Pat Monahan, lead singer for Train, takes a selfie for a fan. Photo/Kathryn Reed

By Susan Wood

STATELINE – Train’s lead singer Pat Monahan and company continued its special connection with Lake Tahoe Sunday night, adding the Harveys Outdoor Summer Concert Series on its latest tour – A Girl, A Bottle and A Boat.

With Natasha Bedingfield and O.A.R. opening on the warm summer night, this was one of the last stops on a tour named after the Grammy award-winning band’s 10th album written to exemplify life on a boat with your favorite person and a bottle of wine. The ensemble showed the seven-member Americana group hasn’t lost its touch with a packed and engaged audience.

“Lake Tahoe, you look amazing,” Monahan screamed out to the dedicated, adoring fans on July 9.

The San Francisco-based band has somewhat transformed from its earlier days with former front-man guitarist Jimmy Stafford, but its music’s catchy style lives on. Most recently, the sentimental “Play That Song” had the crowd belting out the words set to the melody of the 1938 classic “Heart and Soul.” The accomplishment speaks volumes for a rock band that stands the test of time and reaches generation after generation.

People were standing and dancing as Train played hit after hit on July 9. Photo/Kathryn Reed

Anna Denis from Alaska turned a visit to see her daughter Rachael in Reno into a mother-daughter Train excursion.

“I love Pat Monahan, especially his (vocal) range,” the mother said.

Amber Little of Carson City rocked out with both her daughters and fiancé while most of the night on her feet like the majority of concertgoers.

“I thought this would be a good concert as their first concert,” she said of her two teenage girls.

Monahan has always maintained a unique appeal with fans young and old. Following “50 Ways to Say Goodbye,” the third number of the night – “If It’s Love” – prompted about a dozen fans to toss their cellular phones up on stage for Monahan to take selfies with the fans in the background.

Even though the band is on tour with new material, the older smash hits are what got the audience swaying, bobbing, punching beach balls and dancing all night.

“Tahoe, how do you like it so far?” Monahan yelled out to check in with “Angel in Blue Jeans” from 2014’s “Bulletproof Picasso” album.

For Train’s 2009 signature hit “Save Me, San Francisco,” the entire capacity crowd joined in on the lyrics.

The love fest continued with its 2003 blockbuster tune “Calling All Angels,” which the audience dominated with its high-energy singalong.

“Think of all the people who need our love right now,” Monahan told the crowd, as he placed his clenched fist at his chest.

The heartfelt tribute to humanity carried on when he brought Bedingfield back on stage to join the band in “Bruises,” a tune off the 2012 album “California 37” – which was named after the popular North Bay highway that runs west of Vallejo.

Bedingfield, an English singer known for her mega hit “Pocketful of Sunshine,” represented a fitting opening act in terms of engaging the audience.

She was followed by O.A.R. (which stands for “Of A Revolution”). The Maryland-based rock band is known for and also delivered on its Top 40 number “Shattered” and most recently its touching tune “Peace.” The latter tribute to choosing love versus arguments prompted many to raise their hands with peace signs.

In turn, Monahan sat down with his solo guitar to vocally caress the audience with his own song about relationships, “Marry Me” – a popular wedding song.

“That’s what I like,” Vernon Sallaz of San Luis Obispo said. “My wife and I got married here in Tahoe 35 years ago.”

The connection between Monahan, his band and the Tahoe audience was unmistakable – even if the younger set barely remembers the old tunes.

“Does anybody even remember this song?” Monahan said, interrupting his 1996 early hit “Meet Virginia.” The crowd reciprocated with a roar, and that notion was put to rest.

Pat Monahan has a way with connecting with the audience. Photo/Kathryn Reed

Off the new album, Train backed up “Working Girl” with video images of superstar icons such as tennis greats Serena and Venus Williams with Billie Jean King as well as television personalities Oprah Winfrey, Ellen Degeneres and Tina Fey.

Most of the concert was spent honoring and playing the old, recognizable favorites – from the ever-jumpy “Drive By” and sing-along tune “Hey, Soul Sister” to two encores. One was a perfect rendition of Queen’s top hit with David Bowie’s “Under Pressure,” which featured a video clip in the background of Queen lead man Freddie Mercury.

The last segment represented the most inner poignant tribute to Monahan’s mother who died of cancer – “Drops of Jupiter,” which came to the singer in a dream.

Genuine and versatile, Monahan showed his songwriting prowess on several occasions including during “When I Look to the Sky,” a tribute for anyone who has ever lost someone they love. He sat down on the stage with his band during this acoustical number for a moment of tranquility and togetherness.

Monahan even brought out O.A.R. with lead singer Marc Roberge in a white dinner jacket to help out with Paul Simon’s hit “You Can Call Me Al.” Simon opened the concert series a few weeks ago.

The Harveys concerts continue with Lenny Kravitz taking the stage on July 14, July 16 with Third Eye Blind; July 28 and 29 with Jack Johnson; Aug. 4 with Slightly Stoopid; Aug. 16 with The Who; Sept. 1 with Linkin Park; and Sept. 2 and 3 with Eric Church.

Bonnie

Bonnie is a smaller kitty who is 4 years old. She is a an indoor cat, but is a good mouser and she likes other cats.

Bonnie is spayed, microchipped, tested for FIV, 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.

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.

— Karen Kuentz

By Jamie Wanzek, Moonshine Ink

After stops at Guitarfish Festival, the Lost Sierra Hoedown, Burning Man, and blacksmith conferences in Salt Lake City and Petaluma, a whimsical and swooping four-person sculpture is taking its last waltz in Truckee as the town’s new public art installation.

Currently, the sculpture is nicknamed “the band,” although its official name will be unveiled on a plaque in the coming weeks.

The idea for the sculpture was born when Truckee-based blacksmith shop Mountain Forge was commissioned to build a public art sculpture for a San Francisco’s skyscraper located at 535 Mission St. Boston Properties, the property company responsible for the development, gave Mountain Forge complete poetic license for their design; the only objective was to create something that excited and engaged the public. Anton “Toni” Standteiner, son of company founder Hans Standteiner, felt inspired to pay respect to San Francisco’s musical heritage.

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The Kia Niro is part of the crossing crossover market. Photos/Larry Weitzman

By Larry Weitzman

Kia has become a major player in the American auto market. In a little more than 20 years Kia has total U.S. sales exceeding 645,000 cars a year, more than Volkswagen/Audi by 100,000 units. With that in mind, Kia now brings to market its first car designed from the ground up as a hybrid, the Kia Niro.

Kia Niro first caught the Road Beat’s attention when about five months ago it set a Guinness World Record title by driving from New York City to Los Angeles, a total of 3,715 miles on just 48.1 gallons of gas, averaging a remarkable 76.6 mpg or 4.1 tanks of fuel (Niro holds 11.9 gallons).

Will it do that in real life? Sure, if you hyper mileage, but in normal driving 45 mpg might be more the norm from my top of the line Touring model. The model used in the mileage test was a very well-equipped EX, which achieves, according to the EPA numbers, about six more mpg and costs about $4,000 less than my loaded Touring version.

As a crossover, Kia Niro enters perhaps the fastest growing segment of the market. It’s take no chances as looks are very attractive with excellent proportions in its two-box design. The front end uses Kia’s trademark grille and has some mild aggression.

With a length of just 172 inches, Niro is almost a subcompact riding on a long 106-inch wheelbase. It’s wide at 71 inches and stands a reasonable 61 inches tall. Interior volume totals almost 100 cubic feet.

Specifications
Price $22,890 to about $30,545
Engine 1.6L direct injected inline four cylinder 104 hp @ 5,700 rpm
109 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,000 rpm
Electric Power system
Electric motor 43 hp
125 lb.-ft. of torque
Battery
Capacity 1.56 kWh
Maximum output 42 kW
Combined output 139 hp
195 lb.-ft. of torque
Transmission
Six-speed dual clutch automatic manual
Configuration
Transverse front engine/front wheel drive
Dimensions
Wheelbase 106.3 inches
Length 171.5 inches
Width 71.1 inches
Height 60.8 inches
Track (f/r) 61.2/61.8 inches
Ground clearance 6.3 inches
Fuel capacity 11.9 gallons
Luggage capacity, rear seats up/down 19.4,54.5 cubic feet
Cabin volume 97.1 cubic feet
Steering lock to lock 2.85 turns
Turning circle 34.8 feet
Weight 3,274
GVWR 4,255
Payload 981 pounds
Tires 225/45X18
Performance
0-60 mph 9.22 seconds
50-70 mph 5.14 seconds
50-70mph uphill 9.65 seconds
Top speed Well into triple digits
Fuel economy EPA rated 46/40/43 mpg city/highway combined. Expect 45 mpg in rural, suburban driving and 43 mpg on the highway at legal speeds.

Under his short hood are two powerplants. First a 1.6L direct injected petrol powerplant that produces 104 hp at 5,700 rpm with 109 pounds of twist at 4,000 rpm. Sandwiched between the engine and tranny is a 43 hp electric motor powered by a 1.56 kWh L-I battery packed under the rear seat that can put out 56 hp but because of different rpms the maximum combined output of the combined power system is 139 hp.

Performance is still best in (compact class) with a 0-60 mph time of 9.27 seconds. Passing times from 50-70 mph are 5.14 seconds and 9.64 seconds on level ground and a 6 percent grade, respectively. It actually feels more powerful especially at speeds below 60 mph. Helping in this responsiveness is the six-speed dual clutch automated manual transmission which has a sport mode which allows the driver to totally control shifting or leave it in “D” which is “ECO” mode and let the tranny make all the decisions using a more aggressive shifting algorithm which means up shifting at lower rpms to improve fuel economy.

Fuel economy is EPA rated in the Touring at 46/40/43 mpg city/highway/combined. However, for some unexplained reason the FE, LX and EX models achieve anywhere from about 6 to 9 more mpg according to the EPA. But real-life numbers are about 10 percent better than the EPA numbers for the Touring with a constant 70 mph fuel economy showing 42.8 mpg. In a 267 mile, round trip from Placerville to Reno via highway 50 and 395 the Niro averaged 43.6 mpg and the run from Carson City to Placerville averaged 53.7 mpg. Good fuel economy but not great as there are some conventional compacts that achieve nearly the same fuel economy like the Niro’s sibling, the Elantra Eco. However, while those conventionals exceed the Niro’s highway fuel economy, the Niro scores much better in urban, suburban runs. A bigger fuel capacity would also be welcomed.

Suspension is state of the art four-wheel independent and with the Touring edition you get 18 inch alloys shod with some meaty 225/45 series rubber. When you add to that an electric power steering rack that is a quick 2.85 turns lock to lock and a tight turning circle of just 34.8 feet you have the ingredients of good handling and a quality ride. Niro delivers on both counts.

Body roll is well controlled and grip is tenacious making the Niro quite surprising, secure, safe as well as fun when the road bends. Ride is also compliant and well controlled. In pure electric, which the Niro does often, it becomes super quiet. About the only intrusion to the otherwise serene cabin is some tire noise on coarse roads.

Four-wheel disc brakes (fronts are ventilated) are at the corners with all the safety acronyms. In addition, Niro has regenerative braking which is seamless. When on downgrades, a downshift will accelerate the recharging of the L-I battery pack and can be easily used to control downhill speed.

Inside the touring edition is a perforated leather interior. Seats feel a bit firm at first, but after some time in the saddles, the firmness is replaced by long lasting supportive comfort. As with most hybrids instrumentation is complete sans a tachometer which is replaced by a power meter telling you the efficiency of your operation of the power system. I rather have a tach and watch the graphic of what’s happening in the info pack centered between the speedo/power meter.

The center stack uses a partial touch screen, which I found somewhat difficult to use as opposed to knobs and buttons. In case of an investigation, they would find fingerprints galore.

There is plenty of rear seat legroom and with the seats folded flat there about 55 cubic feet of cargo space and when up there still remains nearly twenty cubic feet of luggage capacity or about the size of a Town Car trunk, but better shaped.

Pricing for the high fuel economy, well-equipped FE starts at just $22,890 plus $895 for the boat from Hwaseong, South Korea to $30, 545 for my loaded tester, a Niro Touring including destination. Another great car from Kia.

Larry Weitzman has been into cars since he was 5 years old. At 8 he could recite from memory the hp of every car made in the U.S. He has put in thousands of laps on racetracks all over the Western United States.

Rob Lake is able to keep a woman suspended in air at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe. Photo/Kathryn Reed

By Kathryn Reed

STATELINE – Little girls don’t often dream of being on stage cut in half, or into nine pieces, or having their head on one side of the stage and their body on the other.

This isn’t some macabre scene; it’s magic. Specifically, it’s the illusion of Rob Lake.

He couldn’t do it without Katy Veneris, Diana Osborn, Rosie White and Natalie Osborne.

“This is the first time I’ve worked with a magician. I still have no idea what is going on,” Veneris told Lake Tahoe News.

The audience at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe on July 8 seemed to echo Veneris’ sentiment. Instead of a resounding round of applause it was a delayed reaction after most of his acts. People were in disbelief. They were left scratching their heads trying to figure out what just happened. Were their eyes playing tricks?

Rob Lake’s helper appears to be split in two; her head on the table to the left, and body to the right. Photo/Kathryn Reed

Lake watches the audience’s reactions and feeds off of that. Confusion on their faces can be a really good thing in his line of work.

Lake is an illusionist who is able to seemingly dismember people and then put them back together; start on one side of the showroom and end up on another; plus, he seems to have super powers when it comes to knowing things.

Audience participation is huge – and from all ages. (This is a kid friendly show.)

The 34-year-old from Norman, Okla., will be at the Stateline venue through Sept. 4, Thursday-Monday.

It’s not uncommon for Harrah’s to book the showroom with a long-running act. Last summer it was Alex Ramon’s magic show.

“We want to have something family oriented during the summer months for vacationers, in addition to the outdoor concerts at Harveys,” John Packer, with Harrah’s, told Lake Tahoe News.

Rob Lake’s performance is fast paced and engaging. Photo/Kathryn Reed

Lake was 10 when he saw his first magic show. He was hooked. Even though he spent two years in college studying health and exercise science, he knew he had to follow his dream. And so he hit the road.

Sometimes the four semi-trucks and 20-person ensemble are in a town for a night, other times they have the luxury of an extended stay. Lake was in Tahoe last winter as well. He is loving the scenery; and staying in a condo allows him more freedom with his new dog Roger, who has a bit part in the show.

Inspiration for new illusions can strike at any time – watching a movie, from music, even a store display. It’s not unusual for a full act to come to him in the middle of the night; that’s why Lake keeps a notebook next to his bed.

What he has going on at the South Shore Room is remarkable and stunning. The hour-plus show is fast paced, with some dancing from the four women in between sets, a great deal of interaction with the crowd and an incredible energy that flows from Lake to the audience.

Natalie Baird Hickey

Natalie Baird Hickey died June 25, 2017, at the age of 49.

After a valiantly fought battle against stage 4 pancreatic cancer, Natalie passed away peacefully in her home in Tehachapi.

Natalie was born to Gareth Maughan Baird and Sandra Olivia Johnson on July 30, 1967, in Murray, Utah. She was the third of seven children.

Natalie enjoyed her career as a hairstylist and color specialist. Later, she worked hard to keep everyone in line as she managed the River Ranch Lodge in Tahoe City.

She loved the beach, the ocean, sunsets at the lake, her pets, pink and white circus animal cookies; and no one could rock a pair of cowboy boots and hoop earrings like she could.

Her greatest love was for her three children, Joelle, Baird, and Bailey.

She married her sweetheart, Steven Hickey, in the LDS Salt Lake City Temple on June 21, 2014.

Natalie is survived by her children, Joelle Elizabeth Bishop (25), Baird Curtis Bishop (22), and Bailey Gareth Bishop (18); her husband, Steven Hickey; her mother, Sandra Baird Patton; her six siblings, Brian, Greg, Philip, Roger, Lynette, and Erica; as well as many extended family members.

Natalie was laid to rest at the Brigham City Cemetery in Brigham City, Utah. The same cemetery where her father, grandparents, and many ancestors are also resting.

South Shore law enforcement mingle with the public at Alpina Cafe. Photo/Kathryn Reed

By Kathryn Reed

Traffic issues was one of the dominating topics at the “coffee with a cop” event on the South Shore.

“We are actively trying to come up with solutions that will work,” CHP Lt. Cmdr. Terry Lowther told Lake Tahoe News. “We are looking at where we can legally close roadways to funnel traffic the right way. We are using helicopters to see where the stoppage is.”

He is in charge of the Meyers office, which oversees a vast amount of state highways.

One issue is people are using phone applications for alternative routes. This makes neighborhood streets unpassable and residents angry.

The helicopter can alert the boots on the ground to issues not readily known, like problems in the American River Canyon on Highway 50 or something in the Emerald Bay area. Information signs can change to alert motorists.

Lowther was at Alpina Café last week dispensing this information. Others from the California Highway Patrol and El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office were also on hand.

“It humanizes us,” EDSO Detective Damian Frisby told Lake Tahoe News of events like this. He was explaining to people what the various agencies in the basin do and how they work together.

Ruth Loehr, the local CHP public information officer, said meeting people like these helps to build relationships between officers and the public. So often the only interaction people have with law enforcement is when they see lights in their rearview mirror or on some other bad day.

For Lucia Angel, she wanted to meet the officers because one day she would like to be among their ranks. The 10-year-old has designs on becoming an FBI agent. She wants to “investigate murders, robberies and things like that.”

She and Loehr are both fans of the TV show “FBI Files.” Lucia also watches “Forensic Files” and “Unsolved Mysteries.”

For Sue and Bill Krawetz, they were at Alpina just for coffee. They come up to Tahoe every so often from Sonoma County. They were appreciative of the outreach effort by the officers. They engaged an officer in a conversation about homelessness in Tahoe because they haven’t seen much, and then asked about the best places to go hiking.

These informal gatherings with cops occur throughout the country. The local CHP office is hoping to have five this year, three in the basin and two in Alpine County. The first Alpine County one was also last week.

By Susan Wood

Julliard, it’s not. But the American Legion Hall on Wednesday nights has become the main stage for South Shore ukulelians seeking fun, friendship and a unified front for an activity that has struck a chord with many aspiring musicians.

It’s almost as if the 60-plus people gathered in Tahoe may strum their cares away in perfect harmony.

It’s a good sign when a guest walks upstairs at the hall and recognizes the song being played by so many people thrown together like a giant band.

“Blueberry Hill” made the song list one recent Wednesday night, and the room full of tenor, soprano, concert and baritone strummers didn’t disappoint.

Steve and Linda Kurek at a jam session at the American Legion. Photo/Susan Wood

The songbook assembled by Bob and Diane Fannan, who co-founded the club with Jeff and Karen Miner four years ago, lists 306 songs.

“I’ve been playing for four years, and I can play everything in this book,” Diane Fannan said, pointing to the fat book sitting on the table during the break while volunteers called out raffle winners. “Does anybody practice?” she asked.

A resounding “no” could be heard from some of the players walking by.

“It’s a simple instrument. Every person who wouldn’t believe in a million years they’d be playing an instrument can learn it,” she said over the sound of the concert going on in the next room. Most players sit at long tables, with a handful of leaders taking the stage. In another room, 14 ukuleles line one table, with chips and snacks filling another.

“We have all levels of play here. And I’ve noticed my rhythm has gotten better (since playing ukulele),” Fannan told Lake Tahoe News.

Bob and Diane Fannan started the ukulele group in 2013. Photo/Susan Wood

The Fannans attend ukulele meetups and events when they’re on vacation – whether in France, England or across the United States. They’ve even gone on a ukulele cruise.

It’s the social setting that most told Lake Tahoe News is the reason for the regular attendance – especially people who’d like to do more outreach in their community.

“We have found people going through a divorce or another tragedy making this the highlight of their week,” Fannan said, further noting about two-thirds of the group consist of retired people.

Between each song, some of the South Shore ukulelians clap, others sigh, many rock and sway. But most of the players have smiles on their faces. It’s hard not to with an instrument that made Hawaiian musician Israel “Iz” Kamakawiwo’ole famous with his sentimental blend of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”/ “What a Wonderful World” released in 1993. It’s popular at weddings and other special occasions.

Ukulele playing is a ritual on Wednesdays in South Lake Tahoe. Photo/Susan Wood

Special is the ukulele – with four strings (G-C-E-A) caressed by four fingers playing three chords – C, F and G. The nuances in sound between the four types of ukuleles range in tone and with those who are drawn to them. The soprano is popular with children and those with smaller hands, while the concert version provides a classic tone. Tenor players seek a fuller sound, while the deeper, richer baritones draw guitar players.

Typically, ukuleles resemble a small acoustic guitar and are generally made of wood, though variants have been composed of plastic. The most expensive ones are made of mahogany, but are traditionally constructed with acacia koa wood.     

Steve Byrne of South Lake Tahoe, who showed up on his bicycle, plays guitar as well the ukulele. At times, he cradled his ukulele like a guitar, appearing quite serious while playing every song. He likes the unity and social setting of the ukulele group, which started at Mo’s with nine people in the first few years before moving to Dart Liquor’s loft, then Lake Tahoe Golf Course. The club mushroomed in attendance.

The club plays from 6-8pm, with some eager socialites strolling in at 5pm for drinks, chats or instruction during the happy hour – which turns out to be the whole time.

Not all ukuleles are the same. Photo/Susan Wood

“What’s nice is to have a little instruction when you’ve reached a threshold. There’s no intimidation. Everybody here wants to have a good time,” Byrne said.

Wannabes and beginners may receive lessons before the start time from the experienced players in the group, and the Fannans provide extra ukuleles for anyone who happens to show up. The club has seen 100 players appear in one night.

“This is a life changer for a lot of people,” Bob Fannan said.

He further admitted to no marriages resulting yet from the club’s outings, but some couples have met there. Other spouses use the evening to do something fun together that’s a bit different from their regular routine.

Take Linda and Steve Kurek. She taught music for 38 years and said she enjoys the relaxing setting. The couple shared a songbook propped up near the wine glasses. He plays on occasion for the residents at the Barton Skilled Nursing Facility.

Julie Threewit teaches ukulele at Sierra House Elementary School and admits to having “the bug” of buying different ukuleles, a condition Bob Fannan refers to as “UAS” meaning ukulele acquisition syndrome.

Between 2010 and 2012, ukulele sales nationwide jumped from 581,000 to more than 1 million, according to the National Association of Music Merchants. Sales have climbed to $89.8 million in 2015.

Ukulele enthusiasm has taken off in popularity in clubs all over. And this one’s no different.

Aaron Lujano, who has worked for the Guitar Center in Reno for five years, told Lake Tahoe News over the phone that he’s noticed a surge in ukulele sales at his store.

“I sell about five or six a day,” Lujano said. “There are even high school classes here.”

Even visiting relatives have gotten in on the act as a planned activity.

Mandy Kendall, who claims ukulele playing builds confidence, brought along her brother-in-law Paul Melia from England to the South Shore outing.

The duo raised the level of concentration and probably the callouses of their hands when the leaders threw in a contemporary number – Bruno Mars’ “Count On Me.”

Paul Melia and Mandy Kendall are regulars at ukulele night. Photo/Susan Wood

The ukulele made its debut on the Arthur Godfrey Show of the 1960s, and Tiny Tim featured it with his 1968 hit “Tiptoe Through the Tulips.”

The instrument declined in popularity in the 1980s until a new generation of musicians took it up in the next decade.

Marge Bornino, who at age 90, started playing the ukulele at 14 in her days hanging out at Venice Beach in Southern California.

“We went surfing and played ukulele. That’s what we did,” said Bornino, who plays despite suffering from a carpal tunnel injury.

To this day, Bornino also still strums the bass. Playing a ukulele takes her back to her younger days more than any other activity – back to the days of Bob Marley and the Beatles.

Rather fitting, Bornino was right at home with the last song of the night “Lady Madonna.”  

Lake Tahoe Community College business instructor Treva Thomas, math and physics instructor Bruce Armbrust, and adjunct instructor/work experience and internship coordinator Jenna Palacio are all being honored for their work in the classroom and dedication to LTCC’s students.

Thomas was chosen by her fellow faculty members as the distinguished faculty member for 2017. Palacio was also selected by faculty members as adjunct of the year. Armbrust was tapped by LTCC’s students as teacher of the year.

Each winner will receive $500 by the LTCC Foundation. They will also each get to direct another $500 toward the LTCC program or scholarship of their choice.

By Mike Higdon, Reno Gazette-Journal

The invasive weeds and wild grasses blanketing Northern Nevada after a record winter are potentially dangerous for pets — and expensive for their owners.

Foxtails in particular are short weeds with little … well … fuzzy foxtails on the ends. Those foxtails are the grass seeds that come off easily onto clothes or fur. Their spiny structures dig their way into pets’ fur, skin, ears, eyes, noses, mouths and genitals and are difficult to remove.

Left untreated, foxtails can cause infection or even work their way into the brains of animals and lead to death, according to Pet WebMD.

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