Weblog

A post today on Anjeanette Damon’s blog at RGJ.com covers the challenges both the Millennium Scholarship and Senior Rx program face from a possible reduction in tobacco settlement funds. After working to extend the scholarship in the last legislative session, Nevada currently faces a $7 million shortfall in payments this quarter as a result of an arbitrator’s decision.

Congratulations to long-time Committee to Aid Abused Women Executive Director Joni Kaiser, winner of CAAW’s Hannah Clapp award this year.

Thank you to the Reno Gazette-Journal, who have coverage of the Open Space and Greenways Plan this morning: “Open space plan goes to public - Draft documents vision for protection, connection.” Link after the jump.

Living in Reno, Lisa and I are thankful every day that we’re a short walk from places like Evans Creek and Keystone Canyon. We’re grateful we can ride our bikes to work, and walk our dog around the park in our neighborhood. As I talk to voters in the district, I find that this access to public lands and our recreational amenities are a common thread- why we love living in Nevada. This is our quality of life and we must work to protect it.

Last night Lisa and I attended the Nevada Waterfowl Association’s annual dinner, this year renamed the St. Patrick’s Day Fund-Raising Banquet. I went last April when it was the “Stillwater Stomp” and wondered if the change would affect turnout. But the place filled up no problem- clearly the new date was not an issue! Photos after the jump.

Nevada’s Democrats unveiled a legislative agenda yesterday to deal with the challenges of health care. The RGJ has the coverage…

You’ve probably heard by now… Montana beat Nevada today in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Such is life beyond a cinderella appearance in the NCAA. The Pack is all grown up now, and today we experienced the curse of a 5th seed.

Clarice Morant is 101 and takes care of her sister, Rozzie, 89 years old and in the late stages of Alzheimer’s. Clarice also takes care of her brother, who is 95.

For all you mountain bikers, skiers (jibbers, huckers, powder hounds), fly fishermen, climbers, boaters, snowboarders, hikers, and lovers of mountain culture, you won’t want to miss the annual Banff Mountain Film Festival, at John Ascuaga’s Nugget, Tuesday and Wednesday, April 4th & 5th. The annual film festival benefits my favorite conservation organization, the Nevada Land Conservancy. The Conservancy works to protect Nevada’s “open spaces and special places.”

Thanks to all who came out for the Washoe County Democratic Party convention on Saturday! Thanks also to the volunteers who helped me staff my table and sign up volunteers, Christina and Jill in particular. Photo after the jump.