It’s official. Anyone who is eligible to vote in Nevada now has the right to vote with a “mail in” ballot. Despite bitter opposition from a number of Republican lawmakers, the Democrats shoved Assembly Bill 4 through the process and on its way to the Governor’s desk for signing.
A number of Republican lawmakers supported President Trump’s claim that mail-in ballots invite ballot corruption although they produced no proof that such behavior is widespread. Democrats maintain that the Republicans know they’re going to get a shellacking at the polls this fall due to President Trump’s plunge in voter confidence.
All registered voters can count on getting mail-in ballots for the November election much to the relief of many voters who don’t want to stand in crowded lines on election day waiting to vote – while also being exposed to asymmetrically infected voters who don’t even know they’re carrying and spreading the Covid-19 virus.
A federal judge issued new injunctions this week blocking the public charge immigration rule during the COVID-19 pandemic. This will allow immigrant communities across Nevada and the rest of the country to access critical health care and public benefits during the current health crisis.
The public charge rule has worsened health disparities, especially for the Latino community, at a time when they are most hard hit by the lethal coronavirus. Here in Nevada many immigrant families decided not to access public benefits, even leaving their children without health insurance. The judge’s ruling makes it easier for them to get health care for their families.
Gov. Steve Sisolak Monitoring Covid 19 behavior – still enforcing strict rules
From the Governor’s Office
In line with his recent announcement, Governor Steve Sisolak announced he signed Emergency Directive 029 extending previously issued directives that were set to expire on July 31.
This includes continuing statewide standards limiting business occupancy to 50 percent of fire code capacity and limiting gatherings to no more than 50 people. As announced earlier, bars, pubs and taverns in certain Nevada counties identified as having an elevated transmission risk will continue to remain closed as set forth in the directive until it is cancelled.
The directive also allows public agencies to continue their operations safely by extending the state Open Meeting Law providing alternative ways for boards, commissions, and agencies to allow public participation either over the phone or via the internet.
The State will transition to a long-term mitigation strategy for the state of Nevada which will be rolled out this week. The plan will utilize updated criteria based on trends to minimize the week-to-week or day-to-day Covid-19 fluctuations. This will identify which counties are getting better or worse revealing which counties should tighten up or loosen regulatory controls.
A state advisory group of public health, hospital, business enforcement and local government representatives will closely analyze the data for state-wide and local recommendations. They’ll monitor Nevada businesses in order to have advanced notice and understanding on what direction their county could be heading based on updated criteria. This group will work directly with local county officials on enhanced enforcement and other effective tactics to reduce the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
SNC made great strides on the South Carson Street project! Carson Street between 5th and Stewart underwent major improvements on the storm drainage system. Crews have already started the curb and gutter work on the roundabout and the roundabout is taking shape. Much of the surrounding roadways are nearly ready for paving. October is drawing near and it’s clear based on the construction milestones. For construction updates and to view the construction map visit carsonproud.com.
2:43pm Pungent odor that smells like sulphur is wafting from somewhere along Rapids Court in Carson City. Odor especially strong around 2133 Rapids Court. Emergency services are enroute.
The Carson City Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division is asking for assistance in identifying an unknown suspect alleged to have forged checks and fraudulently cashed them.
In June of 2020 a male suspect entered a bank in Carson City, on two separate occasions and cashed checks he had forged. The checks are believed to have been collected from mail, washed, and then re-written for fraudulent use.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Carson City Sheriff’s Office, Dispatch (775) 887-2677, Investigation Division, Detective Darin Riggin (775)283-7853, Investigations Lieutenant Daniel Gonzales (775)283-7850 or Secret Witness (775)322-4900.
Carson City Health and Human Services (CCHHS) is reporting two additional deaths due to COVID-19 in the four country region: Carson City, Lyon, Storey and Douglas Counties.
The individuals were a male Lyon County resident in his 80’s with underlying conditions and a female Lyon County resident in her 80’s with underlying conditions. CCHHS is also reporting thirteen new cases and twenty-two additional recoveries. This brings the total number of cases to 665, with 526 recoveries and twelve deaths. 127 cases remain active.
Latest cases of Covid-19:
• A female Douglas County resident in her 20’s with no connection to a previously reported case. • A female Lyon County resident in her 70’s with a connection to a previously reported case. • A male Douglas County resident in his 30’s with no connection to a previously reported case. • A male Lyon County resident in his 70’s with no connection to a previously reported case. • A male Lyon County resident in his 20’s with no connection to a previously reported case. • A male Carson City resident in his 60’s with no connection to a previously reported case. • A female Douglas County resident in her 20’s with no connection to a previously reported case. • A female Douglas County resident in her 30’s with no connection to a previously reported case. • A female Lyon County resident in her 40’s with no connection to a previously reported case. • A male Douglas County resident in his 70’s with no connection to a previously reported case. • A female Lyon County resident in her 40’s with no connection to a previously reported case. • A male Lyon County resident in his 20’s with no connection to a previously reported case. • A male Carson City resident in his 30’s with no connection to a previously reported case.
Carson City Health and Human Services is working to identify close risk contacts to prevent further spread of the disease.
TOTAL -665 Total Cases (+13 from 7/29) -127 Active (-11 from 7/29) -526 Recovered (+22 from 7/29) -12 Deaths (+2 from 7/29) -10 Hospitalizations (-2 from 7/29)
Gender and age break down of the cases by county as well as the cases by zip code is available at https://gethealthycarsoncity.org/novel-coronavirus-2019/. Statewide numbers can be found at the Nevada Health Response website (nvhealthresponse.nv.gov/).
For those who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have questions, call the Quad-County COVID-19 Hotline Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Spanish speakers are available. The phone number is (775) 283-4789
It’s an interesting time in the travel industry. A divide between safety and sanity leaves us all feeling torn. Visit Carson City can help navigate the waters. If you decide to get out and about we can guide you on how to safely explore the capital city. We’ve compiled a list of all things that have changed due to COVID and how you can visit Carson City safely. Click the link below to learn more.
What’s New in Carson City
Railbikes Come to Carson City
There’s a new ride in Carson City other than this roller coaster ride we’ve been on since COVID hit in March. You can now hop on a Carson Canyon Railbike Tour starting August 8th! This stunning tour for all ages and fitness levels takes you into the Carson River Canyon all while learning about the history and culture of the area. Don’t worry, there’s a motor-assist to help you back up the canyon. Click below to purchase tickets and for all the details of the experience and the safety precautions that will take place before each ride.
The spirit of our beloved Adele’s lives on in the newest Carson City restaurant, Piazza. This wine and cocktail bar, inspired by the owner’s European travel, serves some of the most delicious small plates we’ve ever tasted in a cozy, feels-like-home ambiance. The salvaged stained-glass windows from Adele’s restaurant and the warm smiles from the incredible wait staff provide a wonderful dining experience in our McFadden Plaza.
Click below to learn more and to see all food and drink options in Carson City.
Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum Reopens
Thanks to a generous donation by a local family, the new Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum was able to reopen after a temporary shut-down due to COVID-19. The Stewart Indian School served as the only off-reservation Indian boarding school in Nevada from 1890 through 1980. Its stone buildings are an icon of education and life for many American Indians in the West. In 1985, the school was listed in the National Register of Historic Places as a Historic District and is currently managed by the State of Nevada. Stewart is a must-see on your trip to Carson City.
This is the centerpoint of a true Nevada experience. Our hotels have been diligent in going above and beyond safety and sanitizing standards. Find a hotel to call home for the night.
We’ve compiled the complete list of all outdoor activities you can do to social distance while still getting out of the house this summer. From trails to historic walking tours, Carson City has you covered.
Carson City, Nev. (July 29, 2020) — The Carson City School District School Board of Trustees approved the district’s proposed School Reopening Plan last night by a 4-3 vote. The trustees also voted to update the 2020-2021 Academic School Calendar, moving the official first day of school for students to begin Monday, Aug. 24, a week later than the day previously set for Monday, Aug. 17.
As part of the approved reopening plan, the district needs all parents and families to communicate their student’s intent for the 2020-2021 school year as soon as possible and no later than Aug. 5. The reopening plan offers parents the opportunity to select whether their student(s) will participate in school via full-time online learning (recommended for students who have known medical issues or family members in high risk categories for COVID-19) or through a hybrid – blended learning model where students will attend in-person twice weekly and participate remotely three days each week.
An onlineParent Intent Form(available on the district’s website and inSpanish here) needs to be completed and submitted by the parents or guardians of each student as soon as possible (no later than Wednesday, Aug. 5) so cohorts can be assigned and student schedules finalized. Students will either be assigned by individual school sites to Cohort 1 (in-person attendance: Tuesdays and Thursdays with remote learning Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays) or Cohort 2 (in-person attendance: Wednesdays and Fridays with remote learning Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays).
The school district emphasized that families with multiple students will be assigned to the same cohort, alleviating household scheduling conflicts. Also for ease, the Parent Intent Form allows families to submit one form per household instead of multiple forms for siblings.
In addition to completing the Parent Intent Form, parents and guardians will still need to complete their annual online registration updates in Infinite Campus(IC) for each of their students. Families who have completed the IC updated for the coming school year will only need to complete the Parent Intent Form.
The district also said the Parent Intent Form must be submitted electronically using desktop or mobile internet resources. Parents and families without access to internet or electronic mobile device means are asked to contact their school siteor the district office for assistance.
Students will also need to register for transportation (buses) this year, which will be submitted through the Parent Intent Form. As detailed in the reopening plan, buses will not exceed 42 seats (less than 50 percent occupancy).
“This is obviously not the most ideal situation to face a return to school under these circumstances,” said Superintendent Richard Stokes. “Given the restrictions of social distancing and building occupancy, we understand there is not one plan that will meet everyone’s needs. All people will face some risk to return to school, but we are seeking to minimize risk the best way we can while still fulfilling our mission to empower students with skills, knowledge, values and opportunities for them to thrive and be contributing members of our community.”
The reopening plan also detailed some additional considerations including
Face masks for all (all students, employees, volunteers, visitors and contractors are required to wear face masks at school)
Health wellness checks at home (conducted by parent or guardians)
Social-distancing
Limited school activities and visitors
Employ cleaning and disinfecting protocols
Follow local health agency guidance
Nutrition Services available
Social and Emotional Learning and Services
The district has also provided a helpful Frequently Asked Questions document in bothEnglishandSpanishthat should provide additional information.
Governor Steve Sisolak reconvenes the State Legislature Friday morning – and he and the legislators have a very full plate. Governor Sisolak wrote in a press release, “I again look forward to collaborating with Nevada legislators to meet the challenges that are unfortunately before us. In order to protect the time necessary to address the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, my expectation is that this special session will be thorough and as efficient as possible.”
Items included for consideration are:
Governor Sisolak begins another Special Session of the Nevada Legislature Friday, July 31st….
Addressing criminal and social justice policy reform
Working to ensure Nevadans, businesses, workers and the unemployed have the support and protections they need as they battle COVID-19
Ensuring Nevadans can exercise their fundamental right to vote in a way that does not dangerously expose them to increased risk of COVID-19 infection
Helping stabilize Nevada businesses so they don’t suffer continued economic hits and establishing safety standards for the workers who are keeping our economy going
Removing statutory barriers impeding the work of Nevada’s unemployment insurance program
Providing authority for the Judicial Branch to implement alternative dispute resolution measures in cases of rental evictions
Additional items requested by Legislative Counsel Bureau related to the Legislative Branch
Innovative Finance Model Accelerates Forest Restoration
TheUSDAForest Servicemanages 193 million acres of forests and grasslands, 58 million of which are in need of restoration. Forest Service scientist are doing this by thinning and conducting prescribed burning that restores natural tree density, improves forest health and mitigates wildfire risk.
Restoration of national forests comes with an estimated price tag of $65 billion. TheForest Resilience Bond(FRB) is an innovative public-private partnership model that presents a scalable financing option to help take on the costs of this critical work to protect people, communities and resources.
The FRB supports USDA’sAgriculture Innovation Agenda, which seeks to make the landscape more resilient by investing in active forest management and restoration. It also aligns with the Forest Service’sShared Stewardship Strategyof collaborating across boundaries to meet landscape-scale restoration needs.
Developed byBlue Forest Conservation in partnership with the World Resources Institute, the FRB allows private capital to cover the upfront cost of forest health treatments. The model brings together stakeholders that benefit from restoration to share the cost of reimbursing investors at a moderate rate of return as the environmental and social benefits of project activities are realized. By covering upfront project costs, the FRB accelerates the pace and scale of restoration work – tackling fire risk now and avoiding the much greater cost of inaction.
In 2018, the Forest Service signed an agreement with Blue Forest Conservation documenting their shared commitment to landscape-scale restoration. Later that year theTahoe National Forestand Blue Forest Conservation partnered to launch the Yuba Project. This is the first FRB, and provides $4 million in private capital from four investors to finance ecological restoration treatments across 15,000 acres of national forest. The State of California and a municipal water and hydroelectric utility are repaying investors at contracted rates as restoration work is completed, with the Tahoe National Forest providing in-kind support and funding for project planning, development and execution.
Now that FRB financing in place, the Tahoe National Forest is working with their long-time partner, the National Forest Foundation, to implement work on the ground through a Master Stewardship Agreement. FRB financing has made it possible for the Tahoe to accelerate work and complete projects in just four years instead of the projected 10 to 12 years.
Collaboration around the Yuba FRB has also laid the groundwork for a new partnership. In 2019, nine federal, state, tribal and nongovernmental partners established the North Yuba Forest Partnership, a collaborative focused on forest restoration across 275,000 acres of public and private lands in Northern California. The Partnership plans to finance more than $100 million of unfunded restoration work using a FRB. With this success, national forests across the West are partnering with Blue Forest Conservation to see how FRB might be applied to other areas. This is just the next step in the Forest Service’s larger mission to leveraging resources, support partners and build on successes to take on the challenges that face America’s forests and rural communities.
Because of some legislative uncertainties, Governor Steve Sisolak has postponed the re-launching of the State Legislature this week. Sisolak told associates there are some issues that need evaluating before they’re introduced back into session.
Here’s the story in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.Click Here.
Planned home development for a spot near College Parkway and Emerson
A new housing development planned for an empty spot at College Parkway and North Emerson ran into a rough patch Wednesday evening before the Carson City Planning Commission. The commission basically voted “no” on the project over uncertainty as to who is going to pay for the streets upkeep.
Normally major housing developments build their houses and the city pays for the upkeep of the streets. But in the case of the College Parkway and Emerson project, which is quite small as subdivisions go, the developer wants city taxpayers to cover the year-after-year maintenance costs even though the pavement loop serves only a tiny amount of houses. In fact the developer had originally agreed that the project’s homeowner’s association could handle the upkeep. But – they all changed their minds – too few houses and too high a bill, they said.
The developer eventually managed to make a deal with the Board of Supervisors that the developer would install the looping street and maintain it. But then the developer changed his mind. The homeowners’ association also chimed in saying there weren’t enough houses to support the debt to keep the road up to city standards. Up to ten years, probably.
The Board of Supervisors who had earlier given the project a tentative ‘thumbs up” will now have to give the project the OFFICIAL “thumbs up” to get the project out of the barn along with an agreement that the supervisors will advance the money to the homeowners association for a slurry seal on their loop road when it’s need sometime in the future.
Left on the table is the question: what will happen when other builders of small “loop drive-thru” projects want the same deal? It’s no secret that the city is low on street construction and maintenance money. Some years back, a desperate Board of Supervisors put a measure on the ballot requesting Carson City voters agree to raise the local gas tax because city streets were getting really old and bumpy. Unfortunately the voters said no. And…that’s why Carson City’s streets are beginning to look like the streets of Tijuana.
The issue will no doubt be back before the voters in the near future – obviously after the world wide bout is over with the Covid-19 virus.
The Carson City School Board Tuesday evening adopted, on a 4 to 3 vote, to begin the new school year on August 24th with what’s referred to as The Hybrid Model – for elementary, middle and high schools. The Hybrid Model has half the students at school on Tuesdays and Thursday with the other half of the students coming to school Wednesdays and Friday. Students who are not attending class in person on any given day participate in off-site remote learning. Students at home will use virtual curriculum resources and materials to complete instructional tasks assigned by their teachers.
it’s basically a four day school week – for most students. Mondays it’s teachers getting their teaching week organized along with teaching on-line students Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday Thursday and Friday. In-school students – Group 1 – will be in class Tuesday and Thursday – then Group 2 students will be in class Wednesday and Friday .
All students, K-12, will have access to a Chromebook computer so they can hook up to the school via the internet. Schools and teacher will work with students and their families to ensure their students have access necessary technology to take advantage of the educational opportunities of the Hybrid Model.
On Mondays, there are generally no lunches served at the school, although there are some exceptions.
School Scheduling looks like this: Elementary Schools: Start at 8:25am, end at 3:15pm. Middle Schools: Start 7:45am, end at 2:15pm. Carson High: Start at 7:40am, end at 2:05pm. Pioneer High: Start at 7:35am, end at 2:15pm.
The school district will eventually ensure that each student in a household can access the internet to do their homework.
School District officials are also developing a multi-layered approach to building sanitation. Carson City Schools fully support high standards to produce clean, healthy, educational and environmentally appropriate surroundings. The district has purchased personal protective equipment, hand washing materials and cleaning supplies that will be made available to staff. Liquid/foam sanitizer stations are placed at every building and classroom. Hand pump dispensers are also provided in office areas.
Carson City Schools will continue to provide nutritious food services throughout the school year depending on need and scheduling.
Parents of students should familiarize themselves about which buses go where and when or when riding bicycles.
All students, employees and the general public are required to wear facemasks. However, the rules don’t apply to those who have unique medical issues. Teachers have the authority to ensure that regardless of age, students should wear face masks in the classroom. In addition, handwashing is critically important for students. Students should never share food, snacks, school supplies or other materials.
In addition to private day-care providers, the Boys and Girls Club and Carson City Parks and Recreation are working with the school district to help the community with child care choices during the 2021 school year.
Carson City Schools will re-open for the first day of school for students grade 1 through 12 on August 24th – one week later than normal. But that’s the date – August 24th
More information is available on the Carson City School District website at CarsonCitySchools.com
A missing 4 year old girl living in the 18-hundred block of Long Street “ran away from home” around 8:30pm this evening. Sheriff’s Deputies and neighbors were out combing the area for any sign of her. At about 8:49 pm she was found and returned to her family’s apartment. There may be some extenuating circumstances. Deputies are looking into it. The little girl appears to be okay.
At approximately 9:21 a.m., the Sheriff’s Office received an anonymous report of a dead body in a vacant field at the corner of Silver Sage Drive and Stafford Way in South Carson City.
Patrol Deputies responded to the area and located the body of an adult male near the center of the field. The scene did not resemble a homeless encampment and the deceased has not yet been identified. At the scene, the deceased could only be identified as a bearded adult male, but due to decomposition of the body, no other determinations could be made. There were no evident injuries.
Carson City Detectives and Coroners Office are investigating. The deceased will be transported to the Washoe County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy to determine the cause of death, along with identifying information.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Carson City Sheriff’s Office at 887- COPS (2677).
Quad-County COVID-19 Update: Fifteen New Cases and Six Recoveries
Carson City Health and Human Services (CCHHS) is reporting fifteen new positive cases and six additional recoveries of COVID-19 in the Quad-County Region. This brings the total number of cases to 615, with 461 recoveries and ten deaths, 144 cases remain active.
The new cases are:
A female Douglas County resident in her 50’s with a connection to a previously reported case.
A female Douglas County resident in her 70’s with a connection to a previously reported case.
A female Carson City resident in her 20’s with a connection to a previously reported case.
A male Lyon County resident in his 30’s with no connection to a previously reported case.
A female Carson City resident in her 30’s with no connection to a previously reported case.
A male Carson City resident in his 40’s with no connection to a previously reported case.
A male Carson City resident in his 50’s with no connection to a previously reported case.
A female Carson City resident in her 50’s with a connection to a previously reported case.
A female Carson City resident under the age of 18 with a connection to a previously reported case.
A male Carson City resident under the age of 18 with no connection to a previously reported case.
A female Carson City resident under the age of 18 with no connection to a previously reported case.
A female Lyon County resident in her 60’s with no connection to a previously reported case.
A male Douglas County resident in his 60’s with no connection to a previously reported case.
A male Lyon County resident in his 30’s with no connection to a previously reported case.
A female Carson City in her 20’s with a connection to a previously reported case.
Carson City Health and Human Services is working to identify close risk contacts to prevent further spread of the disease. Due to medical privacy requirements and to protect their identity, no further information about the cases will be released.
Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing for Quad-County Residents Without Symptoms
There is one drive-thru COVID-19 testing event for Quad-County residents without symptoms this week. Testing is free of charge; first come, first served, no appointments or reservations.
July 29, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Douglas High School (1670 NV-88, Minden)
For those who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have questions, call the Quad-County COVID-19 Hotline Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Spanish speakers are available. The phone number is (775) 283-4789.
Carson City, NV (July 24, 2020) – Today, Patricia Ackerman, Congressional Candidate, addressed the unwanted, unrequested use of federal troops in Portland, Oregon over the weekend.
Federal troops were deployed to Portland in response to people protesting the killing of George Floyd. As tensions escalated near federal buildings on Thursday and Friday, militarized troops took extraordinary measures, forcibly taking people off of the streets and into unmarked cars.
“I’m deeply concerned by the federal government’s abuse of civil liberties at the direction of Donald Trump. This is a political stunt that is endangering American citizens & violating their rights,” stated Ackerman. “The deployment of troops is an example of severe government overreach. We should not allow this to continue to happen. It’s disheartening to see Mark Amodei, so often quick to call for state’s rights, now silent. Leaders lead even when it may make you unpopular with your party bosses.”
Many public officials have taken a stance on these unconstitutional actions, however incumbent and opponent Mark Amodei is yet to make a statement addressing this.
Ackerman continued: “Imagine if this was occurring in Reno; camouflaged individuals walking Virginia Street, firing rounds into crowds and deploying tear gas against our citizens. The way this is being handled is simply un-American.”
Ackerman addresses Amodei’s recent vote to allow nuclear testing in Nevada
– This week, Patricia Ackerman, candidate for Nevada’s Second Congressional District, addressed Rep. Mark Amodei’s recent congressional vote, which would allow President Trump to resume nuclear testing in Nevada.
A$740 billion defense billwas passed in the House of Representatives this week, containing measures to block the expansion of an Air Force training range into 840,000 acres of the Desert National Wildlife Refuge, preventing a massive public land transfer for military use. In addition, the bill also includes an amendment that prohibits nuclear testing from resuming in Nevada.
“This Refuge is home to bighorn sheep and the area has great significance to our Native populations. I agree with conservation and environmental groups that preventing this expansion is critical to protecting our public land,” Ackerman stated.
In responding to Amodei’s vote against the amendment that would prohibit nuclear testing, Ackerman stated: “It is concerning and disheartening that my opponent, Rep. Mark Amodei, would allow nuclear testing to resume in rural Nevada. This testing would have detrimental impacts on the biodiversity of our state and put the health and safety of Nevadans at risk. It is time for Amodei to prioritize Nevadans, not out-of-state interests.”
Nevada’s three other Congressional Representatives voted in favor of this amendment, claiming explosive testing is “unnecessary” in Nevada.
A federal judge issued new injunctions this week blocking the public charge immigration rule during the COVID-19 pandemic. This will allow immigrant communities across Nevada and the rest of the country to access critical health care and public benefits during the current health crisis.
