Around the Arch Blog

The City’s Fire Department is hoping to get through this holiday weekend without any fires. Reno Fire Marshal Joan Presley says exploding rifle targets have started several fires in this area in the past six weeks. She is warning residents to avoid using the exploding targets while fire conditions are critical this Labor Day weekend. “The exploding targets are dangerous because when you mix the packet into the target and shoot it with a high powered rifle, it detonates. Although the detonation is a pressure wave explosion which cools immediately, area conditions – low humidity and low moisture content of vegetation – are such that it doesn’t take much to spark a brushfire” says Presley.

The reactive targets, “Star Targets”, are sold locally. They only cause an explosion when they are shot with a high powered rifle.

The Truckee Meadows is in a high fire danger. “By the end of the summer everything is very dry and the area tends to get very windy, which can lead to critical fire conditions.” says Presley. She warns residents to be careful with anything that can start a spark in the outdoors.

Presley also notes that, “If someone accidentally starts a fire they should immediately call 911. Suppression costs are not charged for accidental fire starts,” says Presley.

You do. If you live in Reno, the general fund pays for the streetlights. In the last couple of years, the City has been performing retrofits to lower its energy bills. In May, the energy bill for all city buildings, parks and other facilities was less than the roughly 10,000 streetlights in the City. Should the City look to reduce the number of streetlights?

A unique blog post about preparing for a “Zombie Apocalypse” by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gained a lot of attention this week. The site even crashed due to so many visitors! The post was a creative way to teach people about preparing for any emergency.

Even if a zombie attack doesn’t threaten the City of Reno, you can still make sure you and your family prepare for a more likely situation in our area, such as:

- Wildfires (they’re just as scary, and they do happen around here)
- Flooding (see pic of “the big one” that flooded downtown Reno in 1997)
- Earthquakes (we felt one around here a couple years back, and there’s always a potential)

Preparing isn’t hard; it just takes some effort. Check out Reno’s preparedness webpages to learn more. Get a kit, make a plan, be prepared – for anything!

From Friday, May 13 until Tuesday, June 1, Reno’s famous landmark, the Reno Arch will turn blue to honor fallen police officers.

National Police Week is May 15 through May 21, 2011 and is observed throughout the nation in order to recognize the hazardous work, serious responsibilities, and strong commitment to our nation’s peace officers.

President John F. Kennedy, in 1963, signed the Congressional resolution that each year makes May 15 “Peace Officers Memorial Day” and the calendar week of each year during which May 15 occurs, as “Police Week”, to commemorate those noble officers who have tragically lost their lives in the line of duty.

“I hope everyone will take the opportunity to pause and remember the officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty while serving and protecting our community and state,” advised Mayor Bob Cashell.

To cover the cost for the installation of the bulbs and the lost energy savings in taking out the current LED lights, Reno businessman Eddie Lorton of E T Carpet Cleaning donated $800 and the Reno City Council contributed $700 through their council discretionary funds. In November, community donations paid for the cost of the bulbs when the Reno Arch turned blue in support of the University of Nevada Wolf Pack.

Struggling homeowners that have fallen behind on their monthly payments and want to meet with their mortgage servicer face-to-face to create a workable solution for mortgage default are invited to attend the Help for Homeowners Foreclosure Assistance Event.

The event will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Reno Sparks Convention Center, 4590 S. Virginia Street. There will be no charge for parking.

HUD-approved housing counselors will be available along with servicers and other valuable resources to assist individuals with foreclosure assistance programs, options, and how to avoid foreclosure scams.

The City of Reno has partnered with the City of Sparks, City of Fernley, Washoe County, Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco for the event.

Please click here for more information about the event and to ensure attendees bring the proper documentation for assistance.

Reno Parks, Recreation & Community Services is hiring for seasonal staff in the administration office, and at Rosewood Lakes Golf Course, area pools, summer camps and teen centers.  These part-time jobs are the best jobs in the City – ones that provide experiences and memories that last a lifetime.  Check them out!