South Lake Tahoe Recreation Department is offering a South Tahoe Adventure Camp for children ages 6-12 years on Monday-Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm through Aug. 19.

The mission is to provide an active, healthy, and safe environment for youth to learn and play. The focus is on inspiring a love for the outdoors through exposure to the natural playground in and around the Tahoe region.

The structured programs include a strong emphasis on promoting and recognizing positive behavior, fostering meaningful friendships, and developing children’s self-confidence and leadership skills.

The cost is $35/day or $150/week. There is an additional cost for some trips at no more than $10 per child.

For more information, call 530.542.6099 or kpeacock@cityofslt.us.

A Chico man remains hospitalized three days after being in a fight at a bar in Truckee.

Jesse Hill, 39, was found unconscious on the sidewalk in front of the Pastime Club on June 18 at 11:05pm.

Truckee police officers said Hill and Bryan Sperlin, 24, of Truckee began arguing earlier in the evening at the Tourist Club bar. Hill left the Tourist Club and was later standing in front of the Pastime Club. As Sperlin was entering the Pastime Club he and Hill began a second argument.

“This argument led to a physical altercation that resulted in Hill being severely injured and left unconscious,” officers said in a statement.

Sperlin faces felony assault charges causing serious bodily injury and probation violation.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Truckee Police Department at 530.550.2323.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report

Wounded Knee is stark reminder of the U.S. government’s mistreatment of Indians. Photo/Kathryn Reed

By Kathryn Reed

PINE RIDE INDIAN RESERVATION, S.D. – A week ago today I was at the site of the worst massacre in U.S. history. I wasn’t in Florida. I was in South Dakota.

I was on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, home of Wounded Knee. This is where 146 Lakota Sioux were killed on Dec. 29, 1890. Most were women and children. In subsequent days the death toll exceeded 300.

This was not a battle as some revisionist accounts of history would lead one to believe.

John Miller, South Dakota State University (Brookings) history professor emeritus, said in the November-December 2015 issue of South Dakota magazine, “Native Americans in this state have assumed a role similar to other ethnic or racial minorities in the nation as a whole. We continue to try to solve these problems, but they’re very hard to reconcile.”

In the week since 49 people were murdered at a gay nightclub in Orlando there have been articles written about whether this shooting was the worst in U.S. history.

NPR interviewed Grant Duwe, the director of research and evaluation at the Minnesota Department of Corrections. According to NPR, “He says he sees two distinctions between mass murders that occurred before and after the 20th century. Before 1900, most mass murders were perpetrated by the ‘haves’ against the ‘have nots.’ After 1900, mass murders began being perpetrated by the ‘have nots’ against the ‘haves.’ Another difference is that before the 20th century, few mass murders were perpetrated by a single person.”

Now some news outlets have gone to calling Orlando the worst U.S. shooting in “modern day history”.

The gunman in Orlando would not have been able to obtain the weapon he did had a bill like what was proposed on Monday been in effect. That bill said anyone in a five-year period who had been investigated for terrorist ties could be denied the ability to immediately purchase a gun. On June 20 the Senate voted down a bill that would have blocked suspected terrorists from being able to purchase a gun.

Guns are just part of the problem. But it is one area in which our elected officials seem so inept at being able to come to consensus.

Yes, he could have gotten a gun any number of ways, but making it difficult to acquire assault rifles is a no brainer. It has nothing to do with infringing on Second Amendment rights. I’m all for being able to possess guns for protection, hunting, other recreation. But it’s time to throw up roadblocks to obtaining them – even for legitimate purposes. There is something wrong if someone is in a rush to purchase a gun – any gun. Substantive background checks – again, should be a no brainer.

We have banned substances that kill humans – think DDT in the United States. Would it be such a stretch to ban a weapon that has no purpose other than mass destruction?

Obviously, the case of Wounded Knee proves that “antique” weaponry can be destructive when the intended target does not have the same artillery or manpower. Still, that is not a reason to say yes to assault rifles. There was so much more to Wounded Knee than manpower and guns.

The “so much more” should not be lost. Like the university professor said, hatred toward those who are “different” is still alive today just as it was 125 years ago at Wounded Knee.

Banning guns is not enough to curtail senseless killings. At some point we need to address the hatred that seems to be getting more rampant in this country. I’m all for people being different. Why can’t we embrace our differences (or at least accept them), instead of wanting to eliminate those who are different than us?

And why can’t we apologize for our wrongs? Etched in my mind is Wounded Knee with its old chain link fence around the gravesite. A monument is there with only a few of the names of those who died. It was soldiers who dug the mass grave atop the hill. They threw the bodies on top of each other with no idea who was who.

Wounded Knee is a depressing memorial with a message that resonates as a symbol for what is so wrong with how those with power treat those who are oppressed.

The white men who did the killing were the savages.

Maybe it’s time we all smoked a peace pipe and learned to accept our differences. How many more people have to die simply because the shooter doesn’t agree with someone’s sexual preference, gender, religion, color, ethnicity or some arbitrary difference?

South Lake Tahoe is hosting a 4th of July parade in honor of American Legion Post 795. Legion members will also serve as the parade marshals.

There will be about 50 entries and 150 walkers in the parade.

The parade will begin at 10am at the Y, go down Highway 50 and finish at Rite-Aid on Al Tahoe Boulevard.

There will be a party at the American Legion at 2748 Lake Tahoe Blvd.

The two eastbound lanes of Highway 50 will be closed from 9:30am to 10:20am with a rolling lane opening beginning at approximately 10:20am.

Classical Tahoe, formerly Lake Tahoe SummerFest, is putting on a one-of-a-kind gala and fundraiser to kick off the summer festival.

White Nights, the third annual gala, will be July 10 at the lakefront estate of Kern Schumacher in Incline Village.

White Nights is a nod toward the popular international diner en blanc pop-up events that invite guests in major cities around the globe to don their finest white attire and descend on secret locations that are revealed at the last moment, with a gourmet picnics in tow.

Chef Mark Estee will be overseeing the food, while Chris Brubeck, son of legendary artist Dave Brubeck, and his ensemble Triple Play perform.

Funds raised help benefit the fifth season of Classical Tahoe, which brings together 40 nationally recognized musicians to Lake Tahoe for a three-week festival from July 26-Aug. 13.

Tickets for the White Nights gala are $250 per person, $2,500 for a table of 1-. Attire is “summer white” wear. Reservations can be made online or by calling 775.298.0245.

The Truckee Tahoe Air Show & Family Festival is flying into its fifth year on July 9.

This year’s theme is Space, Science and Beyond, an exploration into STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

Keeping with the theme, the air show’s grand marshal will be former NASA astronaut and retired U.S. Air Force test pilot Karol “Bo” Bobko. Bobko became a NASA astronaut in September 1969 and was a crew member on the highly successful Skylab Medical Experiments Altitude Test (SMEAT). The test was a 56-day ground simulation of the Skylab mission, enabling crewmen to collect medical experiments baseline data and evaluate equipment, operations and procedures.

The air show will include world-renowned performers Spencer Suderman (Guinness World Record holder for inverted flat spins), Rich Perkins soaring full speed in the Fire Cat jet, Danny Sorenson with his own designed and built BF9-2 biplane, and Bill Braack racing his Smoke-n-Thunder Jet Car against an airplane.

Huge warbirds will be on display and modern aircraft too.

The show is from 9am-4pm.

Jessie Marchesseau is adept at working in small spaces to create functional, pleasing interiors. Photo/Revive Interior Design

By Terra Breeden

Red-checked plaid, embroidered moose and heavy pine furniture is a common theme in the interior design of Lake Tahoe homes. The “rustic cabin” look is so repetitive it has an almost kitschy feel and let’s be honest, there are no moose in Tahoe. But Jessie Marchesseau of newly opened Revive Interior Design is revamping Lake Tahoe homes with a modern approach that’s focused on brightness, functionality and the outdoor lifestyle.

“No one wants their home to look just like their neighbor’s home,” Marchesseau said. “A lot of people want that traditional style because it’s their mountain getaway, and we can do that, but in a more classy and creative way.”

Marchesseau recently founded Revive Interior Design. A longtime Tahoe local and self-proclaimed ski bum, she graduated from UNR with dual degrees in interior design and journalism in 2009. Since then, Marchesseau has worked as a reporter for Lake Tahoe News, in local real estate, and opened Revive Interior Design, which is based out of Meyers.

“I like to do different things. When you’re stuck doing one thing all of the time you get bored. Journalism and interior design are both things I really like to do, so I thought, why do I have to pick? I can do both,” Marchesseau said.

At Revive Interior Design, Marchesseau specializes in transforming homes into modern, comfortable abodes that reflect the joys of outdoor living. Her designs and handpicked furnishings cater to people who want their home to be stylish and functional.

“In Lake Tahoe people are so active. Whether they’re skiing, rock climbing, or headed to the beach, almost everyone is out enjoying our wonderful surroundings all the time,” Marchesseau said. “People need their homes to accommodate that lifestyle.”

Jessie Marchesseau is founder of Meyers-based Revive Interior Design. Photo/Revive Interior Design

Marchesseau has designed the interiors of as many garages and mudrooms, installing shelving, hooks and storage for outdoor gear, as she has living rooms and kitchens in Lake Tahoe. Her approach to personalized interior design is knowing her client and renovating the home’s interior to reflect their taste and lifestyle.

“I want to know, for every room I do, who uses that room and what it’s for,” Marchesseau said. “I want it to be functional. So you can have that party every once in a while, but I want to focus on what the room is used for every day.”

Marchesseau has transformed a shabby Kirkwood condo into a modern skier’s getaway, personalized a Tahoe cabin by mixing antiques with modern furnishings, and revitalized an empty Heavenly ski condo. She also specializes in home-staging, which is the process of refurnishing homes that are on the market.

“Home-staging brings an empty house to life,” Marchesseau said. “If you put in some furniture and give it the décor of a home, it’s easier for people to envision what it would be like to live there.”

In 2009, Joyce Blackstone, who has been working as an interior designer in South Lake Tahoe for 37 years, employed Marchesseau as an intern. Blackstone was impressed with Marchesseau’s unique approach to interior design.

“She has a very good eye for design and is good at putting things together,” Blackstone said. “She’s also a good listener, which is important in interior design.”

Luxurious interiors at Lake Tahoe can also be warm and welcoming. Photo/Revive Interior Design

Marchesseau uses modern technology like apps and social media to help people visualize what the home will look like when it’s finished. And by working closely with clients, she chooses furnishings and accessories that are custom and affordable.

“I try to be really open about what I do and how much it will cost. All of the prices are listed on my website,” Marchesseau said. “In interior design you don’t find that very often.”

Besides being an interior designer and journalist, Marchesseau embraces the Tahoe lifestyle. She likes to spend time mountain biking, skiing, walking her three dogs and refurbishing old furniture as a hobby. However, Marchesseau anticipates that Revive Interior Design will be keeping her very busy this summer.

“It’s a new business and I’m looking forward to more projects,” Marchesseau said. “I’ve done interior design over the years and I love it. I’m really excited to make it my full-time project.”

Troy

Troy is a handsome gentleman and like many Tuxedo cats, has a silly streak. He would love to find a furever home. He has been at the shelter since April and he’s ready to become a loving member of your household.

Troy is very friendly and a happy character, and loves to be petted and scratched. He seems to be tolerant of the other cats at the shelter, so may be OK with another cat if introduced slowly with care and supervision. Troy could be your next best feline friend; come meet him and see if he’s a good match. His adoption fees have been sponsored.

Troy has been neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated. He is available at the El Dorado County Animal Services shelter in Meyers, along with many other dogs and cats who are waiting for their new homes. Go to the Tahoe animal shelter’s Facebook page to see photos and descriptions of all pets at the shelter.

Call 530.573.7925 for directions, hours, and other information on adopting a pet.

For spay-neuter assistance for South Tahoe residents, go online.

— Dale Payne

To the community,

The members of the South Lake Tahoe Yacht Club (SLTYC) are a fun and active group who have a common interest in boating and enjoying beautiful Lake Tahoe. However, this social club is also committed to community involvement and on June 13 the SLTYC sponsored their annual Bread & Broth Adopt A Day of Nourishment dinner at St. Theresa Church Grace Hall.

The SLTYC sponsor team, consisting of Norma Severloh, Nancy Farmer, John Johnck, port captain, and Carol Gerard, vice commodore, had a very busy evening. They prepared silverware, packed over 75 food give away bags, served 105 first servings and 17 second servings, filled left over to go containers, and cleaned and put away the dinner’s tables and chair.

“I was very impressed with all of the hardworking people and the teamwork involved to have everything go like clockwork,” commented Farmer. “I know there is so much more behind the scenes preparation work that happens every week.”

To feed on average 100 hungry community members does require a great deal of work, but just as important is the $250 funding provided by the AAD sponsors. It is a true testament to both the B&B volunteers and the sponsoring organizations that nutritious and filling meals are provided every Monday.

“Having never volunteered to serve at a B&B dinner,” remarked Johnck, “I find it humbling to see this need in South Lake Tahoe.”

Unfortunately, there are many food insecure folks in our community and through the support of organizations like the South Lake Tahoe Yacht Club, B&B is helping to ease the struggle experienced by these folks in need.

Diane Weidinger, Bread & Broth

By Brenda Richardson, Washington Post

Pity the poor yard. It receives constant care and attention during the spring and summer, but let a few dry spells or heavy downpours mar its beauty and efficiency and suddenly it’s the bad guy.

Maybe it’s time to hit the reset button. Adjustments to your landscape can conserve water, prevent erosion and produce a healthy yard that you can be proud of for its low impact on the environment.

Sustainable design is the hottest trend for residential landscapes, according to a recent survey by the American Society of Landscape Architects. The results revealed that members expect the greatest consumer demand for residential outdoor-design elements that are environmentally sustainable, reduce water costs and require little maintenance.

Read the whole story