INDIE ROCK

“ Through my years growing up my parents never pushed me. I wanted to do music and they supported me. Hell, they let me put my drums in the living room.” –Theo Katzman

JANUARY 9 | THURSDAY Golden Dragon Acrobats Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 7:30 p.m. Sierra Night DJ McP’s Tahoehouse, South Lake Tahoe, 8 p.m. Dueling Pianos Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8:30-10:30 p.m. The Improv Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 9 p.m. Live Music Bar of America, Truckee, 9-11:30 p.m. Live Music/DJ Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 10 p.m. Live Music TaCo Cantina, South Lake Tahoe, 10 p.m.

JANUARY 10 | FRIDAY culture, the fact that this is so valued,” says Katzman. “That level of success is truly not appealing to me. I want to have enough money to take a real acoustic piano on tour.” Then there is “Like a Woman Scorned,” which is a personal song from a man’s perspective in light of the #metoo movement. It’s also one of the best pieces of indie songwriting since the late-2000s Ray LaMontagne and The Shins or more recent works by Laurel Canyon sweethearts Dawes, whose marvelous pianist Lee Pardini plays in Katzman’s band. As he was walking one day around L.A., Katzman stumbled on the adage, “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned,” which originally comes from the 1697 play “The Mourning Bride” by William Congreve. Then Katzman thought about a recent news report he’d read on how rare it is for females to be perpetrators of school shootings or for that matter violence in general. “I tell you sometimes I don’t remember what a song started with,” says Katzman. “I have no memory of the process. It’s sort of like you black out. Even Paul McCartney

said, ‘Well, I don’t really know how to do it [insert Liverpudlian accent].’ I like to distinguish between discovery and design. Design is something you set out to do. I’m gonna draw it and I’m going to see it. Discovery is I have no idea what this is. Let’s find out more.” Before settling on a final draft of the dynamic and vulnerable composition, Katzman ran it by an inner circle of friends including Michigan songstress Daisy May Erlewine who’s only advice was to take it further. “I played it initially exclusively for women because I wanted female feedback,” he says. “One hundred percent of the feedback was the same. Everything in there is how I feel. I’m trying to hold a mirror to what I see in the world without pointing a finger. Is anyone else noticing this? There is a problem with men and it’s pervasive and it’s all of history.” The second part of the Katzman’s album, which dropped on Dec. 20, is called “Modern Johnny Wallows in Introspection & Gently Goes Mad.” The final six songs will be released on Jan. 10. 

Kris Diehl The Idle Hour, South Lake Tahoe, 2 p.m. Live Music Northstar California Resort, Truckee, 2 p.m. Live Music Hard Rock - Hotel Lobby, Stateline, 3-6 p.m. Jeff Jones Sunnyside Lodge, Tahoe City, 4-9 p.m. Live DJ Azul Latin Kitchen, South Lake Tahoe, 4-8 p.m. Live Music Gar Woods Lake Tahoe, Carnelian Bay, 6:30 p.m. Golden Dragon Acrobats Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 7:30 p.m. Live Music Moody’s Bistro, Bar & Beats, Truckee, 8-11:55 p.m. Chris Costa Tahoe Biltmore Lodge & Casino, Crystal Bay, 8 p.m. Dueling Pianos Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8:30-10:30 p.m. BC & The Remedy Alibi Ale Works -Incline Public House, Incline Village, 8:30-11:30 p.m.

January 8-22, 2020

MUSIC SCENE

C A L E N D A R | JANUARY 8-23, 2020 The Improv Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 9 p.m. New Wave Crave Bar of America, Truckee, 9-10 p.m. Danielle Nicole Crystal Bay Casino, Crystal Bay, 9 p.m. Arty the Party Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 9 p.m. Live Music McP’s Irish Pub, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Live Music Riva Grille, South Lake Tahoe, 9:30 p.m. DJ in Center Bar Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Stateline, 10 p.m. DJ David Aaron MontBleu Resort, Stateline, 10 p.m. Noche Latina Rojos Cavern, South Lake Tahoe, 10 p.m. Live Music/DJ Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 10 p.m. The Nevada Show Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 10 p.m. Live Music TaCo Cantina, South Lake Tahoe, 10 p.m.

JANUARY 11 | SATURDAY DJ Music Homewood Mountain Resort, Homewood, 12-3 p.m. Adam Bergoch Sierra-at-Tahoe, Twin Bridges, 1-4 p.m. Kris Diehl The Idle Hour, South Lake Tahoe, 2 p.m. Live Music Northstar California Resort, Truckee, 2 p.m. Live Music Alpine Meadows Ski Resort, Tahoe City, 2-5 p.m. Live Music Hard Rock - Hotel Lobby, Stateline, 3-6 p.m. Live Music Village at Squaw, Olympic Valley, 3-6 p.m. Movie Night Incline Village Library, Incline Village, 6-8 p.m. Dinner Murder Mystery SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Reno Airport, Reno, 6:30 p.m. BanJoe & the Grizzlies Old 40 Bar & Grill, Norden, 6:30 p.m. Live Music Glasses Wine Bar, Incline Village, 7:30 p.m. Golden Dragon Acrobats Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 7:30 p.m. Live Music Moody’s Bistro, Bar & Beats, Truckee, 8-11:55 p.m. Riffs Comedy Club Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Stateline, 8 p.m. Chris Costa Tahoe Biltmore Lodge & Casino, Crystal Bay, 8 p.m. Dueling Pianos Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8:30-10:30 p.m. The Improv Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 9 p.m. New Wave Crave Bar of America, Truckee, 9-10 p.m. The Main Squeeze Crystal Bay Casino, Crystal Bay, 9 p.m. Arty the Party Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 9 p.m. Drought Relief Lakeside Inn and Casino, Stateline, 9 p.m. Live Music McP’s Irish Pub, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. DJ in Center Bar Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Stateline, 10 p.m.

DJ David Aaron MontBleu Resort, Stateline, 10 p.m. Live Music/DJ Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 10 p.m. Live Music TaCo Cantina, South Lake Tahoe, 10 p.m. Moondawgs Fat Cat Bar & Grill, Tahoe City, 10 p.m.-1 a.m.

JANUARY 12 | SUNDAY Live Music McP’s Irish Pub, South Lake Tahoe, 2-5 p.m. Live Music Northstar California Resort, Truckee, 2 p.m. Jeff Connor Sierra-at-Tahoe, Twin Bridges, 2 p.m. Brrroque Masters St.Patrick’s Episcopal Church, Incline Village, 3 p.m. Sadie Tucker Truckee Philosophy, Truckee, 4 p.m. Reno Latin Dance Fest & Zouk and Urban Kiz Experience Silver Legacy Resort Casino, Reno, 5:30 p.m. Bluegrass Jam Alibi Ale Works - Truckee Public House, Truckee, 6-9:30 p.m. The Improv Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 9 p.m. Live Music/DJ Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 10 p.m. Live Music TaCo Cantina, South Lake Tahoe, 10 p.m.

JANUARY 13 | MONDAY Song Group Tahoe Truckee School of Music, Truckee, 5:15-6:30 p.m. Swing Dancing Stateline Brewery Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

JANUARY 14 | TUESDAY Ike & Martin Alibi Ale Works - Truckee Public House, Truckee, 7-10 p.m. Tuesday Night Blues Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8 p.m. Live Music McP’s Irish Pub, South Lake Tahoe, 8 p.m.

JANUARY 15 | WEDNESDAY Mr. D River Ranch, Tahoe City, 4-7 p.m. Unplugged Truckee Philosophy, Truckee, 6-9 p.m. Live Music CB’s Bistro, Carnelian Bay, 6-9 p.m. Live Music McP’s Irish Pub, South Lake Tahoe, 8 p.m.-12 a.m. The Improv Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 9 p.m.

JANUARY 16 | THURSDAY A Rated R Comedy Show Crystal Bay Casino, Crystal Bay, 8 p.m. Sierra Night DJ McP’s Tahoehouse, South Lake Tahoe, 8 p.m. Dueling Pianos Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8:30-10:30 p.m. The Improv Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 9 p.m. CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

MUSIC SCENE

TheTahoeWeekly.com

WILLIE TEA TAYLOR Jan. 18 | 6 p.m. Johnsville Historic Ski Bowl | Johnsville LOST SIERRA HOEDOWN hosts the first-ever Longboard Lead In featuring festival regulars Willie Tea Taylor, Bobcat Rob & the Nightly Howl and Lost Sierra Ramblers. Proceeds will go toward Johnsville Ski Bowl and Plumas Ski Club, which will host a longboard ski race on Jan. 19. Tickets sales are capped at 100 people and available at Moe’s Original BBQ in Tahoe City, The Brewing Lair in Blairsden or @azariah-reynolds on Venmo. | Johnsville Historic Ski Bowl on Facebook FOLK

CHARLEY PRIDE Photo Credit | Photographer?

PENNYWISE

Kane Hibberd

Jan. 10 | 8 p.m. Nugget Casino Resort | Reno, Nev.

Jan. 18 | 7:30 p.m. MontBleu Resort Casino | Stateline, Nev.

Live Music Bar of America, Truckee, 9-11:30 p.m. Live Music/DJ Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 10 p.m. Live Music TaCo Cantina, South Lake Tahoe, 10 p.m.

JANUARY 17 | FRIDAY

COUNTRY

PUNK ROCK

JAN. 16 | THURSDAY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

WITH MORE THAN 70 million record sales including eight No. 1 hits between 1968 and 1971, Charley Pride is a bonafide country music legend. Along with DeFord Bailey and Darius Rucker, this son of Mississippi sharecroppers is one of only three African-Americans to be inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. | nuggetcasinoresort.com

SINCE 1988, HERMOSA Beach supergroup Pennywise has stood against the status quo to become one of the most successful punk acts of all time. They’ll be joined by Adolescents, Guttermouth and Slaughterhouse. | montbleuresort.com

UC Berkeley Band Sierra-at-Tahoe, Twin Bridges, 12 p.m. Kris Diehl The Idle Hour, South Lake Tahoe, 2 p.m. Live Music Northstar California Resort, Truckee, 2 p.m. Live Music Hard Rock - Hotel Lobby, Stateline, 3-6 p.m. Jeff Jones Sunnyside Lodge, Tahoe City, 4-9 p.m. Live DJ Azul Latin Kitchen, South Lake Tahoe, 4-8 p.m. Live Music Gar Woods Lake Tahoe, Carnelian Bay, 6:30 p.m. “Shrek, The Musical” Community Arts Center, Truckee, 7 p.m. Jaime Rollins Fat Cat Bar & Grill, Tahoe City, 7:30-10:30 p.m. Live Music Moody’s Bistro, Bar & Beats, Truckee, 8-11:55 p.m. Live music Caliente, Kings Beach, 8-11 p.m. Chris Costa Tahoe Biltmore Lodge & Casino, Crystal Bay, 8 p.m.

ESTHER YOO Jan. 18 | 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19 | 4 p.m. Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts | Reno, Nev.

EXCLUSIVE CONTENT AT

Marco Borggreve

RENO PHILHARMONIC Orchestra presents Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto as part of its annual Classix concert series. The performance, led by violinist Esther Yoo, will include also works by Sarah Kirkland Snider and Carl Nielsen. | pioneercenter.com

TheTahoeWeekly.com Explore more events in the Tahoe Sierra or submit your event. Click on Event Calendar. FREE! CLASSICAL

Dueling Pianos Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8:30-10:30 p.m. Theo Katzman Crystal Bay Casino, Crystal Bay, 8:30 p.m. The Improv Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 9 p.m. The Band Apothic Bar of America, Truckee, 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Arty the Party Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 9 p.m. Live Music McP’s Irish Pub, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. DJ in Center Bar Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Stateline, 10 p.m. DJ David Aaron MontBleu Resort, Stateline, 10 p.m. Noche Latina Rojos Cavern, South Lake Tahoe, 10 p.m. Live Music/DJ Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 10 p.m. The Nevada Show Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 10 p.m. Live Music TaCo Cantina, South Lake Tahoe, 10 p.m. Open Mic Night Art Truckee, Truckee

JANUARY 18 | SATURDAY UC Berkeley Band Sierra-at-Tahoe, Twin Bridges, 9 a.m. DJ Music Homewood Mountain Resort, Homewood, 12-3 p.m. Patrick Walsh Sierra-at-Tahoe, Twin Bridges, 1-4 p.m. Kris Diehl The Idle Hour, South Lake Tahoe, 2 p.m. Live Music Northstar California Resort, Truckee, 2 p.m. Live Music Alpine Meadows Ski Resort, Tahoe City, 2-5 p.m. Live Music Hard Rock - Hotel Lobby, Stateline, 3-6 p.m. Live Music Village at Squaw, Olympic Valley, 3-6 p.m. “Shrek, The Musical” Community Arts Center, Truckee, 7 p.m. Live Music Glasses Wine Bar, Incline Village, 7:30 p.m. Pennywise, Adolescents, Guttermouth, Slaughterhouse MontBleu Resort, Stateline, 7:30 p.m. Live Music Moody’s Bistro, Bar & Beats, Truckee, 8-11:55 p.m. Riffs Comedy Club Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Stateline, 8 p.m. Live music Caliente, Kings Beach, 8-11 p.m. Chris Costa Tahoe Biltmore Lodge & Casino, Crystal Bay, 8 p.m. Dueling Pianos Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8:30-10:30 p.m. The Improv Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 9 p.m. The Band Apothic Bar of America, Truckee, 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Arty the Party Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 9 p.m. Live Music McP’s Irish Pub, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Chili Verde 22 Bistro, Olympic Valley, 9 p.m.

January 8-22, 2020

RAILROAD EARTH

DJ in Center Bar Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Stateline, 10 p.m. DJ David Aaron MontBleu Resort, Stateline, 10 p.m. Live Music/DJ Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 10 p.m. Live Music TaCo Cantina, South Lake Tahoe, 10 p.m. Chango, Zebrah & Christian Goodell Crystal Bay Casino, Crystal Bay, 11 p.m.-3 a.m.

Jan. 19 | 8 p.m. Crystal Bay Casino | Crystal Bay, Nev. RAILROAD EARTH HAS covered many tracks since forming in Stillwater, N.J., in 2001. The reigning fathers of acoustic psychedelia return to Tahoe alongside the cosmic-gospel thunder-funk of Tracorum. | crystalbaycasino.com

JANUARY 19 | SUNDAY

JANUARY 20 | MONDAY Song Group Tahoe Truckee School of Music, Truckee, 5:15-6:30 p.m.

JANUARY 21 | TUESDAY Swing Dance Lessons Alibi Ale Works, Truckee, 7:30-10:30 p.m. Tuesday Night Blues Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8 p.m. Live Music McP’s Irish Pub, South Lake Tahoe, 8 p.m.-12 a.m.

SADIE TUCKER

FOLK

Jan. 12 | 4 p.m. Philosophy | Truckee Jason Siegel

Chili + The Bread Bowl Sierra-at-Tahoe, Twin Bridges, 1-4 p.m. Live Music McP’s Irish Pub, South Lake Tahoe, 2-5 p.m. “Shrek, The Musical” Community Arts Center, Truckee, 2 p.m. Live Music Northstar California Resort, Truckee, 2 p.m. Magic Fusion Starring Matt Marcy The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 4:30-5:45 p.m. Bluegrass Jam Alibi Ale Works - Truckee Public House, Truckee, 6-9:30 p.m. Adam Hunter Silver Legacy Resort Casino, Reno, 7:30 p.m. Railroad Earth Crystal Bay Casino, Crystal Bay, 8 p.m. The Improv Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 9 p.m. Live Music/DJ Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 10 p.m. Live Music TaCo Cantina, South Lake Tahoe, 10 p.m.

MUSIC SCENE

JAMGRASS

THE QUAINT, AIRY restaurant in downtown Truckee presents teenage folk singer Sadie Tucker as part of its weekly après-ski series. | truckeephilosophy.com

The Improv Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 9 p.m. Live Music Bar of America, Truckee, 9-11:30 p.m. Live Music/DJ Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 10 p.m. Live Music TaCo Cantina, South Lake Tahoe, 10 p.m.

AIRPORT SHUTTLE SERVICE

JANUARY 22 | WEDNESDAY Mr. D River Ranch, Tahoe City, 4-7 p.m. Unplugged Truckee Philosophy, Truckee, 6-9 p.m. Live Music CB’s Bistro, Carnelian Bay, 6-9 p.m. Live Music McP’s Irish Pub, South Lake Tahoe, 8 p.m.-12 a.m. The Improv Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 9 p.m. Live Band Karaoke Eldorado Resort Casino, Reno

JANUARY 23 | THURSDAY Live Music McP’s Irish Pub, South Lake Tahoe, 8 p.m.-12 a.m. Sierra Night DJ McP’s Tahoehouse, South Lake Tahoe, 8 p.m. Dueling Pianos Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8:30-10:30 p.m.

Major Motion Pictures · Independent Films Live Music · Dance Performances

North Lake Tahoe Express Daily airport shuttle 6:00am–midnight Every Day Low Fares $49 One way per person $98 Round-trip per person Large group discounts

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Jan. 9-16

NorthLakeTahoeExpress.com (866)216-5222

1917 Jan. TBD Bombshell Jan. TBD The Gentleman Jan. TBD Visit TahoeArtHausCinema.com for showtimes, schedule, events + tkts

THE COBBLESTONE CENTER 475 N LAKE BLVD., TAHOE CITY, CA | 530-584-2431

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Horoscopes

FIRE

EARTH

AIR

WATER

Puzzles

Michael O’Conno, Life Coach Astrologer | SunStarAstrology.com HOROSCOPE FOR THE YEAR – 2020

Capricorn (Dec 21-Jan 19)

A powerful series of events will activate a whole new level of power in you. Whether you take the reins of this power or it overpowers you is something you will be contending with right at the get-go. It could activate a whole new level of discipline, perhaps centered on health. It will also likely have a powerful effect on how you feel about your closest family relationships.

Cancer (Jun 21-Jul 22)

Some major changes on relationship fronts are indicated for you as 2020 gets underway. These could leave you feeling reactive, but perhaps also transcended, as though you have been touched by an angel. The result of these changes could manifest as professional expansion or even the start of a new job or position at work, perhaps even a promotion.

Aquarius (Jan 19-Feb 19)

Powerful events occurring behind the scenes or at subconscious levels will bring about changes linked to your power potential in the world. These may prove subtle and virtually imperceptible at first. Yet, they will contribute to some major new beginnings. These will emphasize your creative power and what makes you unique and special.

Leo (Jul 22-Aug 23)

Health is a keyword for you in 2020. It could emphasize that of your career and/or social status at least as much as personal health. A central theme centers on finances and stimulating a healthier flow. Learning and training are indicated. Your ability to focus and take-in new knowledge will increase as the year progresses.

Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20)

You will focus to secure and fortify your base. This could well include your actual home yet could also refer more figuratively to your health, business, mental and emotional center, or all of the above. You will begin the year by pushing harder than you perhaps have for some time.

Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22)

Are you ready to take your career to the next level? This is what is indicated for you in 2020. It will require strategic measures and a well-designed plan. The first boost will arrive even prior to the year starting, thanks to the Solar Eclipse in Capricorn. Jupiter there as well stands to prove especially helpful for you. Overcoming a tendency to scatter your focus will be among your bigger challenges.

Aries (Mar 21-Apr 20)

The most significant feature of 2020 for you, includes pushing harder on public and professional fronts than you have in some time. Attending to finishing touches close to home will be featured in your priority list throughout the first third of the year. Then your focus will be directed towards bringing your lofty visions and plans down to earth to make them actual and viable.

Taurus (Apr 20-May 21)

Libra (Sep 22-Oct 22)

You have probably been experiencing a real mixed bag of experiences this past year. Unfortunately, this complex of energies is not finished yet. Positively, you have begun to feel more confident about certain things, like having passed through a dark night. However, there could be yet another visitation even prior to the start of 2020 or early into it.

Scorpio (Oct 22-Nov 21)

Your drive and ambition are already in high gear as 2020 begins. Although you had to work for it, returns did come in during 2019. This year you will have to remain diligent and persistent. By mid-spring, you will begin to diversify. This includes generating new streams of income. Circumstances will not allow you to lean too heavily on the past, if at all.

Knowing better who you truly are and what you genuinely need and want will be clearer in 2020. This impulse will be activated early on. Initially, the push will be to gain a stronger grasp of your creative potential backed by imagination power. The biggest challenge will be discerning between what you feel you want and what you truly need.

Gemini (May 21-Jun 21)

By the end of 2020, you will have completed the metamorphic cycle of Saturn transiting your solar 8th house. Jupiter there has come along to lend a supportive boost throughout the year. As well, you could experience a resurgence of your energy levels along with a fresh wave of creative inspiration before summer. This will manifest as an assertive impulse.

Sagittarius (Nov 21-Dec 21)

2019 was a year filled with deep changes. Some of these may have caught you by surprise and have had an indelible impact on your lifestyle. This trend will continue well into spring. Your financials may well have been impacted and there may be more changes yet to come.

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FOOD & WINE, RECIPES, FEATURES & MORE

TA S T Y TIDBITS

January 8-22, 2020

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Petra Restaurant & Wine Bar

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Help fund

Growing Classroom

he wine list is extensive, the menu offerings are delicious and the vibe is low key and chill. Located in the Village at Northstar, Petra Restaurant & Wine Bar is the ideal place for a date night or get together with friends for a relaxing and intimate experience. The ambiance is mountain chic with wood tables, a lovely bar and lots of windows. Co-owners Chris and Kelsey Barkman have been operating partners of the group that owns Petra for more than three years. Kelsey has a background in the food industry and Chris has been in the industry

Petra’s San Marzano Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese prepared with fontina cheese was buttery, and the bread was perfectly crispy and excellent for a winter night. I had a Cocoa Chili Rubbed Bavette Steak with black garlic aioli, spring greens and shoestring fries, paired with a Medoc — a Bordeaux, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon blend. “It sings,” said Chris as he poured us each a glass. The steak was cooked to perfection and I loved the rub. Hill enjoyed a vegetarian platter of polenta and beans. Chris and Chef Synder curate their

Tahoe Food Hub is raising money for its new education farm, the Sierra Growing Classroom. Plumas Bank of Truckee donated land on Donner Pass Road to build a geodesic greenhouse or Growing Dome within walking distances of four schools. Funding for the project would develop an agricultural campus where students can receive a hands-on learning experience, as well as an additional resource for adults to learn about the importance of local food and sustainable farming practices. Tahoe Food Hub is looking to open the classroom in September. The group needs $50,000 to complete the project and cover the first year’s operating costs. Donations may be made at tahoefoodhub.org.

Fireside Bar reopens

Tahoe Seasons Resort in South Lake Tahoe is now offering pub-style food and themed dinner nights in the newly re-opened Fireside Bar. Fireside Bar is open nightly from 4 to 9 p.m. with live music on Friday and Saturday nights from 6 to 8 p.m., with freshly made deli sandwiches available in the 24/7 Market. | tahoeseasons.com

for more than 14 years. He worked at Oliveto under chefs Paul Bertolli and Michael Tusk, who both came from Chez Panisse in Berkeley. Chris is a sommelier certified by Court of the Masters and CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: Tomato soup with grilled cheese; Beet salad with goat cheese; Ice cream; Steak and fries; Hummus with chick peas.

“ A well-curated wine list and wine options and good food is the recipe of what we do.” –Chris Barkman knows his wine. They also operate Uncorked Truckee, Uncorked Tahoe City, and Soupa and Uncorked Squaw both in the Village at Squaw. Tahoe Weekly Publisher Katherine E. Hill and I joined Chris at Petra for an evening of wine and food. Chris, along with his chef, Matt Synder, have done an excellent job curating the menu. Chris started us off with a sparkling biodynamic Chenin Blanc that was light and crisp and perfect for getting the evening rolling. For food, we began with a braised beet and ricotta salad and housemade roasted garlic hummus served with toasted bread, crispy garbanzos and chili oil. This was one of the best hummus recipes I’ve tasted — outstanding — and the crispy garbanzos were a unique touch. We ate everything on our plate. Chris paired the dishes with a Sauvignon Blanc Chardonnay blend from Loire Valley in France and it was the perfect accompaniment. The wine was light and fruity.

seasonal menus and they’ve added a number of new items for the winter. Duck Liver Pate appetizer, Pork Belly Sliders, Wild King Salmon pan-seared with pesto and Tuscan Meatballs braised in San Marzano tomatoes. All the new additions were inspired by seasonal ingredients. Synder is delightful and is an unassuming chef: “I am inspired by creating something different for everybody and staying cutting edge.” The Uncorked Wine club is a fabulous experience. Sign up and get two bottles of wine a month and exclusive benefits as part of the membership. Chris chooses wines that clients might not necessarily choose, with a a mix of Old and New World. “I strive to find the best interpretation of that varietal and region,” says Chris. In addition to old-world wines, he selects wines that are progressive and evolving. One of the fun things about Petra is its flights, an excellent opportunity to try different types of wine. I loved the choices. “A well-curated wine list and wine options and good food is the recipe of what we do,” says Chris.

I enjoyed my evening immensely at Petra. The food was delicious, and the wine was excellent. I can’t wait to return. Chris and Kelsey Barkman have created an exceptional gem of a restaurant and an extraordinary wine bar. | uncorkedtahoe.com. 

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TheTahoeWeekly.com Enjoy one of their local Winemaker Events. Click on Events Calender for dates. Priya Hutner is a writer, personal chef and workshop facilitator. She is the owner of the Seasoned Sage, which prepares organic artisan meals for dinner parties and events. She also offers in-home cooking classes, parties and local pop up dinners. As a breath meditation teacher and long-time yogi, she facilitates workshops and classes that focus on gaining a deeper awareness of self. Read more at TheTahoeWeekly.com; click on Local Flavor. Send story ideas to priya@tahoethisweek.com. | (772) 913-0008, pria78@gmail.com, seasonedsage.com

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Understanding Grains and Fiber for Better Health

Sierra Grub Tour

Tahoe Food Hub | Truckee | Jan. 9

The Food + Beverage managers are duking it out to see whose culinary skills will reign supreme and guests are the judges, Explore all Sierra-at-Tahoe’s food outlets and enjoy their unique offerings. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $15-$20 | (530) 659-7453, sierraattahoe.com

Learn about Rob Ferguson’s -- of Sourdough Solutions -- journey and insight into the benefits of high-quality carbohydrates. 6-7 p.m. Free | (530) 562-7150, tahoefoodhub.org

Sierra-at-Tahoe | Twin Bridges | Jan. 12

Ben Arnst | Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows

Meet the Winery

Moonlight Snowshoe Tour and Dinner After the mountain closes and the winter moon rises, experience a snowshoe tour to the mid-mountain Chalet at Alpine Meadows Ski Resort for an intimate, seated dinner, featuring a multi-course cuisine created by Executive Chef Steve Anderson. The uphill, quarter-mile trek on snowshoes from the Lodge to The Chalet begins at 5 p.m. The dinner includes a Bavarian-inspired menu featuring classics such as Raclette, Spaetzle, Rouladen and Apfelstreudel. This experience is available on Jan. 11 and 25 and Feb. 1 and 8. Ages 13 and older are welcome. | RSVP squawalpine.com

Uncorked Truckee | Truckee | Jan. 10, 17

Meet the Winery allows you to sample wines from different, interesting wineries. 5 p.m. | (530) 550-5200, uncorkedtahoe.com

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TheTahoeWeekly.com Explore more events in the Tahoe Sierra or submit your event. Click on Event Calendar. FREE!

Art of Mixology Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe | Truckee | Jan. 12, 19 This entertaining, educational experience will feature freshly cut herbs, classic ingredients such as bitters and infused liquors to create three unique cocktails paired with appetizers. 24-hour advance reservations are required. 4-5 p.m. $60 | chamber.truckee.com

S’moresapalooza Northstar California Resort | Truckee | Jan. 18

Enjoy creative, delicious s’mores in the Village at Northstar. 4 p.m. Free | (800) 466-6784

Full Moon Tour with dinner

Meet the Winery

Royal Gorge Cross Country Soda Springs | Jan. 10

Uncorked | Tahoe City | Jan. 18

This Full Moon tour is followed by dinner, wine and microbrews at Summit Station. RSVP required. Space is limited. 6 p.m. | (530) 426-3871, facebook.com

Elevate Your Palate Week Area venues | South Lake Tahoe | Jan. 10-17

Score dining deals throughout the week at some of the best local eateries that belong to South Lake Tahoe Restaurant Association. | tahoesouth.com

Meet the Winery allows you to sample wines from different, interesting wineries. 5 p.m. | (530) 581-1106, uncorkedtahoe.com

Snowshoe Cocktail Races Camp Richardson | South Lake Tahoe | Jan. 18 Think you have what it takes to run with a full cocktail tray in hand through obstacles up and down the beach while wearing snowshoes? We have great prizes for the fastest (and cleanest) at the obstacle course finish line. 5 p.m. | camprichardson.com

Carson Mall Wine Walk

Eclectic old world Ambiance Home made Pastas Wide-ranging Wine list

Carson Mall | Carson City | Jan. 11

Dinner & Dance

Meet the Winery

Enjoy a dinner and dance on the third Saturday of each month with a country-style pork 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Dance lessons from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Free with paid admission. Dance from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Benefits Sierra Valley Grange Hall. 5:30-10:30 p.m. $10-$15 | sierracountychamber.com

Come sip and shop at the Carson Mall. Receive a wine glass which is yours to keep. 2-6 p.m. | visitcarsoncity.com

Uncorked Squaw Valley | Olympic Valley | Jan. 11

DINNER AND BAR NIGHTLY FROM 5-9 PM

Meet the Winery allows you to sample wines from different, interesting wineries. 5 p.m. | (530) 584-6090, uncorkedtahoe.com

Reservations Recommended

Sierra Valley Grange Hall | Loyalton | Jan. 18

Connect for a Cause Charity Mixer Moonlight Snowshoe Tour & Dinner

Happy Hour

Alpine Meadows Ski Area | Tahoe City | Jan. 11

Sun-Thurs | 5-6 pm

After the mountain closes, experience a snowshoe tour to the mid-mountain Chalet for an intimate seated dinner featuring Bavarianinspired, multi-course cuisine created by executive chef Steve Anderson. 5:30 p.m. $119

Downtown Truckee | (530) 587-4694

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All proceeds from raffle will be donated to Bread & Broth. Your contribution will help local charities refill their supply for our community. Guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to win door prize. 5:30-8:30 p.m. $20 | (844) 588-7625, business.tahoechamber.org

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January 8-22, 2020

G R E AT W I N E S F O R 2 0 2 0 STORY BY LOU PHILLIPS

o ring in the New Year, let’s explore the 12 months in front of us with the joy only a wine adventure can bring. Unlike the vagaries that might ensue on an actual vacation, I can guarantee smooth sailing, a good time, good wine and a road map to perhaps your most adventurous wine year ever. Might as well begin at the beginning by jumping into France. Most of the wellknown grapes originated or gained fame in France, but this country has always had regional favorites — the vast majority of which have not been known or grown outside of their village or commune. The Savoie is a

P a rt I Petra Restaurant and Wine Bar located in the Village at Northstar

because these sassy and sexy Italians show best when young. Pizza, charcuterie, cheese plate — yes, yes and yes. Way at the other end of Enotria lies the island of Sicily, which is most known for red wines, but births some wonderful whites, as well. One of my favorites is Grillo, which comes off as an Italian Sauvignon with a savory minerally edge. Herby

Petra focuses on Mediterranean Farm to Table Cuisine that rotates throughout the season, such as Oven Roasted Fulton Valley Chicken, green beans and polenta, Coco rubbed Bavette Steak with shoe string fries and spring mix.

Most of the well-known grapes originated or gained

uncorkedtahoe.com petra@uncorkedtahoe.com | 530.562.0600 Photo Courtesy : Andria Gutierrez.

fame in France, but this country has always had regional favorites — the vast majority of which have not been known or grown outside of their village or commune.

Grillo from Sicily. | Courtesy Donnafugatta

mountainous region in east-central France and the Trousseau grape, aka Bastardo, has become their signature red wine. It makes for a fresh dark-berry elixir that will stimulate more than your taste buds and that’s what we are shooting for along this road less traveled.

salads or white meat dishes cry when they can’t find a Grillo to partner with. Last stop is Campania to visit cousin Peidrarosso, or red feet, named for what one’s boots look like after a trip to the vineyards. This is as much of a combination of old-world and new-world red and goes with anything you care to roast. Think damson plum meets dirt, but in a very good way.

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TheTahoeWeekly.com Explore more wines with Sommelier Lou Phillips. Click on Local Flavor: Wine Column. Next column, it’s off to America for a little cross-country exploration. See you there. 

Authentic Dolcetto. | Lou Phillips

Southwest France’s Jurançon appellation is home to the Gros and Petit Manseng family. Most wines from here contain both grapes, with the former predominating in the dry versions and the latter in the sweet. Either style will have nice acid balance and prickly spice with unique citrus flavors leaning toward tangerine and Mandarin orange. Our final member of the French resistance is Burgundy’s white stepchild Aligoté. This is typically Burgundy’s greatest bargain and I also have to mention California’s Calera Wine Company as another stellar producer of this always electrically energized white that is as good a match for briny seafood as you will find. Off to Italy and Piedmont to visit our perky, little, red-headed friend Dolcetto. With its prime vineyards proximal to those of the Golden Geese that are Barolo and Barbaresco, it’s a wonder anybody still makes this lithe beauty. The past few vintages have all been stellar and that’s great

Lou Phillips is a Level 3 Advanced Sommelier in Tahoe and his consulting business wineprowest. com assists in the selling, buying and managing wine collections. He may be reached at (775) 5443435 or wineguru123@gmail.com. Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com for more wine columns. Click on Wine Column under the Local Flavor tab.

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o, I was sitting in my house the other day, wondering what to fill my freezer with so that I could heat fast to make dinner easier. I thought of a nice meat lasagna. I figured I could make one large pan of lasagna, cut it into individual portions, vacuum seal each one and freeze them so I can take out a few meals at a time. Heating the portions would be just a matter of tossing one into a sauté pan and sticking it in the oven for half an hour or so. Yes, you could stick it in the microwave, but I have to admit, I don’t like heating leftovers in those things.

One of the great things about making lasagna these days is that you don’t have to cook the sheets of pasta first.

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I am going to give you the recipe for a 15-inch-by-11-inch baking pan, which will serve 12 to 15 people. When you look for most recipes, they are usually for four people; so this will give you something for those larger get-togethers. This recipe would be great for birthday parties, football games or other large, casual events. One of the great things about making lasagna these days is that you don’t have to cook the sheets of pasta first. All you need to do is make the sauce, cut the cheese and put it together. I thought about making a simple spinach lasagna, but I knew I would be craving meat. I did add tomatoes and mushrooms. When I’m feeling weak, I need that meat protein. This is not quite the same as a nice rib-eye steak — the meat sauce will suffice. I almost added sausage, too, which would have been awesome, but I wanted to keep it simple.

The additions to the sauce should be according to your taste buds and the rest of the people who will be eating it. I’ll be dinning alone most nights and just wanted something hearty and easy. With the amounts of each of the ingredients in this recipe, I had enough sauce for a three-layer lasagna with just enough left over for one serving over any pasta for another meal. I suggest that you use this recipe as a guide and not as a must-follow-to-theletter recipe. If you are adding different ingredients, think about each one and be sure to prep them appropriately. If you use spinach, be sure to wilt it and strain it good before layering it into the lasagna to avoid excessive liquid. 

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TheTahoeWeekly.com Make more of Chef Smitty’s dishes. Click on Local Flavor: Chef’s Recipe Smitty is a personal chef specializing in dinner parties, cooking classes and special events. Trained under Master Chef Anton Flory at Top Notch Resort in Stowe, Vt., Smitty is known for his creative use of fresh ingredients. Contact him at tmmsmitty@gmail.com or (530) 412-3598. To read archived copies of Smitty’s column, visit chefsmitty.com or TheTahoeWeekly.com. Click on Chef’s Recipe under the Local Flavor tab.

LASAGNA

From the kitchen of: Chef David “Smitty” Smith

3 lbs. ground beef 5 cloves garlic, rough chopped 2 T basil 2½ T Italian herb mix 1 T Six Pepper blend 5 bay leaves 1 T chili paste, to taste 1 28-oz. can tomato sauce (530) 587-3557 2 28-oz. cans whole tomatoes 2 6-oz. cans tomato paste 10186 Donner PassSunday Rd - Truckee through Thursday not valid with any other offer | Expires May 22, 2019 1 C red wine 10 large mushrooms, sliced 2 T sugar, to taste 1 lb. ricotta cheese 1 lb. mozzarella cheese, sliced 6 oz. pecorino cheese, grated 20 pieces no-cook lasagna sheets Salt & pepper, to taste (which is more than 1 box’s worth)

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Brown the meat on medium high with the garlic, herbs, Six Pepper mix in a large pot or pan. Strain off any grease. Add the tomato sauce, paste and wine. Cut up the tomatoes and add them and the bay leaves. Turn the heat down to low. Sauté the mushrooms separately and add. Let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes. Add the chili paste. Simmer for another 15 minutes and add the sugar. The longer the sauce simmers, the less sugar you will need because you will be cooking the acid out of the tomatoes. Simmer for another half hour on low heat and season with salt, pepper and any other adjustments of the other herbs and spices. Remove the bay leaves and remove from the heat. Line the bottom of the 15-inch-by-11-inch baking pan with six pieces of pasta; break off the corners of the four corner pieces to fit in the pan. Ladle on enough sauce to cover the pasta. Lay out one-third of the mozzarella over the sauce, then spoon half the ricotta in small lumps over that. Add another layer of pasta and repeat. Add the third layer of pasta and cover with a thin layer of sauce. Add the last third of the mozzarella and sprinkle the parmesan over the top. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and then foil. Bake at 350 degrees for about an hour. Test the middle with a knife to be sure it’s done. Let set a half hour before cutting.

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Incredible Daily Specials

TWO’FER TUESDAYS

Get two lift tickets for the price of one lift ticket every Tuesday. Purchase online at skirose.com or at any ticket window. • Offer only valid on Tuesdays • Both tickets must be used that day only – 2nd ticket is not valid for a different day (this is not a multi day product) • Offer does not apply to Tyke lift tickets or in combination with any other offer • Two’fer must apply to “like priced” lift tickets (ex 2 adults) If Adult + Child, rate will default to higher ticket rate

LADIES DAY THURSDAY

$69 lift tickets for ladies on Thursdays – includes FREE Thursday Ladies Ski/Snowboard Clinic (not valid holidays). Purchase online, or at any ticket window. Offer valid on Thursdays only.

FRIDAYS = SKI G.I.F.

$49 lift tickets after 12:00pm on Fridays. Purchase online, or at any ticket window. Offer valid on Fridays only.

LOCALS SUNDAY

Sunday Locals Special! Local ID required for redemption – must show that your home residence is within a 1 hour driving radius of Mt. Rose – Ski Tahoe (Reno/Sparks /Carson Valley / Lake Tahoe / Truckee / Fernley / Dayton / Virginia City). • $79 Adult (ages 16+) • $29 Child (ages 6 to 15) • Void Holiday Periods.

FIND YOUR PASS at Skirose.com