New Law Affects Contractors
CALIFORNIA
Assembly Bill 5, which went into effect in January, now “creates a presumption that a worker who performs services for a hirer is an employee for purposes of claims for wages and benefits.” The law requires a three-part test, an “ABC” test, to establish whether or not a worker is an independent contractor.
Exceptions apply if the hiring party can verify the person is free from control and direction of the hiring party; the person’s work is outside the hiring party’s normal course of business; and the person is normally engaged in independent work. Licensed insurance agents, commercial fisherman, graphic designers, and those providing licensed barber or cosmetology services are some of the listed exceptions.
~ AH
Guitarfish Festival Says Farewell
CISCO GROVE
After nine consecutive years, the Guitarfish Music Festival will not happen in 2020. Staff released a statement saying they made the difficult decision “due to a variety of factors [and] we feel this is the best option for the festival at this time. We can’t say if a return is in the cards, either as Guitarfish or the next manifestation of this dream, but you can be sure you’ll all be invited to the party if/when it does happen!” To all who purchased early bird tickets for 2020, staff will reach out directly regarding a full refund.
~ Guitarfish newsletter
RNO Hits 4.45 Million Passenger Mark in 2019
RENO
For the first time since 2008, Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) served almost 4.5 million passengers, up 5.7% from 2018, and the fifth consecutive increase in year-over-year passenger growth. The record growth at RNO can be attributed to the community’s “team” approach to air service.
Passenger traffic at RNO has grown 35% since 2014 as a result of the introduction of larger aircraft on several West Coast routes, upgrading seasonal markets to daily, year-round service, and added frequencies to existing markets.
~ Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority press release
Paint-it-Forward
TRUCKEE
Kelly Brothers Painting is currently accepting nominations for its 2020 Truckee recipient, and is asking for the community’s help in nominating a family or nonprofit in need of painting services. The chosen recipient will receive up to $10,000 in painting services. The window to nominate ends Feb. 29.
~ Kelly Brothers Painting email
POWDR, Mammut Partner Together
PARK CITY, UTAH
POWDR, an adventure lifestyle company with destinations across North America, recently announced a new long-term partnership with Mammut, the leading Swiss-born premium outdoors brand, with more than a century of experience in producing mountain safety equipment, technical apparel, and accessories for outdoor activities.
The partnership makes Mammut the official uniform and apparel provider for more than 8,000 mountain professionals working at 10 of POWDR’s mountain resort locations, including Boreal Mountain Resort. The partnership begins with the 2020/21 season, continues through 2026, and also includes POWDR’s heli-skiing operation, Powderbird, located at Snowbird, Utah.
~ POWDR press release
Philosophy Goes Tapas
TRUCKEE
Philosophy has transitioned into a tapas-inspired menu. Chef David Silva, formerly of Menlo Park’s Madera, came on board and completely revamped the offerings. The new menu is created from locally sourced organic ingredients whenever possible and is passion-driven. Tapas-style dishes work well in the space and go with the social party concept. Philosophy is striving to be the intimate party venue; the go-to space for birthday celebrations, wedding rehearsal dinners, and music nights. The new offerings include tapas such as Spanish octopus, hamachi ceviche, salumi boards, and oysters, along with unique salad offerings and larger entrees such as pasta bolognese and braised short ribs. The menu can be viewed online at truckeephilosophy.com.
~ Philosophy staff
New Brewery Comes to Town
TRUCKEE
The Good Wolf Brewing Company officially opened its doors on Feb. 1, after a successful soft launch late last year. The Good Wolf will offer a selection of hop-forward and forest-inspired craft beers, all brewed locally.
The 50-seat tasting room, lined with moss and a verdant jungle of plants, isn’t your typical industrial brewery tasting room. Owners Matt and Heidi Petyo, who designed the space themselves, aimed to exude a lush, rustic vibe with a warm feel, while using colors and textures inspired by the area’s natural setting. The tasting room also comes stocked with classic board games for those seeking some old-school entertainment.
Lead brewer Matt has spent time working for renowned breweries like Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Seattle’s Elysian Brewing Company, Oskar Blues Brewery, and Wildcard Brewing Company. A hops aficionado who regularly forages for fresh ingredients, he enjoys “exploring and experimenting with unique hop varietals and creative beers that push the boundaries of the brewing tradition.”
The taproom is located at 10990 Industrial Way, Suite B103. For more information, visit thegoodwolfbrewing.com.
~ The Good Wolf staff
Old Greenwood Starts Next Phase
TRUCKEE
The Signature Home Collection at Old Greenwood is entering its second phase of construction. All eight of the homes unveiled during the first phase of the collection have been purchased and each of the new families moved into their homes in time for the holidays. This new mountain contemporary addition to Old Greenwood is a PARADIGM8 (P|8) development represented by Carr Long Real Estate. Already, three of the eight homes in phase two are pre-sold with five still available for purchase pre-construction.
~ PARADIGM 8 press release
Plumas Bancorp Reports Record Earnings
QUINCY
Plumas Bancorp, the parent company of Plumas Bank, recently announced record earnings for the 12 months ending Dec. 31, 2019. For the year, Plumas Bancorp reported a net income of $15.5 million, an increase of $1.5 million, or 11%, from $14.0 million in 2018. Earnings per diluted share increased to $2.97 for 2019, up $0.29 from $2.68 for 2018. Earnings for the fourth quarter of 2019 totaled $3.9 million, an increase of $0.3 million, or 9%, from $3.6 million for the three months ending Dec. 31, 2018. Earnings per diluted share increased to $0.74 for the three months ending Dec. 31, 2019, up $0.06 from $0.68 for the fourth quarter of 2018.
~ globenewswire.com
Matt Reardon Opens Music Venue
RENO
Former Squaw Valley Institute head Matt Reardon recently opened Peavine Taphouse Eats and Beats, a new food and music venue in Reno. The location holds over 300 people and the space is designed by musicians, for musicians. Food includes pizza, tapas, and salad, plus 20 beers on tap, a full cocktail bar, and a vast selection of wine. A full menu can be found online at peavinetaphouse.com. The venue is located at 7665 Town Square in Reno.
~ Matt Reardon Facebook post, Peavine Taphouse website
New Chefs, Upgrades at Cottonwood
TRUCKEE
Recent additions to Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar are chefs Ben Deinken and Joe Bell. Deinken served as chef de cuisine at the American Hotel, which hosted all of the broadcast networks during the Salt Lake City Olympics. He won first place at the P.C.A. cake and chocolate competition in 2006 and was the executive chef at Chocolate Bar in Reno. At the West Shore Café, Deinken provided seasonal California cuisine and at Rapscallion he produced fresh seafood specials and top-quality Angus beef culinary creations. Bell was the executive chef at Wild River Grille for five years after working with celebrity chef Mark Estee at Chez Louie, a French-inspired eatery located in the Nevada Museum of Art. Bell was also the opening chef of Feast in Reno.
A new commercial kitchen is currently under construction on the east side of the Cottonwood dining room.
~ cottonwoodrestaurant.com
Main Image Caption: GOOD WOLF: Truckee’s newest brewery, The Good Wolf Brewing Company, opened Feb. 1 with a 50-seat tasting room and forest-inspired craft beers. Courtesy photo
