February 10 to March 9, 2021

local. independent. fresh.

february 10-march 9, 2021

tahoe’s

trash trouble

continues

bringing

robbie gade cross-country 365 days of busking back to nevada

easy ethnic eats delivering the fun since 1982

winter cruising on big blue

Hello Tahoe.

Nice to meet you.

We’re the largest, locally owned and operated, independent real estate company serving Northern California communities.

Learn more at sereno.com

ALL RIDES ARE

FREE

Erik Bergen

Just hop on the bus.

TAHOE TRUCKEE AREA

REGIONAL TRANSIT

WIN TE R 2021 B US SERVICE S FREE Park and Ride Weekends | President’s Day To/from Squaw Valley, Northstar, and all Winter Recreation From area Park and Ride lots January 2021: 2–3, 9-10, 16–17, 23–24, 30–31 February 2021: 6–7, 13–15, 20–21, 27–28 March 2021: 6–7, 13–14, 20–21, 27–28

Transit Service Highlights · Hourly Mainline (Tahoe City–Incline Village) · Hourly Hwy. 89 (Tahoe City–Squaw Valley) · Hourly Hwy. 267 (Crystal Bay–Northstar) · Hourly Hwy. 89 (Tahoe City, Squaw Valley, Truckee) · Hourly Hwy. 267 (Crystal Bay, Northstar, Truckee) · Hourly Truckee Local Route Night service on both the Northshore and in Truckee is currently suspended. Check TahoeTruckeeTransit.com for schedule updates.

89

Park and Ride Lots are located at: Truckee Tahoe Airport District 10356 Truckee Airport Rd, Truckee CA Tahoe Truckee Unified School District Admin. Offices, 11603 Donner Pass Rd., Truckee CA Tahoe City Transit Center, 180 W. Lake Blvd., Tahoe City, CA For more details, go to: TahoeTruckeeTransit.com/park-ride

I-80 South Shore Dr.

Donner Lake

Old Highschool PARK &

RIDE

TRUCKEE Gateway Center

Donner Memorial State Park

Regional Park

H

Depot

89

Brockway Rd.

28 Grove St.

P

Tahoe Bilitmore

INCLINE VILLAGE

28

Minnow

28

P

North Tahoe Event Cntr.

CRYSTAL BAY Hyatt

CARNELIAN BAY

P

Diamond Peak

PARK &

P

TAHOE CITY

Homewood Mountain Resort

Sand Harbor

SUNNYSIDE

89

LAKE TAHOE HOMEWOOD TAHOMA Sugar Pine Point

Covid-19

431

KINGS BEACH

P

89

Truckee Airport Town Hall

RIDE

National /28

Alpine Meadows

RENO

I-80 PARK &

TAHOE VISTA

SQUAW VALLEY

Granlibakken

Hourly service on Highway 267 and Highway 89 to/from Truckee.

267

P

NORTHSTAR

Deerfield Dr. | Crossroads

RIDE Tahoe City Transit Center

Daily Regional Routes

Henness Flat

MEEKS BAY

TART PUBLIC BUS

P PUBLIC PARKING

PARK & RIDE to Northstar, Squaw Valley and Winter Recreation

TART is taking several precautions to keep passengers and employees safe. Visit TahoeTruckeeTransit.com for details.

Schedule times vary. Visit TahoeTruckeeTransit.com for detailed schedules, more transit options, and Covid-19 information.

MASK UP. ADVENTURE OUT..

TahoeTruckeeTransit.com – Text “TART” to 24587 Take the North Lake Tahoe Express: Daily airport shuttle from 5:30am–midnight. NorthLakeTahoeExpress.com | (833) 709-8080

fun. unique. everywhere.

TheTahoeWeekly.com

FEBRUARY 10-MARCH 9, 2021

FEATURES

Tahoe Bleu Wave

8

Nevada Nordic

10

Ski Jumping, Part II

17

Trash Trouble Continues

18

Volume 40 | Issue 2

Courtesy League to Save Lake Tahoe

in this issue

TM

08

18

GET OUTSIDE

Sightseeing 6 Lake Tahoe Facts

7

Tubing & Ice Skating

11

Snow Trails

12

Winter Paved Paths

15

Farida Gipson Burtt 22 THE LINEUP

Robbie Gade

23

EAT & DRINK

Easy Ethnic Eats

24

Cuban Black Bean Soup

25

Rioja & Temperanillo

26

on the cover Winter conditions are stellar at local ski areas, making it a great family-friendly activity for the entire family including at Sugar Bowl, featured on the cover.

Check in advance with local ski resorts for restrictions and current guidelines for tickets, rentals and other services | Cath Howard, courtesy Sugar Bowl

bears & wildlife BEAR EMERGENCIES BEAR League (530) 525-7297 (24 hours) | savebears.org A bear walking nearby or through your yard is not an emergency unless it is trying to enter your home or car.

INJURED ANIMALS Lake Tahoe Wildlife Center, South Shore (530) 577-2273 | ltwc.org The Wildlife Shelter, North Shore (866) 307-4216

E-NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIBE

to our e-newsletter at TheTahoeWeekly.com

Events & Entertainment Submit at TheTahoeWeekly.com Click on Events Calendar Editorial Inquiries editor@tahoethisweek.com

Cover Photography production@tahoethisweek.com

16

THE MAKERS

SUBMISSIONS

Entertainment Inquiries entertainment@tahoethisweek.com

FUN & GAMES

Horoscope & Crossword

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

TAHOE’S TRASH PROBLEM NEEDS BOLD ACTION FROM THE PUBLISHER

Ever-changing regulations from state and local officials have everyone continuing to ride the pandemic roller coaster. Add to that the cloistered lives many of us of all ages are leading these days, and we’re all going stir crazy.

Visitors to the Tahoe Sierra are feeling that, as well, and are seeking refuge in our mountain enclave to breath in the fresh air, take in the outdoor beauty and have the ability to move freely in open spaces. I can understand that, as my saving grace during the last year has been the ability to go on a walk, a hike, to the beach, out on the boat or to go snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, all while safely away from others.

That need to seek refuge in the Tahoe Sierra has also brought with it a tidal wave of trash on the beaches and trails in the summer and now to the sled hills and parks in the winter, as Priya Hutner writes in her feature on “Tahoe’s trash trouble continues” in this edition.

Unfortunately, this isn’t a new issue in our community, but is one that exponentially became worse during the pandemic (read Tahoe Weekly’s five-part series on tourism impacts last summer at TheTahoeWeekly.com). Litter has been a problem in the Tahoe Sierra for years, although on a smaller scale, but it was always present. Years of ignoring the issue or inadequately addressing the issue by most local government agencies started us down this road and their inability to react quickly to the problem overwhelmed our communities last summer.

The League to Save Lake Tahoe is one of the few organizations that has long tried to deal with the problem through education and its trash clean ups, but it’s too much for any one government agency or nonprofit to handle.

Since the start of the pandemic and the onslaught of trash, we’ve seen some increased trash service and more trash bins in some communities, but not all. Most of the hard work has been done by community groups and nonprofits like Tahoe Fund, the League and Clean Up the Lake picking up trash, organizing cleanups, educating the public and trying to get government officials to do more faster. There have been some innovative solutions like installing trash compactors in downtown Truckee and corrals for broken plastic sleds at popular sled hills.

It’s time to be bold, move swiftly and spend money for more trash bins and increase garbage collection in every community, in every town, and at every local, state and federal park and trail.

Paying for these services won’t be cheap, but sacrificing our community, the safety of our wildlife, the health of our local waterways and the condition of our parks and trails – the lifeblood of our tourism economy – will be even more costly. A cost none of us can afford. n

making it happen Publisher & Editor In Chief Katherine E. Hill publisher@tahoethisweek.com, ext. 102 Sales & Marketing Manager Anne Artoux anne@tahoethisweek.com, ext. 110 Art Director Alyssa Ganong production@tahoethisweek.com, ext. 106 Ad Production graphics@tahoethisweek.com, ext. 101 Entertainment Editor Sean McAlindin entertainment@tahoethisweek.com Food & Well Being 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 Wednesdays. Subscribe to the free digital edition at issuu.com/TheTahoeWeekly. Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com.

TAHOE WEEKLY, est. 1982, ©2007. Reproduction in whole or in part without publisher’s express permission is prohibited. Contributions welcome via e-mail. The Weekly is not responsible for unsolicited submissions. Member: North Lake Tahoe Resort Association, North Tahoe Business Association, Incline Community Business Association, Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce, Tahoe City Downtown Association, Truckee Downtown Merchants Association, Tahoe South Chamber of Commerce and Alpine County Chamber of Commerce. Printed on recycled paper with soy-based inks. Please recycle your copy.

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

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LAKE LEVEL Lake Tahoe Natural rim 6,223’

Readings taken on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 ELEVATION :

RESERVOIR CAPACITY

6,225.63 |

IN 2019:

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

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

Find more places to explore

at TheTahoeWeekly.com

North Tahoe Arts Center

$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

Tahoe City

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

Tahoe Art League Gallery

South Lake Tahoe

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

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 West Shore

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

FOLLOW US ONLINE

Truckee

DELIVERING THE FUN SINCE 1982 E-newsletter: subscribe at TheTahoeWeekly.com @TheTahoeWeekly facebook.com/TheTahoeWeekly TheTahoeWeekly.com issuu.com/TheTahoeWeekly 6

282

IN 2019:

6,227.38

225

200,000 AF

175

150,000 AF

6,225.63 |

Measured in Cubic Feet Per Second (CFS)

CAPACITY: C 226,500

TROA.NET

Measured in Acre Feet (AF)

Lake Tahoe Museum

South Lake Tahoe

Vikingsholm Castle

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 Donner Memorial Visitor Center

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

Donner Summit Historical Society

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

Gatekeeper’s Museum

225

200,000 AF

175

Old Jail Museum CLOSED Emerald Bay

Parking fee | Tours in summer only (530) 541-3030 | (530) 525-9529 ADA parks.ca.gov or vikingsholm.com Tour the grounds of Vikingsholm Castle, see Eagle Falls and Fannette Island (the Lake’s only island), home to an old Tea House, and explore snowshoeing trails. TART

Watson Cabin CLOSED

150,000 AF

CAPACITY: 29,840 2 PROSSER 11,061| truckee.com truckeehistory.org (530) 541-5458 | laketahoemuseum.org The historic town of Truckee was settled Features Washoe artifacts and exhibits 5 DONNER 4,690 CCAPACITY: 9,500 in 1863, and grew quickly as a stagecoach on early industry and settlers. South Tahoe stop and route for the CentralCCAPACITY: Pacific 18,300 Railroad.

INDEPENDENCE 1,3763 During these early days, many of Truckee’s Museum of Truckee History Truckee CAPACITY: A 20,400 0 MARTIS 1,052 and historical homes buildings were built inThurs.-Mon. | (530) 582-0893 | truckeehistory.org cluding The Truckee Hotel (1868) and the Capitol Building (1868). Stop by the Depot for a walking Housed in the original Depot, built in 1901. Exhi| FLOW FARAD 282 Measured in Cubic Feet Per Second (CFS) TROA.NET Truckee River tour of historic downtown.

PaidAT parking downbits cover different eras in Truckee history.

TART town. TART

Tahoe City

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

KidZone Children’s Museum CLOSED

NO. 1 FOR OUTDOORS & RECREATION, FAMILY FUN, LIVE MUSIC, EVENTS, ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS, FOOD & WINE

125

FLOW AT FARAD

50

North Shore

ELEVATION :

125

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

Truckee River C ACITY CAPA CITY:: 40 CIT 0,870 ,8 BOCA 12,362 |

Readings taken on Tuesday, February 9, 2021

100,000 AF

Donner Summit

RESERVOIR CAPACITY

STAMPEDE 19,9661

Kings Beach

CAPACITY: 18,300 C

LAKE LEVEL A 20,400 0 MARTIS 1,052 CAPACITY: Lake Tahoe Natural rim 6,223’ 75

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

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”.

Winter bliss on Commons Beach in Tahoe City on the North Shore. | Katherine E. Hill

CAPACITY: 9,500 C 5

INDEPENDENCE 1,3763

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.

Truckee

CAPACITY: 29,840 2

50

High Camp

25

East Shore

25

Cave Rock

DONNER 4,690

CAPACITY: C 226,500

100,000 AF

ATTRACTIONS

PROSSER 11,061

Measured in Acre Feet (AF)

75

SIGHTSEEING

STAMPEDE 19,9661

6,227.38

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

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

Olympic Valley

(800) 403-0206 | squawalpine.com Squaw Valley, host of the VIII Winter Olympic Games in 1960, celebrates its Olympic History with the symbolic Tower of Nations and Olympic Flame at the entrance to the valley. The Olympic Museum at High Camp features historic memorabilia and photographs. TART

Tahoe Science Center CLOSED

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

VISITORS’ CENTERS Kings Beach Kings Beach State Rec. Area (Thurs.-Mon., July-Aug.)

Incline Village 969 Tahoe Blvd. (800) 468-2463 Stateline 169 Hwy. 50 (775) 588-4591 Tahoe City 100 N. Lake Blvd. (530) 581-6900 Truckee 10065 Donner Pass Rd. (Depot) (530) 587-8808 U.S. Forest Service | Incline Village 855 Alder Ave. (775) 831-0914 (Wed.-Fri.)

U.S. Forest Service | South Lake Tahoe 35 College Dr. (530) 543-2600

U.S. Forest Service | Tahoe City 3080 N. Lake Blvd. (530) 583-3593 (Fridays)

10811 Stockrest Springs Rd. (530) 587-3558

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

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

U.S. Forest Service | Truckee

TRANSIT

Incline Village

National Forest access info fs.fed.us/r5/webmaps/RecreationSiteStatus

February 10-March 9, 2021 YOUR BUSINESS COULD

lake tahoe facts | GRAY ’S CROSSING

OE DONNER

COYOTE MOON

OLD GREENWOOD

Truckee

BOCA RESERVOIR OLD GREENWOOD RENO-TAHOE PROSSER RESERVOIR GRAY ’S CROSSING OLD GREENWOOD TAHOE DONNER COYOTE MOON INTERNATIONAL TRUCKEE PONDEROSA BOCA RESERVOIR AIRPORT STAMPEDE RESERVOIR AIRPORT DONNER OLD GREENWOOD AHOE DONNER COYOTE MOON TRUCKEE BOCA RESERVOIR PROSSER RESERVOIR LAKE AIRPORT Donner Lake PONDEROSA TRUCKEE RENO-TAHOE PROSSER RESERVOIR STAMPEDE RESERVOIR BOCA RESERVOIR DONNER AIRPORT INTERNATIONAL PONDEROSA Donner Summit SCHAFFER’S RENO-TAHOE MILL LAKE AIRPORT STAMPEDE RESERVOIR PROSSER RESERVOIR DONNER INTERNATIONAL mmit PONDEROSA i m Tr a R LAKE e AIRPORT STAMPEDE RESERVOIR o DONNER h SCHAFFER’S MILL Ta LAKE INCLINE VILLAGE a i m Tr SCHAFFER’S MILL MOUNTAIN eR ho ra T NORTHSTAR m i R Ta SCHAFFER’S MILL e INCLINE VILLAGE o PLUMAS PINES r ah MOUNTAIN R i m TT INCLINE VILLAGE OLD BROCKWAYh o e GRAEAGLE INCLINE VILLAGE NORTHSTAR MOUNTAIN Ta MEADOWS CHAMPIONSHIP INCLINE VILLAGE NORTHSTAR Truckee MOUNTAIN WEST EAST GRIZZLY RANCH River OLD BROCKWAY INCLINE VILLAGE SNORTHSTAR OUTH CHAMPIONSHIP WHITEHAWK OLD BROCKWAY INCLINE VILLAGE RANCH CHAMPIONSHIP OLD BROCKWAY INCLINE VILLAGE NAKOMA CHAMPIONSHIP DEEPEST COON ST. POINT FEATHER BOAT LAUNCH SIERRA RIVER PARK BOAT CO. DEEPEST COON ST. POINT SANDDEEPEST BOAT LAUNCH SIERRA COON ST. NORTH TAHOE CITY HARBOR BOAT CO. POINT Marlette BOAT LAUNCH TAHOE SIERRA RESORT AT DEEPEST Lake BOAT CO. COON ST. SAND SQUAW CREEK POINT BOAT LAUNCH SIERRA NORTH TAHOE CITY HARBOR LAKE SAND BOAT CO.TAHOE VISTA TAHOE RESORT AT MARINAS NORTH FOREST TAHOE CITY REC AREA HARBOR SQUAW CREEK TAHOE SAND RESORT AT NORTH CITY LAKE HARBOR TAHOE VISTA SQUAW CREEK TAHOE TAHOE TAHOE RESORT AT CITY FOREST REC AREA LAKE TAHOE VISTA SQUAW CREEK MARINA FOREST RECTAHOE AREA LAKE TAHOE VISTA CITY FOREST TAHOE REC AREA MARINA BOAT RAMPS CITY SUNNYSIDE TAHOE MARINA CITY l i Spooner Lake a MARINA Tr SUNNYSIDE l SUNNYSIDE ai Tr l ai SUNNYSIDE Eagle Tr Rock GOLF COURSES l ai HOMEWOOD Tr

LOGO here

Reno & Sparks Reno & Sparks RENO-TAHOE Reno & Sparks INTERNATIONAL

Truckee

AIRPORT

Email

il

anne@tahoethisweek.com for details

il

The Lost Sierra

il

Incline Village

North Shore

il

N

Incline Village Incline Village Crystal Incline Village Kings Bay Tahoe Vista Crystal Beach Carnelian BayTahoe Vista Crystal Kings Bay Olympic Tahoe Vista Kings Crystal Bay Beach Carnelian Bay Valley Kings Beach Bay Olympic Carnelian Bay Beach Olympic CarnelianValley Bay Valley Olympic Tahoe Dollar Hill Valley City Tahoe Alpine Dollar Hill Tahoe City NV Dollar Hill Meadows TahoeCity Alpine Dollar Hill Carson City Meadows Alpine City Sunnyside AlpineMeadows Carson Meadows Sunnyside Carson City Sunnyside City Sunnyside Tahoe Vista

Ta h o e R i m

Ta h o e R i m

Ta h o e R i m

Lake

Eagle Rock OBEXER’S

West

HOMEWOOD

m Tr a i l

CAVE ROCK

e Ri

CA

MEEKS BAY Rock

Zephyr Cove CAVE ROCK Cave Rock South EDGEWOOD CAVE ROCK Lake Tahoe Zephyr Cove TAHOE EDGEWOOD CAVE ROCK Stateline Emerald Bay Average Water Temperature: 42.1˚F Zephyr CoveSouth TAHOE Fannette Island South Lake Tahoe Zephyr Cove SKI RUN Emerald Bay Lake Tahoe South Average Surface Water Temperature: 51.9˚F Fannette Island LAKESIDE Stateline Emerald Bay TAHOEEagle Lake Tahoe SKI RUN Fannette Island Stateline KEYS Lake Emerald Bay BIJOU SKI RUN Average Surface Temperature in July: 64.9˚F Fannette Island TAHOE Watershed Area: 312 square miles

Cascade SKI RUN Lake TAHOE

CAMP

Ta h 409 inches Average Snowfall: o e R i m Tr ail

Permanent Population: 66,000 T Ta h o

aho e

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

TAHOE KEYS

Meyers

R i m Tr ail

ra

R i m T il Number of Visitors: 15e million annually

Learn about the natural history of the Tahoe Sierra

at TheTahoeWeekly.com

Stateline LAKESIDE

KEYS LAKESIDE

BIJOU

CAMP RICHARDSONBIJOUFREEL LAKE TAHOE AIRPORT Fallen

PEAKSouth Shore

Leaf Lake

LAKE TAHOE

Kirkwood Kirkwood

FREEL PEAK

LAKE TAHOE

LAKE TAHOE

Markleeville Kirkwood

Maximum depth: 1,645 feet Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the U.S. (Crater Lake in Oregon, at 1,932 feet, is the deepest), and the 11th deepest in the world.

Volume: 39 trillion gallons There is enough water in Lake Tahoe to supply everyone in the United States with more than 75 gallons of water per day for 5 years.

Natural rim: 6,223’

Size: 22 miles long, 12 miles wide Lake Tahoe is as long as the English Channel is wide.

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

TAHOE PARADISE

TAHOE PARADISE

TAHOE PARADISE LAKE TAHOE

LAKE TAHOE AIRPORT

Average depth: 1,000 feet

Shoreline: 72 miles

BIJOU

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

Kirkwood

EDGEWOOD TAHOE

LAKESIDE

KEYS

Lake Clarity: 2019: 62.7 feet avg. depth.

1968: First recorded at 102.4 feet

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

Cave Rock

EDGEWOOD

Cave Rock TAHOE

RICHARDSON Highest Peak: Freel Peak at 10,881 feet

o Ta h

m Tr a i l

Cave

MEEKS BAY

e Ri

Meeks Bay

m Tr a i l

Only Outlet: Truckee River (Tahoe City)

MEEKS BAY

Tahoma

e Ri

Tahoma Age of Lake Tahoe: 2 million years MEEKS Tahoma BAY Meeks Bay Fed By: 63 streams and 2 hot springs Meeks Bay

East Shore

o Ta h

OBEXER’S

o Ta h

Meeks Bay

Homewood Glenbrook Glenbrook OBEXER’S

m Tr a i l

HomewoodShore CASINOS Tahoma OBEXER’S Homewood HOMEWOOD

Glenbrook

e Ri

HOMEWOOD

Eagle Rock

Tahoe

Eagle Rock

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

Carson City

Glenbrook

Homewood

o Ta h

Ta h o e R i m

Your business’

Reno & Sparks

GRAY ’S CROSSING

TRUCKEE GRAY ’S CROSSING AIRPORT COYOTE MOON TAHOE DONNER

Truckee Truckee

SPONSOR THIS PAGE

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

Markleeville Markleeville

Markleeville

Why is the lake blue?

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

7

TheTahoeWeekly.com

GET outside

the outdoors | recreation | events | mountain life

Winter cruising ON BIG BLUE S TO RY & P H OTO S BY K AY L A A N D E R S O N

A

group of people are waiting on a chilly winter day in the Tahoe Keys Marina parking lot, to climb aboard the “Lake Tahoe Bleu Wave.” At 11 a.m. sharp, they are greeted by deckhand Bella Cavalleri, who takes them into the main cabin of the 1966 Mercury Yacht.

The guests meander through the boat, going upstairs to the partially covered seating area for an elevated view of the waters ahead or the fully stocked bar downstairs, the private lounge, main dining area or bathroom. The fireplace down by the bar and a climate-controlled atmosphere keep people warm on the chilliest of days. The 70-foot-long boat has plenty of room to take in the incredible views of Lake Tahoe from every angle.

Meanwhile, Captain Augustin Avila takes the helm and starts navigating out of the marina while telling everyone where the life jackets are — apparently, there’s enough for everyone except those who are fans of a certain NFL team.

“Lake Tahoe Bleu Wave” cruises through the calm waters of the Tahoe Keys before getting out on the open lake. Guests sip on complimentary coffee and hot chocolate and Captain Avila shares interesting littleknown facts about Lake Tahoe.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Kayla Anderson went

on the cruise for this story shortly before the shutdown in March 2020 and photographs are from that trip.

Captain Avila points out a bald eagle sitting high in a tree next to a nest that’s at least 3 feet wide; it’s an incredible sight and everyone goes to the bow to get a closer look.

As we leisurely cruise toward Mount Tallac and Baldwin Beach through glassy waters, a family from the Midwest goes to the bow of the boat and takes in the mountains serenely reflected in the grayish-blue lake.

“In the late 1880s, Lucky Baldwin had a casino that he disguised as a health spa so that it would pass inspections. He had a 12-piece orchestra play every day, all day.

Lucky offered $3,000 cash to anyone who could not catch a fish within 3 minutes, a tough feat it being so close to Taylor Creek, but then he took away the bounty when they built Highway 89 and a lot more traffic started coming through,” says Captain Availa as we cruise toward Emerald Bay. “It is soooo beautiful,” I overhear a woman say.

Captain Avila has been a boat captain on Lake Tahoe since 2008 after he earned his captain’s license and moved to South Lake Tahoe to guide the “Tahoe Queen.”

“Lake Tahoe Bleu Wave” has been around for about 15 years when the former Caesar’s Palace Lake Tahoe bought it as 8

an amenity to offer to members of its high rollers club. MontBleu Resort Casino bought it from the previous casino owners and kept it for about a year before selling it to private owners in late 2007. The yacht has been around the world twice before settling in Lake Tahoe.

Captain Avila points out a bald eagle sitting high in a tree next to a nest that’s at least 3 feet wide. The regal bird is an incredible sight, and everyone goes to the bow with their cameras to get a closer look. It stays in the same spot for a while as Captain Avila gets “Lake Tahoe Bleu Wave” as close as he can for a better view.

About an hour later after sailing into Emerald Bay, “Lake Tahoe Bleu Wave” ventures into Rubicon where we will spot two more bald eagles and an osprey — it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be able to see three bald eagles in one day.

Before I know it, we are back in the Tahoe Keys, the two hours went by in the

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The first bald eagle that we saw on the top of a tall bare-branched tree; Cruising south, back to Tahoe Keys; The main cabin; Captain Avila from the top deck helm.

blink of an eye. As Captain Avila whips the yacht effortlessly around the tight cove and gets it right up next to the dock, passengers disembark “Lake Tahoe Bleu Wave” with smiles on their faces – it was money well spent for a day on the lake.

“Lake Tahoe Bleu Wave” offers cruises on Lake Tahoe year-round, weather conditions permitting. | (775) 588-9283, tahoebleuwave.com 

February 10-March 9, 2021 GET OUTSIDE

Tahoe

DOWNHILL SKI GUIDE

20th annual

downhill ski guide

Find a full

winter 2020-21

BY K AT H E R I N E E .

HILL

Courtesy Squaw Valley Alpine

Meadows

EVENT CALENDAR

at TheTahoeWeekly.com Events are subject to change & cancellation; always check in advance for current schedules.

Ski resorts will be open biathlon

nordic skiing

cat skiing

childcare

back-country access

tubing & sledding

military discount

Courtesy LTCC

scenic gondola

LTCC Nordic Center opens The LTCC Nordic Center has opened for the winter, with trails groomed at Lake Tahoe Community College two to three times a week for both classic and skate. Five to 7 kilometers of trails will be maintained and groomed. Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com to read our 2020-21 Nordic Ski & Snowshoe Guide.

Day passes are $5 or $29 for the season, with family and couple passes also available. Purchase passes at ltcc.asapconnected.com. For grooming information, visit ltccnordiccenter.weebly.com.

night skiing

utv tours

ice skating

fat tire biking

mini snowmobiling

roller coaster

snow shoeing

EXCLUSIVE CONTENT AT

TheTahoeWeekly.com Check out the 2020-21 Tahoe Downhill Ski & Nordic Ski guides

face masks required

Wildfire home guide released

WEEKEND GROUP LESSON PACKAGES TICKET. RENTAL. LESSON. ONE AWESOME RATE.

The Tahoe Network of Fire Adapted Communities has released its “Wildfire Home Retrofit Guide: How to Harden Homes for Wildfire” available for free download online.

The guide includes detailed recommendations on how to retrofit homes to withstand wildfire. Each section contains an explanation of how every home component is vulnerable to wildfire and what can be done to improve that component. Along with the guide, recordings of virtual workshops on wildfire home retrofitting are available online. | tahoelivingwithfire.com

THE BEST PLACE TO BEGIN Group Lessons Start at $145 for Kids 7-12, $169 for Ages 13+

Includes Lift Ticket, Rental Gear + Two-Hour Lesson With a Certified and Professional Instructor

SKIING SAFELY THIS SEASON Fun + Small Group Lessons

Uncrowded Slopes Pre-Purchase Tickets, Rentals + Lessons Masks + Physical Distancing Required

RESERVE YOUR ADVENTURE AT TAHOEDONNER.COM/DOWNHILL

9

TheTahoeWeekly.com

Nevada Nordic BRINGING CROSS-COUNTRY S K I A R E AS BAC K TO N E VA DA S TO RY BY T I M H AU S E R M A N

Boating fees to increase The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Governing Board has approved an increase to Lake Tahoe watercraft inspection fees and added enhancements to make inspections more convenient.

There will be no increases for Tahoe Only boat inspections. An optional appointment system will be available for a $15 convenience fee. Visit the website for a list of all fees.

N

evada Nordic has something that every other cross-country skiing venue around Lake Tahoe doesn’t have: A base elevation of 8,200 feet, which is where the snow really comes down. Other Tahoe region cross-country ski areas are all located at least 1,000 feet lower, which given Tahoe’s weather patterns means a lot less snow.

The Nevada Nordic operates two trails systems. The primary one is situated just below Tahoe Meadows on the Mt. Rose Highway above Incline Village and have been regularly groomed since late November. I’ve skied up there several times as of this writing and found the trails provide an awesome skiing experience. They also operate a trail system at Spooner Lake State Park on the East Shore.

The Mt. Rose trail system, groomed for both skating and striding, heads up the Old Mt. Rose Highway, a decommissioned road that parallels the current Mt. Rose Highway. It’s about a kilometer and a half of steady uphill to the top but will feel longer since the air is pretty dang thin at 8,000 feet. I’m still in search of one of my lungs that I left on the trail. Give those lungs a break and stop along the way to look over the lodgepole pines to the north, toward Relay Peak, which is the highest point on the entire Tahoe Rim Trail. You can also get another breather at an opening that dishes out a nice glimpse of Lake Tahoe to the southwest.

About two-thirds of the way up the hill, you reach a loop to your right. It’s a fun trail that provides a pretty steep up and down that is suited to intermediate and above skiers. I prefer saving this trail for the end, once you’ve already conquered the biggest climb, so I keep plodding up the main trail to an open area where you meet a junction and a chance to relax. Here you find a series of four small loop trails that wind through the recently thinned forest. They are all pretty similar, less than a kilometer each, and suitable to most skiers: a bit of uphill followed by a bit of downhill. It’s beautiful and sunny in the scattered forest with occasional glimpses of the surrounding peaks.

10

ABOVE: Skiing the trails off Mt. Rose Highway.

On a recent outing, I skied all of the trails, including those little loops twice, and came in at 12.5 kilometers of skiing.

Certainly, a long enough ski for an early season romp for a strong skate skier and a tiring morning for a beginner.

There is no lodge at Nevada Nordic.

The ski area is operated through the nonprofit Nevada Nordic organization on a -donation basis. The trails are groomed several times a week. Get the latest updates on grooming on the website or Facebook page.

You can make a donation at nevada-nordic. org. I’m guessing that the more folks donate, the more often they can afford to groom.

“We’re hoping to add more loops this winter as conditions permit,” said Nevada Nordic Board Member Peter Hanson. Nevada Nordic also has ambitious long-range hopes to build a cross-country ski lodge with offhighway parking near where the current trail system is operating.

“If, no when, that happens, we’d groom daily and require a trail pass,” said Hanson.

Since Spooner Lake Cross Country Ski Area closed nine years ago there has not been a true cross-country ski area in Nevada. Nevada Nordic would like to change that sad reality by building a lodge, as well as instituting programs for elementary and high school kids that would support both Incline Village and Reno-area schools.

To get to the Nevada Nordic trail system, take the Mt. Rose Highway (Highway 431), about 5 miles from Incline Village going toward Reno. Just past the 8,000-foot elevation sign you will see a pull out to the right, which is just before the road takes a right turn. Park here and walk along the road about 100 yards to the trailhead on your right behind the grooming machine. Looking to avoid that big climb? You can keep driving to just

| Tim Hauserman; BELOW: Skiing at Spooner Lake State Park. | Courtesy Spooner Lake State Park

before reaching Tahoe Meadows and park along the road on the right. Then head into the forest to the south and soon you will reach the trail network.

The trails at Mt. Rose are open to snowshoers, fat bikes and leashed dogs; please stay off the tracks. Pack out all trash.

SPOONER LAKE TRAILS Nevada Nordic also recently started grooming the trails at Spooner Lake Tahoe Park on the East Shore.

The 5 km system of meandering trails

An inspection station will return to Alpine Meadows and no inspections will be conducted at the Truckee Tahoe Airport.

The Spooner Summit, Nev., and Meyers stations are expected to open as usual.

During winter operations, inspection services are only available at Cave Rock Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park on the East Shore and Lake Forest in Tahoe City.

Boats need to be clean, drained and dry to help protect the lakes of the region and to speed up the inspection process.

Since inspections began 12 years ago, there have been no new invasive species detected in Lake Tahoe and hundreds of boats carrying invasive species have been intercepted and decontaminated before launch. In 2020, the number of intercepted boats doubled over the prior year. | tahoeboatinspections.com

Diamond Cut video competition open wind through dense forest, across an open meadow and along the banks of Spooner Lake. The trail system is made possible by a partnership between Nevada State Parks and Nevada Nordic.

The scenic, intermediate trail includes varied flat and rolling terrain, which makes it great for both families and experienced skiers.

There is a $10 parking fee to use the trails at Spooner Lake State Park. Dogs are allowed on leash only but should stay off the groomed trails.

For updates on grooming at Mt. Rose and Spooner Lake, visit the website or Facebook. | InclineMeadowsXC on Facebook, nevadanordic.org 

Diamond Peak’s video edit contest is back for a third year is open to submissions until March 15. Categories are open for All Mountain, Terrain Park, Grom for ages 15 years old and younger, Mini-Grom for ages 6 and younger, and Viewers’ Choice Award.

Videos that feature Diamond Peak logos or signature views or features will have a better chance of being chosen, according to the contest rules. Also, be sure to use royalty-free music.

Two minutes is the maximum length for videos but shorter is often better, according to the guidelines. | diamondpeak.com

February 10-March 9, 2021 GET OUTSIDE

Ice Skating & Tubing EXCLUSIVE CONTENT AT

TheTahoeWeekly.com Find more family-friendly activities to enjoy.

ICE SKATING

HANSEN’S RESORT

EDGEWOOD TAHOE

400-foot-long groomed tube run on Ski Run Blvd. First-come, first-served.

Chris Bartkowski | Homewood Mountain Resort

MASKS ARE REQUIRED & MOST LOCATIONS REQUIRE RESERVATIONS.

(530) 544-3361 | hansensresort.com

(888) 769-1924 | edgewoodtahoe.com Open air rink. Rentals available. Open until April 18.

HEAVENLY VILLAGE

(530) 542-4230 | theshopsatheavenly.com Open air rink. South Tahoe

HEAVENLY

skiheavenly.com Tubing at top of gondola with four lanes. Opening TBD

KAHLE PARK

NORTHSTAR

(530) 562-1010 | northstarcalifornia.com Open air rink. Free access. TART

(775) 586-7271 | douglascountynv.gov Off Highway 207. Bring equipment. South Tahoe

SAWMILL POND

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

On Lake Tahoe Blvd. Bring equipment. South Tahoe

(530) 542-6262 | cityofslt.com Indoor facility open year-round. South Tahoe

SIERRA-AT-TAHOE

TAHOE CITY WINTER SPORTS PARK

Blizzard Mountain offers two lift-accessible snow tubing lanes, snow play and sledding area. Opening TBD

(530) 583-1516 | wintersportspark.com Ice skating & rentals. Clubhouse. TART

(530) 659-7453 | sierraattahoe.com

TAHOE SNOWMOBILE TUBING

TRUCKEE

(530) 542-3294 | tahoesnowmobiles.com

(530) 582-7720 | tdrpd.com

Two locations at Tahoe Paradise & Stateline, Nev. Reserve online.

At Truckee River Regional Park. Skate rentals, broomball leagues, ice dancing & hockey lessons. Skate rentals & season passes available. TART

TAYLOR CREEK (530) 543-2600

Highway 89, north of Camp Richardson Road. Bring equipment.* South Tahoe

SLEDDING & TUBING

TUBETAHOE

OPEN AS CONDITIONS PERMIT.

(530) 600-2304 | tubetahoe.com 500 feet of machine-groomed tubing lanes in Meyers.

Equipment provided. South Tahoe

EAST SHORE

SPOONER LAKE (775) 831-0494

State park open for general snow play. Bring equipment.

Parking fee.

TRUCKEE & BEYOND

BOREAL MOUNTAIN rideboreal.com

CARSON PASS

Tubing open to everyone 42” and taller; smaller children are limited to snow play area only. Personal sleds not permitted.

Night sessions available. Reserve online.

Highway 88 near Carson Pass. Bring equipment.*

DONNER SKI RANCH

HOPE VALLEY

Tubing hills with moving carpet.

HOPE VALLEY AREA

(209) 295-4251

(775) 882-2766

DONNER SUMMIT

MEISS MEADOW

South side of I-80, Castle Peak exit. Bring equipment.*

Highway 88 near Carson Pass. Bring equipment.*

NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA

MOUNT ROSE

Closed for the 2020-21 season. TART

(530) 546-0605 | northtahoeparks.com End of National Avenue off Hwy 28. Rentals not available this season. TART

TAHOE CITY WINTER SPORTS PARK (530) 583-1516 | wintersportspark.com

Sledding & cross-country trails. Rentals available. Clubhouse. Reserve online. TART

Workshops include Introduction to Backcountry Skiing/Riding, Private Backcountry Touring, AIARE Level 1 and Level 2 avalanche courses, and guided snowcat tours. | skihomewood.com

(530) 427-5090 | kingvaleresort.com

Snow Play Area on Fairway Blvd., next to the Chateau, on the driving range. Bring equipment.

NORTH TAHOE REGIONAL PARK

“As more and more people venture into the uncontrolled, unpatrolled back country, we recognize there is an increased need for educational opportunities so they can be prepared to make good decisions and know how to evaluate both the snowpack and terrain,” said Kevin Mitchell, general manager of Homewood Mountain Resort, in a press release. “The new courses we’ve introduced are a natural extension of our Snowcat Adventure offering and a next step for advanced skiers and riders who intend to spend time exploring the backcountry.”

KINGVALE RESORT

INCLINE VILLAGE

Near the Mount Rose summit, enjoy sledding in Tahoe Meadows off Highway 431. Bring equipment.

Homewood Mountain Resort has expanding its learning opportunities and is now backcountry workshops including avalanche safety courses and sessions for experienced back-country enthusiasts in partnership with NASTC and the U.S. Forest Service.

(530) 587-3558

Snow park open Friday-Monday. Bring sleds. Plastic sleds available to buy. Tubes not allowed. Parking & snow park fee, cash only.

NORTH SHORE

back-country workshops

donnerskiranch.com

Highway 88 at Blue Lakes Road. Bring equipment.*

(209) 295-4251

Homewood adds

northstarcalifornia.com

SODA SPRINGS

skisodasprings.com Mountain Adventure offers kids tubing carousel, all-age tubing, Snow Jeep rides, Start Park, snow play area and mini snowmobiles. Reserve online.

TAHOE DONNER

(530) 587-9437 | tahoedonner.com At Trout Creek Recreation Ctr. No personal sleds. Reserve online.

YUBA PASS

(530) 994-3401 Highway 49 at Yuba Pass. Bring equipment.*

OLYMPIC VALLEY

SQUAW VALLEY

(530) 452-4511 | squawalpine.com

WEST SHORE

Tubing area. TART

BLACKWOOD CANYON

SQUAW VALLEY PARK placer.ca.gov

Snowplay area off Hwy. 89, 3 miles south of Tahoe City.

Bring equipment.*

Free snowplay area. Free parking to access cleared walking paths in Olympic Valley to Tahoe City. Bring equipment. TART

GRANLIBAKKEN

(530) 543-2600

(530) 581-7533 | granlibakken.com Machine-groomed snow play area; no tubes or toboggans allowed. All ages. Reserve online.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

ADVENTURE MOUNTAIN

(530) 659-7217 | adventuremountaintahoe.com

HOMEWOOD ADVENTURE CENTER

On top of Echo Summit with machine-groomed sledding, tubing & snowplay. First-come, first-served.

(530) 525-2992 | skihomewood.com

At Homewood Mountain Resort with Magic Carpet. Reserve online.

ECHO LAKE

TAHOE CITY

(530) 644-2324 Highway 50 at Echo Lake Road. Bring equipment.*

Gentle slope on Highway 89 South, one-eighth mile south of the wye. Bring equipment. TART

ALL ACTIVITIES ARE WEATHER DEPENDENT. * Sno-park permits required. Go to ohv.parks.ca.gov/snoparks or find locations at (916) 324-1222.

BUS & SHUTTLE SCHEDULES

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

11

TheTahoeWeekly.com

Bryan Hanson | Tahoe Institute for Natural Science

Snow Trails

SKI TOURING, SNOWSHOEING & SNOWMOBILING Explore more snow trails at TheTahoeWeekly.com. Click on the Winter tab under the Get Outside menu. See the Events calendar for guided snowshoe treks.

TRUCKEE

CABIN CREEK TRAIL Easy to moderate

Marked route follows old logging roads and Cabin Creek Road for 3 to 6 miles. The terrain has gentle, rolling slopes.

Cabin Creek Road south of Truckee on Highway 89. The unmarked trailhead is 1 mile from the highway. Limited parking is available in a road cut, when plowed.

DONNER MEMORIAL STATE PARK Easy | (530) 582-7892 or parks.ca.gov

The park is mostly flat and open year-round. Skiers can enjoy the forests and boulder fields, glide down to the lake and meander through the park. Unmarked, 9.6-km, skier-packed trail starting near the Emigrant Trail Museum.

For the more adventuresome, glide over the hills into Coldstream Canyon. Parking fee. TART

LITTLE TRUCKEE SUMMIT

Easy to advanced | (530) 994-3401 or fs.usda.gov Marked routes with 110 miles of groomed trails follow roads to Webber Lake and Yuba Pass, Rim and Ridge Loops, Bald Ridge Loop and Treasure Mountain, Pass Creek Loop, Independence Lake Loop, Meadow Lake Loop and Jackson Meadow. Trailhead at Jackson Meadow Road, 14 miles north of Truckee on Highway 89. Overnight camping OK in parking area. Heavy use.*

PETER GRUBB HUT & CASTLE PEAK

Moderate to advanced | clairtappaanlodge.com A marked Nordic ski trail begins at the Castle Peak/Boreal interchange on Donner Summit off Interstate 80, west of Truckee. Take the Castle Peak exit and follow it for one-quarter mile to the intersection for the trailhead to the north. Follow unmarked trail to Peter Grubb Hut. Overnight parking available at the Sno-Park*. For overnight stays at the hut, call (530) 426-3632 for reservations.

POLE CREEK TRAIL SYSTEM Easy to strenuous

Unmarked trails follow roads along Pole Creek and Silver Creek Drainages. Trailhead 6 miles south of Truckee on Highway 89. Some parking on west side of highway.

TAHOE MEADOWS Easy to advanced

On Mount Rose high above Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Meadows offers an expansive area where skiers can stretch their legs. Head up Highway 431 from Incline Village until you reach the meadows before the summit. South side designated for skiers and snowshoers, while the north side is designated for snowmobilers. Heavy weekend use.

WEST SHORE

BLACKWOOD CANYON Easy to advanced

The meadows in Blackwood Canyon offer a great place to get into the wilderness off Highway 89 on the West Shore. Follow Highway 89 south from Tahoe City and park at the Kaspian Recreation Area. Skiers can glide along the road (not plowed) or through the meadows. Snowmobilers should follow the road about 2.5 miles, then take a left across the bridge and continue up Barker Pass Road to large open areas, steep bowls and many roads.

Limited parking.*

MEEKS MEADOWS Easy | fs.usda.gov

Meeks Meadows on the West Shore off Highway 89 offers a vast area to ski. The trailhead is across from the Meeks Bay Fire Station; look for the log cabin with red trim. Follow the U.S. Forest Service road or meander through the meadow and down to Meeks Creek.

SUGAR PINE POINT STATE PARK

Easy to moderate | (530) 525-7982 or parks.ca.gov The Ed Z’berg/Sugar Pine Point State Park is a spectacular spot to cross-country ski or snowshoe among the dense forests of the West Shore or along Lake Tahoe’s shores.

The park offers more than 18 km of marked ski trails. Three groomed trails begin at the campground, 9 miles south of Tahoe City, with two skier-packed trails on the lake side of the park, accessed from the Day Use entrance. Winter camping available. Guided tours and programs. Parking fee. TART

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

SAGEHEN SUMMIT

HOPE VALLEY

An unmarked route follows the road to the creek bottom.

Lateral roads offer many side trips. Trailhead at Sagehen Summit on the west side of Highway 89, 8 miles north of Truckee. Limited parking.

Sno-park on the south side of Highway 88 at Blue Lakes Road. Much of Hope Valley is open to snowmobiling, but some areas are not; stay in designated areas. Ungroomed routes to Willow Creek (8.5 miles) and Tamarack Lake (1 mile) and groomed routes to Blue Lakes (11.5 miles) and Forestdale (3.5 miles). Stage from Hope Valley Sno-Park.*

Easy to moderate

CISCO GROVE

Easy to moderate

RATTLESNAKE

TAYLOR CREEK

Steep canyon and side slopes at lower end of trail with 7 miles of groomed access. Upper elevations feature ridges and bowls. Route follows Rattlesnake Road to Magonigal Summit. Trailhead at Cisco Grove exit north off Interstate 80.*

Developed for beginners, this well-marked series of trails allows skiers to explore the area. Terrain is mostly flat and is good for the entire family. Take Highway 89 to Cathedral Road and park in the Sno-Park. Marked trails start at the parking lot with three trails near Fallen Leaf Lake. On the lake side of Highway 89, follow the road to access the Tallac Historic Trail.*

Easy to advanced

NORTH SHORE

BROCKWAY SUMMIT & MARTIS PEAK Easy to advanced

Brockway Summit off Highway 267 offers an abundance of areas to ski with turnouts on both sides of the highway where Nordic skiers and snowshoers can follow logging and utility roads. For snowmobilers, the best access and limited parking about one-quarter mile north of Brockway Summit below the top of Highway 267 on the Truckee side.

No groomed trails, but many old lumber roads exist. Take a good map, as it’s easy to become turned around.

PAGE MEADOWS Easy to moderate

Ski or snowshoe along an old road that meanders through a forest and into a cluster of meadows. Take Highway 89 south from Tahoe City, then turn right on Pine Avenue and right on Tahoe Park Heights Road. At the crest of the hill, take the middle fork, which becomes Big Pine Road, then take a left on Silver Tip. The parking area is at the top of the road.

Easy | (530) 573-2600 or fs.usda.gov

LOST SIERRA

YUBA PASS

Easy to advanced | fs.usda.gov The route north from Yuba Pass off Highway 49 is popular for snowmobilers, and shares the trail system with Nordic skiers for the first mile before branching off. For skiers and snowshoers, the route goes north for 2 miles with views of the Sierra Valley, then leads west for 1 mile and rejoins the snowmobile trail. For a short loop, go south (a left) on the snowmobile route back to Yuba Pass.

Alternately, you can continue west through a meadow for 1.5 miles, then head south (a left) onto the Lunch Creek Ski Trail 1.25 miles, then north (a left) on 3 Knobs Trail for 1.5 miles. 3 Knobs Trail ends back at the snowmobile trail. Snowmobilers can head north from the branch 1 mile in and travel through Gold Lake Highway. Then, head south to Bassett’s or north to Gold Lake. This route offers a variety of terrain and beautiful views of the Sierra Buttes and the Lakes Basin. More than 100 miles of trails. Take Highway 89 north of Truckee, and then take Highway 49 to Yuba Pass. Trailhead parking is 6 miles east of Bassett’s Station.*

* SNO-PARK PERMIT REQUIRED; (916) 324-1222 OR OHV.PARKS.CA.GOV/SNOPARKS.

12

Salmonella outbreak in finches The Tahoe Institute for Natural Science and Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care are asking the public to be on the lookout for sick or dead finches associated with bird feeders, according to a press release.

Finches across the Western states are dying from an outbreak of salmonellosis, a common and often fatal bird disease caused by the salmonella bacteria. The problem appears to be especially bad along coastal Northern California, Oregon and Washington, with reports of many sick and dying birds. Most affected by salmonellosis are Pine Siskins, but Lesser Goldfinch and other finch species can fall victim to salmonellosis, as well. In recent weeks, dead siskins also have been found in backyards in the Carson Valley and Truckee.

The bacteria are spread through droppings, and where bird seed piles up beneath feeders, or in tray feeders where the birds can simply stand among the seeds, droppings can accumulate in the seed itself.

Members of the public can help to stop the spread of salmonellosis by discontinuing backyard bird feeding through February, to encourage these birds to disperse and forage naturally. Bird feeders also attract bears and other wildlife.

For those who continue to feed birds, keep an eye out for signs of visibly sick or dying birds, and remove and thoroughly clean feeders immediately, leaving them down for several weeks. Pine Siskins often can be tame, but sick siskins will be exceedingly so, and appear lethargic, puffed up, and often show sunken eyes.

Tube feeders and thistle socks may have reduced risk of transmission, but it is highly recommended that any feeders be cleaned regularly: any time the feeder is refilled, but at least once a week. Effective feeder cleaning involves soaking feeders in a 10 percent bleach solution, scrubbing, rinsing and allowing them to dry. Many birdlovers elect to maintain duplicate feeders, so that they can deploy a fresh feeder while the other is being cleaned.

Given the widespread and lethal impacts of this outbreak, tray feeders should not be used at this time.

Note that it is possible, although quite rare, for salmonella bacteria to transfer from birds to humans through direct contact with infected birds or droppings. When handling dead birds or bird feeders, remember to wash hands thoroughly afterward.

Report any dead or visibly sick finches to either LTWC at (530) 577-2273 or TINS at (775) 298-0060.

42 Bald Eagles in Tahoe

The Tahoe Institute of Natural Science reports that a record number of 42 Bald Eagles were spotted during its annual survey in the Tahoe Basin held in January, according to a press release. The previous high was 27 set in 2017. Approximately 200 volunteers also turned out for the event, double of last year’s number, which TINS notes is a factor in the accuracy of this year’s count.

“Based on reports of sightings from recent weeks we expected to see quite a few eagles during the count, but this total was surprising.” said TINS outreach director Sarah Hockensmith in the release..

“As always, our tally is based on careful examination of the timing of movements of individual birds from one station to the next, and we believe we have a conservative and accurate tally for the day.” | tinsweb.org

Jason Thompson | Alpenglow Sports

February 10-March 9, 2021 GET OUTSIDE

Vasu Sojitra talks Ninjasticking The Alpenglow Sports Winter Speaker Series presents Vasu Sojitra on Feb. 25 in its final event of the season in virtual format.

For 28 years, Sojitra has navigated life with one leg, an amputation that occurred when he was only 9 months old. Now 29, Vasu is one of the top adaptive athletes and back-country skiers in the world and is known for putting down First Disabled Descents.

However, that’s not where he stops. His true passion lies in making the outdoors accessible to all. He has coined his approach to back-country skiing as ninjasticking and uses this to bring intersectionality to the outdoor space. Sojitra’s show will

look at this intersectionality in-depth, and how reclaiming and breaking down stigmas that come with a disability can change how transformation of outdoor spaces are viewed, welcomed and celebrated.

All shows are free of charge and all ages are welcome.

As well, previous programs are available online to stream.

Proceeds from Sojitra’s show will benefit the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science. The program will be aired live at 7 p.m. or may be watched later but registration is required for either option. | alpenglowsports.com

BE A DRIVING FORCE

FOR TAHOE

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New microplastics

Tahoe Rim Trail hikes, camps return

The Tahoe Rim Trail Association will be offering its Thru-Hike Program, Taste of the TRT and Youth Backcountry Camps this summer. All of the programs will fill up fast.

The Thru-Hike Program is a guided hike on the Tahoe Rim Trail and includes water drops, resupplies, meals and more. Registration opens March 3 at 10 a.m.

The Youth Backcountry Camp program also returns this summer with pandemic protocols and an improved naturalist-themed curriculum with four camps offered. These four-day backpacking trips, led by instructors from the Tahoe Rim Trail Association and the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science, promote kids’ connection with the natural world through learning, observing and identifying the beauty that makes up the Tahoe back-country. Registration will open on March 10 at 10 a.m. Partial and full scholarships are available.

The Taste of the TRT breaks up tackling the trail into 4- and 5-day guided backpacking trips that tackle a quarter of the trail at a time. The programs offer backpackers a supported, guided experience on the Tahoe Rim Trail. Registration opens March 17. | tahoerimtrail.org

Courtesy Snowfest

Courtesy Tahoe Rim Trail

Watch a virtual tour of the new exhibit at TheTahoeWeekly.com

exhibit installed A new exhibit called “Tahoe’s Plastic Problem” has been installed at the UC Davis Tahoe Science Center in Incline Village, Nev. The exhibit explores plastic pollution at Lake Tahoe through a series of wall panels and hands-on activities.

While the exhibit is currently closed to the public, a virtual tour of the exhibit is available at UC Davis Tahoe on YouTube.

Starting with “A Day at the Beach,” see a beach-goer with multiple single-use plastic products. Follow those plastic items as they break apart into smaller and smaller pieces, known as microplastics. Engage with hands-on activities to investigate different sizes of plastic and learn about the impacts on the environment. These science activities model the same methods used to conduct microplastics research by UC Davis TERC. This exhibit and microplastic research were funded by a grant from the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection.

Microplastic outreach led by the TERC education team includes local high school education programs, a project with local Raley’s stores and the Tahoe Water Suppliers “Drink Tahoe Tap” campaign. This campaign aims to reduce single-use plastic in the region.

To learn more about microplastics, visit the TERC website or drinktahoetap.org. | tahoe.ucdavis.edu, youtube.com - Elise Matera, TERC

Truckee

clears snow from paved trails The Town of Truckee expanding snow removal on paved trails throughout the town to increase access to the outdoors in the winter.

Snowfest to host app-based event

The popular 10-day winter festival Snowfest is changing its events this year due to the pandemic to provide a safe, fun activity for locals and visitors with Snowfest Freeze. The app-based event will feature a variety of fun virtual events and challenges that families, individuals and Covid-safe groups can complete on their own time. The challenge goes live on Feb. 26.

Teams can register online for $35 to participate in the challenges using the Goosechase app. Snowfest Freeze supports local nonprofits, public programs, student organizations and educational scholarships. Teams can be from one to six members. | Register tahoesnowfest.org

In January, the Town Council authorized the Public Works Department to start doing snow removal on privately-maintained paved trails on a trial basis.

This includes snow removal on the trails in Gray’s Crossing, Pioneer Trail, Comstock Drive and Brockway Road.

While maintenance of these trails is the responsibility of various homeowner associations, businesses and private property owners, snow removal services will be provided by the Town for the remainder of the winter.

Snow removal on town-maintained trails (such as the Truckee River Legacy Trail and Trout Creek Trail) will still be given priority and service levels on those trails should not be affected.

Truckee 511 maps and tracks the move-

ment of Town sand trucks and snow removal equipment on town-maintained roads, trails and sidewalks. | 511portal. com/truckee

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February 10-March 9, 2021 GET OUTSIDE

Winter Paved Walking Paths

Winter Fun Everyone! for

DOGS OK

BOOT-PACKED PATH

PLOWED PATH

BIKES OK

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

PAVED MULTIUSE TRAILS CHECK CONDITIONS AT TAHOEBIKE.ORG.

• Keep dogs leashed • Pedestrians must yield to bikes • Don’t stop on the trail; move to the side • E-bikes allowed on most paths; check in advance • Cyclists call out when passing pedestrians • Limited service in winter. Pack out all trash, including dog waste bags.

OLYMPIC VALLEY

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

SLEDDING · CROSS COUNTRY SKIING SNOWSHOEING · ICE SKATING

AL TAHOE BOULEVARD Easy | 3.2 miles RT Connections Lake Tahoe Boulevard (Highway 50) and Pioneer Trail with access to Lake Tahoe Community College.

EAST SHORE

EAST SHORE TRAIL Easy-moderate | 6 miles RT | tahoefund.org Runs along Lake Tahoe and connects to Hwy. 28 from south end of Incline Village, Nev., to Sand Harbor State Park. Parking near Ponderosa Ranch Road. Electric assist OK. Paid parking. TART NORTH SHORE

CAMP RICHARDSON BIKE PATH Easy | 6 miles RT The trail parallels State Route 89 (Emerald Bay Road) for more than 3 miles, offering access to a number of local historic and recreational amenities. Limited parking.

SAWMILL TO MEYERS

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

Access to shopping and parks. Paved between both intersections of Southwood Blvd. Boot packed between east intersection of Southwood Blvd. and Country Club Drive. TART

LAKESHORE BOULEVARD

Easy | 7 miles RT Section cleared along Sawmill Road starting at Lake Tahoe Boulevard then connects to run along Highway 89 to Meyers ending at Luther Pass Road.

SIERRA BOULEVARD Easy | 1.2 miles RT Connects from Lake Tahoe Boulevard to Barbara Avenue.

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

SKI RUN BOULEVARD

NATIONAL AVENUE

Easy | 7 miles RT | cityofslt.us Follow the bike trail along South Shore, with sections along Lakeview Commons, Reagan Beach and playgrounds. Public parking at Parks and Recreation lot on Rufus Allen Boulevard.

Easy | 1.8 miles RT Starts on shore of Lake Tahoe at Tahoe Vista Recreation Area and continues up National Avenue past Grey Lane.

Parking at Tahoe Vista Recreation Area. TART

PINE DROP TRAIL Easy | 3 miles RT | northtahoeparks.com Located at North Tahoe Regional Park the trail connects to to Pinedrop Lane off Highway 267. Parking fee.

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

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

Easy | 1.2 miles RT Connects from Lake Tahoe Boulevard to Pioneer Trail.

SOUTH SHORE BIKE PATH

TRUCKEE

DONNER PASS ROAD Easy | 5.4 miles RT Runs through the heart of the town of Truckee from the west end to historic downtown Truckee.

DONNER PASS ROAD TO MOUSEHOLE

ADVANCE RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR THE ‘20-21 SEASON

RESERVE ONLINE AT

TCPUD.ORG/WINTER No walk-ups will be permitted.

Face mask/covering is required at the park this season.

Visit tcpud.org/winter for more Know Before You Go tips, details on sessions, health and safety protocols, season passes, and reservations.

Easy | 1.8 miles RT Runs along Highway 89 connecting Donner Pass Road to the Mousehole.

JOEGER DRIVE Easy | 1.2 miles RT Connects from Soaring Way and runs along Joeger Drive to River View Sports Park.

STEVENS LANE TO ALDER DRIVE Easy | 2 miles RT Runs from Stevens Lane along Donner Pass Road, turns down Rue Ivy to connect to Alder Drive. Park at U.S. Forest Service office on Stevens Lane.

TROUT CREEK TRAIL Moderate | 3 miles RT Wooded path from Trout Creek Park (paid parking) in downtown Truckee to Northwoods Boulevard (parking free).

WEST SHORE

TAHOE CITY TO MEEKS BAY Moderate | 25+ miles RT | tcpud.org Mostly separate from the highway, the trail includes a few miles of highway shoulder and residential streets.

Terrain is varied with a few steep sections. Access to picnicking, beaches and playgrounds. Public parking at 64 Acres. Electric assist OK. Boot-packed only starting at Timberland. TART

TRUCKEE LEGACY TRAIL Easy | 10 miles RT | tdrpd.org Stretches from downtown Truckee to Truckee River Regional Park, River View Sports Park and Glenshire.

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

BUS & SHUTTLE SCHEDULES

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

530.583.1516 251 NORTH LAKE BLVD. TAHOE CITY 15

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Aquarius (Jan 19-Feb 19)

You have probably noticed over the past several weeks that you have begun new projects and initiated a new round of self-expression. Somehow, what is unfolding is serving to shake things up close to home.

While it is quite possible that you yourself feel shaken and stressed out by circumstances, it is quite possible that it is having a positive influence as well. Look for the silver linings.

Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20)

Many new realizations are entering your consciousness. Despite the fact that this Aquarius stellium is occurring in your solar 12th house which is symbolic of the subconscious mind, for you it will likely prove very conscious because Pisces ‘owns’ this house. Yet, it is probably best that you avoid starting large new projects and redirect your attention to any started in the past yet not yet completed.

Cancer (Jun 21-Jul 22)

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FIRE

Horoscopes Puzzles

Aries (Mar 21-Apr 20)

Several deep theme cycles have been activated over the past couple of months and this New Moon is the next one. In fact, it may prove to be the final fuse that ignites all of the others into their full process and expression. A wise question to ask is: How can I participate cooperatively and consciously?

Leo (Jul 22-Aug 23)

Are you ready for a renewed sense of commitment to build your dreams? You are in luck be-cause that is the theme that this New Moon stellium is germinating. The gestation process will require you to pay your dues. Making key investments will require a learning process and paying closer attention to the details.

Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22)

It is likely that you have been increasingly aware and committed to creating a healthy lifestyle.

Changes in your diet, taking more vitamin and mineral supplements, improving your attitude, getting more organized and clearing the clutter are all examples. The impulse to take this commitment to the next level has been activated by this New Moon.

Libra (Sep 22-Oct 22)

A creative impulse has been growing steadily these past weeks. You may find yourself buying art supplies and outlining designs and plans for creative projects or perhaps the time has come to write that book… This Aquarian influence will support you to take this inspiration to a whole new level.

You are in a bold, visionary and revolutionary mood, thanks to this historic Aquarius New Moon.

Somehow, circumstances are guiding you to ‘bring it down to earth’. This could be a call to find your voice, to get real or perhaps to follow through on realizations or ideas that have been percolating for a long time...

Expect this impulse to really kick in on the 14th.

Taurus (Apr 20-May 21)

Scorpio (Oct 22-Nov 21)

Saturn in your solar 4th house all on its own can prove lonely, burdensome and intimidating. Yet, you are fortunate to have five friends with you currently.

Do express your appreciation and do not lean on them, though, as they will leave one by one over the coming weeks and months. Make the most of this fellowship by receiving the gifts they each have to offer.

If the changes predicted for you in your public and professional life over the past weeks and months have not become apparent yet, they are likely to very soon. This New Moon seed in your solar career house will activate your dreams, as well. Hopefully these will not be experienced as nightmares. This is a call to advance and do not look back. Build for the future.

Gemini (May 21-Jun 21)

Sagittarius (Nov 21-Dec 21)

Aquarius is the sign of illumination and awakening in your 3rd house of perceptions and interpretations; you may already be noticing a new level of aware-ness. This New Moon will contribute to a steady flow of such epiphanies and realizations. You may even learn to see the world and in the world in a whole new way.

Learning to assert your sense of individuality has been extra strong this past year. Now, this impulse is getting another big activation. Yet, Mars and Uranus in Taurus may be contributing to resistance, procrastinations, denials and/or the fuller realization submerged in the basement of your subconscious mind. Accept this as the light switch to acknowledge this destiny theme.

Capricorn (Dec 21-Jan 19)

Change is the law and sometimes it comes in quickly, like now. Investments, purchases, acquisitions, inheri-tances, taxes and insurance policies are all likely items on the list. On the other hand, the focus could be on friends and allies with influence and leverage.

One of my computer keys appears to be sticking, but I can’t put my finger on it.

CryptoQuip

Hocus Focus differences: 1. “Danger” sign is bigger, 2. Jersey numbers are different, 3. Stars are black, 4. Fewer people in crowd, 5. Hockey stick is missing, 6. Arena wall is taller.

16

February 10-March 9, 2021 HISTORY

Ski Jumping IN SAN FRANCISCO,

PA R T I I

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

T

he 1930s was the breakout decade for skisports in California and across much of the nation. Despite an economic downturn between the 1929 New York Stock Market crash until 1941 when the U.S. entered World War II, increasing numbers of Americans took to the slopes. With improvements in equipment and technique, Alpine skiing exploded in popularity for those with the financial means to try it. At the time most American downhill skiers were reckless in their exuberance and lack of skill — broken bones were a signature of the sport — but a growing number were learning Europeandeveloped parallel turning methods that delivered both style and control.

In 1932 California began plowing Interstate 40 (now I-80), a main artery that transects the Tahoe Sierra high country.

For residents living below the snow belt, it opened the door to a magical playground just a short drive away. It still does. Much of that snow removal takes place in Placer County, which includes North Lake Tahoe, an area that boasts the highest average annual snowfall of any U.S. county outside of Alaska.

Before the invention of uphill conveyances like rope tows, aerial trams and chairlifts, the most popular form of skiing was jumping. Promoters could build a jump in an unused football or baseball stadium and sell tickets at the gate. Brazen daredevils flying through the air animated the audience and broke winter doldrums.

Most importantly from a competitive perspective, a jumper’s performance could be judged and scored by form and distance.

There were clear winners and losers based on accepted metrics.

In the late 1920s, skiers in Truckee and Tahoe City were the first in the West to construct jumps for learning, practice and competition. Truckee residents built a towering wooden scaffold at the community’s winter sports grounds, located just across the Truckee River south of town on the site of present-day Cottonwood Restaurant. News photographers and cinematographers soon arrived by train to film skiers soaring off the homemade launch.

Dramatic images were published prominently in national newspapers and video clips of jumpers were stitched together and used as narrated intermission entertainment for movie theaters in San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York City. Southern Pacific Railroad pitched Truckee’s location to Hollywood film producers looking for rugged winter scenery without the expense of transporting sets and crew to Alaska or the Rockies.

Southern Pacific also ran popular passenger train excursions called “Snowball Specials” from San Francisco to Truckee for weekend partying and winter activities in the boisterous mountain town.

It was a lucrative business for both SP and Truckee.

Throughout the 1930s, officially sanctioned jumping tournaments drew large crowds to mountain competitions, but excitement reached a peak when events were held in cities along the Pacific Coast where the novelty of ski jumping reached

“Icing Up a Cocktail of Thrills For Fair” in the Feb. 19, 1939, edition of the Oakland Tribune Sports.

dancer and actress whose stage show could be clearly seen from the elevated jump. Rand had been arrested numerous times for allegedly dancing naked, but the nudity was only an illusion as she cleverly covered her body with a sheer stocking or stage cream. Sally Rand’s Nude Ranch, a chorus girl production that featured women wearing cowboy hats, gun belts, boots and little else, was the only attraction more popular than ski jumping in the Treasure Island Amuse-

a frenzy. The first two attempts at U.C. Berkeley (in Part I at TheTahoeWeekly.com) may have ended with no revenue and snowball fights among onlookers, but ski boosters didn’t quit. Other urban jumping exhibitions were held along the coast including at the Oakland Auditorium in 1935 and the Los Angeles Coliseum in 1938. Indicative of the sport’s popularity, both events were sell-outs; the March 1 competition at the Coliseum attracted 88,000 spectators. War was looming and ski jumping offered the audience an escape from the anxiety of a global military conflict. Pre-war exhibition jumping events peaked in 1939 at the Golden Gate International Exposition held on San Francisco’s Treasure Island.

This World’s Fair celebrated, among other things, the city’s two newly-constructed bridges. The San Francisco-Oakland Bridge was dedicated in 1936 and the famed Golden Gate Bridge the following year. Treasure Island, an artificial peninsula attached to Yerba Buena Island, was built by the federal government for the Exposition and to serve as a Pacific hub airport for Pan American Airlines.

The international ski jumping competition was sanctioned by the National and California Ski associations and hosted by the Auburn Ski Club. A jump of professional caliber was designed under the supervision of two-time U.S. ski champion Roy Mikkelsen. The tower was engineered with portable steel sections for erection to a height of 186 feet, which except for the Exposition’s Tower of the Sun was the tallest structure on the island.

Unlike the Berkeley jumps that utilized snow from the Sierra, organizers at this event tried manmade snow, which often skis faster than the natural stuff.

The San Francisco-based Union Ice Company contracted to grind 500 tons of block ice to be blown onto the jump.

The landing area was cushioned by a layer of hay covered with 6 inches of the artificial snow. An elevator hoisted competitors to the top of the 17-story tower; jumps were limited to a maximum of 150 feet. Points were based more on style and judged by takeoff, poise during flight,

the landing and distance. Officials were keeping safety foremost in mind. Any skier jumping too far would hit a concrete wall at the end of the runway.

The jumping events were held with

Read Part I of Mark McLaughlin’s feature on ski jumping at TheTahoeWeekly.com ment Zone known as “Gayway.” 

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.

Before the invention of uphill conveyances like rope tows, aerial trams and chairlifts, the most popular form of skiing was jumping. … Brazen daredevils flying through the air animated the audience and broke winter doldrums.

10,000 spectators on hand. Once the main competition got underway, however, bay breezes buffeted the jumping tower with 20 mph gusts. Organizers were worried that if the wind increased, skiers could be blown off course. It happened to Lake Tahoe Ski Club member Al Henry Jr. who was “slightly shaken” when he landed in the reserved seat section. There was also a problem with the lip of the takeoff and all distances were below expectations.

Sloppy snow and windy conditions played havoc with the jumpers and several were slightly injured that first night.

Weather conditions were better on Sunday and the flawed takeoff was modified to add about 15 feet to the maximum jumping distance. Indicative of the tricky conditions on Treasure Island, a few days later, expert skier and future Squaw Valley co-founder Wayne Poulsen, suffered a broken leg. In the end, Norway’s jumping champion Reidar Andersen took first place on style points.

An intercollegiate tournament sponsored by the undefeated 1939 University of Nevada-Reno ski team was held the next weekend. It was windy again, but the impressionable skiers were more distracted by Sally Rand, a famous burlesque

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TAHOE’S

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

s I walk through the entrance to Donner Memorial State PHOTOS ABOVE A sled corral full of broken plastic sleds at Fallen Leaf Lake Hill. | Courtesy League to Save Lake Tahoe RIGHT Green plastic dog poop bags left lying on a beach at Donner Lake. | Randy Humphreys

Park on a recent snowy morning with my skis over my shoulder, I pass a sign that asks people to clean up their dog poop bags and trash. At the base of the sign is a stack of trash and numerous green plastic bags filled with dog poop peeking out of the fresh snow.

I scratch my head and wonder, are these signs effective?

Trash. Litter. Garbage. Rubbish. The issue is a lightning rod in the Tahoe Sierra. The topic has pitted locals against tourists. Community members lay the blame on government officials and local agencies for lack of services and enforcement. It’s all led to a trash nightmare and outrage in the community with people taking to social media and the streets to complain, and in many cases taking action to clean up Tahoe.

18

It’s been five months since the end of summer and Tahoe Weekly’s five-part series on tourism impacts, including trash, during the pandemic. The Tahoe Sierra has seen a large influx of people into the area as the pandemic has pushed people to visit the region more, wanting and needing to recreate in the outdoors. This created a perfect storm for more trash, which has persisted into winter.

The lack of access to public recreation areas during the winter has also exacerbated the trash issue.

Wherever people can find parking, there are broken sleds, dog poop bags and disposable masks littering the snow. Read Tahoe Weekly’s story on “Winter Recreation Access Pushed to Limit” at TheTahoeWeekly.com.

While the amount of trash is down from last summer, it is still a galvanizing issue. Tahoe has and will continue to be a tourist destination. Ski resorts have limited capacity this winter and with day ticket sales curtailed or prohibited, this has prompted more people to walk, ski, snowshoe and sled in local and state parks, on trails and along any snow-covered hill.

The League to Save Lake Tahoe is at the forefront of mitigating the trash impact throughout the region.

“We see that people litter for three main reasons: They have no sense of ownership of the area, they think someone else will pick up after them, or they see litter accumulated, so they litter. Litter attracts more litter. And those are the three reasons why litter takes place. And that’s why it’s important to remove litter from the environment,” explains Marilee Movius, community engagement manager for the League to Save Lake Tahoe.

February 10-March 9, 2021

“We see that people litter for three main reasons: They have no sense of ownership of the area, they think someone else will pick up after them, or they see litter accumulated, so they litter.

Litter attracts more litter.”

–Marilee Movius, League to Save Lake Tahoe

LEARN MORE The organization has already hosted 23 litter cleanups since Jan. 7. Plastic sleds, disposable masks, latex gloves, disinfecting wipes, and single-use to-go containers plague Tahoe’s winter hot spots.

“We see food wrappers, cups, water bottles, Gatorade, bottles, cans and food itself. This can be very harmful to wildlife because it looks like food or it smells like food, they’ll eat it and ingest the plastic. We also find wildlife scat that has these plastics in their poop. This also can make its way to

the lake as the snow melts. We are also seeing that the plastic sleds people are using for sledding are not made very well and break down very quickly,” explains Movius.

Much of this type of trash has a dual impact as litter and, when it breaks down, it turns into microplastics that containment Lake Tahoe and local waterways. Read Tahoe Weekly’s story on “Microplastics: Tahoe’s tiniest trash” at TheTahoeWeekly.com.

The nonprofit Clean Up the Lake spent much of the summer diving in Lake Tahoe and Donner Lake to collect garbage, including a lot of plastic.

The group is also helping the Tahoe Environmental Research Center study microplastics from the trash volunteers collect during their dives.

“While diving around Lake Tahoe, I can’t count the number of face masks and other pandemic-based trash,” says Colin West, founder and executive director of Clean Up The Lake.

Dan Canfield, Sierra district superintendent of the California State Parks Department, notes that sled trash and other litter have also remained a problem at local parks.

“Since last summer, I’ve kept a keen eye on [trash].

In the wintertime our operations have a smaller footprint.

We’ve had quite a few visitors up here. The areas we clear of snow have a lot of snow play going on. There are a lot of broken sleds and cans that that type of thing. From what I hear through the grapevine, it’s been worse on some of the federal lands. The sled trash issues have been terrible,” says Canfield, who points out that Kings Beach State Recreation Area continues to be one of the high-volume areas that sees a lot of trash.

Unlike at California and Nevada state parks, most U.S. Forest Service parking areas are closed in the winter. Federal lands are open to the public year-round, but parking, trash services and restrooms are closed in the winter, creating both parking problems and litter when people visit.

Nonprofits are also working diligently to solve the issues of litter, including at The Tahoe Fund.

“We saw a limit on the resources that our public land managers have because of COVID, it was like a perfect storm, more people visiting less people to manage. What we need is a cultural shift. We have to get people to realize that it’s a sensitive area. And they can’t treat it like Disneyland, that there isn’t a group of guys in white suits are going to come out as soon as the park closes and clean everything up and make it look brand new the next day,” says Amy Berry, CEO of The Tahoe Fund.

Clean Up the Lake | cleanupthelake.org Keep Tahoe Blue | keeptahoeblue.org Keep Truckee Green | keeptruckeegreen.org Slediquette Campaign | takecaretahoe.org/sleds Tahoe Blue Crews | keeptahoeblue.org Tahoe Fund | tahoefund.org Truckee Tahoe Litter Group | Facebook

A COMPLEX ISSUE

The number of jurisdictions and agencies that manage the Tahoe Sierra number in the dozens making finding a solution to a region-wide issue complex. The region is governed by five counties – Placer, Nevada, Eldorado, Douglas and Washoe – along with the City of South Lake Tahoe, the City of Carson City, the Town of Truckee, and numerous special districts.

“We’re on our way to really improving cross-jurisdictional collaboration. One of the biggest challenges is there’s no way that town staff or town council can be out in the community enough to see everything that the community sees. We are only as good as the information we have in order to respond to an issue,” says Truckee Mayor Anna Klovstad.

West adds that there are many challenges in navigating all of the jurisdictional agencies in order to organize his underwater clean ups of Lake Tahoe and Donner Lake, but he also recognizes that the jurisdictions around the region are taking more action and responsibility for the trash problems. He says more programs are developing, and locals are willing to put their own time to fight this issue.

“We’re headed in the right direction. Unfortunately, we have mobilized at a time of need, when the fight we are up against is bigger than ever amidst a global pandemic and increasing population. Luckily, our local residents have realized the need to fight this trash issue and are showing their support now more than ever and we need it,” says West.

One example of a collaborative effort is Take Care Tahoe, a partnership group that includes the League to Save Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Fund, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, UC Davis Tahoe Environmental CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

19

TheTahoeWeekly.com

“I find it frustrating that we have this conversation about trash all the time because we know the solution. More garbage cans and more trash service.”

–Amy Berry, The Tahoe Fund

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

Research Center, Tahoe Resource Conservation District and Tahoe Sustainability Collaborative. One of its primary goals is working on the trash and environmental issues in the region including the Slediquette Campaign this winter.

“We’ve installed wooden fences with signage to denote places to leave your good sleds and places to leave broken sleds. Signs also offer tips on sledding, using durable sleds made of metal or wood, where to rent sleds, staying safe and reminders for people to take their trash,” explains Movius. Volunteers manage these areas. ““No one organization is going to solve a problem this large all by themselves and so working in partnership with the public agencies, and the private entities are going to be critical, and to me, it’s about creating a culture of caretaking where people understand that there’s a level of respect and care that is required if you live here, or you visit here. It’s going to take a lot of partnerships to make it get better,” says Berry.

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COMBATTING LITTER

While communities and agencies scramble to clean up winter trash, summer is only a few months away and many wonder if the area is prepared for another onslaught of visitors.

“We are seeing people taking action. We think that the coverage of this topic has grown and that the word is spreading amongst the community. And having more awareness of the issue creates more action.

And everyone can be part of the solution “ explains Movius, citing the work of the Tahoe Blue Crews as an example.

Tahoe Blue Crews is a volunteer effort organized by the League to Save Lake Tahoe to clean up trash throughout the Tahoe Basin year-round. Movius and the League believe that when people see the Tahoe Blue Crew volunteers picking up litter, it will inspire others to take action.

Mayor Klovstad points to a few solutions the Town of Truckee has implemented including installing solar-powered trash compactors in the downtown area and installing cigarette can canisters in key locations. Klovstad applauds Erica Mertens, administrative analyst for the town’s waste management and recycling division, for the Grab a Bag Program she developed. The program has enlisted businesses to hand out garbage bags and gloves to volunteers, who then return the trash to the business for disposal. Some businesses also offer incentives with a discount or small token of appreciation. The town is also using the Click Fix app for residents to use to report litter problems.

The Truckee Donner Parks and Recreation District oversee 14 parks in Truckee, including the piers on Donner Lake. In the fall, it erected signs on each dock asking visitors to clean up their trash. This summer, it plans to install Iron Rangers to collect funds to hire more maintenance staff to pick up litter.

“We have tried to keep the parks available for outdoor recreation and understand the main idea in our parks is pack it in, pack it out. There needs to be some more education to pack it in, pack it out, clean up after yourself. We’re trying to get better at our communication and messaging,” adds Jost.

Truckee Mayor Klovstad would like to see more trash cans installed at local recreation sites, which, like Donner Lake’s piers, are managed independently by Truckee Donner Parks and Recreation.

“How much money did we spend last summer with scuba divers in [Donner Lake] picking up trash off of the lake bottom? I’d much rather pay to have a trash can installed at every dock and pay somebody to pick it up once or twice a week than to have to scuba dive and get it off to the bottom of the lake,” says Klovstad.

Another way the public can help is by reporting litter through the Citizen Scientist Tahoe app. The app, developed by the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center, allows people to report litter and lake quality issues, as well as algae blooms.

February 10-March 9, 2021

REPORT TRASH ISSUES Citizen Science app citizensciencetahoe.org Click Fix app Truckee | townoftruckee.com El Dorado County Eastern Slope area | (530 573-3450, edcgov.us Douglas County Code Enforcement Office | (775) 782-6214, douglascountynv.gov Nevada County Illegal dumping | (530) 265-7111, mynevadacounty.com Placer County Garbage complaints | (530) 581-6240, placer.ca.gov Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal | (530) 583-7800, waste101.com South Lake Tahoe City of South Lake Tahoe | (530) 542-6000, cityofslt.us South Tahoe Refuse | (530) 541-5105, southtahoerefuse.com Clean Tahoe Program | (530) 544-4210, clean-tahoe.org Truckee Town of Truckee Trash complaints recycle@townoftruckee.com

MOVING TOWARD SOLUTIONS

“It’s a three-part solution: education, enforcement and infrastructure. We don’t have great enforcement.

We are working on a proposal right now to look into it how better enforcement might create a cultural shift,” explains Berry. She points out that there’s also a need to build better infrastructure to manage the visitation the region is experiencing, to educate people about the area and to be environmentally responsible.

“I find it frustrating that we have this conversation about trash all the time because we know the solution. More garbage cans and more trash service,” adds Berry. “For years we’ve had this mentality that people should just take what they brought with them.

When you have a developed rec site, it’s very natural for people to expect there to be garbage cans at rec sites. I think we are swimming an uphill battle if we think that we’re not going to put garbage cans out and people are just going to take their trash home with them because they’re not going to.”

The Tahoe Fund is also working to address sustainable recreation and over-tourism with local government agencies.

Keep Truckee Green | (530) 582-7700, keeptruckeegreen.org “The goal is to get some buy-in at the senior level on what the core issues are and then assign the sustainable working group the task of putting together an action plan, and the action plan will have short-, intermediate- and long-term solutions to the struggles that everybody sees,” adds Berry.

“We need to help our visitors understand how to treat this community respectfully and help them understand, that this is a beautiful place to visit and worth protecting,” says Klovstad, in echoing some of the same sentiments.

“The trash issue in Tahoe will require every individual to take responsibility,” adds West. “It would absolutely be better to have increased garbage cans in a variety of locations. That does not just mean waste bins. It means correct recycling receptacles.” West says he would also like to stop the sale of plastic sleds around Tahoe and ask businesses to only sell sustainable sleds.

These are some of the many solutions being explored. Some say the need for more trash receptacles in high trafficked areas along with additional service to pick up the garbage is an important key to mitigating trash. Additional restroom facilities, requiring all homes to have bear boxes and increased litter enforcement have also been suggested as remedies that could be effective in reducing litter.

The environment in the Tahoe Sierra is truly the victim here. Trash, graffiti, impacts on wildlife and microplastics in Lake Tahoe will continue to be a problem with the busy summer season only a few months away. n

Truckee-Donner Recreation & Parks District (530) 582-7720, tdrpd.org Washoe County Garbage complaints | (775) 328-6106, washoecounty.us

PHOTOS LEFT “No Broken Sleds Please.”

Is the message getting across? | Courtesy League to Save Lake Tahoe CENTER Trash strewn at the base of a sign asking people to help keep trails and waterways clean. | Priya Hutner RIGHT A pile of broken plastic sleds in a sled corral at the Spooner Lake sled hill. | Courtesy League to Save Lake Tahoe

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THE makers

creative awareness | arts & culture | makers’ movement

Find a full

EVENT CALENDAR

at TheTahoeWeekly.com

Farida Gipson Burtt

Events are subject to change & cancellation; always check in advance for current schedules.

A M U LT I - D I M E N S I O N A L A R T I S T S TO RY BY S E A N M c A L I N D I N | P H OTO S C O U R T E SY FA R I DA G I P S O N B U R T T

P

sychic, painter, sculptor, jeweler, yogi and poet. The talented Farida Wangare Gipson Burtt has lived countless lives.

Yet, many years ago, broken and lost in the apparent meaningless of it all, she knelt down and began to pray.

“My whole world was crashing upon me in a space of deep sadness and stress,” says the artist and healer. “I felt so alone in that moment that I was praying to understand. I was praying to know myself and find myself.”

Suddenly, as if by grace, Gipson Burtt was overcome by the deep feeling of peace, love and calm.

The Watson Lake to Brockway section of the Tahoe Rim Trail. | Katherine E. Hill

TRTA hosts FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Copper jewelry handmade by

“ I think basically I’m here to help people create a balance in their lives and that comes through art, movement, sound, seeing … whatever tools I’ve gathered through my journey of balancing myself.”

–Farida Gipson Burtt “I felt so still in that moment,” she says.

“I knew I wasn’t alone. I was very loved and anything I needed existed because it was in me already. That was the moment I knew that I could and I can.”

Many ancient religions teach the same concept, she says.

“You came here exactly put together with everything you need for this life.

I never got it until then.”

Gipson Burtt was born in Lusigetti, Kenya, a small village about 20 miles out-

22

side the capital city of Nairobi. The daughter of a traveling public health doctor, she spent her formative years in Egypt and Indonesia.

“My father instilled in me that no one can take away your happiness,” she says.

“It’s so important with these crazy times right now. Everyone goes through life with bumps in the road. It’s up to you what you do with it. Are you going to get stuck or are you going to flow?”

Gipson Burtt attended Sonoma State University where she dabbled in psychology before earning a degree in anthropology.

“I think of a human as a spiritual being that contains the energy that they are,” she says. “We are made of many things, not just of our mind.”

Gipson Burtt moved to the Tahoe Sierra in 1999 where she now lives in Kings Beach with her husband, musician Peter Joseph Burtt, and their 13-year-old son.

In 2012, she published a memoir entitled “Messages from The Spirit within.”

“It was written during my period of what people like to call awakening,” she says. “I just call it remembering, remembering myself. We’re not just these bodies. We have emotions. We have breath. We have water that we’re made of. It’s my journey of remembering all that I am and all that we can be when we realize our connection to all that is.”

Walking the forests and beaches of Tahoe, Gipson Burtt gathers kindling for free-form sculptures that come to life in her hands.

“I’m incredibly inspired by nature,” she says. “I call them wood nymphs or pixies.

They’re sticks and they talk to me.”

Ever industrious, she fashions ceramic fertility angels, hand pounds copper jewelry and paints in an aboriginal style.

Her upcoming writing projects include a book about conscious parenting.

“A child comes into this life so pure and innocent,” she says. “That’s hopefully how we should remain. But we get imprinted. We

Farida Gipson Burtt; Farida Gipson Burtt and her natural sculpture “Luna.”; An original painting by Farida Gipson Burtt entitled “Flow.”

get societal pressures. We’re human beings.”

As a psychic healer and hypnotherapist, Gipson Burtt specializes in working with pregnant woman and those who wish to become pregnant.

“It’s all about being in a space of creating conscious flow,” she says. “It’s for people who are stuck, who want to create sustainable healing, people like me who kept asking all the wrong questions that kept them spinning in their left brain.

People wanting to know what am I? Who am I? How am I?” Gipson Burtt is also a freelance yoga instructor who focuses on creative play and intuitive birthing workshops.

“I’m very much about flow,” she says. “That’s the underlying element in everything I do. You might trip, but you continue on and don’t get stuck.”

Last year, she collaborated with local musician Subra Doyle on “Earthkeepers,” a series of spoken word poetry set to ambient music.

“If I’m sitting in that place, the words just come out,” she says. “I love the spontaneity. When you’re open, really beautiful things are created.”

Explore Tahoe’s vibrant arts scene

at TheTahoeWeekly.com

Gipson Burtt also hosts a podcast about self-trust called, “New Heart Transformation” on PodBean.

“I think basically I’m here to help people create a balance in their lives and that comes through art, movement, sound, seeing … whatever tools I’ve gathered through my journey of balancing myself,” she says.

“I’m helping people come to peace within themselves.”| faridastarhealing.com 

Photo Contest

The 2021 TRTA photo contest is now open.

Running through Sept. 30, the Tahoe Rim Trail Association photo contest collects trail user’s most spectacular shots and complies them into the 2022 Tahoe Rim Trail calendar. This contest isn’t just limited to stunning scenery, but also trail users with all subject matter welcome including mountain biking, snowshoeing, running, stargazing, playing in the snow, taking in that view, etc. Submissions guidelines available online. | tahoerimtrail.org

Call for

Tiny Art

North Tahoe Arts is accepting entries for its upcoming “Tiny Art” exhibit to be on display from March 12 to May 2 at North Tahoe Arts Center in Tahoe City. The deadline to apply is Feb. 20.

All art must be no larger than 5” by 5” by 5” and all mediums are welcome.

All art must be family friendly. | northtahoearts.com

February 10-March 9, 2021 THE LINEUP

THE lineup

Find a full

EVENT CALENDAR

live music | shows | nightlife

festivals | entertainment

at TheTahoeWeekly.com Events are subject to change & cancellation; always check in advance for current schedules.

Brroque Masters returns The TOCCATA–Tahoe Symphony Orchestra begins its 16th season with Brrroque Masters with a concert series from Feb. 13 to 21 featuring TOCCATA’s own musicians as soloists in a program of music from the baroque period.

Nearly all of the group’s players have already received vaccines since many are also schoolteachers or are over the age of 65. TOCCATA will not require that concert attendees be vaccinated, but it will enforce strictly limited audience seating with widely-spaced distancing and masks are required.

All concert performances will be conducted by Maestro James Rawie. Performances are scheduled for 3 p.m. on Feb. 13 at Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church in Reno, Nev.; Feb. 14 at The CVIC Hall in Minden, Nev.; Feb. 20 at Sierra Bible Church in Truckee; and Feb. 21 TBA, possibly in Incline Village. The program is available on the website.

Seats must be reserved in advance by emailing toccatatahoe@gmail.com. In lieu of tickets, TOCCATA is requesting online donations through its website.

Concert tickets are normally $25 to $40 per seat. | toccatatahoe.org

Heavenly Village to host

concerts The Heavenly Village Summer Concert Series returns this summer with free performances Fridays to Sundays from May 28 to Sept. 5 from 5:45 to 9:15 p.m. The concert series kicks off performances over the Memorial Day Weekend with Ted Kennedy & The Residents on May 28, Island of Black and White on May 29 and Bread and Butter Band on May 30.

The complete summer lineup is available online | Visit Heavenly Village Lake Tahoe on Facebook

Robbie Gade 3 6 5 D AY S O F B U S K I N G S TO RY BY S E A N M c A L I N D I N

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n a time when public entertainment has become a rarity, one local artist has found a way to keep the spirit of music alive.

On Feb. 4, 2020, Robbie Gade began to busk on the streets and outside cafes around the Tahoe Sierra. Through sheets of rain, howling wind and raging blizzards, he played on.

This month, he marks 365 consecutive days of outdoor performance in one of the nation’s wildest climates.

“This wasn’t my plan when I started doing this,” he says. “It was just to get out of the house. But now, I really like it.”

“ I’ve had so many people come up and say, ‘I can’t believe I’m hearing live music.’ I know how important it is because I’ve done it all my life. It’s the universal language.”

–Robbie Gade A LIFE IN SONG Gade grew up in Ohio where he discovered rock n’ roll at a young age. In college, he majored in popular culture and played in the bar band, Baddog.

“When I first heard The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix, that changed my life,” he says.

A classic rock aficionado, Gade knows more 1,200 songs by heart. If you request Tom Petty or Neil Young, don’t be surprised to hear a segue of 10 different songs in a row.

“It’d be hard to stump me,” he says.

“I never have to repeat a song. And when I learn a new song, I never forget it.”

It was 1977 when Gade moved to Tahoe to play with the Warren Jay Band after hearing they had booked acts such as the Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin and Buffalo Springfield at a bowling alley in Kings Beach. He’s been here ever since.

“I’ve never had a real job,” he says.

“I’ve always played music.”

Once upon a time, he cowrote Creedence Clearwater Revival drummer Doug “Cosmo” Clifford’s lost solo album, “Magic Window,” which was released last April after the tapes disappeared in the studio for 35 years.

In 1991, he opened Renegade Productions to provide more live music to the region.

“Back then nobody was bringing bands to Reno or Tahoe,” he says. “It was mostly old casino acts. I somehow fell into doing it and spent 24 years promoting concerts.

It went by quickly.”

As more venues began to open, Gade saw his revenue decline in the face of additional competition and a surplus of free entertainment.

“I’m not sure there are quite as many music people in Tahoe as they used to be,” he says. “A lot of the ski bums have been priced out because of housing. I know a lot of my old fans have had to move because they couldn’t afford to stay here.”

Many folks know Gade from his time in local rock band, Public Eye. In recent years, he’s performed with Renegade Hombres, a collective of friends who often play at the summer Concerts at Commons Beach in Tahoe City.

The highlight of Gade’s music career was the spring of 1991. He was playing at Legends bar in Incline Village when in walked a guitar player who happened to be in the area recording with Whitesnake frontman, David Coverdale. For three weekends, Led Zeppelin rock god Jimmy Page sat in with Gade for impromptu live sets.

“Once the word got out, our crowds went from 50 people a night to 700,” he says. “There were people parked up and down Highway 28 … It blew my mind.”

MUSIC FOR THE PEOPLE Gade took to the streets when his regular gig with Kelly Bentson at Caliente in Kings Beach shut down last March.

“When they quit having live music, I decided I’m going to keep playing,” he

Local entertainer Robbie Gade has busked the streets of Tahoe and Truckee for more than 365 days, spreading good vibes to music lovers throughout the land. | Joy Wrigley

says. “I go and set up where people are hanging out.”

Gade can regularly be found outside Syd’s Bagelry & Espresso by Heritage Plaza Park in Tahoe City, Waterman’s Landing in Carnelian Bay, Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort in Tahoe Vista, Kings Beach State Recreation Area or downtown Truckee.

“I wait until the sun peaks out,” he says.

“In the snow, I just pretend like I’m skiing and go out there and play.”

Passersby often approach Gade to request songs or even sit in to jam. He’s entertained traveling Russians with animated versions of The Beatles “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” and made friends with James Curleigh, the CEO of Gibson Guitars.

During the January blizzard, he couldn’t get his truck out of the driveway so he played for his neighbors door to door.

“Everyday something new happens,” he says. “I’ve had so many people come up and say, ‘I can’t believe I’m hearing live music.’ I know how important it is because I’ve done it all my life. It’s the universal language.” | Robbie Gade on Facebook  Sean McAlindin is a writer and musician living in Truckee, who loves a secret powder stash just as much as a good jam. You can reach him at entertainment@tahoethisweek.com. Other writings and original music are available at seanmcalindin.com.

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EAT &drink

food & libations | recipes | delicious events

Easy Ethnic Eats GLOBAL CUISINE IN MINUTES S TO RY & P H OTO S BY P R I YA H UT N E R

I

t’s been a year into the pandemic and cooking has become a tireless chore for many households. Cooking fatigue has many wishing someone else would cook dinner. Many people responsible for cooking for their family are tired, bored of the same old menus and stuck in an endless cooking rut. Let’s explore some fresh ideas that might help you break out of the cooking blues.

I lean into ethnic recipes from around the world that offer unique flavors to spice up the dinner plate. Mexican and Italian dinners are the backbone of meals for many families and both cuisines are relatively easy and comforting. I love Asian food. It is one of my all-time favorite things to prepare for dinner. It’s versatile and healthy. I tend to lean toward Japanese, Thai and Chinese, and lately, I’ve been exploring Korean recipes.

For some, the idea of whipping up a Japanese dinner can often be daunting and intimidating. Gyoza ( Japanese) or eggrolls, potstickers and dumplings (Chinese) are somewhat easy to prepare and delicious.

With some chopping and grating, an enjoyable addition to your dinner can be had with relative ease.

For gyoza, potstickers or eggrolls, I use red and green cabbage, carrots, radish or daikon, ginger root and green onions. A food processer or hand grater makes this an easy task. Add seasonings and roll with either gyoza or eggroll wrappers and bake or fry or steam. It’s easy to add proteins like shrimp, pork, tofu or chicken. Dipping sauces make this a fun family dinner.

Another dinner favorite is Okonomiyaki.

These Japanese pancakes are easy and healthy, and sauces to top them are key to a tasty experience. Chinese fried rice can be made in less than 20 minutes with leftover rice and frozen mixed vegetables.

The aroma of exotic spices fills the kitchen. When I was young, my dad made Cuban Black Bean Soup and served it with rice, raw onion, sour cream and white vinegar, which he claimed was the secret to this delicious soup. With a few cans of black beans, this soup can be made in less than 30 minutes.

Chicken Paprikash, rich and hearty, is an ode to my Eastern European roots, and fresh paprika is the key. I forgot how good and hearty this meal is a chilly night. It’s a one-pot dish that can be prepared on the stove or in the Instant Pot. Try Priya’s Cuban Black Bean Soup

at TheTahoeWeekly.com

If Korean calls to you, try a quick and easy bulgogi (fire meat), which can be made with beef, pork or chicken. This meal requires some planning and marinating the meat is the most time-consuming (anywhere from 1 hour to overnight). Once 24

Brush wrappers with sesame oil and sprinkle some black sesame seeds over the top.

Bake at 375 for 10 to 15 minutes, turning once until brown and crispy.

Gyoza can be deep-fried in vegetable oil or steamed.

Serve with sweet chili sauce, peanut or soy and lemon dipping sauce.

LEMON SOY DIPPING SAUCE From the kitchen of Priya Hutner ½ C tamari or soy sauce 1 lemon, juiced 2 cloves, garlic minced small 2 scallions sliced 1 t sesame seeds

Mix ingredients in bowl and serve with eggrolls or gyoza.

Gyoza (Japanese) or eggrolls, potstickers and dumplings (Chinese) are somewhat easy to prepare and delicious. With some chopping and grating, an enjoyable addition to your dinner can be had with relative ease.

the marinating is complete, the cooking can be done in 30 minutes or so. Serve over rice or in lettuce wraps with a side of kimchi. It’s so good.

Singapore street noodles, Thai coconut curry, or red lentil and butternut squash dal are also on my go-to list for quick, easy, and flavorful meals. Culinary cuisines from around the globe inspires and educates While making dinner can be a tedious task, including children in the process can open their world and offer a unique experience. Trying different cultural meals broadens their palate and horizons as they learn about the various spices people cook with and the different flavors of foods worldwide.

Consider making gyoza or dumplings for good luck and prosperity to celebrate the year of the ox during the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year on Feb. 12.  Priya Hutner is a food writer, personal chef and owner of The Seasoned Sage, a local meal delivery and catering company. Priya has been creating and preparing meals from an early age. She has worked in the restaurant industry in New York City, attended catering school, and was the head chef and executive director of a nonprofit spiritual community in Florida. Visit her website at TheSeasonedSage.com. Send your comments, story ideas and food tidbits to priya@tahoethisweek.com.

EASY VEGETARIAN GYOZA OR EGGROLLS From the kitchen of Priya Hutner

SWEET CHILI SAUCE From the kitchen of Priya Hutner ½ C rice wine vinegar

1 package eggroll wrappers or gyoza wrapper

½ C water

¼ head red cabbage

1 T ketchup

¼ head green cabbage

1 chili pepper, minced

2 carrots, peeled

1 T grated ginger

2 green onion

2 cloves garlic pressed

1 small knob of ginger

1 t cornstarch to thicken

¼ C daikon radish 2 t salt ¼ cup soy sauce 2 T toasted sesame oil and extra for brushing on wrappers

½ C sugar or honey

Add water and vinegar to a pot and bring to a boil. Add remaining ingredients except cornstarch and stir until sugar dissolves, add cornstarch and thicken. Place in bowl, and refrigerate before serving.

2 T seasoned rice wine vinegar 2 T sesame seeds (I use black sesame seeds) Optional: ground pork, shrimp, tofu or chicken.

Grate ingredients with food processer and place in a large bowl. Add salt and set aside for 10 minutes. Then, squeeze any excess water from the cabbage mixture.

For gyoza or eggrolls, place a small amount of mixture in the middle of the wrapper.

For gyoza fold the wrapper over the filling to create a half-moon shape, pinching the edges to seal. For eggrolls, fold like a burrito and place on a sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

PEANUT SAUCE From the kitchen of Priya Hutner 1/2 C organic peanut butter 1 clove of garlic minced 3 T Tamari or soy sauce 1 T rice wine vinegar ½ t chili pepper to taste Hot water for desired consistency

Add all of the ingredients in a bowl mix thoroughly adding hot water for desired consistency and set aside.

February 10-March 9, 2021 EAT & DRINK

F RO M T H E S E AS O N E D SAG E

DAD’S CUBAN

Black Bean Soup S TO RY & P H OTO S BY P R I YA H UT N E R

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Steaks | Seafood | Pasta | Gourmet Hamburgers | Kid’s Menu

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8338 NORTH LAKE BLVD., KINGS BEACH, CA

Sierra Community House Food Distribution We’re delivering perishable food bags weekly in Truckee & North Lake Tahoe.

Cuban Black Bean Soup. | Priya Hutner

G

rowing up my mother cooked most of the family meals. But when she married my father, she didn’t know how to boil an egg. It was my paternal grandfather who taught her how to cook a few basic recipes. As a young mother she collected recipes and cooked meals from around the world.

Find more of Chef Smitty’s recipes

at TheTahoeWeekly.com

When my dad did cook, he loved to cook his Cuban Black Bean soup, one of

his specialties. I remember loving this soup as a young child. He said vinegar was the secret ingredient.

This soup is best served over white rice with Cuban bread.  Cooking is a meditation for Priya, it is from that place she curates her menus and recipes to create delicious and nutritious meals for The Seasoned Sage, her company catering to client’s culinary preferences and dietary restrictions. She is also working on a series of cookbooks.

Visit her website at TheSeasonedSage.com or contact her at priya@theseasonedsage.com.

Delivery staff and volunteers are following best practices and wearing masks. Please follow social distancing and NOT interact.

To sign-up or cancel, e-mail food@sierracommunityhouse.org or call 775-545-4083; Provide full name, address, phone number, birthdate and number of people in the household.

Famous for our Mexican Dinners (530) 587-3557 10186 Donner Pass Rd - Truckee

Cuban Black Bean Soup From the kitchen of: Priya Hutner 2 cans black beans with juice ½ C of Spanish oil (I use olive) 2 large onion, diced small (set aside ½ C for serving) 2 green peppers, diced small 1 T salt

be kind be calm be helpful

1 t pepper 1 ½ t oregano 2 qts. water 5 large cloves garlic 1 ½ t ground cumin 1 oz. white vinegar ½ C sour cream (optional) for serving 2 C cooked white rice

Crush garlic with oregano, cumin and vinegar in mortar and pestle. (If you don’t have a mortar and pestle use a food processor or blender).

Heat ¼ cup of oil in a stock pot on medium heat, add 1½ cups onions and peppers and sauté until onions are brown. Add crushed ingredients and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Add beans with juices water, salt and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes. Mash beans occasionally While soup is simmering mix remaining raw onion with ¼ cup of oil and vinegar in a bowl and let marinate until soup is ready. Serve the soup over hot rice and top with one tablespoon of raw onion mixture. Add a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

ChristyHill.com 115 Grove St., Tahoe City CA 530-583-8551 25

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Rioja and its soul-mate Tempranillo

Level 3 (Advanced) Sommelier

Louis Phillips

Creative American Cuisine in an Elegant Log Cabin

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S TO RY A N D P H OTO S BY L O U P H I L L I P S

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Call to set up your

personal menu

I have been giving thought to how my written wine musings can create something of value to our readers. The first thing that comes to mind is that with the limited ability to travel the world, I can take us all away to the corners of the wine world by featuring great marriages of grape and place.

No better place to start than the Spanish region of Rioja and its soul-mate varietal Tempranillo. This rich dark and handsome grape is often blended with touches of Graciano, Mazuelo and Garnacha, but Tempranillo is the star here.

Red Riojas reflect its terroir as well any wine in the world. As the hot days, cool nights and varied soils match with the spicy plum and savory cherry flavors, unique winemaking practices make soulful and complex wines.

It is also easy to know the various styles of Rioja Reds because they are labeled in four categories based on aging practices.

Joven, also called Generico, are lighter, fresh bright-fruited wines that have no minimum ageing or barrel requirements.

Crianzas, must be aged for at least a year, with at least 6 months in barrel. Reservas are aged for at least three years with at

Picks from the world of Rioja wines.

least 12 months in barrel, and Gran Reservas for a minimum of five years, with at least 24 months in oak. The barrels are mostly American Oak, that along with the characteristics of Tempranillo, deliver spice, smoke and a beautiful gaminess in the wines.

I recently organized a virtual tasting of all categories from classic producers such as Duquesa Victoria, LAN, Urbina and CUNE. Matched with hearty winter faire, we were reminded how magically Tempranillo and Rioja are intertwined.

These are some of the best values in all of the wine world, with quality Jovens rarely topping $15 and even top-notch Gran Reservas available for less than $50.

Enjoy the tastes of Tahoe

at TheTahoeWeekly.com

Unlike wines from most regions, almost any wine purveyor will offer a wide range of vintages reaching back at least five or six years, and the labeling terms make it easy to identify the style you are getting. These are also wonderful food matches; did I hear someone say roast lamb and root vegetables?

Rioja, truly Spain in a bottle. Enjoy.  Cooking is a meditation for Priya, it is from that place she curates her menus and recipes to create delicious and nutritious meals for The Seasoned Sage, her company catering to client’s culinary preferences and dietary restrictions. She is also working on a series of cookbooks.

Visit her website at TheSeasonedSage.com or contact her at priya@theseasonedsage.com.

February 10-March 9, 2021 EAT & DRINK

Chub’s Subs has opened its sandwich shop in downtown Kings Beach in the location of the former Kings Cafe. Chub’s Subs offers 82 all-natural, uniquely crafted hot and cold subs offering a variety of options including gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian. All ingredients are natural and come on a freshly baked, Rounds Bakery soft sourdough roll.

Chub’s Subs is located at 8421 N. Lake Blvd. and is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and from 11 a.m. Monday to Friday. They also offer delivery through Grubhub. | (530) 553-1820, chubssubs.com

Fuddhism opens in

Truckee

Fuddhism recently opened in downtown Truckee offering fresh and healthy globally inspired cuisine prepared for same day pick-up or as part of its weekly meal delivery service.

Order online from its menu of entrees of soups, salads and sides to pick it up or order several days’ worth of meals for delivery. Selections include a kids’ menu, gluten-free options and vegetarian and vegan options.

Hen of the Woods opens

Fuddhism is located at 10412 Donner Pass Road in the former Philosophy location.

It is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Wednesday to Sunday. | (530) 536-4025

Hen of the Woods has opened in Truckee offering a prix-fix menu as part of its pop-up super club. Menus and pop ups are announced on Instagram.

Dark Horse opens at Boatworks

“Hen of the Woods is an ever-changing concept where Michael Murray and partner Hanna Kokovai showcase their cooking and entertaining talents for Truckee and Tahoe locals,” according to an email from the owners. “The concept is simple – to provide unique food that is otherwise not found in the Tahoe area.

They love keeping things different, whether it be cooking prix-fixe meals in the theme of the Kill Bill films or shucking oysters on the docks of Donner Lake for sunset, Hen of the Woods is just two people who enjoy cooking for friends.” | @henofthewoodstruckee

Tahoma market reopens The Tahoma Market & Deli, formerly the PDQ Market, has reopened along Highway 89 on the West Shore, following a multiyear renovation.

“The Market has received a facelift, but the heart, soul and sandwiches remain the same. We continue to make our bread inhouse every day,” said Constance Churchman in a press release.

The deli will also feature breakfast sandwiches and pastries, a full coffee bar and homemade pizzas. Tahoma Market carries essential items from everyday groceries along with a selection of fresh produce, liquor, wine and beer.

The Tahoma Market first opened in 1943, serving local community and guests of the Tahoma Hotel with food and fountain lunches. Tahoma Market also once housed a Western Union station.

The market is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. It is located at 6890 W. Lake Blvd, Tahoma. | (530) 525-7411, tahomamarketdeli.com

Dark Horse Coffee Roasters has opened another location inside the Boatworks Mall in Tahoe City. The coffee kiosk is located in the atrium inside the mall and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Courtesy Brenda Simpkins

Chub’s Subs opens in KB

Local releases cocktail book

Enjoy pour over coffee along with espresso drinks such as cappuccinos, lattes and mochas, chai tea lattes, matcha lattes and various teas. There are also plans to add cold brew to its offerings, says owner Drew Taylor. Dark Horse is located at 760 N. Lake Blvd. | Dark Horse on Facebook

Brenda Simpkins has released “Cocktails on Brenda’s Balcony” after sharing her passion for creating cocktails at home on the I Love Lake Tahoe Facebook page. The book features Brenda’s cocktail creations that she’s shared on social media and she is already at work on her second edition.

Wine Collective coming to Tahoe City

“The proceeds have gone to The Tahoe Fund (Tahoe Blue Vodka is my sponsor and I had them donate directly to the charity on my behalf). I sell the books barely above my cost and I donate residual proceeds to the Tahoe Wildlife Care center,” Simpkins said.

The Tahoe Wine Collective, a new craft wine and beer bar, will be opening this spring in the Boatworks Mall in Tahoe City. Tahoe Wine Collective will be a place to discovery the many small wineries and breweries of the Sierra Foothills, according to owner Allison Yonton.

The wine by the glass selection will be an extensive showcasing of the many boutique producers located within a 1- to 3-hour drive of Tahoe. It will also feature charcuterie and a small plate menu, which will include locally sourced fruits, cured meats, cheeses and bread.

The Tahoe Wine Collective will be open daily from 2 to 8 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday and From noon to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 760 N. Lake Blvd. | tahoewinecollective.com

The book is a journal of libations during shelter-in-place in South Lake Tahoe. Each drink is posted and dated with the recipe and some of the followers’ comments, said Simpkins in an email.

The book is available for $32 by emailing Brenda directly. | brendascocktails@yahoo.com, Cocktails on Brenda’s Balcony on Facebook

RASPBERRY LEMONADE COOLER Courtesy Brenda Simpkins 3 oz. Tahoe Blue Vodka 3 oz. pink lemonade Juice from ½ lemon Fresh raspberries Fresh mint Simple syrup

Muddle a few leaves of mint along with 5 to 6 ripe raspberries in the bottom of a shaker. Add ice to half of the shaker, then add vodka and lemon juice. Shake well and strain into a tall glass filled with ice. Garnish with fresh mint and fresh raspberries on a skewer, if desired.

Note: Brenda uses Tahoe Blue Vodka, who sponsored her book, for her cocktails.

27

TheTahoeWeekly.com

the tahoe foodie Dine-In

Outdoor Seating

Take-out

Delivery

Catering

Happy Hour

Private Parties

TAHOE CITY

Christy Hill

Modern American

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

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

CRYSTAL BAY / KINGS BEACH

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

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

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

Creative American

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

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

Chub’s Subs KINGS BEACH

TRUCKEE

Morgan’s Lobster Shack & Fish Market Seafood

Soule Domain

Sandwich Shop

With a beautiful, Tahoe lakefront view and 82 all-natural, uniquely crafted hot and cold subs, Chub’s Subs has become a new local favorite!

Open for lunch and dinner, Chub’s offers a variety of options, including gluten-free, vegan, & vegetarian-friendly subs! All ingredients are natural & come on a freshly baked, Rounds Bakery soft sourdough roll. Stop by to try your tasty sub inside, on our outdoor patio, or to-go.

8421 N Lake Blvd. | Kings Beach, CA (530) 553-1820 | chubssubs.com Through GrubHub

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

American

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

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

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

El Toro Bravo

Sommelier Services

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

TRUCKEE

LAKE TAHOE

KINGS BEACH

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

Louis Phillips

KINGS BEACH

Jason’s Beachside Grille

Fine Mexican

Mexican

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

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

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

Spindleshanks

Fat Cat Bar and Grill All-Natural American

American Bar

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

Owner and Head Chef Steve Marks sources the freshest ingredients for his American dishes and draws upon the flavors of Asia, Europe and south of the border to make his dishes memorable.

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

TAHOE CITY / RENO

KINGS BEACH

Las Panchitas

“The local’s AND traveler’s favorite, Fat Cat Bar & Grill offers the best in fresh, quality ingredients from local and thoughtfully-sourced purveyors.

The restaurant boasts Niman Ranch all-natural beef, multiple protein options and premium craft cocktails in a relaxed ambience for the whole family. Daily happy hour specials, a vibrant nightlife and weekly events make Fat Cat the year-round choice for good fun and great food.

599 North Lake Blvd, Tahoe City. | 530) 583-3355 1401 S. Virginia St, Reno, NV | (775) 453-2223 fatcatrestaurants.com *Indoor/Outdoor dining & delivery at our Midtown location. *Lakeview outdoor dining & takeout at our Tahoe City location.

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

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

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

28

Lanza’s Restaurant

Meal Delivery

KINGS BEACH

TRUCKEE

The Seasoned Sage

Italian

Lanza’s is a family-owned Italian restaurant located in Kings Beach/Tahoe Vista in North Lake Tahoe. Known for delicious, traditional, Italian dishes and huge portions. With a kid’s menu, gluten-free menu and full bar, it’s no wonder Locals Love Lanza’s.

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

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