August 30-September 12, 2023

Reggae Fest hosts Jamaican Legends

Frozen cocktail creations

Best Wings in Tahoe

CHICKENWINGS GUITAR STRINGS VS

submissions

Calendar submissions: YourTahoeGuide.com/Events

Editorial Inquiries: editor@yourtahoeguide.com

Entertainment Inquiries: entertainment@yourtahoeguide.com

Cover Photography: production@yourtahoeguide.com

making it happen

Publisher/Owner & Editor In Chief Katherine E. Hill publisher@yourtahoeguide.com, ext. 102

Sales & Marketing Manager

Anne Artoux anne@yourtahoeguide.com, ext. 110

Art Director Abigail Gallup production@yourtahoeguide.com

Graphic Designer

Lauren Shearer graphics@yourtahoeguide.com

Website Manager LT Marketing

Entertainment Editor

Sean McAlindin entertainment@yourtahoeguide.com

Food & Well Being Editor

Priya Hutner priya@yourtahoeguide.com

Social Media Editor

Kayla Anderson

Copy Editor

Nicole Cheslock

Delivery Manager

Charles Zumpft

Tahoe’s trash troubles everyone’s problem

We all saw the mind-blowing images of what amounted to 8,000 lbs. of trash strewn across local beaches from July 4th festivities as it made national news in print, on television and on social media. It was almost impossible to miss the images of our trashed beaches.

Tahoe Guide has covered visitor impacts in our community, particularly trash, for years in an effort to educate our readers, who in turn can make a direct impact on the situation. We’ve seen some horrible trash dumps and litter-strewn beaches and sled hills while researching these stories, but we were gobsmacked by the images from July 5. As Priya Hutner and I discussed the situation, what we wanted to know was is this act of utter disrespect for the community an isolated incident or was the trash situation getting worse?

The answer is we’ve had some gains, but locals and visitors are still trashing Tahoe, as Priya writes in her story “Tahoe’s trash troubles: Is it getting better or worse?”

As Priya remarked after writing the story, “Tahoe’s trash problem is everyone’s problem. Locals and tourists alike need to be held accountable for trashing Tahoe.”

I implore everyone to do their part to combat this issue. Pick up trash if you see it (I keep doggie bags in my car and my pack to pick up human trash and dog waste). Practice the principle of Pack it In, Pack it Out. Pack out whatever you bring to beaches and trails – from broken beach toys and beer bottles to dog waste, food wrappers and anything else. Trash bins are in short supply in Tahoe, so keep extra bags in your car for hauling trash out with you. Purchase reusable water bottles, straws and utensils.

If you’re heading out in the woods, be sure to practice the Leave No Trace Principles and to pack out your own poop, as well (we’re serious). Tim Hauserman has penned articles with tips on both, available at YourTahoeGuide.com.

Our new name

You probably noticed I said Tahoe Guide instead of Tahoe Weekly in this editorial. After nearly 10 years of pondering a name change, we pulled the trigger with this edition and are rebranding as Tahoe Guide. The name is more fitting for our publication in 2023 and you can read more about the name change and the launch of our new membership program on page 7.

Farewell to Katrina Veit

I want to congratulate my friend and our long-time copy editor Katrina Veit on her retirement on Aug. 30. Katrina is a long-time local who I first met in 1998, when I was editor of the old Tahoe World newspaper. She has worked for Tahoe World, the old Ski Tahoe magazine, Tahoe Weekly and other publications as a writer and editor and has volunteered for many community organizations including Trails & Vistas. After I left the Tahoe World, I brought Katrina over to work at Tahoe Weekly a few years later and we have worked together on and off for about 20 years. She has worked diligently for years to correct our grammar and punctuation, to fact check our articles and to ask questions of our reporting. She’s been a great teacher and friend, and she has a wicked wit that always keeps me laughing. She will be greatly missed by us all, but I will particularly miss her.

Katherine E. Hill

PUBLISHER/OWNER & EDITOR IN CHIEF

Ryan Foster, Kat Walton and Chossy the dog enjoy a hike in the fields of wildflowers at High Camp at Palisades Tahoe. Read more about hiking at High Camp and other activities to enjoy in our feature “Unforgettable high-elevation adventures” in this edition and at YourTahoeGuide.com.

SIGHTSEEING

EAST SHORE

CAVE ROCK

This iconic sight is part of an old volcano. Take in the view from Cave Rock State Park.

THUNDERBIRD LODGE

May-October | thunderbirdtahoe.org

The former Whittell estate. This magnificent lakefront home features the Lighthouse Room, Old Lodge, 600’ underground tunnel (with a former lion cage) and Boat House, home to the “Thunderbird,” a 1939 wooden boat. Ages 6+ only. Tours by reservation only.

NORTH SHORE

GATEKEEPER’S MUSEUM

(530) 583-1762 | northtahoemuseums.org

Featuring historic photos, the Steinbach Indian Basket Museum and historical memorabilia in Tahoe City.

TAHOE CITY visittahoecity.com

Popular for shopping and dining with historical sites. Visit the Tahoe Dam, Lake Tahoe’s only outlet, and Fanny Bridge. Peer into Watson Cabin (1909) for a glimpse at pioneer life. Free parking at Commons Beach, Grove St., Jackpine St. and Transit Center.

TAHOE CITY DEMONSTRATION GARDEN

Tours by appt. | (530) 583-3279 | tahoe.ucdavis.edu/tcdg

This 1920s-era building features a history of the field station, current UC Davis research projects, interactive exhibits and demonstration garden. Grounds open Memorial Day-Labor Day. Ages 8+.

TAHOE SCIENCE CENTER

Tues.-Sat. by reservation (775) 881-7566 | tahoesciencecenter.org

University of California, Davis, science education center at at UNR Lake Tahoe in Incline Village, Nev. Exhibits include a virtual research boat, biology lab, 3D movies and docent-led tours. Ages 8+.

in 1960, celebrates its Olympic History with the Tower of Nations with its Olympic Flame and the symbolic Tower of the Valley at Highway 89. The Olympic Museum at High Camp features historic memorabilia and photographs. Tram ticket required.

SOUTH SHORE

HEAVENLY

Last day Sept. 3

(775) 586-7000 | skiheavenly.com

Enjoy a 2.4-mile ride on the gondola to the top with panoramic views, along with zip lines, climbing wall, tubing, coaster and more. Ticket required.

LAKE TAHOE MUSEUM

Thurs.-Sat until Aug. 31; Sat. only Sept.-mid Dec. & by appt. (530) 541-5458 | laketahoemuseum.org

Washoe artifacts and exhibits on early industry and settlers. Pick up walking tour maps.

TAHOE ART LEAGUE GALLERY

OLD TRUCKEE JAIL MUSEUM

Closes Labor Day

By appt. only | (530) 659-2378 | truckeehistory.org

One of a few surviving 19th Century jailhouses used from 1875 until May 1965. Volunteers needed.

TOWN OF TRUCKEE

truckeehistory.org | truckee.com

Settled in 1863, Truckee grew quickly as a stagecoach stop and route for the Central Pacific Railroad. During these early days, many historical homes and buildings were built including The Truckee Hotel (1868) and the Capitol Building (1868). Stop by the Depot for a walking tour of historic downtown. Paid parking downtown.

TRUCKEE RAILROAD MUSEUM

Open Sat.-Sun. & holidays truckeedonnerrailroadsociety.com

Learn about the historic railroad. Located in a caboose next to the Truckee Depot.

WEST SHORE

KINGS BEACH

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 St., Minnow and the Christmas Tree lot on Hwy. 28.

NORTH TAHOE ARTS CENTER

(530) 581-2787 | northtahoearts.com

Featuring works by local artists & workshops in Kings Beach and Tahoe City.

SNOW MUSEUM

Open daily | thesnowmuseum.org

Memorabilia from the 1960 Winter Olympics and select items from Auburn Ski Club’s collection of early ski history. Inside Boatworks Mall in Tahoe City.

WATSON CABIN

Open Sat. & Thurs. (during Farmers’ Market) (530) 583-1762 | northtahoemuseums.org

Watson Cabin, built by Robert Watson and his son in 1908, is the oldest building in Tahoe City and on the National Register of Historic Places.

OLYMPIC VALLEY

HIGH CAMP

(800) 403-0206 | palisadestahoe.com

Aerial tram rides with views of Lake Tahoe, Olympic Heritage Museum, events and more. Ticket required

OLYMPIC MUSEUM

(800) 403-0206 | palisadestahoe.com

Palisades Tahoe, host of the VIII Winter Olympic Games

(530) 544-2313 | talart.org

Featuring works by local artists & workshops.

TALLAC HISTORIC SITE

(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 year-round. Tours in summer.

TAYLOR CREEK VISITOR CENTER

Memorial Weekend-Oct. 31

(530) 543-2674 | fs.usda.gov

Features Stream Profile Chamber to view slice of Taylor Creek, nature trails & more.

TRUCKEE

DONNER SUMMIT HISTORICAL SOCIETY donnersummithistoricalsociety.org

At Old Hwy 40 & Soda Springs Rd. 20-mile interpretive driving tour along Old 40.

EMIGRANT TRAIL MUSEUM (530) 582-7892 | parks.ca.gov

The Emigrant Trail Museum features exhibits and artifacts on the Donner Party (1846-47) at Donner Memorial State Park. See the towering Pioneer Monument.

KIDZONE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

Tues.-Sat. | (530) 587-5437 | kidzonemuseum.org

Interactive exhibits, science & art classes for kids up to age 7. BabyZone & Jungle Gym.

MUSEUM OF TRUCKEE HISTORY

Open Fri.-Sun. | (530) 582-0893 museumoftruckeehistory.com

Housed in the original Depot, built in 1901. Exhibits cover different eras in Truckee history.

NORTHSTAR

Open until Oct. 1. | northstarcalifornia.com

Ride the Big Springs Gondola up to 8,610’ for views of Tahoe and Truckee.

EAGLE ROCK

Eagle Rock, one of the Lake’s most famous natural sites, is a volcanic plug beside Highway 89 on the West Shore. Trail to top is on the south side.

FANNETTE ISLAND

(530) 541-3030 | parks.ca.gov

Lake Tahoe’s only island is in Emerald Bay & is home to an old tea house. Boat access only. (Closed Feb. 1-June 15 for nesting birds.)

HELLMAN-EHRMAN MANSION

Parking fee | parks.ca.gov

(530) 525-7232 Park | (530) 583-9911 Tours

Sugar Pine Point State Park is home to the historic Ehrman Mansion. See boathouses with historic boats and General Phipps Cabin built in the late 1800s. Tours May 27-Sept. 30.

VIKINGSHOLM CASTLE

(530) 541-3030 | (530) 525-9529 ADA parks.ca.gov | vikingsholm.com

Tour the grounds of Vikingsholm Castle (interior tours June 15-Sept. 30), see Eagle Falls and Fannette Island (the Lake’s only island), home to an old Tea House.

TRANSIT

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

ROAD CONDITIONS

California road conditions roads.dot.ca.gov, (800) 427-7623

Nevada Road conditions nvroads.com, (877) 687-6237 or 511 (while in Nevada)

VISITORS’ CENTERS

Kings Beach State Rec. Area (Thurs.-Mon., July-Aug.) Incline Village 969 Tahoe Blvd. (800) 468-2463 South

Boots McFarland by Geolyn Carvin | BootsMcFarland.com

Views of Lake Tahoe in the distance can be seen along the hike to Emigrant Peak at Palisades Tahoe. The trail climbs past Gold Coast lift before reaching Emigrant Pass. Read the feature in this edition or at YourTahoeGuide.com. | Katherine E. Hill

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

LAKE CLARITY:

2022: 71.7 feet depth (21.9 meters)

1968: First recorded at 102.4 feet (31.21 m)

AVERAGE DEPTH: 1,000 feet (304 m)

MAXIMUM DEPTH: 1,645 feet (501 m)

Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the U.S. (Crater Lake in Oregon, at 1,932 feet, or 589 m, is the deepest), and the 11th deepest in the world.

VOLUME: 39 trillion gallons (147.6 trillion liters)

There is enough water in Lake Tahoe to supply everyone in the United States with more than 75 gallons (284 liters) of water per day for 5 years.

NATURAL RIM: 6,223’ (1,897 m)

Lake Tahoe sits at an average elevation of between 6,223’ and 6,229.1’. (1,897-1,899 m)

The top 6.1’ (1.8 m) of water is controlled by the dam in Tahoe City and holds up to 744,600 acre feet of water (91,845 m).

SIZE: 22 miles long, 12 miles wide (35 km long, 19 km wide) Lake Tahoe is as long as the English Channel is wide.

SHORELINE: 72 miles (116 km)

Lake Tahoe has a surface area of 191 square miles (307 km). If Lake Tahoe were emptied, it would submerge California under 15 inches of water (.38 m)

Read about how the lake was formed, Lake Tahoe’s discovery, lake clarity and more at YourTahoeGuide.com

Photo: Ryan Salm

Tahoe Weekly’s next chapter

New name, Patron Circle launched

BY KATHERINE E. HILL

Tahoe Weekly – now known as Tahoe Guide – launches its next chapter with this edition. Along with our new name, we’re also introducing our new membership program we are calling our Patron Circle.

PATRON CIRCLE MEMBERSHIP

The pandemic has been a hard struggle for the publishing industry over the last few years, including for our small, independently owned and operated magazine. We made it through the pandemic due to a lot of hard work from our staff and contributors, along with financial donations that many readers provided to us.

Many of you requested that I set up a membership program so that you could easily make monthly contributions. I was initially hesitant to do so, but as with every other publication, we are also feeling the financial strain of lost advertising dollars that has not rebounded from the pandemic.

There is a myriad of reasons for this.

First, many other local small business owners still report they are struggling with staffing issues caused by a worsening housing market for workers.

Second, we can’t compete with the allure of cheap social media channels and some businesses chose to spend their money with multi-national, multi-billion-dollar corporate entities that make their products cheap because they sell your personal and digital data to other companies.

We, on the other hand, don’t sell anyone’s data and we employ local writers and staff to produce quality, well-researched articles to tell the stories of Tahoe from local artists and restaurants, to wildfire preparedness and public access to the backcountry, to local history and visitor impacts (which includes our feature “Tahoe’s trash troubles” in this edition).

If you are interested in supporting our work and the work of our writers and staff, please consider joining our Patron

1980s

Circle as a member at tahoeguide.fundjournalism.com. You can donate one time or make a monthly contribution of any amount. By joining, you’ll receive a monthly newsletter for members only with exclusive content along with special discounts and ticket giveaways to local events throughout the year. We also accept donations by mail.

Patrons who sign up to donate $10 a month or make a one-time donation of $100 or more will also receive a print subscription mailed to your home.

TAHOE GUIDE NAME

Since I bought the magazine in 2013 (it will be 10 years in November), I’ve wanted to change the name and we came close a few years ago but held off during the pandemic when the timing wasn’t right. Now it is.

Our new name – Tahoe Guide – reflects who we are today and who we have been for the last several years more than the name Tahoe Weekly.

The new name is fitting in many ways. It reflects our roots as the region’s original visitor guide founded in 1982. We are known as the music guide, the food guide, the arts guide, the outdoor guide and the sightseeing guide. And we publish a number of “guides” throughout the year including Family Fun, Downhill, Backcountry, Nordic, Golf, and Tahoe Music, Events & Festivals. Since the pandemic, we’ve also made changes to our publication schedule and are doing so again. We will continue to publish twice a month from May to September and in December, while switching to only one edition a month in October, November and from January to April.

YOURTAHOEGUIDE.COM

We’ll be called Tahoe Guide and our website will be YourTahoeGuide.com In the coming weeks, we’ll be switching over our website with our new logo and URL. There may be times when the website is inaccessible while we transfer to the new domain. The full editions of the magazine are available at issuu.com/TheTahoeWeekly if you can’t access the website. As part of the changeover, our email addresses will change to @yourtahoeguide.com. But all the former URL links and emails will remain active for most of the next year and be forwarded to the new domain name to make it easier for our readers and clients.

Thank you for all your support through the years and I look forward to this new, exciting chapter for our magazine. n

Katherine E. Hill

1990s

2000s

PUBLISHER/OWNER

& EDITOR IN CHIEF PUBLISHER@YOURTAHOEGUIDE.COM

PATRON CIRCLE MEMBERSHIP

tahoeguide.fundjournalism.org

Mail checks to: Tahoe Guide

POB 154, Tahoe Vista, CA 96148

Please include an email or phone number.

2010s

2020

Unforgettable high-elevation adventures

BY KATHERINE E. HILL

TheTram emerges from its concrete confines and begins to gently climb over the valley lush with late-blooming wildflowers. As we pass the craggy Tram Face, glimpses of the still snow-covered peaks emerge. Views of Lake Tahoe are soon visible as we ascend.

My friend Laurie Climenhaga and I chat with the tram operator who helps to calm our dogs who are nervous from the motion of the Tram. Our destination is Emigrant Peak high above Olympic Valley. While Laurie’s dog Finn and my hiking buddy Copper (my sister’s dog) are excited to be going on another hike, neither of them enjoys the Tram ride. The Tram is packed with visitors and locals this August morning; some equipped for their own hiking adventures while others are heading to the roller skating rink and to enjoy other activities at Palisade Tahoe’s High Camp at 8,200’.

Palisades Tahoe is among the only ski resorts in the Tahoe Sierra that offer high-elevation adventures with lift access during the summer months.

I’ve long wanted to hike to Emigrant Peak at 8,774’ and to visit the Pioneer Monument situated near Emigrant Pass. The pass was once among the most heavily travelled routes for pioneers heading to the foothills of the Sierra. Today, it’s mostly visited by skiers and snowboarders who take the Emigrant Chair in the winter or by competitors

on the 100-mile Tevis Cup or Western States Endurance Run in the summer.

As we emerge from the Tram, we’re greeted by waves of wildflowers washing over the meadows so often buried deep in snow at High Camp. A few patches of snow remain in the shadow of Washeshu and Emigrant peaks.

The trail is part of the road system for maintenance and the wildflowers are seemingly unending. We marvel with each new patch of flowers throughout the nearly 3-mile roundtrip hike. While the views are spectacular, there is no shade or water (we packed several extra bottles just for the dogs). When we come to our first snow patch at the Shirley Lake Express chairlift both dogs head for it to cool down.

We continue our climb, bemoaning that we both forget our hiking poles, especially since we know better as seasoned hikers.

On the last switchback, I glimpse a tattered American flag waving wildly at the top of the pass. Soon we arrive at the Pioneer Monument commemorating the Emigrant Road and take in the panoramic views of Lake Tahoe on one side and Granite Chief Wilderness on the other. We hike up the last slope to reach Emigrant Peak and see Shirley Lake below.

By this point, a summer storm is coming in and I receive a notification of lightening in the area. We turn to head back to High Camp marveling at

the wildflowers with every step and the views in every direction. Plan your own high elevation outing at Palisades Tahoe or visit Heavenly, Northstar or Boreal, which also offer lift access in the summer. Check operating schedules before visiting.

Palisades Tahoe

Palisades offers a network of hiking and mountain trails at High Camp and visitors can pick up a self-guided trail map or join a guided hike. Visitors can also enjoy a 9-hole disc golf course, geocaching, roller skating, Olympic Museum, a Washo display at High Camp and dining options at High Camp. The Tram is open daily through Sept. 4, and Friday to Sunday until Sept. 30. In October, it runs Oct. 1 and Oct. 6 to 8. | palisadestahoe.com

Heavenly Mountain

Heavenly Mountain operates its Gondola from the Village at Heavenly to Tamarack Lodge with a bevy of activities. Along with the spectacular scenery to enjoy on the roundtrip ride, visitors can enjoy Gem Panning, the Granite Peak Climbing Wall, the Red Tail Flyer Kid’s Zip Line, the Hot Shot Zip Line, Summer Tubing, rides on Tamarack Chair and a number of hiking trails You can grab a bite at Tamarack Lodge, which also hosts live music on Friday and Saturday.

Don’t forget to stop at the Gondola’s

mid-station to enjoy one of the best views of the Lake Tahoe Basin. And there’s a Yoga Class on Sundays at mid-station. The last day of operations for the Gondola is Sept. 3, so make plans to visit immediately. | skiheavenly. com

Northstar

Ride the Big Springs Gondola from the Village at Northstar to mid-mountain to enjoy sightseeing or hiking trails. But the real excitement at Northstar in the summer is the phenomenal mountain biking trail network at its Downhill Bike Park, which offers lift access using the Gondola. Once at mid-mountain, riders can explore the trails or climb higher to other trail networks on the Tahoe Zephyr or Vista Express lifts

On-mountain activities are open until Oct. 1. | northstarcalifornia.com

Ski runs to trails

Woodward Tahoe at Boreal also offers lift-accessed mountain biking on the Castle Peak chair with access to trail systems and parks. Kirkwood, Sky Tavern and Tahoe XC open their winter trail networks to mountain biking in the summer without the benefit of lifts, however.

Kirkwood also allows horseback riding and hiking on its trails. All are typically open until the snow starts to accumulate on the trails. | rideboreal.com, kirkwood.com, skytavern.org, tahoexc.org n

Pioneer Monument commemorating the Emigrant Road. | Katherine E. Hill. Hot Shot Zip Line at Heavenly | Heavenly Mountain Resort

Plucking, clucking makes voting fun

Guitar Strings vs. Chicken Wings is on Sept. 8 at Palisades Tahoe in Olympic Valley from 4 to 9:30 p.m. Six local bands go head-to-head in a battle to be crowned the best band in the Village. Meanwhile, six restaurants face off in competition pitting the best wings against each other. You decide the winners. Proceeds will benefit Tahoe Institute For Natural Science. Read Priya Hutner’s feature on the “Best Wings in Tahoe: Palisades Tahoe” in this edition. | palisadestahoe.com

SCHEDULE

Group A

Bands perform 5-6 p.m. & 7-8 p.m.

Fireside Pizza Company | Julie & the Jukes

22 Bistro | TBA

Tremigo Mexican Kitchen | The Nomads

Group B

Bands perform 6-7 p.m. & 8-9 p.m.

Rocker | TBA

Auld Dubliner | Jelly Bread

PlumpJack Cafe | Tim High & The Mighty

Kick off Labor Day in Kings Beach

North Tahoe Business Association offers Lights In The Sky Drone Show on Sept. 1 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. to kick off Labor Day weekend. Administered by Sky Elements Drone Shows, the light show will feature 300 drones over Lake Tahoe. Music from GrooveSession will start at 6:30 p.m. in the final Music on the Beach show of the season.

Available for purchase will be beer from Alibi Ale Works, wine from Truckee River Winery, non-alcoholic beverages, food from local vendors including MOGROG Rotisserie and Tacos Herrera. No outside alcohol or pets are permitted. | northtahoebusiness.org

NTBA | Ryan Salm

JUNE & JULY TRASH DATA

Provided by Clean Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

75 animal cleanups

19 illegal dump cleanups

406.5 bags of trash (50-gallon bags), approximately 3,252 lbs.

NORTH SHORE

29 animal cleanups

18 illegal dumps cleanups

430 bags of trash (50-gallon bags), approximately 3,440 lbs.

TAHOE’S TRASH TROUBLES

IS IT GETTING BETTER OR WORSE?

BY PRIYA HUTNER

Almostevery roadside and beach are laden with dog waste bags, plastic bottles, empty beer cans, diapers and food wrappers. Garbage has long been an issue during the summer, on weekends and during holidays, but during the pandemic, it burgeoned into a year-round problem, as Tahoe Guide has reported in its coverage on visitor impacts to the region for the last three years.

Local agencies and nonprofits have tried to mitigate the trash problem but this year the July 4 weekend left record amounts of trash strewn across beaches. On July 5, Tahoe received national media attention when more than 8,000 pounds were left scattered across the beaches around Lake Tahoe. Other beaches around Tahoe and at Donner Lake also saw trash left by holiday revelers.

But is July 5 the new normal or is Tahoe’s trash problem getting better? Local experts weigh in and discuss what is working, what still needs to be done and what the future holds for this pristine environment.

End Beach on Donner Lake at 5:30 a.m. on July 5 to document the trash left behind after the Truckee fireworks display.

“West End Beach is theoretically for locals. It was a sad display. Piles of trash were left on picnic tables and the ground only a few feet from the garbage

Tahoe’s trash problem is everyone’s problem.

Locals and tourists alike need to be held accountable for trashing Tahoe.

cans,” says Leve. West End Beach, managed by Truckee Donner Recreation and Park District, spearheaded cleanup efforts after the holiday. Leve said that staff and volunteers did a fantastic job cleaning up. (Watch Leve’s video of the cleanup on Tahoe Guide’s Facebook and Instagram pages.)

Overall Leve says he feels that the Park District and Town of Truckee has been doing a great job, and there’s been less trash this summer.

al-time. Leve wonders if additional signage and messaging could help with the trash situation. Leve also believes that volunteer cleanup efforts might inadvertently allow government officials to evade their responsibility for maintaining the cleanliness of the community. He believes officials need to take more action and be accountable for the trash problem.

“I’m happy with the progress we’ve made to mitigate some of our trash issues,” says Lindsay Romack, Town of Truckee mayor, noting that she thinks it’s cleaner this summer.

The Town of Truckee is implementing programs to address trash issues, like solar compacting trash cans downtown. Romack adds that a single use food ordinance will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2024.

“Hopefully that will help reduce the amount of single use items that people will be throwing away,” says Romack. Truckee is also exploring a ban on single-use plastic bottles.

ganizing hundreds of volunteers, called Tahoe Blue Crews, to pick up trash.

Volunteers collected an astounding 6,200 pounds of trash at Zephyr Shoals on July 5 making national news, with another 2,300 pounds collected at five other beaches.

“If we take out the Zephyr Shoals incident. Trash is more or less in line with what we’ve been seeing over the last 10 years as far as the weight of the trash,” explains Jesse Patterson, League to Save Lake Tahoe’s chief strategy officer.

He adds that the type of trash is different this summer. Patterson says there is about the same amount of weight but fewer big items and a lot more smaller items. His concern is that these small items end up in the lake and it’s almost impossible to retrieve them.

These small pieces of trash turn into microplastic, which contain chemicals that are harmful to wildlife and humans. According to research recently published in the journal Nature, Tahoe has the third highest concentration of plastic in the world, as Tahoe Guide reported in July. (Read our story on “Microplastics: Tahoe’s tiniest trash” at YourTahoeGuide.com.)

Less trash in Truckee Court Leve, Truckee Tahoe Litter Group Facebook Page administrator, is an outspoken advocate to keep the area free from trash. Leve arrived at West

“I think there has been a shift here which is pretty remarkable compared to what we’ve seen elsewhere,” says Leve. He adds that the Town of Truckee’s See, Click, Fix app is helpful, which allows people to report issues in re-

In addition, Romack says, the town has contracted with the Clean Tahoe program to pick up garbage twice a week. One hot spot is the alley between Jibboom Street and Donner Pass Road in downtown. Romack says the town is working to increase enforcement with businesses to deal with the trash.

League remains hopeful

The League to Save Lake Tahoe considers itself one of Lake Tahoe’s strongest environmental advocates, or-

Despite the trash, Patterson is hopeful. He says changes in parking management, and the enforcement of existing and new rules such as the alcohol ban on specific beaches are helping. Noting that the League has seen a decrease in litter where alcohol bans are enforced.

The League is also working with the Forest Service and other stakeholders on a new program called Tahoe Blue Beaches. The program will assess current infrastructure, trash receptacles and toilets and add increased messaging and signage. Zephyr Shoals is part of Tahoe Blue Beaches and a new concessionaire will oversee the beach in the future.

The League also implemented BEBOT, a solar and battery-powered beach

Trash left behind at Zephyr Shoals on July 5. | League to Save Lake Tahoe

cleaning robot. The BEBOT collects microdebris from sand. Testing on a 5,000-foot beach plot discovered that the BEBOT found 10 times more trash than volunteers cleaning the same size plot.

“We are not cleaning up the lake to let everybody off the hook. The trash that the volunteers pick up is data. Data is very powerful. It gives evidence to the decision-makers to prove we need to do more,” explains Patterson.

Patterson also adds that South Lake Tahoe’s ban on plastic bags, Styrofoam, polystyrene and plastic bottles are all great solutions to Tahoe’s trash problem.

Locals, STRs share responsibility

The Clean Tahoe program has cleaned up trash in South Lake Tahoe for the last 30 years and has expanded to Truckee and other areas around the lake in recent years. The organization removes garbage from illegal dumping, attends to trash caused by bears and works with local communities to pick up garbage. Field techs work five days a week collecting garbage.

“Illegal dumps and a lot of the trash we deal with is from locals. Roadside litter is mostly tourists,” explains Katie Sheeran, Clean Tahoe Program executive director. She adds that bear messes are a combination of locals and shortterm rentals.

“Our job is to keep it clean,” says

Sheeran. She points out that busy hot spots are generally near the beaches and where people park. Crews find a lot of trash left along Highway 89 from West Way to Baldwin Beach and along Highway 28 from the Washoe County line to Sand Harbor. Sheeran thinks it is essential for people in the community to take responsibility and pick up trash whenever possible.

KEEP TAHOE BLUE

July 5th beach cleanups (10 years)

3,170 volunteers

24,191 lbs. of trash

January-July 2023 cleanups

1,116 volunteers

Trash is everyone’s problem

“It’s really simple. If you want to deal with the trash issue, you have to have more garbage service and we have to have coordinated efforts for peak days in Tahoe,” explains Amy Berry, executive director of the Tahoe Fund.

She also cites the keys to destination management in dealing with the trash problem: How do we better manage people when they’re here and give them a better experience? How do we build a culture of caretaking and provide the necessary infrastructure? And the last key is enforcement. n

REPORT TRASH

Apps

Citizen Science app | citizensciencetahoe.org

See, 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 | townoftruckee.com

Keep Truckee Green | (530) 582-7700, keeptruckeegreen.org

Truckee-Donner Recreation & Parks District

| (530) 582-7720, tdrpd.org

Washoe County

16,616 lbs. of trash GET TICKETS HERE!

Garbage complaints | (775) 328-6106, washoecounty.us

JOIN US SEPTEMBER 8-9 FOR A WEEKEND OF HIGH SPEED RACING, BEER, AND LIVE MUSIC AT SKY TAVERN SKI RESORT!

GATES OPEN 2PM FOR VIP & 2:30PM FOR GENERAL ADMISSION

SEPTEMBER 8 - 9 SKY TAVERN, NV

Nov. 23 | Granlibakken Sled Hill opens

Nov. 24 | Soda Springs, Sugar Bowl, Royal Gorge Cross Country, Tahoe Donner Cross Country

Dec. 1 | Kirkwood

Early Dec. | Sierra-at-Tahoe

Dec. 7 | Diamond Peak

Dec. 13 | Sky Tavern

Dec. 15 | Granlibakken Ski Hill opens

Tim Hauserman

Donations sought for ASC lights

ASC Training Center is fundraising to install 26 permanent light towers before the start of the 2023-24 season, as first reported in Tahoe Guide in November 2022.

The center’s snowboard coaches have been navigating the nest of existing utilities close to the training center and the team has succeeded in putting in the infrastructure for a transformer that will get power out to posts on the trails, according to ASC. The center is accepting donations to help with the project. Read Tim Hauserman’s feature on skiing under the lights at YourTahoeGuide.com. | donorbox.org/ascdonate

Echo Lake connector underway

A new connector trail is being created at the Echo Lake SNO-Park parking area. This project will reduce congestion at the Echo Lake Trailhead and provide equestrians with a viable parking option near Echo Lake by opening the Echo Lake SNO-PARK on Johnson Pass Road as a summer trailhead and by providing a trail link directly to the Pacific Crest Trail/Tahoe Rim Trail, according to a press release from the U.S. Forest Service. The project will also improve road and trailhead signs in this area. There are upcoming volunteer days where the public can help. | tahoerimtrail.org

Ski areas announce opening dates

There’s still nearly a month of summer to enjoy still, but local ski areas are already gearing up for the 2023-24 season, with several announcing opening dates.

Opening dates are weather dependent and Tahoe Guide will publish updates from other ski areas as they are announced in the print edition, at YourTahoeGuide.com and in the monthly newsletter. Sign up at bit.ly/tahoe_ newsletter.

Ski area opening dates

(as of Aug. 25, 2023)

Nov. 9 | Mt. Rose

Nov. 17 | Boreal, Heavenly, Northstar California

Nov. 22 | Palisades Tahoe

Limited use at Emerald Bay lot

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit announces the closure of the Bayview Trailhead parking lot in Emerald Bay through September due to construction. The trail will remain open for day and overnight access. Bayview Trailhead and Day-Use area at Emerald Bay is located near the

LABOR DAY SALE

Tahoe Rim Trail Association

U.S. Forest Service

BOAT RENTALS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

South Shore and serves as a trailhead for Desolation Wilderness. It is recommended that people visit Emerald Bay in the early morning or late afternoon. | fs.usda.gov

New fire restrictions in place

The U.S. Forest Service announced that enhanced fire restrictions are in effect on National Forest lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin through the end of December 2023. This means that wood and charcoal fires are prohibited in Blackwood Canyon, Luther Pass and Watson Lake campgrounds. Portable stoves are allowed with a valid permit. Enhanced fire restrictions also apply to smoking, operating off-highway vehicles and welding. | (530) 543-2600, fs.usda.gov

Upgrades at Lake Forest ramp

Lake Forest Boat Ramp Restroom

Replacement Project will replace the existing seasonal restroom at Lake Forest Boat Ramp with an ADA-compliant, year-round, heated restroom facility, according to TCPUD. The project will begin after Labor Day, with demolitions of the existing facility and construction of a new foundation. The project is expected to be completed by spring 2024. Portable restrooms will be available during construction. | tcpud.org

Onewheel hosts

Race for the Rail

Twenty-eight of the best Onewheel riders in the world will race down the slopes of Sky Tavern in in Race for the Rail and a share of a $27,000 prize purse in a boardercross-style format. The events feature a women’s race on Sept. 8 and a men’s race on Sept. 9 with live music from Sega Genecide.

Onewheel

Spectators are welcome after 2:30 p.m. to watch the action. There will be food and beer/wine for purchase. Bring camping chairs, water and hats. Parking is not included and carpooling is encouraged. | Tickets onewheelracing.com

Ride ‘em cowpokes at Wild West Fest

The fourth annual Wild West Fest is on Sept. 2 at Tahoe Donner’s Alder Creek Adventure Center from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Enjoy a taste of the old frontier with a chuck-wagon barbecue, honky-tonk tunes, equestrian performances, pony rides for ages 2 to 6 and a petting zoo that includes an emu and ostrich. Other activities include face painting, Western-style dress up, bounce house and arena games. | Tickets tahoedonner.com

Multicultural celebration coming to Bijou

The City of South Lake Tahoe along with the Multicultural Committee are holding a free one-day event that celebrates different cultures through art, music, food and entertainment at Bijou

Tahoe Donner

TCPUD

DISC GOLF

EAST SHORE

INCLINE VILLAGE

(775) 832-1300 | inclinerecreation.com

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

NORTH SHORE

NORTH TAHOE REGIONAL PARK

(530) 546-4212 | northtahoeparks.com

18-hole, o National Ave. Parking $5. Daily dawn-dusk. TART

PALISADES TAHOE’S HIGH CAMP

(530) 583-6985 | palisadestahoe.com

18-hole course. Disc rentals. Tram ticket required. TART

SOUTH SHORE +

BIJOU COMMUNITY PARK

A mostly flat and moderately wooded course with 27 holes covering 8,324 feet. On Al Tahoe Blvd. o Hwy 50. BlueGo

DISCWOOD (209) 258-7277 | kirkwood.com

Experience disc golf at 7,800 feet at Kirkwood Resort.The 18hole course weaves through the trees and over mountainous terrain. Free.

TAHOE PARADISE PARK

tahoeparadisepark.com

9-hole course in Meyers.

TURTLE ROCK PARK CAMPGROUND

(530) 694-2140 | alpinecounty.ca.gov | Closed for repairs Located in Markleeville.

ZEPHYR COVE

18 holes covering 5,256 feet with holes of varying lengths. On Warrior Way. BlueGo

TRUCKEE

DONNER SKI RANCH

(530) 426-3635 | donnerskiranch.com

18-hole course. Free to play; must register at restaurant.

SIERRA COLLEGE

(530) 550-2225

18 holes on campus. Free. Daily dawn-dusk. TART

TRUCKEE RIVER REGIONAL PARK

(530) 582-7720 | tdrpd.com

18-hole course, o Brockway Road. Dogs must be on leash. Free. Daily dawn-dusk. TART

GEOCACHING

OLYMPIC VALLEY

(800) 403-0206 | palisadestahoe.com

High-tech treasure hunt on mountain using GPS to find 10 caches. Free with Aerial Tram ticket. TART

MINI GOLF COURSES

SHOPS AT HEAVENLY theshopsatheavenly.com

10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily

VILLAGE AT NORTHSTAR northstarcalifornia.com

Free. First-come, first-served. TART

PUBLIC POOLS

INCLINE VILLAGE

(775) 832-1300 | inclinerecreation.com

25-yard, 8-lane indoor pool at Incline Recreation Center, swim lessons, aqua fitness, 1-meter spring diving board, inflatable slide (weekends). Daily rates & memberships available. TART

OLYMPIC VALLEY

(800) 403-0206 | palisadestahoe.com | Closed Swimming Lagoon & Spa at High Camp at Palisades Tahoe, free form lagoon with 50-meter lap lanes, two islands with waterfalls and native boulders. TART

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

(530) 542-6056 | cityofslt.com

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

TRUCKEE

(530) 582-7720 | tdrpd.com

Lap & recreation pool. Kids swimming area, slides.TART

ROCK CLIMBING WALLS

TRUCKEE

COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER

(530) 582-7720 | tdrpd.com

O ers 29’ climbing wall & 12’ bouldering wall. All ages & levels. Lessons available. TART

SKATE PARKS

EAST SHORE

INCLINE SKATE PARK (775) 832-1300 | inclinerecreation.com

Intermediate/advanced area with two, 5-foot tall bowls with a spine, 3-foot box and 2.5 foot bowl for beginners. Street course on top, with 8-foot flat rail, 6-foot down rail, four stairs and a 10-foot downward ramp. Corner Hwy. 28 & Southwood. Daily dawn-dusk. TART

SOUTH SHORE

BIJOU COMMUNITY PARK

cityofslt.us

Bijou Community Park features a skateboard park on Al Tahoe Boulevard o Highway 50. BlueGo

SKATEHOUSE @skatetahoe

40’x80’ warehouse with indoor skate rink. 867 Eloise, South Lake Tahoe.

TAHOE CITY

SCOTTY LAPP MEMORIAL SKATE PARK scottylappmemorialskatepark.org

4,000-square-foot pop-up park behind the old Blue Agave building. Friday-Sunday 10 a.m.-sunset until the snow flies.

TART

TRUCKEE

TRUCKEE RIVER REGIONAL PARK

(530) 582-7720 | tdrpd.com

Truckee River Regional Park with several bowls with a spine and channel, a long rail and ledges. Knee and elbow pads and helmets required. Free. Daily dawn-10 p.m. TART

WOODWARD TAHOE

(530) 426-1114 | rideboreal.com

Featuring two skateparks – The Sierra Skatepark and

BOATING

Schedules subject to change. Check Lake Tahoe conditions | tahoe.ucdavis.edu/lake-conditions

BOAT INSPECTIONS

INTERSTATE AIS HOTLINE (844) 311-4873

Inspections are required for Lake Tahoe, Echo Lakes, Fallen Leaf Lake, Donner Lake, area reservoirs, Lake of the Woods, Webber Lake and Lakes Basin waters.

LAKE TAHOE, FALLEN LEAF LAKE & ECHO LAKES

(888) 824-6267 | tahoeboatinspections.com | Inspections first-come, first-served. Appointments: (888) 824-6267

Inspections open 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. until Sept. 30.

NORTH SHORE | Alpine Meadows: Hwy. 89 at Alpine Meadows Rd.

EAST SHORE | Spooner Summit: Junction of Hwys. 28 & 50. No vessels more than 30’.

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

DONNER LAKE

(530) 550-2323 | bit.ly/donner_boating

Current Lake Tahoe sticker applies to boats on Donner Lake (inspections at above stations). OR, self-inspection through Town of Truckee to obtain a no-fee sticker. Info at bit.ly/donner_boating.

RESERVOIRS, WEBBER LAKE, LAKE OF THE WOODS & LAKES BASIN WATERS

(888) 824-6267 | truckeeboatinspections.com

Mandatory self inspections are in place at Prosser, Boca, Jackson Meadows & Stampede reservoirs and all lakes in Sierra and Nevada counties. Forms available at ramps or online.

CALIFORNIA BOATER CARD

CALIFORNIA REQUIRES BOAT OPERATORS TO PASS A MANDATORY

PUBLIC RAMPS

LAKE TAHOE

CAVE ROCK | E AST S HORE

(775) 831-0494 | Hwy. 50, East Shore

6 a.m.-8 p.m. until Oct. 1

EL DORADO BEACH | S OUTH S HORE

(530) 542-2981 | cityofslt.us

Hwy. 50 at Lakeview Ave., South Lake Tahoe Friday-Wed. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (last launch at 4:30 p.m.) Picnic area, restrooms.

LAKE FOREST | N ORTH S HORE

(530) 583-3796 | 1.5 miles east of Tahoe City, o Hwy. 28 Mon.-Thur. 5:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Fri.-Sun. 5:30 a.m.-8 p.m. until Sept. 5. Daily 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Sept. 6-30.

OBEXER’S | WEST SHORE

(530) 525-7962, x0 Hwy. 89, Homewood. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily

RACOON ST. BOAT LAUNCH | K INGS B EACH

(530) 546-9253

Hwy. 28, Bottom of Racoon St. in Kings Beach Call for schedule. Restrooms.

SAND HARBOR | E AST S HORE

(775) 831-0494 | Hwy. 28, 2 miles south of Incline Village 6 a.m.-8 p.m. (closed Wed. & Thurs.) Parking lot open with limited parking for nonmotorized launch only. Picnic area, beach, Visitors’ Center, food, restrooms. Sealed boats only.

TAHOE VISTA REC. AREA

(530) 546-4212 | Hwy. 28, Bottom of National Ave. 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily until Sept. 4. Operations after Labor Day dependent on weather & sta ng. Call for schedule. Picnic area, beach, restrooms.

AREA LAKES

BOCA/STAMPEDE RSVR.

(530) 587-3558 I-80, Hirschdale exit 45 mph speed limit. No launching fee. Parking fee. Subject to closure during low water levels. Mandatory inspections.

DONNER LAKE

(530) 550-2318 I-80, Donner Lake exit 2 boat lanes, fish cleaning station, restrooms. Call for hours.

INDEPENDENCE LAKE

(775) 322-4990

Independence Lake Rd., 20 miles north of Truckee

Restricted to on-site watercraft: kayaks, tubes & small motor boats available on first-come, first-served basis. No outside craft. Call for schedule.

PROSSER RSVR.

(530) 587-3558 | Hwy. 89, 2 miles north of Truckee 10 mph speed limit strictly enforced. No fees for parking or launching. Mandatory inspections.

WEBBER LAKE

(530) 582-4711 | Henness Pass Rd., 26 mi. north of Truckee 5 mph speed limit. Boat ramp & trailer parking. Self inspection required. Sierra County Inspection form at sierracounty.ca.gov.

PUBLIC PIERS

Limited to loading & unloading. Fenced piers are private

DONNER LAKE

DONNER LAKE

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

LAKE TAHOE

GAR WOODS

Carnelian Bay

Access to restaurant, small beaches. Restrooms.

GROVE STREET

Center of Tahoe City

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

KASPIAN PICNIC AREA

West Shore 4 mi. south of Tahoe City. Picnic area, beach. Restrooms.

KINGS BEACH

Bottom of Racoon St.

Pier adjacent to town, public beach, picnic sites. Restrooms.

SKYLANDIA PARK

Lake Forest Small beach, picnic facilities. Restrooms.

SUGAR PINE POINT

Tahoma

Hiking, Ehrman Mansion tours, nature trail. Restrooms.

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS FOR FREE

Visit YourTahoeGuide.com/ Events to add your Event for our print & online calendars.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

Community Park on Sept. 9 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Check out cultural displays, kids’ activities, food trucks, vendor booths and more.| www.cityofslt.us

events

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 30

68th U.S. Senior Amateur Championship

Martis Camp, Truckee, 7 a.m., (530) 550-3200

Storytime

Zephyr Cove Library, 11 a.m., (775) 588-6411

Meyers Mountain Market Farmers Market

Tahoe Paradise Park , South Lake Tahoe, 3-7:30 p.m., (805) 857-4103, meyersmtnmarket.org

Wild Wednesdays

Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care, South Lake Tahoe, 6-7 p.m., (530) 577-2273, ltwc.org

THURSDAY, AUG. 31

68th U.S. Senior Amateur Championship

Martis Camp, Truckee, 7 a.m., (530) 550-3200

Tahoe City Farmers Market

Commons Beach, Tahoe City, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Family Storytime

Incline Village Library, Incline Village, 10:30 a.m., (775) 832-4130, washoecountylibrary.us

Preschool Storytime

TS Restaurants

Donate to Maui fund

TS Restaurants, which owns Sunnyside Restaurant in Tahoe City, is collecting donations through the Legacy of Aloha Foundation to help nearly 800 employees of TS Restaurants and Maui Brewing Co. Restaurants on Maui, Hawaii, who lost their homes or have been temporarily displaced due to the wildfires. Funds will be used to give grants to those employees with any remaining funds going to accredited nonprofits working on in Maui. | Donate tsrestaurants.com/legacy-of-aloha

Nevada State Parks Sand Harbor boat ramp closures

Due to staffing shortages, Sand Harbor State Park’s boat ramp and north parking lot will be closed Wednesdays and Thursdays for the reminder of the season, according to Nevada State Park. Visitors can still access the beach and south parking lots. During these closures, visitors can use the boat ramp at Cave Rock State Park or another public boat ramp. Find a list of all ramps in the Boating chart in this edition or at YourTahoeGuide.com. | tahoeboatinspections.com.

Tahoe City Library, Tahoe City, 10:30 a.m., (530) 5462021, placer.ca.gov/2093/Library

Paddling Tours on Donner Lake

Donner Memorial State Park, Truckee, 10:30 a.m., (530) 583-9911, sierrastateparks.org

Incline Village Farmers Market

Incline Village Farmers Market, Incline Village, 3-6 p.m., (775) 339-1203, nevadagrown.com

Summer Speaker Series:

The High Sierra: A Love Story

UC Davis Tahoe Science Center, Tahoe City, 5:30-7:30 p.m., (775) 881-7560, tahoe.ucdavis.edu

FRIDAY, SEPT. 1

Community Forum

Incline Village Library, Incline Village, 9-10 a.m., (775) 833-5252, ivcba.org

Romano’s Certified Farmers’ Markets

Sierra Valley Farms, Beckwourth, 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Baby Lapsit

Kings Beach Library, 10:30 a.m., (530) 546-2021

Hike With a Ranger

Heavenly Mountain Resort, South Lake Tahoe, 11 a.m., (775) 586-7000, skiheavenly.com

Fiber Art Craft Time

South Lake Tahoe Library, 1-3 p.m., eldoradolibrary.org

Ski Run Farmers Market

Ski Run Farmers Market, South Lake Tahoe, 3-8 p.m., skirunfarmersmarket.com

Cool Car Cruizen Fridays

Shops at Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe, 8 p.m., theshopsatheavenly.com

SATURDAY, SEPT. 2

Guided Euer Valley Tour

ACAC parking lot, Truckee, 8-11 a.m., (530) 587-9400, tahoedonner.com

Mountain Biking Tours

Donner Memorial State Park, Truckee, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., (530) 583-9911, sierrastateparks.org

Hike With a Ranger

Heavenly Mountain Resort, South Lake Tahoe, 11 a.m., (775) 586-7000, skiheavenly.com

Naturalist Talk

The Village at Palisades Tahoe, Olympic Valley, 11 a.m., (800) 403-0206, palisadestahoe.com

Guided Kayak Tours

Sugar Pine Point State Park, Tahoma, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., (530) 583-9911, sierrastateparks.org

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

SATURDAY,

SEPT. 2 CONT’D

Truckee River Railroad

Truckee River Regional Park, Truckee, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., (530) 582-7720, tdrpd.org

2nd Annual Snow on the Beach

Hyatt Regency, Incline Village, 4-9:30 p.m., (775) 8321176, dpsef.org

Wild West Fest

Alder Creek Adventure Center, Truckee, 4:30 p.m., (530) 587-9400, tahoedonner.com

Weekly Social Run & Hangout

Trout Creek Pocket Park, Truckee, 6 p.m., donnerpartymountainrunners.com

SUNDAY, SEPT. 3

Blairsden Community Farmers Market

Blairsden Garden Center, Blairsden, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., (530) 836-2541, blairsdengardencenter.com

Hike With a Ranger

Heavenly Mountain Resort, South Lake Tahoe, 11 a.m., (775) 586-7000, skiheavenly.com

Naturalist Talk

The Village at Palisades Tahoe, Olympic Valley, 11 a.m., (800) 403-0206, palisadestahoe.com

Guided Kayak Tours

Sugar Pine Point State Park, Tahoma, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., (530) 583-9911, sierrastateparks.org

Brunch in the Barn

Sierra Valley Farms, Beckwourth, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

MONDAY, SEPT. 4

Alpen Wine Fest

The Village at Palisades Tahoe, Olympic Valley, 2-5 p.m., (800) 403-0206, palisadestahoe.com

TUESDAY, SEPT. 5

Farmers Market

American Legion Hall parking lot, South Lake Tahoe, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., eldoradofarmersmarket.com

Truckee Tuesday Farmers Market

Truckee River Regional Park, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Family Storytime

Incline Village Library, 10:30 a.m., (775) 832-4130

Preschool Storytime

Kings Beach Library, 10:30 a.m., (530) 546-2021, Reading Furends

Zephyr Cove Library, 3:30 p.m., (775) 588-6411

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 6

Storytime

Zephyr Cove Library, 11 a.m., (775) 588-6411

Meyers Mountain Market Farmers Market

Tahoe Paradise Park , South Lake Tahoe, 3-7:30 p.m.

Talks at Tahoe

with Poet Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer

Prim Library, Incline Village, 6-8 p.m., unr.edu

THURSDAY, SEPT. 7

Tahoe City Farmers Market

Commons Beach, Tahoe City, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Family Storytime

Incline Village Library, Incline Village, 10:30 a.m., (775) 832-4130, washoecountylibrary.us

Preschool Storytime

Tahoe City Library, 10:30 a.m., (530) 546-2021

Paddling Tours on Donner Lake

Donner Memorial State Park, Truckee, 10:30 a.m., (530) 583-9911, sierrastateparks.org

IV Quad

Incline Village Library, 3 p.m., (775) 832-4130

FRIDAY, SEPT. 8

Romano’s Certified Farmers’ Markets

Sierra Valley Farms, Beckwourth, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Ski Run Farmers Market

Ski Run Farmers Market, South Lake Tahoe, 3-8 p.m.

Guitar Strings Vs. Chicken Wings

The Village at Palisades Tahoe, Olympic Valley, 4:309:30 p.m., (800) 403-0206, palisadestahoe.com

Cool Car Cruizen Fridays

Shops at Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe, 8 p.m., theshopsatheavenly.com

SATURDAY, SEPT. 9

Donner Party Hike

Donner Ski Ranch, Norden, 8 a.m., (209) 606-6859, donnerpartyhike.com

Weekly Social Run & Hangout

Trout Creek Pocket Park, Truckee, 6 p.m., donnerpartymountainrunners.com

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 SUBMIT

SUNDAY, SEPT. 10

Fly-In Pancake Breakfast

Nervino Airport, Beckwourth, 7-11 a.m.

Donner Party Hike

Donner Ski Ranch, Norden, 9 a.m., (209) 606-6859, donnerpartyhike.com

Blairsden Community Farmers Market

Blairsden Garden Center, Blairsden, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., (530) 836-2541, blairsdengardencenter.com

19th Century Bandits

Great Verdi Train Robbery to Black Bart, Part 1

BY MARK MCLAUGHLIN

MARK’S COLUMN IS SPONSORED BY Official Sponsor of Good Times in North Lake Tahoe & Truckee! TahoeDaves.com

ies in the state from the first in 1856 and the last in 1913. The Tahoe Sierra and foothill mining districts were a lucrative market for road agents as buckboards often carried company payrolls in coin in a locked box while passengers traveled with cash and jewelry.

Criminals do not deposit stolen loot in banks so burying it near a recognizable tree or land feature was a frequent tactic. The culprit(s) could then return to town and innocently mix in giving them an alibi with the intent of recovering the plunder when the heat died down.

Rumors of buried or lost treasure from 19th Century train and stagecoach robberies abound in the Tahoe Sierra. People are still looking for missing loot from an 1870 train heist along the Truckee River near the state line dubbed the Great Verdi Train Robbery.

The legendary bandit Black Bart successfully robbed 28 stagecoaches over eight years, more than any individual or gang in the United States. And he did it without firing a shot.

The express train out of Oakland carried nearly $50,000 worth of gold coins and silver bullion for Comstock mining payrolls. The caper marked the first railway holdup in the Far West and signified a new threshold of violent crime and large-scale theft. The high-profile incident upped the ante for detectives of the Wells Fargo Express Company that had custody of the shipment and for Central Pacific Railroad that wanted to maintain at least the illusion of tight security over its monetary payloads. After the stickup, the five-man gang split up in different directions, but law enforcement was quickly on the trail and caught most of the criminals still in possession of their cut of the spoils. After rousting the bad guys and sending

them to prison, officers admitted that around $3,000 worth of $20 gold pieces was still missing, allegedly stashed by one or two of the fugitives while on the run in the area. Or was it lost near Central Pacific’s Verdi Depot where the thieves frantically grabbed what booty they could from the express car and fled? Today, that lost coinage is worth at least $70,000 to the party that finds the stash. The value is likely much more as the vintage coins will have a higher worth to collectors.

Millions in the backyard

Tales of lost gold are usually just fantasy but not always. Ten years ago, in 2013, a Northern California couple was walking on their Sierra foothill property when they spotted a small, rusted can partially exposed due to erosion. They took it home and discovered that it contained $5, $10, and $20 gold coins from the 19th Century. They returned to the site with a shovel and metal detector and found seven more containers. Dates on the currency spanned half a century from 1847 to 1894. The coins have a face value of $27,000 but a professional numismatic appraiser estimated the 1,427 specie at $10 million.

The remarkable cache, labeled the Saddle Ridge Hoard, may be the most lucrative discovery of buried coins in United States’ history. The husband and wife who found the treasure have not been revealed. No one wants shovel-wielding prospectors digging around their property and neighborhood.

The couple are also protecting themselves from U.S. Treasure Trove Laws where the whole collection could be

taken and given to the descendants of whoever buried it or the government might make a claim. The secretive nature of the case has only fueled boundless speculation about the source of the money. One-third of the coins are unused and in perfect mint condition. An exceptionally rare find.

Mystery behind the treasure’s source

How did the treasure get there and who buried it? The discovery went viral and journalist sleuths lit up the media conjuring semi-plausible theories. Since most of the coins were minted in San Francisco, pundits pointed to the 1900 pilfering of $30,000 worth of gold coins from the cashier’s vault at the U.S. Mint in San Francisco by a trusted employee. After an audit revealed the missing money, federal Secret Service agents suspected Chief Clerk Walter N. Dimmick of taking the 1,500 coins. A jury convicted Dimmick and he was sentenced to San Quentin Prison for nine years.

Authorities never recovered the six bags of uncirculated $20 Double Eagles. Coincidently the bulk of the Saddle Ridge coins were double eagles in pristine condition struck at the S.F. Mint. One of them was misstruck without a motto and the Mint would have destroyed it unless stolen first by an insider. That coin alone is worth $1 million dollars today.

457 stage robberies

Curious historians focused on California stagecoach bandits to explain the treasure. There were 457 stage robber-

Hold ups occurred regularly on the busy road between Truckee and Nevada City, the county seat. The mountainous route between Placerville and Virginia City near South Lake Tahoe attracted its fair share of bad men. The list of bold highwaymen and notorious outlaws in the Golden State is long. The legendary bandit Black Bart successfully robbed 28 stagecoaches over eight years, more than any individual or gang in the United States. And he did it without firing a shot.

Black Bart’s spree begins

Black Bart robbed his first stage on July 26, 1875. Armed with a rifle he held up a coach in Calaveras County carrying a Wells Fargo lock box. Ignoring the terrified passengers inside the stage and with his face concealed by a flour sack with eyeholes cut out, he grabbed a bank bag containing $20 Double Eagles and a fistful of envelopes containing cash from the U.S. Mail pouch. As fast as he had appeared, the solitary desperado with the clipped British accent quietly slipped away into the forest. There was no chase or search for him. He just vanished into the brush. Black Bart was the most improbable 19th Century highwayman, polite and rarely threatening. He didn’t even own a horse.

Stay tuned for Part II in the next edition or at YourTahoeGuide.com/history.

FROM LEFT: Crowded stagecoach, circa 1870. 19th Century train robbery. | Harpers Illustrated

Read about the Verdi Train Robbery at YourTahoeGuide.com/history

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. | mark@thestormking.com

THE makers

Nature’s pharmacy Local herbalists use plant remedies

BY PRIYA HUTNER

Take a moment and imagine being in the woods. Close your eyes and breathe in the floral scent of lavender or earthy aroma of mint or the funky smell of St. John’s Wort. Each plant growing in the wild offers healing properties, and herbal remedies have been used for healing for centuries.

The first written record of medicinal plants dates back 5,000 years. The clay tablets written by the Sumerians in ancient Mesopotamia described herbal recipes and listed 250 plants. Forty percent of modern pharmaceutical drugs are also derived from plants, according to the National Library of Medicine.

Getting back to using plants is what many herbalists believe help the body heal naturally. Tahoe is rich with herbalists that forage for medicinal plants and herbs and prepare herbal remedies, salves, tinctures and teas with common plants that grow wild in the region.

The Woods Apothecary

Herbalist Gina Woods forages for herbs, prepares herbal remedies and tinctures, and offers classes to learn the art of making herbal medicinals and foraging. She’s been working with herbs for more than 25 years. The Woods Apothecary of Healing Arts in South Lake Tahoe embraces the healing arts and Woods’s love of nature, healing and teaching. Woods says that the Botanical Studies Center is where people can connect with plants, learn medicine making, learn about medicinal plants and herbs, get hands-on experience and take foraging classes.

Woods recommends harvesting dandelion and using the leaves in a salad or to make tea. It grows everywhere.

“Dandelion helps to detoxify the liver, boost our digestive fires and helps clear the mind,” explains Woods, who also points out that plants that grow wild in wild soil are more nutritious and better for us. For Woods, it is about simplicity and returning to herbalism’s roots. She also suggests foraging for mint, “Wild mint grows in Tahoe and helps to

calm digestion and calms our nervous system.” | woodsapothecary.org

Aja Herbals

Marissa Bulris, Megan Hixon and Jill Callaco are the founders of the women-owned company Aja Herbals. The three friends worked in the cannabis industry when they created their first herbal salve. Initially making the topical salve for gifts, people loved the healing qualities and asked to buy their product.

“The salve has arnica, willow bark and other herbs that are healing and anti-inflammatory,” says Bulris. She points out that willow bark is a natural pain reliever and is also used in Tylenol. Aja Herbals has a line of tinctures, topical salves, bath soaps and a pet line.

“We prepare tinctures that are full spectrum which means they have all of the cannabinoids in it,” explains Bulris. Their herbal CBD products are available online and in shops throughout Tahoe. The company sources its herbs locally and consciously. | ajaherbals. com

Sierra Roots Wellness

Mary McCallum of Sierra Roots Wellness began working with herbs after a chronic illness in her 20s. She

went to school and studied herbalism. A clinical herbalist, McCallum works with clients with acute and chronic illnesses. She also focuses on how stress impacts the body and uses herbs, minerals and nutrition to support people. McCallum forages for the herbal remedies and tinctures she prepares and each season she makes an allergy formula.

Sierra Roots Wellness also has an herbal skincare line. McCallum makes herbal tallow from rendered animal fat, beeswax, honey and herbs, which she says helps hydrate skin and is excellent for healing skin issues like eczema. McCallum makes herbal culinary products including salts, vinegars, shrubs and syrups. Her products also include a seasonal herbal box with various herbal remedies.

“I am currently working with goldenrod, yarrow, elderflower, sage and St. John’s wort,” says McCallum. In addition to making herbal products, McCallum teaches herbal wellness classes and offers consultations.

“I believe everyone is an herbalist at heart; it’s in our ancestral DNA. Learning to incorporate herbs into our lives is one of the best things we can do for our health,” says McCallum. | sierrarootswellness.com n

SOOTHING END OF SUMMER SWITCHEL

From the kitchen of Gina Woods

Switchel is a hydrating, nerve-soothing, cooling beverage full of nutrients to help frazzled end-of-summer nerves recover and get through the changing season. It is rich in nervine (nerve tonic) herbs with deep nutrition, minerals and vitamins.

2 T oat straw

½ C apple cider vinegar

¼ local honey or 4 T raw sugar

1T mint

1T hibiscus

Simmer oat straw in 1 cup of water covered on low heat for 20 to 30 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients to a jar. Add oat straw tea while hot and stir well to dissolve sweetener. Steep 2 to 8 hours or overnight. Strain, bottle and refrigerate (lasts one month).

Put 2 tablespoons of switchel in a glass of cold water, juice, carbonated water or tea for a refreshing, nourishing, energizing, nerve tonic to get you through the harvest season.

*Oat straw and hibiscus are generally available at stores that carry a variety of herbs like natural goods stores or Mexican markets.

FROM LEFT: Mary McCallum of Sierra Roots Wellness with her bee pollen and wild nettle elixir. | Mary McCallum Sierra Roots Wellness. Aja Herbals gift pack | Aja Herbals.

The town is currently working on a second art commission to be installed at the marina at Donner Lake later this fall In collaboration with Clean Up the Lake and Truckee Donner Recreation & Park District. | townoftruckee.com

Alpine Electric Refurbished theater opens to public

A new iteration of Truckee’s historic theater upstairs in the Capitol Building is again open to the public. After months of renovation, Mark Buzzard, CEO of Liberty Bell Smart Home and Alpine Electric, announced the opening. The theater renovation includes additional seating and is available to the public to host film, art and literary performances. | alpine-electric.com

Tahoe Backyard

Makers Market in Kings Beach

Tahoe Backyard in Kings Beach offers a Saturday Makers Market on Sept. 9 from 3 to 7 p.m. Enjoy locally made arts and crafts, live music by Broken Compass Bluegrass, craft beer, local shopping, yard games and more. Bring a picnic. All ages are welcome, as are dogs. | tahoebackyard.com

the arts

“Have Your Cake and Eat It Too” Virtual Exhibit MELHOP GALLERY º7077, Glenbrook, Aug. 30-31, 10 a.m., melhopgallery.com

Through Tahoe’s Lens: Early 20th Century Photography

Gatekeeper’s Museum, Tahoe City, Aug. 30-Sept. 13, 11 a.m., (530) 583-1762, northtahoemuseums.org

Discovering Lake Tahoe Historical Maps 1849-1932

Beck Baumann

Art show expands for second year

The second annual Reno Tahoe International Art Show (RTIA Show) is on Sept. 15 to 17 at Reno Sparks Convention Center. New and expanded features include one of the largest sculptural presentations in the county, Art City Invitationals, a dedicated First Nations Indigenous Peoples Pavilion and shortfilm programming. Tahoe Guide is a sponsor.

The First Nations Indigenous Peoples Pavilion features sculpture, ceramics, paintings and jewelry from more than 20 Native artists. In addition, the National Sculpture Society will pair world-class sculpture with a collection of rare automobiles. Select pieces from Burning Man will be positioned both inside and outside the convention center in the Sculpture Walk. The show will also feature the Reno-based Cordillera International Film Festival.

The RTIA Show is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sept 15 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 16 and 17. The Reno Tahoe Artists Awards Gala is on Sept. 16. | rtiashow.com

Gatekeeper’s Museum, Tahoe City, Aug. 30-Sept. 13, 11 a.m., (530) 583-1762, northtahoemuseums.org

Shadows + Whispers Art Exhibit

Piper J Gallery, Truckee, Aug. 30-31, 11 a.m., (530) 386-7735, piperjgallery.com

Martin Gollery Exhibit

North Tahoe Arts, Tahoe City, Aug. 30-31, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., (530) 581-2787, northtahoearts.org

Emotion in Landscape Exhibit

Piper J Gallery, Truckee, Aug. 30-31, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., (530) 386-7735, piperjgallery.com

Summer Art Show

Tahoe Art League, South Lake Tahoe, Aug. 31, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., (530) 544-2313, talart.org

Christine Miller High Exhibit

North Tahoe Arts, Kings Beach, Aug. 31, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., (530) 581-2787, northtahoearts.org

Pop-Up Makerspace

Truckee Workspace, Truckee, Aug. 31-Sept. 7, 3:30-4:30 p.m., (530) 582-7846, nevadacountyca.gov

A Short Course: CD Wright – an American Original Virtual Event, Aug. 31-Sept. 7, 4-6 p.m., (530) 4708440, communityofwriters.org

Fiber Art Craft Time

South Lake Tahoe Library, South Lake Tahoe, Sept. 1-8, 1-3 p.m., (530) 573-3185, eldoradolibrary.org

First Fridays Muse, Tahoe City, Sept. 1, 3-8 p.m., museartreclaimed.com

First Fridays at Art Truckee

Art Truckee, Truckee, Sept. 1, 4 p.m., (530) 448-3423, arttruckee.com

Westward Bound Art Exhibit

Piper J Gallery, Truckee, Sept. 2 - Sept. 30, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., (530) 386-7735, piperjgallery.com

Knit & Crochet Club

Zephyr Cove Library, Zephyr Cove, Sept. 5, 10:30 a.m., (775) 588-6411, library.douglascountynv.gov

Chalk Art in the Park

“Path” | Arteclettica

New public art installed in Truckee

A new public art piece on Brockway Road in Truckee has been constructed by Arteclettica, locals Dominic Panziera and Daniela Garofalo. The mixed-media mural is tentatively entitled, “Path.” Commissioned by the Town of Truckee, the piece has been installed on the retaining wall. The hanging hooks were created by Mountain Forge.

The Truckee Public Art Master plan was adopted in July of 2019 and the Public Art Commission of Truckee was established in 2020. The Town Council provided $300,000 in local funds to fund this and future public art projects in Truckee.

Books focus on Tahoe ecology

Tahoe City local and author Nancy Hardesty offers “Tahoe Mountain Chickadee Activity” coloring books, Volumes 1 and 2, which she originally designed to teach her grandchildren about Lake Tahoe. Volume 1 focusses on North Shore ecology, history and animals. Volume 2 covers the South and East shores, the kokanee salmon, Cave Rock, endangered animals and more.

The books are available at Geared for Games in Tahoe City and Olympic Valley, Alpenglow Sports in Tahoe City, Tahoe Dave’s in Tahoe City, Truckee, Kings Beach and Olympic Valley, and North Lake Tahoe Visitor Center in Tahoe City. | nancyhardesty.com

Chalk it up to fun

North Tahoe Regional Park will host Chalk in the Park on Sept. 9 from 1 to 4 p.m. Participants will receive a bucket of chalk and a 10-foot-by-10-foot square of pavement on the Field No. 4 parking lot. The event includes music, free tacos and vendors and is open to the public. Chalk artists must pay $20 per square. All ages and abilities are welcome. | ntpud.org

North Tahoe Recreation & Parks, Tahoe Vista, Sept. 9, 1-4 p.m., northtahoeparks.com

Saturday Makers Market

Tahoe Backyard, Kings Beach, Sept. 9, 3-7 p.m., tahoebackyard.com

Poetry at the Backyard Tahoe Backyard, Kings Beach, Sept. 13, 6-8 p.m., tahoebackyard.com

horoscopes

BY MICHAEL O’CONNOR SUNSTARASTROLOGY.COM

FIRE EARTH AIR WATER

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

A passionate and feisty mood prevails. Making efforts to get in the last licks of summer are all part of your strategy. Your powers of critical analysis are running strong, and this will continue. The goal is to not let that vinegar mix badly with the honey that Venus in Leo is offering.

Taurus (Apr 20 – May 20)

A strong, creative impulse continues to direct your focus. Much energy directed to home and family could have mixed results, depending on circumstances and your overall attitude and interpretation. Positively, you are navigating and negotiating the relationship politics to make improvements.

Gemini (May 21 – Jun 21)

You are probably happy to hover close to home, or at least to share quality time with family. This could produce some mixed results as the ‘blood is thicker than water’ factor clashes with the potentially strong winds of differing opinions. Variety is the key to disrupting fixed positions so aim for it.

Cancer (Jun 22 – Jul 22)

Many thoughts on your mind and all vying for your attention is a current challenge. You may not be sure what is true or what to believe these days. One thing is sure, though, you are determined to make efforts to build upon a more stable future, like building a house and/or a life that can withstand disasters.

Leo (Jul 23 – Aug 23)

Building new and improving upon new foundations is in the spotlight now. Directing your powers of critical analysis is part of the plot. Public and professional expansion is a central theme. This will likely prove to be an ongoing process, but advancing to the next stage or two is the current scene.

Virgo (Aug 24 – Sep 22)

Taking new leads and strides should be keeping you busy now. This dynamic will continue through to mid-October especially. Your focus is sharp now so use it to be productive and not simply to maintain existing realities. Prepare for fuller expression when Venus enters Virgo in early October.

Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Balancing between quality time shared with friends and quieter time spent alone is a current theme. Each can inspire the other. Meanwhile, assessing your financial reality against that of the larger social scene and your own dreams and goals is a feature of your reflections, research, and discussions.

Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Thinking by and for oneself is a cornerstone of the individuation process which is emphasized now. Doing some inner work, otherwise called shadow work, is indicated.

This includes identifying your perspectives on things and beliefs and how these are then projected onto others.

Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Finding your true and happy place in the world is emphasized now. This does include earning satisfying returns, which does imply money, but not necessarily. Value and leverage are keywords. If your returns have both, then you can proceed without financial remuneration. If is the operative word.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Paying attention to the details of the bigger picture is a current challenge. If you feel like you are lost in the forest of ideas and truths, simply slow down, and keep both feet on the ground. Recognizing the clash of beliefs, contradictions, confusions, and corruptions…, will help.

Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 19)

You have entered a cycle of change and transformation. This could simply amount to letting go of limiting beliefs and self-concepts. Or you could use it to do an organ cleanse or any other sort of purge, even in your home, such as some renovations perhaps. Aim for improvements for best results.

Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

Tuning in more fully to others is important now. This can certainly include your significant other and, with awareness and intention, it could lead to deepening the quality of your intimacy and relationship in general. The focus can also be directed towards partners in business or to your clients.

Truckee Reggae Fest, Part II Jamaican legends unite

BY SEAN MCALINDIN

Thissummer’s second edition of Truckee Reggae Fest brings a blend of classic and newer reggae acts to the banks of the Truckee River. The event, produced by Billy Drewitz of Late-Nite Productions, will be headlined by legendary Jamaican roots reggae group Black Uhuru

Their lead singer Derrick “Duckie” Simpson is originally from the Jones Town neighborhood of Kingston where music was a constant part of daily life.

“My dad used to play a rhumba box,” he says. “He’d jam every weekend. He wasn’t a professional, but we listened to a lot of radio and I knew all the songs.”

The family later moved to the Waterhouse district where Simpson started playing music with other teenagers from the area. At one of their first gigs, they were discovered by Island Records. They started working with producers Sly and Robbie in 1979, which led to a string of hit records including “Sinsemilla,” “Red,” and “Chill Out.”

“Writing songs to me is what you see, it’s what you do,” says Simpson. “It’s how you think. You call it inspiration, but it’s a way of life.”

In 1984, Black Uhuru’s fourth release, “Anthem,” won the first Grammy award for Best Reggae Album.

“It’s just an award,” says Simpson.

“For the rest of the world, singers do great with them. For reggae, it doesn’t do anything. When I was nominated for a Grammy, I had to buy a ticket [to the award show]. There’s no respect there, you know. But I can’t lose any sleep over it. That’s how reggae’s been treated from ever since.”

Simpson points out how contemporary reggae charts are now dominated by Southern California and Hawaiian rock-influenced acts like Stick Figure and Rebelution, more so than Jamaican artists.

“Reggae’s run by the white man,” says Simpson. “And, when I say ‘white man,’ I’m not talking about skin complexion. I mean everyone outside of Jamaica. It doesn’t bother me. Things don’t stay the same forever. Reggae was birthed in Jamaica, but Jamaica don’t do reggae anymore. It’s out of the hands of the people who originated it. In Jamaica, the youths are listening to dancehall and American music.”

Keeping the roots alive

In spite of changing tastes, another Jamaican artist set to perform at the festival in on a mission to keep roots music alive and well.

Rory “Yaadcore” Cha grew up in the small city of Mandeville, 90 miles west

of Kingston. His father was a local DJ who owned a “sound system” called Love People International. In Jamaica, a sound system refers not only the audio equipment but also the MCs, sound engineers and DJs who work together to

of Rastafari. It’s the music that really helped me to find myself as a person and taught me things that were never taught to me in school.”

On tour, Cha performs original music with a full band.

“Life is our main inspiration,” he says. “We talk about social commentary that we see happening. We talk about awareness. My music is really there to help people who are going through a tough time to believe in themselves, find the light or truth, inspire them and give them some positive energy to manifest what they want in their life.”

put on shows. Cha soon fell in love with mixing records and started DJing at school parties. He adopted the stage name Yaadcore and established himself as a well-respected “selector” in the roots reggae circles, known for his special ability to spot talented young artists.

“Everything is vibrations,” he says. “Everything is frequency. This music is a music of consciousness, a music

At the festival, Black Uhuru and Yaadcore will be joined by iconic Jamaican vocalist Prezident Brown, Northern California reggae singer Soulmedic, and several DJs including Squarefield Massive of Sacramento and OG the DJ of Oakland. South California dancehall artist Ras Rebel will serve as the event host. n

Black Uhuru. | Laura Brett. Yaadcore. | Tizzy Tokyo.

“Writing songs to me is what you see, it’s what you do,” says Simpson. “It’s how you think. You call it inspiration, but it’s a way of life.”

– Derrick “Duckie” Simpson

Sept. 2 | Truckee River Regional Park | Truckee

ELECTRO-POP

Sept. 2 | Heavenly Village | S. Lake Tahoe

Red Light Challenge

our lives and play music.” | concertsatcommonsbeach.com, barofamerica. com, roadshowsreno.com

jams, jazz fusion and old-school reggae. Drummer and vocalist Manny Sanchez, along with his younger brother Ronnie on bass, form a tight rhythm section complete with all-natural harmonies. They’re now joined by guitarist Kyle Merrill and keyboardist Alex Mello of Brothers Gow to complete a cosmic union that dives deep into a cosmic groove and never lets go. | northtahoebusiness.org, junelakejamfest.org

LATIN ROCK

Sept. 1 | Heavenly Village | S. Lake Tahoe

David Perez Band

Electro-pop dance music duo Red Light Challenge Band of Boise, Idaho, will take the stage in the Heavenly Village. | theshopsatheavenly.com

BLUES ROCK

Sept. 3 | Concerts at Commons Beach | Tahoe City

Sept. 8 & 9 | Bar of America |Truckee

Sept. 23 | Street Vibrations | Reno, Nev.

The Blues Monsters

MOUNTAIN ROCK

Aug. 31 | Live at Lakeview | S. Lake Tahoe

Sept. 16 | Shawlapalooza | South of North Brewing Company | South Lake Tahoe

Throughout the course of their long career, the members of David Perez Band have won over the hearts of music lovers from all walks of life. Originally from west Texas, now based in Sacramento, this five-generation family band are masters of Tejano music, a diverse genre that combines sounds from Mexico, America and Europe. They play everything from country to Cumbia, reggaeton to R&B, and Salsa to rock n’ roll oldies.

Singing in both Spanish and English, this award-winning group will make you want to get on your feet and dance, no matter your first language. With several records and a few No. 1 hits along the way, the musicians that make up DPB are seasoned members of the industry who have been inducted into the Tejano Music Hall of Fame. | theshopsatheavenly.com

CALI ROCK

The Residents

Wolves & Friends Live

The Good Wolf, Truckee, 6:30 p.m.

Magic Fusion Starring Chase Hasty

The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.

Alex Ramon Magic Show

Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8 p.m.

Live After Lakeview

Lakeview Social Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe, 8 p.m.

Dueling Pianos

Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

Live Music

Bar of America, Truckee, 9 p.m.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 1

Tahoe Paradise Park | Music in the Park

Tahoe Paradise Park, South Lake Tahoe, 5-8 p.m.

Live Music

Sunnyside Resort, Tahoe City, 5:30 p.m.

Heavenly Village Summer Concert Series

Shops at Heavenly Village, S. Lake Tahoe, 5:45 p.m.

Jeff & Kelly

Jason’s Beachside Grille, Kings Beach, 6 p.m.

Music on the Beach, Lights in the Sky!

Kings Beach State Recreation Area, 6-10 p.m.

Kane Brown

Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 7 p.m.

For 33 years, The Blues Monsters have blown the doors off the joint with world-class blues, funk and soul straight from our own backyard. Led by local legend Chuckie Dunn, this seven-piece Tahoe Sierra powerhouse will close out the season for Concerts at Common with a host of special guests. It’s sure to be a party for the ages.

“I’ve been really fortunate to play with good musicians and not just good musicians, but good people,” says Dunn. “Everyone is just loving life and happy we have what we have. We don’t want to be rocks stars, we just want to enjoy

Sept. 1 | Music on the Beach | Kings Beach

Sept. 8 | June Lake Jam Fest | June Lake

GrooveSession

South Shore rockers The Residents play an upbeat mix of classic songs alongside a catalog of heartfelt original tunes. You’ll hear influences of The Grateful Dead, The Beatles, Phish, Sublime, Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix, Tom Petty, Neil Young and more. Formed in 2020, The Residents feature a well-known crew of regional jammers including Ted Kennedy on guitar, Sean Hodge on guitar, Nic Shaw on bass, Dan Raasp on keys, Gentry Monasmith on percussion, Johnny Sills on Cello and multi-instrumentalist Chris Seal. They are joined at this summer’s final night of Live at Lakeview by friends and neighbors John Rice and Simon Kurth of Preacher’s Pickers. A couple weeks later, they’ll headline a new festival called Shawlapalooza alongside Ash Relics, Hodgie, Sugarpines, Sweaty Stevenson & The Water Boys, and Nic Shaw to raise money for the opening of ABCD Music School. | liveatlakeview.com

Magic Fusion Starring Chase Hasty

The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.

Alex Ramon Magic Show

Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8 p.m.

Rustler’s Moon

Gar Woods Grill & Pier, Carnelian Bay, 8-11 p.m.

Dueling Pianos

Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

Live Music Bar of America, Truckee, 9 p.m.

Arty the Party

Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 9 p.m.

Live DJ

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Stateline, 10 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 2

Live Music

Beacon Bar & Grill, South Lake Tahoe, 1-5 p.m.

Truckee Reggae Fest - Part 2

Truckee Regional Park Outdoor Apmhitheater, 3 p.m.

Heavenly Village Summer Concert Series

Shops at Heavenly Village, S. Lake Tahoe, 5:45 p.m.

Jeff & Kelly

Jason’s Beachside Grille, Kings Beach, 6 p.m.

Southern California funk rockers

GrooveSession are known for high-energy shows flavored with psychedelic

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 30

Music in the Park

Truckee River Regional Park, Truckee, 6:30 p.m.

Ideateam

Valhalla Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe, 7:30 p.m.

Alex Ramon Magic Show

Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8

THURSDAY,

Music in the Meadow

The Brewing Lair, Blairsden, 6 p.m.

Summit Haus Live Music

Sugar Bowl Resort, Norden, 6-8 p.m.

Magic Fusion Starring Chase Hasty

The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 & 9 p.m.

Steelin’ Dan

The Crown Room, Crystal Bay, 8 p.m.

Alex Ramon Magic Show

Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8 p.m.

Rustler’s Moon

Gar Woods Grill & Pier, Carnelian Bay, 8-11 p.m.

Dueling Pianos

Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

Live Music

Bar of America, Truckee, 9 p.m.

Arty the Party

Rogue

Truckee Public House, Truckee, 9-11:30 p.m.

Live DJ

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Stateline, 10 p.m.

Brody Smith

The Blues Monsters

David Perez Band

The Residents

SUNDAY, SEPT. 3

Sunday Sessions

Incline Public House, Incline Village, 3 p.m.

Concerts at Commons Beach

Commons Beach, Tahoe City, 4 p.m.

SoL Sunday Summer Concert Series:

Greg Golden Band

SoL Cannabis, Washoe City, 4:15-7:45 p.m.

Magic Fusion Starring Chase Hasty

The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 4:30 p.m.

Heavenly Village Summer Concert Series

Shops at Heavenly Village, S. Lake Tahoe, 5:45 p.m.

Bluegrass Jam

Truckee Public House, Truckee, 6 p.m.

Moe’s Summer Concert Series

Moe’s Original Bar B Que, Tahoe City, 7 p.m.

Magic Fusion Starring Chase Hasty

The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 & 9 p.m.

Kiry Shabazz

Crystal Bay Casino, Crystal Bay, 8 p.m.

Alex Ramon Magic Show

TUESDAY, SEPT. 5

Magic Fusion Starring Chase Hasty

The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.

Alex Ramon Magic Show

Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8 p.m.

Tuesday Night Karaoke

The Paddle Wheel Saloon, Incline Village, 8 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 6

Grover Anderson and the Lampoliers

Valhalla Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe, 7:30 p.m.

Alex Ramon Magic Show

Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8 p.m.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 7

Senior Dance Night

Fox Cultural Hall, Kings Beach, 6-9 p.m.

Wolves & Friends Live

The Good Wolf, Truckee, 6:30 p.m.

Alex Ramon Magic Show

Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8 p.m.

Dueling Pianos

Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

Live Music

Bar of America, Truckee, 9 p.m.

Arty the Party

Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 9 p.m.

Magic After Dark Starring Robert Hall

The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.

Live DJ

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Stateline, 10 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 9

Markleeville Music in the Park

Visit Alpine County, Markleeville, 5 p.m.

Magic Fusion Starring Chase Hasty

The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.

Alex Ramon Magic Show

Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8 p.m.

Rustler’s Moon

Gar Woods Grill & Pier, Carnelian Bay, 8-11 p.m.

Dueling Pianos

SUNDAY, SEPT. 10

Sunday Sessions

Incline Public House, Incline Village, 3 p.m.

“Remembrance”, 9/11 Memorial Concert Series

St. Theresa Catholic Church, S. Lake Tahoe, 4 p.m.

Magic Fusion Starring Chase Hasty

The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 4:30 p.m.

Bluegrass Jam

Truckee Public House, Truckee, 6 p.m.

Magic Fusion Starring Chase Hasty

The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.

Live DJ

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Stateline, 10 p.m.

MONDAY, SEPT. 11

Open Stage Mondays

Truckee Public House, Truckee, 6:30 p.m.

Open Mic Night

Valhalla Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe, 6:30 p.m.

Magic Fusion Starring Chase Hasty

The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 12

Magic Fusion Starring Chase Hasty

The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.

Tuesday Night Karaoke

The Paddle Wheel Saloon, Incline Village, 8 p.m.

EAT & drink

food & libations | recipes | delicious events

Frozen cocktail creations

BY PRIYA HUTNER

The sweet flavor of end-of-summer peaches, the tart taste of cherries or a delectable blend of berries take a cocktail creation to new heights. Add some ice to the fruit, a favorite spirit and a fabulous frozen cooling cocktail is born.

I detest waste. If I know my fruit might go bad, I freeze it. Frozen fruit is perfect to use when preparing frozen cocktails, which are also called alcohol slushies. They are easy to make and a hit at parties, outdoor gatherings and barbecues.

Rum

The Daiquiri, pina colada and margarita are some of the most popular drinks and are excellent frozen cocktails. The rum-based tart and tangy Daiquiri is traditionally made with lime. Over the years, strawberry, raspberry, peach, pineapple, mango or mixed berries have taken center stage as the star of the delectable Daiquiri.

The pina colada is another rum-based drink that works well frozen. The Jimmy Buffet song goes around in my head. If you like pina coladas, they are easy to make. Blend rum, coconut cream, fresh pineapple or pineapple juice and ice. Freezing fresh pineapple adds a richer flavor than using ice. A frozen pina colada will transport you to the islands. Tweak a pina colada with the addition of mango or banana. Another famous island rum drink is a Rum Runner and it works well blended with ice. So many rum cocktails, so little time. Time to move on to tequila.

Tequila

Margaritas are a frozen favorite tequila drink. Salt on the rim is a must. It creates a salty-sweet, tart, tangy, lime-forward margarita that is most satisfying. Add your favorite fruit and create a new version of margarita.

Frozen Paloma is a grapefruit-forward drink. Blend Tequila (blanco works best), fresh grapefruit juice (ruby reds are fabulous) or if possible, use fresh paloma. Add lime juice, a dash of simple syrup, blend it with ice and enjoy. The 1930 Tequila Sunrise can also be blended with ice to make a beautiful slushie.

Couldn’t finish that opened bottle of red wine? I do hate waste. Stash leftover wine in the fridge and use it for making frozen sangria slushies.

Vodka

Frozen drinks are also great for those who love vodka. Try a vodka lemonade cocktail, add strawberries or iced tea.

A slushie Sex on the Beach cocktail also uses vodka along with peach schnapps, orange juice, cranberry juice and frozen peaches. A frozen Cosmopolitan works well, too. The gingery Moscow Mule uses vodka and can also be frozen.

Gin

Use gin instead of vodka to create a London Mule. For gin lovers, also try a frozen gin and tonic slushie or a gin lemonade and mint frozen cocktail.

Bourbon

Mostly I love bourbon, and I usually drink it neat. Some might dabble in a frozen Old Fashioned or frozen Manhattan. My grandparents used to make frozen whiskey sours with frozen limeade concentrate and ice.

Wine

I enjoy a good Prosecco, and a frozen Prosseco cocktail is easy to make. In a blender, add a shot of vodka, lime juice, ice and blend. Pour into a glass and top with Prosecco. A mint leaf adds a nice touch to this cocktail.

Frozen Bellini is another fun cocktail using Prosecco or sparkling wine. Blackberry Bellini is one of my favorite types of Bellini, but a peach Bellini runs a close second.

Frosés use Rosé wine. Add a touch of vodka (or not), berries, sugar, lemon juice and blend with ice. A darker heartier Rosé is recommended.

Couldn’t finish that opened bottle of red wine? I do hate waste. Stash leftover wine in the fridge and use it for making frozen sangria slushies.

Wine fest benefits MS foundation

Aperol

Every so often, I indulge in an Aperol Spritz. This light and easy cocktail also makes a great frozen drink. Most cocktails are easy enough to make nonalcoholic. Just leave out the alcohol. Sometimes a mocktail is a great refreshing option. New icy creations are evolving and created all the time. Add a twist, use herbs, try different fruits and have fun with tasty frozen drinks. n

FROZEN APEROL SPRITZ

8 oz. Aperol

12 oz. Prosecco (additional for topping)

1 C orange juice

Orange slices for garnish

Combine the first three ingredients in a blender with ice. Blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and top with Prosecco. Garnish with an orange slice.

Priya Hutner is a food writer, personal chef and owner of The Seasoned Sage, a meal delivery and catering company. | TheSeasonedSage.com, priya@yourtahoeguide.com

The 33rd annual Alpen Wine Fest is at the Village at Palisades Tahoe on Sept. 3 from 2 to 5 p.m. The event includes wine tasting from more than 40 vineyards, live music on two stages, a silent auction and raffle. All proceeds benefit Can Do Multiple Sclerosis, a nonprofit foundation. Attendees receive an Alpen Wine Fest wine glass, the all-inclusive tasting and music from Peter DeMattei and Dom & Friends. Tickets are $50 online or $60 at the door. | palisadestahoe.com

Fly high, eat well

Airplane enthusiasts should navigate to Plumas County’s Nervino Airport in Beckwourth on Sept. 10 for the annual Fly-In Pancake Breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. The Rotary Club of Portola hosts the event for families to watch airplanes in the sky and enjoy a down-home breakfast. | (530) 832-5512, rotaryclubofportola.com

Palisades Tahoe

Frozen Aperol Spritz. | Priya Hutner

Best Wings in Tahoe

Palisades Tahoe, Part I

BY PRIYA HUTNER

Whatmakes a chicken wing a good wing? One that stands out from all the others. Is it the sauce? The rub? Are they deep-fried or baked? Are they crispy, tender or juicy? For me, it’s all about the sauce. The Village at Palisades Tahoe is the first stop on my wing quest, which hosts the annual Guitar Strings vs. Chicken Wings event on Sept. 8.

I posted my mission on Facebook, and the responses were resounding. Melissa Siig of Tahoe Art Haus and Claire Zammit of The Institute for Woman-Centered Coaching, both responded that PlumpJack Inn has the best wings. Marc Goddard, co-owner of Bio Bio Expedition, readily volunteers to be my wingman on this culinary adventure.

PlumpJack Inn

PlumpJack is our first stop. The delightful Ben Paciotti, who was behind the bar, welcomes us. Paciotti suggests a glass of a lovely Gros Ventre, a high-country red. It was delicious. Chef Jack Connell is at the bar when I inquire about who has the best wings. He said, hands down, his wings. He may be right. Marc and I sip wine and chat with the bar staff about wings.

A platter of wings arrives. Marc and I dig in. Chef Connell explains that he brines the wings in pickle juice, dry rubs the wings with spices, bakes, then lightly fries the wings. He serves the wings with a delicious special hot sauce recipe that he ferments for days at room temperature.

Marc comments that the wings are not at all greasy. He’s right. I try a wing without the sauce first. The seasoning pops with hints of garlic, salt and pepper. I dip my wing in Chef Connell’s special sauce and am sold. I love the pickle brine. | plumpjackinn.com

22 Bistro

Our next stop is 22 Bistro. The Village at Palisades Tahoe is quiet and only two other people are at the bar. We settle into seats at the bar and order the traditional Buffalo wings. They serve a delicious wing, and the blue cheese dressing is delicious.

“We’re not really going to hit all four restaurants,” Marc asks. We needed to pace ourselves even though we hadn’t eaten beforehand; we were already feeling a bit full. | 22bistro.com

Auld Dubliner

The next stop is Auld Dubliner. We get half an order of traditional Buffalo wings and half made with a Guinness

Guitar Strings vs Chicken Wings

Sept. 8 | 4 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

Village at Palisades Tahoe | Olympic Valley

sauce. The wings are served with blue cheese and ranch dressing. Owner Randy Rogers overheard me ask the bartender who had the best wings around. Rogers chimes in from the end of the bar and said, without a doubt, Auld Dubliner has the best wings. He points out that they’ve been the Chicken Wing champs for the last six years in the annual wings contest. With one more restaurant to go, we thank everyone and move on to Rocker. | aulddublinertahoe. com

Rocker

Rocker serves three styles of wings: traditional, BBQ and honey siracha sauce. The manager suggests the honey sriracha wings. The wings arrive in a basket reminiscent of festival or fair food. They are saucy with a touch of sweetness from the honey and a gentle kick from the sriracha. The manager is convinced that Rocker has the best wings.

Thirty-five wings later, a few glasses of wine and one shot of Japanese whiskey, we tap out on our wing adventure. The next day will require a bike ride and long hike to mitigate our deliciously satisfied taste buds and full bellies. | palisadestahoe.com

Rocker’s honey siracha sauce chicken wings in a basket. | Priya Hutner

Rebecca Lambing | Following Joy Artist Reception — September 2, 4-7pm EXHIBIT RUNS SEPTEMBER 2–30

Rita Asfour