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City Center--Let's Get Real

Why has the latest version of the City Center project been crafted outside of public view?

The city's recent announcement states the project is now $28 million (excluding interest expense), replacing the $49 million (excluding interest) proposed in September 2011 primarily because the multi-level parking garage has been removed.

The public doesn't know who came up with this abrupt change. However, we do know there were no public meetings about this project shift and the Nugget/City Center Advisory Committee hasn't met since August 2011.

So who is behind the latest project re-shuffling? Are there blatant violations of the state's Public Open Meeting law that call for the state Attorney General to investigate?

Why is it that the Board of Supervisors have abruptly added a +$57 million sales tax initiative ($1.9 million/year x 30 years assuming level taxable sales of $760,000,000) to allegedly fund all of City Center's expense on their May 17th agenda? Why can the sales tax increase last 30 years, but the construction loan supposedly paid back in 20 years? How will the 10 years of extra revenue be used? What if taxable sales decline and the barren general fund must be further tapped to meet the debt service?

The public deserves answers about any back-room deals hatched to again try and foist this project on a justifiably skeptical community.

What is our Board of Supervisors thinking when they can't balance the city's annual budget unless they hike property taxes 15%? The unassailable fact: the city's credit card is maxed out. Unlike the Federal government, the city cannot print more money to cover such dalliances as the City Center follies. All it can do is increase property taxes on the 20% of land and buildings that actually pay them and anyone who might choose to buy taxable merchandise in Carson City.

Frivolous public expenditures at a time of widespread economic hardship hardly suggests good stewardship. Carson City has four public libraries, plus libraries in all the public schools. . .none of which are linked or managed in a cohesive manner. How about first using our existing public library resources in the most efficient manner possible before pursuing an edifice complex?

The lack of logical, fact-based analysis centered on an objective examination of at least seven City Center alternatives continues to flabbergast this concerned citizen.

City Center promoters will next be telling us that if their project is built, enduring world peace and a cancer cure are just around the corner!

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UPDATE: There is no longer a fire threat. No word yet on the cause.
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Carson City Fire Department and sheriff's deputies were called Thursday night to a small brush fire behind Meeks Lumber in north Carson City.

UPDATE: Carson City Sheriff's Office is investigating a credit card skimmer device discovered Thursday at an East Carson City business.

The Carson City Sheriff’s Office will host its annual Sheriff’s Night Out at Mills Park from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 6. There will be aircrafts, helicopters, law enforcement vehicles, mounted horses, fire engines, giveaways, music, games and more.

A heatwave with the potential to shatter records will settle over Carson City and surrounding counties for the remainder of the week and into next week, bringing prolonged, scorching temperatures above 100 degrees and causing potential strains to the power grid, according to the National Weather Service.

I paused my stride on the sandy slope. Without the monotonous thumping of my boots on the trail, it was spectacularly quiet. There was no babbling stream, airplane rumbling overhead or distant voices of other hikers. For a few moments, not even a bird chirped.

The silence was notable.

Hot dogs, fireworks, cooling off at the lake: It’s Independence Day, and here’s how we’re celebrating in Carson City, Genoa, Virginia City and Lake Tahoe.

Women's Hum 'N Drum Circles New Location

Join us for uplifting community drumming, in a shady spot by a Carson City playground. All ages, accompanied children through seniors, and all levels of experience or none, are welcome. Percussion crafts for kids will be provided.

Carson City Fire Department and Nevada State Police Highway Patrol were called Thursday afternoon to a two-vehicle crash on I-580 near the junction of Highway 50 West, South Carson Street.

After Tahoe’s celebrated July 4 festivities, our beaches and surrounding areas can become covered with trash, endangering wildlife and the Lake’s clarity.

Great news for tennis players in Carson City and surrounding areas. Parks Recreation and Open Space has approved funding for the renovation of the tennis courts at Centennial Park.

Justin Mills, 43, was arrested by Carson City deputies Tuesday morning following a suspicious vehicle stop conducted by Lyon County deputies.

The Nevada State Museum is celebrating the 110th anniversary of the launching of the U.S.S. Nevada (BB-36) battleship this month and historic Coin Press No. 1 will be minting the U.S.S. Nevada commemorative medallion in honor of the storied and distinguished U.S. Navy vessel every Saturday in July.

Chautauquas of Titanic survivor Violet Jessop, and Carson City teacher Hannah Clapp, as well as a talk on the 1960 Winter Olympics are featured as the first events of July, during the Dangberg Summer Festival.

A new sushi restaurant, Ganbaru Sushi, is coming to Topsy Lane south of Carson City, according to signage posted in their window.

Our Carson City Pet of the Week is Jazzlyn.

Join us for a night in a vibrant 1800s newspaper scene that helped shape Virginia City's rich history & lore!

Imagine a night filled with the lively spirit of Mark Twain and Dan DeQuille, legendary journalists who brought Virginia City's stories to life...

UPDATE 9:38PM: The fire on East Long Street was on the back patio of a two-story four-plex, according to Carson City Fire Department Battalion Chief Jon Pedrini. Damage was contained to the exterior patio and siding. There were no injuries. Three occupants were displaced.

When firefighters arrived, a neighbor and Carson City Sheriff's deputies had used garden hoses and fire extinguishers to knock much of it out, said Pedrini. The cause is under investigation.

MINDEN, Nev. — Austin's House, a nonprofit that provides emergency shelter for children in the northern Nevada region and beyond, is in the final weeks of ticket sales for its annual fundraising gala. Previously known as "Denim and Diamonds," the event has been renamed "Boots and Bling" and will be held at the Twisting T-Bar Ranch in Gardnerville on July 20. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m.

The Nevada State Police Highway Patrol Division and other law enforcement agencies participating in Joining Forces will combine resources, which began Monday and will continue through July 20, 2024, to apprehend impaired drivers.

Creativity and talent abound from Western Nevada College’s art students in the Capital City Arts Initiative’s "Fresh Outlook 2024" exhibition.

The Nevada Highway Patrol recognized its 75th anniversary on Monday, July 1, commemorating a legacy of dedicated service and unwavering commitment to the safety and security of Nevada’s roadways.

Terri Snyder, a dedicated fitness instructor, has decided to hang up her sports shoes after nearly four decades of teaching at the Carson City Community Center. Her legacy is one of unwavering commitment, resilience and a passion for health and wellness.

Western Nevada College’s Tech Center, which has been on Carson High School property since it was built in 2000, will finally be transferred to the high school.

Improve flexibility, build physical strength, and increase energy with Ashtanga Yoga taught by Ruth Chan, on Tuesdays from 11:30 to 12:30Pm. The weekly class is $5.00 per class or $40 for 10 classes and will be in the Nevada Room at the Carson City Senior Center, 911 Beverly Drive. RSVP’s for the event are not necessary – just show up. Call the Senior Center for more information (775) 883-0703.

Dance the night away with live music with Don and Nadine on Saturday, July 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. Admission is $10 per person and guests are asked to bring a dish to share. Dances are held the 1st Saturday of each month and is open to all ages. The dance is at the Carson City Senior Center, 911 Beverly Drive, in the Sagebrush Dining Room. RSVPs for the event are not necessary. Call the Senior Center for more information (775) 883-0703.

The annual Fourth of July Americana Celebration will be happening in Genoa again this year, bringing a classic tradition to Mormon State Park.

Each year, attendees beat the heat beneath the shade trees at the park while listening to live music, watching the kids play and more.

The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is gearing up for our most popular holiday weekend, the Fourth of July. Tahoe is a cherished place, welcoming to all responsible recreationists of diverse backgrounds, and it is essential that Tahoe visitors and residents alike take care of this spectacular place to protect Tahoe’s environment and improve the Tahoe experience for all.

Join us Saturday, July 20 for a day of free live music and art at the Silver Pavilion Stage in the Silver City Park, 12 to 6 p.m.

Live music features include Drinking with Clowns, The Gary Wheeler Band, Darren Senn, Betty & James and The Fourth Generation! Plus a hula hoop workshop, art show, artisan vendors, tacos, a bar, dessert raffle (oh those Comstock bakers!), community garden tours, dancing and more. The Silver Pavilion Stage is at 385 High Street in Silver City.

Looking for a place to take your little ones this first week of July? Look no further! Here is a list of family-friendly (and fun!) activities and events happening this week around Carson City.

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and Mountain Area Preservation reached a settlement agreement this week over a lawsuit brought by MAP against affordable housing policies approved by the TRPA Governing Board in December 2023. The litigation sought to block new land use policies in the highly protected Lake Tahoe Region that combined incentives for water quality, transportation, and workforce housing improvements, according to TRPA.