Reno Local News - ABC News Radio

Reno Fire Department Advises Residents to Create 'Defensible Space'

2013-05-17T17:44:30Z

(RENO, Nev.) -- The Reno Fire Department wants to help residents protect their homes from wildland fire threats.

The department says that residents whose homes have adequate "defensible space" are more likely to avoid destruction, injury and death in the case of a wildland fire.

The necessary defensible space varies based on property size, location and topography, but the RFD offered three tips to help create a defensible space:

Property owners are urged to remove dead or flammable vegetation;
Reduce remaining flammable vegetation by pruning or mowing; and
Replace particularly flammable vegetation.

By limiting the amount of vegetation near the home and providing space between the remaining plants and trees, homeowners can eliminate a continuous source of fuel for flames, the department says. Shorter plants in particular are considered safer than taller plants.

Police Search for Suspect Who Tried to Lure Boy

2013-05-16T16:43:08Z

(SPARKS, Nev.) -- Police are searching for a man who attempted to lure a young boy into his van near a Sparks elementary school on Wednesday.

Just before 5:30 p.m., the boy, 11, was riding his bike near Bud Beasley Elementary School when a man attempted to get him to come into the van. According to the Reno Gazette-Journal, the boy rode his bike toward his home, however, the man followed him and tried again to lure him into the vehicle.

The Gazette-Journal reports that officers swept the area looking for the suspect, but were unable to locate him or his vehicle, which is described as a faded red Ford van with tinted windows and a sliding passenger door.

The suspect is described as a white male in his late 30s. He was wearing dark sunglasses and has collar-length brown hair. He also may have had a dog with him.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Nevada and California Renew Partnership to Preserve Lake Tahoe Region

2013-05-15T15:01:14Z

(CARSON CITY, Nev.) -- On Tuesday, Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval and California Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced the renewal of the two state’s partnership to help preserve and enhance the Lake Tahoe region.

The agreement, which was developed by both state’s legislative leadership, cancels preexisting plans that would have had Nevada drop out of the Tahoe Regional Planning Compact in 2015 and California reestablishing California Tahoe Regional Planning Agency by itself in 2014.

Both states are now committed to placing provisions in the statute requiring consideration of the others’ economic conditions before adopting and implementing plans in the region. It also clarifies the states’ relationship and rights as members of the compact so that they can best help the Lake Tahoe region and each other.

“This agreement renews our commitment to work together to do what’s best for the environment and economy of the Lake Tahoe region. We urge state legislators and Congress to help us protect Tahoe’s future by taking action,” the governors said in a joint statement.

Sandoval: More Funding for ELL and Smaller Kindergarten Classes

2013-05-14T15:29:43Z

(CARSON CITY, N.V.) -- Gov. Brian Sandoval announced Monday that as part of his plans for improving education in Nevada, he is going to increase funding for English language learners (ELL) and towards efforts to have smaller class sizes in kindergarten.

Sandoval has now proposed $50 million in total funding to English language learners, and $39.5 million for class size reduction.

The current average kindergarten class has 26 students. The governor aims to get that number down to 21.

The increased spending follows the promising results of the Economic Forum projections. Sandoval says the increases in education spending can be paid for without tax hikes.

“In my State of the State, I committed to taking the steps necessary to get every Nevada child to read at grade level by third grade,” Sandoval said. “As more resources have become available, I have continued to invest in our children’s education. ...We must provide our children with the skills they need to compete in the twenty-first century.”

Nevada Considers Legalizing ‘Lane Splitting’ for Motorcycles

2013-05-13T15:19:10Z

(CARSON CITY) -- A bill currently in the Nevada legislature would make the state the first in the nation to officially legalize “lane splitting,” allowing motorcyclists to drive between lanes of traffic, the Reno Gazette-Journal reports.

Lane splitting is currently illegal in every state but California, where it is unofficially permitted.

The bill, which was approved by the Nevada Assembly last month, would set official parameters for the practice. Motorcyclists would only be allowed to drive between lanes if they’re going under 30 mph, and don’t go more than 10 mph than the cars they’re driving between.

Supporters of the bill say that it’s actually safer, as a motorcyclist driving between cars does not have to worry about hitting a car in front of it or getting hit from behind. They say a bill that officially legalizes the practice will also raise awareness, so drivers would be mindful of bikes driving between them.

Critics say that it’s more dangerous, as motorcyclists are at risk when cars change lanes, and that the practice can irritate car drives, sometimes causing road rage.

Sgt. Mark Pope, who oversees the California Motorcycle Safety Program for the highway patrol, told the Reno Gazette-Journal that it all depends on how responsible the motorcyclist is.

“Motorcycle safety is kind of an oxymoron,” he said. “Motorcycling isn’t about safety. If somebody was interested in traveling the highway safely they’d be in a Volvo.”

Police Search for Man Who Shot at Ex-Girlfriend's New Boyfriend

2013-05-10T18:06:56Z

(RENO, Nev.) -- Police are searching for a man accused of shooting at his ex-girlfriend's new boyfriend earlier this week.

According to the Reno Police Department, officers responded to the 2700 block of Plumas Street just after 9 p.m. on Tuesday after a reported shooting. An investigation into the incident revealed that the two victims were a 28-year-old woman and her 28-year-old boyfriend. The boyfriend was visiting the woman's apartment when an ex-boyfriend, Terrance Hale, 33, knocked at the door.

Hale allegedly pushed his way into the residence and confronted the couple. Hale fired a gun at the boyfriend, but missed him. He then fled the scene.

Hale is described as a black male, 5 feet 7 inches tall with black hair and tattoos on his neck, chest, back and arms. He is considered armed and dangerous.

Police request anyone with information to call (775) 322-4900.

Bill to Expand Live Entertainment Tax Introduced in State Assembly

2013-05-09T17:19:05Z

(RENO, Nev.) -- A bill was introduced to the Nevada State Assembly on Wednesday to expand the state's live entertainment tax.

According to the Reno Gazette Journal, the expansion of the tax would include golf, movies and gym memberships, as well as events like Burning Man and Las Vegas Aces games in the American Basketball Association.

The goal of the bill is to eliminate exemptions to the existing entertainment tax, which brought in $136 million in the two-year budget cycle, according to the Gazette Journal.

It is estimated that the alterations to the entertainment tax could bring in an additional $50 million.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Police Investigating Stabbing Incident

2013-05-08T19:38:46Z

(SPARKS, Nev.) -- Police believe they have identified a suspect in a stabbing incident Tuesday morning in Sparks, Nevada.

Police are not releasing the identities of the victim or the suspect, according to the Reno Gazette-Journal.

The suspect, a 37-year-old male, allegedly stabbed a 39-year-old man in the lower back. The incident took place near El Rancho Boulevard and D Street. The victim was hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call (775) 322-4900.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Nevada to Use Traffic Fatality Numbers to Promote Safe Driving

2013-05-07T15:22:17Z

(RENO, Nev.) -- The Nevada Department of Transportation will begin to post traffic fatality numbers on digital billboards along freeways to remind people to drive safe, the department announced Monday.

The freeway digital message signs, or DMS messages, will periodically display current Nevada traffic fatality numbers and messages reminding drivers not to speed or drive while impaired, to buckle up, and other safe driving tips.

“We’re one of the first handful of states using these DMS messages as a driving safety reminder to help save lives,” NDOT Director Rudy Malfabon said in the news release.

“These are so much more than numbers. They are a wife, a father, a brother, a friend or neighbor, and there’s no better reason or stronger reminder for us all to buckle up, never drive impaired, stop on red, be pedestrian safe and focus on the road,” he continued.

Data from last year shows Nevada had 258 traffic fatalities, which is 12 more than in 2011. Driving deaths in Nevada are generally down, however, they peaked at 432 in 2006.

Reno City Council Considering New Rules for Pedicabs

2013-05-06T15:35:26Z

(RENO, Nev.) -- The Reno City Council is holding a public meeting on Tuesday to discuss proposed ordinances that would create new rules for operating pedicabs.

The proposed new rules include requiring minimum licensing and safety requirements for pedicabs to help protect patrons and the other vehicles with whom they share the road.

A criminal penalty for violation of the new requirements would also be established.

The City Council notified businesses that might be affected by the ordinances well ahead of time, so that they have the chance to present any objections or input.

The ordinances and amendments would be adopted at the regularly scheduled meetings on June 5 and June 19.

The public meeting is set for Tuesday, May 7 at 1:30 p.m. at Reno City Hall.