What does the Southeast Connector have to do with Lockwood?

Rendering from RTC web site of the new bridge for the Southeast Connector Project.

It runs north and south. It will bring considerable traffic to and from the area of Sparks now getting hot. A new shopping and entertainment center houses a plethora of high end outlets and recreational opportunities: Legends of Sparks. Problem is that its "way over there" to the rest of the area...until this road goes in. It brings the shopping center minutes away from the heavily populated South Reno neighborhoods, making Legends only a few minutes from most everywhere in the valley. 

It is called the Southeast Connector; more for its location than its direction. This morning, Channel 2's Early News show stressed the Open Meeting was tonight. Time would run from 4:30 to 7:00 pm.

I got there about 4:20, oxygen bottle in hand. I didn't plan well. In just a very few minutes, I realized that the planners had seen the value in extension of the current bike path (now The River Trail).

A very Spartan design, very minimal, and looking somewhat inconvenient for the recreating public. It takes long transition routes. But it is there! Cars 1, Bikes 0. Hikers and campers were not specifically mentioned. Nor was a launch area for tubers, canoes and the like. Parking? [Yes, there is the money thing. It is a priorities argument.]

I sat down about 5, expecting the show to get underway (shortly). Forty minutes later, I ran out of oxygen. My last small tank was in the red zone. I had barely enough to get to my van and hook up. I only had the big bottle I brought just in case. I thought I could just take deep breaths and manage. I was wrong. I was feeling weakness and began to get a headache. I decided to leave. It was nearly 6, and people were still milling around, no action onstage. If according to plan, it was to end in an hour. These things always run long. I was done. It was just to ambitious to think I would last and be able to add my two cents. Bad planning, but there wil be other meetings. I am on the mail list, I think.

I did take the handout info with me. It has URLs for further info: SoutheastConnector.com , and rtcwashoe.com . I read everything. It comes off as a done deal, even though certain permits and real estate commitments are "still in process." Having already drilled through what I found beforehand, I began to wonder about this public relations event. We are interested folk and urged to contact Michael Moreno, RTC Public Information Officer, at mmoreno@rtcwashoe.com for the latest. I may do that just for fun.

Wish I had stayed for the full tilt boogie. From the tone of the handout, general attitude of the attendees, and host project personnel, the real challenge is on the other end of this major road project (Phase 2). The River Trail is a low priority item to these folks. After all, there are golf courses real estate developments, government revenue, and lots of insider movement yet to come. The audience was full of guys in Levis that looked lost without their tape measure, plenty of older folk taking in their own interests, many who seemed to be obliged to attend, but not me.

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There is an effort to get The River Trail to extend out to Lockwood, eventually to link Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake. I join with my neighbors that like this idea and want to help see it realized. But first it must join Sparks with Lockwood. The River Trail web site has the trail climbing the cliffs on the north side of the freeway. Hope not, since there is already a road that runs from the water treatment plant on the river to very near the new Lockwood Trailhead Park. The River Trail web site has that Storey County is dragging its feet, property owners are being difficult, and expenses involved are too great. .

Once in Lockwood, after RUNNING IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE (up Peri Ranch Road), The River Trail will trunk with the run (now already in) from Mustang to Patrick (Reno-Tahoe Industrial Park).  

RTC designers went with a design for their trail, where the new Southeast Connection bridges over the Truckee River, that looks like an afterthought. Emphasis is on utility rather than economic potential. It is as though all involved missed how California grew along the freeways. So much potential. There will be races, people. International races. And not just at the new off road track. Those vehicles will no doubt be banned; as will other of road vehicles  But not granddad's golf cart! Or an upgrade to it.

Privacy and its Expectation in Public Places

This morning, while waiting for my turn in line at the regular Wednesday Food Bank in the Community Center, I took a wide angle picture of the main dining room. Seated around the table were a half-dozen Lockwood seniors. There was no flash as ambient light was sufficient for the photo. I took one shot and returned to my place in line.

A very few minutes later, I was told that someone had a question for me. It was "why" had I take the photo. I replied I am chronicler many public photos of Lockwood. She then objected to having had her picture taken. Addressing the group, I offered to edit any identification of any individuals (who might object). I have software, (as seen above) that can alter digital photos in many ways. Pixel-ating to hid identity is one of the easier processes. The woman, who here will remain anonymous in deference to her demands of privacy, asked if I could just delete the one I took. I said I could, but would not; after another in the group threatened to sue if I published her likeness. I expect a more mature response than I received. It sounded to me like more of a demand than a request.

The objecting woman called someone to ask what to do. Told they could call the sheriff, she did. Meanwhile, my time came to get groceries. Half-way through my shopping, two Deputies arrived..They asked if I would talk to them. I asked to finish what I was doing; to which the replied, with some verbal force, that they just wanted to talk.  We went outside and discussed the situation.

They wanted me to delete my photo "in the interest of neighborly peace." I explained the long struggle I have had with this group of women; that I would not delete nor publish the photo. I would edit out any identifying areas in it; that I would keep it in my Life in Lockwood file for future reference only. Aside, I was asked what I expect from old women like them.

Here is what I expect. I expect to be able to take photography in any public space where there is no expectancy of privacy. I expect to be treated with the same respect that anyone, who might object to such photography, may require. I expect to be left alone so long as what I am doing harms no one.

The deputies were reasonable and respectful. For that I am thankful, and will let the Sheriff know as much if the opportunity presents itself. I was able to finish my grocery run and return home.

This incident was unnecessary and a waste of county resources.  I feel fortunate to live somewhere that their difficult job can still afford common courtesy. The Sheriff's office has better things to do than field complaints from citizens unable to settle situations in a mature manner. I did not delete the photo, and will not, because doing so would have given them a victory. Such ill feelings are a two-way street; one that is as polarizing as politics. If I make enemies over such, I am bigger than returning their spite would paint me. 

Former Storey County Commissioner Arrested

For details: click here

Geothermal Project for Lockwood?

It has been below freezing nearly every day since Christmas. Now a notion of how to beat the high cost of heating (both air and water) comes to mind in the potential resource beneath our feet.

Is it there to be had? Will government pay to find out? How do we get it? Who will own it? How will the energy be distributed? What are the costs involved? Is it better to "take the bull by its horns" now, or wait for entrenched utility interests to take (away) the initiative? What is a logical first step?

Whatever it is, it will take money. The internet has begun to nurture hundreds of good ideas that are intended to work our economy out of its recent malady. One local attempt is underway to raise initial start up monies. You can read of this here.

Black Rock Solar heard from

Received this comment on previous post:
 Jessica has left a new comment on your post "Black Rock Solar at Hillside School/Peri Park": Hi Tim, Jessica here from Black Rock Solar. This project is being built for Hillside Elementary. We're installing over 50 kilowatts of solar to help them lower their utility bills. I'd be happy to keep you up to date on the project. We're hoping to have a little holiday event too. Please get in touch if you want more information! http://blackrocksolar.org/contact/ 

The learning curve necessary to manipulate Blogger since Google took over has manifest beyond my aging mind's ability or interest. It used to be simple. I will continue to post Comments until I get ambitious or someone explains why Google+ has my username and password not linked to this blog. 

Question for CGID

What the heck is this?

Canyon General Improvement District workmen are seen installing a valve and line to the rear of their yard along Canyon Way. One guy works while two supervise (actually two others were supervising but not shown in this photo).
Taken November 15 about 11am.

Black Rock Solar at Hillside School/Peri Park

Without published public disclosure, Black Rock Solar, a spin off of Burning Man, has begun installation of photo-voltaic arrays in the area of Louise Peri Park formerly designated as a community dog park. Black Rock Solar is known throughout Northern Nevada for these installations that have proven to be considerable cost savings to school districts involved. One wonders who will own the installation and be responsible for the upkeep. Kudos given whomever was vanguard towards realizing the greening improvement to the community. Also noted near this site is a chain link fence installation with large gate; preventing access to the road that leads to the water tower on the hillside. Looks expensive. Who paid for this construct; CGID or county? Why are most the streetlights on Peri Ranch Road burnt out with winter upon us? Photos were taken November 13th, about 10am.