Green

Smart meters not smart enough yet

A 2010 FBI document obtained by security blog KrebsOnSecurity states that smart meter hacks “may have cost a single U.S. electric utility hundreds of millions of dollars annually.” Smart meters, intended to streamline energy usage by tracking and providing detailed reports to residents, and by incorporating renewable energy resources into its data streams, have been under fire for several reasons, including health risk claims and privacy concerns. Health risks have been debunked by several research institutions, including the World Health Organization, but hacking has yet to be prevented, as evidenced by the FBI report. According to a KrebsOnSecurity article published on April 9, the FBI anticipates more hacks as smart grids are implemented in more communities through the U.S. The article states, “The hacks described by the FBI do not work remotely, and require miscreants to have physical access to the devices. They succeed because many smart meter devices deployed today do little to obfuscate the credentials needed to change their settings.” In late February, the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada approved an alternative to the standard smart meters for consumers who wish to opt out. Instead of the default meters, consumers will receive a different digital device that, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, “would not store or transmit daily or hourly power-use details directly to NV Energy, but that would be read remotely once a month by drive-by meter-readers.” Smart meters are currently being installed throughout the state. Read the full FBI report and KrebsOnSecurity article at http://bit.ly/JbNxit.

Gas masked

In another step to combat landfill waste, Waste Management Inc. opened Nevada’s first landfillgas-to-energy power plant in Lockwood on April 16. According to WM spokesperson Justin Caporusso, the gas will “produce enough energy to power more than 1,800 homes.”

The gas is produced by the decay process of organic materials such as yard or food waste and is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency standards.

According to WM, there are 131 landfill gas sites in the United States, which collectively power around 475,000 homes.

—Ashley Hennefer

ashleyh@newsreview.com

ECO-EVENT

The Reno Bike Project will host the We HeART Bikes Art Show on April 28 at the Holland Project. Reception begins at 5 p.m., and live music and after party start at 9 p.m. A percentage of the proceeds from the artwork will go toward the Reno Bike Project. This event is family-friendly. For more information, visit www.renobikeproject.com. See Art of the State on page 17.

Got an eco-event? Contact ashleyh@newsreview.com. Find more at www.facebook.com/RNRGreen.

PHOTO/ASHLEY HENNEFER

Green teens

GREENevada

“You’re going to help the world solve some of its biggest environmental problems,” Marnee Benson told students competing in this year’s GREENevada.

Northern Nevada has no shortage of business competitions lately, largely focused on the environmental sector, including the new Nevada chapter of the Cleantech by Ashley Open (“Open for business,” March 29), and several programs for university students (“Competitive edge,” April 19). On April 20, high school students got

Hennefer in on the action and competed in the second annual Growing Resources for Environmental Education in Nevada—GREENevada—sustainability planashleyh@ newsreview.com competition. Students form teams to represent their schools, and present a plan to make their schools more sustainable, while focusing on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning. The event is a collaborative effort between educational nonprofit Envirolution, Black Rock Solar, Alliance for Climate Education, the Desert Research Institute’s GreenPower program, Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful, Sierra Nevada Journeys and Urban Roots Garden Classroom. Last year, nine Northern Nevada schools participated. Thirteen schools were slated to compete this year, but 12 showed. (Douglas High School was unable to attend due to a time conflict.) Apanel of 11 local leaders judged the competition, including Reno City Council member Dave Aiazzi, Nevada Land Conservancy operations director Sonya Hem Giroux and Be The Change Project co-founder Katy Chandler-Isacksen. Marnee Benson, deputy director of Black Rock Solar, MCed the event. “You’re the leaders, and we’re really glad you’re here,” Benson told the To learn more students. “You’re going to help the world solve some of its biggest environabout GREENevada, visit mental problems.”http://greenevada.org/. Nevada assemblyman David Bobzien also stopped by to give the students some words of encouragement. “What you guys are doing is really important for two reasons,” said David Bobzien. “There is this whole movement … called STEM. You guys are on the forefront of that. And there’s a lot of pessimism … but green energy is the future of our state.” Each team was given 12 minutes to present their plan, and the judges had five minutes to ask questions. The presentations addressed several stages of the plan—the problem, solution, plan, impact, budget and long-term goals. The teams’ideas often overlapped—several addressed different ways to combat excess waste, such as Wooster High Environmental Action Team’s (WHEAT) Waste Watch and a two-man team from Sage Ridge Eco Council. Other projects included community gardens to cultivate food for cafeterias and replacing school lawns with drought-friendly plants. While presenting, many students mentioned the sustainable efforts their schools were already making, such as building green houses, adding solar panels and wind turbines, and adopting single stream recycling. Each school ended up taking home prize money. Hug High School received top honors and $5,000. Hug’s team, dubbed the Hug High Green Hawks Environmental Club, shared their plan to save their school $15,000 in energy bills. The Reed High Eco Warriors, which one first place and $12,000 in 2011, were awarded second place and $3,500. The Davidson Academy Green Earth Community Knowledge Organization (GECKO) group came in third place and was given $2,000. Sage Ridge, Wooster High and Truckee Meadows Community College High School all received $1,000 each. Rainshadow Community Charter High School and Sparks High were awarded $750, and North Valleys, Pyramid Lake, Spanish Springs and Bishop Manogue Catholic high school received $500 toward their sustainable projects. Ω

Itʼ s happening in

CELTIC HERITAGE EXHIBIT

The Sparks Heritage Museum has created a Celtic exhibit in their 900-square foot changing gallery displaying loaned items from the Northern Nevada Celtic community. M-Su through 4/30, $5 donation for reception. Sparks Heritage Museum, 814 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-1144

KIDS ACTING

Learn to act while gaining selfconfi dence and poise. Wednesdays, 4-5PM through May 23. Register online. $45 for six classes. Alf Sorensen Community Center, 1400 Baring Blvd. (775) 353-2385

LADIES 80’S NIGHT

Hosted by DJ BG. Th, 6-11PM, Trader Dick’s Lounge. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

STEVIE D

Th, 4/26, 5:30PM , F, 4/27, 6PM and Sa, 4/28, 6PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

JO MAMA

Th, 4/26, 7PM , F, 4/27, 8PM , Sa, 4/28, 8PM and Su, 4/29, 7PM , no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

JAZZ

With First Take, featuring Rick Metz. Th, F, Sa 6PM. Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen, 1180 Scheels Dr. (775) 657-8659

WEEKEND JUMP-OFF PARTY

With DJ BG. F, Sa, 10PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

STEVE BRADFORD

F, 4/27, 5:30PM , Sa, 4/28, 5:30PM , Su, 4/29, 5:30PM , no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

3B ALL MTY AND LOS PRIMOS DE DURANGO

Also featuring El Bebeto, America Sierra, Furia Kaliense, Grupo Virus and DJ Dass. F, 4/27, 7PM , $30. Tix available at www.newoasisrenosparks.com. New Oasis, 2100 Victorian Ave. (775) 359-4020

ENGLEBERT HUMPERDINCK

F, 4/27, 9PM , $52, $59 John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

TITANIC NIGHTS

Experience what it was like to stand on the deck of the Titanic 100 years ago. 1PM-4PM Sa, 4/28, $10 adults; $5 for children age 12 and younger. Sparks Heritage Museum, 814 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-1144

TREES EVERYWHERE

Having trees in our landscapes is very important. Learn about selecting the right tree for the right place, proper planting, care and fertilization. Sa, 4/28, 10AM & 1PM. Free with canned food donation. Rail City Garden Center, 1720 Brierley Way. (775) 355-1551

Follow me to Sparks - where it’s happening now!

NIGHT OF THE TITANIC

This 22.5-minute multi-media planetarium program combines “fully-immersive” computer animation with the latest scientifi c research, allowing viewers inside the dome theater to experience what it was like on the Titanic. Sa, 4/28 1-4PM. $10 adults; $5 children age 12 and younger. Sparks Heritage Museum, 814 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-1144

ALACRANES MUSICAL AND INDUSTRIA DEL AMOR

Also featuring Grupo Kanino and Dj Dass. Sa, 4/28, 9PM , $20. Tix available at www.newoasisrenosparks.com New Oasis, 2100 Victorian Ave. (775) 359-4020

SIERRA EARLY MUSIC SOCIETY RECORDER CONCERT

Learn about the history of these Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque instruments as 12 musicians perform melodious tunes on their recorders. Su, 4/29, 2-3PM , $5 adults; free for members, children age 12 and younger. Sparks Heritage Museum, 814 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-1144

BLACK AND BLUES JAM

Tu, 8:30PM , no cover. Sidelines Bar & Nightclub, 1237 Baring Blvd. (775) 355-1030

DOSTERO

W, 5/2, 6PM , no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

6TH ANNUAL WALK FOR CHILDREN & FAMILY FUN DAY

Hosted by the Reno Association for the Education of Young Children. Sa, 4/28, 8AM-1PM. This year’s theme is “Play: Where Learning Begins”. The

Walk begins at 9AM (onsite registration starts at 8AM and

Family Fun Day will be from 10AM-1PM. Raffl e prizes will be given away throughout the event. Sparks Marina Park, 300 Howard Dr. (775) 327-0680 or (775) 682-5939

COOL CARS KRUZIN’

A show and shine featuring assorted classic cars, food and beverages. Su, 4/29 10AM-3PM. Victorian Square Plaza. (775) 345-6083

SCHEELS RUNNING AND WALKING CLUB

Looking for a group of people to run with on a weekly basis? Join the Scheels Running Club today! Tu, 6:30PM through 11/27. Free. Scheels, 1200 Scheels Dr. (775) 331-2700

ZUMBA FITNESS

Zumba is a way to burn calories that’s more like a dance party than an exercise routine. Tuesdays &Thursdays, 6:157:15PM. Designed for all levels, beginner to high fi tness. Bring workout shoes and water. $42 or $35/month for Sparks residents. Drop-in option, $6/class. Sparks Recreation Gym, 98 Richards Way.

INTERMEDIATE BLACKSMITHING

Build upon your blacksmithing skills while exploring a variety of techniques like piercing, tooling, using a striker, upsetting, slitting and punching. Tu, 6:30-8:30PM through 5/15. Opens 3/20, $245. Sparks High School, 820 15th St. (775) 829-9010

KARAOKE

SPIRO’S F, 9PM, no cover. 1475 E. Prater Way (775) 356-6000 THE ROPER DANCEHALL & SALOON Country music dance lessons and karaoke, Th, 7:30PM, no cover. 670 Greenbrae Dr. (775) 742-0861

OPEN MIC

GREAT BASIN BREWING Open mic comedy. Th, 9PM, no cover, 846 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-7711

SEND US YOUR SPARKS EVENTS!

E-mail to: Sparks@newsreview.com

GET INVOLVED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY!

CITY OF SPARKS

Geno Martini - Mayor, Julia Ratti - Ward 1, Ed Lawson - Ward 2, Ron Smith - Ward 3, Mike Carrigan - Ward 4, Ron Schmitt - Ward 5, Shaun Carey - City Manager, Tracy Domingues - Parks & Recreation Director.

OTHER ELECTED OFFICIALS

Judge Barbara S. McCarthy - Dept. 1, Judge Jim Spoo - Dept. 2, Chet Adams - City Attorney. Mayor and Council members can be reached at 353-2311

SPARKS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

745 Fourth St., Sparks

CITY OF SPARKS WEBSITES:

www.cityofsparks.com www.sparksrec.com www.sparksitshappeninghere.com

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

1420 Scheels Drive, Ste. 108

(next to Forever 21, Legends at Sparks Marina) 775-358-1976 www.thechambernv.org

THIS SECTION AND ITS CONTENTS ARE NOT FUNDED BY OR CREATED BY THE CITY OF SPARKS