Nevada

Michael Smolens: Nevada, that other California battleground

Published

1 year ago

October 27, 2024

Michael Smolens: Nevada, that other California battleground

Rep. Sara Jacobs has been an unmistakable presence in her San Diego district since long before she began running for re-election this year.

But recently she’s also been showing up in Nevada and a handful of other states.

Mayor Todd Gloria is running hard to win another four-year term at San Diego City Hall. Yet he’s made three brief trips to Nevada as well.

Elected officials and political staff members from San Diego and across California — particularly Democrats — have journeyed to swing states near and far to knock on doors, hand out literature and attend rallies to help their candidates for president, Senate and the House.

Candidates helping campaigns afar is by no means a new phenomenon, especially in deep blue California, which is certain to back Vice President Kamala Harris for president and Rep. Adam Schiff for Senate.

Though a Democratic stronghold, California does have a handful of battleground districts that could determine whether Republicans or Democrats control the House. And those races are not lacking for attention from both political parties.

But states like Nevada could decide whether Harris or former President Donald Trump win the White House and determine who controls the Senate. Both parties have responded accordingly.

High-profile visitors such as Gov. Gavin Newsom can bring volunteers, energize locals and command media attention. Newsom’s frequent out-of-state campaign jaunts to support Joe Biden when the president was still running for re-election triggered repeated questions about whether the California governor was angling to replace the beleaguered incumbent on the ticket.

Newsom steadfastly denied such ambitions back then and has continued to travel beyond his state’s boundaries to campaign for Harris and other Democrats.

Of course, there’s a big difference between a well-known surrogate like Newsom (or Oprah Winfrey and Elon Musk, for that matter) and most others. But the elected officials lending a hand elsewhere tend to face similar political circumstances – either they’re not up for re-election (like Newsom) or expected to easily win their races.

The latter is particularly the case with the well-resourced Jacobs, who is facing a long-shot challenge from Republican El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells in the heavily Democratic 51st Congressional District.

Gloria faces a tougher road against San Diego police Officer Larry Turner, who last month was the beneficiary of a surprise $1 million donation to an independent campaign supporting him from Point Loma attorney Steven Richter. More recently, Richter reportedly kicked in another $450,000.

Two of Gloria’s Nevada trips to support the Democratic ticket were before the dynamics of his race changed — in March and August — when his path to victory seemed more clear. He also went to the Silver State on Sept. 28. Each visit was a day trip.

Political opponents often grouse that elected officials should be staying at home doing their jobs, but, like Gloria’s, these trips tend to be short.

This practice of out-of-towners dropping in to help seemingly has been around forever, but it may feel like it’s more common in recent times. There’s no database that can determine whether it actually is. For one thing, the spread of such activities on social media — often by the visiting politicians themselves — may give the impression it’s happening more than in decades past.

Thad Kousser, political science professor at UC San Diego, said the changed political landscape over the years may encourage more out-of-town campaigning.

The number of battleground states has shrunk as the nation has become more sharply divided along political lines.

“Politicians have always been doing their part in support of the national ticket,” Kousser said. But he noted that “so many states are simply off the playing board, like California has been since about 2000.”

The bottom-line motivation isn’t complicated. Politicians want their cause or the candidate they support to win. Without overlooking their own races, if they’re in a position to go elsewhere to help, many do.

“Savvy politicians know where that will help the most and that’s in battleground states,” Kousser said.

“Politicians want to help allies in their party,” he continued, adding, “and they want to be seen helping them.”

Officials often want to be known as good soldiers for the party. Assisting other candidates by raising money, making an endorsement or just walking precincts often isn’t forgotten.

It’s hard to say how much Gloria brings to the table in Nevada, but, cumulatively, he and other visiting politicians can attract attention and encourage others back home to join them.

After Biden stepped aside and Harris ascended to the top of the Democratic ticket, Gloria’s team stressed the long, close relationship the mayor has with the vice president. That naturally led to speculation about a Harris administration appointment if she’s elected. Gloria’s trips to Nevada may have added more fuel.

The mayor recently sought to throw cold water on that, telling the San Diego Sun that if he’s re-elected, he has the “absolute 100 percent intention of staying here all four years.”

Nevada is a critical state for both parties, with its six electoral votes potentially tipping the election to Trump or Harris. Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen is facing a tough challenge from Republican Sam Brown in a pivotal race.

There’s also a ballot measure to amend the Nevada Constitution to recognize a fundamental right to abortion.

Rep. Jacobs is concerned about “the stakes in this election, which we don’t think could be higher,” said aide Lauren McIlvaine.

Jacobs, one of the youngest members of Congress, is a rising star in the Democratic Party, with a growing national profile and a sought-after fundraiser.

In addition to Nevada, she has made campaign appearances in Michigan, Minnesota and New Hampshire, according to McIlvaine. A trip to Pennsylvania and another one to Michigan are planned.

Jacobs often talks with groups of women voters, young voters and college students, McIlvaine said. In perhaps a sign of the times, the Congress member attended a unique political event with her mother in Minnesota: a pickleball tournament.

“Yes, she played. No, she didn’t win,” McIlvaine said.

What they said

New York Times, final NYT/Sienna College national poll.

“The electorate has rarely seemed so evenly divided.. . . Harris and Trump are locked in a dead heat for the popular vote, 48 percent to 48 percent.”

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Nevada

Friday’s high school scores, top performances

Published

16 minutes ago

March 28, 2026

Press Room

Top performances

Baseball

– Ryland Gregorich, Clark: The sophomore went 4-for-4 with a home run, a triple and two RBIs, and also was the winning pitcher in the Chargers’ six-inning 12-2 win over Eldorado.

– Kayne Horibe, Pahrump Valley: The senior went 4-for-4 with a triple and three RBIs as the Trojans beat Virgin Valley 9-4.

– Benson Ornelas, Mater East: The freshman went 3-for-3 with a double, three RBIs and five runs scored to help the Knights stomp Sunrise Mountain 35-0 in three innings.

– Dylan Othick, Faith Lutheran: The senior struck out nine while pitching a complete-game two-hitter as the Crusaders rolled past Durango 7-0.

– Mark Raborn, Shadow Ridge: The junior reliever pitched three scoreless innings, allowing the Mustangs to rally past Dixie (Utah) 5-3 with a five-run seventh inning.

Softball

– Ava Koenig, Palo Verde: The senior struck out 11 while tossing a complete-game one-hitter as the Panthers defeated Doral Academy 3-0.

– Sophia Ortiz, Las Vegas: The freshman went 3-for-3 with two RBIs to help the Wildcats beat Chaparral 20-5 in four innings.

– Natalie Tapia, Western: The senior went 4-for-5 with two doubles and three RBIs as the Warriors outlasted Canyon Springs for a 16-10 victory.

– Gwen Thewes, Bishop Gorman: The junior went 3-for-4 with a home run, a double and three RBIs to help the Gaels overcome a six-run deficit to beat Green Valley 8-6.

– Peyton Williams, Arbor View: The freshman went 3-for-3 with a home run, a triple and four RBIs to lead the Aggies past Coronado 11-1 in six innings.

Boys volleyball

– Jeremiah James, Sierra Vista: The senior logged 15 assists to help the Mountain Lions defeat The Meadows 25-13, 25-21.

– Ethan Natanel, Durango: The senior finished with 38 assists and two blocks in the Trailblazers’ 25-18, 25-18 win over Mater East.

– Toller Trummell, Foothill: The sophomore posted seven kills and seven digs as the Falcons defeated Las Vegas 25-22, 22-25, 15-10.

Scores

Baseball

Arbor View 9, Snow Canyon (Utah) 5

Mater East 35, Sunrise Mountain 0

Pahrump Valley 9, Virgin Valley 4

Rancho 16, Desert Pines 1

Shadow Ridge 9, Taylorsville (Utah) 1

Shadow Ridge 5, Dixie (Utah) 3

Sierra Vista 4, Bonanza 2

Western 10, Cimarron-Memorial 1

Softball

Arbor View 11, Coronado 1

Bishop Gorman 8, Green Valley 6

Las Vegas 20, Chaparral 5

Pahrump Valley 6, Virgin Valley 2

Palo Verde 3, Doral Academy 0

Round Mountain 15, Laughlin 6

Round Mountain 11, Laughlin 2

The Meadows 16, Democracy Prep 0

Western 16, Canyon Springs 10

Boys volleyball

Arbor View 2, Moapa Valley 0

Cadence 2, Las Vegas 1

Centennial 2, Virgin Valley 0

Centennial 2, Legacy 0

Central East (Calif.) 2, Tech 0

Coral Academy 2, Sierra Vista 1

Coral Academy 2, Liberty 1

Coral Academy 2, The Meadows 0

Del Sol 3, Amplus Academy 0

Desert Oasis 2, Cadence 0

Durango 2, Mater East 0

Foothill 2, Cadence 0

Foothill 2, Las Vegas 1

Sierra Vista 2, The Meadows 0

Silverado 2, Durango 0

Sweetwater (Calif.) 2, Losee 0

Contact Jeff Wollard at jwollard@reviewjournal.com.

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Nevada

Is it legal to park in someone’s driveway in Nevada? What the law says

Published

12 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Press Room

Is it legal to park in someone’s driveway in Nevada? What the law says

As Nevadans are getting ready for family and friend cookouts and summer parties, they may be looking for a place to park in residential areas. It may be tempting to park near your neighbor’s driveway, but people should first know what’s allowed.

After all, as annoying as it is to have to park far away from your destination, a large fine and a tow is far more inconvenient.

Here’s what the Nevada law says about parking in front of your neighbor’s house, near their driveway, and on a public street.

Can I park in my neighbor’s driveway?

No. Unless you are a United States Postal Service worker, it is prohibited in Nevada to park “within 5 feet of a public or private driveway.”

Can you park in front of your neighbor’s house in Nevada?

Unless a permit is required or other official signage on a street notes special parking requirements, it is legal to park on any public street. That includes in front of your neighbor’s house, as long as it is not blocking their driveway.

Can you park in front of your neighbor’s house?

Can I sell my car from my yard?

As long as you keep the number of vehicles you sell from your yard to three personally-owned vehicles per year, it is legal. If you exceed that amount and don’t have a dealer’s license, you could be reported to the Nevada DMV.

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Nevada

Scholarships available for Nevada Youth Range Camp

Published

1 day ago

March 27, 2026

Press Room

Scholarships available for Nevada Youth Range Camp

The Nevada Division of Forestry and the Nevada Section of the Society for Range Management are inviting high school-aged students from around the Silver State to participate in the 2026 Nevada Youth Range Camp essay competition.

“The Nevada Youth Range Camp is a yearly educational opportunity that has been held each summer in central Nevada since 1961,” stated a press release. “Last year, eight students were awarded scholarships and received a certificate of achievement.”

Selected essays will receive up to $250 to register for this year’s Youth Range Camp. Students must be between ages 14 and 18 in order to apply. Parental consent is also required. Essays that are flagged for plagiarism or that utilize AI will be disqualified.

“Range Camp has served Nevada’s youth for 65 years. It is a great opportunity for anyone interested in natural resources to learn basic rangeland and resource management skills,” said Kelcey Hein, Conservation Education lead at the Nevada Division of Forestry, in a statement.

According to the application form, this year’s essay prompt is:

“In your own words, tell a story or a few stories of when you were able to connect with a natural space such as a park, your backyard, a farm, a field, a forest, a beach, or so on. Please incorporate three (3) key words from the key word list that you noticed of that ecosystem into your response. Explain what you noticed about these aspects that drew your attention in that space. How did this influence you and your goals as a future steward of Natural Resources?”

Visit bit.ly/RangeCamp2026 for submission forms, essay instructions and the full rules. The contest is open until April 30.

For more information about the Nevada Division of Forestry, visit forestry.nv.gov.

Visit nevada.rangelands.org for more information about the Nevada Section of the Society for Range Management.

Contact reporter Elijah Dulay at edulay@pvtimes.com

Nevada Youth Range Camp: June 21 through June 27

“We invite high school youth to enjoy a week of fun, camping, and learning about rangelands and natural resource management,” states the Nevada Section of the Society for Range Management website. “This year the camp headquarters will be located in the Timber Creek Campground area Northwest of McGill, NV. This area provides a splendid setting for learning and recreation.”

“The week is filled with many learning opportunities. Instructors teach various subjects through group investigations. Camp instructors and counselors are trained specialists from the University of Nevada, Reno; Nevada State Parks; Natural Resources Conservation Service; Bureau of Land Management; Forest Service; Nevada Division of Forestry; Nevada Division of Conservation Districts; Nevada Division of Wildlife; and others,” the Nevada Section of the Society for Range Management website continues.

“Campers arrive by noon on Sunday and break camp the following Saturday morning. Campers register and form groups with an adult counselor and assistant youth counselor. The weeklong program runs from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and includes instruction, projects, rest, meals, and recreation,” the Nevada Section of the Society for Range Management website reads further. “Adult supervision occurs throughout the entire week. Parents and sponsors are welcome to visit the camp any time and are especially invited for the Friday night awards program. The evening programs are geared more for enjoyment and personal interest and include map and compass orientation, conservation skill workshops, wildlife presentations, and campfires.”

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