Nevada is full of geothermal activity and it's not unusual to see steam escaping through fissures in the grounds or the occasional geyser shooting a column of water into the air as you roam the Silver State's landscape. Northern Nevada alone has more than 220 naturally occurring hot springs, with which early inhabitants booked and bathed, while modern visitors take advantage for wellness and recreation. Before too long, clever entrepreneurs also reaped the benefit of the springs by charging folks a fee for the enjoyment and restorative powers of soaking in the mineral-filled pools of water.

John Canson, an Italian immigrant who arrived at Ellis Island in 1903, married in the Philippines and transformed his humble abode into a grand center of entertainment outside of Manila. In 1928, he arrived in Reno, divorcing his wife and purchasing two tracts of land from Jacob Meyer. The first was in the 1300 block of S. Virginia Street and included the old Litch House, while the second was a large tract of land south of Reno roughly across from the Steamboat Springs Resort. The first he sold, and the second soon became the site of Reno Hot Springs.

The ads for Reno Hot Springs boasted of the "high, healthful mineral count of the water" and offered cottages for rent by the week or month, with hot baths for $1 and a two-hour limit. Shortly thereafter, Canson was thinking even bigger and decided he wanted to bring on a team of staff to offer massages as well as build a large swimming pool filled with hot spring water. This was not just any pool – it was the largest mineralized swimming pool in America. Signs at the entrance would boast the amazing benefits of the mineralized water including the cures for high blood pressure, sciatica, neuralgia, obesity, kidney and bladder disease and auto-intoxication to name a few.

What ever happened to the famed Reno Hot Springs Resort and why did it disappear unlike the famed Steamboat Hot Springs and Carson Hot Springs? Check out the full article in Foot Prints from Debbie Hinman for the full scoop.

Click here for more.

About Historic Reno Preservation Society:

The scenario is all too familiar: the owner of a historic building suddenly announces plans to demolish it. They might label it as blight, "too far gone to save," or simply outdated and in the way of the new, modern future they hope to construct in its place. There is an immediate outcry from community members who argue that the building is worth saving, and inevitably, someone who supports the demolition asks, "If you care about it so much, why didn't you say something about it earlier?"

That perennial question is one of the reasons why we created Reno Historical in the first place. It's also why it's so fitting for the app and website to now be managed by the Historic Reno Preservation Society, because one of the driving forces behind both Reno Historical and HRPS is the belief that education is the key to appreciation. And when it comes to historic structures, one of the biggest challenges to their preservation is a lack of knowledge about them, the history they represent, and the stories they contain.

We launched Reno Historical in 2014, just as development was starting to pick up again after the extended economic downturn. That uptick in activity, which has only accelerated since, has put a lot of older buildings in the crosshairs. In the process, it has become clear that very often, those who own, purchase, or inhabit historic properties aren't themselves aware of their history or the fact that anyone even cares about what happens to them.

Photos courtesy of Historic Reno Preservation Society & Neal Cobb

The STIHL National Championship Air Races will return after a break from last year. The Air Races have been held for over 50 years, when the first plane went up in the Nevada desert. The races will be help September 15 – 19 this year and I hope that you will join me!

Carrying on the traditions of the Cleveland Air Races of the 1920s, 30s, and 40s, our event in Reno is the last of its kind. First organized in 1964, the STIHL National Championship Air Races have become an institution for northern Nevada and aviation enthusiasts from around the world. This is also one of my favorite events in Reno! There's nothing quite like the cheering of the crowd, the roaring of the powerful engines, and the feeling of your pounding heart from all of the excitement. Right in our own backyard, we have the fastest motorsport on Earth. It's definitely a one-of-a-kind thrill you have to see in person to believe!

Qualifying heats will begin ahead of the action on September 13 with a total of 155 pilots planning to test their mettle, flying one of 145 aircraft slated for the qualifying rounds. Earlier in the summer, pilots wishing to compete had to pass through a rookie school to gain initial certification to fly or renew their qualifications. The STOL Drag competition will return for a second time, with a total of 25 pilots toeing the line in this new event. There will also be demonstrations by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey, F-35A Lightning II, Tucker's Air Patrol and Jim Peitz Aerosports.

Enthusiasts on the ground can experience the National Aviation Heritage Invitation, the GRADD-NVBAA STEM Education Discovery Zone, and the racing pits, where a lot of the action takes place.

About The Reno Air Racing Association:

The Reno Air Racing Association is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization with donations being tax deductible. Our mission is to produce a first-class air racing and air show event that celebrates and perpetuates the world's fastest motorsport. Fueled by decades of success, we're committed to delivering a safe, entertaining and exhilarating experience for fans while also honoring our military, inspiring our youth and strengthening our community, economy and culture.

The Reno Air Racing Association Board of Directors, a small full-time staff and hundreds of volunteers work together to preserve this unique event. Staff members handle the thousands of details needed year-after-year, planning for the next event before the current one is completed. Approximately 2,500 volunteers serve in capacities ranging from course safety and security to event sequencing and air traffic control to race timing and scoring.

As you arrive into downtown Reno, on the southeast corner of First and Virginia Streets you will notice a large expanse of concrete often frequented by skateboarders and the like. The City of Reno purchased this designated park in 2005 and soon added in the massive BELIEVE sign along with the colorful stained glass Space Whale.

What is the intended purpose of this space? One might never learn unless they take the time to read this blog or the display posts at the northeast corner of the property and discover that they are standing on one of the oldest and most historic spots in all of Reno. This historic piece by Deb Hinman will transport you back in time to the historic days of the Biggest Little City.

Step Back in Time at the Reno City Plaza by Debbie Hinman, HRPS

How it All Began: Lake's Grist Mill and the Alhambra Hall 1867 – 1904

"In 1861, seven years before Reno was to become a town, a successful rancher from Honey Lake, California named Myron Lake happened upon a deal that he couldn't refuse. In a remote outpost between Honey Lake and the Comstock, beside a river that frequently overflowed its banks causing mayhem for the operator of a way station and his series of makeshift bridges, Lake saw a golden opportunity. The timing was right and Charles Fuller accepted Lake's offer of land in Honey Lake in
trade for the station and the toll road itself, for a considerable distance north and south of the crossing. Lake also purchased land on either side abutting the road.

By 1867, Lake was doing well enough that he began working on a new building across the river, at the northeast edge of his bridge. Lake had decided to build a grist mill, as he was growing a crop of wheat. Most accounts say the structure was
never used for this purpose but one reference claims Lake pioneered industrial use of Truckee water power on this site. And little did Lake know he was also erecting Reno's pioneer establishment—its first saloon. For the duration of its relatively
short life of less than 40 years, this building had a plethora of uses—once the railroad was completed through Reno on May 4, 1868, the town began to grow and there were at that time no other community buildings.

In 1868, two men of the cloth, Rev. J. W. Atherton and Rev. T. H. McGraw, held services at the mill, now known as Alhambra Hall. There is no mention of the origin of the name in newspapers of the day. Could someone with a grand sense of
humor have named it for the Spanish palace or the massive and highly ornamental London Alhambra Theater from the mid-1850s? Reno's Alhambra was a barn-like structure of weathered wood, as seen in the photo on the left.

At some point that year, a Mr. W. B. Whittemore acquired the building and began operating a very welcome saloon and lodging house. He added a half-story
creating, as reported in the Reno Crescent, "a splendid hall, 30 by 50
feet, the finest room probably in all the state." At this time, it was Reno's only schoolroom, civic auditorium, meeting hall, theater and house of worship until the beginning of 1869. The first school was held in the Alhambra in September of 1868 with 31 students and one teacher, Miss Lucy Scott. At Christmastime, the Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1 held a benefit ball in the new hall at $3 a ticket—supper extra—which was reportedly "a little short of colossal" and most of the town attended.
In 1869, the first meeting of Reno Lodge No. 13 of the Masons met in
the Alhambra; it would be another three years before they would have their own building. The Odd Fellows also held meetings in the Alhambra.

In early August of 1878, fire consumed the Chinese quarter of town. A Chinese firm had recently been awarded a contract to build the 33-mile Steamboat Ditch and the existing disdain for the Chinese was reaching a fever pitch. Coincidentally (or not), an anti-Chinese group had met that same evening to discuss "the Chinese question." With their homes and possessions suddenly turned to ashes, Alhambra Hall became a short-term home for displaced persons. A local newspaper unsympathetically reported the following on August 17th: In the basement story of the old Alhambra Hall are stowed away from 150 to 200 moon eyes, who live like so many sardines in a box. In the dimly lighted room we see them reclining in every corner, some smoking, a few gambling, others cooking, more eating and all jabbering and gesticulating. The town would not put up with this situation much longer. In early October the following news item appeared: The notice to leave given by the Pavilion Committee to the Chinese who still lingered around the old town, had a decided effect, for not a heathen was left yesterday. It is interesting to go over the vacated places and imagine how like hogs they must have lived.

Somewhat ironically, in 1901, the Alhambra was mentioned as being occupied by the Volunteers of America, a faith-based non-profit organization established in 1896 to provide housing assistance to low–income people. In 1903, the building was referred to as the Salvation Army barracks and was demolished in December of that year. A few weeks later, a Nevada State Journal [NSJ] editorial entitled "Another Landmark Doomed" delivered a statement that we might well consider today. Said the writer, "It is all very well to brush away the musty past to make room for the present and give the future a chance, but it is also well to stop and meditate a
while." The land would lie vacant for the next six years."

Enjoying the time capsule article? Click here to read the remaining two chapters!

Image couresty of City of Reno blog

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The Galena Creek Visitors Center is one of the coolest resources we have to the outdoors in the Mt. Rose area. Located on the Mt. Rose Scenic Byway, a 22 mile long road that runs from Reno to Incline Village, it is the highest point around pass in the Sierra and takes travelers through spectacular scenery including fabulous view of Lake Tahoe from far up on the mountainside. Tahoe, no doubt, is an incredible destination point but getting there should be a wonderful experience, too. We have information that can help with the trip. Plan to stop a while at Galena Creek Regional Park to take a hike in the lower elevations.

The center currently houses a large display of regional birds for visitors to look upon and study.  The specimens are provided by the Lahontan Audubon Society and most who see them are impressed not only by the numbers of species on display but, also, by the dramatic mountings the taxidermists have created. The birds really do seem alive!  The center also offers interpretive displays that help to explain the natural science and the history of the Galena Creek region.   Come visit us.  Enjoy and learn.  No admission charge! I hope that you will click the link and be inspired to get outside!

GUIDED HIKES

Guided hikes are offered the first and third Saturday of the month from 10am – 12pm. Hikes will begin and end at the visitor center. All are welcome! Please call ahead to confirm.

GALENA TODDLERS

Designed for Ages 2 – 5. Normally held every third Thursday of the month, join in the fun at 10am at the Visitor Center for knee high nature education that includes story time, arts and crafts, and outdoor exploration. Call to confirm.

GALENA HOMESCHOOL

Geared for grades K – 12. Normally held every third Wednesday of the month, join us at 10:00am at the Visitor Center for an outdoor science-based field study program for all homeschool groups and students. Call to confirm.

SUMMER EXPLORATION CAMPS

2021 Youth Day Camps: This summer, experience a portal to the wilder world….explore the Sierras, investigate the Great Basin, and get moving outside with hands-on, adventurous, outdoor exploration camps. Your child will experience, first hand, the beautiful Nevada environment just like the scientists do. Great Basin Naturalists at Galena summer camps provide quality outdoor experiences that emphasize environmental science and physical activity, foster creativity, and promote STEM education and environmental stewardship. Our staff is made up of enthusiastic outdoor educators who are trained and committed to providing your child with the coolest outdoor experiences that they'll surely remember for a lifetime!

WHO
Children Ages 8-12

WHAT
Quality, local outdoor day camp experiences that emphasize environmental science, curiosity, exploration, physical activity, and social experiences

WHEN
8 Summer Camp Sessions in 2021
First session starts on Monday, June 14th and last session ends on Friday, August 6th
Monday-Friday
9 am to 5 pm

WHERE
Galena Creek Visitor Center
Reno, NV

COST
$237/WEEK

Great Basin Naturalists at Galena Exploration Camps are made possible through partnerships between Washoe County, the USDA Forest Service, and the Great Basin Institute.

Click here to explore more of the Galena Creek Visitor Center.

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Realtor® Sierra Nevada Properties

http://nealfincher.com/

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Going, Going, Gone! Homes Are Selling the Fastest in These Markets

Searching for a home can feel like a full-time job in today's market complete with adrenaline-fueled, palpitation-inducing moments waiting to discover the response to an offer. If you blink, you will miss it. Homes are now coming on and off the market at a rapid pace as buyers are snatching up property at an unprecedented rate and taking advantage of record-low interest rates.

However, I am here to share some info from Realtor.com that not all markets are turbocharged to quite the same degree. Where are the main areas that buyers are making split-second decisions? And where do they have a bit more time to think about what could be the largest purchase they ever make?

The data has been crunched and the metropolitan areas where homes are flying off the market at the fastest pace (as well as taking the longest to sell) have been determined.

"For buyers looking for a home in today's fast-moving housing markets, it's important to be prepared to move quickly," says George Ratiu, senior economist at Realtor.com. "Having financing lined up, knowing the neighborhood, and sticking to their budget's upper limit would help to make a stressful experience more manageable."

Four of the five fastest-moving metros on the list are located in the Western United States, as Californians make a great exodus from the Golden State and seek out more affordable living. Some parts of the Midwest and Northeast are also seeing movement. These areas don't typically heat up until the summer months ahead of the back-to-school season. To create the list, the median number of days homes stayed on the market in April was determined and the list was limited to the 250 largest metro areas (including one metro area per state to ensure diversity).

Here's what Realtor.com had to say about Reno, NV at number 4:

"Median list price: $524,500
Median days on market in April: 15

Reno is another spillover market that's seen a lot of love over the past year or so from Californians craving more elbowroom. What once was a haven for retirees has now become an outpost for tech workers who can log in from anywhere with a good Wi-Fi connection.

Easy access to ski slopes and the serene Lake Tahoe means outdoorsy types have things to do year-round. And since it's just a 3.5-hour drive, weekend trips back West are doable.

Homes here are about half the price they are in San Francisco (median list price: $1,061,500). The region has also seen an increase in cash sales as of late, as out-of-staters trade in their expensive Bay Area abodes for a more affordable alternative."

Click here for the full article and to learn more about these quick-moving markets.

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Realtor® Sierra Nevada Properties

http://nealfincher.com/

https://www.snphomes.com/

The heart of the historic Powning Conservation District at 700 Riverside Drive will soon be the site of a planned apartment building. The preparation is already underway, but construction is proceeding at the developer's risk.

The building permits were appealed on May 4 and no decision has been made in the aftermath. The hearing lasted for over 7 hours and the legal and procedural issues at hand are far more complex than many might realize. A myriad of factors at hand include street abandonments and maintenance, public easements, parking requirements, and more, making this a serious and complicated matter.

You can read more details about the project itself here.

As a proud member of the Historic Reno Preservation Society, I wanted to share some information with you with regards to the valuable history surrounding the Powning Conservation District. The HRPS Board has expressed the hope that the design of this building might be revisited to ensure greater compatibility with the neighborhood's unique historic character.

For many unfamiliar with the field of historic preservation, they may believe that historic character is entirely subjective or arbitrary, but that would be false. Historic character is in fact a measurable quality utilized by the Secretary of the Interior to assess historic and architectural significance.

In the case of Powning, there has been careful documentation and evaluation in a comprehensive 970-page architectural survey that led to its official designation as a local Conservation District in 2009. The City of Reno has also repeatedly affirmed the value of the city's historic character from the adoption in 2008 of its first Historic Plan. The plan states that "Historic characteristics should be respected and maintained when possible and in new development should demonstrate an effort to retain the historic character throughout the City."

At the end of the day, it's entirely possible for a new multi-story apartment building, even in the heart of this district, to be designed to reflect its historic character. Yes, there is a critical need for housing in our community, however there is concern about the new apartment building's form and massing irreversibly impacting the openness that characterizes this section of the riverfront.

Image courtesy of the Barber Brief

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Realtor® Sierra Nevada Properties

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The entire month of May in Reno-Sparks is celebrating Asian Pacific Islander (API) Heritage Month with an event called the Common Thread Asian Noodle Tour.

The event highlights 20 Asian-owned restaurants, offering special dishes for $10 or less. The event was organized by Michael Tragash, Yelp's senior community manager in Reno and with a check-in on Yelp you can take advantage of these tasty dishes at a great price.

"As supporters of each other, I wanted to find out how we can work together to get some visibility for these businesses, owners and organizations, especially in light of the rising anti-Asian sentiment and incidents of Asian racial hate in our country," Tragash said.

Hungry consumers interested in supporting businesses of The Common Thread can explore a variety of noodle specials, everything from bean thread noodles to pho to cheung fun, at a wide range of API-owned restaurants in greater Reno-Sparks.

Participating businesses include: Haru; The Coconut Downtown; Rice Box Kitchen; Silver Chopsticks; Viet Pho; Loco Ono; Bab Café; Kwok's Bistro; Siu Asian Express; Maya's South Indian Cuisine; Aloha Shack; Lanna Thai Café; Bangkok Cuisine; Moo Dang; Arario Midtown; India Kabab & Curry; Crawfish Asian Cuisine; Num Num Boba; Lolo's Filipino Restaurant & Lounge; and Ijji Noodle House & Poke Don.

The Common Thread is a great opportunity to introduce people to the culture and food that Asian-owned restaurants provide right here in our local Northern Nevada community. While it might take more than one month celebrating, it's a great way to get out and appreciate our neighbor's culture and try some delicious new foods!

Read more about some of the local restaurant owners here.

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Realtor® Sierra Nevada Properties

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https://www.snphomes.com/

Reno has quickly become one of the most desirable locations in the country and we can see that reflected in the demand of the housing market.

Reno was named the 21st least affordable city among the 100 biggest metro areas in the country, according the RealtyHop's April 2021 Housing Affordability Index which was published on March 29. The median price of $444,000 for a home in Reno-Sparks means that a homeowner in the area would need to spend 41.20% of their annual income in order to own a home. This has put a strain on the population of Reno as citizens struggle to find affordable housing and rental properties.

A Reno-based non-profit, the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada (CFNN) is working to change that, even for just one property at a time. In 2018, CFFN created the Community Housing Land Trust (CHLT) in an effort to provide affordable homes to people earning less than the area's median income (currently $79,600 for a family of four).

After two years of efforts, the CHLT has sold its first home. The "City Cottage" was a 1,000 square foot, two-bedroom, one-bath residence sold to a local couple of $225,000 in January this year. This was the first single-family home ever sold by a community land trust in the state of Nevada.

The City Cottage buyers will own the home and lease the land from the CHLT. To qualify for a home through the CHLT, buyers must earn less than 80% of the area median income while earning enough so their housing expenses total no more than 35% of their monthly income. If and when the owners decide to sell, the property will be sold back to another income-qualified family.

In October 2020, the city of Reno donated property to the land trust — 2.5 acres of land in North Reno's Golden Valley for 10 homes to be built and sold through the CHLT. The 1,400-square-foot, four-bedroom, three-bath homes will be sold to buyers earning slightly less than 80% of the area median income. The prices of the homes are expected to be $100,000 less than comparable homes in the market, according to the land trust.

Click here to read more about what CCFN is doing to create affordable housing in Northern Nevada.

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Realtor® Sierra Nevada Properties

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Happy spring from Reno-Tahoe!

The Galena Creek Visitor's Center is one of my favorite places in town. They offer so much from kids camps, hiking tours to lectures. If you want to take advantage of the hiking trails in Suburban SW Reno, the Center is the place to be. The staff welcomes visitors and enjoys educating folks on the trail system. Please take the time to visit and even sign up for the newsletter. I always find something of interest. I can't wait for the lectures to start again.

The Galena Creek Visitor Center has been closed due to guidelines pertaining to COVID-19, but are planning to reopen the center and begin in-person programs in May 2021. The Galena Creek Regional Park and trails remain open daily from 8 am to 7 pm.

When programs resume, you'll be able to attend a guided nature hike on the first and third Saturday of every month from 10am to 12pm. They are a great way to stay active while learning about the local area. Each Saturday a specialist in their field will lead the hike along one of the Galena Park Trails while teaching one of many topics including local history, ecology, geology, weather, wildlife, birding, and more. Be sure to bring water, sunscreen, hiking books, and a brain eager to learn. Find out what topics are coming up in the weeks ahead by visiting their website or signing up for their monthly newsletter.

They also offer monthly seminars and educational enrichment programs. Coming up on May 15, One Truckee River will present "Promoting Pollinators in Your River-Friendly Landscape" on Zoom. You will learn about the importance of pollinators, theories on why they're in decline, and how you can promote pollinators in your River-Friendly Landscape. Click here to register.

The center isn't just for adults – they host fun and enriching year-round programs for kids. Coming up this year is their summer camp, a day camp full of engaging, creative, educational, and hands-on nature activities. Kids can discover the natural wonders of our local forests, creeks, lakes and ponds while promoting healthy cognitive, physical, emotional, and social development by creating positive memories while caring for the planet.

Bring out the explorer in yourself, the children around you, and your family and friends! We live in one of the most beautiful and accessible outdoor recreation meccas in the country.

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Realtor® Sierra Nevada Properties

http://nealfincher.com/

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Apple is taking its investment into renewable energy in Nevada seriously.

The Turquoise Solar Project in Washoe County is now up and running. The farm produces 61 megawatts of direct current and is located east of Reno on roughly 180 acres within the master planned Reno Technology Park. On March 17th, Apple released the news of the project in partnership with Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company (GREC). GREC is the utility-scale renewable energy development company that owns Turquoise Solar.

"Turquoise … is very highly regarded in the solar power industry," Charles Wheeler, CEO of GREC, said in a press release. "Completing it has been a huge accomplishment and is the product of a tremendous collaborative effort between the parties involved.

"… Despite an extremely challenging year across the country, 2020 was a year of growth for us, as we continued to bring amazing new wind and solar projects like this one online. During the year, our total investment income increased by 60% reflecting the strong growth we've achieved thanks to projects like Turquoise."

The estimated $60 million project reached commercial operation in December and "has outperformed expected power generation to date, despite lower-than-expected levels of sunshine," according to GREC.

Originally developed by Estuary Capital Partners and Sumitomo Corporation of Americas, Turquoise Solar was acquired by GREC in 2019. After construction began in November 2019, the project created 236 clean energy construction jobs of which 90% were filled by Nevada residents. With so much of Turquoise Solar being located on rocky desert terrain, the engineers found it challenging to design a plan for the site and partnered with TerraSmart to help.

"Thanks to the collaborative partnership with TerraSmart, this was another project where our team could design and engineer a solution for a solar project that had very unique terrain challenges," Scott Canada, senior vice president of McCarthy's Renewable Energy Group, said in a statement. "We are also grateful to the exceptional local craft workforce for their ability to work safely and efficiently during these challenging times.

"Their efforts ensured the commission of the Turquoise Solar Project, allowing for the generation of clean energy to power Apple's data center."

The site is already hard at work delivering 50 megawatts of renewable power to Apple's data center at the Reno Technology Park, making it the company's fourth renewable project totaling 270 megawatts. Turquoise Solar represents just one small piece of Apple's $4.7 billion "Green Bond" initiative that aims to relieve an average of 921,000 metric tons of carbon emissions annually (equivalent to removing almost 200,000 cars from the road).

"Apple is proud that for nearly three years we've powered all of our worldwide operations with 100 percent renewable energy," Lisa Jackson, Apple's Vice President of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives, said in a statement. "In the process, we've charted a course for other companies and organizations to bring clean energy projects to communities around the world and help combat climate change.

"We're excited to have the Turquoise Solar Project bringing new renewable energy to Nevada."

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Realtor® Sierra Nevada Properties

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https://www.snphomes.com/