Sierra Nevada College’s Visiting Artist Workshops offers a variety of summer workshops by nationally known ceramists, glass artists, painters, sculptors, printmakers, digital artists, musicians, photographers, paper makers, jewelers, and more on the lake campus.

Students may take workshops for personal enrichment or college credit. Tuition includes some materials, possible firings, equipment rental, and daily lunches.

Every Tuesday night at 7 during the workshops SNC hosts a Meet the Artist lecture in the Prim Library, which will be immediately followed by an informal reception in the Tahoe Gallery. It’s free and open to the public.

The workshops teach new techniques and expand knowledge in a variety of mediums.

Class detail, housing, tuition and schedules are online.

Publisher’s note: This is reprinted from the August 1975 Lake Tahoe Historical Society newsletter.

A look backward at earlier days in Lake Valley, an easy hour’s ramble through the pine trees, picking wild strawberries in a forest-surrounded meadow, a valuable find for the Museum, and a picnic was enjoyed by more than 30 Society members and guests on Sunday, July 27th, when Tom Armstrong led the group on a tour over the roadbed site of one of the spurs of the old logging railroad operated in to the Meyers area until 1897-98.

Although another railroad operated about 1875-85 from Camp Richardson to Meyers for logging purposes, the tour involved the Lake Valley Railroad which extended from Bijou. About 1885, George Washington Chubbuck, who was operating Sierra House under a lease from Mr. Siebeck, built a tramway operation in Bijou involving wooden rails with flat cars pulled by oxen. The wooden rails wore out so fast they were soon replaced by 35 lb. steel rails, three foot gauge. Chubbuck had a locomotive of sorts but it was heavy and bulky to operate. His oxen method of moving the timber he was cutting under a subcontract to the Bliss interest in Glenbrook was too expensive. When he went bankrupt in 1886, the Bliss company took over the railroad and, as the area was logged out, extended the rail further south and west, possibly as far as present day Christmas Valley.

The locomotive Santa Cruz was brought from Glenbrook on a barge for use; when it broke down, as often happened, others were brought from Glenbrook for temporary service, including Engine No. 2, the Glenbrook, now on the grounds of the State Museum in Carson City.

The logs were loaded on flat cars and taken to the 1800 foot Bijou pier to be rafted or barged across to Glenbrook, worked through the mill there, then taken to Spooner Summit by railroad, sent down the flume to the Carson Valley to be taken on to Virginia City. If San Francisco is the city built by Virginia City, then San Francisco owes it all to Lake Tahoe from where the timbers came that hold up the town of the Comstock.

When the heydey of Virginia City was imminent, Duane Bliss felt the time had come to connect Lake Tahoe with the outside world. He took the rail and used it to build the Lake Tahoe Railway and Transportation Company, operating between Tahoe City and Truckee until the Southern Pacific bought it from the Bliss family in 1925 and converted the track to standard gauge of 4 feet 8½ inches. Rail service there lasted until World War II.

Mr. Armstrong, who at the age of two accompanied his father when he was conducting historical tours for the Pontiac, Michigan Recreation Department, carried on the family heritage well as he led the group over the route which is amazingly visible after more than 75 years since the rails were taken up. Located was the very apparent site of a trestle over the creek with a log protruding from the bank which was no doubt a part of the trestle. A rock outcropping showed evidence of the drill holes for placing the powder to blast away the rock to build the roadbed. One portion of the creekbank was stacked with rocks to make a higher embankment to support the road. After crossing the creek and proceeding some little way across a meadow, the group spied wild strawberries and stopped for a short recess. Continuing on, a site was located where the logs were dragged parallel to the tracks for loading on the flat cars. A considerable amount of bark still is lying on the ground at this location.

At the end of the spur track was quite likely the site of a small settlement. It would not have been unusual for a few cabins to have been set up so the loggers would not have to go back into “town”. Each time the track was extended further, they would take all the boards and put up some more cabins. At this particular location, about 100 feet to the west, evidence of such a cabin had been located.

The main group commenced their return to the starting point of the tour. Others led by Ed Laine and Tom Armstrong looked further around at the area at the end of the spur and made a valuable find for the Museum in the remains of a railroad tie from the trackbed. While the major portion of the tie had long since disintegrated, there was sufficient remaining to readily identify it because of the spike holes at each end is reasonable approximation to the 3 foot gauge.

The group then had lunch in the shade of the trees along the creek the Norman Celio, Vera Broder Silberstein and Elsa Barber Strait sharing memories of their childhood in this particular area.

By ABC News

In a landmark television event, Diane Sawyer will conduct the first interview with Jaycee Dugard. Dugard was kidnapped at age 11 on her way to school by Phillip and Nancy Garrido, and held captive for the next 18 years during which time she was repeatedly abused and gave birth to two daughters. Phillip and Nancy Garrido have both recently been sentenced to life in prison.

Jaycee first captivated the world’s attention 20 years ago when she disappeared as a child, and then again as a 29-year-old woman with two daughters when they were remarkably discovered and freed. Her story resonated with families around the world who could not imagine the horrors that she faced and the life lost over those years.

Dugard will be asked about the extraordinary and heartbreaking story of her captivity, her reunion with her family, and her soon to be released memoir, “A Stolen Life by Jaycee Dugard” (Simon & Schuster). Sawyer’s interview will air in July, shortly before the publication of Dugard’s much anticipated book.

Read the whole story

By Lenita Powers, Reno Gazette-Journal

The science project of a 9-year-old Reno student has helped the Reno Aces ballpark save tens of thousands of gallons of water and could help homeowners cut their water bills as well.

Mason Perez’s discovery of a simple way to conserve water began with a messy hot dog.

Mason was only 7 when he was at an Aces game with his mother, Stacy, in 2009.

After eating a hot dog, his hands and face were covered with ketchup and relish, so they went to one of the bathrooms to wash up.

“The water was coming out of the faucet so hard that I pulled my hands away,” said Mason, a student at High Desert Montessori School. “I said, ‘Mom, ouch, that’s too hard.’ So she leaned over and turned the valve down.”

It was Mason’s version of Sir Isaac Newton’s observation of the falling apple. But instead of resulting in the theory of gravity, Mason theorized that reducing water pressure by turning the water supply valves to bathroom and kitchen sinks only halfway on could conserve water.

Mason’s mother said construction workers leave those valves fully open to allow air and sediment to drain out, but businesses and homeowners don’t think about partially closing them to save water.

Read the whole story

A few senior citizens stand with a few bikers who stand with a family of four, including a dad in a cowboy hat and a teenager in a Led Zeppelin T-shirt, the one from the band’s ’71 tour — which happened, like, a generation before the kid was even born.

What, in the name of rock, can bring together such a disparate group of fans?

The Eagles, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Led Zeppelin, of course.

And, while it’s not possible to see the originals of these bands today, that doesn’t stop fans from coming out and it’s not stopping the folks at the El Dorado County Fair from presenting the some of the most legendary music of the rock generation, live on stage.

On June 18, the El Dorado County Fair presents a “Day On The Green” featuring three of the top tribute bands working today. The event will recreate, as close as possible, that Bill Graham inspired right-of-passage of so many teens who grew up in ’70s and ’80s.

The musical line up begins at 5pm with Fast Lane a six-piece tribute to the Eagles based out of North Texas. The band faithfully recreates all the classic hits from the Eagles’ extensive catalog, from “Take It Easy” to “Witchy Woman” and “Heartache Tonight”. Fast Lane brings a new twist to Eagles’ music by adding a female vocalist to songs like “Desperado,” “I Can’t Tell You Why,” and “Love Will Keep Us Alive.”

Next up at 7:30pm is “Skynnyn Lynnyrd Reloaded,” a band that began to take form from the moment of the tragic crash that ended the lives of Ronnie VanZant, Steve and Cassie Gains, as well as Dean Kilpatrick. This tribute band believes an American saga ended on that day in 1977, leaving a void that begs to be filled by millions of fans all over the world. It’s about the music, they say, “real, honest and often edgy.” Skynnyn Lynnyrd has stripped the music down to its finest detail and re-assembled it. Every nuance and detail is pursued with passion and determination, to be performed as if by the original band.

Last up at 10pm is “Heartbreaker,” a band the Los Angeles Times called “the best Led Zeppelin tribute act we’ve witnessed. As close to the real thing you are apt to get.” Formed in 1998 in the South Bay, fans and critics alike say Heartbreaker is the ultimate Led Zeppelin tribute band. From the wardrobe, to the musical equipment, to the nuances of onstage movement, Heartbreaker is eerily similar to the original 1970s giants of hard rock.

The Day On The Green begins at 5pm June 18 on the main stage the El Dorado County Fair and runs well into the evening with the final band taking the stage at 10pm. Bring a blanket. Admission is free with entry to the fair.

The 2011 El Dorado County Fair, themed Rockin’ & Wranglin’, takes place June 16-19 in Placerville. For more information, call (530) 621.5860.

By Kathryn Reed

After reading “Permanent Vacation”, part of me feels like I missed out on something – the opportunity to work in a national park. And part of me feels an even stronger connection to these natural wonders.

Most of all, I want to go on a road trip. That’s the thought I had much of the time as I was reading the 205-page paperback. I want to go back to the parks I’ve been to like Yosemite and Yellowstone and visit ones I’ve never seen like Denali.

Bona Fide Books – the only small press in the Lake Tahoe Basin – this spring published this collection of 20 stories from people who have worked in one of the West’s national parks.

What kept me turning the pages is each story is different. It’s the variety of parks as well as subject matter that makes this a complete book.

Workers run the gamut from maid to park ranger. Men and women, various ages – they all have a story to tell.

Some entries shatter my idyllic, naïve illusion of life in a park. The partying, the drugs – why would they not be part of life for a twentysomething just because they are living and working someplace so beautiful?

Some are poetic, painting a picture of natural beauty so vivid I feel immersed in the outdoors without going outside.

Some are so incredibly personal.

Some are about adventures and bring back my own memories of rafting down the Colorado River.

Some are about the wildlife – making me want to still see a moose and grizzly bear for the first time.

“Permanent Vacation” reminded me how incredible our National Park System is and the respect these special places deserve.

My only criticism —  I wish the book were longer with more stories to read.

But I am excited to know the publisher is looking for submissions from people have worked in parks in the East – especially because I am less familiar with those playgrounds.

“Permanent Vacation” is available online for $15.

ZEPHYR COVE — On Your Way Awards were presented June 3 at Zephyr Cove Elementary School by Laurie Brazil, who was representing Soroptimist International of Tahoe Sierra.

One third- fourth- and fifth-grader was chosen by their teachers as deserving recognition for their efforts put forth to excel in reading. This year’s recipients were third-grader Jesse Preciado, fourth-grader Alexis Gonzales, and fifth-grader Jonathan Duffy.

Jesse Preciado, third-grader in Brenda Capshaw's class, receives an award from Laurie Brazil. Photo/Provided

Each child received a certificate, a gift card to Borders books and the school library was presented with three popular novels to add to their collection.

Jonathan stated, “The Lightning Thief series helps me to think and imagine what people might look like.”

Alexis added, “I like interesting facts, and excitement because you don’t know what is going to happen next.”

In addition to the awards, students in grades K-8 received individual books on their reading level to take home for the summer to enjoy.

These awards and books for the schools in California and Nevada are one of the many programs promoted by the Soroptimist International of Tahoe Sierra in their support of children and their education.

— Soroptimist International Tahoe Sierra

Penny is a very sweet, affectionate long-haired cat who is declawed on her front paws. She came to the shelter because her owner’s new grandson is allergic to cats.

Penny is spayed, microchipped, and vaccinated. She is at the El Dorado County Animal Services shelter in Meyers, along with many other dogs and cats who are waiting for their new homes.

Call (530) 573.7925 for directions, hours, and other information on adopting a pet. For spay-neuter assistance for South Tahoe residents, go online.

— Karen Kuentz

By Kathryn Reed

Now in its 10th year, the Harveys Outdoor Concert Series is set to deliver its most eclectic lineup to date.

Sultry jazz songstress Diana Krall opens the Stateline music season June 18. Rocker Sammy Hagar brings it to a close Sept. 10. A little bit of every other genre will fill out the other shows.

Better sound systems and raising the bleachers are two of the more significant changes through the years. Considering the venue is a parking lot – not a lot can be done.

Diana Krall will start the 2011 season of the Harveys Outdoor Concert Series. Photo/Jim Grant 2007

But considering the floor is asphalt, it’s also surprising how good the acoustics are. One would think the South Shore Room might be better for an artist like Krall. But when she played the Outdoor Series in 2007 her voice, her music – well, it was hard to know you weren’t in a nightclub.

Although she has a voice that can carry through the mountains with ease, her lyrics are more of a sensual nature that lends one to think a more private venue would be appealing. After all, Krall says of her 12th album, “It’s not coy. It’s not ‘peel me a grape,’ little girl stuff. I feel this album’s very womanly – like you’re lying next to your lover in bed whispering this in their ear.”

Using line array sound systems allows the music to be focused on the arena instead of filtering outside the venue.

“The sound systems have improved over the years so they are a lot more directional,” explained John Packer, who is in charge of entertainment for Harveys and Harrah’s Lake Tahoe. “We used to get some complaints.”

For the past three years the casino property has paid for studies to be done to appease the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and its noise regulations.

Although the music is not filtering out as far as it did when the concerts started in 2002, the Horizon parking lot remains a tailgating party for those who don’t want to pay to see a music act. They just aren’t right on the wall anymore. Horizon staff moved them back out of the fire lane.

People also can be seen lining the loop road and along Stateline Avenue.

Part of the issue is people can’t afford to see every concert. For two years now prices are down a bit, though. The exception was last year when the top ticket for Elton John was $235.

June 18 – Diana Krall with Mose Allison                    July 10 – Alison Krauss and Union Station         July 16 – Lionel Ritchie                                July 20 – Soundgarden with The Mars Volta                 July 27 – Slightly Stoopid with Rebelution + Shwayze                             July 29 – Lady Antebellum with Troy Olsen              July 30 – Steve Miller Band with Dave Mason         Aug. 9 – Phish                 Aug. 10 – Phish               Aug. 13 – Big Four                  Aug. 19 – Miranda Lambert with Little Big Town                                 Sept. 10 – Sammy Hagar & The Wabos

“The venue does not set the ticket price. It’s based on a guarantee, the capacity, and other revenue sources like merchandise and beverages,” Packer said.

More artists are making their money off touring than album sales based on how music is purchased. But they are also not going to as many cities as before.

Last summer there were venues that were half full because people didn’t have the cash to fork over for a concert.

“Live Nation, one of the biggest promoters, canceled 250 shows last summer,” Packer said. “Ours was one of the most successful venues for its size.”

The outdoor venue seats about 7,500 and can grow to about 9,300 for a general admission show – like what Phish will be for its two August performances.

Phish fans are clearly an example of people who are willing to spend money. The two Tahoe shows sold-out in less than an hour.

“I was told not to be surprised by it. They are phenomenal,” Packer said. “They are all outstanding musicians and have created quite a following.”

Not only are the shows sold-out, but both are in the middle of the week – a bonus for lodging properties that often have plenty of vacancies midweek even in the summer.

“Before we had it even booked for sure, they were calling to get reservations to get hotel rooms,” Packer said. He heard MontBleu was sold-out before his property had the contract signed. And he said hotels on the North Shore are booked too because of this show.

“A lot of them have never been to Tahoe before. I think that is a good thing that we will be introducing a lot of new visitors to Lake Tahoe for the first time,” Packer said of Phish fans.

Soundgarden is one of those groups doing a limited number of concerts this summer. They picked Tahoe over Sacramento.

This is the first time for Soundgarden to play in Lake Tahoe. The Mars Volta is opening – and they are often a headliner, having sold-out the Greek Theater in Berkeley before.

Alison Krauss and Union Station will be the second concert of the summer. Krauss has been here before.

Next is Lionel Ritchie, who was a regular at Harrah’s South Shore Rom in the 1970s and ’80s after he left the Commodores.

“He has at least 20 hits if not more. He’s real upbeat and personable on stage,” Packer said.

After Soundgarden is Slightly Stoopid. Rebelution + Shwayze, which sold-out the MontBleu theater last year, opens for Slightly Stoopid.

“It’s reggae, but Southern California beach reggae,” Packer said of Slightly Stoopid. “Some of them look like surfers.”

Like Phish, he expects this to be a different crowd than the typical baby boomer who so many of the past concert series catered to.

Lady Antebellum is nearly sold-out. This mega award-winning trio is credited with Tim McGraw selling out last year when they opened the concert series. Even though Lady Antebellum had a slew of awards to their credit by then, they were the opening act a year ago.

Packer is thankful the concert series started a little later this year. Memorial Day weekend started things off in 2010. This year Memorial Day would have been more like a Christmas concert based on the all the white stuff that fell.

Steve Miller Band wraps up July. Opening is Dave Mason, who will be back in the fall at the South Shore Room on his own.

Each year the concert series has an Asian group play, but it’s not always well advertised to the general public. The Big Four is different. The foursome from China is expected to sell a lot of tickets.

Miranda Lambert, also a former opening act at Harveys, is the headliner Aug. 19.

“Country shows are always entertaining. They have more going on, great graphics,” Packer said. “They have a production. I’ll expect no less from Miranda Lambert.”

Wrapping things up for the summer is Sammy Hagar, who is a regular in Tahoe. He’s never had a real opening act in the past; sometimes he’s brought friends on stage, last year his son opened. This year, though, a well-known group is likely to be added to the ticket.

For more information about the concerts, go online.

During the 2010-11 school year, students at Bijou Community School, Lake Tahoe Environmental Science Magnet, Sierra House, Tahoe Valley and Zephyr Cove Elementary schools were provided a special dental kit and given a lesson on the importance of good dental hygiene and dental care.

This was the result of a partnership between Lake Tahoe Unified School District, Tahoe Magic, First Five and a grant from Barton Health’s Community Advisory Committee. The grant also provided eight dental story books to each school library.

South Tahoe High School students put together 2,000 dental bags filled with a toothbrush, floss, flossers, a dental book and a bracelet that reminded youngsters to “Brush, Floss and Smile.”

Education was provided on how many teeth they have, how to correctly brush and floss with a special emphasis on what plaque is and the long term health problems it can cause.

Also included in the bags was a letter to the student’s parents about the importance of dental care and a list of dentists.