2B Reno Gazette-Journal Thursday, July 1, 1999 MetroWatch A daily look at people, places and events making news in the Reno-Sparks area, including the most recently filed crime reports. Old-growth trees illegally cut down at Tahoe 1 By Jeff DeLong RLNO GAZETTE-JOURNAL More than 30 old-growth trees were illegally cut down duringa forest health project on Lake Tahoe's west shore and the damage could extend further than that. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency is still working to determine how many trees greater than 30 inches in diameter were removed in violation of a law designed to protect the little old-growth timber remaining in the Tahoe Basin. Preliminary counts indicate more than 30 were cut, said Kim Johnson, a forester with TRPA's enforcement unit. The number will likely rise.
The agency has learned more than a dozen loads of cut logs were trucked from the site to a lum- the job to the Menasha Corp. of Grass Valley, which in turn hired a private timber cutter. The over-the-snow logging occurred in April. Problems could extend beyond violation of TRPA's old-growth ordinance. At the direction of the agency, Menasha has hired an old-growth expert to assess overall damage to the timber stand, including impacts on forest canopy and wildlife habitat.
"It's not just a matter of 30-inch diameter trees buttheimpacttothe function of the old-growth ecosystem," Johnson said. Dave Antonucci, general manager of the Tahoe City Public Utility District, said "what did or did not happen" at the logging site is still being determined. "We do want to get this resolved," Antonucci said. "It was never our intention to do anything but a project for forest health." The project calls to question TRPA's ability to enforce its year-old old-growth ordinance, said Dave Roberts of the League to Save Lake Tahoe. In a June 17 letter to TRPA Executive Director Jim Baetge, Roberts wrote that a league representative had counted 36 stumps of old growth trees.
Roberts urged TRPA to impose a stiff fine for each violation. "Obviously we're hugely disappointed by this," Roberts said Wednesday. "It's exactly the type of logging operation we don't want in the Tahoe Basin. Essentially what they've done is set that area back 100 years." SPANISH SPRINGS I Dolores 0 Guam STEAD VERDI owHyMpGud PANTHER 7m LEfoMON VAU.tr GOLDEN VALLEY El T2L .1 Seven. 1 I VALLEY 'Newport 9 SUN J.
VALLEY MS IN 2 miles 1 Inmate population Wednesday: 791 Design capacity: 871 Additional in-house arrests, work programs, hospitals and other temporary programs: 565. Bookings on Tuesday: 66. Bookings included: grand larceny, criminal contempt, probation violation, under influence of a controlled substance, 1 burglary, use of controlled substance, 1 stalking, 1 cheating at gambling, DUI, failure to comply, defrauding an innkeeper, indecent exposure, open container, domestic battery, 1 open and gross lewdness, battery, reckless driving, fugitive from justice, non-sufficient funds check, possession of methamphetamine, trafficking cocaine, 1 robbery, 1 tampering with a motor vehicle, 1 disturbing the peace, 1 driving with license revoked, failure to appear, urinating in public, 1 contempt of court, possession of marijuana, 1 parole violation, 1 2 Inmate population Wednesday morning: 53 boys, 15 girls. Recommended total maximum: 44. Bookings on Tuesday and Wednesday morning: 12.
Bookings included: possession of a dangerous drug, domestic battery, probation violation, petty larceny, 1 possession of marijuana, affrayfighting, curfew, runaway, 2. TODAY'S FOLLOW-UP PEOPLE AND EVENTS THAT HAVE MADE HEADLINES ber mill in Quincy, before anyone became aware of the problem. "There were a lot of trees cut down that weren't authorized," Johnson said. "It's real serious, definitely." The cutting occurred during a project to remove dead and dying trees from 1 1 3 acres of land owned by the Tahoe City Public Utility District just south of Homewood Ski Resort. The district contracted Reno: main police station, 455 E.
Second desk, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays; work cards, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; report pickups, 10 a.m.
to noon, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; desk telephone, 334-2175; Reno crime reports should be filed at Central Substation, Lake and Plaza streets, in the National Bowling stadium, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
Neil Road Substation, 1400 E. Peck-ham Lane, noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; Stead Substation, 10555 Stead 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Sparks: 1 701 E. Prater Way; desk, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily; work cards, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; desk telephone: 353-2428. Washoe County Sheriff's Office: 91 1 E. Parr desk, around the clock daily; work cards, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (closed Wednesday); case reports and records, 8 a.m.
to to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; desk telephone, 328-3001. Nevada Highway Patrol: 357 Ham-mill Lane; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; phone, 688-2500.
UNR: 1305 Evans 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; for reports and information; desk telephone: 784-4013. Carson City's Y2K Contingency Plan, or to get a copy of the plan, contact the city manager's office at 887-21 00. reduce fears, misconceptions and apprehensions.
There are a lot of people out there who are buying generators and stocking up on fuel and food. "We're not going to shut down. We have plans to deal with potential problems." Among the specifics outlined in the plan include: Comprehensive activation of shelters, citywide, in the event of wide spread power outages. A response plan for civil disturbance with the Carson City Sheriffs Office and the Nevada Highway Patrol as the primary agencies. 'CHI Carson expects only minor Y2K glitches Ren) Reno Gazette-Journal Businessman pleads guilty to 73 counts A Las Vegas businessman pleaded guilty to 73 counts of a 1 19-count indictment Wednesday, charges ranging from conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, mail fraud and money laundering.
Eric Stein admitted to participating in a fraudulent leadership role in The Sterling Group, a company that sold contracts in Las Vegas in 1997 and 1998. He helped to launder about $34 million, says the U.S. Attorney's Office. There is a maximum sentence of 20 years for each of the 42 money laundering counts. The scheme involved selling investment contracts called Media Units, claiming the proceeds would be used to purchase television commercial time to advertise and sell products to generate additional Media Units.
Investigators said the group cultivated the illusion that it was a legitimate profit-making business, and thus enticed more investors, who were lured by the success of earlier investors. Supreme Court's lease plan hits funding snag The state Supreme Court has hit a snag in its plan to lease space in downtown Las Vegas in the Regional Justice Center beingbuilt by Clark County. State lawmakers have been told the $9 million cost of the lease would have to be included in the state's capital construction project fund, which already has been used up. Members of the lawmakers' Interim Finance Committee told c. rrt; vuui i jusiitc nancy Becker that several months of negotiating for space in the center will be for nothing unless there's a ruling clarifying the lease cost won't be part of the fund.
The Interim Finance Committee, which meets to approve changes to state agency budgets, approved the proposed lease between the Supreme Court and Clark County that would result in the construction of an additional floor on the Regional Justice Center scheduled to go out to bid next month. Becker told lawmakers that at a guaranteed rate of $1.85 a square foot for the life of the lease, the state would save millions by moving the court into 20,000 square feet of space in the justice center. The court now leases commercial space in downtown Las Vegas. But Becker was surprised to leam at the meeting that the state's bond counsel has determined the 20-year cost of the lease of almost $9 million would have to be counted as part of the state's bonding capacity for construction. Public defender's office turns 30 The Washoe County Public Defender's office will celebrate its 30th anniversary today with an open house in the Washoe County Courthouse on the Truckee River at One South Sierra St.
Historic photographs and documents will be on display and refreshments will be served. The open house begins at 1 1:30 a.m. today and continues Friday. Wheel of Fortune hits 7 times across country LAS VEGAS Wheel of Fortune, a MegaJackpot based on the world's most popular game show, generated a lot of excitement across the country last week as it hit seven times totaling more than $8,992,629 in MegaJackpot payouts. The first jackpot was hit at the Excalibur Hotel-Casino on June 20 for $9 1 9,030.
A few days later, on June 24, another lucky winner hit a $567,885 Wheel of Fortune Quarters MegaJackpot at Texas Gambling Hall Casino. I lill Carson fDlJj City Reno Gazette-Journal Today's question: Should concerns about jet noise outweigh the economic benefits of the pro- Bosed air cargo center at enoTahoe Airport? Results as of 9 p.m. Tuesday 3,940 results 3260 yes, 82 percent 680 no, 17 percent If Reno wants a cargo airport, why don't they consider using Stead or build one in Fernley where they can aid the economy and not destroy the quality of life for thousands of citizens who have been willing to accept planes for the present economy. There is supposed to be a 61 dB limit on noise under the traffic pattern. When flying over my home, in the south hills area, the noise for the 737s are in the high 70s, the MD80s are in the 8090s and the 727s exceed 1 00 and up.
We don't need this noise in the middle of the night! It does not meet the NEPA regulations. We are also approaching the limits on air quality for this fragile valley! Ike Eichbaum lama mother and a teacher raising three children in this community. If I wanted my children subjected to interrupted sleep patterns and an abundance of carbon dioxide in the air, I would live in LA. When this postal hub gets approved and is up and running, how will the airport authority prevent other cargo companies from coming in and flying at all hours of the day and night? They cannot very well say "yes" to the Postal Service and "no'toothercompanies. What ever happened to the moratorium on late night flights? Will that thought completely disappear? Julie Moyle The citizens of the Truckee Meadows should not have to pay the price for noise and pollution so that a few people can get rich.
The mayor has a conflict of interest with the airport. The state ethics board stated that Jeff Griffin cannot talk about the airport. Therefore any board member that Jeff Griffin appointed should not be able to vote on the USPS expansion, either. They could save themselves the trouble of lawsuits if they would do an environmental study on this. The Spaghetti Bowl cannot handle the truck traffic.
The valley cannot handle the smog. The airport is ramroding this issue. A temporary site does not require an EIS. A permanent one does. By spending $6 million of taxpayers money on a temporary site, they sidestep a study to see if this will adversely affect the valley.
Eric Swenson Log onto www.RGJ.com and respond to this question through the Gazette-Journal Insta-Poll. Answers will register automatically and readers can view instant results of the poll. In addition, readers are encouraged to provide additional comments on the subject at hand at the RGJ.com Digital Sounding Board. A selection of those comments, signed by the authors, will be reprinted in the Gazette-Journal. Story ideas can be phoned in at 324-0225, ext.
1490. Suggestions for additional discussion topics can be sent to the Online Editor through RGJ.com. In addition, the Gazette-Journal welcomes letters to the editor, which can be sent in several ways: Directly through www.rgj.com; e-mailed at via fax at (775)788-6458; or through traditional mail at P.O. Box 22000, Reno, NV 89520. Letters should contain daytime phone numbers and addresses.
CALIFORNIA LOTTERY Daily 3 Fantasy Five Wednesday's Wednesday's picks: 4, 3, 2 picks: 1 3, 1 1 34, 38 Super Lotto Wednesday's picks: 1,19, 35, 39, 40, 44. Jackpot estimate: 14 million. JACKPOTS Totem Pole $2,184,635 Quarters Deluxe $998,576 Super Megabucks $10,701,101 Cool Millions Quarters $800,469 Megabucks $7,094,739 Jeopardy $1,344,639 Quartennania $1,406,652 Nevada Nickels $207,661 California Lottery information can be obtained in Nevada by calling (800) 723-4879; in California, (800) 225-6669. By Patti Steele RENO GAZETTE-JOURNAL Carson City officials have some advice for residents as the dawn of the year 2000 approaches: Don't panic but be prepared. Whether the new year will bring widespread computer crashes, as some predict, or if it will be just another New Year's Day remains to be seen.
Still, the city wants residents prepared for any outcome. City Manager John Berkich and Emergency Management Coordinator Dan Shirey on Wednesday released the city's Year 2000 Contingency Plan for the continuing operation of essential city services in the event of a disruption of services caused by the Y2K computer bug. "We're expecting minor interruptions of services at worst," Berkich said. "This plan is intended to a sou VI 1,1 Gazette-Journal formed to address community groups about public safety and preparedness. "The city and local government is responsible for preparing for extreme situations," Shirey said.
"We're not expecting it will occur but we need to prepare and plan. It's important for the community and businesses to prepare themselves and become self-sufficient so when something on a large scale does occur, they can help us by being prepared. "Simply preparing your family and business for any type of emergency takes a huge bite out of the problem for the city." And if doomsday doesn't happen, the planning was still worth the effort, Berkich said. "In government, particularly at the local level, failure to respond is not an option and laissez-faire attitudes are unacceptable," he said. ening dispatchers and police officers.
Shortly after the incident Assistant City Attorney William Gardner filed criminal charges against her. Metko-Morse has been convicted five times since 1987 on charges ranging from minor traffic offenses to disturbing the peace and misusing 911. She had been facing a 3-year-old warrant for missing a court date in addition to the recent warrants. hours community service; Victim Impact Panel. Jesus Reyna Hernandez, $500, 96 hours community service, DUI school, Victim Impact Panel.
Gregory E. Barnes, 10 days jail, suspended; $500; two days jail; DUI school; Victim Impact Panel. Douglas D. Brazzanovich, $500, five days jail, 96 hours community service, alcohol-drug treatment, DUI school. Michael G.
Spendlove, 1 50 hours jail, suspended; 46 days jail already served; counseling; 1 00 hours community service; Victim Impact Panel. Rene Martinez Calvillo, 90 days jail, suspended; 23 days jail; alcohol-drug treatment. Dominica Ann Pisciorta, $500, 96 hours community service, DUI school, Victim Impact Panel. Richard R. Thomas, 96 hours community service, DUI school, Victim Impact Panel.
1 Arrest made in alleged threat on councilwoman Response strategy in the event of any utility interruption be it electrical, gas, water or telephone. Suggestions for residents to prepare themselves and their families including tips on stocking emergency supplies and preparing financial matters. Copies of the contingency plan are available at City Hall, the Carson City Fire Station on Stewart Street and the Carson City Sheriffs Office on Musser Street. The city is also planning public forums to discuss the plan and putting out information through cable access television programs and other public information outlets. A City Hall hot line will be introduced next month to provide automated phone access to scripted messages and answers to frequently asked questions about Y2K.
A speakers bureau also is being threatened at neighborhood advisory board meetings. "I am relieved that she is off the street." Police executed a search warrant on Metko-Morse's northeast Reno home last month after neighbors complained her 1 2-year-old son was building a fort on the roof. They found three shotguns, two handguns and one rifle. After police placed her son with social services, Metko-Morse al-legedlybegan calling!) 1 1 andthreat- Panel. Daniel J.
Jarman, $500, two days jail, DUI school, Victim Impact Panel. Martin J. Powers, $500, two days jail, DUI school, Victim Impact Panel. Sparks Justice Court Hector Cortes, 68 hours community service, two days jail, DUI school, Victim Impact Panel. Jennifer L.
Hawes, $400, 96 hours community service, DUI school, Victim Impact Panel. Frank D. George, $750, 10 days house arrest, DUI school, Victim Impact Panel. Jose Luis Gonzalez, 90 days jail, suspended; $500; 1 0 days house arrest; DUI school; Victim Impact Panel. Marie E.
King, $750, 1 00 days jail, 100 hours community service; suspended; $350; five days jail; 50 cause bodily injury, one count of stalking and one count of criminal contempt. Her bail has been set at $50,330. Reno Deputy Chief Jim Weston said deputies recognized Metko-Morse from fliers distributed by Reno police. She was arrested on charges of carrying a concealed weapon. "I hope that they can find help for her," said Councilwoman Sherrie Doyle, whose life Metko-Morse has Panel.
Angela K. Chamberlain, $500, two days jail, suspended; alcohol-drug treatment; $200; DUI school; Victim Impact Panel. Mark L. Eardley, $750, 30 days jail, DUI school, Victim Impact Panel, suspended; alcohol-drug treatment; $500; 10 days house arrest; 50 hours community service; Victim Impact Panel. Joel Juarez-Morales, $500, two days jail, DUI school, Victim Impact Panel, pay public defender $150.
Randolph L. Thomas, $500, two days jail, DUI school, Victim Impact Panel. Paul A. Sowyrda, $500, 96 hours community service, DUI school. Todd V.
Petiti, $1,000, 30 days jail, DUI school, Victim Impact Panel, suspended; alcohol-drug treatment; $500; five days jail; professional counseling; 100 hours community service; Victim Impact By Anjeanette Damon RENO GAZETTE-JOURNAL The search for a woman accused of threatening a Reno city council-woman ended Monday in Truckee, when Nevada County sheriff deputies arrested Maria Metko-Morse. Metko-Morse was extradited Tuesday to Washoe County and booked on three counts of disturbing the peace, one count of threats to Following are actions reported by courts involving people arrested on a charge of driving under the influence: Reno Justice Court Albert J. Blakley $1,000, 30 days jail, suspended; two days jail; $500; DUI school; Victim Impact Panel. Bryan W. Workman, $500, 30 days jail, suspended; two days jail; $500; DUI school; Victim Impact Panel.
Darrin L. Anderson, $200, 48 hours house arrest, DUI school, Victim Impact Panel. Kevin M. Orr, $500, 96 hours community service, DUI school, Victim Impact Panel. John M.
Crammers, $500, two days jail, DUI school, Victim Impact Panel. Patrick M. Breen, $400, two days jail, DUI school, Victim Impact.
