23.0°
December 14, 2006
Vintage 5, Nip 1 Download PDF version
On the Spot: News
Nervous about Coal this Christmas
People are nervous about Truckee’s electricity. The Truckee Donner Public Utility District (TDPUD) is nervous because as of 2009, the district isn’t sure from where the bulk of its power will be coming. Many ratepayers and several out-of-area voices are nervous because the district is considering alleviating the unknown by signing a 50-year contract for coal-fired power from a Utah company.
Local Ski Resorts Go Green, Pray for White
Web Exclusive Article
Some argue that resorts are making and promoting their environmental efforts as a PR ploy, jumping on the bandwagon for public approval. But issues like water quality and global warming are real problems that are finally catching the attention of the masses – even the President recently acknowledge the existence of global warming – and proactive efforts make a difference, regardless of the motivation.
Royal Gorge is going places, we're just not sure where yet
Ever since Royal Gorge was purchased in October 2005, with the new owners following it up with the purchase of Ice Lakes Lodge in January 2006, Donner Summit has been abuzz with interest in what Royal Gorge and the surrounding area will look like in the future
Truckee Downtown Parking Report
Truckee Town Council Meeting, November 16, 2006: A review of the downtown parking system; new night shuttle service in Truckee; and adoption of the 2025 Truckee General Plan
Tidbits
China's love for Coal; One a day keeps the babies away; and Glacier grows because of global warming
Building them up; Tearing them down
Well-known Truckee mountain bike trails on public lands were taken down by the Forest Service this past summer. The bootleg trails were some of the few freeriding options in the area, but according to the Forest Service they are often not well built or well located. A look at why these trails are being built by riders, why they are being taken down by the Forest Service, and what can be done about the situation.
The Spout: Editorials
Message from the sky
Editor's Box
My oldest brother, Juan, has been living in Iraq for the past few years. He works for a company that contracts out with the military – the job pays well, and he’s relatively safe in the Green Zone. But early in December, I got the call.
It's not paving paradise, it's making paradise safer and more beautiful
My Shot
Community member, David Polivy, responds to the letter to the editor about paving paradise (Nov/Dec 2006) claiming nobody from out of the area is trying to pave anything. It is actually people from within the area who are interested in creating more vibrant downtown experiences, etc...
Forest Service isn't working with mountain bikers
My Shot
Community member, Kevin Bazar, responds to the recent the Forest Service's demolition of the Jackass Ridge trail and how it affects mountain biking community.
Mountain Life
Chain Monkeys Battle the Weather and the Modern Age
The work of a chain installer is brutal, and that's not just referring to the ice and cold: the SUV has become a bane for a once lucrative income.
Holiday Helpers
Java Jabber
I asked several Truckee locals the question, “During this season of gratitude and giving, what you do to give, or to give back to our community?”
Mr. Christmas Orders a Pie
My favorite Christmas memory is about “Mr. Christmas,” my older brother, Tommy. He always left his shopping and wrapping until the last possible minute.
Chillin' with Chester
Flip's Friends
Chester’s hobbies include long walks in the woods, rolling in the snow, wrestling and ice skating. Chester still has that puppy goofiness. When he runs, parts of his body move in all directions. All thi sand he is looking for someone to love him.
Ways to recycle your Christmas tree
Some crafty alternatives to dumping your Christmas tree this year.
Holiday Waste Reduction Tips
Americans throw away 25% more trash during the Thanksgiving to New Year's holiday period than any other time of year. Here are some waste-reducing ways to make your holidays a green one.
Wellness & Learning
Antibacterial Soaps
Practical Wellness
Numerous studies have shown that triclosan, the active ingredient in antibacterial soap, is no more effective at preventing infections than plain soap and water. In the larger picture, triclosan (and its cousin triclocarban) pose serious and unacceptable risks to human health and the environment.
Rocking Stone: Arts & Culture
Art and Politics, Politics and Art
Picassos Among Us
A recent article in the December 2006 business periodical Art Calendar discusses cultural pressure and self-censorship. It raises questions about whether some artists produce only pretty art because they are afraid of cultural repercussions. If one doesn't express what one truly thinks, is that being true to yourself?
What's Cooking?
Sarah Congress has a sudden and unexpected new friend, the Crock-pot, that allows her to throw a dish together ahead of time. By dinnertime, the flavors have married and intensified and the meal is ready when you get home.
Blue Turtle Seduction
With more than five years of touring the west coast under their belts, Blue Turtle Seduction’s eclectic blend of bluegrass, funk, and rock is really heating up. “Deep Sea Rodeo,” the band’s long-awaited second studio release, shows a musical maturity uncommonly coupled with the youthful energy so apparent in their music.
Buttcracker
Reno’s own Bruka Theatre has decided to contribute to the cheery season with a hysterical performance geared towards bringing out the fun side of holidays. The underground theatre ensemble is currently performing “Buttcracker” a parody on the timeless ballet, Nutracker, done “in the spirit of ridiculous.” This version, however, is not recommended for the ballet purists, says Bruka.
Dynamic Duo Make Good with Published Chapbooks
BookIt
English Professor June Sylvester Saraceno and one of her previous students, Allison Hilborn, say they are a “two-woman support group.” In November, the two poets each independently landed publishing deals with Pudding House Press.
Wild & Scenic Film Festival
Nevada City hosts the largest film festival of its kind in America, and this year the Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival includes multiple venues, events and the opportunity to mingle with filmmakers.
What's Happening
Reaching New Levels
The immigration issue is being hashed out in the halls of governmental buildings across the continent. Meanwhile steps are being taken to improve the opportunities of immigrants already living on American soil without an important tool at their disposal – an education.
Community Goings On
New Inspection Center
For a government building, the new agricultural inspection station on Interstate 80 is quite striking
