Three veteran South Lake Tahoe firefighters retired in December. Combined, they had nearly 70 years of experience. Capt. Jeffery Valney served 27 years, Capt. Steve served for 21 years and engineer Roger Koeck also served for 21 years.
By Steve Timko, Reno Gazette-Journal
For the first time in more than 70 years, Nevada has lost population, according to Nevada state demographer estimates.
Between July 2008 and July 2009, Nevada’s population dipped by 27,677 people, about 1 percent, to 2,711,056, state demographer Jeff Hardcastle said Wednesday.
In the previous 12 months, Nevada added about 20,396 people and from July 2006 to July 2007 gained 95,287 people, according to Hardcastle’s estimates.
It’s the last day to ski this decade — so get out there. First, read the ski report from Curtis Fong, the Guy from Tahoe.
To the community,
Earlier this year, Bread & Broth reached a milestone — 20 years of serving meals to the South Lake Tahoe community. The two decades of service would not have been possible without the generous support of the local businesses and individuals who have donated their time and money.
As we reflect upon the year, we wish to thank: Kiwanis Club of Lake Tahoe, Kiwanis Club of Lake Tahoe Sunrisers, Nikki’s Chaat Cafe, Colonial Bank, H.E.R.O. (Harrah’s Employees Reaching Out), John and Carol, L. Norton, and Cherie Kagan, for Adopting-A-Day of Nourishment this year as well as Heavenly Mountain Resort scheduled for Jan. 11; Ernie’s Coffeehouse, Thunderbird Lodge and Applebee’s Restaurant for hosting fund-raising events; Moose Lodge of South Lake Tahoe for their monetary and food donations, American Century Celebrity Golf Tournament, NBC Sports and Tahoe Magic for their generous financial support; and to all the individuals and families who have supported us throughout the year with monetary donations large and small.
In addition, a special Thank You is extended to the local businesses that support Bread & Broth through donation jars at their registers. When shopping locally, please consider supporting those businesses that support Bread & Broth: Alpine Eye Care Optometry, Angelo’s Bootery, Beads Etc., Bert’s Cafe, Bijou Wellness Center, Champion Floors to Go, The Cork & More, Driftwood Cafe, Ernie’s, Freshies, Grocery Outlet, High Sierra Adventure Sports, John’s Cleaners, Jon Paul Photo, Kingsbury Automotive, Lake Tahoe Business Services Center, Lake Tahoe Pizza Co., Lakeside Automotive, Meeks, Napa Auto Parts, Overland Meat Co., Round Hill Cleaners – Bobby Page’s, Scotty’s Hardware, Sidestreet Boutique, Tahoe Souvenirs, Tahoe Sports Ltd, Tahoe Trading Post, Taqueria Jalisco, The Hair & Nail Salon, The Nail Box, Top Drawer, True Value Hardware, and Wines on the Lake.
Bread & Broth is supported throughout the year from our in-kind sponsors; Raley’s, Safeway, Starbucks, Grass Roots Natural Foods Store, the Food Bank of El Dorado County, and Jack in the Box.
The Second Serving on Friday wishes to thank their soup sponsors: Freshies, Rockwater Grill, Ridge Tahoe, Cafe Fiore, and Nepheles.
Georgette Riley, Bread & Broth communications chair
South Tahoe Refuse will have regular garbage service on New Year’s Day.
Christmas trees will picked up until Jan. 8 for no extra charge. Trees should not be taller than 6 feet.
By Bill O’Driscoll, Reno Gazette-Journal
George Clooney brings the life of a top-tier frequent flier to movie screens this month in “Up in the Air,” showing what a gazillion miles get you in perks on the ground and in flight.
What’s offered at Reno-Tahoe International Airport for air warriors?
Not what you might see in “Up in the Air” or at many major airports across the world. No “Admiral’s Club” or other posh, members-only digs where you’re pampered before your flight.
As of Jan. 1, the El Dorado County marriage license index is no longer a public record. You will need a notarized application for all license copies. Applications can be found in the download section of the website. The new fee is $14 per copy.
“Vagina Monologues” casting call on Jan. 5 from 6-9pm at the South Lake Tahoe Women’s Center.
To see more details and RSVP, click here.
By Roger Phelps, Ledger Dispatch
Kirkwood Mountain Resort is seeking to amend its Amador County use permit so it can convert employee housing on its property to lodge some guests at low cost.
Kirkwood finds that its employees are tending to find off-resort housing in nearby urban areas at Lake Tahoe and in the Carson Valley.
By Denise Sloan Smart
STATELINE — For more years than many of us have been alive, James Haake has been basking in the glow of stage lights, then movie lights, then TV camera lights and back to stage lights.
Tonight, when the lights go dark on “Carnival Cabaret†at the Horizon Casino Resort, Haake –- who is just as well known as Gypsy –- will call it quits.
James "Gypsy Haake
The 78-year-old Gypsy is retiring after 59 years in show business.
James "Gypsy" Haake
“I’ve talked about retiring before, but now it’s really time,†Haake said after the Dec. 27 show.
“I’ve loved performing so much and have had a wonderful career, but I’m really looking forward to spending time with friends and family.â€
Haake –- pronounced Hawk –- began his career nearly six decades ago as a dancer on Broadway. His first job was working along side a very young, pre-“Brady Bunch†Florence Henderson in a musical titled “Wish You Were Here,†which starred Jack Cassidy.
Moving from Broadway to the cabaret, Gypsy was the original host of the first “La Cage Aux Folles†show, which took the country’s rich and famous by storm. It was in Beverly Hills on stage in an upscale cabaret 30 years ago that Mel Brooks “discovered†Gypsy and his movie and TV careers were born.
“It was like being an instant celebrity once Mel Brooks takes you by the arm,†Haake said in an earlier interview. “And I had such a blast working with Mel and Ann Bancroft.â€
Brooks cast Gypsy in his classic film “To Be Or Not To Be,†starring himself and his real-life wife, Bancroft.
Gypsy went on to co-star with Jane Fonda in “The Morning After;†with Shelly Long in “Troop Beverly Hills;†and in the movie “Clifford.â€
His TV roles included characters on “Matlock†and “Dynasty†and his recurring role as Uncle Otto on “Married With Children,†which is still in reruns.
On a cabaret stage, in front of a live audience is where Gypsy’s star has shined the longest and the brightest. Between his wry sense of humor, his gorgeous legs, his stunning designer wardrobe and his hilarious banter with the crowd, Gypsy is as much at home on stage as an emcee, as he’ll ever be lounging in a recliner in retirement.
Gypsy, lounging in a recliner? Never! He’ll be out there somewhere, entertaining someone and making every one laugh. Just as he did last Sunday evening.
Gypsy sauntered on stage wearing a sexy one-shoulder siren-red gown with black stockings and black designer stilettos. A gentleman in the front row “eyed†him a little too long.
“Get over me man! I ain’t a real chick,†Gypsy belted out in a deep Bronx accent.
His banter with the audience is part history lesson, part jokes and part insults. When the audience members don’t “get†the insults, it’s all the funnier.
His self-deprecating humor is peppered throughout the show while three beautiful women –- who are also really men –- impersonate the likes of Barbra Streisand, Dolly Parton, Reba McIntyre, Bette Midler and Beyonce.
Gypsy claims his “gown is by Bob Mackie. Face by Forest Lawn.†The crowd roared.
Under the talented production and direction of Dan Gore, “Carnival Cabaret†opened at the Horizon in February 2000. This reporter and Gypsy became friends that same month.
“Carnival Cabaret†is the longest running cabaret show in the South Shore’s history. For Gore and the rest of the cast, the show will go on and it’ll still be good, but they’ll never find another Gypsy to emcee. When we say “Gypsy leaves big shoes to fill,†we’re not just talking about the size 13 stilettos.
Denise Sloan Smart has been covering entertainment at Lake Tahoe since the 1970s. She remains friends with many of the performers she interviewed over the decades.