local. independent. fresh.
september 29-october 12, 2021
the original guide to tahoe & truckee since 1982
Tahoe music, events
& festivals fall edition
fall wines
donner party
decisions seal their fate
lake tahoe wildlife care loud as folk record club
‘requiem’
to the victims of covid
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Volume 40 | Issue 20
13
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P.O. Box 154 | Tahoe Vista, CA 96148 (530) 546-5995 | f (530) 546-8113 TheTahoeWeekly.com Facebook.com/TheTahoeWeekly @TheTahoeWeekly
24
September 29-October 12, 2021 Courtesy Paula Chung
fun. unique. everywhere.
SUBMISSIONS Events & Entertainment Submit at TheTahoeWeekly.com Click on Events Calendar
Cover Photography production@tahoethisweek.com
E-NEWSLETTER
10
Courtesy UNR Cooperative Extension
Entertainment Inquiries entertainment@tahoethisweek.com
Courtesy Arts for the Schools
Editorial Inquiries editor@tahoethisweek.com
SUBSCRIBE
to our e-newsletter at TheTahoeWeekly.com
in this issue
making it happen Publisher/Owner & Editor In Chief Katherine E. Hill publisher@tahoethisweek.com, ext. 102 Sales & Marketing Manager Anne Artoux anne@tahoethisweek.com, ext. 110 Art Director Alyssa Ganong production@tahoethisweek.com, ext. 106 Ad Production Abigail Gallup graphics@tahoethisweek.com, ext. 101 Entertainment Editor Sean McAlindin entertainment@tahoethisweek.com Food & Well Being Editor Priya Hutner priya@tahoethisweek.com Family Editor Michelle Allen michelle@tahoethisweek.com Copy Editor Katrina Veit Contributing Writers John Dee, Barbara Keck, Bruce Ajari, Mark McLaughlin, David “Smitty” Smith, Priya Hutner, Katrina Veit, Kayla Anderson, Lou Phillips, Sean McAlindin, Tim Hauserman, Alex Green, Lisa Michelle, Cam Schilling, Alex Silgalis
bears & wildlife BEAR EMERGENCIES BEAR League (530) 525-7297 (24 hours) | savebears.org A bear walking nearby or through your yard is not an emergency unless it is trying to enter your home or car. INJURED ANIMALS Lake Tahoe Wildlife Center, South Shore (530) 577-2273 | ltwc.org The Wildlife Shelter, North Shore (866) 307-4216
TAHOE WEEKLY is published weekly throughout the summer and biweekly the rest of the year, with occassional extra issues at holiday times by Range of Light Media Group, Inc. Look for new issues on Wednesdays. Subscribe to the free digital edition at issuu.com/ TheTahoeWeekly. Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com. TAHOE WEEKLY, est. 1982, ©2007. Reproduction in whole or in part without publisher’s express permission is prohibited. Contributions welcome via e-mail. The Weekly is not responsible for unsolicited submissions. Member: North Lake Tahoe Resort Association, North Tahoe Business Association, Incline Community Business Association, Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce, Tahoe City Downtown Association, Truckee Downtown Merchants Association, Tahoe South Chamber of Commerce and Alpine County Chamber of Commerce. Printed on recycled paper with soy-based inks. Please recycle your copy.
SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 12, 2021
TAHOE’S COLORS OF FALL FROM THE PUBLISHER
The colors of fall are brilliant, mesmerizing and fleeting in the Tahoe Sierra. So, as they emerge around the region, don’t wait to head out and enjoy them. One of my favorite areas to enjoy fall color is Hope Valley and Markleeville south of Lake Tahoe. This area also has been one of the hardest hit in our region by wildfires. The region was hit by the Tamarack Fire that started on July 4 and then the Caldor Fire that started on Aug. 14 that reached areas in nearby Kirkwood. Two wildfires in one season is not only devasting to the residents, the wildlife and the forest, but it’s also devasting on the economy. Hope Valley, Markleeville and Woodfords are open for business and are eager to welcome visitors to enjoy the fall colors and help support the local economy, according to Becky DeForest, executive director of the Alpine County Chamber of Commerce. “My favorite spots are up Woodfords Canyon, Luther Pass and Highway 4 (Ebbetts Pass),” Becky said of her picks for fall color.
FEATURES Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care Defensible Space
6 8
Ember Aware Checklist
10
Truckee River Day
11
Music, Events & Festivals Guide | Fall Edition
13
Donner Party Decisions, Part I
21
GET OUTSIDE Sightseeing
4
Lake Tahoe Facts
5
Events
7
If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy the fall color, take a drive to Alpine County and be sure to plan on enjoying a meal at a local restaurant. For updated conditions, call the chamber at (530) 694-2475.
FUN & GAMES Horoscope, Hocus-Focus & Sudoku
12
My personal recommendation is to book a stay for a night or two in the area to fully enjoy the experience. Cell phone coverage is always limited in Alpine County, so don’t count on your map app working; carry a paper map. Read my story on visiting Hope Valley last fall at TheTahoeWeekly.com.
Crossword & CryptoQuip
23
Wildfire danger continues While fall has brought cooler nights, it also brings with it strong winds that increase the risk of wildfires in our drought-stricken region. The winds also bring falling pine needles and leaves, which provide fuel for wildfires. In the last part of our “Preparing for Wildfires” series, we share some valuable information on creating and maintaining defensible space around your home, as well as information on how to be ember aware. Embers can be carried more than 1 mile from a fire and can easily spark a fire if combustible materials on and around your home are present.
THE LINEUP Loud As Folk
22
Live
23
THE MAKERS Paula Chung
24
The Arts
24
EAT & DRINK Herbs
25
You can find our full series to help prepare your family and your home for wildfires at TheTahoeWeekly.com.
Tasty Tidbits
25
Fall Wines
26
Kudos to Kayla Anderson
Goat Cheese
27
I wanted to congratulate Kayla Anderson, one of our long-time writers, who recently took home three awards for her work with the Sparks Tribune newspaper from the Nevada Press Association. All of our contributors to Tahoe Weekly are freelancers and they make their living writing for us as well as other newspapers, magazines and digital publications. Kayla’s thoughtful writing telling the stories of the people and places that shape our community for the Tahoe Weekly is greatly appreciated and a valuable part of our magazine. I’m proud of her and of all our wonderful and talented contributors. n
on the cover Fall colors line the West Fork of the Carson River near Hope Valley. | Photography by Michael Bruno, mbrunophoto.com, @mbrunophoto
WILDFIRE INFO & RESOURCES Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com. Click on Wildfire Safety under the Get Outside menu
3
LAKE LEVEL Lake Tahoe Natural rim 6,223’
TheTahoeWeekly.com
Readings taken on Thursday, September 23, 2021 ELEVATION :
RESERVOIR CAPACITY
6,223.38 |
IN 2020:
C PACITY CITY:: 40 CIT 0,870 0 BOCA 12,362 CAPA
SIGHTSEEING
STAMPEDE 19,9661 PROSSER 11,061
Explore Tahoe CLOSED
South Lake Tahoe
(530) 542-2908 | cityofslt.us Urban Trailhead at base of Heavenly Gondola with local exhibits and programs. South Tahoe
Fannette Island
Emerald Bay
(530) 541-3030 | parks.ca.gov Lake Tahoe’s only island is located in Emerald Bay & is home to an old tea house. Boat access only. (Closed Feb. 1-June 15 for nesting birds.) TART/South Tahoe
Heavenly
South Lake Tahoe
West Shore
Parking fee | parks.ca.gov (530) 525-7232 Park | (530) 583-9911 Tours Sugar Pine Point State Park is home to the historic Ehrman Mansion (summer tours), see boathouses with historic boats and General Phipps Cabin built in the late 1800s. TART
High Camp
Olympic Valley
North Shore
northtahoebusiness.org Kings Beach is a popular spot for dining and shopping with the North Shore’s largest sandy beach located in the heart of town. Free parking at North Tahoe Beach, Brook Street, Minnow and the Christmas Tree lot on Hwy. 28. TART
North Lake Tahoe Demonstration Garden
Incline Village
Summer | (775) 586-1610, ext. 25 | demogarden.org See lake-friendly landscaping using native and adaptive plants, water conservation, soil stabilization techniques, defensible space from wildfires & BMPs. Self-guided tours & clinics. TART
North Tahoe Arts Center
Tahoe City
(530) 581-2787 | northtahoearts.com Featuring exhibits of work by local artists and works for sale by local artists. TART
Tahoe Art League Gallery
South Lake Tahoe
(530) 544-2313 | talart.org Featuring local artists, workshops. South Tahoe
4
Tallac Historic Site
South Lake Tahoe
(530) 541-5227 | tahoeheritage.org Once known as the “Grandest Resort in the World” as the summer retreat for three San Francisco elite families with the Baldwin Estate, Pope Estate & Valhalla. Grounds open yearround. South Tahoe South Lake Tahoe
(530) 543-2674 | fs.usda.gov Features Stream Profile Chamber to view slice of Taylor Creek, nature trails & more. South Tahoe
Thunderbird Lodge
East Shore
May-October | thunderbirdtahoe.org The former Whittell estate. This magnificent lakefront home features the Lighthouse Room, Old Lodge, 600’ underground tunnel (with a former lion cage) and Boat House, home to the “Thunderbird,” a 1939 wooden boat. Ages 6+ only. No on-site parking. Tours by reservation only.
truckeehistory.org | truckee.com Settled in 1863, Truckee grew quickly as a stagecoach stop and route for the Central Pacific Railroad. During these early days, many historical homes and buildings were built including The Truckee Hotel (1868) and the Capitol Building (1868). Stop by the Depot for a walking tour of historic downtown. Paid parking downtown. TART
Vikingsholm Castle
Tahoe City
Truckee River | FLOW AT FARAD 136 (530) 583-1762 | northtahoemuseums.org
Featuring historic photos, the Steinbach Indian Basket Museum and historical memorabilia. TART
Truckee
Wed., Thurs. & Sat. to members only until Oct. 30 (530) 587-5437 | kidzonemuseum.org Interactive exhibits, science & art classes for kids up to age 7. BabyZone & Jungle Gym. TART
Lake Tahoe Museum
225
175
200,000 AF
Lost Sierra
TROA.NET
Tahoe Science Center
South Lake Tahoe
225
Tues.-Fri. advance tickets (775) 881-7566 | tahoesciencecenter.org NAKOMAFEATHER University of California, Davis, science eduRIVER PARK FEATHER cation center at Sierra NevadaRIVER College. Exhibits PARK include a virtual research boat, biology lab, 3D movies and docent-led tours. Ages 8+. TART 200,000 AF
Truckee
KidZone Children’s Museum
GRAEAGLE MEADOWS
WHITEHAWK GRAEAGLE PLUMAS PINES RANCH MEADOWS GRAEAGLE NAKOMAGRIZZLY RANCH MEADOWS Incline Village FEATHER WHITEHAWK GRIZZLY RANCH RIVER PARK onlyWHITEHAWKRANCH RANCH NAKOMA
2 PROSSER 11,061 CAPACITY: 29,840 (530) 582-7892 | parks.ca.gov CAPACITY: C 9,500 5 features exhibits DONNER 4,690 The Emigrant Trail Museum and artifacts on the Donner Party (1846-47) at 8 INDEPENDENCE 1,3763 CCAPACITY: 18,300 Donner Memorial State Park. See the towering Pioneer Monument. A TART 20,400 40 MARTIS 1,052 CAPACITY:
Gatekeeper’s Museum
Truckee Railroad Museum
Measured in Cubic Feet Per Second (CFS)
at TheTahoeWeekly.com
VISITORS’ CENTERS
Museum of Truckee History
Stateline 169 Hwy. 50 (775) 588-4591
Sat. & Sun. & by appt. Thurs.-Mon. | (530) 582-0893 | truckeehistory.org Housed in the original Depot, built in 1901. Exhibits cover different eras in Truckee history. TART
Truckee
Find more places to explore
Kings Beach
Truckee
TROA.NET
Open Sat.-Sun. truckeedonnerrailroadsociety.com Learn about the historic railroad. Located in a caboose next to the Truckee Depot. TART
(530) 541-5458 | laketahoemuseum.org Washoe artifacts and exhibits on early industry and settlers. Pick up walking tour map. South Tahoe
Kings Beach State Rec. Area (Thurs.-Mon., July-Aug.)
Incline Village 969 Tahoe Blvd. (800) 468-2463
Tahoe City 100 N. Lake Blvd. (530) 581-6900 Truckee 10065 Donner Pass Rd. (Depot) (530) 587-8808 U.S. Forest Service | Incline Village
Old Jail Museum
Truckee
Open by appt. | (530) 659-2378 | truckeehistory.org One of a few surviving 19th Century jailhouses used from 1875 until May 1964 (summer tours). TART
Olympic Museum
855 Alder Ave. (775) 831-0914 (Wed.-Fri.)
U.S. Forest Service | South Lake Tahoe 35 College Dr. (530) 543-2600
U.S. Forest Service | Tahoe City
Olympic Valley
(800) 403-0206 | palisadestahoe.com Closed Oct. 1-Nov. 24 Palisades Tahoe, host of the VIII Winter Olympic Games in 1960, celebrates its Olympic History with the Tower of Nations with its Olympic Flame and the symbolic Tower of the Valley. The Olympic Museum at High Camp features historic memorabilia and photographs. TART
U.S. Forest Service | Truckee 10811 Stockrest Springs Rd. (530) 587-3558
National Forest access info fs.fed.us/r5/webmaps/RecreationSiteStatus
TRANSIT North Tahoe & Truckee (TART) | laketahoetransit.com South Tahoe | tahoetransportation.org
Emerald Bay
Parking fee | (530) 541-3030 | (530) 525-9529 ADA parks.ca.gov or vikingsholm.com Tour the grounds of Vikingsholm Castle (May 29-Sept. 30), see Eagle Falls and Fannette Island (the Lake’s only island), home to an old Tea House. TART/South Tahoe
Watson Cabin
Tahoe City
(530) 583-1762 | northtahoemuseums.org Watson Cabin, built by Robert Watson and his son in 1909, is the oldest building in Tahoe City and on the National Register of Historic Places. (summer tours). TART
MUSEUMS Donner Summit Historical Society
Soda Springs
donnersummithistoricalsociety.org At Old Hwy 40 & Soda Springs Rd. 20-mile interpretive driving tour along Old 40. TART
DO L
GRIZZLY MeasuredRANCH in Acre Feet (AF) PLUMAS PINES
CAPACITY: C 226,500
Emigrant Trail Museum
6,226.54 TheLost Sierra
Measured in Cubic Feet Per Second (CFS)
175
STAMPEDE 19,9661
150,000 AF
125
75
50
| FLOW AT FARAD 136 Truckee River C PACITY CAPA CITY:: 40 CIT 0,870 0 BOCA 12,362
Donner Summit The PLUMAS IN 2020: PINES
3080 N. Lake Blvd. (530) 583-3593 (Fridays)
Truckee
(800) 403-0206 | palisadestahoe.com Closed Oct. 1-Nov. 24 Aerial tram rides with views of Lake Tahoe, Olympic Heritage Museum, events and more. Ticket required. TART
Kings Beach
North Shore
Summer | (530) 583-3279 | terc.ucdavis.edu This 1920s-era building features a history of the field station, current UC Davis research projects, interactive exhibits and demonstration garden. Ages 8+. TART
Taylor Creek Visitor Center
Closed until winter (775) 586-7000 | skiheavenly.com Enjoy a 2.4-mile ride on the gondola to the top with panoramic views. Ticket required. South Tahoe
Hellman-Ehrman Mansion
Tahoe City Field Station
RESERVOIR CAPACITY
6,223.38 |
150,000 AF
Eagle Rock, one of the lake’s famous natural sites, is a volcanic plug beside Highway 89 on the West Shore. Trail to top is on the south side. TART
ELEVATION :
125
West Shore
visittahoecity.com Popular for shopping and dining with historical sites. At the junction of hwys 89 & 28, visitors may see the Tahoe City Dam, Lake Tahoe’s only outlet, and Fanny Bridge. Peer into Watson Cabin (1909) for a glimpse at pioneer life. Free parking at Commons Beach, Grove St., Jackpine St. and 64 acres at Hwys 89 & 28. TART
DONN TAHOE D LAKE
Lost Sierra 23, 2021Donner Summit Readings taken on Thursday, September
100,000 AF
Eagle Rock
North Shore
75
Drive through the neck of an old volcano.
Tahoe City
The
CAPACITY: 18,300 C 8 100,000 AF
INDEPENDENCE 1,3763
25
East Shore
CAPACITY: 29,840 2
LAKE LEVEL A 20,400 40 MARTIS 1,052 CAPACITY: Lake Tahoe Natural rim 6,223’ 25
covid19.ca.gov | nevadahealthresponse.nv.gov
Cave Rock
TAHOE DON
CAPACITY: C 226,500
50
Check schedules before visiting. Masks are required in California and Nevada for those who are not vaccinated.
Check conditions before visiting.
Measured in Acre Feet (AF)
Fall color envelopes a dilapidated corral in the in the Red Lake Wildlife Area off Highway 88 near Carson Pass taken in 2020. CAPACITY: C 9,500 5 DONNERCheck 4,690local Donner Summit | Katherine E. Hill conditions before visiting areas near the Caldor Fire, which is still active..
ATTRACTIONS
Federal, state and local trails or parks may be closed due to fire danger or air quality impacts.
6,226.54
Boots McFarland by Geolyn Carvin | BootsMcFarland.com
A M
September 29-October 12, 2021
lake tahoe facts |
Read about how the lake was formed, Lake Tahoe’s discovery, lake clarity and more at TheTahoeWeekly.com. Click on Explore Tahoe.
GRAY ’S CROSSING
TAHOE DONNER
COYOTE MOON
Truckee
DONNER TAHOE DONNER LAKE
OLD GREENWOOD
BOCA RESERVOIR OLD GREENWOOD RENO-TAHOE PROSSER RESERVOIR INTERNATIONAL TRUCKEE BOCA RESERVOIR AIRPORT STAMPEDE RESERVOIR AIRPORT OLD GREENWOOD TRUCKEE BOCA RESERVOIR PROSSER RESERVOIR AIRPORT Donner Lake PONDEROSA TRUCKEE RENO-TAHOE PROSSER RESERVOIR STAMPEDE RESERVOIR BOCA RESERVOIR DONNER AIRPORT INTERNATIONAL PONDEROSA Summit SCHAFFER’S RENO-TAHOE MILL LAKE AIRPORT RESERVOIR PROSSERSTAMPEDE RESERVOIR INTERNATIONAL ra T PONDEROSA m i eR AIRPORT STAMPEDE RESERVOIR ho a SCHAFFER’S MILL T INCLINE VILLAGE a r SCHAFFER’S MILL Rim T MOUNTAIN oe a r NORTHSTAR ah im T R T SCHAFFER’S MILL INCLINE VILLAGE oe r ah MOUNTAIN R i m TT INCLINE VILLAGE OLD BROCKWAYh o e INCLINE VILLAGE NORTHSTAR a MOUNTAIN T CHAMPIONSHIP INCLINE VILLAGE NORTHSTAR Truckee MOUNTAIN WEST EAST River OLD BROCKWAY INCLINE VILLAGE SNORTHSTAR OUTH CHAMPIONSHIP OLD BROCKWAY INCLINE VILLAGE CHAMPIONSHIP OLD BROCKWAY INCLINE VILLAGE CHAMPIONSHIP DEEPEST COON ST.
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GRAEAGLE MEADOWS
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North Shore
Tahoe Vista
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Eagle Rock OBEXER’S
HOMEWOOD
Maximum depth: 1,645 feet (501 m)
m Tr a i l
CAVE ROCK
e Ri
CA
Natural rim: 6,223’ (1,897 m)
Zephyr Cove CAVE ROCK Cave Rock South EDGEWOOD CAVE ROCK Lake Tahoe Zephyr Cove TAHOE EDGEWOOD CAVE ROCK Stateline Emerald Bay Average Water Temperature: 42.1˚F (5.61˚C) Zephyr CoveSouth TAHOE Fannette Island South Lake Tahoe Zephyr Cove SKI RUN Emerald Bay Lake Tahoe South Average Surface Water Temperature: 51.9˚F (11.1˚C) Fannette Island LAKESIDE Stateline Emerald Bay TAHOEEagle Lake Tahoe SKI RUN Fannette Island Stateline Lake KEYS Emerald Bay BIJOU SKI RUN Average Surface Temperature in July: 64.9˚F (18.3˚C) Watershed Area: 312 square miles (808 sq km)
Cascade SKI RUN Lake TAHOE
CAMP
RICHARDSON Highest Peak: Freel Peak at 10,881 feet (3,317 m)
Ta h inches (10.4 m) Average Snowfall: 409 o e R i m Tr ail
Permanent Population: 66,000 Ta h oe
Ta h oe
CAMP RICHARDSON CAMP RICHARDSON Ta h o e R i m Tr ail
TAHOE KEYS
Meyers
R i m Tr ail
TAHOE LAKESIDE KEYS LAKESIDE
KEYS
Number of Visitors: 15 million annually
LAKE TAHOE AIRPORT Fallen
at TheTahoeWeekly.com
Lake Tahoe is as long as the English Channel is wide.
LAKESIDE BIJOU
Shoreline: 72 miles (116 km)
Shore
LAKE TAHOE
LAKE TAHOE AIRPORT
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).
FREEL PEAK
TAHOE PARADISE
TAHOE PARADISE
TAHOE PARADISE
Kirkwood
Size: 22 miles long, 12 miles wide (35 km long, 19 km wide)
Stateline
PEAKSouth
Leaf Lake
LAKE TAHOE
Learn about the natural history of the Tahoe Sierra
EDGEWOOD TAHOE
BIJOU CAMP RICHARDSONBIJOUFREEL
FREEL Meyers TAHOE PARADISEPEAK FREEL LAKE TAHOE Meyers AIRPORT PEAK LAKE TAHOE Meyers Echo Lakes AIRPORT
R i m Tr ail
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).
Cave Rock
EDGEWOOD
Cave Rock TAHOE
Fannette Island
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.
o Ta h
Cave
MEEKS BAY
m Tr a i l
MEEKS BAY
m Tr a i l
e Ri
Meeks Bay MEEKS BAY Rock
East Shore
e Ri
o Ta h
Tahoma
Tahoma Age of Lake Tahoe: 2 million years Tahoma MEEKS BAY Meeks Bay Fed By: 63 streams and 2 Meeks hot springsBay
LAKE TAHOE
Kirkwood Kirkwood
map design by Alyssa Ganong | Tahoe Weekly©
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)
o Ta h
m Tr a i l
OBEXER’S
Only Outlet: Truckee River (Tahoe City)
Spooner Lake
Carson City
Glenbrook
e Ri
Homewood Glenbrook Glenbrook OBEXER’S
West
HOMEWOOD
HomewoodShore CASINOS Tahoma OBEXER’S Homewood HOMEWOOD
Meeks Bay
Average depth: 1,000 feet (304 m)
Glenbrook
Homewood
Eagle Rock
Tahoe
T
o Ta h
Ta h o e R i m
a SUNNYSIDE Eagle Tr Rock GOLF COURSES l ai HOMEWOOD Tr
Lake Clarity: 2020: 63 feet avg. depth (19.2 m) 1968: First recorded at 102.4 feet (31.21 m)
Marlette Lake
Lake
Ta h o e R i m
Ta h o e R i m
WHITEHAWK RANCH
Lake Tahoe is located in the states of California and Nevada, with two-thirds in California.
Incline Village
Incline Village Crystal Incline Village Kings Bay Tahoe Vista Crystal Beach Carnelian BayTahoe Vista NAKOMA Crystal Kings Bay Olympic Tahoe Vista POINT FEATHER Kings Crystal Bay Beach BOAT LAUNCH SIERRA Carnelian Bay Valley RIVER PARK BOAT CO. Kings Beach DEEPEST Bay Olympic Carnelian Bay COON ST. POINT SANDDEEPEST BOAT LAUNCH SIERRA Beach Olympic TAHOE COON ST. NORTH Valley Carnelian Bay CITY HARBOR BOAT CO. POINT BOAT LAUNCH TAHOE SIERRA RESORT AT DEEPEST Valley Olympic BOAT CO. COON ST. Tahoe SAND SQUAW CREEK POINT BOAT LAUNCH NORTH DollarSIERRA Hill TAHOE CITY HARBOR Valley LAKE TAHOE VISTA SAND City BOAT CO. TAHOE RESORT AT MARINAS NORTH FOREST TAHOE CITY REC AREA HARBOR Tahoe SQUAW CREEK TAHOE SAND Alpine RESORT AT Dollar Hill NORTH CITY LAKE HARBOR TAHOE VISTA Tahoe City SQUAW CREEK TAHOE TAHOE TAHOE NV Dollar Hill RESORT AT CITY Meadows FOREST REC AREA LAKE TAHOE VISTA City Tahoe SQUAW CREEK Alpine Dollar MARINA Carson FOREST Hill RECTAHOE AREA LAKE TAHOE VISTA City Meadows Alpine CITY City Sunnyside FOREST TAHOE REC AREA MARINA BOAT RAMPS AlpineMeadows CITY SUNNYSIDE TAHOE MARINA Carson CITY l Meadows Sunnyside ai MARINA Tr Carson City Sunnyside SUNNYSIDE City il SUNNYSIDE Sunnyside ra GRIZZLY RANCH
for details
Incline Village
il
PLUMAS PINES
LOGO here
anne@tahoethisweek.com
il
Donner
The DONNER LAKELost Sierra
Your business’
Reno & Sparks Reno & Sparks RENO-TAHOE Reno & Sparks INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Email
Truckee
GRAY ’S CROSSING OLD GREENWOOD
COYOTE MOON PONDEROSA COYOTE MOON
DONNER LAKE
Reno & Sparks
GRAY ’S CROSSING
TRUCKEE GRAY ’S CROSSING AIRPORT COYOTE MOON TAHOE DONNER
TAHOE DONNER
LAKE
Hope Valley TAHOE Markleeville
Kirkwood Hope Valley Hope Markleeville Valley Markleeville
Hope Valley Markleeville
Why is the lake blue? The Lake of the Sky appears blue in color as other colors in the light spectrum are absorbed and the blue light is scattered back.
RENTALS | TOURS | LESSONS | SALES | DELIVERY
KAYAKS & PADDLEBOARDS IN STOCK NIGHTLY SUNSET TOURS*
Come Play With Us!
NEW INVENTORY BOTE, HOBIE, DELTA, EDDYLINE & WILDERNESS SYSTEMS
USED KAYAKS FOR SALE
Shop at 521 North Lake Blvd. Rentals on the water at Commons Beach Available Daily *Conditions Permitting
Reservations 530.581.4336
|
TahoeCityKayak.com
R
er v i c e B
est
ar
lS
TAHOE CITY
Fu l
er Summit
t
YOUR BUSINESS COULD
SPONSOR THIS PAGE
a uran
t
Fun for the whole family! COVID-19 Restrictions may apply
GolfTahoeCity.com · 251 N. Lake Blvd.,Tahoe City · 530.583.1516 5
TheTahoeWeekly.com
GET outside
the outdoors | recreation | events | mountain life
Trail access limited, lifts damaged –Katherine E. Hill
Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care R E S C U I N G , R E H A B B I N G TA H O E ’ S W I L D L I F E
Sierra-at-Tahoe has also reported damage to two lifts at the ski area from the Caldor Fire.
S TO RY & P H OTO S BY K AY L A A N D E R S O N
O
n a cool, end-of-the-summer evening, Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care in South Lake Tahoe hosts its weekly Wildlife Wednesday on a newly built outdoor stage. At the new Outdoor Learning Center, made possible by donations from Tahoe Fund and Tahoe Blue Vodka, volunteers educate the public about Tahoe wildlife, the nonprofit’s mission and the public’s role in keeping native animals safe and healthy. Shortly after the outdoor amphitheater’s opening, Lake Tahoe Wildlife started hosting free public events.
“Nob Hill and Short Stuff have sustained damage to varying degrees. When the fire crews wrap up their work, we will be able to really get in and understand more about the level of repair needed and the timeline related to how quickly that can happen,” the resort reported in a post on Facebook, noting that it has been unable to do a full assessment of the property yet. Follow updates @SierraAtTahoe Trail damage | Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association is also reporting damage to more than 20 miles of trails on the South Shore including Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Corral Trail, Sidewinder, Incense Cedar, Armstrong Connector and Armstrong Pass Trail.
Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care has received bald eagles, mountain lions, bear cubs and even a mountain beaver that was brought in by a valet parking attendant from one of the local casinos. On this particular Wednesday, animal care director Denise Upton shares the center’s beginnings and its goal to rescue, rehabilitate and release animals back into the wild. Founded in 1978, the organization takes in around 130 different species of birds and animals a year. They have received bald eagles, bear cubs and even a mountain beaver that was brought in by a valet parking attendant from a local casino. “I really enjoy [releasing the animals] because that means we did our job,” she says.
WILD & FREE AUCTION OCT. 21 | VIRTUAL REGISTER LTWC.ORG/EVENTS DOES AN ANIMAL NEED HELP? When coming across an injured animal, Upton says that residents and visitors should ask themselves if the animal really needs to be saved before removing it and calling Lake Tahoe Wildlife. The organization receives about 60 to 70 calls a day in the high season and many times an animal doesn’t need rescuing. For instance, in the springtime when fledglings leave their nests, it’s a bit awkward when they first take flight. They bounce on the ground and stumble around, but usually the mom is close by. The worst thing to do try to save it when it’s just trying to learn how to fly. 6
Most U.S. Forest Service districts have reopened in the Tahoe Sierra, but with the Caldor Fire still only 76 percent contained as of press time and fire danger still high throughout the region, some forest areas and trails remain closed to the public.
KEEPING ANIMALS WILD The animals at the center are taught to stay away from humans and forage for food in the forest on their own; the birds are flight tested before being released. The sad truth is that if an animal cannot make it on its own in the wild, then it will likely be euthanized. Lake Tahoe Wildlife hopes to build a larger rehabilitation center and hospital and create an animal sanctuary in the future, using more of its 27-acre property. “We hope people can come here to see a bear instead of trying to bait it to get a picture for Facebook out in the wild,” Upton says. As part of the presentation, wildlife rehabilitation manager Jenny Curtis gives a quick talk about bears, describing how smart they are, how they use their senses and how to effectively cohabitate with them. As she talks, a stellar jay starts divebombing people. It eventually lands on the hand of a volunteer, who keeps the quirky, demanding bird occupied with food.
THE MISUNDERSTOOD COYOTE Finally, staff member Kassie Quackenbush talks about her favorite animal in the Tahoe Sierra – the coyote. “I think they’re fun, interesting and misunderstood,” she says. “It’s best to think of them as raw, wild dogs.”
Porky the Porcupine and Denise Upton; Coyote pups in the center’s care; A Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care volunteer feeds a divebombing blue jay.
She explains how they evolved in North America and as part of the canine family, they are a mix between a wolf and a dog. She describes their 11 different vocalizations and how it’s a common misconception that when people think they’re hearing a pack of coyotes howl, it’s usually just one or two. “They just have strong voices,” she says. According to Quackenbush, the 19 subspecies of coyotes are monogamous and hunt alone. They make good cleanup crews and pest controllers. They eat roadkill and disease-ridden rodents — both behaviors inadvertently help keep water sources safe. The coyote pups currently living at the center are left alone by volunteers, who do not interact with them because the goal is to be able to release them back into the wild. In a timely coincidence, a coyote runs across the parking lot as she talks. The entire presentation was interesting, interactive and fun. We were introduced to a special guest, a porcupine named Porky that delighted and entertained the kids and adults alike. Ironically, early the next morning at 3:30 a.m., I awoke to what sounded like a pack of wolves in my driveway. In my sleepy state, I thought, “That’s probably just one coyote; it does have a strong voice.” | (530) 577-2273, ltwc.org
“We have begun assessing damage to trails via satellite data and also from some TAMBA members/volunteers who are local firefighters and have been providing us information on some of the impacts to the trails,” said Patrick Parsel, trails coordinator for TAMBA in a Facebook post. “Some of the most popular mountain bike trails in the Tahoe Basin burned during the Caldor Fire.” Follow updates at @TAMBAtahoe Forest closures | Portions of the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit are closed through Dec. 31 due to the Caldor Fire including areas around Fallen Leaf Lake and the South Shore. The Eldorado National Forest remains closed until Sept. 30. Portions of the Plumas National Forest near the Dixie and Beckwourth fires are closed until Nov. 30. Details on all closures at fs.usda.gov State parks | All state parks around Lake Tahoe have reopened. Spooner Lake’s main entrance remains closed for parking enhancements, but trail access is open. Trail closures | Portions of the Tahoe Rim Trail and Pacific Crest Trail remain closed due to fire danger and Forest Service closures. | tahoerimtrail.org Back-country | Back-country area closures have been extended until Oct. 20 for Desolation Wilderness, Meiss Backcountry, Barker Pass and McKinney/ Rubicon. Visit fs.usda.gov for details and closure maps. Check all areas in advance of visiting for up-to-date information.
Matt Palmer | Village at Palisades Tahoe
September 29-October 12, 2021 GET OUTSIDE
BOAT RENTALS & FUEL DOCK Fuel dock 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Boat Rentals 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. WEATHER PERMITTING
Made in Tahoe returns Made in Tahoe Festival celebrates all things made locally. On Oct. 9 and 10, the Village at Palisades Tahoe will host an array of offerings made in or inspired by the Tahoe/Truckee region from more than 65 local artisans, chefs, dancers, musicians, entertainers, businesses and organizations. There will be a selection of local food and beer from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days. Admission is free. Proceeds will benefit Tahoe Food Hub. | palisadestahoe.com
OCT. 9
Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com to add your Event for our print & online calendars. Click on Events; then the blue Add Event button. Events may be subject to cancellation due to smoke & fire danger. Check conditions before visiting.
eve nts OATBRAN: Ride Across Nevada Bally’s Lake Tahoe | Stateline | Sept. 29-Oct. 2 bikethewest.com
Outdoor RUFF Truckee Library | Sept. 29, Oct. 6, 13 4-5 p.m. Free | (530) 582-7846, madelynhelling.evanced.info
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SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS FOR FREE
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Email news to editor@tahoethisweek.com
All day | Mr. D All day | Reverend Rusty Reams 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Gnarley 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Tahoe Flow Arts Workshop 12-2 p.m. | Jenni & Jesse of Dead Winter Carpenters 1-2 p.m. | Truckee Dance Factory 1-2 p.m. | Tahoe Truckee School of Music 2:30 -3:15 p.m. | Tahoe Flow Arts Showcase 2-4 p.m. | The Residents 3:30-4 p.m. | Truckee Dance Factory 3-5 p.m. | Mescalito 4-5 p.m. | Tahoe Flow Arts interactive play
Incline Village
TA H O E C I T Y
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MARINA L A K E TA H O E • C A L I F O R N I A
MARINA
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(530) 583-1039 · TahoeCityMarina.com
OCT. 10 All Day | Mr. D All day | Reverend Rusty Reams 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Tahoe Truckee School of Music 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Tahoe Flow Arts workshop 12-2 p.m. | Honey Vixen 1-2 p.m. | Truckee Dance Factory 2-4 p.m. | Tim High & Mighty Mike 2:30 -3:15 p.m. | Tahoe Flow Arts Showcase 3:30-4 p. | Truckee Dance Factory 3-5 p.m. | Perter Joseph Burtt & The King Tide 4-5 p.m. | Tahoe Flow Arts interactive play
Caldor Fire Fundraiser Alibi Ale Works | Incline Village | Sept. 30 12-10 p.m. | alibialeworks.com
Caldor Fire Fundraiser Alibi Ale Works | Truckee | Sept. 30 12-8 p.m. | alibialeworks.com
Home Learning Programs Webinar | Truckee | Sept. 30
1-2 p.m. Free | facebook.com
Sept. Tahoe Trash Pickup Challenge Around the Lake | South Lake Tahoe | Sept. 30 (530) 541-5388, keeptahoeblue.org
Broken Arrow Skyrace Palisades Tahoe Ski Resort Olympic Valley | Oct. 1, 2 palisadestahoe.com
Tahoe Science Center
Cozy up to
Hands-on science activities, Guided tours & 3-D movies Open Tues.–Fri., 1–5 p.m.
(or by appointment, closed all holidays)
TahoeScienceCenter.org
(775) 881-7566
Enjoy a magical fall season with patio & home essentials from Mountain Hardware and Sports. 11320 Donner Pass Road | 10001 Soaring Way #105 | Truckee, CA mountainhardwareandsports.com
CONTINUED ON PAGE 11
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L I F E I N TA H O E
D O E S Y O U R H O M E H A V E D E F E N S I B L E S PA C E ? C O U R T E SY T R PA
I
• Ornamental evergreen shrubs and trees such as juniper, mugo pine, Austrian pine and others, should not be used within this area. • Clear all flammable vegetation from within 10 feet of a propane tank. • Remove tree limbs that are within 10 feet of a chimney, house, deck and roof. • Remove limbs that are encroaching on power lines.
f a wildfire breaks out, will firefighters be able to save your home? Having defensible space around your home will mean the difference between whether firefighters can save your home or not. The term defensible space refers to the area between a house and an oncoming wildfire where the vegetation has been managed to reduce the wildfire threat and allow firefighters to safely defend the house. In the event that firefighters are not available, defensible space also improves the likelihood of a home surviving without assistance.
NONCOMBUSTIBLE AREA Create a Noncombustible Area at least 5 feet wide around the base of the house. It should consist of noncombustible landscape materials and ignition-resistant, low-volume plants.
DEFENSIBLE SPACE ZONE The size of the defensible space is usually expressed as a distance extending outward from the house in all directions. The recommended distance is not the same for every home. It varies depending on the dominant vegetation surrounding the home and steepness of slope. Once the recommended distance for defensible space is known, mark it by tying strips of cloth or flagging to shrubs. This becomes the Defensible Space Zone. If the Defensible Space Zone exceeds your property boundaries, talk to neighbors about creating defensible space and offer to help with the work. It is important to note that the effectiveness of the Defensible Space Zone improves when entire neighborhoods implement defensible space practices. Find more wildfire safety info at TheTahoeWeekly.com
REMOVE DEAD VEGETATION, DEBRIS Remove dead and dying vegetation including: • Dead and dying trees. • Dead native and ornamental shrubs. • Dead branches. • Dried grass, weeds and flowers. • Exposed branches from fallen trees that are embedded into the ground. For fallen pine needles and leaves: • Within 5 feet of the house, remove routinely throughout fire season. • From 5 feet to 30 feet of the house, remove every spring by May 1. • More than 30 feet from the house, do not allow fallen needles and leaves to exceed a depth of 3 inches.
THE TAHOE WEEKLY’S
MAINTAIN DEFENSIBLE SPACE ZONE
Courtesy UNR Cooperative Extension
THIN NATIVE VEGETATION
LEAN, CLEAN AND GREEN AREA
Within the Defensible Space Zone, native trees and shrubs ( Jeffrey pine, white fir and manzanita) should not occur in dense stands. Dense stands of trees and shrubs pose a significant wildfire threat. Within 30 feet of the house, the canopies of individual or small groups of several trees should be separated by 10 feet to 30 feet. Contact local fire professionals or TRPA to have your trees evaluated and marked for removal.
Create a Lean, Clean and Green Area extending 5 to 30 feet from the house. The first goal is to eliminate easily ignitable fuels, or kindling, near the house. This will help prevent embers from starting a fire in your yard. The second goal is to keep fire intensity low if it does ignite near the house. • Remove dead and drying vegetation and debris regularly. • Wood and bark mulches can be used in this area, but not in a widespread manner and areas should separated by noncombustible materials. • Native shrubs should be substantially reduced in this area. Individual specimens or small groups can be retained as long as they are kept healthy and vigorous, pruned and would not allow a fire to travel rapidly across the area. • Use low-growing (less than 18 inches tall), irrigated, herbaceous plants, such as lawn, clover, erosion-control grasses, flowers, some ground covers and succulents, that are recommended for the area. • Ornamental, deciduous trees and shrubs can be used as specimens or in small groups. They should be irrigated, kept healthy and vigorous, free of dead leaves and wood, and arranged so that they could not rapidly transmit fire.
REMOVE LADDER FUEL Vegetation that can carry a fire from low-growing plants to taller plants is called ladder fuel. In areas where trees have been thinned as noted above, lower tree branches should be removed to a height of at least 10 feet. Shrubs and trees growing under the drip line should also be removed. Irrigated, well-maintained lawns and flower beds, as well as low-growing ground covers can be present under the tree’s drip line as long as they would not allow a fire to ignite the tree. Removal of tree branches should not exceed one third of the total tree height. Removing more than this can be detrimental to tree health. For tips on proper tree pruning, contact a Cooperative Extension office.
PREPARING FOR A WILDFIRE SERIES IS SPONSORED BY:
Community Partner Fire Prevention & Open Space Protection 8
Maintaining a defensible space is an ongoing activity. Plants grow back and flammable vegetation needs to be routinely removed and disposed of properly. | trpa.gov
California Cooperative Extension Offices | ucanr.edu Defensible Space Inspection | Contact local fire district; tahoelivingwithfire.com
Landscape mulches | livingwithfire.com Living with Fire homeowner’s guide | trpa.gov Native plants | naes.agnt.unr.edu Nevada Cooperative Extension Offices | ucanr.edu Tree removal | trpa.gov
Living With Fire Virtual Series Oct. 14 | 11:30 a.m. Register tahoelivingwithfire.com
September 29-October 12, 2021 GET OUTSIDE
your is waiting. RESOURCES Cal Fire | readyforwildfire.org Create a disaster kit | redcross.org Create a home wildfire checklist | readyforwildfire.org Current fire conditions & restrictions | tahoelivingwithfire.com Nevada Fire Info | nevadafireinfo.org Prepare for a disaster | tahoelivingwithfire.com/get-prepared
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GUIDE & EVACUATION ROUTES Alpine County | alpinecountyca.gov Incline Village & Crystal Bay | nltfpd.org North Lake Tahoe & West Shore | bit.ly/3CRDgtG Olympic Valley | ovpsd.org
Truckee Travel Alert | visittruckeetahoe.com
South Lake Tahoe area | southtahoeemergencyguide.com
Wildfire Evacuation Checklist | livingwithfire.com
Tahoe Donner | tahoedonner.com
Un Kit De Suministros De Emergencia | readyforwildfire.org SIGN UP FOR
EMERGENCY ALERTS Alpine County | alpinecountyca.gov City of South Lake Tahoe | cityofslt.us
Truckee | truckeefire.org
adopt & save a life at
petnetwork.org
(775) 832-4404
Hard copies available at local fire districts
Follow the Six Ps for immediate evacuations • People and pets • Papers, phone numbers and important documents
Douglas County | douglascountynv.gov
• Prescriptions, vitamins and eyeglasses
El Dorado County | ready.edso.org Nevada County | mynevadacounty.com
• Pictures and irreplaceable memorabilia • Personal computer hard drive and disks
Placer County | placer.ca.gov
• Plastic (credit cards, ATM cards) and cash
Town of Truckee Nixle alerts | local.nixle.com Washoe County | washoecounty.us
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L I F E I N TA H O E
How to Help
BE EMBER AWARE C O U R T E SY U N R C O O P E R AT I V E E X T E N S I O N
D
Cal Fire
uring a wildfire, thousands of embers can rain down on your roof and pelt the side of your home like hail during a storm. If these embers become lodged in something easily ignited on or near your house, the home will be in jeopardy of burning. Common materials that become embers during wildfire include pine cones, branches, tree bark and wooden shingles. Depending on fire intensity, wind speed and the size of materials that are burning, embers can be carried more than a mile ahead of the fire. Consequently, even homes located blocks away from the flame front are vulnerable to ignition and complete destruction. By being ember aware and taking action ahead of time, a homeowner can substantially reduce the ember threat. n
T
hese are challenging times for those being impacted by the wildfires burning around California and directly impacts the residents of the Tahoe Sierra. If you need help or want to help those in need, here’s some of the resources available to provide services and to accept donations.
AlertWildfire Camera Network Donations needed to support this network. | tahoeprosperity.org
Almanor Foundation Wildfire Relief Fund Aiding those impacted by the Dixie Fire. | almanorfoundation.com
American Red Cross
EMBER AWARENESS CHECKLIST 1. Wood Roof Replace wood shake and shingle roofs with fire-resistant types 2. Roof Openings Plug openings in roof coverings such as the open ends of barrel tiles, with noncombustible materials. 3. Roof Debris Routinely remove plant debris such as pine needles, leaves, branches and bark, from the roof. 4. Skylights Replace plastic skylights with types constructed of double-pane glass. One of the panes should be tempered glass. Close skylights if wildfire is threatening. 5. Spark Arrester Install an approved spark arrester on chimneys. 6 Windows Replace single-pane, non-tempered glass windows with multiple-pane, temperedglass types. Close all windows if wildfire is threatening. 7. Vents Cover attic, eave and foundation vents with 1/8-inch wire mesh or install new vent types designed to prevent ember entry. If wildfire is threatening, consider covering vent openings. 8. Rain Gutters Keep rain gutters free of debris. Consider using rain gutter covers to reduce maintenance. 9. Siding Fill gaps in siding and trim materials with a caulk and replace poor condition building materials. 10. Woodpiles Move firewood stacks and scrap lumber piles at least 30 feet from the house or other buildings. 1 1. Patio Furniture Place combustible patio furniture such as lounges, tables and hammocks inside the house or garage if wildfire is threatening. 1 2. Deck Boards Replace deck boards that are less than 1-inch thick or that are in poor condition with thicker, good condition boards. Use metal flashing between the deck and the house.
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13. Deck Debris Remove plant debris from the gaps between deck boards, the gap between the deck and house, and lying on top of the deck. 14. Porch & Deck Accessories If wildfire is threatening, remove combustible materials from the porch and deck including newspapers, wicker baskets, door mats, pine cones and dried flower arrangements, and place BBQ propane tanks indoors. 15. Under the Deck Remove plant debris, wood piles and other easily ignited materials from under decks. Consider enclosing the open sides of the deck with siding materials that are properly vented or 1/8-inch wire mesh to reduce maintenance and deter ember entry. Do not use wooden lattice. 16. Flowerboxes Remove wooden flowerboxes from beneath windows if wildfire is threatening. 17. Eaves Cover open eaves with sheathing such as plywood or fiber-cement board. Use tongue and groove joints or other intricate joint types and don’t use butt joints. 18. Flowerbeds Replace wood mulches with noncombustible types and remove plant debris, including dried grass and flowers, dead leaves and dead branches from flowerbeds. Replace ornamental junipers with low-growing deciduous shrubs or flowers under irrigation. 19. Vehicles Close vehicle windows. Back into the garage and close the garage door or park away from the house. 20. Garage Door Adjust garage doors to achieve as tight as fit as possible with the door frame. Consider using trim around the garage door opening to reduce gap openings. Close the garage door if wildfire is threatening. 21. Garbage Cans and Recycling Bins Use garbage cans covered with tight fitting lids near the house or other buildings. Move newspaper recycling bins indoors. 22. Wooden Fences Maintain wooden fences in good condition and create a noncombustible fence section or gate next to the house for at least 5 feet.
The American Red Cross is staffing evacuation centers and providing support to victims of wildfires. Check the website for current evacuation areas. | redcross.org
Barton Foundation Emergency Response Fund Assisting local families and individuals facing food insecurity due to impacts from the fire. | bartonhealth.org
Caldor Fire Recovery Eldorado County page with information on available services and assistance. | edcgov.us California Fire Foundation Victim assistance provided and donations needed. | cafirefoundation.org
California Office of Emergency Services State resources for housing assistance and other needs. | wildfirerecovery.caloes. ca.gov
El Dorado Community Foundation The El Dorado County Community Foundation set up a Caldor Fire Fund. All donations go to families and individuals impacted by the fire. | eldoradocf.org
Hands 4 Hope Collecting monetary and supply donations for the Caldor Fire victims. | hands4hopeyouth.org/caldorfire
Hunger Relief Boxes Apply through Tahoe Food Hub at tahoefoodhub.org or make a donation to support its efforts at tahoefoodhub. networkforgood.com.
Lake Valley Firefighter’s Community Relief Fund To support the immediate needs and efforts of Lake Valley Fire crews and other agencies. | bit.ly/3mX52iY
Placer Food Bank The Placer Food Bank is providing emergency food response/distribution to those impacted by fires. | donate.placerfoodbank.org
Philanthropy California Provides state-wide information for victims of wildfires. | philanthropyca.org
Project Camp A trauma-informed pop-up day camp that supports children and families affected by disasters. Enrolling kids who were evacuated during the Caldor and Dixie fires. Volunteers also needed. | projectcamp.co
Sierra Community House | Provides food assistance and other family needs. | sierracommunityhouse.org
Social Services California resources for assistance and services. | cdss.ca.gov/disaster-help-center
South Lake Tahoe Resources Resources for lodging, transportation, pet services and more through City of South Lake Tahoe. | cityofslt.us/ evacuationresources
Smartest Forest Fund Donations to support Tahoe Fund’s efforts to invest in state-of-the-art technology to help decrease the threat of catastrophic wildfire. | tahoefund.org
Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless Works with the homeless and vulnerable residents. | tahoehomeless.org
Tahoe Together Caldor Fire Relief Fund to support restaurant and bar workers. | tahoeprosperity.org
Tahoe/Truckee Emergency Response Fund Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation relief fund. | ttcf.net
Tamarack Fire Assistance Applications now open for assistance at alpinecounty.com/give, (530) 694-2475 or stop by the Chamber of Commerce in Markleeville for a paper copy. Donations to the fund may be made at bit.ly/3zKAWmf n –Katherine E. Hill
September 29-October 12, 2021 GET OUTSIDE
VOLUNTEER FOR
Truckee River Day
Help Clean Up the Lake sort trash To increase the impact of litter removal, The Clean Up the Lake team is in need of volunteers to help categorize and collect data on every piece of litter that is removed from Lake Tahoe. Every Wednesday, volunteers are needed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Volunteers must be able to work indoors, be comfortable working with trash and be able to lift at least 50 pounds. Litter categorization is an integral part of underwater trash removal that allows researchers to understand more about where these items are coming from and how they are ending up in the lake. If interested, email Hannah Urrutia at hannah@ cleanupthelake.org. | cleanupthelake.org
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7
Cool Car Cruizen Fridays Heavenly Village Gondola South Lake Tahoe | Oct. 1, 8
5-8 p.m. Free | goodsamsaferide.com
A Liar’s Cruise The Tahoe Gal | Tahoe City | Oct. 2
4-6 p.m. $75 | sierrastateparks.org
Elizabethtown Meadows guided hike Hwy 267 at Northstar Drive Truckee | Oct. 2
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free | eventbrite.com
Great Trail Race Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area Tahoe City | Oct. 2
8 a.m. $50-$80 | trailrunner.com
Tahoe Forest Stewardship Day Multiple locatiions South Lake Tahoe | Oct. 2
8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | (530) 541-3588, keeptahoeblue.org
Forest Futures Salons Webinar Zoom | Tahoe City | Oct. 5
4-5:30 p.m. Free | us02web.zoom.us
Joint Public Meeting on Tamarack Fire Restoration Turtle Rock Park Community Center Markleeville | Oct. 5 6-8:30 p.m. Free
River Talks Virtual | Truckee | Oct. 5, 12
4:30-5 p.m. Free | 530.550.8760 x5, truckeeriverwc.org
CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
New lifts coming to Vail resorts Vail Resorts has announced that it will not have a mountain reservation system this season and will load lifts and gondolas at normal capacity, including at Heavenly, Kirkwood and Northstar, according to a press release from the company. Vail also announced a new chair lift for Northstar and the replacement of a lift at Heavenly are in the works for the 2022-23 season.
D
ust off your boots, roll up your sleeves and come out for a day of volunteer restoration to help bring r esilience to the Truckee River watershed. Truckee River Watershed Council’s 26th annual Truckee River Day is on Oct. 17 and features restoration opportunities for all ages and abilities. Since 1996, thousands of nature lovers have shown up yearly to take on hundreds of restoration projects throughout the watershed. Each year, as the effects of climate change are felt in our backyard, volunteering on Truckee River Day is a perfect way to take individual action and make a lasting difference. California’s wildfires have reached unprecedented levels in the past decade. One of the reasons the fires are so powerful is due to the extreme dryness of soils and vegetation. This lack of moisture, in part, is caused by climate change and exacerbated by the current drought. The restoration work of Truckee River Watershed Council in the forests, streams and meadows of the Middle
Truckee River watershed works to retain that moisture. By reconnecting the hydrology, we restore natural flow patterns and water-holding capacity to keep the soils and vegetation moist longer into the dry season, which contributes to both fire prevention and recovery if a fire does occur. Come see restoration projects such as Sardine Meadow up close. Truckee River Day volunteers will plant native vegetation, mulch sensitive areas and restore meadows, riparian areas and more, providing essential support to existing restoration projects. Later in the day, all are invited to Truckee River Day Fair at Granite Flat Campground from 1 to 4 p.m. to celebrate — even if you didn’t participate in the restoration projects. Enjoy live entertainment, environmental education activities, art projects and more. Learn more about the importance of the Truckee River watershed
at TheTahoeWeekly.com Granite Flat is located 1 mile south of Truckee on Highway 89. Truckee River Day Fair is presented in partnership with Sierra Watershed Education Partnerships. Registration before Oct. 13 is required to participate in Truckee River Day. | truckeeriverwc.org
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Northstar | A new high-speed, 6-person chair will replace the existing mid-mountain, 4-person Comstock Lift. Heavenly | The North Bowl fixed-grip triple will be replaced with a high-speed, 4-person chair.
LOCAL DEALER SALES & SERVICE
Masks | Face coverings will be required in indoor settings including in restaurants, lodging properties, restrooms, retail and rental locations, and on buses. Face coverings will not be required outdoors, in lift lines, or on chairlifts or gondolas, unless required by local regulations. Dining | Guests will be required to book a reservation to eat at many on-mountain restaurants and says that it intends to open reservations one day prior to visits. As well, guests 12 and older will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccinations to dine at indoor, on-mountain quickservice (cafeteria-style) restaurants. All Vail Resorts employees will be required to have COVID-19 vaccinations, according to the release. SKI RESORT OPENING DATES (as of Sept. 23, 2021)
ASC Training Center | Nov. 13 Diamond Peak | Dec. 9 Heavenly | Nov. 19 Kirkwood | Dec. 3 Northstar | Nov. 19 Palisades Tahoe | Nov. 24
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Michael O’Connor, Life Coach Astrologer | SunStarAstrology.com
Aries (Mar 21-Apr 20)
You are in a pioneering mood. Your focus is sharp, and your pace is assertive and determined. As much as you recognize the need to be patient, doing so will prove extra challenging. The issue with this is that you may be thinking more about what you believe and listening less to alternate viewpoints. Financial concerns and considerations are featured.
Mercury retrograde could have the effect of increasing your charm. The main issue is that it could lead to saying what you think others want to hear. This step away from your usual assertiveness could win approval but prove costly. Meanwhile, your sights are set on the future and in your heart of hearts you want to fight the good fight.
Scorpio (Oct 22-Nov 21)
Taurus (Apr 20-May 21)
A busy time behind the scenes continues. Ironically, if you are confronting inner issues head on you will likely feel emboldened and energized. Yet, if you are trying to escape, you may find yourself feeling extra tired. Meanwhile, while you feel the desire to express yourself doing so may seem extra complicated. So, do the inner work.
A busy time working on important changes, both within and without, are underway. You are willing to do your part, but you also want help. The workload is heavier than usual, but you feel charged to overcome obstacles. Your mood is passionate and determined but your direction may be more like a zigzag than a straight line.
Sagittarius (Nov 21-Dec 21)
Gemini (May 21-Jun 21)
Your sense of individuality is in full throttle. This includes themes of fairness, justice, equality, freedom and democracy. To this end, you are willing to fight for just causes. On the downside, you may feel scattered and overwhelmed with options and objectives leaving you unsure where to begin. Reaching out to exchange ideas is a likely choice.
Finding reason to play and have fun is inspiring yet requires extra effort. Looking at the world stage, you may feel nervous. Guided by the appreciation that there is power in numbers, you are seeking associations you believe in and feel you can reply on. You are happy to feel things out for now, but you will be more committed soon.
Capricorn (Dec 21-Jan 19)
Getting the recognition and attention you feel you want and deserve continues. Your sights are set on the future, and you know that you need to both fortify your foundation and clear away everything that has become unnecessary. What is clear is that you need allies to fulfill your ambitions, and this may include financial support.
Aquarius (Jan 19-Feb 19)
Over the course of 2021 you have really begun to see the big picture more clearly. Consequently, some of your values and priorities have changed measurably. Now, you are looking for the tools, resources, knowledge and key players you need to advance to the next step. Maintaining a philosophical perspective on things all the whole feels important.
Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20)
Change and transformation continues. Your ambitions are running strong all the while and you feel determined to take action that leads you to greater returns. This process will continue throughout the month. Patient determination and willingness to change and acceptance that it is required will support your process.
In the phased reopening, the museum will be open to members on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays through October. Everyone must pre-register to play. Vaccinations for ages 12 and older and masks for ages 3 and older are required for all visitors. In November, staff will reevaluate these policies and open to the maximum capacity allowed. | (530) 587-5437, kidzonemuseum.org
Cancer (Jun 21-Jul 22)
events CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11
Leo (Jul 22-Aug 23)
Many new thoughts, perspectives are flowing through your mind. By now, you are already taking action on these and the momentum is likely to build steadily over the coming weeks. With your social horizons undergoing a steady rate of expansion, the time is right to commit to steady growth and to invest as necessary.
Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22)
Building upon new foundations for the sake of realizing dreams is a central theme now. Dealing with ongoing uncertainties appears to be woven into the plot. Positively, you are turning the stresses that these delays and misses produce into spiritual victories, which is their destined purpose. Faithful, patient perseverance will pay off.
CROSSWORD PUZZLE, CRYPTOQUIP & ANSWERS ARE LOCATED ON PAGE 23.
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KidZone Museum, a local nonprofit children’s museum in Truckee, reopened for indoor creative play on Sept. 22.
Focusing to create more beauty and flow close to home continues. This process includes some measure of design. You may also feel the need for change which could amount to be more than anticipated. For better or worse, returns for past choices and actions are part of the plot. Now it is time to set a new future direction.
KidZone reopens
Courtesy KidZone
Libra (Sep 22-Oct 22)
Courtesy ASC
Night skiing
on tap at ASC
Auburn Ski Club announced that will be introducing cross-country night skiing for the 2021-22 winter season. The ski area will open for the season on Nov. 13. ASC will be lighting 1.5km of trail with temporary lights for four weeks beginning in mid-December. Hours and details will be announced in the future and some night races may also be offered, according to the organization. Regular trail passes will be good for night skiing.
NTPUD Utilities System Walk & Learn Tour Dollar Creek Trailhead Parking Lot Tahoe City | Oct. 8 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Free
Made in Tahoe Festival Village at Palisades Tahoe Olympic Valley | Oct. 9, 10
11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free | palisadestahoe.com
Mexican Heritage Festival Truckee River Regional Park | Oct. 9
12-8 p.m. Free | artsfortheschools.org
Public Workshop: Aquatic Weeds Control Tahoe Keys Pavillion South Lake Tahoe | Oct. 9
9 a.m.-12 p.m. Free | waterboards.ca.gov
Mountain Minds Monday Online | Truckee | Oct. 11
5-7 p.m. $5 | chamber.truckee.com
tahoe donner
ASC is in the planning stages for a permanent project to install highintensity LED lighting on 2.5km of crosscountry trail with plans for another 3km in the future. Trail lighting is the next step in the ASC strategic plan to provide athletes access to snow sports. Lighting improvements for the race arena are also in the works.
updates ebike rules
There will be an Open House on Nov. 13 with food from noon to 1:30 p.m. and coaches will be on hand to discuss programs and answer questions. | asctrainingcenter.org
“The prohibition of off-road vehicles now includes utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), side-by-side vehicles (XSXs), motorpropelled scooters/boards and other motor-propelled vehicles,” according to the website. | tahoedonner.com
The Tahoe Donner Association board recently decided to allow class 1 e-bike use only on doubletrack trails (trails that have two paths created from the wheels of a vehicle). As part of the Association’s adaptive management program, this will be evaluated in spring 2022.
T A H O E
FALL 2021 EDITION | SEPT. 29-DEC. 8
INSIDE THEATER & PERFORMING ARTS ARTS & CULTURE AT THE MOVIES THE GREAT OUTDOORS LIVE MUSIC CULINARY DELIGHTS HOWLIN’ GOOD TIMES FUN & FRIVOLITY HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
#1
Courtesy Arts for the Schools
The source for events, music & entertainment
TheTahoeWeekly.com facebook.com/TheTahoeWeekly @TheTahoeWeekly issuu app iTunes & Google Play
Mexican Heritage Festival | Oct. 9 | Truckee Regional Park
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Courtesy Truckee Community Theater
MUSIC, EVENTS & FESTIVALS | TheTahoeWeekly.com
“Steel Magnolias” | Nov. 5-14 | Community Arts Center | Truckee
Theater & Performing Arts “Waiting for Godot”
“Emilie: La Marquise du Chatelet Defends Her Life Tonight”
Until Oct. 2 | Brüka Theatre | Reno, Nev.
Starts Oct. 29 | Restless Artists Theatre | Reno, Nev.
After a 16-month shut down, Brüka Theatre reopens with Samuel Beckett’s absurdist masterpiece for the 29th season. | bruka.org
A highly theatrical, fast, funny, sexy rediscovery of one of history’s most intriguing women, Emilie, defends her life and loves and ends up with both a formula and a legacy that permeates history. | rattheatre.org
“The Thanksgiving Play” Oct. 1-17 | Reno Little Theater | Reno, Nev.
“Hamilton”
Good intentions collide with absurd assumptions in Larissa FastHorse’s wickedly funny satire, as a trouble of four progressive theater-makers scramble to devise a play that is historically accurate. | renolittletheater.org
Nov. 3-14 | Pioneer Center | Reno, Nev.
“Little Women, The Broadway Musical” Oct. 8-16 | Redfield Studio Theater | Reno, Nev.
“Once Upon a Mattress”
Based on the novel of the same name, “Little Women” focuses on the lives of the March family, filled with laughter, loss and love. The story is told from Jo’s point of view. | unr.edu/theatre-dance
Nov. 5-14 | Carson City Community Center | Carson City, Nev.
“Marianarchy”
This hilarious twist on the fairytale, “The Princess and the Pea,” was the show that shot Carol Burnett to stardom. A nasty queen insists that only a princess who can pass her test can marry her wimpy son, Dauntless. | wnmtc.com
Oct. 8-9, 15-16 | Area venues | Reno, Nev.
“Steel Magnolias”
Featuring more than 40 local music acts and performers to benefit Reno Little Theater, Brüka Theater and Good Luck Macbeth Theater Company. | Marianarchy XVII on Facebook
Nov. 5-14 | Community Arts Center | Truckee
Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company
Fall Dance Festival
Oct. 14 | Nightingale Concert Hall | Reno, Nev.
Nov. 17-20 | Dance Theatre | Reno, Nev.
Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company is known both nationally and internationally for producing innovative, moving and compelling work that challenges audiences’ perceptions of contemporary dance. | events.unr.edu
The Fall Dance Festival showcases UNR dance students in new choreographic works by faculty, guest artists and selected student choreographers. | events.unr.edu
“Up the Sagebrush Hill”
The Price is Right Live
Oct. 15 | The Virgil | Reno, Nev.
Nov. 26-27 | Nugget Casino Resort | Spark, Nev.
Tony Berendsen will introduce a new collection of poems, “Up the Sagebrush Hill.” Collateral & Co. will perform two dances to the poems, while Aaron Hill on oboe and Brandon Dodge on marimba will perform the world premiere of “Up the Sagebrush Hill,” composed by Phil Popham. | Up the Sagebrush Hill on Facebook
The Price Is Right Live is the hit interactive stage show that gives eligible individuals the chance to hear their names called and “Come on down” to win. | nuggetcasinoresort.com
WordWave
This coming-of-age story follows the strong-willed Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage. | wildhorsetheater.com
Oct. 21-23 | Valhalla Tahoe’s Boathouse Theatre | South Lake Tahoe These newly discovered comedy one-acts were chosen from more than 90 submitted for consideration in the 2021 Word Wave Play Competition. Theatrical Art professionals selected the top three one-acts to perform. | valhallatahoe.com
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“Hamilton” has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theater — a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics and education. | pioneercenter.com
Filled with hilarious repartee and heartfelt warmth, this is the story of six women and a friendship that makes them stronger. | truckeecommunitytheater.com
Disney’s “Moana, Jr.” Dec. 3, 10 | Brewery Arts Center | Carson City, Nev.
Courtesy “Pedal Through”
September 29-October 12, 2021 | MUSIC, EVENTS & FESTIVALS
Wild & Scenic Film Festival | “Pedal Through” | Oct. 9 | Virtual
Kayla Anderson
At the Movies Sierra Nevada Yarn Crawl | Oct. 14-17 | Tahoe & Reno venues
Manhattan Short Film Festival Sept. 30-Oct. 3 | UNR Crowley Student Union | Reno, Nev.
Arts & Culture Art at the Ark Oct. 2 | Animal Art | Reno, Nev. Featuring local artists and vendors throughout Animal Ark allowing guests to shop local and unique artwork and more while visiting the animals. | animalark.org
Reno Bridal & Beauty Expo & Greater Reno Women’s Expo Oct. 3 | Grand Sierra Resort | Reno, Nev. If you’re a bride-to- be, you might want to attend Reno’s largest, most diverse and elegant wedding events for couples planning their special day. | lockettshows.com
Carson Valley Art Studio Tour
The festival is screening in more than 400 countries across six continents. Movie-goers become the judges and vote for their favorite film. | manhattanshort.com
Wild & Scenic Film Festival Oct. 9 | Robert Z. Hawkins Outdoor Amphitheater | Reno, Nev. Cultivated from South Yuba River Citizen League’s Wild & Scenic Film Festival, this year’s lineup features award-winning short films that combine stellar filmmaking, beautiful cinematography and first-rate storytelling to inspire solutions and possibilities to restore the earth and human communities. | blackrockdesert.org
Wild & Scenic Film Festival Oct. 9 | Virtual Friends of Nevada Wilderness is livestreaming a showing of the film festival. All proceeds from this event will help Keep Nevada Wild. | nevadawilderness.org
Oct. 8-10 | area venues | Carson Valley, Nev.
“The Stomping Grounds”
A three-day celebration of Carson Valley art and artists, featuring open studio tours, demonstrations and lively discussions about art in and around the Carson Valley. | cvastour.org
Oct. 11 | Olympic Village Lodge | Olympic Valley
Mexican Heritage Festival
“Stoke the Fire”
Oct. 9 | Truckee Regional Park
Oct. 21 | Westwind El Rancho Drive-in Theater | Reno, Nev.
Arts For the Schools presents its first Mexican Heritage Festival with a celebration of LatinX culture, live music, dance, art, food and drinks. Masks required. | artsfortheschools.org
Teton Gravity Research’s 26th annual film release “Stoke the Fire” explores athletes’ evolution within skiing and the pure joy that manifests from that process. | tetongravity.com
Water Lantern Festival
“Roots”
Oct. 9 | Sparks Marina Park | Sparks, Nev.
Nov. 2 | Tahoe Art Haus | Tahoe City Nov. 12 | University of Nevada, Reno
Experience the magic at the Water Lantern Festival and enjoy food trucks, music and the sight of thousands of floating lanterns that reflect messages of love, hope and happiness. | waterlanternfestival.com
Matchstick Productions presents its newest film “The Stomping Grounds” at 8 p.m. | matchstickpro.com
Faction is excited to bringing its third full feature film “Roots” in a showing in collaboration with University of Nevada, Reno Winter Sports Club. | us.factionskis.com
Made in Tahoe
“Winter Starts Now”
Oct. 9-10 | Village at Palisades Tahoe | Olympic Valley
Nov. 20 | Olympic Valley Lodge | Olympic Valley
Made in Tahoe will host a wide array of offerings that are made in or inspired by the Tahoe Basin and Truckee areas featuring local artisans, businesses, chefs, organizations and entertainers. | palisadestahoe.com
Warren Miller is back with our 72nd annual film, “Winter Starts Now,” featuring the best snow-riding from the mom-and-pop ski hill down the street to the highest peak on the horizon with two showtimes. | warrenmiller.com
Fall Bulb Festival
Tahoe Film Fest
Oct. 9-10 | Wilbur D. May Arboretum | Reno, Nev.
Dec. 2-5 | Area venues | North Lake Tahoe
More than 19,000 spring bulbs of 140 different varieties are for sale and garden professionals will be on hand to answer questions and offer bulb-planting demos. | mayarboretumsociety.org
This annual environmental film festival will present an important section of new and exciting productions from the U.S. and Latin America that have been screened in various festivals throughout the world. | tahoefilmfest.org
Sierra Nevada Yarn Crawl Oct. 14-17 | Tahoe & Reno venues Sierra Nevada Yarn Crawl a favorite fiber event. Participants are welcomed into the shops, homes, ranches, warehouses and more of fiber artists. | sierranevadayarncrawl.com
Writers in the Woods Oct. 15-16, Nov. 5-6 | Sierra Nevada University | Incline Village, Nev. Sierra Nevada University hosts its Writers in The Woods series featuring author readings and workshops open to all. | sierranevada.edu
Third Thursday Downtown Sparks Oct. 21, Nov. 18 | Victorian Square | Sparks, Nev. Expect good food, cold drinks, live entertainment, crafts, chef demos, movies on the big screen and all the art you can handle. | 39northdowntown.com
Nevada Day Parade Oct. 30 | Carson Street | Carson City, Nev. Nevada Day commemorates the 36th state’s entry into the Union on Oct. 31, 1864. Entries include floats, marching bands, horses, entertainers, youth groups and celebrity guests. | nevadaday.com
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Courtesy Lake Tahoe Marathon
MUSIC, EVENTS & FESTIVALS | TheTahoeWeekly.com
Lake Tahoe Marathon | Oct. 29-31 | area venues
The Great Outdoors UNR Ski Swap
Avalanche Education Series
Oct. 1-3 | Reno Sparks Convention Center
Oct. 19, Nov. 2, Nov. 30 | Alibi Ale Works | Truckee
There’s a huge selection of new and used equipment. Everything from boards to boots, skis to snow shoes, clothing, helmets, gloves and more. Free parking and admission. | unrskiswap.com
Tahoe Mountain Sports and Alibi Ale Works hosts an Avalanche Education Series at Alibi Ale Works Truckee. | Tahoe Mountain Sports on Facebook
Broken Arrow Skyrace
Oct. 21 | Virtual
Oct. 1-3 | Palisades Tahoe Ski Resort | Olympic Valley The Broken Arrow Skyrace features off-trail scrambling on steep terrain with huge vertical gains and losses at altitude in three different distances. | palisadestahoe.com
Great Trail Race Oct. 2 | Area venues The Great Trail Race is an epic point to point route between Truckee and Tahoe City that you can either mountain bike or trail run. Choose one of two course options, Elite or Classic. | Great Trail Race on Facebook
Rebelle Rally Oct. 7-16 | Area venues | California and Nevada The 2019 edition of Rebelle Rally goes from Lake Tahoe to the Gulf of Mexico. It will cover approximately 2,000 kilometers of California and Nevada desert driving via dirt roads, double tracks, trails and sand dunes. | rebellerally.com
Ultra Trails Lake Tahoe Festival
Join Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care for an online evening of LTWC stories and an interactive auction. Funds raised go to helping LTWC care for injured and orphaned wild birds and animals. | ltwc.org
Lake Tahoe Marathon Oct. 29-31 | area venues Choose from a boutique of races, which have been postponed for three weeks because of smoke and fires. It all comes with spectacular scenery and fall colors. | laketahoemarathon.com
Truckee Ski & Snowboard Swap Nov. 6 | Truckee Donner Community Recreation Center | Truckee Sell old gear, buy new gear or old gear for discounted prices. Local reps from ski companies and resorts will be on hand to answer questions. | tdrpd.org
Cross Country & Backcountry Ski Swap Nov. 13-14 | Tahoe XC | Tahoe City
Oct. 9-10 | Village at Northstar
Clean out your gear and get ready to purchase some new stuff to benefit the Tahoe Cross-Country Ski Education Association. | tahoexc.org/ski-swap
The festival features events that start and end in the Village at Northstar featuring a Vertical K, 100 miler/100K, 50 miler, 50K and 25K. | e3running.com
Scheel’s Turkey Trot
Truckee River Day Oct. 17 | Truckee River venues Truckee River Watershed Council’s 26th annual Truckee River Day is a community day of river, meadow and wetland restoration. | truckeeriverwc.org
High Fives Charity Golf Tournament Oct. 18 | Gray’s Crossing | Truckee Enjoy 18 holes of golf at Gray’s Crossing Golf Course, Vice Golf Balls and other great gifts. | highfivesfoundation.org
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Wild & Free
Nov. 25 | Scheel’s | Sparks, Nev. Before you gorge yourself on a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner, try the annual run with a number of lengths and skill sets to choose from. | cityofsparks.us
September 29-October 12, 2021 | MUSIC, EVENTS & FESTIVALS
Dirty Cello | Oct. 6 | Valhalla Tahoe
Live Music Reno Ukulele Festival Sept. 29-Oct. 2 | Whether you are already a ukulele player or are interested in exploring this popular instrument, the Reno Ukulele Festival is where it’s at. There are free introductory lessons with loaner instruments, free entertainment and a musical marketplace. | playuke.net
Offbeat Music Festival Sept. 30-Oct. 2 | Downtown | Reno, Nev. This music festival crawl showcases performances of the best homegrown musicians, regional bands and nationally recognized artists. | offbeatreno.com
Carson Valley POPS Autumn Concert Oct. 2 | CVIC Hall | Minden, Nev. Carson Valley Pops Orchestra will delight young and old with a lineup of musical selections. The concert starts at 7 p.m. | cvpops.org
The Harmony Games Oct. 3 | Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheatre | Reno, Nev. This free family concert from Reno Chamber Orchestra will introduce everyone to the joy of music. | renophil.com
Dirty Cello with Claudia Russell and Bruce Kaplan Oct. 6 | Valhalla Tahoe’s Boathouse Theatre | South Lake Tahoe This special show will celebrate 25 years of service with recognition of Valhalla’s founders. | valhallatahoe.com
Reno Chamber Orchestra: A Celebratory Return Oct. 16-17 | Nightingale Concert Hall | Reno, Nev. Welcome Maestro Kelly Kuo in his first appearance as music director. The program includes two chamber music masterpieces: Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony and Piano Concerto No. 22. | renochamberorchestra.org
Apex Concerts: Friends Will Be Friends Oct. 21 | Hall Recital Hall | Reno, Nev. Pianist Gloria Chien, violinists Kristin Lee and Sean Lee and composer Patrick Castillo will be performing the world premiere of a new work. | events.unr.edu
Hangtown Music Festival Oct. 21-24 | El Dorado County Fairgrounds | Placerville The 10th annual Hangtown Music Festival includes Railroad Earth, Galactic, Leftover Salmon, Gov’t Mule and more. Expect food and drink vendors, a kids’ zone and camping. | hangtownfestival.com
Classix Series: Ravel’s Piano Concerto Oct. 23-24 | Pioneer Center | Reno, Nev. Joyce Yang returns to the 53rd Classix Season with Ravel’s Piano Concerto. Hear the piece credited with starting Tchaikovsky’s musical career: “Mozartiana.” | renophil.com
Carson City Symphony Concert Oct. 24 | Carson City Community Center | Carson City, Nev. Carson City Symphony, directed by David Bugli, will open its 38th season with a concert featuring guest soloist flutist Ellen Burr. | ccsymphony.com
Rachmaninoff All-Night Vigil Nov. 6-7 | Reno & Virginia City, Nev. The 50-person chorus directed by Richard Hutton performs the a cappella masterwork Sergei Rachmaninoff in two venues. | ccsymphony.com
Reno Chamber Orchestra: Voices of a Nation Nov. 20-21 | Nightingale Concert Hall | Reno, Nev. Reno Chamber Orchestra delivers a look at isolation and connection through two seminal American works: Bernstein’s “Trouble in Tahiti” and Copland’s “Appalachian Spring.” | renochamberorchestra.org
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Courtesy Crawl Reno
MUSIC, EVENTS & FESTIVALS | TheTahoeWeekly.com
Reno Zombie Crawl | Oct. 23 | Area venues | Reno, Nev.
, Howlin Good Times Denotes family friendly events
Ferrari Farms Fall Festival
Halloweekend
Sept. 29- Oct. 31 | Reno, Nev.
Oct. 21-24 | Homewood Mountain Resort | Homewood
The seasonal event features a variety of pumpkins, squash, gourds and decorations, a 5-acre corn maze, hayrides, farm animals and other attractions. | ferrarifarms.org
When the sun goes down the goblins, ghosts and ghouls come out from 3 to 9 p.m. Take a stroll through the trick-or-treat village at South Base featuring free scary movie showings, face painting, pumpkin decorating and surprises from local vendors. | skihomewood.com
Harvest Festival & Pumpkin Patch Oct. 1-31 | Corley Ranch | Gardnerville, Nev.
Reno Zombie Crawl
Kids can enjoy a hay slide, straw maze, miniature golf and bounce house. Join in on the pig races, take hay wagon rides or visit with farm animals. | corleyranch.com
Oct. 23 | Area venues | Reno, Nev.
Andelin Farm Fall Festival Oct. 1-31 | Sparks, Nev.
Trail of Treats and Terror
The pumpkin patch features a variety of pick-your-own pumpkins and activities such as a hay ride, cow train, meeting the farm animals, lassoing, a corn shed, a hay bale maze for kids, corn maze, duck races and funny photo boards. | andelinfamilyfarm.com
Oct. 28 | Area venues | Incline Village, Nev.
Hauntober
Halloween Parade
Oct. 1-31 | Virginia City, Nev.
Oct. 29 | Train Depot | Truckee
Otherworldly haunts exist as Virginia City celebrates its history and offers a month of ghost experiences. Feel the chill with Bats in the Belfry Ghost Tours, Pumpkin Patch train, paranormal investigations at St. Mary’s Art Center and much more. | visitvirginiacitynv.com
Kids of all ages can parade down Donner Pass Road to the Community Arts Center where they trick or treat with area nonprofits and businesses. The parade leaves the Train Depot at 6 p.m. | tdrpd.org
Ghost Walk
Oct. 29 | Piper’s Opera House | Virginia City, Nev.
Oct. 2, 9, 23 | Carson City, Nev. Carson City’s spooky and intriguing history is explored and theatrically re-lived in the 28th annual Carson City Ghost Walk. Guided tours depart from the corner of Third and Curry streets. | carsoncityghostwalk.com
Reno Fright Fest Oct. 4-31 | Greater Nevada Field | Reno, Nev. Fans can hop aboard the Terror Train for a haunted ride or visit Slaughter House, the largest indoor haunted house in Nevada. | renofrightfest.com
Wizards & Snitches Oct. 16 | The Discovery | Reno, Nev. Wands at the ready. Now boarding at Platform 9 3/4 for your opportunity to explore the science of witchcraft and wizardry. Get sorted, discover your Patronus, explore herbology, create a wand and more. Ages 21+ only. | nvdm.org
Harvest Train
Incline Parks & Recreation presents Trail of Treats and Terror from 4 to 7 p.m. Play ghoulish games, try terrifying treats, wiggle with daring dancing and capture a fun and wacky family portrait. | yourtahoeplace.com
Halloween Spirits with the Spirits Join local mixologist Joe Shapiro where you’ll learn to make two tasty cocktails, one featuring Virginia City’s Cemetery Gin. Then, tour the town with local paranormal investigators, Bats in the Belfry. | pipersoperahouse.com
Tahoe City Trick-or-Treat TBA | Commons Beach | Tahoe City Trick or Treat for kids of all ages starting at Heritage Plaza. Local businesses will pass out candy to those in costume. | tcpud.org
Halloween Trick or Treat Oct. 30 | The Discovery | Reno, Nev. Visit the museum in costume and trick-or-treat from gallery to gallery. There’ll be spooky decorations and treats for all. | nvdm.org
Halloween Bass Ball Oct. 30 | Cargo | Reno, Nev.,
Oct. 16-17 | Carson City, Nev.
Base Camp returns with the 3rd Annual Halloween Base Ball and Costume Contest at Cargo featuring Riot Ten. | basscampfest.com
The Nevada State Railroad Museum hosts the 6th annual Harvest Train with steam train rides, a pumpkin patch, craft fair and food trucks. | carsonrailroadmuseum.org
Creeper’s Ball
The Haunting
The Creeper’s Ball returns to the casino’s Crown Room with Tainted Love, guest DJs and Halloween after party. | crystalbaycasino.com
Oct. 21 | West Shore Café | Homewood Guests will first gain VIP access to Homewood’s haunted chairlift ride before they are served a spooky supper. Expect killer cocktails, swamp juice, treacle tarts, bat wings, cauldrons of eyeballs and finger foods. | westshorecafe.com
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USA Today puts this zombie bar crawl in the Top 10 of costumed Halloween parties. Participants buy a crawl cup with a map of 40 bars in the downtown area. Costumes are a must. | crawlreno.com
Oct. 30 | Crystal Bay Casino | Crystal Bay, Nev.
Hauntober Parade Oct. 31 | VC Jerky Company | Virginia City, Nev. Bring your favorite little goblin dressed to scare at 4 p.m. After the parade, enjoy a safe trick or treat on C Street with merchants and saloons. | visitvirginiacitynv.com
Courtesy Truckee WIne Walk
September 29-October 12, 2021 | MUSIC, EVENTS & FESTIVALS
Truckee Wine Walk & Shop | Oct. 2 | Downtown Truckee
Culinary Delights Foam Fest
Third Thursday Wine Walk
Oct. 1-31 | virtual
Oct. 21 | Main Street | Gardnerville, Nev.
Buy a ticket and visit local partner breweries to support Achieve Tahoe’s outdoor recreation programs for people with disabilities. | achievetahoe.org
From 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., experience all that Gardnerville has to offer. This year beer vendors have been added to the walk. | mainstreetgardnerville.org
Art, Autos & Wine
Passport to Dining
Oct. 1 | National Automobile Museum | Reno, Nev.
Nov. 4 | North Tahoe Event Center | Kings Beach
Stroll among an incomparable collection of vintage automobiles while enjoying the artwork of internationally recognized artists and enjoying wine, appetizers, live music and more. | automuseum.org
North Tahoe Business Association brings together 30 restaurants, caterers, breweries and wineries for a night of unlimited tastings to excite the palate, along with a raffle and silent auction. | northtahoebusiness.org
Truckee Wine Walk & Shop
Chemistry of the Cocktail
Oct. 2 | Downtown Truckee
Nov. 5 | The Discovery | Reno, Nev.
Truckee Wine Walk & Shop is scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. in historic downtown. | truckeewinewalk.com
Get ready to mix up some fun at Chemistry of the Cocktail. The Discovery’s premier annual fundraising event. Stroll Parisian street scenes while you sample French-inspired cocktails, enjoy a delicious menu and take part in hands-on cocktail chemistry experiments. | nvdm.org
Biggest Little Invitational Craft Beer Festival Oct. 2 | Bartley Ranch Regional Park | Reno, Nev. A craft beer festival dedicated to showcasing the best of the best in the brewery world with top-notch entertainment, local food vendors and good old-fashioned lawn games. | thebiggestlittleinvitational.com
Oktoberfest
Cadillac Ball Nov. 13 | Truckee Donner Community Recreation Center | Truckee Rotary Club of Truckee presents the 42nd annual Cadillac Ball. The theme is Cirque du Truckee. | cadillacball.com
Oct. 2-3 | Casino Fandango | Carson City, Nev. There’s no admission fee to this event with German food and a Bavarian beer garden along with live music from the Oompah Band, a craft fair, games, prizes and more. | casinofandango.com
Downtown Wine Walk Oct. 2, Nov. 6, Dec. 4 | Carson City, Nev. Downtown Wine Walk is held the first Saturday of every month. Participants receive a commemorative wine glass and endless reasons to stroll through downtown sipping and tasting the afternoon away. | visitcarsoncity.com
Main Street Fall Fest, Marketplace & Coffin Races Oct. 2 | Heritage Park | Gardnerville, Nev. This festival provides family fun with harvest events, vendors, scarecrow building, the annual Coffin Races, Zombie Stretcher Races, face painting and more. | mainstreetgardnerville.org
Beer Relief Oct. 9 | The Hangar | South Lake Tahoe Support Sierra-at-Tahoe and celebrate local firefighters, police and first responders with live music, beer, raffle and ski premiers to benefits the employees and programs at Sierra-at-Tahoe. | The Hangar on Facebook
Eldorado Great Italian Festival Oct. 9-10 | Eldorado Resort Casino | Reno, Nev. Eldorado Great Italian Festival transforms downtown Reno into Little Italy with a grape stomp, wine walk, an Italian farmers’ market, food booths and free, live entertainment all weekend long. | eldoradoreno.com
Wine Walk Oct. 16, Nov. 20 | Riverwalk District | Reno, Nev. The Wine Walk along the Truckee River is from 2 to 5 p.m. on every third Saturday of the month. | renoriver.org
Grand Sierra Beer & Chili Festival Oct. 16 | Grand Sierra Resort and Casino | Reno, Nev. Check out the live music and vendors, buy some chili and other cool stuff or get a pass for unlimited beer tasting. | gsrbeerandchili.com
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Courtesy Monster Jam
Courtesy Shops at Heavenly Village
MUSIC, EVENTS & FESTIVALS | TheTahoeWeekly.com
Monster Jam | Oct. 29-31 | Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center | Reno, Nev.
Fun & Frivolity Fastest Gun Alive World Championship Sept. 30-Oct. 3 | Churchill County Fairgrounds | Fallon, Nev. Relive the spirit of the Wild West with a craft fair, car show, comfort food, Civil War reenactment with Nevada Gunfighters and the World Championship Fast Draw Competition. | cowboyfastdraw.com
World Championship Outhouse Races Oct. 1-2 | Virginia City The races pit teams of costumed outhouse racers against each other. One person rides and the remaining team members push, pull or drag the decorated outhouses down the racetrack. | visitvirginiacitynv.com
Holiday Happenings
Liar’s Cruise
Heavenly Holiday Faire
Oct. 2 | Lake Tahoe
Nov. 6 | Carson Valley Methodist Church | Gardnerville, Nev.
Join hilarious duo Dave Mencarelli from Truckee Tahoe radio and comedian Adam Stone for an evening of fun, food and bottomless bubbly benefiting the Sierra State Parks Foundation. | sierrastateparks.org
Handcrafted gifts, holiday décor and bake sale, silent auction, Kids’ Market (only kids allowed) and storytelling with Santa. | visitcarsonvalley.org
Fall Frenzy & Coat Drive
Dec. 3-5 | Pioneer Center | Reno, Nev.
Oct. 2 | Baldini’s Casino | Sparks, Nev.
“Spirit of the Season”
This event gives car enthusiasts the opportunity to showcase their classic vehicles one last time before the year’s end. | hotaugustnights.net
Reno Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Jason Altieri offer a classic holiday celebration full of orchestral arrangements, jazzy numbers, traditional holiday tunes and carols. | renophil.com
Classic Car Show & Old Car Giveaway
“White Christmas, The Musical”
Oct. 15-17 | Heavenly Village | South Lake Tahoe
Dec. 3-12 | Community Arts Center | Truckee
South Shore-based nonprofit Good Sam Safe Ride presents this event, free for both participants and attendees. True to its name, the event is an appreciation of old, classic automobiles. | goodsamsaferide.com
With a dazzling score featuring well-known standards including “Blue Skies,” “I Love A Piano,” “How Deep Is the Ocean” and the perennial title song “White Christmas” is an uplifting musical. | truckeecommunitytheater.com
Carson Valley Spectacular
The Polar Express Trains
Oct. 16 | Douglas County Fairgrounds | Gardnerville, Nev.
Nov. 19-Dec. 16 | Eastgate Depot | Carson City, Nev.
This truck and tractor pull was rescheduled from Sept. 4 so that firefighters and evacuees could still enjoy the event. Gates open at 4 and showtime is at 6 p.m. | visitcarsonvalley.org
Experience the magic of the famed holiday story come to life. Riders can wear their pajamas and partake in caroling and a reading of the classic story on their way to the North Pole. | vtrailway.com
Wrangler/Professional’s Choice National Finals
Valhalla Winter Fest
Oct. 16-23 | Reno-Sparks Livestock Event Center | Sparks, Nev.
Nov. 19-21 | Valhalla Grand Hall | South Lake Tahoe
American Cowboys Team Roping Association attracts competitors from across the country. Young and old, men and women compete in the hopes of capturing the national title. | actra.org
Activities celebrating the season include the popular Holiday Faire featuring a variety of local and regional arts and crafts vendors, the Grand Hall decked out in traditional holiday style, refreshments, photos with Santa, a raffle and holiday cheer. | valhallatahoe.com
Legion Sports Fest Oct. 22-24 | Reno Sparks Convention Center | Reno, Nev.
Crafts for Christmas
The Largest Fitness Festival on the West Coast featuring nine sports and more than 2,500 athletes along with 200 vendors. | legionsportsfest.com
Nov. 26-28 | Nugget Casino Resort | Sparks, Nev.
Virginia City Grand Prix Oct. 23-24 | C Street | Virginia City, Nev. C Street gets loud as the roar of motorcycles hits full throttle during the Virginia City Grand Prix, one of the largest and most competitive off-road motorcycle races in the west. | visitvirginiacitynv.com
Monster Jam
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Holiday Tree Lighting | Nov. 26 | Heavenly Village | South Lake Tahoe
Enjoy three days of activities, including gift booths, holiday food and drink demonstrations, ideas for festive Christmas parties and local live music. | nuggetcasinoresort.com
Holiday Tree Lighting Nov. 26 | Heavenly Village | South Lake Tahoe The Shops at Heavenly Village will light the 70-foot tree at 6:30 p.m. Free entry. | theshopsatheavenly.com
Oct. 29-31 | Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center | Reno, Nev.
Hometown Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
It’s time to fire up the engines again as the most action-packed motorsports experience for families in the world today roars back into Nevada for a highoctane weekend. | monsterjam.com
Dec. 3-4 | Victorian Square | Sparks, Nev. This Northern Nevada tradition features marching bands, Christmas costumes, adorable animals and festive floats all representing “A Season of Giving.” The tree lighting is on Dec. 3 and the parade on Dec. 4 at 1 p.m. | cityofsparks.us
September 29-October 12, 2021 HISTORY
175th Anniversary of the Donner Party Adventure CRITICAL DECISIONS SEAL THEIR FATE, PART I BY M A R K M c L AU G H L I N
AUTHOR’S NOTE: To acknowledge the
LEFT: James Clyman. | Courtesy Library of Congress
historical significance of the Donner Party and its window into an important era in the West, I will occasionally write a column chronicling the progress and challenges of this cursed wagon train as it made its way to California. The columns will be available in future editions of Tahoe Weekly and my previous columns are available at TheTahoeWeekly.com. Click on Donner Party under the Explore Tahoe menu.
BELOW: Lansford Hastings. | Courtesy Frank
Titus Collection
ing emigrants into the desert, but he sent a courier up the trail with an open letter alerting that those who wanted to use the cutoff should hurry ahead to Bridger’s fort where the trailblazer was waiting for them. Hastings and Clyman had diametrically opposed messages to relate to Californiabound emigrants. Hastings pitched the
D
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advantages of his shortcut while Clyman cautioned that the new route was dangerous and not much shorter. The legendary mountain man warned that Hastings Cutoff was “impracticable” and advised emigrants to stay on the California Trail “and never leave it.” One evening Clyman walked into the campsite of the Donners and Reeds and everyone gathered round to hear the experienced trapper’s guidance about what to expect on the trail ahead. Reed and the Donner brothers had read Hastings’ book and agreed that the shortcut made sense. Reed and Clyman had history. They knew each other from mustering in the same regiment during the 1832 Black Hawk Indian War in northern Illinois, along with Abraham Lincoln. Captain John Sutter, a Swiss immigrant and possessor of a large Mexican land grant in the southern Sacramento Valley, had hired Clyman to convince Oregonbound migrants to choose California instead. Sutter wanted emigrants to buy land from him, populate the region and jump-start a vibrant trade economy. Having just traveled through the shortcut, Clyman advised the Springfield families that the traditional California Trail was difficult but safe. Tamsen Donner and other women in the wagon train listened to Clyman and wanted to follow his recommendations. The headstrong Reed, however, disagreed with his trusted friend and stated, “There is a nigher [shorter] route, and it is of no use to take so much of a roundabout course.”
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the squaws and papooses were gorgeous in white doe skin suits, gaudily trimmed with beads, and bows of bright ribbons.” In the same time frame, James Clyman, a renowned American frontiersman and trail guide, was leading a small party of travelers eastbound. Among them was Lansford W. Hastings, a lawyer turned California land promoter and author of a top-selling book, “The Emigrants’ Guide to Oregon and California.” In his guidebook, Hastings mentioned a detour to reduce distance and time in the arduous journey. He had never seen the area before and it was during this east-bound journey that Hastings got his first look at the shortcut that he was recklessly advocating. It started with a nearly impossible trek with wagons through the rugged canyons of the Wasatch Mountains, followed by 130 miles across the forbidding and waterless Great Salt Lake Desert. Hastings got the idea from an 1845 expedition led by explorer John Frémont, who wrote that he and his men had traversed the arid wasteland southwest of the Great Salt Lake with horses and mules while searching for the most direct trail to California. Frémont thought that the route had potential, but he did not suggest that families with wagons go that way. Clyman knew the Great Salt Lake region better than anyone. Twenty years before he had explored the area and circumnavigated the expansive alkaline lake in an animal skin canoe. A skeptical Clyman agreed to accompany Hastings with a few men and packhorses as the attorney checked out his new shortcut. After a grueling two-week trek through desert and mountainous terrain, they reached Fort Bridger on the California Trail in mid-June. The main group who had stayed on the traditional route arrived at Jim Bridger’s trading post just days later, proving that Hastings’ cutoff saved little time and was considerably more difficult. Clyman continued to Fort Laramie and Fort Bernard where he encountered hundreds of westbound wagons. Hastings remained at Fort Bridger to lead any will-
Tahoe historian Mark McLaughlin is a nationally published author and professional speaker. His award-winning books are available at local stores or at thestormking.com. You may reach him at mark@thestormking.com.
HO
uring the early summer of 1846, 32 pioneers from Springfield, Ill., the core of a group that would later become known as the Donner Party, found the first portion of the trail to the Mexican province of California quite tolerable and embraced it with the excitement of a life-changing gamble. After all, it was the easiest part of the long odyssey with well-maintained routes, fresh oxen, abundant supplies and favorable weather. In an oft-quoted June diary entry by Tamsen Donner, the gifted schoolteacher wrote: “Our journey so far has been pleasant, the roads have been good, and food plentiful. We feel no fear of Indians, our cattle graze quietly around our encampment unmolested. Indeed, if I do not experience something far worse than I have yet done, I shall say the trouble is all in getting started.” Over the weeks and months there was a fluid mixing among the numerous companies of settlers and adventurers on the trail that year. In mid-May, the leaders of the Springfield wagon train, James Reed and the Donner brothers George and Jacob, along with their families and hired help, joined up with a large company led by Colonel William H. Russell. A month later Russell resigned as captain due to poor health and was replaced by Lilburn W. Boggs, a controversial former governor of Missouri. In response to escalating threats and violence by persecuted Latter Day Saints, in 1838 Gov. Boggs had issued an executive order calling for all Mormons to be expelled from Missouri: “In open and avowed defiance of the laws, and of having made war upon people of this State…the Mormons must be treated as enemies and must be exterminated or driven from the State.” An unknown person attempted to assassinate Boggs in 1842, severely injuring him, leading some to speculate that he traveled to California for safety. On June 26, the Boggs Party reached Fort Bernard, a small trading post a few miles east of the better-known Fort Laramie, an outpost of the American Fur Company in the present-day state of Wyoming. Here some of the pioneers, including Tamsen’s new acquaintance, Edwin Bryant, a Kentucky newspaper editor, traded in their wagons and oxen for sure-footed mules with packsaddles to make better time in the rough country ahead. Near the fort, the greenhorns from Illinois encountered peaceful Sioux Indians. George Donner’s daughter Eliza from his second marriage before Tamsen, later recalled, “Many of
Clyman shook his head and headed east down the trail to warn others as Reed led his wagons west to Fort Bridger. The elderly Donner brothers were complicit in supporting this arrogant decision that would seal the fate of many members of the Donner Party. Captain Lilburn Boggs heeded Clyman’s sound judgement, stuck to the proven route and his company reached California in a timely manner without major incident. It was now late July and the window to safely cross the Sierra Nevada before winter was closing. Stay tuned for Part II in the next edition or at TheTahoeWeekly.com.
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Loud as Folk Record Club KEEPING THE DREAM ALIVE BY S E A N M c A L I N D I N
Events may be subject to cancellation due to smoke & fire danger. Check conditions before visiting.
winterwondergrass
Courtesy WinterWonderGrass
tickets on sale
From left, Devon McClive, Rachael McElhiney, Sam Chase,
T
en years ago, Spike McGuire was looking for a way to bring artists and audiences together when he founded the Loud as Folk songwriter showcase in Reno, Nev. The concept soon set sail up and down the West Coast as a touring revue featuring new artists with every iteration. Along the way, McGuire developed a close-knit network of talented singer-songwriters from the around the globe. As this one-of-a-kind acoustic cabaret grew in popularity, Loud as Folk moved from coffeeshops and roadhouses to seated theaters and performing arts centers with a focus on authenticity and engagement.
“ The tradition of songwriters gets a little drowned out in the noise of a modern world. It’s kind of hard to be in the corner of a bar or restaurant trying to yell over the crowd.” –Spike McGuire “The tradition of songwriters gets a little drowned out in the noise of a modern world,” says McGuire. “It’s kind of hard to be in the corner of a bar or restaurant trying to yell over the crowd. At our shows, people are there for the art itself.” When COVID-19 put a halt to live concerts last year, McGuire and his partner, Greg Gilmore, pivoted to the recording studio they founded in 2016.
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“There will be plenty of Loud as Folk shows in future,” says McGuire. “We’ve been cautious with everything going on, which is why we started the record club in the first place. We still wanted that opportunity to showcase songwriters and have new music for our fans and followers.” Loud as Folk now invites one artist each month to record an exclusive session, which is then made available on CD, cassette, vinyl and digital, and accompanied by an in-studio music video. The record club released its first album a year ago; entitled “Loud as Folk: Early Recordings,” the compilation featured 10 artists from several states and countries. This September saw the release of “Volume 13” featuring Reverend Hylton, an itinerant songwriter from Georgia. October’s “Volume 14” will highlight local musician Rachael McElhiney, known for her work in Reno bands Buster Blue and Failure Machine. “What’s special about us is we always strive for a very intimate experience with the artist, whether it be at a venue that’s maybe a little too small for the reputation of the artist, or a larger venue that’s seated and dead silent. We wanted to carry that intimate view of the songwriter over to our record club,” says McGuire.
FOCUS ON TRADITION, COMMUNITY At the Loud as Folk studio in the basement of the Potentialist Workshop on Second Street in Reno, McGuire and Gilmore take a unique approach to recording. “Most engineers are used to working with bands, so I’ve been to a lot of studios and never got that sound of the solo artist at the core,” says McGuire. “What we go for is a very stark portrait of the songwriter. We try to get the most accurate representation, as if you were seeing that person live at a Loud as Folk show. We definitely honor a lot of those old-school recording styles.” First, every song is recorded digitally in one take. There are no other instruments or embellishments added. The record is later
Spike McGuire, Rainbow Girls and Chandra Johnson performed this summer at Brewery Arts Center in Carson City, Nev.,
WinterWonderGrass, a grassroots mountainside gathering featuring bluegrass, Americana and craft brews returns to Olympic Valley from April 1 to 3, with a bonus free show in the Village at Palisades Tahoe on March 31.
with the Loud as Folk songwriter showcase. | Melody Hoover
played through speakers in a large gallery upstairs from the studio and rerecorded into open-air microphones. Known as a reverb chamber, this traditional technique is used to add a sense of authenticity to the music without the aid of digital processing. The record is then mastered through tube compressors onto a reel-to-reel tape machine. “It’s great being in the studio working with old friends,” says McGuire. “I always think it feels like the neighborhood treehouse. Loud as Folk is ‘The Sandlot’ of music. My favorite part is all the awesome people I’ve gotten to meet over the years.” It turns out that good community makes even better business. This year, Loud as Folk put on a successful show at Brewery Arts Center in Carson City and celebrated its 10th anniversary in the Crown Room at Crystal Bay Casino. “I think it brings out a spirit of camaraderie,” says McGuire of the songwriter showcases. “People say ‘I can’t believe I have to go on after so and so.’ There is so much respect. It gives people motivation for their own sets. When artists call out impromptu collaborations, it adds even more energy to that magic. I’ve always thought that one of the most important parts of folk music is that community element. I want to honor that. If I build something bigger than myself, it turns out I get to play funner shows.” | loudasfolk.com. Watch Reverend Hylton perform “Once Was A Pirate” at TheTahoeWeekly.com Sean McAlindin is a writer and musician living in Truckee, who loves a secret powder stash just as much as a good jam. You can reach him at entertainment@tahoethisweek.com. Other writings and original music are available at seanmcalindin.com.
Headliners include Billy Strings, the Infamous Stringdusters plus Peter Rowan, Fruition, Keller and the Keels, The War and Treaty, The Lil Smokies, Brothers Comatose, Della Mae, Larry Keel Experience, Kitchen Dwellers, Andy Falco & Travis Book, Perform Jerry Garcia, Cris Jacobs, Trout Steak Revival, Midnight North, Town Mountain, Pickin’ on the Dead, Pixie and the Partygrass Boys, Old Salt Union, TK & the Holy KnowNothings, Rapidgrass and Twisted along with special guests Lindsay Lou, Bridget Law and a collaborative WinterWonderWomen set. | winterwondergrass.com
cargo reopens to concertgoers
Whitney Peak Hotel is reopening Cargo Concert Hall to live concerts on Oct. 8 with a series of live concerts starting with Social Distortion on Oct. 8. Upcoming concerts include We Came as Romans on Oct. 24 and the Halloween Bass Ball on Oct. 30. Ticketholders will need to present either a valid vaccination card proving they are fully vaccinated or a negative COVID test result within 72 hours of the show to enter the venue. Additionally, Cargo will require all guests and employees wear face masks while inside the building, regardless of vaccination status. | cargoreno.com
September 29-October 12, 2021 THE LINEUP
Puzzles
live
Peter DeMattei Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort, Tahoe Vista, 5:30 p.m. Magic After Dark: Robert Hall The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m. Rustler’s Moon Bar of America, Truckee, 8-11 p.m. Live music McP’s Taphouse, Stateline, 8 p.m. Magic After Dark: Robert Hall The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.
OCTOBER 1 | FRIDAY Dylan Casey’s, Zephyr Cove, 5-8 p.m. Chris Costa Tahoe Biltmore Lodge & Casino, Crystal Bay, 8 p.m. Live music McP’s Taphouse, Stateline, 8 p.m. Dueling Pianos Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8:30 p.m. Karaoke Classic Cue, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m. Live Music Bar of America, Truckee, 9:30 p.m. Karaoke Rojos, South Lake Tahoe, 10 p.m.
OCTOBER 2 | SATURDAY Live Music Tahoe Wine Collective, Tahoe City, 5-7 p.m. Matt & Buddy Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort, Tahoe Vista, 5:30 p.m. Chris Costa Tahoe Biltmore Lodge & Casino, Crystal Bay, 8 p.m. Live music McP’s Taphouse, Stateline, 8 p.m. Dueling Pianos Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8:30 p.m. Live Music Bar of America, Truckee, 9:30 p.m. Karaoke Rojos, South Lake Tahoe, 10 p.m. Loud at the Lair The Brewing Lair, Blairsden
OCTOBER 3 | SUNDAY Live music McP’s Taphouse, Stateline, 8 p.m.
OCTOBER 4 | MONDAY Women’s Singing Group Commons Beach, Tahoe City, 4-5:30 p.m. Live music McP’s Taphouse, Stateline, 8 p.m.
OCTOBER 6 | WEDNESDAY Boathouse Theatre Fundraiser with Dirty Cello Boathouse Theater, South Lake Tahoe, 6:30 p.m. Live music McP’s Taphouse, Stateline, 8 p.m. Karaoke Classic Cue, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.
OCTOBER 7 | THURSDAY Rustler’s Moon Bar of America, Truckee, 8-11 p.m. Live music McP’s Taphouse, Stateline, 8 p.m.
OCTOBER 8 | FRIDAY Live music McP’s Taphouse, Stateline, 8 p.m. Karaoke Classic Cue, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m. Live Music Bar of America, Truckee, 9:30 p.m. Karaoke Rojos, South Lake Tahoe, 10 p.m.
OCTOBER 9 | SATURDAY Matt & Buddy Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort, Tahoe Vista, 5:30 p.m. Mudd Bonz Casey’s, Zephyr Cove, 6-9 p.m. Live music McP’s Taphouse, Stateline, 8 p.m. Shlump & Stylust Crystal Bay Casino, Crystal Bay, 9 p.m. Live Music Bar of America, Truckee, 9:30 p.m. Karaoke Rojos, South Lake Tahoe, 10 p.m.
OCTOBER 10 | SUNDAY Live music McP’s Taphouse, Stateline, 8 p.m. Tech N9ne Bally’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8 p.m.
OCTOBER 11 | MONDAY Women’s Singing Group Commons Beach, Tahoe City, 4-5:30 p.m. Live music McP’s Taphouse, Stateline, 8 p.m.
OCTOBER 12 | TUESDAY Tuesday Night Blues Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8-11 p.m. Live music McP’s Taphouse, Stateline, 8 p.m.
OCTOBER 13 | WEDNESDAY Live music McP’s Taphouse, Stateline, 8 p.m. Karaoke Classic Cue, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.
Hocus Focus differences: 1. Popcorn is added, 2. Leaves are missing, 3. Exit is added, 4. Button is added, 5. Expression is changed, 6. Man is added.
SEPTEMBER 30 | THURSDAY
Tuesday Night Blues Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8-11 p.m. Live music McP’s Taphouse, Stateline, 8 p.m.
CryptoQuip
Magic After Dark: Robert Hall The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m. Live music McP’s Taphouse, Stateline, 8 p.m. Lake Street Dive with Allison Russell Bally’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8 p.m. Magic After Dark: Robert Hall The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m. Karaoke Classic Cue, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.
OCTOBER 5 | TUESDAY
When everybody around you is wild about big band music, you might be living in a swing state.
SEPTEMBER 29 | WEDNESDAY
HOROSCOPE, HOCUS-FOCUS & SUDOKU ARE LOCATED ON PAGE 12.
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THE makers
creative awareness | arts & culture | makers’ movement
Events may be subject to cancellation due to smoke & fire danger. Check conditions before visiting.
logo contest
for the arts
Paula Chung
North Tahoe Arts is holding a contest to find a new logo that will better identify the organization and engage its community.
‘ R E Q U I E M ’ TO T H E V I C T I M S O F C OV I D
Anyone age 18 and older may enter and the deadline to enter is Oct. 30. | Apply northtahoearts.com
BY K AY L A A N D E R S O N
P
aula Chung wanted to memorialize those who lost their lives to the deadly coronavirus and began creating a scroll of stitched spirals from her home on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. Each spiral represents the cycle of one’s life. Chung called this project, “Requiem.” Her work will be part of a new exhibit, “Lockdown,” from the Capital City Arts Initiative at Western Nevada College’s Bristlecone Gallery in Carson City, Nev., from Oct. 5 through Dec. 22. “Lockdown” is a visual representation of the art made by the three Northern Nevada artists during the 2020 pandemic as a way to protect themselves against isolation, to honor the lives lost and to stay creative. The exhibit also features works by Nancy Raven and Ted Rips.
fall photo contest Alpine County Chamber of Commerce is hosting its second annual Fall Colors Photo Contest through Nov. 1. Photos must be original works and must be taken in Alpine County. The winner will be announced on Nov. 15. | Details alpinecounty.com
Northstar art center dropped The nonprofit Tahoe Regional Arts Foundation has terminated its application to develop a 22-acre parcel of land near the entrance to Northstar California as The Stages at Northstar, a visual and performing arts center, according to a press release. The Foundation is also being dissolved.
“ I was getting madder and madder and felt like I had to do something. This is such an epic situation and I felt I needed some way of memorializing it.” –Paula Chung “This piece is born from anger, defiance and profound sadness for the negligent and inept responses of some of our leaders, the impact on all our lives and the inconsolable loss of life,” she wrote in her artist statement about the work. She started “Requiem” in April 2020 and was about halfway through when we talked in August. She has stitched around 338,000 spirals on 40 scrolls of Japanese Unryu rice paper and will keep going until she reaches 600,000 spirals. The scrolls will be more than a mile long once completed.
“ LO C K D OW N ” O C T. 5 - D E C . 2 2
Bristlecone Gallery | Carson City, Nev. ARTISTS’ RECEPTION
Oct. 5, 5-6:30 p.m.
Chung says she’s been working with fiber for most of her life; she sewed her clothes as a child. In 2004, she retired from her job in Southern California, moved to the Tahoe Sierra and started taking art classes at Lake Tahoe Community College. 24
“I took everything art related that I could take, and I had great teachers and small classes,” Chung says. Even though Chung took an array of art classes, she always stayed involved in fiber. In 2014, Chung created a project called, “Silk & Sinew,” that featured embroidered images of X-rays and MRIs on hand-dyed silks. She then wanted to experiment with paper and wondered if tea bags would work. “I was trying to get a kind of film that disintegrates in water to get the values to stitch onto,” she says. “I loved that the staining of the tea made it different.” According to Chung, unexpected colors would come to life depending on what kind of teas she applied. After the completion of that project — and right before the pandemic — Chung experimented with mulberry paper to stitch on and did a series of artworks about gun violence. In the beginning stages of the pandemic, she started experimenting with Unryu rice paper, also known as Cloud Dragon, which is proving to be a heartier material to stitch on. “Paper made from silk is very strong and I felt this could withstand the torture of my needle,” she says. “[Cloud Dragon] has wonderful little fibers of silk running through it to make it stronger yet beautifully translucent.” Using the right kind of material to stitch on makes all the difference because her sewing machine can get caught up with different threads and buckle, causing a tangled mess, she says. Fortunately, Chung says that now she has a commercial machine, which makes the process go much faster. It takes her about five hours to sew 1,000 spirals for “Requiem.”
The rolls she has completed as of Aug. 20. | Courtesy Paula Chung
When asked how she came to create a COVID-centric art project using this kind of paper, Chung says, “I was getting madder and madder and felt like I had to do something. This is such an epic situation and I felt I needed some way of memorializing it.” At the same time, she had been studying trees and the life of a tree, reading about how interconnected they are to each other, how they will take care of each other, even among differing species. “Their spirals symbolize their whole life cycle,” she says. In creating “Requiem,” Chung uses a calendar to keep track of how many spirals she does a day; each spiral represents a life lost to the pandemic. As long as the pandemic keeps going on, Chung will as well. Explore Tahoe’s vibrant arts scene
at TheTahoeWeekly.com
“I’m going to keep going. When we reached 600,000 deaths [due to Covid], I thought, ‘We can’t go past that,’ but now with the resurgence, we’re at [68,623]. No one knew that this would go on this long. It’s frightening. The main reason why I started this is to remind us that these aren’t just numbers, they’re real people. Some people don’t even believe this is happening, but it is. I don’t want these people to be forgotten.” | paulachung.com, ccainv.org/lockdown
Despite having reached a sublease agreement with Vail Resorts for development and use of the property, community support and fundraising efforts aimed at getting the required Environmental Impact Report underway, the project lost momentum when the pandemic started, according to the release. | tahoearts.net
the art s Fall in Tahoe Members Exhibit North Tahoe Arts | Tahoe City | Sept. 29-Oct. 7
11 a.m.-5 p.m. | (530) 581-2787, northtahoearts.com
Walk with Obi & Wade Virtual | Tahoe City | Sept. 30 7-8:30 p.m. | wildboundlive.com
Guest Artist Exhibit: Karen Keys North Tahoe Arts | Tahoe City | Oct. 1-31
11 a.m.-5 p.m. | (530) 581-2787, northtahoearts.com
Keynote Speaker; Todd Borg Truckee Library | Truckee | Oct. 2 (530) 582-7846, toddborg.com
Quilt Collage Workshop Art Barn | Kings Beach | Oct. 2
1-4 p.m. | (603) 942-5177, northtahoearts.com
Saturday Public Tours Truckee Roundhouse | Truckee | Oct. 2-30 1 p.m. | truckeeroundhouse.org
Pine Needle Basket Weaving Workshop Art Barn | Kings Beach | Oct. 9
10 a.m.-2 p.m. | (530) 581-2787, northtahoearts.com
Vintage Market Muse Art Reclaimed | Tahoe City | Oct. 10 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | museartreclaimed.com
September 29-October 12, 2021 EAT & DRINK
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Drying fresh herbs
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I N F U S I O N S, D E C O C T I O N S & C O N C O C T I O N S
foam fest
beers for a cause
Celebrate Foam Fest by enjoying great local brews throughout the month of October while helping to fund Achieve Tahoe, which provides recreation programs for people with disabilities. Purchase a ticket for $49 and receive a Foam Fest glass to enjoy one beer at each of the participating breweries in October. Every tickets also includes entry into a raffle for a Ski California Gold Pass. Participating breweries are FiftyFifty Brewing, Alibi Ale Works, Donner Creek Brewing, The Good Wolf and Truckee Brewing Company. | achievetahoe.org
farm shop reopens Tahoe Food Hub reopened its farm stand, now called The Farmacy, on Sept. 28 after being closed for 17 months due to the pandemic. “The Farmacy is a reminder that food is medicine,” the nonprofit said in an email. The Farmacy will be open Wednesday to Friday at the Tahoe Food Hub in Truckee. | tahoefoodhub.org
tasty tidbits Caldor Fire Fundraiser
Alibi Ale Works | Incline Village | Sept. 30 12-10 p.m. | alibialeworks.com
Caldor Fire Fundraiser
Alibi Ale Works | Truckee | Sept. 30 12-8 p.m. | alibialeworks.com
Tahoe City Farmers Market
Commons Beach | Tahoe City | Sept. 30, Oct. 7
8 a.m.-1 p.m. | tahoecityfarmersmarket.com
Foam Fest
Virtual | Olympic Valley | Oct. 1-13 achievetahoe.org
Blairsden Community Market
Blairsden Garden Center | Blairsden | Oct. 2, 9 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free | facebook.com
Truckee Wine, Walk & Shop
Historic Downtown | Truckee | Oct. 2
12-4 p.m. $10 | truckeewinewalk.com
South Lake Tahoe Farmers Markets
American Legion Hall | South Lake Tahoe | Oct. 5, 12
8 a.m.-1 p.m. | eldoradofarmersmarket.com
Truckee Certified Farmers Market
Truckee River Regional Park | Oct. 5, 12
8 a.m.-1 p.m. | chamber.truckee.com
Beer Relief
The Hangar | South Lake Tahoe | Oct. 9 12 p.m. Free | facebook.com
EAA Breakfast with Eagle Flights Truckee Tahoe Airport | Oct. 9 8-10 a.m. | eaa1073.org
S TO RY & P H OTO S BY P R I YA H UT N E R
W
hen I step onto my deck, the scent of herbs gently caresses me. I note that the oregano in my garden is growing like a weed. The mint, thyme and sage are also abundant. It’s almost time to harvest and dry it. Often when I get herbs in my vegetable box, I dry them for later use.
The rule of thumb is to harvest herbs before they flower. The rule of thumb is to harvest herbs before they flower. Rinsing them before drying is recommended unless they are organically grown. Laying them on a paper towel and letting them dry naturally is one way to dry fresh herbs. Some folks microwave their herbs, which is not the route I would encourage. Dehydrating or placing herbs in the oven is an additional drying method. Some herbs such as dill (excellent on fish) and fennel (great for easing digestive issues) are best hung upside down in a warm, dry place out of direct sunlight to dry.
STORING HERBS Once herbs are dried, they are best stored in glass jars or plastic sealed bags. Freezing them is another option. Homemade dried herbs stay fresh for six to 12 months if stored properly. Another method is to chop herbs, place them in an ice-cube tray, pour oil over them and freeze. They can be popped out of the cube and are ready to cook with.
INFUSED OILS Oils with herb infusions for cooking are quite simple to prepare. Use either fresh or dried herbs for infusions; I prefer fresh. Herbs such as rosemary, basil, thyme and tarragon, infuse well and enhance meal preparation. Adding garlic or chili peppers for additional flavor adds new dimensions to infused oils. Preparation for infusions vary. Harvest herbs from the garden or purchase them at the local market. Clean or shake off any dirt. If they need a rinse, make sure to dry them thoroughly before putting them in the oil. The heating method is often recommended because there is a concern for bacteria if the fresh herbs sit in oil on the counter. The process is simple. Heat the herbs in the desired oil on low heat, let cool and then place it all into a glass jar, straining out the herbs. Store in a dark place for a few days or refrigerate. I rarely employ the heat method. I tend to infuse with fresh herbs, but I use it in a few days. I place the herbs in a glass jar, cover it with olive oil and let it sit on my counter. It’s best to use within a day or two. Strain and store in the fridge.
Dried herbs from the garden and herbed sage butter.
Making an infusion with herbs and garlic is fantastic. I press a few cloves into the oil with my desired herbs. It’s delicious served over fresh cooked pasta. I also use an herb-infused olive oil for salad dressing, adding lemon, salt and pepper. Fresh tarragon and black peppercorns infused in extra virgin olive oil is delicious to cook with. I love marinated goat or sheep cheese in a jar with this infused oil. I use this infusion with the cheese in salads and pasta dishes.
OILS FOR THE BATH Herbal infused oils are a wonderful gift. Lavender is one of my favorite garden herbs to use. Start with a neutral oil like jojoba or safflower oil and add dried lavender for an aromatic massage oil or, after-shower, body oil moisturizer. Oil, coarse salt or sugar with herbs make soothing bath scrubs and exfoliate the skin.
Enjoy the tastes of Tahoe
at TheTahoeWeekly.com
Priya Hutner is a food writer, personal chef and owner of The Seasoned Sage, a local meal delivery and catering company. Priya has been creating and preparing meals from an early age. She has worked in the restaurant industry in New York City, attended catering school, and was the head chef and executive director of a nonprofit spiritual community in Florida. Visit her website at TheSeasonedSage.com. Send your comments, story ideas and food tidbits to priya@tahoethisweek.com.
MAKE TEAS Dried herbs are great for tea. In Tahoe, the invasive mullein plant can be used for tea and is purported to be beneficial for respiratory issues. Yarrow grows wild in Tahoe, as well, and once dried can be used for tea and is good for digestive issues, anxiety and inflammation. Picking and drying mint from the garden is superb for tea or tea blends. Fennel is also suitable for digestive tea.
HERB BUTTER Another way to preserve summer herbs is to make compound butter. When I clip my sage before winter, I mix it into butter and refrigerate or freeze it. Sage butter goes well with so many recipes. Oregano and basil also make delicious herb butters. Combine softened butter and herbs, store in a jar or roll in plastic wrap, parchment or wax paper. Place in a sealed plastic bag and freeze. Compound butter is excellent on cooked vegetables, garlic bread, mashed potatoes and pasta.
SAGE COMPOUND BUTTER From the kitchen of Priya Hutner ½ C organic butter (I use salted butter) ¼ C fresh sage, chopped
Soften butter mix with fresh sage and roll in plastic wrap. Refrigerate or freeze.
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all is absolutely the best time of year. Yes, I realize that statement is pretty silly as that stance is completely subjective. After all, the scenery is gorgeous, the days are typically dry and warm, the night air crisp and there is, shall we say, a bit more breathing room. Explore more wines with Lou
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Autumn is also the harbinger of a new and different wine season, where a different style vino better fits the bill: Whites, fuller of body and served with less chill. Think of pear-flavored and rounder Oregon Pinot Gris, rather than a lithe minerally Pinot Grigio from Northern Italy. Slightly richer style reds, whether from the same or different grapes, come out to play. A medium-bodied Syrah — think Northern Rhône takes over for a Beaujolais Villages. Our bodies naturally start craving this, as well as these wines pairing better with fall cuisine.
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Medium-bodied Syrah. | Courtesy E. Guigal Winery
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While it is great that there are so many styles of wines in any grape or blend category, it is also a challenge because even a seemingly summer-focused varietal such as Sauvignon Blanc, which usually presents as laser-beamed, bright and grassy, can be broad, fruit-forward and unctuous — and better for fall. While that diversity is great, it also creates the puzzle of how to know which bottling is going to be your best dance partner.
Crozes-Hermitage Vineyards. | Courtesy E. Guigal Winery
First will be regional focus because this niche is about as reliable as can be. A profound example of this and a fun tasting opportunity, is to taste and compare a Napa Merlot to one from Alto Adige by the Italian Alps — the proverbial night and day.
Lemberger is a red made for autumn, with the right spice, body and plumminess made for this weather and cuisine. Second, we will look at grapes whose profiles really fit into fall. Quality Riesling really hits the mark in fall with medium body, substantial complexity and structure and fall-fruit flavors. Try one from Alsace and you will get it immediately. Torrontés is another fall white, featuring peppery and funky (the good kind) qualities. Lemberger, also known as Blaufränkisch, is a red made for autumn, with the right spice, body and plumminess made for this weather and cuisine. In Part II, we will get down to — pardon the pun — the juice of the matter and I will recommend specific wines from specific producers that always do well with the climate and foods of this season. I hope this stimulates your imagination and palate in anticipation of falling into fall. Read Part II in the next edition or at TheTahoeWeekly.com. Lou Phillips is a Level 3 Advanced Sommelier in Tahoe and his consulting business wineprowest.com assists in the selling, buying and managing wine collections. He may be reached at (775) 544-3435 or wineguru123@gmail.com.
September 29-October 12, 2021 EAT & DRINK
F RO M T H E S E AS O N E D SAG E
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Goat cheese in tarragon infused oil.
D
edrick’s Cheese carries a delicious, marinated sheep cheese that is one of my favorite cheeses and I decided to make my own version. It’s great on crackers, in salads or over warm pasta. Dedrick’s Cheese is located in Nevada City and Placerville and in markets and farmers’ markets throughout the region. | Dedrick’s Cheese on Facebook Cooking is a meditation for Priya, it is from that place she curates her menus and recipes to create delicious and nutritious meals for The Seasoned Sage, her company catering to client’s culinary preferences and dietary restrictions. She is also working on a series of cookbooks. Visit her website at TheSeasonedSage.com or contact her at priya@theseasonedsage.com.
It’s great on crackers, in
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salads or over warm pasta. Find more from The Seasoned Sage
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be kind be calm be helpful Goat Cheese Marinated in Tarragon Infused Oil From the kitchen of: Priya Hutner 1 C extra virgin olive oil 8 oz. goat cheese, sliced in rounds, or feta cut into squares 1 sprig fresh tarragon 5-8 black peppercorns ½ t kosher salt
Place all the ingredients in a jar and let marinate in the fridge. Enjoy on a cracker, in a salad or mixed in pasta.
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