A single-engine plane landed this evening at Lake Tahoe Airport without its landing gear down.

For now the Piper Comanche is sitting in the middle of the runway and the airport is closed. A truck or some other means will be used to push the plane out of the way.

South Lake Tahoe City Manager Nancy Kerry told Lake Tahoe News the airport should reopen sometime Saturday evening.

She also relayed through Airport Manager Sherry Miller that landing gear issues are “not uncommon”.

No one was injured in the Oct. 20 incident.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report

By Kathryn Reed

With overnight temperatures last week in the 20s and the house feeling much colder than it was outside, soup suddenly started to sound good. Plus, I had to do something with all the kale that was showing up in my CSA box.

Kim suggested I put the kale in soup. So I started snooping around the Internet for recipes. The one below comes from AllRecipes.com.

It is super yummy. Added bonuses are that it’s easy and fast to make.

I changed a few things that are not reflected in the recipe. I used 8 cups of vegetable broth – not the water-bouillon combo. Instead of white potatoes, I used the purple ones from the CSA box. I also didn’t peel them because I didn’t feel like taking the time.

The kale needs to be chopped into bite size pieces or slightly larger. I’m not sure what I was thinking when I essentially left them in strips. That doesn’t work well for eating with a spoon.

I neglected to use parsley and it didn’t seem to matter.

I also thought the flavor was great without adding salt or pepper.

Kale Soup (8 servings)

2 T olive oil

1 yellow onion, chopped

2 T chopped garlic

1 bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped

8 cups water

6 cubes vegetable bouillon

1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes

6 white potatoes, peeled and cubed

2 (15 ounce) cans cannellini beans (drained if desired)

1 T Italian seasoning

2 T dried parsley

Salt and pepper to taste

Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot; cook the onion and garlic until soft. Stir in the kale and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir in the water, vegetable bouillon, tomatoes, potatoes, beans, Italian seasoning, and parsley. Simmer soup on medium heat for 25 minutes, or until potatoes are cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

The South Lake Tahoe Recreation Center already has New Year’s plans.

There are two party options — Parent’s Night Out or Overnight. Parent’s Night Out starts Dec. 31 at 6p and goes to Jan. 1 at 1am. Cost is $50. The overnight party starts Dec. 31 at 6pm and goes to 10am Jan. 1. Cost is $100.

These are for kids in grades 1-8.

It will include a New Year’s celebration (East Coast time), swimming, pizza, movies (G or PG), games, crafts, cereal breakfast and more.

For more info or reserve a spot, call (530) 542.6056.

The Truckee Police Department recently completed a review and contact of registered sex offenders living in town.

People convicted of certain sex offenses are required by California law to register with the law enforcement agency of jurisdiction where they live. There are currently six registered sex offenders living in Truckee.

Each was contacted by officers who verified the registrant’s residence address and verified that the residence was not within 2000 feet of schools or daycare facility within town.

The number of sex offenders living in Truckee varies over time. Offenders are required to register with the law enforcement agency of a community they are moving to as well as the law enforcement agency of the community they are moving from.

Truckee officers do periodic unannounced compliance reviews to ensure complete compliance of offenders with all requirements of the law.

Nevada Day festivities Oct. 25-28 will celebrate the 148th year since joining the union with the theme Honoring Our Military and Families Past, Present and Future.

Nevada’s observance is recognized as the largest all-statehood celebration in the Nation.

Along with carnival rides, music, comedy, street parties and Saturday’s famed Nevada Day Parade, the lineup includes the addition of a Battle Born Days Celebration with a salute to America’s military that includes a traveling Vietnam Wall, living history re-enactments, tributes and military honors, aircraft and weapon displays, a USO dance and Bomber Girl Pin-Up Pageant.

For more information on all Nevada Day events, go online.

By Kathryn Reed

The nearly 3,000 water customers of Kingsbury General Improvement District are likely to have their water rates increased.

The board members, some of who are up for re-election Nov. 6, are expected to vote Oct. 23 on the rate adjustment.

As of summer 2011, all 2,850 customers have meters. What KGID now wants to implement is charging customers based on the amount of usage – so, to actually use the meters.

KGID boundaries cover the entire Kingsbury Grade area and then to Lake Village.

According to KGID General Manager Cameron McKay, $2.9 million is needed in revenues to cover the agency’s costs. Of that, $2.1 million is the base rate. The rest is variable costs.

“We are trying to structure it so everyone pays a base rate to pay our fixed costs. After the base rate, a commodity fee per 1,000 gallons will be developed,” McKay told Lake Tahoe News. “We are the last utility … every other pays what they use. The water industry is lagging well behind in that.”

But the new price structure is not sitting well with all KGID customers.

About 60 people filled a room earlier this month in Stateline to hear with officials had to say as well as ask questions and voice their opinions.

Many of the customers are in apartments, so their landlord will decide the fee.

Jack Riley owns Lake Vista Apartments, which is 94 units in three complexes.

“We are hoping the board will craft a rate that is workable and affordable for the tenants who live in our complexes,” Riley said.

He said several are “affordable housing tenants” and he’s concerned about their ability to sustain a rent increase to accommodate him having to pay a higher water bill.

It was initially proposed that people in studios would have to pay the same base rate as single-family residences.

McKay said staff would present the board with several scenarios at the next meeting. He added that it’s possible the rate for an apartment dweller could double.

The goal, according to McKay, is to make the rates equitable because for years commercial properties have been subsidizing residential customers. The highest water users are residential customers because of landscaping.

—–

Note: The KGID board meeting is Oct. 23 at 6pm at the Tahoe Transportation Center, 169 Highway 50, Stateline. This is the same building as Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority.

Chris Alper, South Lake Tahoe local for 33 years, was recently diagnosed with a recurrence of breast cancer. She has worked at the local car dealership Cardinale Way Toyota (formerly Shehadi Motors) for more than 14 years.

Two surgeries last month have left her in need of assistance with medical bills and living expenses during her recuperation and treatment.

A series of fund-raising events have been planned:

Oct. 25: Primo’s Italian Bistro (2180 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe ) will donate 10 percent of its dinner proceeds from 5-9pm.

Oct. 30: Passaretti’s Italian Restaurant (1181 Emerald Bay Road, South Lake Tahoe) will donate a percentage of dinner proceeds.

Coming soon: Special dinner event at Ernie’s, including a raffle and silent auction.

For more information or to make a donation, contact Gia Richards at (916) 704.6900 or grichards@cherrycreekradio.com.

An account for Chris Alper has been set up at Bank of the West: No. 029201988.

By Robert Schimmel

Have you ever known someone who seemed to naturally and effortlessly bring 100 percent to the table or party at all times? And I don’t mean this in terms of the action hero or person with the massive accumulation of toys, property, etc., but rather that extraordinary individual who consistently leaves you with an indelible, positive impression, a lasting and resonant note of caring, a sense that you can do or be more, and a willingness to help you along that path?

For those of you who had the pleasure of knowing Alexander “Zan” Barker over the course of his 64 years, 41 of which were spent here in his adopted home of Lake Tahoe, the above description of his sincere effects on people he’d just meet once or spent years with was always the same.

Alexander “Zan” Barker

Zan passed away suddenly at his home in Marla Bay on Oct. 2, and I attended his very touching and memories-filled service Oct. 14, during a warm, soft and lovely sunset at Lakeside Beach. It was as perfect as he would have choreographed, from the spiritual ambiance and succinct service to the “gathering of people” whose lives he’d influenced in meaningful ways to his favorite, savory finger foods and delicious wines.

Aside from Zan’s photographic passion and skills, his consummate ability to host any event, and his impeccable cooking sense were all present along with a healthy dose of humor and style that he so appreciated and nurtured in himself as well as others.

I met Zan when he first hit the South Shore in 1971 and slept behind the couch in the Bavarian Village condo apartment I shared with two other Tahoe “explorers”. But he was very different from all of us: he knew this was home, and his determination with optimism was magnificent and sometimes a bit intimidating as he lovingly, but confidently, began to step into and embellish the mainstream of activity on the South Shore. If you haven’t read his Tahoe “bio” that Lori Cramer had to reduce, let me encourage you to do so as it scratches the surface of how many people this man networked with and enjoyed. From athletics to business to city government to the environment to the arts, Zan pushed and pulled with an irresistible, calm force and charm to get the most from all of them. And I was definitely in his sphere of influence and debt.

You may wonder why I didn’t just write an obit for him, also. First of all, I am not so qualified and that was handled beautifully. My mission here is to highlight his humanity and bring up what this and any community needs more of: people like Zan with the heart, passion, humility and velvet gloved strength to mobilize visions and the abilities of others into real and concrete relationships and outcomes. Leaders do this without fanfare or hesitation and certainly with no thought of their own self sacrifice. He blessed me with his promotional prowess and giving by sponsoring the Waterfront Gallery on Timber Cove pier in the ’80s and commissioning me and others for artwork.

Story after story were told Sunday at “his” Lakeside Beach Grill (he sold it early this year in preparation for a new chapter in life) that just confirmed how one strong and spirited person with a love for others and a compassionate soul can make a huge difference in the core of a community. I am absolutely amazed at how Zan genuinely touched and changed myriad lives as well as brought total strangers together in unions of common effort and purpose.

Thank you, Zan, dear and respected gentle giant, for being an irreplaceable role model of friendship, generosity, compassion, creativity, insight, philanthropy, networking and benevolence in the world and with the people you loved so much and shared so easily.

By Kathryn Reed

Thirteen months ago a good friend of mine was diagnosed with lung cancer. She died in August.

My dad survived colon cancer; though he is no longer alive.

My friend, Joy, taught me things I didn’t learn through dad’s experience. So many things that I have since apologized to my mom for not being there for her – or dad. Mom said different experiences teach us different things. Still, I wasn’t there in ways I should have been and for that I will always feel a bit of shame.

Joy and AJ

Joy didn’t have any family in town to care for her. And those who are in the Bay Area came up sporadically.

Dad had mom. I went to one of dad’s chemo treatments. I didn’t offer to go to more and I’m pretty darn sure it was one of my sister’s ideas I go to that one. At the time, and I was in my 30s so it’s not like I was a kid, I didn’t get how hard it was on a caregiver. And it’s any caregiver, not just those of cancer patients who have it hard.

My dad was always so strong. I clearly didn’t get the gravity of the situation. Now I do. It took another death after he was gone for me to get it.

Few people ask the caregiver how they are doing. Caregivers are afraid to complain for fear of looking shallow or uncaring. After all, they have their health. Seldom do they get a break from a job they certainly never asked for. And the thanks from the patient is not always forthcoming – after all, that person is likely fighting to live.

And when it came to helping Joy, I really had it easy. Though, that is not say it wasn’t emotional.

I was one of three key friends who helped Joy in her last year. A year ago I would not have expected to write that last sentence. Life, illness and death have a funny way of bringing people together.

Lisa, Wendy and I had wine together – we were the three friends – about a month before Joy died. Joy knew we had gathered to decompress. It was good to chat – about Joy and other things.

Caregivers need that.

I only hope my mom shared with her friends as dad went through chemo.

Joy taught me so many things I didn’t know I needed to learn. She was also still learning. She figured out how to ask for help – even though giving was more her style.

“When I talked to Joy soon before she passed away she was so thankful. She said, ‘You guys are so good.’ We are not good. A lot of us see a need,” said Jonnie Crawford, president of the South Lake Tahoe Cancer League.

At the holidays last year Joy bought box after box of Sees for friends. I was not about to tell her I don’t really like their chocolate. It was never about the chocolate.

Joy taught me how to live and she taught me how to die gracefully.

Eventually, Joy no longer talked about the future and instead all of our conversations were about the past. That’s when I knew she knew she wasn’t going to see if Obama would be re-elected. (To say she was an ardent Democrat is an understatement.)

I kept listening because she had more to teach.

And even though she is not here physically, she keeps teaching. I just hope I’m listening well.

Publisher’s note: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. People are affected by cancer in all sorts of ways and communities do various things to shine a spotlight on various cancers. This is the third of four stories about cancer.

By Kathryn Reed

A cancer diagnosis if life changing – no matter the ultimate outcome.

Not everyone has the financial means or support group to handle it without the help of strangers.

That’s where the South Lake Tahoe Cancer League steps in. This nonprofit run by volunteers and an eight-member board has been around since the early 1980s. The group helps people on the South Shore – going to Glenbrook, up to the El Dorado County line past Emerald Bay, and into Christmas Valley.

“It started because at one time it was just the American Cancer Society here. Local people decided we were not seeing any benefit from the money so they decided to break away and form the South Lake Tahoe Cancer League, with the idea that we would help local people and not just the city,” explained board President Jonnie Crawford.

People undergoing treatment for cancer – chemo, radiation or surgery – may apply for a grant from the organization. Their doctor must verify they are undergoing treatment, but no one has to show any financial paperwork to receive a grant.

“(Last week) I approved a grant for a person who goes to the VA. He lives in a trailer and absolutely has no income,” Crawford said. “It’s so sad. A lot of times these people are not visible.”

Up to $400 is available every other month for cancer patients. The money can be used however they want. There are no strings attached to money or need to show receipts. It can go for medication, gas, food or other bills. To date for this calendar year the local Cancer League has given out $33,000 worth of grants.

Besides cash, rides are also available. Volunteers drive patients as far as Reno and Truckee for medical care. Drivers are reimbursed for the miles driven based on what the state sets as the rate per mile. For September, the group wrote checks totaling $2,815.

“Some of the people who need rides … they are desperate,” Crawford said.

Through the years, the number of people seeking grants and those needing rides have increased, according to Crawford.

Money to support the Cancer League comes from a variety of sources. But the biggest fundraiser of the year is coming up. It’s the Sees Candy sales.

Each year the storefront has donated the space for free. The group is returning to the Raley’s center at the Y by Starbucks. The doors open shortly before Thanksgiving.

One-pound boxes of various chocolates are available.

“We get quite a few merchants who buy candy for their offices,” Crawford said.

People have been seen making multiple trips to their vehicle with all the boxes they’ve bought.

The Moose Lodge puts on the Longest Day of Golf event, which benefits the Cancer League.

This was the first year Sierra Athletic Club put on a walk with the beneficiary being the Cancer League. More than $2,000 was raised that day.

Last year $6,000 from the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority via the celebrity golf tournament was secured. The Cancer League has sent in a request for funds from this year’s event, too.

For more information about making a donation or to become a volunteer, call (530) 573.1703. Donations may also be sent to: South Lake Tahoe Cancer League, P.O. Box 17962, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96151. Memberships are also available at $20 year. Not all volunteers are members, and being a member does not mean one has to volunteer.