Around the Arch Blog

The Reno Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Initiative has successfully performed numerous energy retrofits and installed solar and wind energy systems on City facilities since the first solar array went in in December 2008. To date, the City has installed 9 wind turbines and is receiving power from 1,287 kW in solar PV. In December 2011, the City surpassed 1,000,000 kWh from these renewable energy systems. Production from all systems can be monitored and downloaded from the Green Energy Dashboard at www.reno.gov

31 kW solar PV array at Fire Station #11 in northwest Reno.

It’s beginning to feel like Christmas, the feeling of warmth and community. After a fall season of tragedy in the Truckee Meadows, the feeling of holiday reminds me of hope and good spirit. Nothing says community more than a neighbor’s helping hand. That’s exactly what Reno is about, a helping hand to those in need. We rally together and exhibit our strength through our valorous resolve. I’m proud to be a member of this community and am appreciative of all its working components. The Reno Fire Department recently put out a fire in my neighborhood and the professionalism and care was something to be admired. I applaud their quick response from an efficiency standpoint, but truly appreciate their concern and sympathy. The neighborhood came to arms with helping hands and personal affection. It was an extraordinary example of Reno camaraderie.

When moments like this happen, you’re reminded of what a great place the City of Reno is. It’s time to join together and celebrate. Tuesday, November 22, the City of Reno Christmas tree lights are to be switched on signaling the official beginning of the holiday season. The event begins at 5:00 p.m. at Reno’s City Plaza. Please join us.

This free event will feature Santa Claus, carolers, ice skating, and community celebration. The Salvation Army Canteen will be serving free hot chocolate during the ceremony.

The towering 40-foot tree has been moved into its traditional position for the festive season. Adorned in thousand of lights, this year’s giant sequoia was donated by Raley’s Supermarket on Mayberry Avenue.

Flicking the switch at this year’s festivities will be Vice-Mayor Dan Gustin alongside Reno’s City Council.

Following the tree lighting, the Rink on the River will open for a special night of ice skating until 9:00 p.m. Skaters receive free skate rental by donating clothes items to the Salvation Army.

The City Plaza and Ice Rink are located at the corner of First and Virginia Streets in Downtown Reno along the Truckee River.

The event schedule is as follows:
- Billinghurst Middle School Choir sings carols starting at 5:00 p.m.
- Vice-Mayor Dan Gustin and city officials welcome the public at 5:15 p.m.
- Tree lights flipped on by Vice-Mayor Dan Gustin at 5:20 p.m.
- Rink on the River opens 5:30-9 p.m. (weather & ice conditions permitting)

Halloween pumpkins have invaded the Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center! Walking past the front desk feels like walking down a modeling catwalk. There are glaring eyes all around. Decorated eyes! 

Each year our Sierra Kids sites participate in a pumpkin decorating competition. Pumpkins are decorated by the kids and presented at the Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center for a vote. Citizens and staff cast their votes for Best of Show, Spookiest, and Most Creative. If you’re in the neighborhood of 1301 Valley Road, drop in and check these pumpkins out. They’ll be taking votes till Monday (10/31/11).

Sierra Kids is a safe and supervised before and after school program hosted at Alice Smith, Hunter Lake, Sarah Winnemucca, Caughlin Ranch, Jessie Beck, Sierra Vista, Desert Heights, Lemmon Valley, Silver Lake, Dodson,  Mamie Towles, Stead, Double Diamond, Mount Rose, Virginia Palmer, Elmcrest, Peavine, Westergard, Esther Bennett, and Roy Gomm.

 For registration information about the Sierra Kids program, call 334-2262 or visit reno.gov/parksandrec.

Southwest Gas has submitted an application that, if approved, would raise natural gas residential rates in Northern Nevada $0.03 or .08% in the summer and $0.11 or .10% in the winter.

The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada wants to give you an opportunity to learn more about it and express your concerns. The PUCN is holding a consumer session that will be videoconferenced from Las Vegas to Carson City on September 13, 2011. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. in Hearing Room A, 1150 E. William Street, Carson City.

Reno Municipal Court is holding a “clean up” day for anyone who has an outstanding ticket or other unresolved issue.

The Court is offering citizens a deal: clean up old warrants, traffic tickets, failures to appear or comply, and other court problems – at a discount, and without being arrested or assessed additional warrant fees.

On Thursday, September 15, 2011, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Judge Dorothy Nash Holmes will be available to resolve any case that comes in, no matter how old it is. Most fines will be reduced by 50% (except those set by NRS) and must be paid in full that day by cash or credit card. Spanish-speaking staff will be available to assist people who have limited English proficiency.

No court hearings were scheduled for the “dark” week of September 12-16, so the four judges could attend the annual American Judges Association conference. This year, however, the judges decided not to attend the conference in order to save money.

In an effort to “clean up” thousands of old warrants and unresolved cases, Judge Holmes and staff have volunteered to hold open court on Thursday of that week to resolve any old or non-compliant case presented. “It’s an offer you can’t refuse,” says Judge Holmes.