Good morning, Sparks.

A portion of Rancho San Rafael Regional Park is temporarily closed as county crews build a new inclusive playground that will likely keep the area off limits through midsummer + visitors can still use the dinosaur and log playground and available BBQ picnic areas.

Sparks City Council approved a two-year contract with Flock Safety to install 17 new license plate reader cameras in busy areas to help catch rising retail theft—Sparks Police Chief Chris Crawforth said the cameras will capture high-quality images to check against a statewide database, and installation will be completed in three to six months at a cost of $102,000.

Heavy police activity in Cold Springs leads to a shelter in place order as residents are told to avoid Sunset Peak Way — the Washoe County Sheriff's Office is gathering more information— and will update the public.

A Reno man George Claros was convicted on two counts of kidnapping, two counts of sexual assault and one count of battery with intent to commit sexual assault in a 2021 case involving a 52 year old woman — his sentencing will take place on June 9.

Tax Day is three weeks away and the IRS offered tips to help speed refunds and avoid errors on federal returns before the April 15 deadline.

Taxpayers can use free filing options, tax software, or a trusted professional—and if they cannot complete their return in time, file an extension until Oct. 15—while Nevada continues without a state income tax.

Representative Mark Amodei reintroduced a bill today that will transfer federal lands for public uses and economic growth in several counties, including support for state parks and flood management in Douglas County, and economic development in Carson City, Fernley, and Sparks—while also designating 148,000 acres of wilderness in Pershing and Douglas Counties and protecting over 300,000 acres in the Ruby Mountains from oil and gas leasing.

Lawmakers in Nevada are set to review Assembly Bill 378 later today.

The proposal would create an Alternative Therapies Pilot Program to offer controlled psychedelic-assisted treatment for veterans and first responders while the Division of Public and Behavioral Health designs pilot clinics for treating conditions like PTSD and depression.

Narcotics Anonymous Meeting

7-8 p.m. — American Legion Post 1 — Free entry — Attend this open meeting for those seeking help with drug addiction through discussion and support.

Lit Thursdays at the Depot Gallery

6-8 p.m. — The Depot Gallery & Bookstore — Free entry — Connect with fellow writers in a supportive environment for creative collaboration and feedback.

EggFest 2025

10 a.m.-1 p.m. — Shadow Mountain Sports Complex — Free entry — Enjoy a fun-filled outdoor event for kids with opportunities to volunteer.

Science Distilled: Drive-in for Science

8:30-10:00 p.m. — West Wind El Rancho 4 Drive-In Theater — Members: $5/$10, Nonmembers: $7/$12 — Experience the thrilling journey of NASA astronaut Scott Kelly on a monumental space mission.