Climbing to New Heights: Brandon Collins Has Found an Upward Path to Help Others in Reno

Brandon Collins, 46, has had a non-traditional road to his faculty position at Nevada’s Recovery and Prevention Program at UNR, including spending nights in jail due to drinking and fighting and getting a DUI in Cuba.  

"My goal is to provide students with resources and advice that I didn't have access to. I want to help build people's confidence so that they can navigate their own life and become independent,” he explained. 

Collins served in the United States Marine Corps and battled his own addictions during that time. 

After coming back home in 2002, after being a bartender, he wound up opening a tattoo shop in Reno, Nevada with a friend that he had met in New York, while still battling his demons through alcohol.

On a flight back from Cabo in 2015 after a week straight of drinking, he decided to make a change.

Getting sober was hard and he had to find new outlets to channel his energy besides partying.  

He discovered climbing while a client was in the shop talking about his love for teaching it. 

Collins went climbing that very day for the first time and hasn't stopped since.  

A short while after, he sold his tattoo shop and a skin care company, and traveled the world visiting over 50 countries, while continuing to climb. 

Back in Reno, now working at UNR and having helped set up the local non profit Reps for Recovery, climbing has become part of his essential routine.  He also works with the Mesa Rim rock climbing gym on Harvard Way to facilitate what is called a sober climb night. 

For the veteran, it is a form of meditation which brings him into the present moment. 

Our Town Reno reporting and video by Zach March

From Being Helped to Now Coaching at Reps for Recovery in the North Valleys

“There’s no room for me to think when I’m working out that hard. I can’t think about the troubles that I have that everybody has, the bills, the stress, relationships, everything like that… And I’m usually ten times better when I’m done at the gym,” Gatlin Houston says, wearing his signature bandana and camouflage shorts, while recovering from a set of pull-ups and then push-ups.

For Houston, this storage unit gym in Reno is more than just a workout space, it's his sanctuary.

CrossFit has been his lifeline for 10 years now, transforming what he calls a “rough” childhood and then addiction into a story of resilience and strength.

Before his workouts, he likes to write a mantra with his planned exercises. On this day it was “there is nothing harder than what you’ve already been through.”

Every drop of sweat is a reminder that he's stronger than his past and more powerful than his struggles.

This isn't just exercise for him; it's therapy, his way of pushing through life's challenges one workout at a time.

Houston started going to North Valley Fitness when he began his journey of recovery with Reps for Recovery , a non-profit organization offering free guided fitness classes for those trying to overcome addictions.

During the Murph workout, one of his favorites now, Houston wears a 20 pound vest and completes a one mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 air squats, finishing with another mile run.

With Reps for Recovery, where he’s now gone from being helped to being a coach, he's found a community that understands the power of transformation and healing.

This is Houston’s happy place, which he calls “his meditation,” where pain becomes power, and every last set is the best set.

Reporting and photos by Zach March

Doomed Movement, A Local Muralist Skateboarder Artist Activist Who Keeps Rising

Known in Reno’s art scene as ‘Doomed Movement’ Terrence Hammond is the kind of artist that doesn’t ask for permission. He finds the wall, brings the paint, and leaves a message you didn’t know you needed. What started as a clothing brand became much deeper. 

The name Doomed Movement might sound unserious, but for Hammond, it's about full commitment. 

“It came from a song I was listening to called Bring Me the Horizon but over time, it's come to mean going all in, win or lose,” he explains.

Hammond's journey didn’t start on a gallery wall, it started in the margins, literally. As a kid, his grandma told him to stay in the lines and he didn’t. Instead, he copied what he saw around him from Nintendo characters to comic books. This eventually led to his creative and cost efficient sticker art. Using USPS labels he’d cover it with art and give it out to friends, family, even strangers. It was renegade, low cost, and pure. 

His creative lens widened as he traveled the world with his brother and friends. 

“Japan in 2018 changed me. Then Spain in 2019 and Barcelona was laid back. I focused on doing things for the joy of it,” he said. 

When he came back to Reno, working a Starbucks shift next to a poke bowl shop, he brought that same spirit with him. He showed the restaurant owner his portfolio and got his first mural gig. The owner of Poke King paid for the supplies and till this day you can find Doomed Movement’s first mural that sparked it all and even more around the city.

“You learn as you go. You just gotta speak up,” he tells the students he now mentors in classrooms ranging from kindergarten to high school, even veterans programs. “Closed mouths don't get fed.” 

Skateboarding has been his lifelong companion, just like art. At 28, he still skates at least three times a week and proudly rides for Classic Skate Shop in Reno. 

“Getting sponsored changed how I saw aging. It gave me a reason to keep going, physically and mentally,” he says. 

His garage is filled with over 50 decks, all of which are his. Some broken, some whole, and many repurposed into art or given away to kids who just need something to roll on. 

For Doomed Movement, it's more than murals and graffiti. It’s a world populated with characters like ‘King Doomed,’ a box headed figure that looks like a cross between his logo and a spray cap. 

“He’s the creator. The faceless energy behind it all,” Hammond explains. 

It was a college printmaking class that taught him linoleum block carving. A method that dates back centuries in East Asian Culture. The process of carving and printing turned therapeutic. One design led to 25 t-shirts sold, which launched his clothing brand. He wore his prints at Starbucks instead of his apron and would sell to customers then and there. But by 2023, he retired the brand. 

“As people got older they stopped saying yes to the adventure, I didn’t want to keep going alone.”

Now it's every other art piece you can think of from canvases, wooden canvases, graffiti, skateboards, murals and much more. By the end of 2024, he counted 43 completed murals around Reno, Carson City, Las Vegas, and Fernley. Some paid and others just for the sake of it. 

“Money doesn’t come with you, but the experiences do,” he said in confidence. 

Born and raised in Reno, Hammond transformed his grandmother's garage into a studio. What once used to be only a tiny space in the corner of the garage became his sanctuary after his grandma's passing and getting it all cleaned up. His art even extends beyond the garage as he has even created a mural for himself in the backyard. 

His work ethic speaks for itself with twelve hour paint sessions, which for him, isn’t a rare occasion. He teaches, volunteers, paints in public, and works with organizations like the Veterans Hospital, offering free art therapy sessions. 

“Art can heal,” he says, “and there’s a time and place to get paid but there’s also a time to just show up.”

With support of his girlfriend, brothers, and tight knit family, he’s grounded and grateful. 

“I’ve had to let some people go but, the ones who stayed, they’re everything.” 

In five years, Hammond sees himself living off murals and illustration commissions, and not generic requests but meaningful collaborations. He’s also considering pursuing a master’s in painting. 

“I hate school,” he laughs, “but learning from your environment, that’s real education.” 

He’s already made three full length skate videos that trace his evolution from skateboarder to artist. The last one, ‘What Comes After’ came out in 2023. He still watches them and tears up. 

“They’re my time capsules from Reno to Tokyo to Amsterdam and more. That’s my story.” 

And it's still unfolding. One mural, one sticker, one skateboard and one character at a time. 

Our Town Reno reporting and photos by Genevy Machuca

Celebrating Community at the Black Rabbit Mead Company

Entering the Black Rabbit on a recent April night, there were cheers more reminiscent of a party than a bingo night.

Two drag queens stood on the stage calling out numbers, and the crowd responded with applause and shouts of excitement. “It really makes us flattered and proud that we get to be such a valued third space in the community,” says Will Truce, co-founder of the meadery and bar. 

Behind the drinks, foods, and events, the bar aims to create a space for those in Reno to come together and celebrate the local community.

“The core of who we are and how we got into initially having a meadery and then letting that grow into a bar and event space is through love of our community,” Truce says.

With this focus on community, the bar now hosts various events such as live bluegrass, shibari workshops, drag queen bingo, electronic nights, and various charity fundraisers to help underrepresented groups. “It also does a wonderful job of supporting other organizations' missions and arts," Truce added. 

What began as a small venture of making mead or honey wine with coworkers has evolved into Nevada’s first self-proclaimed meadery and a bar stocked solely with local and regional spirits. “We want to be known as a community bar; we want our mead and our drinks to bring people together,” said Ryan Breland, a bartender at Black Rabbit. 

Truce began making mead while working as a teacher here in Reno. A fellow teacher and local beekeeper, Al Sindlinger of Al’s Bees Honey, offered him honey. “He knew my background was in microbial ecology and asked me if I wanted to turn his honey into some alcohol. I knew the social studies teacher (and Black Rabbit co-founder), Jake Conway, had made homebrew before, so he and I just started working together,” Truce recounted. 

After years of experimentation, the two were ready to open in 2019. Yet, with the COVID pandemic, they realized the importance of spaces like bars in positively bringing people together.

“Why don’t we also celebrate the local community so people have more of a reason to come together?” Truce remembers asking. “And I do wonder if a lot of these social, political, and cultural tensions that we have in the modern age are, in part, a lack of places for a diversity of people to come together and just casually enjoy life and potentially get to know each other.” 

Through the bar’s evolution, Truce continued to stress the importance of community in creating a space people want to be in. “I don’t think people go to bars to drink so much. I think the primary reason why people go to bars is to have a good time, to get together with people they know and maybe they don’t know. It’s oftentimes to celebrate something in their lives. But people go to bars to be with their community,” he said.

Third spaces, or places outside of work and home where people can gather and connect, are often hard to come by in a rapidly evolving world with social media becoming the primary source of social interaction. Yet, third spaces are vital for the health of the community, creating a sense of belonging and strengthening social ties.

We experienced this firsthand when we began going to Black Rabbit. Initially, it was to meet friends who hung out there, but over time, it became more than just a place to grab a drink. It was where we could meet new people, form unexpected friendships, and feel part of something larger than ourselves. 

This certainly seemed to ring true during the drag queen bingo, where the performers recognized several audience members as regulars to their shows and asked the audience to clap for those who always came out to support their events. “It’s really important that we strive to celebrate our local community and be a safe, fun, and celebratory place for people of all walks of life to gather and feel a deeper sense of community with each other,” Truce concluded.

We ended the night with a crossed-off bingo board, and even though we didn’t win bingo, we definitely won because we connected with new people around us. Places like the Black Rabbit remind us why third spaces matter and how it makes the place more than a bar. It becomes a space where friendships are formed, creativity is celebrated, everyone is welcome, and the community is connected.

Reporting contribution by Victor Velez and Alizé Aguilar in cooperation with a COM 210 class at UNR with Amy Pason

Natural Bodybuilding: Local Students Flex Cleanly in a Steroid Dominated Sport

For those who enjoy bodybuilding, including competitively, an important decision is whether to stay natural or to start taking drugs to enhance their muscles even more.

Different organizations exist with different rules and different events, and it’s clear to those who compete whether or not drugs are on the table.

The International Natural Bodybuilding Association and the Professional Natural Bodybuilding Association (INBA/ PNBA) have been around since the 90s. Entrepreneur Denny Kakos originally founded the PNBA to promote natural bodybuilding at a professional level. It quickly gained popularity and growth. INBA was then created to unify and standardize natural bodybuilding around the world. 

INBA hosts multiple competitions annually such as Natural Olympia, Ironman and Legends Classic. This federation has grown over the years as recently their Instagram account posted that the most payouts awarded in the history of Natural Bodybuilding is happening this year.

On the other hand, the International Fitness Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB), a federation that tends to host bodybuilding shows without a drug test requirement also exists. 

Within the IFBB federation, bodybuilders can choose to compete among their 6,000 competitions annually. The cash prizes awarded to the IFBB winners is significantly higher than those in natural bodybuilding.

The competitive landscape within both the IFBB and INBA is highly intense and demanding. It is up to the bodybuilder to choose whether they would rather compete naturally against non-steroid users or against competitors that could be using them. 

With that in mind, many bodybuilders resort to using PEDs while preparing for competitions. Others choose to compete in natural shows against fellow athletes who do not use any PEDs. For natural bodybuilders, their emphasis lies in maximizing their physique’s inherent potential without the use of any drugs. 

Joseph Eidem, a Criminal Justice student at UNR and an eight-time INBA/PNBA Teen Beach Natural Olympia, has competed in over 150 shows. He began his bodybuilding career competing at local shows when he was five years old. At the young age of 13, his unawareness towards steroids ended after he heard his competitors talking and making jokes about it along with asking him if he was using them. 

Steroids, specifically anabolic steroids are structurally related drugs to testosterone, the main male sex hormone. Steroids are most commonly injected intramuscularly or ingested orally. The doses abused are sometimes 10 to 100 time higher than the approved medical and treatment medical treatment dosages. When taken, these drugs can increase muscle size, strength and even performance. Unfortunately it can also cause acne, liver damage, infertility and mood swings among many other mild to even life-threatening side effects. 

Eidem only competes in natural shows such as Teen Natural Olympia where he takes pride in being a natural bodybuilder. He strictly competes within the INBA/PNBA federation where competitors are required to undergo drug testing including urine analysis and/or polygraph screening, a.k.a a lie detector test. 

All athletes must pass the drug test and be compliant with the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) Anti-Doping Code; a detailed document serving as the global standard for listing substances and methods banned in sports. Testing takes place prior to the shows. INBA PNBA will also conduct random drug testing at each event and to members of Natural Teams throughout the year. Such measures are taken to ensure they are competing without the aid of performance-enhancing drugs. 

However, there are still bodybuilders in such shows who try to compete despite being on steroids. 

“I have seen quite a few people get kicked off,” Eidem said. “We will walk off the stage and judges will point and be like, ‘number 226, come with us’ and when finals come up, that guy is not in line, you know the answer.” 

Athletes suspected to be on steroids will be pulled off after they go on stage and immediately be drug tested. From Eidem’s experience in witnessing these scenarios, INBA will obtain the results within 20 to 30 minutes. If an athlete tests positive for a banned substance, they may be facing suspension from competing for one year to even a lifetime ban.

Since the INBA and PNBA focus on promoting natural bodybuilding, their website, naturalbodybuilding.com, includes a Hall of Shame section to further emphasize this commitment. The banned athlete’s name, picture and test results will be posted on the section and social media.

On the other hand, bodybuilding organizations like National Physique Committee (NPC) and IFBB are the federations well-known for hosting shows that are not explicitly promoted as for natural athletes. The phrase 'steroids allowed' may not appear in the show’s description, but athletes will not be required to undergo drug testing in order to compete.

These shows may feature athletes using steroids, as drug testing is not mandatory. As a result, a natural competitor could end up competing against someone using substances like Trenbolone—an androgen and anabolic steroid

“In the amateur like the NPC unless they are specified as a natural show, they will never test you,” said a local female bodybuilder who asked to remain anonymous to avoid receiving backlash. Having competed in four shows within 4 years such as the NPC/IFBB Pro League Nevada State Championship, this bodybuilder said, “when you are on an NPC stage or even an IFBB stage, you don’t know what the person next to you is running.” 

Steroids are quite accessible, especially online.

Metandienone, also known as methandrostenolone, is commonly sold under the brand name Danabol. It is an androgen and anabolic steroid used for physique and performance enhancing purposes by athletes like bodybuilders. It is commonly sold online in sites like caymanchem.com. 

Under the drug’s product description, it is described as “Anabolic steroids, including methandienone, have been used to enhance physical performance in athletes. Metandienone is regulated as a Schedule III compound in the United States. This product is intended for research and forensic applications.” More importantly, there is a warning stating that “This product is not for human or veterinary use.”

Within the local scene, some workers or bodybuilders in Reno gyms will offer steroids even in the bathrooms. 

“It happens a lot more than you think,” Eidem said. “If someone is doing it, they are going to want you to do it. They are going to shove it down your throat.” 

Luca Fazio, a 19-year-old Forestry student at the University of Nevada, Reno, is launching his bodybuilding career as he prepares to compete in his first amateur show on June 14 at the Nevada State Championships in Reno. The show does not require drug testing, so Fazio will most likely be competing against both natural and PED users. 

For now, Fazio does not plan to use steroids in any form. 

“Using steroids is an easy way to get what you want,” Fazio said. “It is instant results and people are not patient in any generation.” 

Nowadays, a commonly used steroid among bodybuilders is MK-677 also known as Ubutamoren. It can be easily found online in primesportsnutrition.com. 30 mg of it is currently for sale for $119.99. MK-677 capsules can also be purchased on Amazon at a price of $39.98 for 60 pills. 

MK-677 increases growth hormone and Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) levels in the body by activating the ghrelin receptor in the body. This receptor is a G protein-coupled receptor involved in energy homeostasis and appetite regulation. It binds to ghrelin which stimulates food intake and growth hormone secretion. Ultimately, MK-677 increases body, fat and muscle mass. 

Other steroids such as Trenbolone, also known as Tren, can cost as much as $32 for 1 mg or $78 for 5 mg. Caymanchem.com also sells this type of anabolic androgenic steroid with the same warning label as Danabol of “This product is not for human or veterinary use.” 

Regardless of where and how, ultimately, steroids are easily accessible. Anyone, including bodybuilders, with the financial means can easily acquire them.

The pressure to win and show up with the best physique on show day can influence a bodybuilder’s decision to use steroids. Coaches, at times, will recommend using them for quicker and better results. 

“I have been pushed a number of times to take steroids from coaches or from people that were supposed to be trusting,” the anonymous female bodybuilder said. “I reached out to an online coach and this person mentioned, ‘oh you’re feeling tired, maybe you should try this or Anavar.” 

Social media influencers such as Alex Eubanks or Christian Bumstead are also a reason for the prevalence and normalization of steroid usage. Eubanks, a fitness and lifestyle content creator on platforms like YouTube and Instagram, was known for having a very lean physique without the use of steroids. He posts vlogs and workout routines along with other lifestyle content. 

Six months ago, however, he posted a video titled “The End of an Era,” where he explained his reasoning for ending his natural fitness journey. Eubanks decided to start taking Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) and Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) hoping to “have 10% body fat…year round but feel really good.” 

Eubanks mentioned that when his body is lean and aesthetic he feels like less of a man. “I feel like sh*t,” Eubanks said in the same video. His sex drive is low, he often struggles with getting good sleep and also experiences brain fog. He hopes that by starting on TRT and HCG, these factors will change for the better.    

TRT can restore hormone balance. It can improve mood, increase muscle mass and bone density. But, with long-term use and improper regulation, it can be significantly detrimental to anyone’s health. Acne, breast swelling or tenderness, swelling in the ankles and increased risk of clotting are risks still prevalent with pursuing TRT. HCG may even cause depression, fatigue, headache and disturbed sleep when taken. 

Whether the decision to use steroids is driven by personal physique goals, bodybuilding competitions, body dysmorphia, or external pressure, the potential side effects should be carefully considered before making such a choice. 

“Especially for people who inject their arms, it will be covered in acne and break down in a rash,” Eidem said. “Some of the steroids alter your mood. You can see someone if they are not hitting the weight they want to hit, they are throwing their weights.” 

Common effects of anabolic steroids include acne, breast enlargement or tenderness in men, decrease in breast size in women, smaller testicles, changes in menstrual cycles, voice deepening in women, excessive body hair growth and decreased sperm products, to name a few. 

In bodybuilding, it can be incredibly challenging to avoid using steroids, as they are often seen as an inherent part of the sport.

“They are competing because they are on steroids and are competing against people on steroids,” Eidem said. “To them, that is the competition and that is how they feel the sport is.” 

The work-ethic, commitment and perseverance of bodybuilders still remains regardless if they are natural or not. While the sport may be saturated with steroid use, it’s important for outsiders to recognize that there are reasons behind a bodybuilder’s decision to use them.

For bodybuilders, it’s equally important to thoroughly research the side effects and carefully consider whether the potential outcomes align with their long-term goals.

When it comes to the public’s perception of bodybuilders using steroids “People diss it a lot,” Eidem said. “If you’re not into the sport, you don’t really understand why. But even as a natural bodybuilder, I still get why he is on it.” 

Eidem plans to compete in more natural bodybuilding shows in the future. Currently, he trains almost daily, consumes a high-protein diet, and prioritizes his health as he prepares for his upcoming competition, the INBA Iron Man Magazine International. 

For now, he does not plan to use any steroids as he takes pride in his achievements as a natural bodybuilder.

“I am pretty proud of being an eight time [champion] at the age of 19 and being able to do that fully naturally,” Eidem concluded.

Reporting by Mariel Day shared with Our Town Reno

Sweet Paradise Ice Cream Truck Is A Moving Feast Built on Flavor and Entrepreneurial Passion

In a city that never stops moving, there’s a truck that does the same. Sweet Paradise Ice Cream isn’t just any typical ice cream truck, it's a moving feast, bringing the bold and bright flavors of Mexican street food to neighborhoods across Reno.

For Diana and Santiago, the owners, it's a business built on flavor and passion for sharing their food culture. 

Their journey began 12 years ago when they left Puebla, Mexico, at just 20 years old, hoping for a fresh start in Reno. Dreams of opening a restaurant quickly ran into barriers as landlords didn’t want to rent to two young immigrants. But instead of giving up, they looked for another way. At 23, they invested in a food truck, and that decision changed everything. 

The timing worked. In 2022, while the pandemic forced many businesses to close, Sweet Paradise hit the streets. 

“We prefer the food truck and going around being able to see everyone and the community. At first we wanted a restaurant but now we see more in a food truck than having an actual location,” said Diana.  

Sure, they serve ice cream but their menu goes beyond that. It’s a full lineup of antojitos mexicanos: Buldak noodles loaded with elote and Hot Cheetos, creamy elote served in a cup or on the cob, Mangonadas bursting with chamoy, and refreshing aguas frescas in flavors like cucumber, watermelon, and horchata. It’s street food, comfort food and sweet treats all rolled into one. 

“We wanted to do more,” Diana says. “People see the truck and think it's just desserts, but they don't know what they’re missing.” 

For them, it's more than food, it's about connection. They’ve become a familiar sight across Reno, and their menu continues to grow. They welcome diversity and new faces to come give it a try. Of Course they sell ice cream and popsicles but right now, they’re serving their version of the viral Dubai-style chocolate covered strawberries, made with premium ingredients straight from Los Angeles. Just one example of how they keep up with trends. 

The key to Sweet Paradise success is their constant movement. Every day is a new route and some mornings you can find them parked outside office buildings, in Spanish Springs or Sparks. Wherever they are, their instagram (@sweetparadiseicecream) keeps followers updated, making it easy for customers to find them.

Their hustle hasn’t gone unnoticed. What started as a way to make a living has become a community staple, a place where families stop by for a quick treat and friends gather for something new.

Later this year they’re planning to launch a second truck, a new venture that will bring churros, flan, and other sweet desserts to their menu. 
“This is a truck for summer antojitos,” says Diana. “Our other truck is more for antojitos in the cold like coffee, hot chocolate, flan, churros and more.”

For Diana and Santiago, Sweet Paradise is a family story. It’s proof that good food and good people will always find each other. For anyone who hasn’t tried them yet, there’s a simple invitation: follow them on instagram, track them down, and see what you have been missing. 

Our Town Reno reporting by Genevy Machuca

Poetry is "Therapy" for Reno's Current Poet Laureate Jesse James Ziegler

In a world full of noise and chaos, Jesse James Ziegler learned early that the most powerful thing you can do is in his words tell the story no one ever gave you. Now, as Reno’s current Poet Laureate, he’s not just writing poems but building a community, one word at a time. 

At 48, Ziegler carries poetry in his bones. Born Jesse James Fortado Jr., he grew up in Grass Valley, California, without knowing his biological father, a man that his mother, Debby, rarely spoke about. When Jesse was just three years old, another man stepped into his life and by the time Jesse had turned six his name was legally changed to Jesse James Ziegler. 

“I never really knew my story,” Ziegler said. “So I started to write my own.” 

It was in his childhood that the first seeds of poetry were planted. Mother Goose nursery rhymes filled his early years. Then came Shel Silverstein, and later in high school appeared Shakespeare. All in which, opened doors of language and creation for Ziegler.

Above it all, one memory stands out: a crumpled piece of newspaper clipping on his father’s desk, featuring a poem called “The Man in the Glass.” At the time the author was unknown as it was marked “anonymous” but the poem's message about living with authenticity left a permanent mark. It became clear that at the end of your life, the only person you have to answer to is the one you see in the mirror. 

“Poetry became more than something I liked,” Ziegler said. “It became how I figured out who I was. Poetry is therapy. It's a process. It’s prayer. It’s passion. It’s how I heal.”

Writing remained constant through the phases of his life and years spent living on the East Coast in Virginia. Eventually, as his parents grew older, Ziegler returned west, landing in Reno. Close enough to still visit but far enough to build his own life. 

Here, Ziegler’s relationship with poetry deepened. He connected with Spoken Views Collective, a local organization focused on spoken word and literary arts, as well as, open mics, poetry jams, and a lifetime of writing in journals. 

“For the last decade, I’ve been doing it more seriously than ever before, and I have written more than at any other point in my life,” he said. 

In 2021, Ziegler first applied to become Reno’s Poet Laureate, reaching the finalist stage. Though he didn’t win that year, he spent the next two thinking about what he would do if given the opportunity. When he found out he had been selected on November 26, 2023, he was ready. 

“It felt great,” he said. “Writing isn’t just a side hustle…it’s survival.” 

His two year term, which began in January 2024, is anchored around two things, “community building and community service”. 

“I wanted to do as many events as I could that are free and accessible,” he explained. 

Continuing his work hosting Monday Night Poetry at Shim’s Tavern was a priority. But he also launched “True Colors Poetry,” a free, all ages poetry group that meets twice a month. Jesse hopes the program will live on after his time as Poet Laureate ends, creating a lasting space for local voices to grow and connect. 

For him, it's not about a round of applause, or a title, but the ability to be able to hand the mic to someone who’s never believed their story mattered and showing them that it does. 

“If ‘poet’ ends up on my headstone, that would feel exactly right,” he said with a smile. 

While serving his term another one of his missions not just as a poet but as a man, is he says to normalize emotional honesty. 

“I think more men would benefit from the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual growth that comes from consistently reading and writing,” he said. “I want to be the kind of man who says ‘I love you’ without shame.” 

In his mid-thirties, Ziegler uncovered another hidden piece of his story. For most of his life, he believed he was mostly Portuguese. Only later did he discover that he was predominantly Irish. A revelation that reshaped how he thought about his own identity. He knows what it means to carry the weight of unspoken things. He knows what it means to feel unseen.

“I think everyone wants to know where they come from. I grew up wondering what 50 percent of me even was,” he said. 

Today, Ziegler stands not only as Reno’s Poet Laureate, but as living proof of what poetry can build: a self, a community, and future. As National Poetry Month comes to a close this month, his message remains clear: 

“I’m just trying to become the adult who would have saved me as a kid and maybe help save a few others along the way.” 

Reporting and photos by Genevy Machuca

Taking Disco Away from the Shelter for a Dog Date Outside, a Photo Series

Disco is a 10-year-old Staffordshire Terrier who came into the Nevada Humane Society as a stray. When I met him, he had been at the shelter since the end of January, patiently waiting for his forever family.

On March 21st, I had the privilege of taking Disco out for a day, where I was able to learn how much of a puppy Disco still acts like. He enjoyed the car rides we took together, with his tongue out the window, the hikes we went on and pup cups too.

Dog Dates is a volunteer program where people get to take a shelter dog from the Nevada Humane Society out for the day.

This program can help the shelter dog open up and get away from the anxieties and stressors that come with being trapped in a shelter.

The new settings and scents the dog gets to experience during this time can help them relax and show their true temperament, for anyone interested in a possible adoption.

This includes how the dogs react to certain situations, new people, dogs, distractions out in public, etc., how they do in the car, and their overall personality.

During my time photographing Disco, he got comfortable almost immediately, exploring our car, sticking his head out the window, ever so slowly beginning to show his true colors and how he normally is when not under the stress of a shelter.

We noticed that he began to be more affectionate, climbing into our laps, licking our faces, and even pushing his way into the front seat. Our hearts were torn at the end of the day and having to leave him at the shelter again was difficult. 

Disco seemed to have a great time. This being his very first dog date also helped the staff at the NHS fully understand how he is outside his kennel. Dogs at the shelter need your help, so if you are looking to adopt, make sure to pay a visit to 2825 Longley Ln in Reno, NV, where Disco might still be waiting.

Reporting and photos by Litalily Sacluti 

Carrying on Chuy's Legacy and Raising Glasses for Him at Mari Chuy's Tequileria

The aroma of fresh tortillas and the smooth warmth of tequila have long made Mari Chuy’s Tequileria a cherished spot in Reno at Rancharrah. Beyond the food and drinks was always Jesus “Chuy” Gutierrez, a man whose passion for his culture sparked ideas and built several spots in town including this where people could gather and just enjoy life. 

On March 18th, it was announced Chuy had passed away after quietly facing health challenges for several months. A post on Instagram and Facebook shared the heartbreaking news, remembering him as a devoted family man, mentor, and friend to all. 

“Chuy will be remembered for always being willing to lend a helping hand, offer guidance, or share a warm smile – and a glass of tequila,” the post read. 

While his passing leaves a deep void, Chuy’s legacy is far from over. 

Tucked behind office buildings at The Village at Rancharrah, Mari Chuy’s Tequileria is more than just a restaurant, but a reflection of Chuy’s dream come true. At the forefront of keeping that dream alive is longtime friend, and general manager, Sergio Godinez. 

His friendship with Chuy spanned over 33 years, beginning in the kitchens of Reno’s casinos and evolving into a lifelong bond built on friendship and shared heritage. 

“Chuy and I started working together at the Eldorado and he opened his first restaurant that was a buffet near Atlantis,” Sergio recalls. “ When that location was lost during the casino's expansion, he didn’t stop. He opened another place by Keystone called Fresh Mex, and when that didn’t work he still didn’t stop. He opened the first Mari Chuy’s in Midtown and that’s where things really started to come together.” 

From Midtown to Sparks and Rancharrah, Chuy made sure to honor his roots.

“He always encouraged people to stay connected to their roots,” Sergio says. “That was important to him, you know, to show off the colors, traditions, and flavors of Mexico.” 

News of Chuy’s passing sent shockwaves through the community. 

“We knew he was sick, but many didn’t know how bad it was,” Sergio said. “People were in shock, they had just seen him. He was so present in the community.” 

Chuy worked with the Hispanic community in any way he could and was always all about lifting people up. Even in grief, Sergio says the community has shown up. 

“We’ve had a lot of people come in”, he shared. “They order his favorite tequila and raise a glass ‘for Chuy’. The sudden loss hit us hard but he’ll be missed and live on in Reno.” 

Every dish still reflects Chuy’s commitment to authenticity.  Making everything fresh from the pico, guacamole, beans and even handmade tortillas on weekends. Even the margaritas are made with fresh oranges and limes. No shortcuts. 

“We know it's a little hidden,” Sergio says, “but once you’re here, you’ll feel it. Chuy built something special. We want people to keep coming in and keep sharing what he started.”

Come for the food, stay for the familia and raise a glass in honor of Chuy because his story, passion and his heart will always live on here. 

Our Town Reno reporting and photos by Genevy Machuca, April 2025

The Many Sanctuaries of our Local Libraries, Despite Future Funding Uncertainties

Despite current uncertainties over its future financing, possible divisions among County Commissioners and contentious board meetings, libraries around northern Nevada remain a sanctuary for those who spend time there, from families getting books, to those attending special events, to adults passing time or looking for new opportunities.

At the heart of Reno, the Downtown library stands out with its cool, magical, plant filled interior space. There are regular gatherings such as Dungeons and Dragon meetups and adulting 101, with special activities having taken place during Spring Break, including a magic gathering camp.

There’s many resources for those in need, from computers, to housing kiosks, workspace areas and obviously plenty of books.

On another side of town, the Northwest Reno Library near McQueen High School has toys, a playhouse, and a nicely delineated spot for children to learn and play. 

Bob Brackett likes that it’s open seven days a week. He appreciates having a space to quietly read the news and business publications like the Barron’s magazine. 

Situated in the Reno Town Mall, Sierra View Library is a hidden gem that offers similar resources. Not only can locals hang out or read here, they can also visit nearby stores such as Nevada Marketplace which sells products all made in the Silver State. The small waterfall decoration inside and its antique looking interior design definitely pleases the eyes right before entering the library. 

Recently a self-described traveling tradesman Julio was there hanging out while looking for other jobs. 

“I am here to chill out. I am a traveling tradesman,” he said. “I am waiting to basically catch a job in my trade but while I am doing that, I am researching something I have been interested in while I am at it.”

The level of our library system’s budget for the next fiscal year is now in the hands of our commissioners, with discussions starting in April, after voters narrowly decided to stop a direct assessed property value funding mechanism. That money, about $4.5 million, or a quarter of the system’s yearly budget, is now going to the county’s general fund instead, with County commissioners in charge of how to spend it.

Photos, Audio Feature and Reporting by Mariel Day 

For Angel Keene, It's Been a Long Journey To Welcome You to His Tattoo Chair

Tattoos aren’t just ink on skin, they’re stories, scars and snapshots of who we are. Some mark healing while others mark heartbreak or memory. For Reno tattoo artist Angel Keene, every tattoo is a moment of trust, representing a chance to give someone a permanent piece of art they’ll carry forever. 

But his journey to becoming the person behind the needle? Well, it wasn’t exactly simple.

Growing up in Reno, Keene’s first glimpse into the world of tattoos came from his stepdad, Josh, a punk rock guy covered in ink and piercings. 

“He was just that cool dude, and I thought the idea of putting cool art on people was awesome,” Keene recalled. 

It was the kind of impression that sticks and by 18, Angel was chasing his own tattoo dream with his first apprenticeship. But life hit hard with Reno’s economy. Bills needed paying, so art took a back seat. He bounced between jobs from food service, warehouses, or anything that kept the lights on. Even with life pulling, art for him never stopped. 

“For me, art is like an escape. A chance to be relaxed and mindful,” he shared. 

Life took another turn when he joined the Army searching for direction. But after a year and a half, a medical discharge brought that chapter to an end. Angel later spent six years working at Apple where he found fulfillment in teaching digital art classes, showing people how to use their iPad to draw their own pieces of art. It wasn’t tattooing, but it was creative, and fed a part of him that needed to connect with people.

“Connecting with people and being creative, that’s what I love,” he mentioned.

Still the itch toward tattooing never faded and his wife, Kaylee, noticed. In 2022 she encouraged Keene to quit his job, offering to support him while he gave his dream another shot. 

“It didn’t work out when you were 18,” she told him, “but you still bring it up. What do you think?”

“So I took a gamble,” he explained.

In just three weeks, they packed up their life in Hawaii and moved back to Reno. Angel hit the ground running with a portfolio in hand, carrying nearly 18 years worth of drawings. 

Angel started over, looking for an apprenticeship and rebuilding connections. By this time everyone he had known in the industry was much older, making it harder to break back in. 

“It was cool being at home, but boring. I had to get out,” he emphasized. 

It all finally paid off when he walked into ‘Working Class Tattoo’ in Fallon, and met Dan Paul, in a fortuitous twist of fate. 

Turns out Dan wasn’t just any tattoo artist. He had been friends with Angel’s biological father in high school.

Dan took Angel under his wing, and mentored him for a seven month apprenticeship. During that time, Angel practiced relentlessly on those who trusted him, learning that sometimes tattooing is more than a steady hand and good art. 

“You have to be an excellent communicator. Sometimes you’re like a therapist and you carry that weight because this is permanent. It is changing someone’s body forever.” 

The most meaningful tattoo Angel ever gave wasn’t his cleanest line work or most intricate design. It was actually the first and last tattoo he gave his mom. 

She had always been his biggest supporter, even taking him to get his first tattoo at 15.

Angel laughed, admitting it was “a zombie on a skateboard.”

“It wasn’t my best tattoo but it was the most meaningful. She supported me from the beginning and it felt like a full circle moment,”Angel shared. “The tattoo was nothing crazy, it was her dog’s name.” 

His mom passed not long after, fighting cancer.

Now Angel works at Twofold Tattoo on Wells Ave. in Reno. His style leans toward semi-realism, and creating art that matters to his clients. The kind of tattoos people look at years later and still feel something.  

“You’re changing your body forever. Find someone you align with, someone you feel comfortable with. Don’t rush it,” he advised. 

Looking back, Angel credits his journey to those who believed in him. His wife, who believed in him enough to push him to try again. Dan, who took a chance on him. His mom, who was always in his corner. And a community that welcomed him back. 

“Tattooing is a beautiful way to connect with human beings and give them a life changing form of expression,” he said.

For Angel that is truly what it comes down to: the connection, courage and the stories that will remain forever etched in ink. 

Reporting and photos by Genevy Machuca

Experiencing music in suits, with a cowbell and in a now gone historical railyard warehouse

The world is still except for a soft wind blowing past and the distant sound of a bus pulling up to its station. A low rumble starts to emerge beneath my feet, drawing me ever so closer to a small building just off of Wells Avenue.

Stepping inside, everything morphs into a world so alive. I am captivated by those occupying a small stage surrounded by head banging and lyric yelling fans. Charity Kiss has done it again, putting on a show that teleports all attending to another world for just that night.

The Beginnings

At the ripe age of 18, I was dropped off into Reno with little idea of what living in another city was like. I called Las Vegas home for my whole life, and here I was wandering around my new home, confused.

Naturally, of course, I stumbled into a house show within the West University neighborhood and unlocked the secret that I’d been waiting to discover for months: the Reno music scene.

Music over Spotify and music while standing outside a house on Buena Vista Street in freezing February temperatures are two very different experiences. And honestly, the latter will win out every single time.

Since that night I have been forever entranced by the Reno music scene and all that it has to offer.

Neighborhoods to railyards: Where’s the next show at?

Coming from a big city where the only concerts I went to were in arenas that could accommodate thousands, it was quite a culture shock to be dancing shoulder to shoulder with people in the garage of some house.

I say some house, but what I mean is Fort Ralston, a tiny unassuming house situated on Ralston street. The only giveaway that it hosts shows inside would be the multiple young adults out front decked out in their funkiest, grungiest clothes.

Stepping inside, the low ceilings and narrow room may drive some away, but those who do stick around are ready for the night of their lives. The walls are lit up with a rainbow of colors showcasing a mismatch of rugs, tapestries and blankets that create an indescribable, groovy feeling.

There was the danger of hitting my head if I accidentally jumped too high, but that didn’t stop me from forgetting about it almost entirely. The taller folks definitely noticed the danger though. 

Both local and out of state bands took the stage giving people the show they paid for, and of course one of those bands was none other than Charity Kiss.

Playing their iconic song Pretty Little Place, audience members immediately began moshing, which due to the small venue, meant everyone was being pushed around involuntarily. And it was amazing.

From cramped garages in old houses to wide open venues housed within an old railyard warehouse, Reno had it all. The beloved and short lived Station 9 was a community favorite before unfortunately being shut down, due to leasing issues and now its destruction.

I had the honor of being able to attend a show here before Station 9’s untimely death. It was a venue like nowhere else. A bar, social areas, the main room with a stage on stilts, free candy and some pool tables all made for an environment that I wish I could return to time and time again. 

Something about rocking out to such a wide range of music put on by local bands in an extremely old building fills my soul with a joy that is impossible to get back. Unfortunately, the building that housed Station 9 has now been demolished.

Wait, is that a cowbell?

I love just about every genre of music, and as such it was really easy for me to fall in love with nearly every Reno band I saw. Some stuck around in my head longer than others, and those are the ones that keep me coming back.

I’ve already mentioned them before, but Charity Kiss is genuinely my favorite Reno band. Their music, stage presence and kindness all come together to make for such a lovely experience every time I am able to catch a show of theirs.

The next band that comes to mind for me is In The Works? as they were some of the kindest people I have talked to and they put on a killer show. I have now photographed their shows twice and both times they were so excited about my photos.

Their energy as a band when performing live is so incredibly good, and the lead singer, Liam Garrison, plays the saxophone, an iconic instrument for such an iconic band. Their funky and diverse tunes are enough to get even the most stubborn person dancing around the room.

Another iconic Reno band that has blown me away is Worm Shot. Their talent, look, sound and lyrics are all stunning. They are well loved within the Reno community and are clearly excited and passionate about the work that they do.

FKA Fingers is still a new band for me as I only learned of them in November of 2024, however they are incredibly good live. One of their band members, Dom, plays the cowbell which adds a very unique element to their music. Their shows are definitely worth going to.

Seeing all the talent in Reno is something that I did not expect when I first moved here in 2022. Getting to hear so much of it now, I wished I had started going to shows even sooner than I did.

The here and now

After about two and a half years of calling Reno home, I have seen and felt how impactful the music scene here is. It has kept me connected to the city and allowed me to experience shows like I never have before.

One thing that has made shows even more exciting for me is chasing an old dream of mine to pursue concert photography. Getting to see shows through my camera is something I never thought I would do.

Being able to give these bands photos of themselves while rocking out on stage is so rewarding. 

Going back to the very beginning of this article, Charity Kiss’s Slackademic tour kick-off show may be one of my favorites I have photographed. Everyone dressed in formal wear and my off to the side position in the crowd made for some unique and unforgettable photos.

While I do have such a positive opinion of the Reno music scene, I understand that from talking to others it isn’t always like that. I personally have not had any majorly negative experiences outside of some slightly too pushy photographers. 

This does not and should not discount the range of interactions that people have had with the Reno music scene. We should always be working to improve and give more people a home in the community. A community full of life and really good music.

Photos and Reporting by Samuel Kahnke

Shivam Shah, Inviting Locals to have fun and destress at iSmash Reno

Following in his family’s entrepreneurial footsteps, Shivam Shah always knew becoming a business owner was his ultimate goal. Originally from India, he moved to Reno in 2014 at the age of 24, shortly after marrying his wife. Though he had a degree in software engineering and built a career in that industry for over a decade, his long-term vision was always to run something of his own. 

That vision came to life August 23, 2024, when he opened iSmash Reno, a one of a kind entertainment space located at the Outlets at Legends in Sparks, bringing together rage rooms to destroy things to vent anger, as is a need for many these days, axe throwing, and splatter paint rooms, all under one roof. 

Shah, a father of two, saw northern Nevada growing over the past 10 years and knew the area needed something unique. Inspired by a visit similar to a facility in New York, he saw the potential of combining multiple interactive experiences into a single venue. Unlike many entertainment spaces, he doesn’t serve alcohol, giving his space more of a fun and safe vibe for families, kids and teenagers, as well as adults.

“We have party rooms, space for corporate events, and activities that cater to all ages,” Shah explained

The splatter paint room is a black-lit space where guests can throw paint on canvases, walls, or even each other, with the option of having ponchos so it doesn’t get all over their clothes. 

“Our tagline is simple: you have fun, and we will do the cleanup,” Shah said.

The smash room follows the same idea where guests can destroy objects while the team handles the mess. Some even bring in their own tools like their own baseball bats, and hammers to personalize their experience.

“We provide protective gear, gloves, glasses etc. because safety is the priority,” Shah guaranteed.

What also makes iSmash Reno different is its focus on accessibility and sustainability. 

The business sources breakable items from thrift stores and recycling centers, keeping a continuous supply. They also help to recycle broken electronics after smash sessions.

Customers can even participate in BYOB (Bring Your Own Box), where they can bring unwanted glassware, or electronics to smash, and iSmash handles the disposal. If you have unwanted items you’d like to get rid of, you can participate in BYOB or even just come in and donate the items for others to smash. 

The pricing is also a draw.

“Our smallest package includes 14 glass items and two electronics to smash and discounts are offered for veterans and college students,” Shah said. 

Another unique feature? Every session is recorded so you don’t have to worry about capturing the moment yourself. Whether you are splattering paint, smashing glass, or landing the perfect ax throw, you can get a recording of your session before you leave to relive the fun.

And the creativity doesn’t stop there. The graffiti covering iSmash’s walls was done by a local artist, giving an artistic and edgy vibe to the space. It’s just another way Shah has made sure iSmash Reno stands out.

Many people associate smash rooms with stress relief, but iSmash Reno is just as much about fun and celebrations. Meaning you don’t have to be upset to come smash or paint. It’s a great place for a night out, a date, or even a bachelor or bachelorette party.

Shah recalls even doing photoshoots inside smash and paint rooms of maternity pictures, and bachelorette photos, with rooms holding up to 15-20 people.

Shah comes from a family of businessmen, with his father and grandfather both owning businesses in India, including a grocery store. His entrepreneurial spirit is deeply rooted in his upbringing, and he hopes to continue that legacy here in Reno.

Our Town Reno reporting by Genevy Machuca

Jack Barrington, A Reno-Based Audio Mixer Making Bands Sound Just Right

Jack Barrington’s passion for mixing audio began at a young age, driven by a fascination with how sound shapes experiences. He recently achieved his dream of opening his own mixing business, producing music for local and touring bands.

At just 15 years old, he started experimenting with audio production on GarageBand, spending hours perfecting every bit of sound. This early hobby sparked a deep interest in audio production, pushing Jack to explore the technical side of mixing and editing.

During high school, Jack’s skills progressed significantly. While attending Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, he was given the opportunity to create the official news intro song for the school’s daily newscast.

Now in his senior year of college at the University of Nevada, Jack has turned his passion into a budding business. As a local audio engineer and owner of a company called Mixed By Jack, he specializes in recording both live and studio sounds for Reno's emerging local band scene.

In above photo, Jack listens intently as he fine-tunes the backing tracks for local band FKA Fingers, recorded live during their Halloween show on October 28th at Midnight Coffee Roasting. Since he’s mastering the recording for a CD release, streaming loudness normalization isn’t a concern. This gives him the freedom to push the loudness beyond Spotify’s standard -14 LUFS, achieving a richer and more impactful sound.

Dedicated to supporting new and upcoming talent, Jack works closely with artists to capture their unique sound, blending technical precision with creative artistry.

Lately he’s been experimenting with his brand-new Fairchild Compressor plug-in. This powerful tool reduces the dynamic range by compressing loud signals and enhancing quieter ones, resulting in a more balanced, warm, and polished final mix.

 His SSL console helps him combine multiple audio signals into a cohesive stereo or surround mix. Each channel strip allows precise control over volume, panning, EQ, dynamics, and routing.

For now, Jack keeps his operations grounded, editing tracks in his cramped bedroom in a shared apartment located in East Reno, carefully storing all his equipment in a modest closet setup. His journey from experimenting on GarageBand to producing live recordings for local bands reflects his determination, resourcefulness, and commitment to honing his craft. 

Reporting and photos by Lauren Juillerat

Keep Reno Rad: Meeting Thrifters in Midtown Reno

For many, thrifting is more than just a way to shop, it’s a lifestyle. Whether it’s about sustainability, affordability, or the thrill of the hunt, secondhand shopping has seen a surge in recent years. But for some, thrifting started as a necessity before becoming a passion.

I’ve been thrifting since I was a kid because, at one point, it was my only option. Over time, I fell in love with it, not just for the affordability, but for the unique finds and the excitement of discovering something unexpected. Now, even as it has become a trend, I still see it as a way to express personal style and shop sustainably.

“It's better for the planet, and you can find unique things, and it's a lot cheaper,” Bri, a local dedicated thrifter says.

For her, thrifting isn’t just about saving money, it’s about making environmentally conscious choices. 

“It's a cheaper option, and it's way more environmentally friendly, for sure,” another local thrifter Mackenzie agrees. “And I think you can find a lot more, like, really interesting and unique kinds of stuff when you're thrifting.”

Many thrifters have different origin stories. Bri got into thrifting after setting a personal challenge for herself.

“I actually had a little bit of a thrift era, just shopping addiction a while ago, probably like ten years ago, and I challenged myself to not buy anything for that entire year. I did clothing exchanges with my friends, so we would go through our closets and put it all together to find new things,” Bri said.

Mackenzie started thrifting at a young age. “I went thrifting with my mom as a kid, and then somewhere around middle school, high school, it became trendy. And I was like, ‘Oh my God, wait, this is my time to shine!’” Mackenzie said.

For me, thrifting started as a necessity, but it evolved into something more. Now, I love finding hidden gems, especially in activewear. Anytime I stumble upon big name brands, it’s a major win.

Of course, the thrill of thrifting isn’t just about the price, it’s about the finds. Bri loves discovering high-end brands for a steal. “I really like Free People. When I find something that would typically be $100 to $200, it feels really good.” 

Mackenzie gravitates towards unique things. “I always go for random little knick-knacks. I'm, like, a hoarder,” Mackenzie admits.

As thrifting becomes more mainstream, there’s been an ongoing conversation about its impact. 

“I do for sure think it's becoming more popular,” Bri says. “It’s great, but sometimes when people go and get things just to resell them, it’s a little aggravating.” 

Mackenzie agrees, acknowledging that while the increase in thrifting is good overall, it has downsides. “Selfishly, I'm like, ‘Oh, they’re just gonna take all the good stuff.’ But then, realistically, it’s definitely better for the environment and for avoiding the fast fashion industry,” Mackenzie concludes.

I’ve noticed the shift too. When I was younger, some people looked down on thrifting, but now it’s a trend. While it’s exciting to see more people embracing secondhand fashion, the rise of resellers means some of the best finds get snatched up quickly, making thrifting less accessible for those who rely on it.

But the heart of thrifting remains, giving clothes a second life, reducing waste, and finding pieces that tell a story. Whether you thrift out of necessity, for sustainability, or just for the fun of it, one thing is clear, secondhand shopping is now mainstream.

Reporting and Photography by Alexus Hildebrand

Hats Off to Local Irish pub manager Josh Patten Doing So Much for Reno Community

It’s been an uneasy time to navigate Reno as the Biggest Little City hurtles forward, losing some of its authenticity, grit and caring.

With increasing rent prices, displacement of unhoused people, and feeling unheard by Reno’s City Council, to name just a few current challenges, it can often create helplessness on how to contribute. 

Josh Patten, the bar manager of Corrigan’s Lost Highway on Wells Avenue, offers a unique perspective on how to approach these issues. Patten first moved to Reno 12 years ago, after deciding to move away from Seattle.

“ The writing on the wall was pretty clear that I was not going to be able to sustain the life that I had been living there for much longer,” he says of the move to the 775. “Just living very modestly and playing a lot of music and that kind of stuff. The city was getting expensive and one day I looked out of my back door and I could see 25 cranes on the skyline. And it was like, okay, this is getting pretty out of hand.”

After stopping by Reno on tour with his psych rock band, Patten began to make friends and fell in love with the sense of community that has made him stay since. 

“ The things that had been happening in Seattle, where everything was tapering off, people were getting priced out of the city, moving away. It was dissolving, whereas it was very much more like cumulative here, it's fun to get here and do that,” says Patten. 

Now in Reno, Patten wears many hats, one of which is helping create one of the best bar environments in town.

Outside of work, Patten plays in  the psychedelic black metal band, Beachmaster, along with hosting the Stax of Wax radio show on KWNK 97.7FM @kwnk97.7

Patten has made a successful effort in incorporating his love of local music into his role at Corrigan’s with a variety of community oriented events. Across the street from DIY music and art space, The Holland Project, Patten has added on to the arts scene, from hosting live DJs to grunge bands to fundraising events. 

While Corrigan’s has been a Wells Avenue staple for decades, Patten has been bar manager for three years now, and has so far watched his neighborhood’s progression closely.

“ I think that people's motivations when growth is involved are usually skewed towards profit and not sustainability. And so that's pretty nerve wracking, I don't really see the amount of population we're trying to accept matched with real infrastructure. I see it matched with flash in the pan hip spots but what I don't see is long term plans for traffic management or long term plans for water supply or things like that,” he said. “ If we're going to responsibly grow this town the way that they want to grow it then all of those considerations really need to be made.”

When I prompt Patten on what others can do to help the community, he fires off many resources, most fervently towards his recent involvement with Family Soup Mutual Aid, a group that distributes necessities for those in need at Believe Plaza every Tuesday night. Corrigan’s recently started a kimchi and pickle raffle to donate towards the cause. 

“ I think that's where we're at right now, is to just hold each other closer, lift each other up, and if you have extra, somebody could use it. There's plenty of people when I get to Family Soup that are there as part of the distribution infrastructure too, you don't necessarily have to cook or love to. You can go help pass it out. It's really not hard to find.” says Patten. 

The conversation with Patten comes to a close, but he ends with an age old phrase on how to keep going. 

 “ You can just go talk to people but there's tons of resources. It's really not hard to find. Ask a punk is what we used to write on a lot of flyers, but you can ask a punk about just about anything,” he concludes.

Reporting and photos by Sophia Nebesky

Keep Reno Rad: A Chill Sunday with DJs at Midnight Coffee Roasting

Funky. Loungy. Jazzy. Organic. Soulful. The entire atmosphere of the calm but bustling Midnight Coffee Roasting is electrified with lo-fi jazz and techno house music on a chilled Sunday morning.

On March 2nd, the coffee bar hosted their first “coffee club” event spotlighting DJ house music collectives, Funk Facility and Fantasia Music. Five DJs from both collectives collabed together to bring Midtown’s Midnight Coffee Roasting a jazzy, funky ambiance from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. as casual coffee-goers enjoyed their breakfasts and drinks. 

As people weaved their way to 1401 S. Virginia St., the “loungy” tunes and afternoon low-tempo beats could be heard out of the large window of Midnight Coffee where the DJs set up their large speakers, low-hanging plants, laptops, portable turntables and DJ mixers. The long window and music set-up overlooked the outside rooftop and porch.

34-year-old graphic designer Christian Reichle arrived at the day party greeting friends, DJs and co-workers after ordering food and relishing in the groovy house atmosphere. Reichle is a part of the Biggest Little Tribe music organization (BLT), which prides itself in working with DJ collectives like Fantasia and Funk Facility to plan local house music events.

“We play all over the place like Lo Bar, Dead Ringer, which is our most common venue, and we helped at opening weekend for AleWorX and The Alpine,” Reichle said. “We are looking for more events like this – these day time events are fun because we get a different crowd and we get to expose ourselves and what we are to different people.” 

This event was one of the first venues for Funk Facility and Fantasia to really break away from common nighttime club culture. Reichle explained that house music is becoming increasingly popular for those outside of the DJ nighttime culture and that no matter what the time of day is, people like to dance and they enjoy house music a lot more than they would think.

Straying away from classic upbeat party music DJs spin during night shows, this afternoon vibe called for more “chill, loungy energy” that allows people to enjoy their conversations, relax on the rooftop, but also gets people on their feet and grooving with the beat. 

Even the baristas crushing out drinks and food alike would bob their head to the beat or bounce on their toes throughout the early afternoon. The five DJs were taking turns spinning their tunes, and when they weren’t on the mixer, they were interacting and dancing with people coming in and out of the coffee bar. One DJ, Joelle Burkhardt, grooved to the house music wearing squared orange-tinted glasses with a striking salmon pink long sleeve and headphones that were worn over her large cheetah-print bucket hat. 

“This is the first kick-off event at Midnight,” Burkhardt said. “I love the earlier brunch vibe and I think people are ready for something different.”

The energy within that small space was addictive. You couldn’t help but jam along with the music and engage with the community through good cups of coffee. As the music played, more people started taking the stairs to the rooftop, ordering brunch and immersing themselves into the music. One of the biggest priorities for DJs is to keep the energy alive, and that could be taxing, especially within the afternoon music scene where it can be difficult to really gage what people are looking for. 

“When I choose tracks, it just comes to seeing the crows and figuring out what songs fit together the best,” 33-year-old DJ Tony Sandoval, the founder of Funk Facility, said.

“You got to keep the flow going, have seamless transitions, and not try to disrupt the changes too much,” he said. The goal for these brunch vibes is to find the “in-between of tech house and something more funky lo-fi. It’s a harder sell since you don’t know what people generally want.”

Sandoval founded Funk Facility around five years ago during COVID. He had always enjoyed the rave, DJ music scene in Southern California as a teenager and was determined to work in the professional setting of music mixing and show production in Reno. 

“I just wanted to bring disco house and punk music to Reno,” Sandoval said. “This funk disco house, it’s a facility of funk, but we are also facilitating the funk. If you look at the Funk Facility logo, it’s like two ‘Fs’ in a little building, or a facility.”

For this collaboration, the two DJ organizations brought their differing genres together to create a three hour free performance, and they plan to continue the new event every week with Midnight Coffee. One of Fantasia’s DJs, Luke Cylke, wearing a neon-detailed jacket layered in bright greens and oranges, described the genres of the two collectives and how he organizes a set list for crowds. 

“I like to do 7 to 14 songs in an hour for a set,” Cylke said. “So about 20 to 30 songs on a setlist and I select from the list what the crowds would like, whether that’s low-tempo or party-like.” As for the genres, “Fantasia is a bit more organic, with live instruments like bongos. Funk Facility is funky, jazzy, with saxophone and piano riffs.”

BLT also recently helped with the third annual Heart Beat of Reno Festival in the Brewery District, hosting 57 local DJs throughout an entire weekend with over 450 attendees. 

“It’s rewarding for us to be able to sell out a festival in town with just local talent, it’s very special,” Reichle said. “I love it and we like to throw a good party… our whole thing is to meet people, and I feel like this [music scene] is important to share.”

Reporting, audiogram and photography by Samantha Wagner

Keep Reno Rad: Sierra Water Runs Beautifully with Samantha Stremmel at the Helm

Sierra Water on Dickerson Road is a sanctuary where community and nature intertwine. Sunlight filters through the tall warehouse windows, lighting the shelves all filled with greenery. The scent of fresh soil lingers with subtle notes of coffee from the Forged Roasting Co. trailer parked inside. All around there’s handcrafted ceramic pots, delicate stained glass lamps, clothing, and plants to fit any household. 

At the heart of it all is owner Samantha Stremmel. What began as a pop-up has become one of Reno’s most inviting plant shops. 

Stremmel’s journey to Sierra Water began long before she opened its doors. Raised on a farm in Montana, she grew up surrounded by nature, working on her family’s organic vegetable farm. 

“My mom always had plants in the house but I never really thought about taking care of them myself,” she remembers. “It wasn’t until much later that I realized how much they were a part of me.” 

In 2010, after graduating from Montana State University she and her husband, Sutter Stremmel, made the move to Reno. The couple took a bold step and purchased a foreclosed property and turned into their Sierra Water Gardens along the Truckee River.

By 2017, they were ready for a new chapter and shifted their focus on a smaller indoor plant shop instead. 

Initially it was a small pop up while they opened The Wedge Ceramics Studio next door, but it quickly turned into something permanent. 

“It was such a great experience, and people loved it. I knew I had to make it something more,” Samantha says. 

Today, stepping inside Sierra Water is a full experience. The shop has become a space where people can slow down and browse, enjoying the beauty around them.

Alongside artisan ceramics you’ll find the potting station, allowing customers to have their plants potted on site with a high quality soil blend and a special amendment “Soil Candy” to help them thrive. 

“We love helping people find the right plants for their space,” Samantha said. “Even if you’re a beginner, we’ll make sure you feel successful before you leave.” 

Then there’s the ‘flower bar, offering fresh stems for customers to build their own arrangements or choose from ready made bouquets. The Stremmel’s source their plants from wholesalers in California and collaborate with small batch artisans.

Many of the ceramic pots sold at Sierra Water are made by local artists. 

“I love that we get to support artists and bring in pieces that are both functional and beautiful,” she says. 

Beyond the products, Samantha and her team are there to lend a hand. Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or a first time buyer they’ll guide you towards the right greenery for your space. 

“Plants are for everyone. Even if you’ve killed a plant or two, we’ll help you find something you can keep alive.” 

Stremmel loves making the process approachable, ensuring everyone leaves comfortably with their new green addition.

“People bring in pictures of their homes and we help them choose a plant that will thrive. And we love answering questions because our goal is to make sure everyone feels confident when they leave,” she concludes.

Reporting by Genevy Machuca for Our Town Reno

Video Center Reno Va Mucho Más Allá De Su Nombre

Si entras al Video Center Reno esperando alquilar la última película de taquilla, podrías sorprenderte un poco. Claro, el nombre aún sugiere "noche de cine", pero dentro encontrarás mucho más. Es un negocio que lleva 27 años en la comunidad, donde no solo puedes rentar una película, sino también enviar dinero a tu familia en Centroamérica, comprar un teléfono, recoger una camiseta de fútbol para tu hijo, pagar tu factura de agua o incluso conseguir boletos para un espectáculo local.

Y pensar que todo comenzó por accidente.

Guillermo Padilla y su esposa Araceli, originarios de México, se habían mudado a Fontana, California. En 1998, durante unas vacaciones en Reno, decidieron parar a comer unos tacos en Tacos El Rey, un pequeño local justo al frente que aún está allí. Mientras comían, algo llamó su atención: un cartel de "se vende" justo enfrente. Curiosos, decidieron echarle un vistazo.

Lo que encontraron, según las palabras de Guillermo, era un lugar con un aspecto “muy solitario, muy feo”. 

Sin embargo, algo en ese lugar los cautivó. Guillermo tomó una tarjeta de presentación del dueño y, días después, estando ya de regreso en Fontana, hizo la llamada para decir que querían comprarlo.

Al principio, solo estaban Guillermo, Araceli y sus hijas haciendo todo ellos mismos. La hija mayor, Melissa, prácticamente creció en la tienda.

“A veces dormía aquí,” recuerda Melissa. “Iba a la escuela y regresaba directo para pasar el resto del día en la tienda.”

Avanzando casi tres décadas, Video Center Reno ha superado la era de Blockbuster, resistido el auge de Netflix, atravesado la pandemia y se ha expandido mucho más allá de su propósito original.

El Video Center de 1998 lucía muy diferente al de hoy. Comenzó como una tienda de alquiler de música y películas, pero con el tiempo se adaptó porque así lo requerían las circunstancias. A pesar de ello, el nombre nunca cambió.

Guillermo se rió, reconociendo que durante años debatieron si renombrar la tienda, pero al final decidieron mantenerlo.

“Ya a estas alturas, todo el mundo conoce Video Center Reno. Aunque no vengan por una película, el nombre es parte de nuestra identidad.”

Hoy en día, Video Center Reno es un centro integral donde puedes pagar facturas, hacer envíos de dinero, comprar teléfonos prepagos y mucho más. Incluso venden medicamentos de mostrador típicos en muchos hogares latinos, como Viro-Grip y Tukol D. También ofrecen activaciones de teléfonos con AT&T, Verizon y Cricket, facilitando a los clientes la configuración de su servicio o la compra de teléfonos desbloqueados.

Sigue siendo un negocio familiar en su esencia. Guillermo, Araceli y Melissa trabajan allí junto con algunos empleados. No lo tendrían de otra manera.

“Los invitamos a que vengan,” dice Guillermo. “Todos tenemos una factura que pagar, ¿verdad? Aceptamos todas, electricidad, agua, renta. ¿Necesitas enviar dinero a casa? Tenemos Western Union y otras opciones. ¿Quieres comprar un teléfono? Los activamos aquí mismo. Y si te gusta el fútbol, tenemos camisetas, zapatos y pelotas.”

Es una familia, un legado y un lugar que, sin importar cuánto cambie, siempre se sentirá como en casa. Así que si alguna vez necesitas algún servicio, Video Center lo tiene cubierto. Y si te da hambre después, Tacos El Rey está justo al otro lado de la calle.

Informando por Genevy Machuca

Keep Reno Rad: Antojitos Colibri Serving Up Sweet Treats on Wells Ave.

This warmer first Spring we are experiencing is a perfect time to try out Antojitos Colibri at 880 South Wells.

On a recent day at 11 a.m. sharp, an employee of three years, Erika Perez, helped open up the small but vibrant local ice cream shop.

“I enjoy what I do and I love being here,” Perez said. “I love making your guys’ drinks and seeing your guys’ faces whenever you come in.”

While this small colorful shop offers various ice cream flavors and fruity raspados, or shaved ice, it is quite well known for its cup-filled sweet treats and savory snacks. Fruit cups like fresas con crema and aguas frescas ranging from $5 to $10 are local favorites. Antojitos Colibri also offers elote for $3.50, a corn on the cob slathered in mayo, crumbled cheese, lime and the hot sauce of your choosing. 

It’s hard to miss the vibrant bursts of colors from Antojitos Colibri. As small as it may seem, taking up only a slight chunk of a corner before turning on E. Taylor Street, the ice cream shop covers almost every inch of space in radiant shades of pinks and yellows. 

Four black tables are evenly spaced in front of the dark blue painted shop. Almost every inch of white wall surrounding the corner folds and overlaps as a vibrant mural. The bottom half of the walls have large multi-colored leaves following each other. Bursts of green, warm yellow, shocking pink and dark blues decorate the walls, all leading to the striking focal point of the mural, which displays a large, fluorescent hummingbird that consumes the main wall in striking colored feathers. 

In this photo series, Perez starts to make Antojitos Colibri’s most famous dessert, the Chamango. She first starts the process by covering the sides and bottom of the clear cup with chamoy and tajin. Then she stuffs the drink with shaved ice right to the rim and douses the ice with thick, golden mango syrup. She tops the drink off with a fresh scoop of smooth mango sorbet and chunks of fresh mango. Just to finish off the dessert, which is almost overflowing with bright yellow and striking reds, she adds a final layer of Chamoy and Tajin that drips down to the very bottom.

”Just to top it off, you put your straw, your spoon and the little tamarind stick,” Perez said. “I would try to avoid them [the chamango] at first, but now whatever I get, I enjoy making it.”

Photos and reporting by Samantha Wagner