April 1, 2007

[6:58 PM]

_____

For our readers -- The new issue of TNO is up and ready for reading.  It's the largest issue in over two years -- check the middle column for the stories and articles that make The Nevada Observer the top e-news magazine in the State.  We hope you enjoy it!

__________

Nevada Government

State Government

The Nevada Legislature

Overviews

Legislative Roundup (Nevada Observer article)

And A Happy April Fool's Day To You: This Isn't Just Directed At The Legislature (Bob Bennett column, The Nevada Observer)

Nevada Highways

Freeways With Stop Lights

"One of the main components NDOT is hoping to utilize is access management, limiting the number and location of access points to the highway to improve safety and traffic flow."

Future of Highway 50 East could bring traffic signals, more limited access (Nevada Appeal article)

Retro-Government Toll Road Proposals: An Abdication Of Basic Responsibilities To Nevada

"We believe transportation is too critical to be trusted to a profit-driven private company that could take shortcuts, go bankrupt or undergo a merger or a takeover, all of which could create nightmares for motorists."

A toll, toll world? Momentum for private toll roads is building, but is this what we really need or want? (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

The Reasons For So Many Planning Failures

As With Education And Health, Highways Neglected By State: Whether Procrastination Or Lack Of Foresight, It'll Cost All Of Us (Nevada Observer article)

Pedestrian Safety

Erik Holland, Fool-Proof Crosswalks [click on image to enlarge, click here for more Erik Holland cartoons]

"Pedestrian overpasses on the Strip."

GEOFF SCHUMACHER: An easy planning fix for UNLV project (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

A reminder of one of our greatest threats (Nevada Appeal article)

The Right To Keep And Bear Arms

VIN SUPRYNOWICZ: 'Books don't kill people -- guns do' (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

"Within living memory, Southern Nevada high schools had rifle ranges and competitive shooting teams. Kids brought their .22s to school and no one thought much about it."

Protecting schools: A bill to uphold constitutional right, prevent a bloodbath (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Show-ID Voting: A Bad Idea

"Voters are issued voter cards when they register, and that is all the identification that poll workers should need to see. Denying people their rights to vote or forcing them to obtain - and pay for - an additional type of identification for which they have no other use is unfair. Voting is a right of every U.S. citizen of legal age, and being able to afford a passport or pass a driver's test is not a requirement."

Identifying a bad bill: Legislative panel approves measure that burdens voters with unfair ID requirements (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

The Governor Of Nevada

The State Budget

Governor Calls For Budget Reduction By Agencies: Economic Projections Lower Than Anticipated (Nevada Observer article)

Short-Sighted Policies Are Always Calamitous In The Long Run

"If you can't trust the governor's chief of staff to be informed and give you the straight stuff, who can you trust? Hold that thought."

JOHN L. SMITH: Governor's chief of staff has joined us so we won't feel alone in dark (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

The eTreppid "Scandal"

Is It Asking Too Much For Proof Of Wrongdoing In These Slime Stories?

Gibbons goes for the best when hiring his lawyer: Defense attorney wields top reputation in D.C. (Las Vegas Sun article)

FBI, Bogden, Gibbons, National Security Issues: FBI Challenged In Congress, In Federal Court In Reno (Nevada Observer article)

State Economy

February Unemployment Figures Show Positive Fluctuation: Still In Midwinter Doldrums With Construction Problems (Nevada Observer article)

E-Commerce

"Thinking-outside-the-box theories will be confined to just that for the Business Expo today at Harrah's Lake Tahoe when an entire line-up of high tech outfits show off how to market your company with a computer."

Expo integrates Web to market local companies (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Regional Economy

What Do You Do When You're Branded?

New Business Subject Of Economic Group Luncheon: Manufacturing, Employees, Lifestyle To Be Included In "Branding" (Nevada Observer article)

Local Government

Clark County

The People's Money

"On Wednesday, city taxpayers saw more of their hard-earned wealth go flying out the treasury in the form of a lawsuit settlement. Three homeless men accepted $10,000 each because city marshals arrested and jailed them four months ago under an ordinance that didn't exist."

Lawsuit settlements (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Douglas County

The Law And The Profits

"An ordinance that would place controls on Douglas County's growth will go before Douglas County commissioners on Thursday."

Commission to debate growth rule on Thursday (Gardnerville Record-Courier)

Elko County

Child Abuse

"The abuse and neglect of at least 425 boys and girls in Elko County in 2006 motivated a campaign organized by Family Resource Center.

Preventing child abuse, one pinwheel at a time (Elko Free Press article)

The Problem Of Methamphetamine

Up in smoke, conveniently: Meth users find new and inventive ways to use drug (Elko Free Press article)

Elko Chamber Of Commerce Turns 100

Centennial celebrations on tap for chamber (Elko Free Press article)

Lake Tahoe Basin

Tahoe Regional Planning Commission

"It took the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency board seven hours Wednesday to reach an impasse on the Villas at Harborside timeshare project proposed for Homewood."

After hours of deliberation TRPA's Villas at Harborside decision delayed (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Incline Village General Improvement District

Incline residents get Pathway 2007 preview (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Town hall-style meeting gets residents ready for 'action' (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Lyon County

Troubled Silver Springs General Improvement District

"The Lyon County Commissioners will once again consider dissolving the Silver Springs General Improvement District and taking over control of the district."

Lyon County considers takeover of Silver Springs GID (Nevada Appeal article)

White Pine County

White Pine Railroad Changes Of Ownership Good For Ely: SNWA Wants In, Council Says No To Water Moloch (Nevada Observer article)

__________

Nevada Politics

A 26-State Primary Election Scheduled For February 5: So Much For Concept Of Early Caucus Bringing Candidates To Nevada (Nevada Observer editorial)

A Matter Of Diction

Pronouncing Nevada As A Nevadan (Guy Rocha column, The Nevada Observer)

State Democratic Party

Presidential Wannabes Invade Silver State -- Democrat's Big Seven: Call Them 'Taxocrats' (Nevada Observer article)

"Democratic presidential hopeful Bill Richardson is set to be the guest speaker at the Carson City Democrats' annual Jefferson-Jackson Dinner."

Presidential hopeful headed to Carson (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Democrats set rules for Jan. 19 presidential caucus: Procedures similar to Iowa's, allow at-large precincts to help shift workers participate (Associated Press article)

State Republican Party

Conservatives Continue To Separate Themselves From GOP: Conservative Leadership Conference Scheduled For October In Reno (Nevada Observer article)

Municipal Elections

City Of Elko

Whitney files for mayor (Elko Free Press article)

City Of Las Vegas

Ward 5 City Council candidates square off: Forum draws six of the 10 running for seat vacated by Weekly (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Education Matters

Higher Education

Sierra Nevada College

A new beginning (Larry Large column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)

Public Schools

Clark County School District

A Problem That's Not Going Away

CLARK COUNTY CLASSROOMS: Mass-produced ignorance -- Grades are going up, but educational standards are sinking like the Titanic (Greg Barone column, Las Vegas Review-Journal)

__________

Nevada Water Matters

Where Does Your Water Come From: Ground, River? The Answer May Surprise You, Since It Is Probably Both (Nevada Observer article)

__________

Nevada Health Matters

Mental Health

Woody Barlettani, Mental Illness [Click on image to enlarge; click here for more from The Drifter Hotel]

Mental Health Facilities Lacking In Silver State: Health Agencies Cannot Keep Up With Large Demand (Nevada Observer article)

UMC Supervision

What Is The Sound Of One Hand Jerking? Another Bad Idea From Our Legislature

FLASHPOINT for Apr 01, 2007 (Jon Ralston feature, Las Vegas Sun)

Blowhard Medical Center

 Renown For Its Extraordinarily Pretentious Name Change

"The upcoming opening of Renown Medical Center's new tower east of downtown is a good time for people to recognize Renown and stop pining for Washoe Med."

Use tower, new services as way to celebrate Renown (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

Breast Cancer

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING: MRI promotion causes concern -- Breast cancer specialists praise recommendation with caveat (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Cosmetic Surgery

Silicone or saline argument goes on: Breast implantation surgery popular either way (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Energy And Environment

White Pine County Coal-Burning Power Plants

"For now, though, Ely is the battleground between Nevada's investor-owned utilities, which want to build a 1,500-megawatt power plant, and LS Power Group, an independent power company based in East Brunswick, N.J., that proposes to build a 1,600-megawatt plant."

Eastern Nevada site of power play: Battle brewing in Ely to build coal-fired plant -- or perhaps two (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

"'It would be like putting a coal-fired power plant at the entrance to Red Rock Canyon,' Spilsbury says of the collision of industry and nature."

TOWN FIRED UP: Plans for a coal-fired power plant in sleepy community not an easy sell (Las Vegas Sun article)

Solar Prestige

Major Solar Plant For Nellis AFB Announced: Power Light Corporation To Build Photovoltaic System For Base (Nevada Observer article)

Energy And Taxation

Tax Time And We Have Some Good News For You; Energy Policy Act Could Save You Some Big Bucks This Year (Nevada Observer article)

More Green

"Gov. Jim Gibbons wants to see more "green" in Nevada."

'Green' entrepreneurs get pitch from Nevada (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Nevada's Wildlife

Count The Birds, Enjoy Fallon's Natural Beauty: It's Called Spring Wings Bird Festival And You Are Invited (Nevada Observer article)

Our Weird And Beautiful Region

MARS IN MOJAVE DESERT: 'Spaceward Bound' sows seeds for space exploration among teachers, scientists (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Law Enforcement

Strange Deaths In A Remote Wilderness

NEVADA VIEWS: Inquest system is deeply flawed -- Family of slain man not satisfied with the process (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Desert National Wildlife Killing Questioned: Visitor Shot Multiple Times By Fish And Wildlife Officer (Nevada Observer article)

"Digital Property"

There's a sucker born every minute (Nevada Appeal article)

It Is Just, That A Man Who Knows How To Kill Should Learn How To Die

"I believe life without parole instead of the death penalty should be used as punishment in all capital offenses regardless of the nature of the crime."

The death penalty: What's the real punishment? (Norm Rosenberg column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)

__________

Nevada's Burning Hills

"Improvements made to a hillside home, chosen last summer to showcase how fire dangers can be lessened through landscaping, were unveiled Friday to a group of fire officials and landscapers."

New landscaping designed with an eye for fire safety (Nevada Appeal article)

__________

Nevada Culture

The Ways Of The Ancestors

"Becca is one of about 50 of the tribe's children, most 10- to 14-years-old, participating in Project Venture, a program designed to teach them outdoor living and community service. The two are combined in a series of weekly lessons that began in February, all of them leading to the trip, which will be a sort of final exam."

Washoe Tribe youths pare down for survival trek (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

A Flight Of Fancy

A Visit To Silver Peak For This Special Holiday: A Rare And Beautiful Sight Found In The Desert (Nevada Observer article)

Lear Theater

"Lear Theater backers have every right to be upset at learning secondhand about plans to move the building and sell the property. It is another in a string of setbacks, broken promises and disappointments."

Decisions on Lear Theater project due: Must we move it or lose it? (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

Helldorado !!!

Helldorado Days to feature golf, trail ride, more (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

It's Your Funeral: Nevada's Trimalchio

FORMER LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR: Lively crowd turns out for 'Awake Wake' -- Hammargren joined by family, friends for funeral while he's still alive to enjoy it (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

__________

From The Neon Empire

When Will Casinos Start To Pay Their Fair Share Of State Taxes?

Facelift

Tropicana gets major makeover for 50th birthday (Associated Press article)

__________

Nevada's Past

Women's History Month

Nevada Women in History: Annie Hudnall Martin (Nevada Appeal article)

Nevada Women in History: Therese Alpetche Laxalt (Nevada Appeal article)

A Haunted Clock

"The clock, which has not worked for many years, is the oldest piece of furniture in the mansion, dating back to the late 1700s, mansion coordinator Helen Wiemer said."

Dawn Gibbons says it's time to fix the 'haunted' clock at the mansion (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

The Comstock And Its History

Listen to Virginia City's story of 'Bust to Bonanza' (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

The Destruction Of The European Jews

Holocaust survivor, author to speak at local library (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Journalism

The Wholesome Way

"Aren't people more interested in the safety of their neighborhoods, the traffic counts on their roads and the quality of their children's public schools than they are about the latest political 'gotcha?'"

Brian Greenspun on a journalistic tradition worth saving in the changing world of higher-speed communications (Las Vegas Sun column)

God Bless Our Nevada Curmudgeons

Self-Righteous Inferences, And Still Testy About Them

"His implication that adult males want to have sex with 12 year-old girls was that it was culturally acceptable in some countries. Obviously Uncle Billy, somebody's been looking at the picture of the naked little natives in National Geographic a wee bit too much. Whatcha think?"

Judge deserved judgment for comments on child pornography (John DiMambro column, Nevada Appeal)

The Effectiveness Of English-Language Broadcasts To Foreign Populations

"I hope my ex-USIA and VOA colleagues can save the Voice's flagship English-language service but given the current toxic political climate in Washington, it may go silent - and that would be another great tragedy in the history of American public diplomacy."

Cutting English- language broadcasting will silence America's voice (Guy W. Framer column, Nevada Appeal)

__________

Federal Nevada

Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project

Nuclear Waste Problem Easily Solved: Think Costs Of Yucca, Costs Of Leaving On Site (Nevada Observer article)

Management To Blame Says Yucca Report: Falsified Reports, Flagrant Lying Because Of Inept Managers (Nevada Observer article)

Uncle Sam's Radioactive Railway Project

"Trains carrying up to 4,500 casks of high-level nuclear waste could roll through downtown Reno and Sparks every week for 24 years under the latest strategy by the U.S. Department of Energy to build a railroad line to Yucca Mountain, according to Nevada officials."

Nuclear waste on our rails (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Blast in trench could affect casinos, hospitals, homes (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Nevada's Congressional Delegation

"U.S. Rep. Dean Heller, Nevada's secretary of state for more than a decade before being elected to Congress, has jumped into the controversy about whether Congress should grant the District of Columbia a voting representative in the House."

Heller says Nevada should get an extra seat in Congress (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Administration Purge Of Corruption-Fighting US Attorneys

A Thought-Provoking Column

"Three cases Bogden's office handled in 2006 -- during the heart of the election cycle -- likely landed on Karl Rove's desk in the White House as the administration closely followed any potential swing in congressional races. And Bogden's firing wouldn't just serve as a vengeful postscript. It would also set the stage for what we have already seen to be Rove's next mission -- securing the presidency and protecting targeted Republican House members in 2008."

ERIN NEFF: For it's one, two, three strikes you're out at the Rove ball game (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin

"To restore credibility to the Justice Department, Gonzales must go."

Lack of credibility: Attorney General Gonzales has allowed the Justice Department to be tarred by politics (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

"With Democrats and many Republicans out to get him maybe he should go into rehab. That'll buy him some time."

Maybe try rehab first (Jim Clark column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)

"This administration has shown over and over that it does not believe that the laws apply to it, and that it does not respect its co-equal branches of government. Congress should subpoena Mr. Rove and the others, and question them under oath, in public. If Congress has more questions, they should be recalled. That's Congress's job - to exercise the "checks and balances" mandated by a document BushCheneyRove do not seem to have read - the Constitution of the United States of America."

Lack of accountability (Ed Gurowitz column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)

Foreign Affairs

The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq

In The US Congress

"The U.S. Senate passed a war-funding bill last week. According to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., this will 'change the course in Iraq' by giving our troops 'an effective, successful strategy for victory in Iraq.' Why, just reading that you'd think that Sen. Reid is giving American soldiers a green light to kick some major butt in Baghdad."

SHERMAN FREDERICK: Harry Reid's doublespeak -- Hightailing it to victory? (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

"President Bush and the Democrats are headed for a showdown on Iraq very soon. Both sides are sure to act like children as they huff and puff and toss blame around like a hot potato. Too many of them are thinking about their political futures instead of our future. When the smoke clears, let's hope they do what the majority of this country clearly wants, and that is to realize the foolishness of this war, and to find a way out before we go broke."

Can we afford to win the war in Iraq? (Kirk Caraway column, Nevada Appeal)

============================================

April 2, 2007

[3:00 PM]

_____

Nevada Government

State Government

The Nevada Legislature

Utilities Deregulation

"Legislation that would end some 75 years of phone-rate regulation by Nevada state officials will be considered today by a legislative committee."

Dialing state for an assist: Phone companies seek less regulation (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Predatory Lending Practices

The Duh Factor (Todd Zuccato column, Silver State Libertarian Leanings)

Dead Kids

"April is recognized national as Child Abuse Prevention Month, and there will be many things to bring awareness to the public on the sad statistics of child abuse and neglect throughout the nation and here in our own state."

Stand up against child abuse (Nevada Appeal article)

"During Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, more than 15,000 pinwheels are being placed near courthouses, schools, libraries and parks across Nevada today to symbolize the number of child abuse reports filed in the state in 2006."

15,000 pinwheels reflect filed child abuse reports (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

The Problem Of Methamphetamine

"'Scrapping,' as meth addicts call it, involves stripping copper and other metals from utility poles, pipes in abandoned stores and materials at construction sites, and its popularity is spreading across Washoe County and the rest of the country."

'Scrapping' helps feed meth addicts' habits (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

"It doesn't matter if the beat rubs your nerves raw or if you can't make out the words. Your kids and your neighbor's kids can. What's important is that they get the message."

Let kids learn about meth in words they understand (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

State Judiciary

"The numbers tell the tale: Clark County, with a population of 1.9 million, has 33 judges handling more than 91,000 case filings per year. That means the county has 1.7 judges per 100,000 population, and 2,782 filings per judge."

Family Court makes pitch for a few more judges: Workload shoots up with population, drags out cases (Las Vegas Sun article)

Griffin settling into new freedom of not being a judge (Nevada Appeal article)

Local Government

Clark County

Unruly Gatherings

"The proposed ordinance identifies unruly gatherings as those that would include 'neighborhood parties and other gatherings in residential areas that cause a disturbance of the quiet enjoyment of private or public property.'"

LOOKING IN ON: CITY HALL -- It's back: A push to tame the unruly (Las Vegas Sun article)

Lyon County

"Donna Kristaponis isn't retreating quietly."

Open-meeting law violation alleged by ex-Lyon County manager (Nevada Appeal article)

Washoe County

City Of Sparks

"The power to hire an outside attorney is just one alternative that could help city officials do their job at the highest level possible."

Approve bill to allow outside attorney (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

__________

Nevada Education Matters

Technical And Career Education

"President Bush has proposed cuts that would eliminate $5.2 million for technical and career education for Nevada in 2008. That would be offset by Gov. Jim Gibbons' plan to allocate $7 million for work force development programs at community colleges, if the Legislature approves."

Proposal would cut funding for career programs (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Higher Education

Undisclosed Relationships

"The nation's institutions of higher learning should be required to reveal relationships with companies that are paid or promoted to lend students money."

Lending advice or money? Arrangements between universities and lenders need closer scrutiny and disclosure (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Nevada State College

"Hardy is sponsoring a bill that would allow Nevada State College to work with Henderson to direct tax revenue generated by the college's development toward future expansion."

LOOKING IN ON: HIGHER EDUCATION -- College gets boost from a friend in Legislature (Las Vegas Sun article)

Public Schools

Advanced Placement Classes

"Thrasher is one of about 130,000 teachers worldwide who must provide written proof to the College Board by June 1 that the AP classes they are teaching are worthy of the designation."

ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES: Program's growth prompts review -- College Board wants to ensure classes meet standards (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

In The Legislature

"Senate Bill 540, drafted by the Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections, would strip the Board of Education of its regulatory authority and authorize the governor to appoint the superintendent of public instruction, who now is elected."

Education power struggle: Governor or state board (Las Vegas Sun article)

__________

Nevada Health Matters

West Nile Virus

"The West Nile season typically runs from July to October, depending on the temperature, and 2006 ended with 123 human cases in Nevada. Only 30 cases were reported around the state in 2005, according to the Nevada State Health Division."

West Nile virus spread wide in '06 (Nevada Appeal article)

"Fulstone Wetlands is a place in Carson City where mosquitoes thrive during the summer. And Teresa Hayes is trying something different to make the area less hospitable to the insects, which carry life-threatening diseases."

Fishing for a way to control mosquitoes (Nevada Appeal article)

Ways to keep mosquitoes away (Nevada Appeal article)

__________

From The Neon Empire

When Will Casinos Start To Pay Their Fair Share Of State Taxes?

Chinese Gambling Ventures: Handle With Tongs

Burden Of Proof Shifted From Applicant To State; Rules Reinterpreted To Accommodate MGM Mirage Deal

"Commissioners said they needed hard evidence that Nevada's reputation had or would be harmed by the deal and that news articles and other public disclosures didn't cut it."

Uneasy partnership: MGM Mirage's deal can help spread Nevada-style gaming worldwide (Las Vegas Sun article)

__________

Nevada's Past

Regional Avalanche

25 years ago: Alpine avalanche of '82 not forgotten around basin (Nevada Appeal article)

__________

Federal Nevada

Nevada Test Site

Anti-nuclear rally held at test site: Martin Sheen among activists cited by police (Associated Press article)

Our Bloated National Budget

"Twelve House Democrats jumped ship last week and joined 198 Republicans in opposing the budget plan formulated by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, et al. Unfortunately, the measure still passed, 216-210."

House budget (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Veterans Affairs

"A report released last month by the Government Accountability Office, the investigating arm of Congress, says wounded troops aren't getting into rehabilitation soon enough because the Defense Department is slow in transferring active military medical records to the Veterans Affairs system."

Healing a system: President tours hospital but still fails to see what's ailing America's wounded troops (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Public Lands

Western lawmakers want more help for public lands (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Endangered Species

"U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials are considering rule changes that would, among other things, limit the ability of federal wildlife agents to intervene on behalf of endangered species or their habitats."

Endangering a law: Wildlife agency's proposed changes to endangered species program would dilute protection (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Corporate Regulation

"It’s up to parents to set limits on how much junk winds up served for breakfast, in lunch boxes and at the dinner table, in addition to the amount of television their kids can watch each week. To accomplish this, the gatekeepers of goodies typically employ a universally understood, one-word directive: “No!” That same command should be applied to attempts to put the state in charge of commercial speech."

Regulate advertising, make kids thinner! (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

============================================

Update for April 2, 2007

[6:35 PM]

_____

Nevada Government

State Government

The Nevada Legislature

The State Budget

"Very soon now the budget battle is going to be joined in Carson City and the signs aren't hopeful."

Vive la difference! (Ian Mylchreest column, Las Vegas Business Press)

"For governments, accountability is the government's responsibility to justify to its citizenry the raising of public revenues and to account for the use of those public resources. Accountability information can be used to support decision making, but it also fulfills the citizenry's 'right to know' how public resources have been spent."

GASB White Paper: Why Governmental Accounting and Financial Reporting Is—and Should Be—Different (Governmental Accounting Services Board Report)

Judicial Funding

Panel OKs bill for more judgeships in Las Vegas, Reno (Associated Press article)

Auto Repair Shops

"Nevada may be on its way to becoming the next state to ban insurer-owned collision repair shops. The state legislature’s Transportation Committee held hearings last week on a proposed bill that would prevent insurance companies from owning body shops in the state, modeled closely on similar legislation in Texas that withstood court challenges from the insurance industry."

Nevada legislature holds hearings on insurer-owned shops (Automotive Body Repair News article)

PAY-TV Regulation

"A legislative deal that would open up the cable TV business to phone companies was unveiled in the Legislature last week and it came with the backing of major players on both sides. AB 526 would establish a statewide video-franchise process that would end the practice of municipalities granting long-term franchises to a single cable TV provider."

Proposed laws could boost competition in pay-TV (Las Vegas Business Press article)

The Governor Of Nevada

Scandals and Missteps Dog New Nevada Governor (Washington Post article)

The Problem Of Methamphetamine

ATTORNEY GENERAL, WORKING GROUP ON METHAMPHETAMINE USE, DELIVER PRELIMINARY REPORT TO GOVERNOR, LEGISLATURE (Attorney General Press Release)

Governor's Working Group on Methamphetamine Preliminary Report

Local Government

Clark County

Developing Stories

Allure's Tower Two now in question: Falling high-rise demand and finance problems may kill second structure (Las Vegas Business Press article)

Contest, desire for retail, spur interest in NLV Town Center (Las Vegas Business Press article)

Arroyo Corporate Center breaks ground on Beltway site (Las Vegas Business Press article)

Tracking The Developments

"Trying to keep pace with who owns what on the Strip or which downtown condo project is happening and which one is headed for oblivion? To find the answers to those questions, and others, it's imperative to go 'behind the Orange curtain.'"

A foot in the past, another in the future: Web designer and mapmaker Mark Adams chronicles the evolution of Las Vegas (Las Vegas Business Press article)

Vegas Today And Tomorrow Website

__________

Nevada Politics

State Republican Party

"It doesn't take a rocket scientist to recognize the tremendous benefits the Nevada Democratic Party -- as well as the state itself -- has gained by moving its caucus up to the second in the national sequence. By the end of March, every major Democratic presidential candidate will have visited the Silver State at least twice and two major, televised presidential forums will have taken place. You can't buy media attention like that."

GOP must follow Democrats' lead (Chuck Muth column, Las Vegas Business Press)

Airola finds comeback vehicle: Helicopter mogul resurfaces as part of Republican campaign brain trust (Las Vegas Business Press article)

__________

Nevada Education Matters

Higher Education

Experts at Nevada develop technology to increase effectiveness of tsunami warning systems (University of Nevada Press Release)

__________

Nevada Health Matters

In The Legislature

Nevada lawmakers review bill granting money for autism (Associated Press article)

Legislators vote against data-mining companies in Nevada (Associated Press article)

Medical Brain Drain Problem

"Only nine out of the 52 fourth-year students matched with a residency within Nevada. Once leaving the state for their residencies, roughly 40 percent of those students will return to practice medicine."

Most new doctors seek fortune elsewhere: Some see local opportunities, particularly for bilingual physicians (Las Vegas Business Press article)

__________

Nevada's Environment

Rare bearpoppy gains protection in patch at Nellis Air Force Base (Associated Press article)

__________

Nevada Law Enforcement

Consumer Fraud

"West's campaign to force franchised car dealers to adhere to state and federal disclosure laws has already netted him and his clients three settlements here, two with local Courtesy dealerships and one with Integrity Chrysler. Another two lawsuits are pending, one against Vista Chevrolet, the other against Fletcher Jones Toyota."

Hidden fees hurt local car buyers: Five local suits allege pattern of consumer fraud (Las Vegas Business Press article)

The Art Of Crime Detection

Testing memory with southern Nevada's only police forensic sketch artist (KVBC-TV report)

__________

Nevada Communications

"Nostalgia has probably never been what it used to be. A Henderson company thinks, though, that it is sitting on a gold mine of classic TV, entertainment and sports footage."

TV on the Internet offers a feast for baby boomers (Las Vegas Business Press article)

__________

Nevada's Past

Gone In A Flash

"Closing and imploding a casino isn't 'Las Vegas destroying its past;' it means certain people in the city have chosen another future."

Every day a little death (David G. Schwartz column, Las Vegas Business Press)

============================================

April 3, 2007

[11:55 AM]

_____

Nevada Government

State Government

The Nevada Legislature

Our State Budget

"A lawmaker suggested Monday that additional money being proposed for the state's rainy day fund should instead be used to at least partially offset $112 million in spending reductions that Gov. Jim Gibbons has recommended for a variety of proposed new programs."

Rainy day fund addition opposed: Senator suggests using funds to offset spending reductions (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

"The state's financial picture is worse than painted by Gov. Jim Gibbons, putting his proposal to give tax breaks to business and banks in jeopardy."

Gibbons' tax breaks run smack into reality: We can't afford it, lawmakers warn (Las Vegas Sun article)

Assembly leaders say business tax break unlikely (Nevada Appeal article)

Dead Kids

"A bill that would generally prohibit the placement of children younger than 6 in congregate care settings such as Child Haven, Clark County's emergency shelter for neglected and abused minors, was amended and passed Monday by an Assembly Committee."

Panel OKs bill limiting use of congregate care (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Pinwheels for Prevention: Child abuse awareness month under way (Elko Free Press article)

Nevada's Wretched, Toothless Campaign Finance Laws

"Despite her easy path, Atkinson Gates spent at least $749,136 on the race - $356,166 of which was paid to her son, his future wife and a company that the couple ran together."

Atkinson Gates campaign paid son six figures (Las Vegas Sun article, via Jon Ralston's Flashpoint)

Retro-Government Toll Road Proposals

A Profitable Abdication Of Responsibility

"Toll roads are big business. Mother Jones magazine reported this year that a few short years after a 2005 bill changed the tax code to let private companies raise tax-exempt dollars for road projects, Goldman Sachs has an infrastructure fund worth more than $3 billion. The reason is simple. The need is everywhere and investors are seeing the possibility of profits from toll roads."

RAISING TOLLS: Behind Gephardt's pitch to build roads and charge drivers are big investors looking to make big money off Nevadans (Las Vegas Sun article)

Utilities Deregulation

"The state's consumer advocate told Assembly Speaker Barbara Buckley, D-Las Vegas, Monday that regulators could balance the needs of senior citizens wanting affordable phone service with the needs of former monopoly telephone companies to freely compete against unregulated telecommunications companies."

Advocate calls for rate caps: Assembly speaker says she seeks to protect constituents (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Professional Regulation

"Before Charles Ceccarelli hired a tile installer for his Carson City home, he checked his complaint history with the Nevada State Contractors' board."

Cleaning up after the contractors: Contractor's board may be replaced by new watchdog (Nevada Appeal article)

Public Subsidies For Private Enterprise

"The developer trying to bring a Triple-A baseball franchise to Sparks has until Oct. 1 to get an agreement in place or lose the millions of dollars in rental car taxes that have been set aside for the project, under a bill before the Nevada Legislature."

Senate bill sets deadline for Sparks baseball plan (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

"Under current state law, vintners are not allowed to sell wines to retailers or to private citizens except at their own facilities. That privilege goes to alcohol wholesalers who, according to Frey, account for more than half of the cost of the wine at stores due to their markup."

Legislation needed to encourage Nevada's fledgling wine industry (Lahontan Valley News editorial)

Tip Pooling

"A bill that would have ended - perhaps inadvertently - the long-honored practice of casino-supervised tip-pooling by dealers has been rewritten to simply address a controversy at Wynn Las Vegas, the bill's sponsor said Monday."

Tip-pooling bill goes too far, gets pulled back to limit pain (Las Vegas Sun article)

Plight Of The Homeless

Homeless man arrested: Transient crime increasing in Elko (Elko Free Press article)

Retailers say stray shopping carts in the community are manageable (Lahontan Valley News article)

Regulation Of Homeowners Associations

"Unhappy homeowners at the Los Prados Golf and Country Club testified Monday that their association board allows gamblers and gaming buses into their 1,358-home gated community while denying entrance to school buses."

Associations: Los Prados residents complain of ban on school buses, allege retaliation (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Honoring The Father

Father Jerry Hanley honored at state Senate for 30 years of service: Sen. Bill Raggio says 'Father Jerry' still has a lot of wisdom and energy he could share (Nevada Appeal article)

The Governor Of Nevada

eTreppid Litigation

"Some documents supporting the search warrant for a former eTreppid software developer, who has accused Gov. Jim Gibbons of improperly helping the company secure millions in defense contracts, contain classified material that must be blacked out before the files are released to the public, a judge said Monday."

Judge: Some eTreppid case data to remain classified (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Doesn't Like Dawn Gibbons

ERIN NEFF: Dawn of the dead? (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

The State Judiciary

Judicial Reform Commission

"Due to a misunderstanding, Gentile had been announced Wednesday as chairwoman of the commission. Dressel said members thought it important to have chairs from both Northern and Southern Nevada and from varying backgrounds. Gentile is a lawyer."

Judicial College president, MGM Mirage exec to lead legal panel (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Short Shrift

"Six minutes may be all a judge in Clark County's Family Court has to hear a foster child's case."

Six-minute justice: Justice in Clark County suffers as overwhelmed Family Court judges face a huge caseload (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

A System In Crisis

"Las Vegas Municipal Court Judge George Assad issued a withering rebuke Monday of the current system of choosing the chief municipal judge, saying the system 'is oppressive, outdated and violates fundamental principles of fairness and due process.'"

Municipal judge criticizes process of choosing a chief: Bill allows appointment of hearing commissioners (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

State Agencies

"First-time homebuyers and qualifying veterans again have some help in achieving the American dream with the help of the Nevada Rural Housing Authority."

Money available for first-time homebuyers (Lahontan Valley News article)

"The Nevada Printing Office's warehouse, under construction at Stewart and Fifth streets, will be completed by late October, a state representative said Monday."

Site work starts on $4.7M warehouse (Nevada Appeal article)

Local Government

Clark County

Regional Economy Not All Bad

"Despite a downturn in construction activity, the Southern Nevada Index of Leading Economic Indicators ticked up to 133.17 in March, a local economist said Monday."

LV Valley growth index up slightly (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

City Of Las Vegas

Change Of Faces At City Council

"Two high-ranking city officials confirmed that Brenda Williams, a lifelong resident of Ward 5, will be offered by Mayor Oscar Goodman to fill the seat. Any appointment is subject to a vote by the City Council, but that person could be sworn in on Wednesday."

Temporary representative to serve ward: Candidates in today's primary unlikely to win seat outright (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

The Fingers Of Stanley Ho

Neonopolis may get a new boss: City has talks with company that brought Fashion Show mall here (Las Vegas Sun article)

Lake Tahoe Basin

Incline Vision

"More than 120 Incline Village and Crystal Bay residents filled the elementary school's multi-purpose room Saturday morning for a town hall-style meeting with one shared goal: taking action."

Town hall-style meeting gets residents ready for 'action' (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

"Incline Village residents who attended Saturday's town hall-style meeting were treated to a preview of information that will be released to the rest of the Tahoe Basin later this week."

Incline residents get Pathway 2007 preview (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Storey County

County Finance

"Taking a conservative approach to finances has paid off for Storey County, which has seen small growth in the budget with enough available for savings."

Storey County focuses on savings in tentative budget (Nevada Appeal article)

A Developing Story

"Concerns about water, soil contamination, property values, taxes, political power shifts and the end of a rural way of life are fueling opposition to a proposed 8,600-home planned unit development in northern Storey County."

Storey panel to hear new development request (Nevada Appeal article)

Washoe County

City Of Sparks

A Retreat From Elective Government

"Embattled Sparks City Attorney Chet Adams charged Monday that the Sparks City Council is going behind the backs of voters and its own charter committee with its support of a bill that would change the city attorney positions in Sparks and Reno from elected to appointed."

Sparks city attorney decries city's support of measure (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Politics

Political Identity

"I had a publisher of a paper in Southern California, a conservative, tell me about 20 years ago that the conservatives were becoming like the old liberals, as he envisioned them, and the liberals were becoming the new conservatives. Interesting."

Falling off the edge (Glen McAdoo column, Lahontan Valley News)

State Democratic Party

"Richardson has been nominated four times for the Nobel Peace Prize for negotiating the release of hostages, American servicemen and political prisoners in North Korea, Iraq and Cuba. He recently negotiated a 60-day cease-fire in the Darfur region of western Sudan."

Richardson to address Carson City Democrats: Event will raise funds for local party (Nevada Appeal article)

Municipal Elections

"Don't assume that you can vote in today's city of Las Vegas elections just because the mail you receive says you live in Las Vegas."

Living in cities a must for municipal voting (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Education Matters

Higher Education

Millennium Scholarships

What, No History? A Proposal For Just One Side Of The Brain

"Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus, D-Las Vegas, objected Monday to a bill that would restrict the Millennium Scholarship to science, engineering, computer and applied science majors."

Titus protests proposed limits on Millennium Scholarship (Nevada Appeal article)

Public Schools

In The Legislature

Lawmakers open to funding gifted students (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Clark County School District

Flailing Dysfunction

"Charles E. Thompson told the Assembly Education Committee that the school district's 'propaganda ministry' works overtime to convince people the teacher shortage is caused by lower salaries and a 'stingy Legislature.'"

Ex-judge says school district abuses teachers: Thompson backs teacher bill of rights (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Washoe County School District

"He is a wonderful addition to our literacy program," Humasti said. "He comes and spends his valuable time to read with the kids every Friday."

IVGID's Horn honored with Jefferson Award nomination (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

__________

Nevada Water Matters

The Carson, Truckee And Walker Rivers

"With the arrival of April and the traditional end to the snow season, the Sierra snowpack is barely half what it should be."

Final snowpack totals falls short of averages (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Health Matters

Autism

16-year-old testifies for autism measure: Bill urges $6.4 million to battle the disease (Associated Press article)

Alternative Medicine

Lawmakers told better regulation needed on alternative medicine (Associated Press article)

__________

From The Neon Empire

When Will Casinos Start To Pay Their Fair Share Of State Taxes?

Cash Hemorrhage

"MTR Gaming Group of Chester, W.Va., reported Monday that earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation at Binion's were $3.1 million in the red during 2006, compared to a positive cash flow of $580,000 in 2005."

THROWN FOR A LOSS: Binion's hemorrhages cash; analyst speculates on sale of downtown casino (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Journalism

"Anthony Curtis, owner of Huntington Press, said he received the subpoena to testify in United States v. Nicholas W. Calabrese et al, a complex organized crime case involving multiple alleged felonies including the murders of Las Vegas crime boss Anthony Spilotro and his brother, Michael, in June 1986, and 16 others."

LV publisher subpoenaed to testify: Told to bring manuscript of autobiography of a hit man to Chicago racketeering trial (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Spanish-language newspapers beef up quantity and quality (Las Vegas Sun article)

__________

Nevada's Past

The Old Breed

Fourth-generation Nevadan dies at 97 (Nevada Appeal article)

__________

Federal Nevada

Nevada's Congressional Delegation

Sen. Reid

Effort to alter oversight of outdoor ad rebuilding halted (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Rep. Heller

"A constitutional issue requires a constitutional solution. Congress needs to figure out how to manage representation for all those disenfranchised people, who are U.S. citizens and who pay taxes."

Nevada's fourth House seat is assured (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

Rep. Porter

"In the past six months, the number of prescription drug overdoses in Clark County has climbed 300 percent from the same time period a year earlier."

Porter seeks study on disposal of drugs: Prescription medicine abuse spurs calls for action (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Corporate Regulation

Dead Pets

"Excuses provide little solace for someone who has lost his or her best friend."

The pet food scare: As recall escalates, pet owners ask why U.S. manufacturers use wheat from China (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

In The Eye Of The Beholder: Of Alarmists And Somnambulists

"So what's the real agenda of the "global warming" alarmists?"

Court wades into 'global warming' fray: Justices rule carbon dioxide is an 'air pollutant' (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Massachusetts v. EPA (US Supreme Court website)

Laissez-Faire: The Gangster's Dream

"There's a cruel irony behind the implosion of the subprime mortgage industry, now visible in the national spike in foreclosures and resulting calls from political opportunists for government intervention."

Subprime mortgages (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Death On The Driveway

Helping to safeguard kids: Vehicle-safety legislation could reduce the chances of accidents while backing up (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Our Nation's Armed Forces

Carson woman weaves a Web of Support for troops overseas: Group dedicated to members of the U.S. military who are far from home (Nevada Appeal article)

Veterans Affairs

Tuskegee Airmen recognition welcome, but long overdue (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

============================================

April 4, 2007

[6:20 PM]

_____

Nevada Government

State Government

The Nevada Legislature

The State Budget

Nevada governor taking second look at budget shortfall estimate (Associated Press article)

Nevada Highways

"Aside from an agreement to use $170 million of the state's general fund surplus to widen I-15 between the U.S. Highway 95 interchange and Craig Road, there is nothing approaching a consensus on how to turn highway construction plans into actual pavement. Instead, lawmakers are busy shuffling the papers of hundreds of unnecessary bills through committee hearings and toward the oblivion of rival chambers."

Dilly-dallying on roads: Where's the leadership in Carson City? (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

More Traffic Stops, More Tickets

"Gov. Jim Gibbons said Tuesday he'd rather reach the goal of reducing annual traffic fatalities next year by convincing drivers to slow down and pay attention. But for those who won't listen, he and Public Safety Director Phil Galeoto said the highway patrol and local law enforcement will make the point by writing tickets."

Gibbons rolls out highway safety plan (Nevada Appeal article)

Nevada lawmakers consider expanding DUI offender program (Associated Press article)

Retro-Government Toll Road Proposals

"I don't favor making toll roads out of existing highways that people are already using," he said. "If they want to add a lane -- they call them high-speed Lexus lanes in California -- and give people a choice, OK. I am not going to make people pay a toll on a road that now is free."

FINANCING HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION: Gibbons objects to plan for toll roads -- Wants motorists to have free alternate routes (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Bill To Hamper Local Government Growth Curbs

"It's a measure that would make it extremely difficult or impossible for Nevada cities or counties to control their own destinies regarding growth," he said. "We hope it doesn't pass."

Bill may head off growth cap (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

"Senate Bill 510 would establish a long list of requirements before a county could implement growth controls."

Douglas growth hits Legislature (Gardnerville Record-Courier editorial)

SB510

State Regulation Of Families And Family Affairs

Nevada law would let courts restore parental rights (Associated Press article)

Nevada Senator scraps bill that stemmed from family feud (Associated Press article)

Inadequate State Regulation Of Mortgage Industry

Nevada bills aimed at regulating mortgage industry (Associated Press article)

"On Thursday, former FBI agents hired by bankruptcy court officials believe they saw document-shredding equipment being taken from the USA Investment Partners building, according to a court document. The former FBI agents also heard shredding sounds."

Lawyers will ask judge to rethink USA Capital ruling (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Of Terrorists And Trains

"Supporters of a bill designed to increase railroad security in Nevada painted a disastrous scenario of what terrorists could do to Reno, Sparks and Las Vegas on Tuesday at the Legislature."

Trains open to attack, activists contend (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

State Prisons And Prisoners

Lawmakers told prison release policies up to them, not prisons (Nevada Appeal article)

"About 1,600 inmates would qualify to be released from Nevada prisons if lawmakers approve a bill that doubles the time credits inmates receive for good behavior, a prison spokesman said Tuesday."

Prison measure would qualify about 1,600 inmates for release (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

AB510

Bill To Track Sex Offenders

"'This bill will ensure we receive their DNA samples as well,' he said. 'And this will ensure we have an accurate record on file for all sex offenders who reside here no matter where they commit their crimes.'"

Governor testifies for bill requiring stricter sex offender rules (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Open Government: The Right To Know What You're Paying For

Nevada open records bill debated (Associated Press article)

Medical Malpractice Apologies

Nevada lawmakers vote for doctor-backed 'I'm Sorry' law (Associated Press article)

Making Elected Positions Appointed

"The city attorneys of Reno and Sparks took differing views Tuesday on a bill before the Nevada Legislature that would make the positions appointed rather than elected."

Kadlic, Adams disagree on city attorney bill (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

The Governor Of Nevada

From The Office Of The Governor

Governor Gibbons Continues to Advance Legislative Agenda (Gov. Gibbons Press Release)

The Usual "Plenty Of Nothing" Stories

An Apt Appraisal

"The governor's wife, former state legislator Dawn Gibbons, was drawn in last week by reports that didn't really accuse her of doing anything wrong but sounded like they did."

Scandals don't hurt just the principals (Dennis Myers column, Pahrump Valley Times)

Paid Their Own Way Six Or Seven Years Ago

Gibbons vacationed with Nevada defense contractors (Associated Press article)

Did The Work

"Nevada first lady Dawn Gibbons earned her $35,000 as a public relations consultant for a Sparks-based company by organizing at least two technology demonstrations, a lawyer said Tuesday."

Dawn Gibbons organized company events, lawyer says (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

If you can't use your title to help your client..... (Vegas Pundit)

After The Legislature Had Adjourned

Jon Ralston on how the governor and first lady used their political positions to benefit a private interest (Las Vegas Sun column)

Unsatisfied With Explanations

"Apparently, I just don't understand the nature of consulting agreements, the art of public relations and the essence of power couple politics."

JOHN L. SMITH: Explanations about Dawn Gibbons' side deal less than satisfactory (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

The State Judiciary

Judicial Conformity

"Carson City District Judge Bill Maddox stunningly declared last week that crimes such as child pornography and having sex with an underage child are not necessarily morally wrong but offenses of 'impulse control.'"

Judging a heinous crime: Carson City judge minimizes child pornography, gives perpetrators excuse