Green

from Jan. 16, 2014

by Reno News & Review

letters

Photo/Sage Leehey

Robert Elston is a longtime Silver City resident who is upset by the County Commission’s vote.

Comstock compromise

Comstock Mining Inc. application approved in Silver City

After the Jan. 2 Lyon County Commission’s 4-1 vote approving the master plan amendment and zoning change requests on land in Silver City made by by Comstock Mining Inc., many residents are angry and disheartened.

Sage Leehey Much of the controversy surrounds two of the commissioners—Vida sagel@ Keller and Bob Hastings—and a compromise that Keller made with CMI newsreview.com late the day before the meeting. The vote approved CMI’s application with this compromise tacked on. It removed about 15 acres from the rezoned land including some historic mining buildings and land closest to residential homes. Keller had not responded by press deadline. “The compromise was made between Ms. Keller, who lives in Silver Springs, and CMI,” Dallas said. “It was not made with any input whatsoever from Silver City. And so then they had input from 60 or 70 people [at the meeting] and some discussion from the board before they voted, and that’s pretty much it. They got their changes.” Dallas and Elston believe Keller may have compromised integrity as well, mainly because of her husband’s involvement with a non-profit that has received funding from CMI and because of previous actions. Both also mentioned that Hastings’ campaign donations show he may be biased towards CMI, too. CMI donated to Hastings’ campaign three times in 2012, totaling $10,000. Intergroup Corp., Santa Fe Financial Corp. and Portsmouth Square Inc. also donated a total of $7,500 the same year. John V. Winfield, CMI director and chairman of the board, is the chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer of each of these companies. “How can you depend on your commissioners anymore?” Elston said. “Who’s going to look after you? Money talks, I guess, and the rest of us walk.” Hastings said the donations didn’t play a role in his decision because he “made it clear from day one” that he would do what he thinks is right for the county. He also said CMI did not ask him to vote in a certain way. He said he believes this is a property rights issue and voted as such. “They own the property,” Hastings said. “Where they’re at, there are patented mining claims that go back to the 1870s, which means they have the right to mine there. I think the county made a mistake in the past by putting zoning over the top of that.” Another point of concern to many in this decision is that the planning

For more information commission voted against CMI’s requests. Dallas said “the lack of respect on Lyon County happenings, visit Nancy Dallas’s website for the planning process” was one of the most troublesome aspects of this decision in her opinion. She feels that the county commissioners seemed to www.ndbynd.com. be underinformed and to have made their decision before the meeting began. Some Silver City residents are also concerned for how the community may be affected by these changes. At this time, CMI states they do not have plans for the area. But with a special use permit, these changes would allow for the company to begin mining in the area. “This is really, really bad news for us all, I think,” Elston said. “If it makes it bad enough where people have to leave … it will change and then what will happen after CMI is gone? Will it be left a shell like it was when many of us moved in here in the late ’60s? ... There wasn’t any community. We built that over the years, and I’m afraid that will all be destroyed.” Ω

Itʼ s happening in

SPECIAL EVENTS

50th ANNUAL SHEEP DIP SHOW Join us for an evening of “Parody for Charity”, Renostyle, to see who really deserves this year’s “Shaft” Award! The name “Sheep Dip” is drawn from Nevada’s early heritage of sheep herding. Sheep Dip is a cleansing element in which sheep are literally dipped to rid them of disease and insects. The Sheep Dip Show “dips” newsmakers in the “satirical vat” of Sheep Dip, cleansing them of their past deeds.This annual show – celebrating its 50th anniversary - is an evening of skits, songs and dance, performed by locals, members of the media, celebrities and even a few of our famous (and infamous) politicians. Funds raised from the show support local charities. This year’s cast includes notable celebrities Lacy J. Dalton, Jakki Ford and Cami Thompson. F, 1/17, 8PM and Sa, 1/18, 8PM, $35. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300 or sheepdipshow.org

ACTIVITIES

SURFSET DEMO

SURFSET is surf-inspired, small group training. The Scheels Paddle Board shop is located on the second fl oor and overlooks the mall entrance of Scheels. Sa, 1/18, 11AM-1PM, free. Scheels, 1200 Scheels Dr. (775) 331-2700

SCHEELS KIDS KLUB: GOLF 101

Join the Scheels Golf Expert to learn some basic golfi ng tips! Please meet by the Golf Simulator. All kids will receive a free ride on the Scheels Ferris Wheel. M, 1/20, 6-7PM, free. Scheels, 1200 Scheels Dr. (775) 331-2700

CLICKETS KNITTING GROUP

Jean Peters guides this class for knitters of all ages and levels. Yarn and needles are available. First and Third Su of every month, 1:30-3PM, free. Spanish Springs Library, 7100A Pyramid Lake Highway, Spanish Springs (775) 424-1800

WOMEN’S DEFENSIVE TACTICS

Designed to build confi dence through the knowledge gained by training in such techniques as Jeet Kune Do and Judo. Tu, 7-8:30PM through 12/31, $25 a month. Osk Training, 636 Greenbrae Dr. (775) 343-2526

CONVERSATION CORNER

Washoe County Library presents a series of English language learning sessions. The group will practice speaking English around various scenarios that the average person encounters. W, 4:30-6PM. Free. Sparks Library, 1125 12th St. (775) 352-3200

PERFORMANCE AND MUSIC

ERIC ANDERSEN

Th, 1/16, 5:30PM, F, 1/17, 6PM and Sa, 1/18, 6PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

PIETRO’S PRESENTS: LEE EDWARDS

Join us every Thursday for great Italian food and a tribute to the standards. Great songs from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bobby Darrin and others.Th, 6PM through 2/27. Pietro’s Famiglia Ristorante, 834 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-7557

AFTER DARK

Th, 1/16, 7PM, F, 1/17, 8PM and Sa, 1/18, 8PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

ACOUSTIC WONDERLAND

Original singer-songwriter showcase contest. The contest will run through Jan. 30, 2014. Bring your instrument and your song.Th, 8PM through 5/29, no cover. Paddy & Irene’s Irish Pub, 906-A Victorian Ave. (775) 358-5484

HOLLYWOOD TRASHED

F, 1/17, 9PM, no cover. Sidelines Bar & Nightclub, 1237 Baring Blvd. (775) 355-1030

DEON YATES

W, 1/22, 6PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

SCOT MARSHALL

Th, 1/23, 5:30PM, F, 1/24, 6PM and Sa, 1/25, 6PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

STEW STEWART

Th, 1/23, 7PM, F, 1/24, 8PM and Sa, 1/25, 8PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

DOTSERO

W, 1/29, 6PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

DUO BRASILEIRO

Th, 1/30, 5:30PM, F, 1/31, 6PM and Sa, 2/1, 6PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

CHILI SAUCE

Th, 1/30, 7PM, F, 1/31, 8PM and Sa, 2/1, 8PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

ERIKA PAUL

Enjoy Louisiana-style food and the soulful, breathtaking jazz sounds of Erika Paul on keyboards and vocals. No cover. Th, 6PM, no cover. Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen, 1180 Scheels Dr. (775) 657-8659

THE KARAOKE BAR

Wi-Fi Jukebox. Karaoke starts at 9PM on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. doors 6PM. Happy hour from 6 to. F-Su through 12/31, No cover. The Karaoke Bar, 2140 Victorian Ave. (775) 313-2772

BLACK AND BLUES JAM

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

COUNTRY AT THE CABARET

The Casino Cabaret comes alive with the best in country music and dancing for “Country at the Cabaret” featuring DJ Jamie G. W, 7PM and Sa, 9PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave.(775) 3563300

LIVE JAZZ

Vocal and instrumental jazz from “The Great American Songbook”, performed by First Take featuring Rick (SAX) Metz. Fridays, 6PM through 12/27, no cover. Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen, 1180 Scheels Dr., Sparks, NV 89441 (775) 657-8659