the look of Reno #2 - trashing the Truckee

[Cindy Gunn]

I don't know about you but I like to go swimming when it is hot. It used to swim more frequently up at Tahoe but lately because of time constraints and the price of gas I've been spending more time in the Truckee River, especially taking a dip in the white water park and drifting down the rapids. It is great fun and a great way to cool off. I ride my bike down and jump in. Unfortunately though over a period of just two days I watched the river's rocky shores literally get strewn with garbage. It turned from a fairly pristine area to a virtual garbage dump. This is a severe problem as I noticed not only the usual plastic water bottle and leftover corn cobs but used diapers, paper trash and rotting food as well. It wasn't just contained to the river's banks but also strewn around the lawns. The area is frequented mostly by hispanic families and teens who apparently are not conscientious about where they put their garbage. If you have ever visited communities in Mexico or elsewhere south of the border then you know that these populations are garbage challenged with littering causing major aesthetic problems in otherwise beautiful areas. The same thing is happening here along the Truckee! It is awfully close to the arts district in what should be a major beautiful attraction to our fair city, but if something isn't done to educate these people then it will become a constant eyesore or cleanup problem for the city of Reno. Littering along the river ought to be a major fine in my book. Since the city seems to be strapped for money perhaps they should consider fining those who litter or figure out some kind of way to educate the offenders, making them at least pick-up after themselves.