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Archive: 12/2005 thru 3/27/2006
Note: Some links may have expired

Spring Hits Washoe Lake

We took the dog down to the big lake last Sunday as it was the first sunny weekend day of spring. Plus she needed to try to rinse out the last evidence of her skunk encounter. Lots of others, especially horsemen and women were enjoying the beach also. Including a 30 year old (horse) kicking up her heels with spring fever and even a couple of  Norwegian Fjords out for a day at the beach. March 28, 2006

March West WVCAB Meeting Notes

One of our correspondents was able to attend the meeting last week and gives her report here.
March 27, 2006

Knit/Crochet Club

The Washoe Valley Knit & Crochet Club will meet on April 1st at the Postal Cafe in New Washoe City. They are looking for new members at any skill level. See the Events page for details
March 23, 2006

Airstreamers Rally

This club meets with all those interested in Airstream recreational vehicles at a gathering March 24-26 at Washoe Lake State Park (south end). Call for costs involved. Details: Diane at 972-9392
March 23, 2006

Ah, Spring is Here!

Sandy paws is looking forward to sunny days and the lushness that comes with the spring fetching season. Here she is last year and as I've mentioned before, it looks like another great year to be a weed. March 21, 2006 Click on image to see a larger version

Candidate Visits Washoe Valley

Last Saturday I was able to attend an informal "coffee" over on the west side to meet Sharon Angle (R) who is running for congress this year to take over Jim Gibbons spot as he is running for governor. It was fun to see the political process in action and to be able to meet the candidate personally and hear her opinions and convictions. I invited her to make use of this site to communicate her message as I have done with all office holders and candidates I have met. Thanks to our hosts for the event.

This site has no political agenda and I encourage all candidates to use it as another way to communicate with the residents of the valley.

Also, we will research the coming elections and try to supply as much pertinent information as possible.
March 21, 2006

March East WV CAB Notes

I went to the CAB meeting last night and made some notes. This is always my opinion of course and doesn't completely substitute for going yourself and reviewing the minutes when they become available. There was lots of interesting stuff. Find the story here.
March 15, 2006

My Five Favorite Places to Hike
in East Washoe Valley

30 year resident Christine N. reveals her favorite places to hike in the east here. Thanks Christine for the article!
March 15, 2006

Residents Need To Stay Vigilant

Our valley and way of life is in a very turbulent stage right now and decisions made now and in the near future will affect us forever. Even though the Weston/Lowden project has been withdrawn it could resurface at any time. Word is that the project may be waiting on the expansion of the TMSA or Truckee Meadows Service Area into Washoe Valley. This is the area where the planning bodies will allow high density development and infrastructure ala South Reno changing Washoe Valley from rural to suburban forever. CAB meetings, County Commission Meetings, and TRMPA meetings all have to be monitored. Where's the Wal-Mart going to go?

Here's some links to check out for more information:

• TRMPA (Truckee Meadows Regional Planning Agency)

• yournevada.com (general information and definitions)

March 14, 2006

March West Washoe Valley CAB Agenda Online

The agenda for the March 21st (Tuesday) is online here for your review. Topics on the agenda are:

• Reports by: WC Sheriff's Office, 911 Communications, Reno Fire Dept., Nevada Division of Forestry (NDF), County Commission,.

• Public comment

• NDOT Report on various issues around the valley including plans for the the Highway 395/Eastlake Blvd intersection considering the Sierra Reflections Development.

See you there!
March 14, 2006

Feb. West Washoe Valley CAB Minutes Online

The minutes can be found here. Our summary of the meeting is on the Articles page.
March 14, 2006

Cancelled!

The Joint East/West CAB Meeting has been canceled according to an email many received today. The message went on to say the Weston/Lowden Comprehensive Plan Amendment has been placed on indefinite hold by the applicant.

Note: The East Washoe Valley CAB will hold it's regular meeting at the Pleasant Valley Elementary School, Tuesday, March 14, at 7pm.

S.P.R.A.W.L. Meeting!

Save Precious Resources At Washoe Lake

No, there's no SPRAWL organization but if you want to start one you can use my clever acronym. The upcoming Joint East/West CAB meeting March 14 is as close as you'll be able to come to voicing your concerns for the future of Washoe Valley and your "quality of life" as a resident. You might be Red or Blue and struggling with what your feelings on high-density development should be but I think all sides have a stake in carefully considering proposed changes that will change things forever. These changes will affect everything from nature to property values to public safety and future taxes for schools and roads.

Check out the article below, "Top Five Questions For The CAB Meeting" below and we'll see you at the meeting!

Also review my review of the the Weston/Lowden application to build a higher density subdivision in Washoe Valley here.

Last months East Washoe Valley CAB meeting discussed the approved 938 unit across Hwy 395 from Eastlake Blvd and many of the concerns raised will be applicable to the Weston/Lowden project.
Read the minutes of that meeting here.

This could be a total of 1,417 homes and 2,800+- cars. Where will the Wal-Mart be?

Oh, and here's another one you can use considering Washoe Lake's importance to waterfowl: F.O.W.L. as in Friends Of Washoe Lake.
March 3, 2006

New Wireless Internet Service

We got that postcard in the mail about the new service awhile back. Has anyone checked into it or signed up? What do you think and Who, When, Where and How much? How's the service?
March 8, 2006

East Washoe Valley CAB: Feb. Minutes and March Agenda now online
March 7, 2006

Not Enough Water?

Duh. The Monday, March 6, issue of RGJ had an article on growth and the proposed new growth plan. The revelation that there isn't nearly  enough water to support our leaders development dreams is discussed here. There was another article on the protest rally but I could not find that in the archives.

Lawn Art Threatened?

Depending on how you look at it unlicensed cars in your yard are either threatened or eligible for possible approval. This article in RGJ.com describes how a Steamboat resident is being ordered to remove two antique firetrucks from his yard. One of our great benefits to living in New Washoe City is being able to judge for yourself what is worthy in our yards despite the county codes due to our neighborly neighbors. Sometimes this is aesthetically annoying to our neighbors but it is a freedom we all enjoy. If you want to change the ban for unlicensed or visible cars the Washoe County Board of Adjustment is considering loosening the rules for rural areas such as ours. Send them your input one way or the other. See the article here.

February West WVCAB Notes

A correspondent has been kind enough to submit a synopsis of the CAB meeting over on the west side here.
Mar 5, 2006

Top 5 Questions For The March CAB Meeting

Obvious questions like, "How can you approve a project before you even know if it is possible" and "Where will the water come from?" have been left off.

1. The Scripps WMA  is closed from Feb 15 to August 15 to provide quiet and undisturbed nesting for waterfowl. How is having 479 homes and 1300 people across the street going to affect that resource?

2. Campgrounds and hiking trails have been protested recently in Washoe County in the name of fire safety. How will this project affect wildland fire danger?

3. The Washoe County Open Space Plan designated this parcel "Potential Open Space on Private Land". How did this get changed (the memo regarding this is in the application)?

4. Views are an important resource to residents of Washoe Valley. How will 479 homes and roadcuts on hillsides affect views?

5. How can you claim that high-density homes are approved for Washoe Valley by pointing at a development in Pleasant Valley that hasn't even been built yet?

6. How come you use the approved 900 unit development across 395 to justify the project but ignore it in the traffic study? (Ok, that's 6 questions, your turn!)

I'm sure you can come up with better questions so send them in and maybe we can have a "Top 10" list to take to the meeting. Read the Weston/Lowden Application and my review.

Washoe Valley Life

A 32 year resident of Washoe Valley describes some of the unique benefits of living in the valley with an article titled: HOA? No Way!.

Planning Commission Public Hearing Report

The third and final public hearing at Galena HS on the proposed annexation agreement/land grab is reviewed by RGJ.com here. "Planning commissioners heard 4½ hours of testimony and decided to hold postpone discussions until March 8, when the agenda calls for a vote on the plan amendments. But commission chairman Fred Lokken said he doubts that's likely because the commission may have questions that would need to be answered in a written staff report."
Feb.28,2006

Joint CAB Meeting Note!

Take note that the Joint East/West CAB meeting that will cover the high density development project in WV will be on Monday, March 13. If you want a say in your future "quality of life" and property values, go to this meeting!
Feb 28,2006

"Counties Could Link To Build "Sagebrush Empire""

Bill O' Driscoll of RGJ.com has an article forecasting the growth in the region and the effect of the new freeway on Washoe Valley here.

February East WV CAB Meeting Notes

I was not able to attend but another resident was kind enough to take notes and provide a summary here. First news of a possible Washoe Valley Water Grab was made public.

New Washoe Valley Community Website

The West Washoe Association, a organization of West Washoe Valley property owners formed in 1994 has launched its community website at www.westwashoe.org. They "generally focus on protecting the South Valley Area Plan, first adopted by Washoe County on May 16, 1995, and all its elements." While you may notice similarities between their site and ours, we have no affiliation with it but wholeheartedly support their mission of keeping the residents of Washoe Valley informed and look forward to mutual cooperation in that endeavor.
Feb. 15, 2006

January West WVCAB Meeting Minutes and February Agenda now on county website.

Read all about it at the WWVCAB home page. Click on Current Minutes and Current Agenda. My synopsis of the minutes are on the Articles page.
Feb. 15, 2006

Annexation Agreement Meeting in Sparks Report

RGJ.com went to the Sparks public meeting on the proposed annexation agreement whereby the regional "pie" is sliced up for future development. Read it here. There are two more meetings planned for public input. Right now, all growth is planned for north of Pleasant Valley but those residents could always raise a ruckus and have the plan changed again so this process needs to be watched.
Feb. 11, 2006

January East WVCAB Meeting Minutes and February Agenda now on county website.

See the link on the links page.

February Agenda: This will be an interesting meeting as the 900+ home development approved for the north side of Hwy 395 near Eastlake Blvd will be discussed. This will be similar to the discussion of the Weston/Lowden project if it is approved.

Thinking About Gardening...

This sunny weather brings on an urge to get out into the yard so local resident  Marnie Brennan who works at a local nursery has some Washoe Valley tips here.
Feb. 7, 2006

Why We Love Washoe Valley

The editor espouses on how great it is to live here. On the Articles page here.

Growth! Growth!! Growth!!! And, It Seems Without Planning

Johnny Gunn of the Nevada Observer presents an overview of the Truckee Meadows Regional Planning process and raises some thought provoking questions.  Read it here.

Ice Skating!

The pond at Davis Creek Park in West Washoe Valley is open for ice skating from 8am to 4:30pm as long as it stays cold enough.
Call 849-0684 for conditions before going.

Draw Me A Picture!

I'm really confused about all this planning stuff and I'm guessing you are too so I put together a handy-dandy flow chart to explain it here.

November West WV CAB Meeting Minutes Online

Yes, this seems like old news but the audio tape has to be transcribed and put up on the county website. I'll keep checking for the January meeting minutes. November minutes here.

New Beginning at New Beginnings Church

New Beginnings Christian Church on Esmeralda just west of Eastlake Blvd in New Washoe City has an interim pastor, Rodger Gibson who has a good background reorganizing churches.  He will hold a "class" on Saturday from 1 to 4 PM on how to develop a new identity and set some goals for this church. 

Already, Early Sunday morning (8AM) sessions have been discontinued.  The music format has changed to a traditional hymnal and old favorites. There are several other new changes and more expected.

Regular services are every Sunday at 10:30 and the public is always welcome.

February is Master Plan Meeting Month!

The Reno, Sparks, Washoe County agreement on how to develop the county in the future is suddenly on the fast track to approval with a slew of meetings in February. I'll try to make sense of it here.

Washoe County on TV

It's always best to show up at a county commission meeting to fill some seats and show we actually do care about what happens in our neighborhood. But most of us can't always do that. The next best thing would be to watch the meeting on tv. Not very exciting but maybe still entertaining on some level and informative. I'm going to stop surfing right past it and actually stop and watch it- at least give it a shot. I'm posting a link to the channel schedule on the left margin and here. These local government tv channels are a great thing so lets give it a try and pass the popcorn!
editor, January 28, 2006

Weston/Lowden Application Review

I've read the Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application on the proposed new development and you can read my notes and comments here.
editor, January 26, 2006
 

New Grass Roots Website

After the East WVCAB meeting was adjourned and most people and even the board had left, a fellow came up to talk to us from Pleasant Valley. He had just come from the Commissioners meeting and had some interesting things to say about the county planning and development process. It was too sketchy to relate here, but I will try to get more information. In the meantime, these folks have started their own website: www.savenevadanow.com  So check that out.
January 16, 2006
 

January East Washoe Valley CAB Meeting Notes

My thoughts on the January 10th meeting.
January 16, 2006
 

What Are Those Weeds?

The UNR Cooperative Extension has a great website with lots of information regarding living in Northern Nevada. I am always wondering what those weird weeds are in our yard and what to do about them. About half our acre is natural, or should I say, unnaturally natural as between the previous owners livestock and
rest of article here

January 8, 2006
 

Next EWVCAB Meeting Highlights from the Agenda

NEW BUSINESS -
A. Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update - Review and recommendations on the Parks and Recreation Master Plan update for the Washoe Valley area. Kristine Bunnell
OLD BUSINESS
A.* Comprehensive Plan Amendment Case No. CP05-009 - Lee & Sally Weston/Jeffrey Lowden – Gary Houk will provide an update on the status of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment – CP05-009
1. Area Traffic & Safety Concerns – Jerry Howry
a. Report on traffic safety issues, truck traffic, violations and the left turn lane on Eastlake Blvd.
b. Report on the construction of the I-580 bridge in Pleasant Valley.
2. Parks and Recreation - Report on parks and recreational activities in the Washoe Valley area.
3. Area Plan Update – Report on recent Area Plan Update committee meetings.
Jan 06, 2005
 

November East WV CAB Meeting Minutes Online

The minutes of the big November meeting at the Community Hall have finally been posted on the Washoe County website here. Click on "Current Minutes". This is a pdf file so you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. I say "Finally" because it was a long meeting with lots of comment and discussion on the new major development planned for Washoe Valley. See my take on the meeting in the Articles link.
 

Weston/Lowden Plan Online

The Weston/Lowden Comprehensive Plan Amendment document is now up on the Summit Engineering website here.
They are in pdf format so you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to read them. Summit Engineering is the consultant hired by the landowners to get the project approved.

Pro or con, please take the time to check this out as, if approved, it will be a major change to our valley.
Jan, 06, 2005
 

Homes On All Our Hills?
UPDATE

The bill mentioned below under the same title has been dropped by the Senate after an bipartisan outcry against the "updating" of the 1872 mining law that would have allowed federal land to be sold to developers. Our Jim Gibbons has vowed to reintroduce it next year.
Dec. 14, 2005

New Proposed Plan Map

A RGJ.com article on Tuesday the 13th talks about the court-ordered regional plan amendment that will strike a compromise between Washoe County, Reno and Sparks over new growth areas over the next 25 years.

Apparently, progress is being made in the south county with the map below showing Pleasant Valley being dropped from Reno's annexation options. "Reno Councilman Dave Aiazzi said the city wouldn't be looking to annex so much land to the north if county staffers hadn't presented the option. He said Reno had no where else to go after county officials opposed the city's plans to annex into Pleasant Valley. People in neighboring Washoe Valley also were lobbying against the city's move to the south."

So, it sounds like voices are being heard from the Pleasant and Washoe Valley area. This is just a proposal, however and the county and cities still have to work out the final plan after the first of the year. 

From the gist of the article it sounds like residents from around the county are going to be pitted against each other trying to push development in the other guys direction.
Dec.14, 2005