Around the Arch Blog

The Reno Police Department led a sweep of the Crest Inn in downtown Reno to investigate criminal and quality of life issues. The teams that went door-to-door at the motel or checked the building included, Reno code enforcement officers and firefighters, Washoe County Health Department staff, OSHA investigators and others.

The Reno Police Department advises there have been seven reports within the past week where a suspect has gone into a business under the pretense of being an inspector. The suspect has not claimed any affiliation with any specific company or governmental entity.

“He has been introducing himself as an inspector, usually stating he is there to inspect a leaky roof or check the fire sprinkler system,” said Lieutenant Mohammad Rafaqat. “To add legitimacy to whom he claims to be, he usually carries a clipboard with papers and red colored camera.” The suspect has been taking, or pretends to take, photos of the roof and works his way into the back of the business. He has been seen exiting the businesses with a coat or jacket over his arm, concealing the victims’ purses under it.

The suspect has targeted businesses with a high of volume of customers which keeps the employees busy at the front of the stores. Typical businesses targeted by the suspect have been Starbucks and hair/nail salons.

The suspect has been described as a white male, 35-45 years of age, and 250 pounds with a heavy build. He may have unknown types of blemishes on his face. He does not wear any official uniform and is usually dressed in jeans. He carries a clipboard and a red colored camera. Please see below the two video stills of the suspect from Starbucks.

Officials with the Reno Fire Department, City of Reno Code Enforcement, and the Reno Police Department offer these prevention tips:

 • Be suspicious of anyone not wearing appropriate credentials.
• Be suspicious of anyone not in appropriate or official uniform.
• Be ware of anyone who shows up unannounced or without and appointment to do an inspection. A legitimate inspector will have an appointment.
• A government inspector will be in uniform and will have proper credentials displayed.
• Always ask for person’s identification and the name of the company they are representing.
• If you are suspicious about someone’s claims, have them wait while you call their company for confirmation.
• DO NOT allow anyone access to the unauthorized areas if you are uncertain about their identity or claims.
• Report suspicious activity or individuals to your local police agency.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to call the Reno Police Department’s Detective Division at 775-334-2115 or the Secret Witness at 775-322-4900.

The City of Reno formally celebrates its history during the month of May. Part of the celebration is recognizing individuals for distinguished service and advocacy in historically related projects.

Since 1997, the Historical Resources Commission has recognized property owners and preservationists through the annual awards program. At today’s Reno City Council meeting, four awards were presented to the following deserving individuals:

Alicia Baldrica, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer – Distinguished Service Award
The Distinguished Service Award recognizes an individual or group that have shown through their work a career in preservation that has resulted in the preservation of structures, education and other related preservation activities.

Ed Bath – Advocate Award
The Advocate Award recognizes an individual or group that has through education, deeds or specific historic restoration(s) increased the public awareness of historic preservation with the community.

Chism Residence – Residential Award
The Residential Award recognizes an outstanding renovation, restoration or preservation of a single family home or multi-family residential building.

Humphrey House – Historical Landmark Award
The Historical Landmark Award recognizes structures, landscapes, objects, etc. that are considered to be of citywide, state or regional significance.

Urging all citizens to join the City of Reno and Nevada in recognizing and observing the importance of historic preservation, Mayor Cashell proclaims May 2010 as National Historic Preservation Month.

Historic preservation is an effective tool for managing growth and sustainable development, revitalizing neighborhoods, fostering local pride, and maintaining community character while enhancing livability.

“Old is the New Green” is the theme for National Preservation Month 2010 which is co-sponsored by the Historical Resources Commission in Reno and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The Historical Resources Commission is the official advisor to the City of Reno on matters relating to the historic preservation of cultural resources and buildings. To learn more visit www.reno.gov, click “Government,” then select “Community Development,” and “Historical Resources.”

Many of us enjoy projects that improve our community but many not realize that these projects would not be possible without the funding by the Community Block Grant (CDBG) Program.

The CDBG Program provides annual direct grants to communities that can be used to expand affordable housing and economic opportunities, to revitalize neighborhoods, and/or to improve community facilities and services, principally for the benefit of low to moderate income individuals.

The City of Reno receives annual CDBG allocation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Sidewalk improvements in the Linden-Grove area, the Oliver-Montello Neighborhood Revitalization, numerous pedestrian ramps within our community, and the West Street Market are just some examples of beneficial projects that were funded with the assistance of the CDBG Program.

The CDBG Program was enacted and signed into law by President Gerald Ford, as the centerpiece of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.

To celebrate the importance and necessity of the CDBG Program, Mayor Cashell proclaimed April 4 through April 10, 2010 as Reno Community Development Week.

For more information about Reno’s CDBG Program visit www.reno.gov, select “Government”, then “City Manager’s Office”, and “Community Resources” or www.reno.gov/Index.aspx?page=769.

Council Member Dwight Dortch read the proclamation declaring April 4-10 Reno Community Development Week. Community Investment Manager Jodi Royal-Goodwin accepted the proclamation thanking the Council for their commitment to the program, which has been very busy with new President Obama Incentive Programs to help residents.

Council Member Jessica Sferrazza read a proclamation declaring April Fair Housing Month in Reno. The Executive Director of Silver State Housing Katherine Knister thanked the Council for their efforts to uphold the rights of citizens to live where they choose to.

I’m sure many of you are tired like I am of seeing the many fliers that are plastered all over the poles throughout our city. It makes our beautiful city look horrible and I for one take pride in my town so I don’t want to see this. Not to mention, these signs often blow away and litter our city. Very bad.

Do you know it’s not only horrible to look at but it’s actually illegal to post signs just anywhere? Many individuals and businesses are finding out that posting these signs are in violation of Reno Municipal Codes. It is legal to post these signs on private property with the owner’s permission.

On Wednesday, the Code Enforcement Division spent four hours cleaning up almost 1,000 illegally posted signs in the downtown corridor. That’s just in four hours! The signs taken down advertised for a variety of businesses, bands, or concert venues. If Code Enforcement is able to track where the signs came from those business or individuals will receive a warning letter. If some have already received a letter in the past or if they continue to post after receiving the letter then the citation process starts. The first notice is $100, 2nd is $250, 3rd is $500, and 4th & all subsequent is $1000. The notice advises to remove all signs currently and not to post in the future. If it is deemed a chronic problem of a business posting illegal signs, Code Enforcement has the authority to pursue a suspension of the business license.

I think it’s great that Code Enforcement is working at improving our city especially during these times when we are trying to keep visitors, attract new ones, and keep residents enjoying our area. In case you don’t know what Code Enforcement does, the division assists to enforce the Reno Municipal Code as it applies to property maintenance, property nuisances, and other issues in residential and commercial zoning districts.

The Recover Program is all about economic development and helping small businesses get off the ground. Learn more about the program and loans that are now available. [video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGPCYxUdoTM

Other cities have streetcars and light rail systems…is the City of Reno poised to have them too?   Work continues to make it happen!

The new head of the Washoe County Regional Transportation Commission told members of the Reno City Council a number of significant transportation projects are continuing to move forward including efforts to build a mass transit system along Virginia Street that could include street cars and eventually a light rail system. 

RTC Executive Director Lee Gibson said work continues with the area’s congressional delegation in Washington D.C. to secure as much federal funding as possible for the project.

 The Reno City Council has already approved a four phase concept to implement the plan as well as seven steps to move the project forward. 

The first phase of the project is underway with the introduction of Bus Rapid Transit in the downtown core.  The new RAPID buses began service in October of this year and Lee notes so far, the new buses have increased ridership by 10 % from downtown to the Meadowood Mall from a year ago.      

To learn more about this project go to the newsroom on the City’s website at www.cityofreno.com