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Lost a Dog?

AIREDALE TERRIER found loose at 7-11 in Washoe Valley on Saturday 5-26.

He is at the new Humane Society in Reno.

It is an older Male-Airedale Terrier found at 7-11. Has a collar with no tag.
May 29, 2007
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Thanks Neighbors!

From one of our hard-working volunteers:

"The East Washoe Valley CAB & Working Group would like to thank you TREMENDOUSLY for all your Washoe Valley support we needed last night (Tuesday-ed) at the Washoe County Board of Commissioners meeting!  You were all respectful & listened intently.  We could FEEL your support, & so could the Commissioners!
You were great!
    The citizens working the most intently on the Plan were Bill Naylor, Monica Frank, Carol Christenson, Susan Juetten, Bob Rusk, & Jane Countryman.  We also would like to thank Rick, the editor, for his fantastic signs on both ends of Eastlake.
  When you see them, please thank them for all their hard work."

I, as editor of your community website, would also like to thank everyone who has contributed information, corrections and other content to the site to help keep us Washoe Valley residents informed on the issues.

The SVAP issue has not gone away and certainly the threat of runaway development never will either. Other issues like the new nuisance ordinance, annexation threats and the potential sell-off of surrounding BLM land will continue to be topics that will affect us and and which we will be following. Keep participating and be a part of your great community!
May 24, 2007
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Huge Turnout at Commission Meeting

Planning Commission Told "Fix It" By Commissioners

Approximately 300+ residents made the trip into Reno despite the rush hour traffic to attend the County Commission Meeting with the South Valleys Area Plan on the agenda as a public hearing. During the public comment portion of the meeting, before official testimony on the SVAP agenda item, a 30 year resident spoke as he said he could not attend the later item. He praised the residents for being diligent in advising the county and for attending the meeting. He concluded by saying the only fault he could see in the residents is electing the current batch of commissioners. Applause and laughter went up and Mr. Larkin, the chairman of the Board of Commissioners chastised the crowd in a stern tone that any applause or laughter would result in the public being expelled from the chamber. Being humbled, we waited for a recess to be completed and the meeting to continue.

Upon the taking up of the SVAP agenda item, the head of the Planning Dept. spoke of the many acres of open space now existing in Washoe Valley, 37,000 acres by his count ( is he counting all public lands up to the extent of the hydrologic valley- up to all the ridgetops?)  He also went on to say that there are only 1990 lots of 5 acres or less available for development in Washoe Valley. I think his point was that we should be happy with all that we have.

The commissioners, Humke and Sferrazza, in particular noted that they had been alerted by residents that the SVAP draft version that the county was circulating was not the one approved by the planning commission and that could lead to confusion. They indicated they would probably ask for the hearing be rescheduled to a later date. It was decided that a 60 day continuance may be appropriate. They were to decide on that at the end of the meeting.

Public testimony began with those who signed up to speak. Many were from the working group, the CABS and others who are always working for the valley and others who are ordinary citizens concerned about their quality of life, the beauty of the valley and the future of the valleys wildlife.

Many residents gave testimony starting with representatives of four groups: the East and West WV CAB boards, the West Washoe Homeowners and the WV Landowners Assoc. All were in agreement that the plan is flawed and incomplete and needs more work. The main concerns were:

• The Weston/Lowden Development: The subdivision itself was protested as being out of character with the valley and also the precedence it would set. It is feared that if this particular landowner gets special treatment and privileges than any landowner can expect the same thing making an area plan and zoning meaningless.

• The commercial zone in Old Washoe City: The planners tried to explain that the area actually has less commercial potential in the new plan than the old. But residents pointed out that according to the county map with the SVAP, the physical area is actually expanded. Others questioned the inclusion of multi-unit dwellings and the long list of acceptable businesses allowed under the proposed plan.

Other residents involved with the process cited the planning depts slipshod work and lack of interest in residents input while others pleaded for preserving the valleys rural, scenic and natural character.

The attorney for Mr. Serpa, large landowner and developer in Washoe Valley, stated that it was his opinion that the SVAP had no right to try to regulate water issues in the valley as that is superseded by the state's water agreements with landowners through the water rights process.

Mr. Lowden spoke saying he was a regular guy and liked the rural lifestyle also and looked forward to taking the matter up at the next meeting.

I left before the commissioners ended the meeting but this correspondent has the final notes:

"What a fantastic turnout we had at the Commission meeting last night.  The public comments were great.  The crowd respectful.  Commissioner Humke supported us, as did Galloway and Sferrazza.  Commissioner Larkin said some nice things and with Weber joining in, the vote was unanimous to send the SVAP back to the Planning Commission with direction to fix the plan. 

It was just wonderful to see so many people turn out to support Washoe Valley.  I was told a huge stack of fliers were mailed in, and lots & lots of e-mails and letters of support were received. 

Thank you all for doing such a fantastic job for Washoe Valley."

See the RGJ.com article on the hearing here.

May 23, 2007
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"They are a bunch of Chicken Littles down there,"

Weston Lowden Attorney Characterizes Washoe Valley Residents

Developers to Citizens: MORONS!

The attorney for the proposed Weston/Lowden development in northeast Washoe Valley asserts that Washoe Valley Residents fears of continued Reno urban sprawl are unfounded. What he bases this opinion on in contrast to history is not revealed in this RGJ article. It does show the contempt that government and development forces have for residents/voters/taxpayers.

Faced with the lessons learned from rampant development in every direction from Reno, Washoe Valley residents are apparently foolish to fear that it could happen to them. We are told to trust in government and the better judgment of big money.

"They're sticking their heads in the sand, saying no growth, no growth," Mollath said. "They are going to get municipal water and sewer whether they like it or not. They can have their rural lifestyles. But the only ones who are going to be able to live there are cows."

Oddly enough some think a rural lifestyle is foolish and that everyone's ultimate goal should be to live in a phony environment of concrete and asphalt with the citizens picking up the bill for maintenance and services while the developers walk away with the profits. Lip service is paid to "rural lifestyles", "history", "scenic values", "open space" but the real intent is to maximize the profit for the development driven economy of Reno.

They may be right, showing up at Tuesdays meeting may be an exercise in futility against our development-drug crazed government but it is our duty as citizens to assume we are still in charge and make the effort to influence our government, community and lifestyles.
May 21, 2007
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Washoe Valley Voices

I'm sorry, but it's too late by about 30 years to "stay rural'. The Valley has changed dramatically in the last 50 years that I've been here and it's going to change even more as long as money takes an interest in it. I see that as being as unavoidable as all the (relatively)  new neighbors that I have.

I would propose that Washoe and Pleasant Valleys provide a "green zone" both visually and emotionally that will be otherwise be lacking along the drive from the Stead area to Gardnerville unless somebody starts pushing for a Zero Growth belt. I would challenge developers and planners alike to consider, not only the future of this area, but near future property values.

I'm led to believe that property values in Boulder, Colorado skyrocketed when they passed 'zero growth'. With unrestricted growth in both Reno and Carson City it will not be long before the two grow together. I'd think that it would be very short sighted of everyone concerned if that were allowed to happen.

In the interest of allowing all you newbies to present a common front, I'll pass on attending tonight's meeting.

____________________________

_______________________

I heard it said that the residents of Washoe Valley do not understand their intent. So they have changed their stance.

But what’s going on in the back of their heads?

We just went through a development plan cycle. When are people going to learn that planners plan! When you’re a planner you can not leave anything alone, otherwise your not planning, i.e. doing your job.

The big mistake with working with planners is that people become complacent. They want to be nice with people and expect that planners will work with you and see things your way. Well, after the last planning commission meeting, people may have learned that it’s not a two way street.

I remember one of the first meetings with the ‘planner’. He told the small group of people that they would start with a small group of homes and we’d get use to it. The people I was with had other ideas of what needed to be done. In the end none of the real action items suggested by those in hearing range were enacted, but we did get all his plans and then some. With a little fancy frills along the ridge tops.

Then at the last meeting, I remember one of the panel members saying that they could not tell the developer what to do with their property. Well I think they could, that’s what building codes are all about, but at that point I knew that all hope was lost.

The only way people are going to stop the rush of development and Reno to over come all obstacles, is to vote out all the commissioners that side with the developers. Of course the people will not. They vote for the names they know and those are the names that have the biggest and most signs in every neighborhood come election time. Guess where all that money comes from for all those big signs? Yep, it’s the people who meet separately with them, in their offices, when they ask for that favor back which helped them get reelected.

Just before the last election, there was a list published someplace, which someone had complied, showing the votes of those running for office who voted with the developers. Mr. Humke's name stood out in that list. Now I think I heard him say we don’t understand.

The bottom line is that he doesn’t understand what we have in Washoe Valley is special for Nevada.

But in the end, the only way we have a slight chance of saving Washoe Valley is to vote them out of office. But of course that will never happen, since the developers will have bought all their friends big signs that will get them reelected. And those that vote against them will have the uphill battle against well funded and lawyer backed builder friends.

We’ll show up at tomorrows meeting and fill the room. We’ll voice our concerns and wishes. Perhaps they will nod or smile, but in the end. Late some night, after all have left the meeting room. They will vote to give their developer friends, what they want to make them a few million $’s more and the voters will reelect them again next year.

Then last of all, we’ll get stuck with the bills.

_________________________

___________________________

I wanted to comment on Adrien Freund's message.  He says the Supporters of Scripps letter misrepresents the area plan.  Well, I wrote that letter and will vouch for the accuracy of my statements.  A list of references has been sent to the Commissioners that demonstrates exactly where that information can be found, such as the Regional Plan.  You probably are aware, but I wanted to point out that the term density is different than actual lot size.  Density is the area divided by 5 acres (or whatever size).  The Weston/Lowden property will have half acre lots, and 20% of the lots will be 1 acre or less.  This is not allowed in the Regional Plan and other documents that are speaking of actual lot size.  They say no sub-division of land less than 5 acres in Washoe Valley.  In addition the 5 acre minimum was upheld in the Serpa vs. Washoe County Supreme Court case in (I think it was 1995).

___________________________________

County Planning and Commissioner Humke Respond

Read Mr. Humke's response to the concerns of a local resident and Mr. Adrian P. Freund, AICP, Director, Washoe County Community Development written response to the concerns of Washoe Valley residents in this submission forwarded by a local resident on the SVAP Page.

It looks like our county government is already reacting to broad negative reaction to the SVAP and the potential crowd at the meeting Tuesday. Either the planning department is pushing ahead with their own agenda or done a miserable job at communicating the SVAP to the public. The plan talks about preserving the scenic, historic, rural character of the valley but are those sentiments backed up with regulatory teeth to prevent outside developers from exploiting the valley piece by piece?
May 19, 2007
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Call To Action!

Washoe Valley is at a crossroads and you can take part in the path to the future. We all live here because we consider the valley a special place for its natural beauty, recreational opportunities and sense of being apart from the excesses of both Reno and Carson City.

That could all change starting this year as the county seeks to fit Washoe Valley into the development machine that has drastically changed the "quality of life" from Mt. Rose Highway north. Even if you don't value the intangible qualities of beauty, recreation and quality of life, will you be sacrificing future property values if you stay silent now and Washoe Valley becomes just another mega-development?

You are not alone! Signs are up, postcards are being sent, and residents are all being urged to attend the County Commissioners Meeting at 5:30pm this coming Tuesday in a last ditch attempt to impress upon the county that residents/taxpayers/voters are in charge, not corporate development machines seeking raw material for their insatiable appetites.

You voice may be , your journey into community participation may be a waste of time. But this is your chance to participate as a citizen in a matter that affects you directly as the founding fathers intended!

If you choose not to attend, see the following articles for addresses where you may send your thoughts to our commissioners!
May 18, 2007
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SVAP Not Valid

washoevalley.org has obtained the following articles that show the SVAP (South Valleys Area Plan) does not meet the guidelines of the TM Regional Plan, WC Development Code, and Nevada State Water Engineer. Yet the county is still insisting that this is the blueprint for Washoe Valley in the future. Read the specific points here on the SVAP Page under SVAP NON-CONFORMANCE ISSUES.

A letter from the Washoe Valley Working Group (a volunteer group who has been working to advise the county on the residents desires) in advance of the May 22nd meeting.

Documentation for the above letters. Review all these documents on the SVAP Page in preparation for Tuesdays Meeting.
May 18, 2007
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.

from a correspondent:

Developer Gets Special Treatment

As a matter of information the area that is currently  designated for development under the 'specific plan'
is the 700+ acres from Spicer (just north of the fire station on Eastlake) all the way to the corner of
Eastlake and 395. In other words just about all the visible land opposite Little Washoe lake (east).
Under the 'specific plan', the owners Weston and Lowden would be able to put 140 homes on that site.
The 'specific plan' also allows in that 140 homes to have 27 "casitas", that is, homes on 1/2 acre
clustered together.

The county planning dept. is giving this landowner special status by addressing his plan specifically in the Area Plan. 
This will give his project special status to overcome any barriers in the future, it is feared. Typically, high density 
development is approved if it is in the "character of the community". This project will make high density housing "within
the character of the community" since it will be existing in Washoe Valley.- ed.
May 18, 2007
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from a correspondent:

Washoe City To Be Commercial Hub

Another area slated for development is old Washoe City, which will be expanded and called the "Old Washoe City Historic Mixed-use Commercial District".
It will be possible to have hotels with convention facilities, condominiums, apartments over rows of shops, helicopter services, undertaking services, schools, RV Parks, and Major Public Facilities, and gun clubs, like skeet shooting.

This is the same type of zoning that allowed a huge warehouse building to be built on my residential street in New Washoe City that is surrounded on three sides by homes. It Can Happen to You!- ed.
May 18, 2007
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Write A Letter, Attend a Meeting For Your "Quality of Life"

Dear Friends of Washoe Valley, outdoor recreation, and wildlife;

Some of you already know about the problems we‘ve had with Washoe County’s update of the South Valleys Area Plan (SVAP).  I’m writing today because I know you must share our concerns over the loss of rural areas, water, and wildlife habitat to uncontrolled growth.  We desperately need your help to keep Washoe Valley rural and to protect its natural resources for wildlife, recreation, and open space.

I am asking for your support in the form of a letter to the Washoe County Board of County Commissioners, protesting the South Valley Area Plan update, as written.  The SVAP will be heard at the WC Commission meeting Tuesday, May 22, 2007 @ 5:30 pm.  This plan must be denied, and revised in order to bring it into conformance with the Truckee Meadows Regional Plan (TMRP) and protect rural Washoe Valley.

The SVAP includes Washoe Valley, Pleasant Valley & Steamboat, but I will concentrate on Washoe Valley.  Washoe Valley is the only area of the SVAP that is identified as a Rural Development Area in the Regional Plan and, as such, is given more protection.  The intent and policies of the Regional Plan take precedence over the County’s plan, and can help keep Washoe Valley rural, and open space, recreation and wildlife areas available and viable in the future.

With respect to Washoe Valley, the SVAP has four conditions that must be revised in order for the plan to be in full conformance with the Regional Plan  & the Washoe County Development Code.   

Washoe County;
     •     must not allow additional development that requires the provision of municipal service, (such as municipal wells or water supply/wastewater treatment facilities to serve new development);
     •     must not allow new divisions of land that create parcels of less than 5 acres;
     •     must prohibit amendments to zoning that increase the density or intensity to allow parcels of less than 5 acres in size within Washoe Valley in order to protect water quality; and
     •     must not expand the current commercial area to include Mixed-use in General Rural or residential areas; or introduce land uses currently not allowed in General Rural and/or Neighborhood Commercial.

All of the above provisions are found in this SVAP and all must be removed in order to keep population growth to a manageable level and protect our natural resources.  

There are two areas in Washoe Valley targeted for development that do not conform to the TMRP.  The first is a Specific Plan for the Weston/Lowden subdivision in east Washoe Valley with parcels smaller than 5 acres, that will require municipal services.  This property is bordered by public lands on three sides; to the west it overlooks little Washoe Lake and part of Scripps WMA, to the east & south is BLM land.  There are development constraints, such as steep slopes, Mule deer winter range & migration route, water supply and wastewater disposal problems.  Within this subdivision, the SVAP grants “special consideration, for water supply and wastewater treatment”, including solutions that “need further regulatory relief”.  We can only imagine the harm that the proposed “regulatory relief” will lead to for the surrounding public lands, lake/wetlands and private domestic well owners.

The second non-conforming area is the Mixed-use expansion of old Washoe City at the north end of Washoe Valley.  To the south, old Washoe City borders the recently acquired Winter’s Ranch open space, which serves as a buffer for Scripps WMA.  The expansion of this area is planned for urban/suburban type development of residential and commercial uses mixed with civic and agricultural uses.  Many of these uses are of increased densities that will require water/wastewater treatment facilities.  Included are hotels with convention facilities, helicopter services, schools, condos, and traditional agricultural uses like animal slaughter.

Both of these non-conforming development areas in the SVAP MUST BE DENIED and REVISED to bring them into conformance with the Truckee Meadows Regional Plan, which takes precedence over local government planning documents.

We have been working very hard on the SVAP and have made progress.  Your letters of support for Washoe Valley can make the difference.  Please write and tell the WC Commissioners that the South Valley’s Area Plan should be denied and brought into conformance with the Truckee Meadows Regional Plan in order to protect Washoe Valley. Whether you write in your official capacity or as a private citizen, Please Write.  The WC Commission meeting is Tuesday, May 22, @ 5:30 pm.

Washoe County Board of County Commissioners:
Commissioner David Humke <dhumke@washoecounty.us>
Commissioner Pete Sferrazza <psferrazza@washoecounty.us>
Commissioner Jim Galloway <jgalloway@washoecounty.us>
Commissioner Bob Larkin <rlarkin@washoecounty.us>
Commissioner Bonnie Weber <bweber@washoecounty.us>

IThank you so much for your interest, your attention and your support for Washoe Valley,
May 18, 2007
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Keep Washoe Valley Rural Signs

The Washoe Valley Working Group (the group of residents who have spent the last couple of years providing Washoe County our input on the South Valleys Area Plan) has put up signs throughout the valley urging residents to attend the next Commissioners meeting.

Despite the working groups pleas for retaining the rural character of the valley the county has crafted a plan that actually opens the door for mass residential and commercial development starting now.

Does every beautiful rural area in western Nevada have to be consumed to feed the corporate development furnace? Isn't Washoe County here to serve the residents/citizens/voters/taxpayers and not corporations?

See the following article on information for attending the meeting or sending a letter or email. Let them know you care!
May 15, 2007
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This just in from our correspondent:

Did you know that the Washoe County Planning Commission has decided that the best way to minimize the development of Washoe Valley is to build houses?

Did you know that the same planning commission is taking steps that would soon allow the TMSA to provide services to expand into Washoe Valley which would subsequently allow further housing development in our valley? (Think Spanish Springs).

A few Washoe Valley residents from both the east and west side have for almost 3 years tried to prevent the incursion of housing development into the valley and have been turned away at each meeting with the Planning Commission. This same commission seems determined to change the status of Washoe Valley as a Rural Development Area into something quite different, with expanded commercial potential, expanded potential for housing development.

The residents of Washoe Valley are now down to their last chance to halt this urban spread. The Board of County Commissioners will hear the recommendations of the Planning Commission to approve the South Valleys Area Plan on May 22nd (stay tuned to this site for the exact time and place on the agenda). This is our only remaining opportunity to speak out, please come to the meeting and voice your opinion. If you can’t attend please contact the county commissioners by phone, e-mail or letter. You may also e-mail your local CAB members (West WV CAB click on "roster") (East WV CAB click on "roster") and they will forward them to the commissioners.

Remember what Double Diamond Ranch (at Damonte Parkway)looked like a few years ago and have you seen it lately?- ed.
May 6, 2007
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Mosquito Spraying to Start

That buzzing overhead isn't a swarm of mosquitoes full of West Nile Virus, its the Vector-borne illness folks spraying our wetlands with a non-toxic mosquito killer stuff from a helicopter. This from the RGJ.com article:

"Aerial spraying to suppress mosquitoes starts today and continues every two weeks on Thursday through October in Washoe Valley, Rosewood Lakes, Bella Vista ranch, Double Diamond and Damonte ranch, Stead, Lemmon Valley and Spanish Springs Valley.

Officials ask residents to clear yards of free-standing water, use repellent, wear long sleeves and long pants in mosquito prone areas, repair window screens and vaccinate horses."

More about the "vector-borne" disease program at Washoe County.

Here is the CDC homepage on the disease. This disease is scary because most may not realize they have it, or think it is the flu. But for some it can cause severe symptoms even permanent damage or paralysis. Hope for the best but prepare for the worst!
May 18, 2007
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Don't Lower the Bridge, Raise The Earth!

It seems the "big bridge" for the new freeway is giving another construction company fits. The new contractor is proposing to use massive amounts of fill in the canyon below the bridge so that the huge trusses can be placed without the use of cranes. How a company can bid on a project and then change the rules is beyond me but then I am not in that league. Did NDOT design something that can't be built or is it just at the mercy of the contractors? Here is the whole story here.
May 18, 2007
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Students Battle Weeds in Washoe Valley

"In the fight against tall whitetop, 20 college students from across the country have become warriors in eradicating the weed from the Truckee Meadows, cutting the vegetation weeds and spraying herbicide in local parks this week." in this article from RGJ.com . Tall whitetop is an invasive weed that takes over riparian areas and edges out native plants to the detriment of local wildlife, plants and water quality. More information on tall whitetop is here (pdf) from the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension.
May 18, 2007
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Spring Bonnet Fashions

Trish Freed of "A Dog's Life Canine Retreat Center" here in the valley submitted this photo and note: "I was driving home from running my dogs near Ormsby Lane and had to do a double take when I saw this goat. Thank you neighbor for the smile!"
May 6, 2007
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County Sends Greetings and an Update

Our County Outreach Coordinator sends this note:

Hello South Valley Residents!

Thank you for participating in the Citizen Advisory Board meetings, special working groups, and public hearings regarding the update of the South Valley Area Plan. I want to keep you updated on the upcoming BCC meeting that you have expressed interest in attending.

Board of County Commissioners, May 22. The meeting will be held at the 9^th Street Complex, in Reno, Nevada. The meeting begins at 2:00 p.m. The South Valley Area Plan is a public hearing and will be heard after 5:30 p.m. For the agenda, please visit the BCC webpage (www.washoecounty.us and hit the link on the right “County Commission”). The agenda will be posted one week prior to the meeting.

 In addition, the Washoe County Planning Commission will hear a related short agenda item on May 1. The purpose of this item is to clarify statements made at the February 20 Planning Commission meeting and ensure that the Planning Commissioners’ decision was based on accurate information. Although not frequently used, this is a standard procedure used to verify statements made during public meetings. At the May 1 meeting, the Planning Commission may make a motion to reconsider the action taken at the February 20 meeting. The meeting will be held at the County Commission Chambers on 9^th Street. The item is at the end of the meeting agenda.

 If the Planning Commission chooses to rehear the item, then the South Valley’s Updated Area Plan will be heard at the May 15 Planning Commission meeting. The options for the Commission will be either to confirm or modify their previous action.

 Thank you, again, for your time and efforts! For additional information on upcoming meetings please visit the Planning Commission or Board of County Commissioners websites. Please also view your District Webpage for more information on events in your area. You are always welcome to email (stone@washoecounty.us) or call me at (775) 328-2721. I look forward to seeing you at your next CAB meeting!
May 6, 2007
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Get Hitched At Thunder Canyon

Here's a cool blog "Sierra Bride" for those of you contemplating a wedding this spring. I think its cool as the layout is really great for a blog. Anyway, They have an article with some pics of the wedding services available at the Thunder Canyon Golf Resort on the west side of the valley. They also have a restaurant there, "Franktown Grill" that we have to review sometime.
May 6, 2007
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Anti-Annexation Letters Needed Now!

Local Saddle Maker Honored

Bill Maloy of Washoe Valley is to be honored by his alma mater, The College of the Sequoias at their 2007 Hall of Fame Dinner Saturday. Bill earned an art degree in the 1950s and has since gone on to become a master saddlemaker and artisan.

Bill and his beautiful work have been featured in several articles in the RGJ, Reno News & Review, and Western Horseman among others. "When I was in high school, I took a craft class and they had leather for us to work on. That's where I first learned to carve leather and really took an interest in saddle work. With some 50 years of saddle-making experience, Maloy creates saddles in the style developed by the Visalia Stock Saddle Company in the late 1800s and early 1900s."
photo by Reno News & Review
May 3, 2007
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West WV CAB Meeting for April & May Agenda

Topics that were discussed in the latest meeting were the South Valleys Area Plan, open burning, illegal dumping, speed limit signs and the red flags adorning them, and drilling for water in WV for the Sierra Reflections Development. NDOT and the SVAP are expected to be on the next agenda.

May Agenda: Updates on the SVAP and Nuisance Ordinance Revision are expected as well as presentations on water rights and NDOT activities.
May 2, 2007
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AB 160: Annexation Update

We received this from our correspondent on the progress of AB160 concerning residents right to choose annexation- or not. For those of you who wrote letters to the legislature: Good Job!

Local Driver Races Sprint Cars

Ever noticed those little race cars being hauled around on trailers in New Washoe City? One of our local residents races them at the Reno-Fernley raceway east of Reno in this article featuring recent race action. Good, noisy, rowdy old fashioned auto racing is alive and well there and at the track in Fallon. It is a blast for a "something completely different" outing on a Saturday. Go and cheer Bill on!
May 2, 2007
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Can Do! Washoe Valley?

EDAWN, or the Economic Development Authority for Western Nevada is apparently including Washoe Valley in a big push to build, pave, pour and plunder Western Nevada in their Can Do! advertising campaign. While more and more residents are wondering where development will end and rural lifestyle will begin, government and developers are pushing to urbanize the county, ala Vegas North. The strategy is to provide jobs to locals while bringing in new residents that need jobs and then provide jobs for them and so on to "infinity and beyond". See a nice story in Carson city's community website here.

If anyone knows what their plans for Washoe Valley are, let all of us know...
May 2, 2007
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Roads To Be Preserved

Upcoming road construction projects were previewed in this RGJ article. "Road Preservation" is earmarked for Washoe Valley. We assume that means crack sealing and maybe chip sealing some of our roads this summer. Also planned is a roundabout for the notorious intersection in southwest Reno at Kietzke and Neil with work on that starting in June.
May 2, 2007
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Jumbo Grade Article

Nevada Magazine ex-publisher Rich Moreno writes up Jumbo Grade and the ghost town of Jumbo in this entertaining article on his blog, Nevada Backyard Traveler. Scroll down the page as he has several other articles about Washoe Valley on his site. Here's a photo "then and now" of Jumbo.
May 2, 2007
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Vandals Strike Memorial

The family's memorial to Chelsea Morrison who was tragically killed last June in a traffic accident (White Pine & Esmeralda) is wondering why anyone would want to remove or vandalize it in this letter. It also serves as reminder that as warmer weather approaches adults and unlicensed children  will be zipping around the streets on unlicensed ATV's and motorcycles and that everyone should exercise caution.
April 23, 2007
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WV Boy Scouts To Have Ceremony- Public Invited

Chad Hirsch of troop 150 here in Washoe Valley wishes to invite the community to the following event: "My eagle project is taking place at 10:00 AM on the 28th of April. I would like to invite the public to this event, at Washoe lake State Park. We will be retiring 200-400 worn American Flags, and also to educate anyone who attends the proper care of the American Flag.  The ceremonies will begin promptly at 10:00, and everyone is encouraged to bring a lunch if they wish to attend."
April 23, 2007
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More Shooting Enthusiasts in Washoe Valley?

Washoe County Commissioners agreed to put a large area of the north county off limits to guns last week in this RGJ.com article and will those gun enthusiasts be looking for new places to shoot?  We have shared the hills with many shooters over the years and have never had a problem with getting shot but several have had dubious gun handling and safety skills. Hopefully they and an increase in shooting won't ruin it for everybody.

This may be another case where actions in another part of the county could affect us here in Washoe Valley.

By state law shooting is now banned within 5,000 feet of a residence (1,000 feet for shotguns). The county can override that by designating an area as a "Congested Area" where public safety may be threatened.
April 20th, 2007
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Land in South Valley Slated For Purchase

The county commission will consider putting 80 acres in the south Washoe Valley on a list for purchase in the Southern Nevada Public Lands sell-off program. The meeting will be at 1pm tomorrow (Tuesday) in the commission chambers. If anyone know the particulars of this purchase, let us know.
April 23, 2007
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Caught Between Two Dumps

Thinking about the Great Truckee Meadows Cleanup and Earth Day got me thinking about our predicament here in Washoe Valley. The Carson Landfill was really great- for about a month. When the freeway was finished it was a breeze to drive to and only cost about $10 a load. Then they raised it to a minimum of $20 for Washoe Valley residents (unless you can convince them you only have demolition or construction debris). Or, you can drive downtown to the Reno Transfer Station. That is a 22 mile drive and $5 a square yard (you can usually stuff 3-4 yards in a pickup). The Lockwood landfill is 29 miles. The Carson Landfill is 15 miles (all measured form New Washoe City). Normally, considering gas at $3 per gallon and at 10mpg it can cost $28 to dump in Reno and $29 at Carson. Then with burning restrictions (totally necessary) I can see why some residents are tempted to "dump in the desert". We should try to think of ways to make it easier and cheaper to discourage illegal dumping in our beautiful hills.

All this makes taking advantage of our free voucher at the Lockwood landfill really important if you are concerned with saving a couple of bucks. It's also a good chance to take the family for a ride and see what's new out east of Reno. We've got until Monday, April 30th.
April 20, 2007
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Washoe Valley Cleanup Scheduled

May 12th will our day for community involvement in our doors according to EWVCAB member Valerie Williams:: "The event is part of the county-wide Great Truckee Meadows Community Clean-up day and it will be held on May 12, from 8:30-noon.  We will meet at the Jumbo Grade trailhead.  Our efforts will focus on clean-up along Jumbo Grade, where there are several piles of trash.  Citizens can either log on to www.ktmb.org to sign up for the event, or call 851-5185 to sign up.  There will be breakfast and lunch served and after the event there is going to be entertainment at Bartley Ranch Regional Park in Reno.  Volunteers will also receive t-shirts.  I believe it would be helpful to have local citizens bring pick-up trucks for hauling trash from clean-up sites to the dumpsters - I think the dumpsters were be at the Jumbo Grade trailhead, but the specifics are not yet finalized.  I have agreed to be the Site Coordinator.  Gary Houk is bringing his Boy Scout troop."
April 20, 2007
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WV Student Wins Scholarship

Congratulations to WV resident and grad student Kalani Michell who has been named a Fulbright Scholar and plans to study the effects of immigration on education in Germany reports this article. The Fulbright Scholarship is sponsored by the the US Dept. of State. Michell plans on getting her masters degree and becoming a college professor. Hopefully her studies will find insights into the problems of immigration and assimilation that many countries face.
April 20th, 2007
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101 Ways To Burn Up Washoe Valley

A 100 acre fire pushed by 50mph winds worked its way upslope from southeast Washoe Valley the other night. Fortunately being stopped by firefighters and snow before it really had a chance to take off. Reportedly the cause is a legal residential burn pile that had been covered with dirt. I can see that this practice would allow the embers to continue to smolder for a more complete burning while keeping the embers from blowing- in a normal area. It seems that one should never underestimate the power and tenacity of the Washoe Zephyr though. My dad taught us that a fire outdoors was only safe to leave when you could put your hand in the ashes. We poured alot of water on campfires.

I was reading a community website the other day that discussed the potential fire danger in the woods is from "hikers and campers". It seems to me from my casual observation that very few.... continued on the Franktown Cafe Blog.

This study has this to say about local wildfire causes: The Carson City community has a high ignition risk rating. There is a significant history of wildfire and fire ignitions in the public lands surrounding the community. High ignition rates are due to the moderate density fuel in and around the community, the tendency for lightning storms during the summer, and number of recreationists using the wildlands near the community. Ignition risks fall into two categories - lightning and human caused. Human caused ignitions can come from a variety of sources: fires started along highways and roads from burning material thrown out of vehicle windows, ignitions from auto accidents, off-road vehicles, faulty power lines, ditch burning, debris burning in piles or burn barrels, matches, target shooting, and fireworks. In Carson City, ignitions have been caused almost equally by both human causes and lightning.

This site has a pie chart of past  causes. Campfires are 1% of causes and it doesn't differentiate between legit campers and yahoos.
April 19, 2007
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Crafty Development Forces At Work

Developers, large landowners and progress-at-any-cost government officials are hard at work coming up with devious ways of subverting those who appreciate quality-of-life here in Washoe County according to this RGJ.com article.

Now, these forces have come up with their own bill that Sparks Mayor Geno Martini describes as an end run around Assembly Bill 160. AB 160 is the bill sponsored by our own Assemblywoman Bonnie Parnell that would put annexation in the hands of the community. Assembly Bill 513 would  force Washoe County to create general improvement districts that could be automatically annexed at the whim of the cities. Yes, the bill requires areas of 5,000 acres but that could easily be revised later and the Sparks mayor already wants it reduced to 2,000 acres.

Add this to AB287 that is a direct assault on AB 160 and we are in real danger of being outmaneuvered by those who want to create a "Las Vegas North" and move on.

Keep track of the progress of these measures on our AB160-Annexation page under the HOT TOPICS menu item.
April 14, 2007
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Divide and Conquer Common Ground

Our neighbors to the west, Incline Village, are waking from their slumber on the issue of annexation. This opinion piece in the North Lake Tahoe Bonanza states the realization that they, too, could soon be targets of Reno's rabid quest for revenue.

The far-flung communities of Washoe County only consider themselves and this works to the advantage of development forces that can force county-wide consequences on small groups of voters.
April 14, 2007
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AB160 Update

A resident sent in this report on the progress of AB160: Thanks!

Monday, April 9th, the Assembly Committee on Government Affairs voted on AB 160.  The vote was a unanimous "do pass".  Now the bill will be sent to the full Assembly for a vote.  That meeting is not yet scheduled.  If it passes the Assembly, it moves to the Senate.  AB160 gives property owners in rural, unincorporated Washoe County the right to be notified, and the right to protest a noncontiguous annexation near their property.  It also changes the makeup of the city annexation committee to a more representative group.  One that will give our county representatives a chance to be heard, as the bill is now written, the county is outnumbered by the cities 2:1.  AB160 does not put an end to noncontiguous annexation, aka Leapfrog annexation.  But it does give the rural communities the same rights as everyone else in Washoe County.  

Our most sincere thanks to Assemblywoman Bonnie Parnell for sponsoring AB160.

The opposing bill AB287 was  a "no action" and probably will not move on to the Senate.
April 13, 2007
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April is Weed Time!

From the looks of our yard anyway! The "natural" areas are starting to green up and a closer inspection shows the nasty bur buttercup is sprouting up already. This is a tiny plant with pretty yellow flowers but already the burs are forming that make those areas of the yard off-limits to our dog all summer. Experts recommend raking them out with a hoe as soon as they come up. See the Gardening Page for info on this and other weeds.
April 12, 2007
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New History Feature

Myra Sauer Ratay, Washoe Valley native and author who passed away in 1999 at age 87, wrote this award winning essay on the history of Washoe Valley while in high school in 1930. Access the article directly here or through the History Page. She relates a wealth of charming information as her grandparents were pioneers here first arriving in 1857.
April 11, 2007
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JohnD Winters Passes

A member of a long time Washoe Valley family passed away recently at the age 97 as related in this article. The Winters family was prominent in the area since their arrival in the 1850's being involved with the Comstock Lode and ranching in Washoe Valley and Dayton. The Winters ranch is located in the northwest section of the valley and a large portion was recently obtained as public open space. The gothic style ranch house is still in private hands and can be seen along highway 395. Another informative article is here.
April 11, 2007
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Join Your Local Community Advisory Board

It’s recruitment time for Washoe County’s 16 Citizen Advisory Boards.  See attached flyer.  Deadline for application submittal is May 4, 2007.  Applications will be kept on file for a period of one year.  Applications are available on-line at www.washoecounty.us/comdev/cab_apps.htm. Find all the info on this county page.
April 11, 2007
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Spring Brings Door-To-Door Scams

Our friends over at another local community website, www.galenareno.com sent us a "heads up" on bogus door to door sales that are ongoing in that neighborhood. See the article here.
April 11, 2007
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Featuring One of a Kind Porcelain & Stoneware
Functional, Decorative, Sculpture & Wall Pieces

April 14 & 15  at 11:00 to 5:00

2920 Lakeshore Drive, Washoe Valley
775-338-1535

manleysclayworks.com  /  John Manley Pottery on CitySearch.com

East Washoe Valley CAB

Notes from the March 13, 2007 Meeting:
Deputy Jeff Masten discussed public safety and recent calls for service. He also discussed the cost of cleaning up illegal dumping on public land around the valley. One resident reported being charged a $26 commercial fee for dumping at the transfer station. (See the articles on April dump vouchers and illegal dumping above-ed). Reno Fire Division Chief Joe DuRousseau reported that permitted burning of yard waste is allowed at this time. He reminds everyone to change their smoke detector batteries and to beware of bogus phone solicitations. The next fire academy is March 19, 2007.
April 11, 2007
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USS Washoe County Pays Visit

The Vietnam Veteran landing ship (LST 1165) made a surprise visit on Washoe Lake today, gliding up to the east shore beach. Though the lake is shallow the captain reported that it is quite buoyant and the ship is designed to take a shallow draft to run up on beaches and discharge its cargo of men and material proving the ships motto: "You Call, We Haul, Any Beach, Any Time", to be an apt one.

While the great ship did not open its enormous front doors to disgorge a squadron of tanks this time, its 15 officers and 380 enlisted men and women enjoyed a brief shore leave to the delight of the natives.

Next stop for the ship, which won several medals and citations in Vietnam, will be its home port in Peru as she was decommissioned by our navy in 1973 and sold to the Peruvian Navy in 1985.
April 1, 2007
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AB160 Needs Your Voice

Call For Letters!

Many of us want to be involved in the direction our neighborhood is going but don't quite know how to go about it or assume "someone" is doing something. We are here to help on both counts. Being good citizens and respecting our freedoms means we have to take a little time and participate in government. Electing leaders is just the beginning. Once elected we have to continually communicate and guide them in providing for the government we expect.

washoevalley.org is another tool to help the average citizen do that. We provide an accessible way for you to have access to information down to the neighborhood level in one place, a service that no other provides. You also have an opportunity to be heard.

While we suffered a major setback with the SVAP, it just shows how much we have dig in and participate to preserve our quality of life here in Washoe Valley. We need a larger participation of residents to create a balance in government and offset the overriding influence the development machine has.

AB160 is the next "big issue" in the fight to keep Reno style development out of our valley.

Go to the AB160:Annexation Page to learn about the issue and participate-Send a letter to our state legislature!

March 31, 2007
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Washoe Lake Wins Photo Contest

A photo of Washoe Lake, the west side and Carson Range will grace the cover of "Carson Discoveries", the Nevada Appeal's annual almanac that will be coming out soon. The photo, by Ken Jochim, was the winner in the Appeals photo contest.
March 31, 2007
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Citizen Journalism Update

As traditional newspapers continue to lose readers and fade web-based community journalism sites continue to flourish. Even big time media sites like NBC and CNN are enlisting average citizens to send in news. Here in Northern Nevada we have several active sites besides washeovalley.org. Check out www.galenareno.com, our neighbor to the north. Further north is www.northvalleys.org. Communities covered by both these sites have problems and concerns that mirror ours here in Washoe Valley. Namely, the conflict between Reno and the county over annexation, water, and preserving the rural lifestyle. In the future we plan to cooperate to bring a larger voice to citizens concerns over these issues and counter the influence of the development machine. Also check out www.aroundcarson.com to our south.
March 31, 2007
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Urban Biologist Hired and... Available?

Judith Saum of Environmental Health Services gave a presentation at the March 5th WWVCAB meeting regarding West Nile Virus and introduced Hunter Moyles, recently hired by the USDA to help deal with mosquitoes and animal pests in the area. One highlight is that instead of residents having to obtain and set their own varmint traps, Mr. Moyles will place, set and collect the traps. At the meeting Mr. Moyles answered an array of questions about raccoons, kangaroo rats, coyotes and the like. We will be searching for contact information.
March 26, 2007
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Nevada Eyes Washoe Valley Water

An outfit called the Northern Nevada Development Authority will hold a seminar on Wednesday, March 28th, that will include a discussion on Washoe Valley's water. NNDA looks like a quasi-government organization with a mission to attract out of state businesses and encourage development from checking their website. The meeting will be on Wednesday at 7-9am in Dayton and cost $30 for non members. Details in this Nevada Appeal article. What do ya figure they're up to?
March 26, 2007
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"With phrases on their website such as-
"Regional Strategy Report", "Working With and Marketing to Older Adults" and
an ad for "2007 - Regional Business and Tech Expo, I doubt if they're
looking for a place to walk their dogs."

West Washoe Valley CAB Highlights

The March 5th WWVCAB meeting was a biggee filling 6 pages of minutes here. The most discussed topic was the St. James Village/Joy Lake Rd area at the north end of the valley. Certain conditions have to be met before the 151st house can be built and the developer and residents described to the CAB how those things have or have not happened. The area consists of gated communities and apparently those gates are causing some headaches. I always thought the county should have insisted on an arterial through there from Washoe City to Mt Rose Highway but developers have the last word, I think.

It was recommended that the proposed 3 building enclosed RV storage facility be approved for Washoe City.

CAB members received gift baskets from the county based upon the results of a recent county survey of county residents.

Inquiries were made about short power outages occuring in the valley and if they have occured in East Washoe Valley.

An urban biologist has been hired by the USDA and is available to help residents with critter problems-see the above story.
March 26, 2007
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WV Residents Fight Annexation

This RGJ.com article reports on the efforts of our Assemblywoman Bonnie Parnell and a group of Washoe Valley residents who are trying to head off the possible threat of annexation by the City of Reno. They introduced a bill (AB160) into the state legislature that would give residents more of a say in the proceedings. The article relates that about 50 residents were in attendance at the introduction of the bill in the assembly. The bill reportedly received support from the legislature.

The bill will go through committee and if it is recommended as a "pass" then the sponsors will need to have support from the residents in the way of letters, emails, visits and other methods to show that the community supports and wants this legislation. We'll keep you posted. Check out the AB160 page under "Hot Topics" for a running log.
March 26, 2007
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SVAP Approved...Unfortunately

From a correspondent: On Tuesday, February 20th, the Washoe County Planning Commission voted to accept the highly flawed South Valleys Area Plan. I can't say what happened was the Planning Commissions fault. They depend upon Community Development staff, whose job it is to inform the with complete and accurate facts in order for them to make fully informed decisions. The commission members asked the right questions, but the staff planner, a master of deceit, answered with lies of omission, obfuscation, and word games meant to misinform. The planning commission believed staff's misinformation and voted to accept a plan that will introduce suburbia to rural Washoe Valley. My thanks go out to Neal Cobb, the one commission member able to see through the smoke screen and vote against this plan.

The SVAP, as written, will bring suburban housing and commercial uses into Washoe Valley. It changes zoning in old Washoe City to "Mixed Use" allowing high density condominiums, and apartments over shops. It introduces hotel/motels with convention facilities. It introduces utility services, water and sewer to serve all this development. It approves inappropriate housing density for the Weston/Lowden property which will require water/sewer even though the owner's have no water rights.

The Department of Community Development carries the ethical responsibility of seeing that staff perform their duties to Commission and and Board members, if not the public, with the utmost honesty. The sad truth is, when it serves their purpose, ethics are the last thing on their mind: it's all about development and not at all about community.

Our last chance is the Board of County Commissioner's April meeting. If they fail us, I'm very sorry to say Washoe Valley will change from a rural community to a suburb of Reno (and look like south Reno-ed).
"When is the April meeting? I plan on being there. We can also start writing letters to all the members on the County Board of Commissioners. This can not happen. Our way of life will be gone forever, and there will be no way to bring it back. All of us can do our part. We should get those letters written now and show up at the April meeting."

I looked at the agenda for April 10th and it wasn't on it and the other agendas aren't on the website as yet. The next meetings are the 3rd and 4th Tuesdays of April. The page for the agendas is here.-ed

March 19, 2007
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Public Asked To Share Their Vision For Region’s Open Space

Open space and natural resources are key quality of life factors in Washoe County. Every resident has a stake in how these resources are impacted by growth and increasing use.

Washoe County residents are asked to share their questions, concerns and visions for the future of open space by participating in the County’s Regional Open Space and Natural Resource Management Plan update. A public workshop will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 3 at the McKinley Arts and Culture Center.

Open Space Plan Public Input Workshop

Tuesday, April 3, 2007
5:30 – 8:00 p.m.

McKinley Arts and Culture Center
925 Riverside Dr., Reno

Information: Lynda Nelson (775) 823-6511

“From Pyramid Lake to the Carson City border, Washoe County is at a stage where preserving open space is critical, both environmentally and economically,” said Lynda Nelson, Natural Resource Planner for Washoe County Regional Parks and Open Space. “The County’s attractive landscape and numerous outdoor recreation activities are as closely linked to our tourism industry as they are to our quality-of-life.”

Participants in the April 3 workshop will be asked to give input on identified open-space and natural resource issues, provide additional issues for discussion, and help draft the goals and visions for future use and protection of open space.
March 18, 2007
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New Menu Item!

Sometimes we cover important issues that require more than just a short note and that need your attention on a continuing basis. For that reason we have created the -HOT TOPICS- section in the menu on the left margin. Here you will find pages dedicated to that subject with updates as we get them to keep you informed.
March 18, 2007
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Correction: Annexation By Reno Article (below)

We received a corrected version of the article and I changed the wording to reflect that in the original article below. We are also putting together a page dedicated to this bill here.
March 18, 2007
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Don't Eat The Fish!

"The warning was issued after sampling by the Nevada Department of Wildlife revealed high levels of methylmercury -- the organic form of mercury that can be particularly toxic -- in some fish tested over the past 18 months in 39 Nevada waterways." The RGJ.com article continues to name White Bass as the fish to avoid in Big and Little Washoe Lakes.

In the 1860's there were several "quartz mills" operating in the valley processing ore from Virginia City and mercury was a main ingredient in separating the gold and silver from the rock.

Really? There's fish in them thar ponds? After Big Washoe dried up last year, I thought that was it for the fish, unless they were planted. Anybody know?
March 13, 2007
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Twisted Sisters Update

The following letter was received by the East WV CAB and is reprinted here by permission of the author:

"Dear Mr. Harrison
Chairperson, East Washoe Valley CAB,
 
 The Twisted Sisters Stable has been granted an administrative use 
 permit conditional upon meeting all the remaining requirements of the 
 BOA and Community Development Department. We're an equine training 
 stable located at 3180 Clark Drive. If the East Washoe Valley CAB 
receives any complaints, or requests for  a change in our Stable's
 methods of doing business, would it be  possible for you to notify
 me so I can consider how we might best  resolve any difficulties our
 stable may cause our neighbors? You can  reach me by email 
(rjankovich@sbcglobal.net), phone (322-1839), or  letter (761 Marsh
 Avenue, Reno 89509). We hope to be good neighbors  and a
 feedback loop will help us be more effective. Thank you for
 considering this request.
 Rebecca Jankovich" 
March 13, 2007
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Western Nevada's "Fastest Woman" Passes

Dorothy Mercer passed away unexpectedly last Friday in Carson City. While not a Washoe Valley resident, I thought I should mention her untimely passing as many residents know her and she was a life-long resident of North Lake Tahoe, western Nevada and Pleasant Valley. Dorothy went to the one room school house in Kings Beach and in her early years gained fame and trophies in local snowmobile racing. She was recruited by Polaris to be the only woman on a factory team competing across the US. She competed equally with the men and won or placed highly many times n the nations biggest events. The fearless Ms. Mercer held the world snowmobile speed record of 138 mph for women for 20 years and was inducted into the Snowmobile Hall of Fame in 1993. In her later years she dedicated her life to family and helping others. She will be missed by all that knew her. Go to this pdf file for clippings and photos.
March 13, 2006
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Annexation by Reno?

Current annexation policies, it is your editors understanding, allow the city of Reno to annex unincorporated areas of Washoe County at the request of any property owner. We received the following correspondence on a group of citizens effort to protect our valley from this:

Updated March 18, 2007:

On February 23, 2007 Assemblywoman Bonnie Parnell introduced a bill, AB160, to revise the law on annexation by request in the unincorporated areas of some counties. This bill was initiated by a group of east Washoe Valley residents. In a nutshell, it revises the membership of city annexation commissions, and will no longer allow the city annexation commission's duties to be transferred to the regional planning commission.   It also gives property owners in the unincorporated areas the right to be notified and to protest a proposed annexation.

Bonnie Parnell met with John Hestor of the City of Reno, who suggested this bill goes against the Settlement Agreement. As a result of that meeting, the bill has been sent to Judge Hardesty for his opinion.

Ab160 is a bill by citizens of unincorporated Washoe County who were not involved in the Settlement Agreement, and who's representative government is prevented by the Settlement Agreement, from representing those citizens on annexation issues. This bill will give all property owners in unincorporated Washoe County the right to be heard on noncontiguous annexation near their properties. We will be given the right of notice and the right to protest annexation, something none of us now have.

AB160 will positively effect conservation issues by giving the people a right to protest inappropriate land uses, and demand protection and conservative use of our natural resources. Landowners concerned about and most familiar with open space, wildlife, water and air quality, and recreation in Washoe Valley, will have a say in what happens in their own neighborhood.

Information on what you can do to support AB160 will be posted on washoevalley.org. See our special AB160 Update Page here.
March 13, 2007
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Nuisance Committee Update

Cindra Smith, our East WV representative on the committee reports that the agenda for the March 15th meeting is here, the representative map is here, committee roster is here, and a whole lot of other stuff is here on the county's website for updating the nuisance ordinance. A citizens enlightening review of the proposed ordinance is here. The minutes for the March 1st meeting are here.
March 12, 2007
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A Resident Writes

East Washoe Valley CAB

Notes and high points from the minutes of the February 13th meeting of the CAB

Everyone was encouraged to track BDR-48-183 which is pertaining with establishing a Northern Nevada Water Authority (ironic that the more rare a thing is, the bigger it gets-ed).

The CABs have entered the digital age and the recordings will be available on CD (Maybe CD's aren't dead after all-ed)

Deputy Jeff Masten of the Sheriff's office reminded us there are currently no laws against ice skating.

Washoe County Schools gave a presententation on school construction needs. A question was raised about providing funding through a state lottery. (As an ex Californian (hey, my dad was born in Goldfield, though) I learned that a legislature will let the lottery fund schools and spend the usual education money on something else leaving no net gain-ed)

A representative of the county health department said that because of increasing human victims of West Nile Virus, residents are encouraged to use mosquito repellant.

Horses For the Spirit, a local equine/human therapy organization, gave a presentation. (Their website is available on our links page-ed). They are looking for a home, preferably on Lakeshore Dr.

An update was given on the Area Plan and the matter is in the hands of the Planning Commission.

The next meeting of the East WV CAB will be tomorrow night, March 13th at 7pm at the NDF building on Eastlake Blvd.
March 12, 2007
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West Washoe Valley CAB

Minutes of the February WWVCAB meeting are available here. Highlights include comments on the Feb. 3rd Joint CAB meeting, Sierra Fire Protection District, Capital spending for schools, US395 traffic issues and the proposed RV storage facility in Washoe City.

The agenda for the March 5th CAB meeting is here.
February 25, 2007
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Joint SVAP Meeting Minutes

The minutes of the February 3rd joint meeting of the Steamboat/Pleasant Valley and Washoe Valley CABs with the county planning dept. concerning the South Valleys Area Plan Draft is on this page. See my review of the meeting here.
February 25, 2007
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"On February 20th the Washoe County Planning Commission met to consider among other things the South Valleys Area Plan (SVAP) including a controversial section allowing for a development of up to140 homes known as the Weston/ Lowden properties at the north end of Washoe Valley. At that meeting the commissioners heard public comment on the SVAP.
Two people came forward in favor of the inclusion of the WL properties specific plan into the SVAP (both with vested interest) and six other people favored (all but one with commercial interests in the Galena Steamboat/Pleasant Valley area). 17 people came forward to speak against the inclusion of the WL specific plan. The chairmen of the Citizens Advisory Boards for Washoe Valley spoke on behalf of their respective districts against the inclusion of the WL properties and an opinion poll with in excess of 900 signatures was offered.
The Washoe County Planning Commission heard similar comments at a joint 3 area CAB and WCPC m