“City of Reno, Nevada: Fresh Air, Fresh Ideas”

City Council members Jessica Sferrazza and Sharon Zadra on their weekly Monday walks with constituents.

Endorsements for Reno News and Review’s “Best of……”

I’ll identify the general categories by number (and the order they  show up when you vote) and not by name.  And, list the specific categories by name and who I voted for.  First, here’s the link for you to go to in order to vote:

http://www.newsreview.com/reno/ballot/bestofreno09

ONE:

Most environmentally conscious company:  Cathexes

Best Green Building:  Cathexes

Best Green Leadership:  Billy Howard

TWO:

Best Local Magazine:  Reno Tahoe Tonight (published by Oliver X).

FOUR:

Best Local Blogger:  Mike Jamieson (3rd Eye on Reno).  (I deserve at least one vote.)

Best volunteer:  Alfred Walking Bull  ( a toughie with many other great choices….but Alfred has basicly been doing this fulltime for many months now.)

Best local political activist (a toughie, btw):  Bob Fulkerson  (also, Lisa Stiller, Shaun Gray, and so many others.)

Best middle school teacher:  Dee McDowell  (get her back in the classroom!)

Best high school teacher:  Brent Busboom

Best politician:  Sheila Leslie

Best local candidate:  Byllie Andrews

Best local journalist:  Dennis Myers

Best visual artist:  Erik Holland

Best local TV news:  Channel 2

FIVE:

Best Casino buffet:  El Dorado

SIX:

Best open mic night:  Java Jungle

TEN:

Best political cause:  Legalization of marijuana

Best local website:   http://www.downtownmakeover.com

Best artist hangout:  Java Jungle

Best online community:  Reno Baby!  (ning group founded by Ryan Jerz)

Best local band:  Shanti Shanti

Best special event downtown:  NadaDada Motel

Puzzling disc shaped object described being seen in Reno by young couple one night early in August

This report was posted at the National UFO Reporting Center website, http://www.nuforc.org (or see specific page, http://www.nuforc.org/webreports/071/571564.html )

Occurred : 8/8/2009 22:00 (Entered as : 08/08/09 22:00) Reported: 8/8/2009 11:35:34 PM 23:35 Posted: 8/27/2009 Location: Reno, NV Shape: Disk Duration:45 minutes

Disk-shaped object sighted with rotating lights, only a few hundred feet away. On the drive home with my boyfriend, I spotted a light in the sky that caught my attention. It was a disk-like shape with many yellow-white lights moving in a circular motion around the craft. The object also had one small red light near the top center of the craft. I pointed the object out to my boyfriend and within about a minute, the object had moved all the way across the valley of Reno, NV, and could barely be seen anymore. We noticed that a helicopter came relatively close to the object several times, but the object seemed unaffected by its presence. We decided to attempt to follow the craft to investigate further. As we drove across the city, the craft moved closer and farther away, sometimes hovering in one spot for several moments. At one point, we got near enough to the craft that we could see with the unaided eye its true shape. It was still disk shaped, but it had become apparent to us that there were two rows of lights instead of one, spin! ning around the craft in a circular motion. At our closest, the object was a few hundred feet in the air away from us. At this point, the object turned onto its side, much like a Frisbee rolling on the ground, then turned back to its flat side, and began again to move away from where we parked. We continued to drive throughout the city to get closer, but the object eventually disappeared from sight altogether. In the dark it was very difficult to see the full shape of the object, but I and my boyfriend are certain that this was no helicopter, plane, or child’s toy. We attempted to both photograph and videotape the object, but neither method was successful in picking up the image. To clarify, neither of us have ever seen anything like this. We are both young college students with no history of mental illness. We have seen TV shows regarding these kinds of incidents, and have always found them to be exaggerated and quite unrealistic. After today, we are unsure what to believe and are searching for some sort of logical explanation.

The Underbelly, a youth arts collective

I was in Point Arena, California during April, so I missed the profile of a “youth arts collective” in that month’s Reno Tahoe Tonight.  For that, see:

http://www.renotahoetonight.com/this-is-why-theyre-hot/2009/4/3/the-underbelly.html

What I have not missed is a bit of their art, displayed on a wall at Java Jungle (which I noticed when returning to Reno in May).

The Reno Tahoe Tonight article linked above quotes the artist (Abel Press) :  “We’re a group of kids down to paint the world”.  I didn’t know any of this until I saw a whole bunch of new art out in the hallway between Java Jungle and Java Vino and asked Tony Walker, who was nearby, about the artists whose work was now on display alongside his and Alicia Karan’s (see the previous article, which has a link to another earlier article showing some of that).  He told me about this “youth arts collective”, which he is the group organizer for.

The Reno Tahoe Tonight publication (published by Oliver X) identified the young members of Underbelly:  Tony Lee Ray Walker (group organizer), Able Press, John Becker, Peter Zikes, Lacy Redhead, Alicia Karan, Jaquelyn Pira, Ashley Sonfellow, Niclole Sterret, Rachel Holm, Esther Hayes, Artie Richmond, Chantal Schaible, Marvin Gonzales and Tiffany Hegstad.

Special note: Blogging will be more sporadic for the next couple of months, as I travel to various places (where I will be caretaking houses, land, and animals).

Update:  posted below is SOME of the additional art pieces  from some of the Underbelly artists that were recently added to the display at Java Jungle.

Amidst Gay Pride gathering and wine walkers, coming out to toil in the fields….

Wingfield Park was set aside today for entertainment and the comradeship of those celebrating Gay Pride weekend.  At the same time, this was yet another Wine Walk Saturday, where wine lovers went from establishment to establishment to taste the various offerings of wine.

entertainment for Gay Pride celebrants at Wingfield Park

woman has her wine cup filled at the Java Jungle stop

So, there were a lot of people out there today in the area along the river downtown.  And, part of the scene today involved an “army” of volunteers;  the Stonewall Democrats were registering voters across from the river from Wingfield Park and Organizing for America was collecting signatures in support of Health Care Reform.

(The people registering new voters:  Matt Dickson, Dean Austin, Shaun Gray, Jill Switzer, Alfred Walking Bull.  Not pictured here, but working earlier, was Lauren Scott.)

And, the Reno arm of Organizing for America worked out of the patio at Java Jungle (with another volunteer roaming the nearby area) in order to collect more signatures in support of the Health Care Reform proposals:

The young man in the picture, representing Organizing for America in Reno, is Dave Osolnik and to his side is retired Reno lawyer and longtime Democratic Party activist Dave Kladney.  Also out collecting signatures  was Aleice Briston, an incredibly hard working volunteer going way back.  I didn’t take Aleice’s picture at the time, but a couple of weeks later I corrected that oversight, so here she is:

added to this article on Sunday, August 29th, taken evening of 28th

Introducing the Clean Energy Center, one of the “jewels” housed at Cathexes

Last night I had a little more exposure to the “strait jacket free” work spaces at Cathexes (and, a better picture of the scene and layout, thanks to Susan Clark).  When I first arrived there for the Rory Reid event, I saw that they had the “door” rolled up to the Clean Energy Center.  I recognized Monica (who, along with Patrick from there, I had met at the Clean Energy rally on Monday).  So, I took some pictures, which I will post for this article.

To get the details on this business, please go to http://www.cleanenergycenter.net

Here’s a little blurb from the main page there:

Clean Energy Center, LLC provides wind turbines, solar panels, solar thermal products and installation packages to retail consumers as well as residential and commercial contractors throughout northern Nevada.

In addition to providing energy generating solutions, we can help you determine the best energy conservation solutions for your specific needs and location. We offer inspections and energy audits by trained professionals to assist in your energy conservation efforts.

solar thermal unit

I noted in the article that this company is just about the only one doing wind turbine installations.  (I have so far identified several companies in our area that install solar power for homes and businesses.)  Here’s a graphic in this work space describing wind power:

News from the Clean Energy Foundation: Nevada State Senator Townsend to support clean energy initiative

Walt Borland, founder of the new Clean Energy Foundation in Nevada (see http://www.cefus.org), told me last night at the Rory Reid event about this exciting news which John Lundin (associated with the Foundation also) has posted in this article (and here reposted from Facebook):

Following on the heels of the National Clean Energy Summit in Las Vegas Monday, Nevada State Senator Randolph Townsend, R-Reno, today announced he is championing a new initiative to create a billion-dollar Clean Energy Fund to spur clean energy development in Nevada. Townsend is proposing a fund that would pay for itself many times over through the creation of new high-paying jobs in the emerging clean energy fields of solar, wind and geothermal energy – developing resources that Nevada already enjoys in abundance, The Senator indicated that Nevada has an opportunity to put its historic pioneer spirit to work in a way that will position Nevada in the forefront of clean energy innovation. The support and incentives that can be provided to industry and research institutions by the new Clean Energy Fund can lead to a diversifying and broadening of Nevada’s economic foundation while also contributing to an improved quality of life. Senator Townsend indicated that the fund will be supported by revenue bonds that will pay for themselves, resulting on no negative impact on the state’s budget, while providing a significant and immediate economic stimulus, one with potentially huge long-term benefit. Responding to concerns about whether the state could afford the new initiative in this difficult economy, the Senator indicated Nevada cannot afford not to be a leader in the emerging clean energy economy.

Nevada State Senator Randolph Townsend, R-Reno

Also, click on this link to see news on the federal money coming into Nevada now for clean energy projects (and Senator Townsend’s involvement and passion):

http://www.windaction.org/news/22346

Note: Walt met and talked with Senator Townsend over lunch in Reno this past Monday, while the Clean Energy Summit was happening in Las Vegas.

Rory Reid “meets and greets” at Cathexes to woo prospective supporters in his run for Governor

Rory Reid came to Cathexes early last night and there met and visited with local Democratic party activists, local officials (like County Commissioner Kitty Jung, City Council members Jessica Sferrazza and Dave Aiazzi—-a Republican, but a Green sort of one), a few likely candidates at least (Robert “Tuna” Townsend, probably running again for the Assembly seat in District 25 , Xiomara Rodriguez, running for the District 31 seat, and I can’t forget Jessica Sferrazza who is exploring a run for Lt. Governor), and yet another Republican (Walt Borland, founder of the new “Clean Energy Foundation”).   Click on the following link to see the pictures I took last night:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/28424275@N06/sets/72157622038090854/

After Reid had spent some time visiting with folks (including me),  Cathexes guy Don Clark whistled loudly and had everyone gather round for a q and a session with the Clark County Commissioner.  And, there Rory faced some very direct questions related to dynasties in politics, revenues and taxes, including his position on mining taxes.  

Reid began the discussion with an emphasis on the need ”to remake the economy”, with a major part of that involved in making “Nevada a renewable energy center”.   At one point, in responding to an inquiry from David Ward on what additional revenue sources Reid would consider if he was Governor, Reid (saying he wouldn’t be playing the Governor’s game of “no new taxes”) pointed out that if we produced 2000 megawatts of solar generated energy $13 billion would go into the economy and $1.3 billion of that would represent revenues for the state. 

One man told Reid that his primary opponent or opponents would capitalize on his last name and make “dynasty” an issue, so—he asked—how was Reid going to address that issue.  Reid asserted that voters in similiar situations elsewhere usually had initial negative reactions to the prospect of so called dynasties, but in the end the “empirical evidence” suggested that they focused on choosing the “best person” for the office, whatever the last name.

A not so heard about idea for additional revenue sources was also shared by Reid (in response to David Ward’s question): incentivize movie production in our state.  He pointed to how well New Mexico does with this in gathering revenues.  It would appear that Rory wasn’t ready yet to share the idea I gave him, when chatting with him earlier.  He’s a nice guy, and he asked me good questions (i.e. he didn’t shine me on), BUT HE’S NOT STUPID!  LOL.   (Regular readers here will know what my idea is.)

Now, I’m fairly sure that mining and taxes was likely an issue most people at this gathering had in their minds.   Ahem.  But, Robert “Tuna” Townsend didn’t notice any eggs under his feet, so he raised his hand to ask the last question:  “Now, you don’t have to say anything in response…just stay silent if you plan to go after mining”  Reid laughed and said “I can’t leave it at that”.  He responded by noting his disappointment that there was only one legislative hearing on this in the last session.  Explaining that he felt “everything is on the table” (hey, maybe I have hope for my idea too!), he was open to considering new taxes on mining, but in a way that preserves jobs.

[Tuna described to a couple of us afterwards what he would like to see happen, based on an observed dynamic.  He pointed out that when gaming income goes down, gold prices usually go up and when gaming income is up, gold prices fall.  So, he supports an "adaptive" tax based on this fluctuation.)

There’s no doubt Reid is running for Governor.   He has hired David Cohen (who ran Obama’s caucus campaign in Nevada) as his campaign manager and John LaRue (who ran field operations for Obama in northern Nevada during the general election campaign) as his Field Director.  It’s presumed that Barbara Buckley, Speaker of the Assembly, will be his primary opponent.  (With  Oscar Goodman, Las Vegas Mayor, making noises about running as an independent.)  

 

Now, last but definitely not least, we had also possibly the next Lt. Governor of the state present at this event (you can see photos of her in the photo set linked at start of article).  She’s in what I guess you call the “exploring” phase:

The sound of music and rhythm on Monday nights along the river

There’s this so called “We-Fi” district in Reno, centered at West and First Streets and where the West Street plaza is located across from the Truckee River island called Wingfield Park.  And, every Monday night, Java Jungle (located right at this juncture) has open mic performances of music and poetry.  As I was approaching this area last night (to go to Java Jungle), I heard “new” sounds bathing the whole area……..coming from a drumming circle at the West Street Market a half block or so up from the West Street Plaza:

Then, I headed back to Java Jungle, where I stayed for the remaining performances….beginning with the Very Pretty Pigeons.  This picture shows only some of the members:

When open mic performances are going on, there’s a crowd inside and outside:

Today, a focus on Clean Energy

A demonstration that included many different people representing various aspects of the world of clean and renewable energy was held today in front of the Federal Building in downtown Reno at noon.  This event coincided with the Clean Energy Summit presided over by Harry Reid in Las Vegas, an event where the likes of Bill Clinton, Al Gore, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Wesley Clark and T. Boone Pickens were arguing for a national shift in energy policies (promoting the development and widespread use of clean and renewable energy sources).

The attention on energy policies is seemingly dwarfed right now by the intense debate going on nationally over “health care reform”, but, given the state of the economy, it is appropriate and correct to argue, as President Obama often does, that these two efforts (promoting clean energy and the creation of green jobs AND reducing health care costs through reform) are necessarily interwoven with (or, an integral part of) the business of restoring the economy to a healthier state. 

Right now, with the House already having passed its own landmark energy legislation, the attention is focused on the efforts in the Senate to address energy issues.  To that end, some of the organizers of today’s rally (Bob Fulkerson, Theresa Navarro, and Drew Stamps) were part of a delegation (following the end of the rally) that delivered letters to the Federal Building offices of Senators Harry Reid and John Ensign.  These letters had been signed by rally attendees (numbering a good 40 or so people).

signing the letters delivered to Senate offices after the rally

The developing crowd of rally attendees:

Several people spoke at the rally, among them Assembly representatives Debbie Smith and David Bobzien (who in these two pictures are seen with one of the event hosts, Bob Fulkerson of the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada or PLAN):

Also speaking was the business manager of Laborer Union (from Sparks), Richard “Skip” Daly (who is apparently considering a run for a vacancy in either the Assembly or State Senate):

Another speaker was Patrick Baldwin from Clean Energy Center housed at one of my favorite places, Cathexes at 250 Bell Street.  They focus on the installation of solar thermal and power, and are also one of the few doing small wind turbine installations, for homes and businesses in our area ( a focus which I suspect will involve the greatest volume of green jobs created, via small businesses).

In these next picture, we have, in addition to Bob Fulkerson again, here on the left, Theresa Navarro who introduced all the rally speakers and behind her, Xiomara Rodriguez (who is so far the only announced or declared Democratic candidate that I’m aware of for Assembly District seat 31):

(Note:  I had posted in a recent article that Xio was going to have a campaign kickoff event at Shelley Park in Sparks on August 25th;  SHE HAS POSTPONED THAT EVENT, which will be rescheduled for a later date.  I’ll report on the new time when the new plans are announced.  Disclosure:  I am supporting Xiomara Rodriguez for Assembly 31 and Byllie Andrews for Assembly 27, just so everyone knows my “bias”)