Apparently, You’ve Been Publicly Advocating Wrong—Another entry in the StoneGate Saga

An oped submission by William Mantle. with the views and opinions expressed here below those of the author.

Let me review what’s happened. On August 4, 2025, dozens of citizens showed to the Regional Planning Commission (RPC) to provide nearly two hours of public comment across both general and agenda-item-specific comment against StoneGate’s Master Plan Amendment (MPA). The developer (Heinz Ranch Land Co. LLC) wants to change its initial development from 5,000 homes to about 1,300 and replace those homes with a sprawling industrial park of which at least ~15% would be dedicated towards datacenters. TMRPA praised the public's high level of participation as did many of the Planning Commissioners (both City and Regional). Ward 4 Reno City Councilor Meghan Ebert gave public comment as well, and stayed the duration of the meeting.

I was at the meeting. As I recall, there was unanimous public opposition to StoneGate. The reasons were copious: housing needs, desire for commercial space, environmental concerns, issues with the influx of freight/semi-trucks, concerns over fire risk (including the removal of an agreement to provide some fire protection in the current plan), availability of water/electricity, lack of infrastructure, traffic concerns (especially around winter travel disruptions), and no citizen voiced any support, like, or desire for datacenters. Which is interesting because now Reno Mayor hopeful Devon Reese believes they’re vital components of our local emerging economy. His stance has shifted from solely approving datacenters to voicing a need for some standards to be set for them. To be clear, a datacenter is just as useful to Reno if it were built here as anywhere else because of how the internet works. I would like to see our city-lands be given to our people to live. Datacenters can be out by TRIC, if they must be anywhere, but I digress.

Ultimately, StoneGate’s MPA was voted down by the RPC by the narrowest of margins, 5 Ayes: (supporting StoneGate’s MPA were Commissioners)

Velto; Read; Kramer; Lazzareschi; and Giacomin

vs. 4 Nay’s: (opposing StoneGate’s MPA were Commissioners)

Rohrmeier; Flick; Pierce; and Nieberlein. 

But William, “there’re more Ayes than Nays!” True. However, MPA approvals require a super-majority of 6 ayes to pass—so StoneGate lost (in full transparency, I had no idea of that requirement along with seemingly everyone else in attendance and the sudden realization of success was palpable). Is that it for StoneGate? No.

Smacking of developer-favored bias, Reno City staff, led by Angela Fuss the Assistant Development Services Director (who represented StoneGate in 2018), are recommending an appeal be filed. I don’t know why staff wouldn’t be neutral in their approach, and it is at least semi-concerning to me that a former representative of StoneGate is now helping to determine the City of Reno’s approach. Staff should simply present the Council with the option to appeal or not so as not to appear to be StoneGate-advocates. On September 10, 2025 the Reno City Council will consider an appeal by StoneGate from its recent rejection. If approved, this would force another hearing in front of the RPC which would likely be heard on September 25, 2025. If rejected, once again, by the RPC the final appeal would be heard at a meeting of the Regional Planning Governing Board on October 9, 2025. 

It wouldn’t be a StoneGate meeting without something extra; enter Commissioner Alex Velto (again).

Commissioner Velto had what’s known as a ‘hot mic’ moment during the meeting that zoom attendees could hear, but we in the crowd could not. He spoke to these comments during the meeting, in part, in which he had a conversation with a fellow commissioner that wasn’t intended for the public record. I asked TMRPA for that video or a transcript. They provided both, a video you can listen to, and a transcript (that does not include the hot mic comments, but does include Velto’s reaction to them starting on pg. 82) HERE. I listened to the video (between 1:50:00 and 2:04:00) to discern those hot-mic comments.

The audio quality is poor, choppy, and the conversation is inconsistent. Keep in mind that I’m not a certified reporter, but this is what I hot-mic-heard. Commissioner Velto:

Finds that the public is inconsistent. 

That the same people who opposed StoneGate in 2016 are the same people opposing this MPA. That if the developer came back to say that they were doing housing now that the public would fight that too. If the public had ideological consistency in opposition, he would be a heck of a lot more sympathetic. But he’s seen the same people oppose housing and development that is industrial; he finds it very frustrating. 

Complains about the public’s focus on datacenters. 

He wonders whether it’s even appropriate to entertain discussion on them because there are other regulatory processes that must occur before a datacenter could be built. Particularly, he finds it frustrating that a datacenter being built would require NV energy to review whether there is enough power/capacity available and so the public may be complaining about something that may not even be able to be built. Also, that a focus on datacenters as an issue detracts from the attention other issues should receive, like traffic concerns. That the City of Reno is going through a regulatory review in October and even if this was approved, that any datacenter consideration would have to abide that process.

That there’s not going to be housing like StoneGate initially proposed because he believes that if they could have afforded to build the housing they would have. 

Since it’s been 9 years since the original plan has been proposed that there’s just no way that they’re [StoneGate] is trying to trick the commission to come back 9 years later with this amendment and that it was their plan all along. It just doesn’t make sense to him.

Hasn’t seen the data about the costs [to build houses] and fears an appeal/lawsuit.

He doesn’t know what made [StoneGate] pivot to this new plan. He’s looked at the cost for datacenters and their use of water and it’s less than what people understand. The mistake he sees agencies make are that they don’t consider the evidence, they get appealed, they get sued, and they pay out a ton of money. He’s always looking at litigation. He’s cautious of the things the agencies say. Reno gets sued, the city goes against development, and it costs a ton of money. 

Wants the public to be trained on how to cater their arguments to make them persuasive to him. 

He thinks we don’t know how to say what we need to say. That we should be providing data that he can use. And that the ‘data’ the public presented today wasn’t actionable. 

There’s a lot to unpack here and much is worthy of being addressed. However, I will primarily focus on #5, that Commissioner Velto believes that the public doesn’t properly advocate for itself and requires training. Firstly, the public has been engaging for months/years on this topic, so it’s confusing to me to think it’s been somehow ‘wrong’ all this time. If Mr. Velto wants to see more from anyone, it should be either the applicants or staff. It’s wrong to ask residents to do more and shift the burden to residents when the ‘experts’ should be doing a ‘better’ job, whatever Mr. Velto believes that to be.

The United States is (supposed to be) a representative democracy. We the people elect representatives to legislate for the citizens and through electing them we hold them accountable. While Commissioner Velto was not elected, but instead appointed by an elected official, the system is designed to work the same. Namely, that if a layman, a regular citizen, an average-Joe, expresses their desire/interest at a public meeting that a representative’s vote will reflect the people’s collective will in a weighed balance.

I am wrong, according to Velto’s statements. It is not enough for the whole of the interested public, those who took the time out of their day to write, speak, and appear in person at the August 4, 2025 RPC meeting to unanimously reject StoneGate’s MPA. We needed to do it in a particular fashion. 

The beauty that is supposed to be a representative government is that our citizens don’t have to learn every law/policy, every nuance of Robert’s Rules of Order, and, broadly, don’t have to become an expert on the ‘thing’. Our representatives are supposed to do all that for us, we tell them what we want, and they make it happen. Which is basically the opposite of what happened on August 4, 2025. Plainly, I disagree with Mr. Velto’s stance.

Representatives on the RPC must consider the law in balance of the public’s interest and statements, which was a sentiment we heard a few times at the meeting from TMRPA director Jeremy Smith. We cannot ask our citizens to be pseudo-representatives themselves because that’s not how our system is supposed to operate. We’re laymen, and it’s important that as much charity as possible be given to the sentiments of the public because they aren’t lawyers or planners—they’re just people trying to help shape their home.

I wished I’d of heard unanimously from our representatives on the RPC a concern that this MPA lacked broad public support. It’s unicorn-rare to hear a representative state that they’re not in support of an agenda-item because clearly the public doesn’t support it or that the applicant/developer hasn’t done enough to earn the trust/support of the people. And we must be concerned because oftentimes approvals today are grandfathered into regulations of tomorrow. Case in point, StoneGate is being reviewed under the 2019 Regional Plan, not the 2024 plan because of when this amendment was submitted. 

Instead, in Velto’s ideal world, we citizens should… what? Propose counter-development plans? Should the public pool money to pay a firm like Wood Rodgers to do a 25 minute presentation filled with: hopes that traffic will improve by 2050, That the RTC might consider public transportation build-outs to Cold Springs due to the MPA (no evidence), a biased view on planned traffic vs. the MPA without considering the benefit of people living somewhere permanently, that creating these ‘jobs’ here instead of housing will stimulate greater commercial interest (no evidence), that fewer people will have to commute to work with this MPA (no evidence), and they don’t provide a contrast they don’t provide a contrast between what they said they’d build versus the MPA—it’s just what they’re selling today. 

Complex ideas shouldn’t be presented in this way. It’s like choosing paint for a house you haven’t seen, interviewing for a mystery job, or drinking a cup of coffee without feeling for hot it is first. We must know what we have to know what we need and want. StoneGate didn’t hold public workshops, they didn’t invite the public to review or consider this MPA (outside of meetings). They didn’t talk about what they weren’t going to do (like contribute to fire safety in the area). They didn’t disclose what, how, when, or why they couldn’t build housing any longer or what efforts they’ve made to effectuate building houses. Instead, we get a new marketing effort that tries to makes this MPA look like the best thing since sliced bread. But they’ll say they didn’t have to, that it’s not required of them. That’s true. However, without that engagement how is the public supposed to come to trust in a development or developer?

The people spoke. They showed up. They were barely listened to. The people clearly prefer what was agreed upon in 2018 which is shown below and summarized as 3.9x less employment, 3.7x more housing, and 5.4x more children/students for the additional resources in sewage/water/traffic as needed.  

Why do the people want this? I suspect that it’s because people want to have a place to live in their own city. They want community like what’s stated in the actual Regional Plan, pg. 37.  

Somehow, four Commissioners found a way, a reason, and a path that agreed with the people. Five Commissioners did not. How is it that when considering the criteria of Population Growth, Regional Form, Public Facilities/Services , Natural Resources & Regional Coordination 

we can have such disagreement on the public’s perception in context of the law? The people stated their collective, broad, and nuanced disagreement with the MPA and a majority of our representatives didn’t form votes that agreed with the public, but instead they were able to agree with the developer. 

Personally, I don’t believe we are advocating wrong. There might be something wrong with how our representatives advocate for us, but it’s essential we keep showing up, pressing our interests, and seeking fairness. We will develop, we will grow, but how we grow matters. And again, I disagree with Mr. Velto’s stance, we must be vigilant of what gets approved today because there’s no promises future regulations will make previously-approved developments adapt to new regulations. 

On September 10, 2025 you have your next chance at being the change and making the difference in our region. The City of Reno does not have to approve an appeal by StoneGate. Frankly, StoneGate’s current ‘plan’ and efforts are fatally flawed. The North Valleys deserve better. I see it, the public at the RPC meeting saw it, and I hope you can see it too. Use your voice by writing in, showing up and speaking, and demanding meetings of your Reno City Councilors. Advocate the way you believe is best, for what you want to see in our region, and don’t let anyone tell you what to say or how to say it (of course, be civil). You’ve already been praised by TMRPA and planning commissioners. Your voice matters, but you have to choose to use it. I hope to see you September 10, 2025 at Reno City Hall. 

Our Town Reno Citizen’s Forum Entry by William Mantle

A Shout Out to Davidson's Distillery

A local and long time regular is worried that one of her favorite Reno spots Davidson’s Distillery on 4th street not far from the bus station might have to close soon based on her own experiences.

She sent in these photos of regulars enjoying an outdoor game of corn hole, writing “they are not getting the traffic that they used to. I was here the other day and it was dead by 11 p.m. on Friday.

I love coming here because it has an old school Reno dive bar vibe but also everyone is really cool and nice here. The bartenders are all really nice.

Drinks are still reasonably priced unlike most of downtown and Midtown. A shot is $6-$9, they have draft & bottled beers and range from $4-$6. Mixed drinks are $8-$11. They have pool tables and decent bathrooms and slots.

They will have some bands tomorrow and I’ll get some more photos.

Also I love coming here on Saturdays when the bands are playing because it’s not a super huge venue and you can still dance like nobody’s watching."

Do you have a favorite place you would like to promote with photos and a description? Never hesitate to reach out with your reviews.

Our Town Reno, Citizen’s Forum, August 2025

Former Red's Bar and Grill Employee Speaks Out On Losing Job Overnight

“Good afternoon, I have a story I want to personally get out,” a former employee of the now closed Red’s Bar and Grill in Fernley wrote to us sending this photo in as well.

“On August 19, 2025, Red’s Bar & Grill shut its doors without warning. Employees showed up ready to work, only to be handed final paychecks and told it was over — no notice, no support, and no payout of earned PTO.

35 cooks, servers, bartenders, dishwashers, and hosts suddenly lost their jobs overnight. Behind every uniform is a parent, student, and provider now left scrambling to cover rent, tuition, and bills.

What was framed as a “business decision” felt like a betrayal. To make it worse, the owners have several known establishments across northern Nevada; as in Red's Old 395 (in Carson City), The Little Waldorf Saloon (by UNR), and Red’s Golden Eagle Grill (in Sparks). The community deserves to know how the people behind Red’s chose to treat the staff who kept it running every day.”

“Good afternoon, I have a story I want to personally get out,” a former employee of the now closed Red’s Bar and Grill wrote to us sending this photo in as well.

“On August 19, 2025, Red’s Bar & Grill shut its doors without warning. Employees showed up ready to work, only to be handed final paychecks and told it was over — no notice, no support, and no payout of earned PTO.

35 cooks, servers, bartenders, dishwashers, and hosts suddenly lost their jobs overnight. Behind every uniform is a parent, student, and provider now left scrambling to cover rent, tuition, and bills.

What was framed as a “business decision” felt like a betrayal. To make it worse, the owners have several known establishments across northern Nevada; as in Red's Old 395 (in Carson City), The Little Waldorf Saloon (by UNR), and Red’s Golden Eagle Grill (in Sparks). The community deserves to know how the people behind Red’s chose to treat the staff who kept it running every day.”

In contrast the restaurant's Instagram posted a group photo of smiling employees to indicate it was closing.

"After serving Fernley since March 2020, Red’s Bar & Grill will be closing our doors permanently.

We want to thank every single person who dined with us, supported us, and shared in the memories we made here. To our incredible staff, past and present, and to the Fernley community, we are so grateful.

This wasn’t an easy decision, but the time has come to say goodbye. Fernley, thank you for letting us be a part of your lives. We will always cherish the time we had together," the post indicated.

Our Town Reno, Citizen’s Forum, August 23, 2025

Surviving a Hit and Run in Reno but Not Finding the Culprit

"On Sunday, August 3, 2025, early in the morning around 12:45 to 1:00 a.m., just five days after my birthday, I was involved in a hit and run car accident.

I was driving up Wells Avenue, about to turn onto I-80 West. The woman who hit me was coming down Wells and turning onto I-80 East. I had a double green light and was going about 35 miles per hour when she rapidly turned into me, causing us to collide. There was no sense of yielding on her end. I hit more toward the right back side of her vehicle, so my right front side took the most damage. The crash totaled my car. I assumed she would have stayed but that was my own ignorance of believing people would care and admit their wrongdoings.

In the chaos and panic, I was not able to get her license plate or any other identifying information. She came up to my car, seemingly thinking I would pull into the westbound exit, and then she fled the scene heading east.

She was a white woman with brunette hair in a bun or ponytail, appearing to be in her early to mid 30s. She was driving a small SUV, possibly gray or silver, with damage to the right side. She has not yet been identified and is still out there.

A witness, an older white man who was bald and driving a white truck, saw the crash and her fleeing. He even stopped to check on me, but then also left before giving any statement.

I sustained minor injuries to my arms, legs, mouth, and stomach, mostly from the airbags. That sent me to the emergency room, thankfully only burns, bruises and soreness. I am still in the process of trying to find her and dealing with the insurance and financial fallout.

The officers and first responders at the scene were compassionate and helpful, but when I followed up later, I was told there was not much they could do without a license plate. In the frantic moment after the crash, I was unsure whether her car was white or silver, which did not help the search. I was also told there were no traffic cameras that could have captured the incident. I

A nearby Denny’s reportedly heard the crash and may have surveillance footage, but they can only release it if law enforcement requests it. Because I was not seriously injured or killed, I doubt that request will be made.

Only days later, a pedestrian was killed by a hit and run near that same street. Tow truck workers also told me how frequent hit and runs have been lately. These incidents are often among the most unsolved cases, leaving victims like me to handle the emotional, physical, and financial aftermath alone.

I am not sure how much a post like this can accomplish in my situation, but I want to bring awareness. Hit and runs shatter lives and too often go unpunished. My hope is to encourage a stronger community response and maybe one day more victims like me will see justice.

My main reason for this request to post is to just bring awareness to hit and runs and to not let people who do them get away scot free or to show people who do them that they should feel guilty and to own up to their mistakes.”

A Citizen's Forum contribution by Makayla Butler

Why Don't Reno Cosmetology Students in Reno Get Treated Like Other Students?

Cosmetology students are wondering why they aren’t considered for local student discounts, including from the RTC, which offers student passes with substantial savings.

“Hi Reno Community,

As a cosmetology instructor at Milan Institute of Cosmetology in Reno, I wanted to bring up something that’s been on my mind—and on the minds of many of my students.

We’ve noticed that while many local businesses offer student discounts, cosmetology students are often excluded. Even though they’re enrolled in a fully accredited program, working hard to earn their state licensure, they’re frequently told their school ID doesn’t qualify.

These students are putting in long days learning anatomy, chemistry, sanitation, business skills, and more—all while practicing the same professionalism expected in any licensed trade or college field. They are students in every sense of the word, and they deserve to be recognized as such.

So I ask, kindly and respectfully:

Why aren’t student discounts extended to cosmetology students?

And can we begin to change that?

It would mean a lot to these future professionals to feel seen and supported by the community they’re working so hard to be a part of.

Warmly,

Julianna Morales”

Our Town Reno, Citizen’s Forum, August 2025

A Plea for Darker Skies Above Reno and Everywhere Else

“I am a local amateur Astrophotographer in Reno Nevada. It is becoming more difficult every year to compose my images. Captures which consist of hours and hours of exposure time  (some even over 100 hours!).  The reason is because of local light pollution! This is not just from the city and big businesses, but from neighbors.  Please share this message along with a couple of my deep sky captures I have made, right here in local 775 Reno.

 Preserving Nevada’s Dark Skies: A Community Call to Action 
Did you know that Nevada is home to some of the most breathtaking night skies in the country? From the shimmering Milky Way over Massacre Rim to the star-studded views in Great Basin National Park, our state offers rare glimpses into the cosmos—but these views are under threat.

As urban sprawl continues and outdoor lighting grows unchecked, light pollution is erasing our stars. In fact, over 80% of Nevadans now live under skies too bright to see the Milky Way

. This not only affects our connection to nature, but also harms wildlife, disrupts ecosystems, and wastes billions in energy annually.

 Why It Matters:

• Astronomers and scientists rely on dark skies for research and discovery. Light pollution interferes with telescope observations and satellite tracking.

• Artists and amateur astrophotographers struggle to capture deep sky images. Even modest light pollution can wash out galaxies and nebulae from view.

• Wildlife and ecosystems suffer. Migratory birds, insects, and nocturnal animals are disoriented by artificial light, leading to population declines

  2

  .

 Local Efforts & Resources:

• The Nevada Starry Skies Certification Program, led by the Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation, helps communities reduce light pollution through education, ordinances, and lighting policies. Learn more and get involved: ndor.nv.gov/dark-skies.

• The Northern Nevada Astronomical Society (ASN) hosts public stargazing events and educational programs. Join them to explore the universe and learn how you can help protect our skies: astronomynv.org.

 What You Can Do:

• Use shielded outdoor lighting to prevent light from spilling into the sky.

• Switch to warmer-colored bulbs and avoid bright white LEDs.

• Turn off unnecessary lights, especially during late-night hours.

• Support local ordinances that promote dark sky-friendly lighting.

Together, we can preserve Nevada’s night skies for future generations to enjoy, study, and photograph. Let’s keep the stars shining bright above us!

#DarkSkiesNevada #LightPollutionAwareness #Astrophotography #Stargazing #NorthernNevadaAstronomy #PreserveTheNight”

Citizen’s Forum Contribution and Photos shared with Our Town Reno by J Hayton

Don Hamby, a Local Finding Strength after Incarceration but not Permanent Work

For over a decade, I lived in addiction, alcoholism, and homelessness.
I was completely lost—hooked on anything I could get my hands on, sleeping outside in front of liquor stores, panhandling just to get my next drink or fix. I didn’t care about life anymore. I used to pray for death on that sidewalk. I was tired, broken, and couldn’t see a way out.

But one day, my prayer changed. I didn’t pray to die—I prayed for help. I cried out to God and asked Him to show me a way out. I didn’t know it then, but that prayer was the beginning of everything.

Not long after, I got into a fight over a drink. And that’s when God answered—not with a gentle hand, but with handcuffs. I was thrown in jail, detoxing, shaking, sick, and ashamed. But I was alive. I was sober. I was fed. I had a bed. And for the first time in years, I had time to sit still, think, and cry out to God again.

That’s where everything changed.

When I came out of the detox, I was done. Completely done. I quit everything—alcohol, drugs, even cigarettes. I gave it all up that day, and I give all the glory to God. He delivered me, and I haven’t looked back.

I spent the next 20 months in prison, and I used every single day of it to grow. I prayed. I studied. I listened. I healed. And in the quiet of that cell, I learned that God had been with me the whole time—before I was born, in every dark alley, every jail cell, every fight, every failure. But it wasn’t until I surrendered that I could finally feel His presence and accept His grace.

When I got out, I was determined to start fresh.

The moment I was released, I started rebuilding. I got my ID. Then my driver’s license. I graduated the halfway house program, found a place of my own, and eventually got a car—a reliable, low-mileage vehicle that I worked hard for. I’ve gone from having nothing—not even shoes on my feet—to becoming a stable, tax-paying, productive member of society. All of this without ever missing a single day of work.

Since January 27, 2022, I’ve stayed sober, stayed focused, and showed up for my life in every way. After my release in September 2023, I’ve taken every job I could get. I’ve worked in warehouses, manufacturing, production—sometimes with no tools, no experience, no safety net. But I learned quickly, showed up early, stayed late, and gave it everything I had. I’ve had perfect attendance. I’ve earned the respect of every supervisor I’ve worked under. I’ve proven myself over and over again.

But no matter how hard I work, no matter how much I’ve changed—my background keeps shutting the door on me.

[Several] companies offered to hire me based on performance and character—only to be forced to say no once my background came back…

These are warehouses I was allowed to work at through temporary staffing services—because that’s the only way in. Direct hire was never an option once the background checks came through.

I’ve been with [a new company] since August 2024, coming up on a year now, and I still haven’t missed a day. But I live with the fear that if they try to hire me directly, policy might block it. I’d be back on the outside, chasing another temp job, starting over, hoping just to be seen again. And I’m tired. But I’m still holding on.

And I will keep holding on—because I know God’s got me. But I don’t take that to mean I just sit back and wait. I believe that when God’s got you, He gives you the strength, the discipline, and the tools to keep going—and sometimes, like now, He gives you an outlet like this to tell your story. Maybe it touches someone’s heart. Maybe it lands in the right hands. Either way, I know He’s in control, and I’m doing my part.

And here’s the part that hurts the most: I can’t even apply to have my record sealed for 10 years. Ten years before I can legally petition for a second chance on paper—even though I’ve already earned it in real life.

I’m not asking for sympathy. I’m not looking for a handout. I’m just asking for one chance—a real chance—with a company that’s willing to see past a mistake and look at the man I’ve become.

I want to stay somewhere long-term. I want to build, grow, move up, and retire with pride. I want stability, respect, and a wage I can live on and be able to build a foundation with. I want to make a difference in the workplace and in the world.

So if you’re in a position to hire—or you know someone who is—I hope you’ll look beyond my past and see my present. You can call the Reno Ambassadors—people like Danielle or Juan, who knew me when I was still on the street. They’ve literally saved my life more than once. They’ve called ambulances for me. They’ve prayed for me. They’ve watched my transformation from near death on the sidewalk to who I am today—and they’ll tell you without hesitation that I’m one of their greatest success stories.

You can also call my current and past supervisors. Ask about my attendance. Ask about my work ethic. Ask about my attitude. I promise you’ll hear the same thing: I’m worth the chance.

And to those who are struggling right now, in addiction, on the street, or behind bars—know this: God can turn anything around. If He can rescue me, clean me up, and give me purpose again, He can do the same for you. But you have to surrender.

Thank you for reading. This isn’t just my story. It’s my testimony. And I hope it reaches someone who can open a door I’ve been fighting to get through.

Sincerely,
Don Hamby
Sparks, Nevada
donhamby8@gmail.com”

Our Town Reno, Citizen’s Forum, July 2025

The Reno Revival ... We Will Believe It When We See it in Reality

We will believe when we see it in reality rather than in renderings shared with media …

If it does come to completion what do you think of these looks for new promises for the vacant former Harrah’s revamp, including a grocery, we fear, by these initial looks, will be overpriced.

There are also plans for 282 apartment units in all, a fitness center, a corporate office, and coworking space with an orange color scheme, across two prime downtown Reno city blocks in dire need of “activation.”

Construction on the on again off again back on again revitalization with a new team and with new money is now promised to begin in September.

“This project will transform Reno,” the new head person in charge Tommy Ahlquist of Ahlquist LLC now says, after taking over from CAI Investments, which had made similar promises in 2020.

“Ushering in a New Era of Revitalization – Madison Capital Group Becomes the Majority Owner, Manager and Developer of the Former Harrah’s Casino in Downtown Reno, Nevada,” a blog post on the Ahlquistdev.com website indicates.

“Marking the beginning of the single most transformative project of this century for downtown Reno, Madison Capital Group proudly announces its groundbreaking partnership with one of the Mountain West’s premiere developers, Ahlquist LLC (“Ahlquist”), in bringing a new mixed-use development to downtown Reno called, “Revival,”” it says not lacking the hyperbole of previously broken promises for this location.

The Harrah's hotel-casino was closed in March 2020 after it was sold to Las Vegas-based CAI Investments for over $40 million. Work was underway to redevelop the property into an expansive mixed-use development named Reno City Center before it stalled and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last year.

Our Town Reno Citizen’s Forum, July 2025

Turning to the Fly Away Bird Rescue

"I know that you guys have shared about this rescue in the past, but since it’s that time of year, I encourage you to spread the word again.

I found a baby bird on a sidewalk on the side of a business in Sparks.

As someone who works in vet med, I had an extremely hard time walking away from it, though even with 10 years of experience under my belt, pretty much 0% of that experience is with birds.

I reached out to a couple of semi local bird rehabilitation places and neither one answered.

Rightfully so, as it was 7 p.m. on a Friday night, I called the Nevada Department Of Wildlife, and the man who answered the dispatch number told me to put it back where I found it.

I told him I found it on the ground, I told him that it is flailing around on the sidewalk.

He told me to find some grass nearby, and I told him all there was was dirt.

He told me to leave this baby bird in the dirt.

I absolutely did NOT love this answer, but what am I supposed to do?

I know my limitations. I’ve bottle fed neonatal puppies and kittens, and the mortality rate for even those is high.

So I was not the person for this job.

I felt horrible, but I left this naked little baby creature, on a napkin, tucked away at the base of a tree in the dirt.

Three hours later Suzette Feilen texts me and says she will take the bird.

I call her and tell her that I did what NDOW told me to do, against my conscience, and left it there.

I told her I was going to go see if it was still alive and call her back.

Against all odds, the bird was still alive, and surprise, there are two more on the sidewalk.

So I scoop them all up, I call Suzette back, and tell her that’s it’s better for the birds if I just drive them out to her tonight instead of trying to keep them alive on her instructions alone.

This absolute angel of a woman gave me her home address and took the three birds right into her house.

I am really grateful that there is someone like her, within an hours drive of Reno Sparks.

I am very familiar with the circle of life, it’s very much a part of my career, but if I can help, I have GOT to help.

I couldn’t have slept well tonight, knowing that bird (actually 3!) was going to die on a napkin in the dirt.

It just didn’t feel good, not matter how insignificant it may seem to anyone else.

So here is her flyer, the same flyer you have shared before. I think you should share it again because it is baby bird season, and NDOW doesn’t really have the greatest solution for “saving” the run of the mill, healthy population, not a danger to the community type wildlife.

This woman does this out of her home, she says she gets a few hours of sleep a night if she is lucky.

She didn’t try to convince me to keep the birds, she didn’t convince me that I even needed to drive them out to her tonight. She was just plain helpful.

Willing to walk me through it if I wanted to, willing to take them tonight if I was willing to bring them.

I am a single mom, I work part time, I go to school part time, and I didn’t have much to donate. I did though.

So if you could put this out there for your following to see, and maybe just get this lady a handful of donations, then I’ll feel like I at least did something to give back to her what she is freely giving to absolute strangers out of her love for birds.

If you got through my ramblings and made it this far, thanks for staying with me. Let me know if any of that made no sense to you, it’s late and I’ve got ADHD.

What I don’t have though, is a guilty conscience for leaving a newborn baby bird in the dirt to die. Thanks."

Our Town Reno, Citizen’s Forum, June 2025

The National Mesothelioma Registry: Advancing Care and Research for Many, Including Washoe County’s Veterans

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can develop decades after asbestos exposure. This malignancy is prevalent among veteran populations, with recent data showing that those who worked for the Navy aboard ships packed with asbestos are six times more likely to develop this condition. Notably, asbestos was used by the U.S. Military across all its branches, including in the construction and insulation of army headquarters and sleeping barracks, as well as in components of motor vehicles and aircraft. Veterans performing maintenance and repair on these structures and vehicles were particularly at risk.

Although fewer than 3000 cases of mesothelioma are identified each year in the U.S., around 30% of these cases are seen in veteran populations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals aged 75 and older experience mesothelioma at a significantly higher rate than the national average, with 6 cases per 100,000 compared to 4 per 100,000. With regulations on asbestos developed after 1970, the incidence of mesothelioma significantly dropped. Today, the incidence rate is 0 in people younger than 45, while in those aged 55 to 65 years old, this rate is 0.9.

Nonetheless, despite this progress, people affected experience poor healthcare outcomes. As the condition is so rare, misdiagnosis is a common occurrence. This can be attributed to the limited research on mesothelioma, as well as a lack of clinical experience in this area. Additionally, by the time an accurate diagnosis is made, most patients are in the later stages of the disease, when palliative care rather than systemic therapies are recommended. Presently, studies on the quality of care at the end of life for patients with mesothelioma indicate that more than 60% of these people experience a high symptom burden, with pain and breathlessness present despite medical management.

Improving Care Through the National Mesothelioma Registry

Considering the slow progress of research on developing more accurate diagnosis methods for mesothelioma, the CDC proposed a national registry in 2019. However, to date, this registry remains non-functional. Studies on the feasibility of implementation have been limited, while funding for this project is yet to be secured. Notably, due to the specific characteristics of this data collection instrument, care for patients with mesothelioma could be significantly improved.

The registry is designed to record all newly diagnosed cases in real-time, departing from the current estimates-based system used by national cancer statistics. This simple change could enable researchers to identify samples for research participation at a significantly higher rate, thereby prompting more thorough investigation efforts into better diagnosis and treatment.  Additionally, the registry aims to use a case-finding methodology, rather than relying on patient symptoms for detection. As mesothelioma presents with insidious and non-specific manifestations, using regular screenings of at-risk populations may help identify cases early on, when systemic therapies are efficient in improving patients’ life expectancy.

 As these changes are much needed for improving care provided to veterans with mesothelioma, advocacy from veteran organizations is crucial to push for implementation. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) could jointly fund this initiative, recognizing their responsibility to improve early detection, care, and outcomes for veterans disproportionately affected by asbestos-related disease.

Mesothelioma Risk in Washoe County Veterans

More than 200,000 veterans reside in Nevada, with over 30,000 of them living in Washoe County. Although just one Air Force base is located here, the county has a death toll caused by asbestos of 314, with an annual rate of 16 casualties from 1999 to 2017. In Nevada, 1,781 asbestos-related deaths were recorded during this time. Of the total number of deaths in this state, 333 of these deaths were caused by mesothelioma. The latest available data from the CDC’s environmental public health tracking network show that 23 asbestos-related deaths occurred in Nevada from 2015 to 2019, averaging a rate of 4.6 deaths per year. These numbers are consistent with a decreasing trend in asbestos mortality, likely due to improved policies and regulations for this material.

Nevertheless, although the rate of mortality caused by asbestos is declining, many still suffer. Establishing the National Mesothelioma Registry would greatly benefit veterans in Washoe County and across Nevada by enabling earlier detection, improving treatment options, and supporting targeted research. With veterans disproportionately affected by asbestos exposure, strong advocacy from veteran organizations is essential to drive progress. By pushing for funding and implementation through the VA and DoD, those who served could receive timely and effective care.

Our Town Reno Citizen’s Forum submission by Jonathan Sharp

About the Author
Jonathan Sharp serves as the Chief Financial Officer at Environmental Litigation Group, P.C., a law firm headquartered in Alabama that specializes in representing individuals impacted by toxic exposure. In addition to overseeing the firm’s financial affairs, he provides strategic insights and consultations on case evaluations related to environmental and occupational health issues.

Favorite Reno Pasta Sauce Entrepreneur Facing Hardships Is Trying to Sell Her Business

Val Gray says she is encountering scammers while trying to get back on her feet financially, looking for a job and trying to sell items, as well as her Reno-started business Italian Heart’s Gourmet Foods LLC.

The screenshot below is from the Italian Heart’s Pasta Sauces Facebook which explains the past success of her brand of locally made hand crafted pasta sauces and details everything she is selling.

In another post, she explained she frequently still gets requests even though her business is up for sale.

“FREQUENTLY receiving requests for more AWARD WINNING Italian Heart's Pasta Sauces,” she wrote.

“Someone needs to purchase Biz and carry it forward! Truth it refuses to die. Let's bring it back making many people very happy for Generations to come with love from my Italian Heart to Yours Mama Valerie The Italian Heart.

Today's message: Hi, I love your sauces but can’t seem to find them any longer. Are you still in business and if so, where can I find some Bella Amore? Thanks!”

A reader reached out to us asking us to let the community know what she is going through and if anyone might have any ideas of who might want to buy back her business.

Our Town Reno had featured her entrepreneurial story in 2023 which at that point also included renting out a clean, safe commercial kitchen for other local food producers.

Our Town Reno Citizen’s Forum, May 2025

What do You Think of the Luxury Package for Midtown Reno's Dancing in the Streets?

Jaime Chapman, the executive director of Midtown Reno, is hard at work helping organize this year’s upcoming Dancing in the Streets, which will take place on July 12th, as well as keeping the revitalization of Midtown going.

“We do cleanups to make sure that the streets are clean and there's no garbage,” Chapman said during a recent interview.

“And we do that with different events and partnering with other people that want to come in and have events here and then supporting the small businesses if they've got an idea, different things like that," Chapman explained.

Chapman has a degree in outdoor recreation sports management and is well known as the founder of Pineapple Pedicabs and Travel Pineapple, offering fun guided tours of the Biggest Little City.

This will be the fourth year for Dancing in the Streets, for which a reported 28-thousand people showed up last year with South Virginia street closed down for a mile. This year, nine different stages with different styles of music are being planned.

There’s currently a promo on the MidtownReno Facebook page for what is called a “Double Down & Dance Package,” with the tag line “Stay, play, and slay all day at Dancing in the Streets!”

It includes access to a “luxury room” at the Best Bet Motor Lodge, all access to the Reno Sauna Club, merch, gift cards, and other extras with prices in the $800 to $1000 range “for a serious upgrade to your festival experience.”

What do you think of creating a tiered luxury experience for what is a free outdoor festival?

At Our Town Reno, rather than having all this hustle for creating exclusivity and imbalances among festival goers, we would prefer the city help out more for such homegrown events.

One area of its budget the City could save on is picking local artists with lower commissions than recent out of town artists picked for extremely highly priced projects.

Bloated salaries could also be reduced, as well as unnecessary positions and costlier and costlier police services.

Interview and photo by Monica Moran with commentary by Our Town Reno

Fashionistas of Reno: I am Trevor Stone and this is A Stone in Love.

It was late in the year of 2020, after about 5 years of heavily pursuing a career in music, after being a musician for pretty much my whole life, I decided to switch the gears on my future as an artist, as a creator, in my existence as a whole. As much as it was never really a decision, more of just an urge / impulse that came over me, I just started making clothes. 

Born on Oct. 6th 1998, and raised in Reno, Nevada, the biggest little city in the world. A city rooted in some of the farthest reaches of the human psyche such as, drugs, drinking, gambling and more, as well as some of the most colorful and vibrant influences from the burning man movement, local artists, and the beautiful backdrop of the Sierra Nevadas. Coupled with the undying sense of freedom and individuality of the wild west, the city of Reno has always had alot of inspiration to pull from truely… if you know where to look. 

Being a child of the internet, I’ve also been lucky enough to be able to access many many different sources of inspiration.

From prominent contemporary designers like Virgil Abloh, Kanye West, and Travis Scott to many classic designer greats , such as Rick Owens, Alexander McQueen, and Ralph Lauren. I've always had a love for individuality, style and fashion.

Being on the internet, seeing all of these amazing clothes that I would have never been able to buy, unlocked a deep rooted urge inside that NEEDED to get out. Honorable mention of certain influences also include things like superheroes, anime, and costumes, these things also had a huge impact on my inspiration and vision. 

After creating for dozens of local creators, artists, and people for a couple years, It wasnt until April 6th 2023 when I decided that my skills were sharp and my vision was clear enough for me to finally drop my first clothing brand “A Stone in Love”. Focused on upcycled, high fashion, streetwear, this will eventually prove to be one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life. Taking these skills I’ve gone onto being included in multiple vendor fairs, I've done upwards of almost 100 photo shoots, my stuff has even been displayed in local art galleries and venues alike. I even went ahead and entered into my first runway show, and won the first annual “Recycle the Runway”.

Nowadays you can find me creating and designing for a local brand / creative collective “Mind Honey Clothing”. In my off time you can find me once a week donating a day of my time to mentor over at our local charter school “Innovations High School” teaching design and sewing basics. 

I plan to be the greatest I can be and I continue to strive for nothing less. In my short life of 26 years old I have done alot but I haven't done enough. I tend to put a lot of pressure on myself, but pressure makes diamonds and I want to shine. I am Trevor Stone and this is A Stone in Love. 

Citizen’s Forum Contribution by Trevor Stone

Should We Be Worried About a Local Compost Company Using Prison Labor?

After receiving concerns from a reader about Full Circle Soils and Compost being repeatedly highlighted for using prison labor, we reached out to the local company, and were initially emailed back by Cody Witt, indicating he was on vacation.

Witt appears on the Full Circle website as the Northern Nevada manager. A 2023 article with a picture of him in front of a giant pile of compost indicated equipment replacement at the Northern Nevada Correctional Center in Carson City triggered “an air quality permit review from the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection.”

It indicated Nevada Organics LLC was doing business as Full Circle Compost.

After his scheduled return, we wrote back to Witt, but instead of hearing from him, we got an email from W.C. “Bill” Quenga, a public information officer with the Nevada Department of Corrections, indicating “all offenders work alongside non-offender employees at the composting site learning skills of organic materials management, compost processing, bagged materials production, heavy machinery operation, mechanic skills, and many other real-world job skills.”

The email said the partnership provided a fair wage, although didn’t specify what that was, job training and the opportunity for employment upon release.

“Nevada Organics partners with other public organizations and municipalities to recycle organic waste diverted from the landfill to meet the 25% recommend State of Nevada recycling rate. The manures collected at the Silver State Industries Ranch and organic materials are blended and cooked to create compost, soils, and mulches for use by public and private organizations,” it concluded.

The use of prison labor raises concerns on the lack of adequate wages, workplace protections, guarantees that the work provided is voluntary, and the undercutting of other businesses. The reader who prompted our own query wrote to us in part "that labor is so cheap that other companies can’t compete when paying competitive prices to actual employees."

The company’s use of prison labor has been highlighted in multiple news reports and newsletters including one from Whole Foods which gushed how “they use inmate labor to run the compost farm and the nursery. The prisoners get fresh air, learn job skills and get to eat all the fresh salad they want!”

The reader who pointed this out to us wasn’t as enthusiastic. What are your own views on using prison labor for a locally sold product?

Our Town Reno Citizen’s Forum, May 2025

An Unfortunate Defeat For Cyclists at the Legislature

Ky Plakson asked us to republish this op-ed from the Nevada Current which was submitted as a republishable Creative Commons opinion essay. It looks into the unfortunate drop of a bill which would have allowed the Idaho Stop, which would have allowed bicyclists to treat a stop sign as a yield sign, and a red light as a stop sign. Often times, red lights can’t even see cyclists, bypassing them, while both red lights and stop signs can cause unnecessary wait time for those on two non motorized wheels:

Friday was deadline day – the day hundreds of good bills died at the hands of committee chairs in the legislature. Since our legislature only meets every few years and is limited to 120 days to consider 1,174  bills this year  – legislators run up against a deadline. They can’t possibly examine almost 10 bills a day and pretend to make informed decisions. So, they kill bills at extreme expense to Nevadans. In the case of one bike safety bill, killed on Friday, the arbitrary deadline will cost more lives on our roads and discourage cycling for years. 

What is the point of the arbitrary deadline and what are its impacts? Some say it is about efficiency. 

But when we dig down, it’s extremely inefficient and contributes to ill-informed decision-making on the part of legislators, leaving Nevada in the dark ages, unable to make real progress.

Assembly Bill 168 flew through the Assembly nearly unopposed. It allows cyclists to go through stop signs and stop lights if there are no other cars. We call it Stop-As-Yield. 

The bill had the backing of local transportation officials, federal experts at the Highway Administration, and even the Governor’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board. Police agencies testified in neutral, not opposed. Why? Forty years of data in other states shows that these same safety measures save lives immediately once enacted. 

The bill would not have even cost taxpayers any money.

But Friday, AB168 hit a roadblock for no reason — or at least no readily identifiable reason — other than Nevada’s arbitrary legislative time limits. Bills had to make it out of the “second house” committee by Friday, or die.

AB168 had sailed through its “first house,” passing on the Assembly floor by vote of 41 to 1.

It died at the hands of one person. The chair of each committee has the power to forward bills to the full Senate and Assembly. But they had to do it by Friday. Democratic Sen. Rochelle Nguyen, chair of the Senate Growth and Infrastructure Committee, was in that hot seat on Friday, facing a deadline with lots of bill sponsors like us struggling to meet with her to try to get past the deadline. But, she said she would not let the bike bill move forward because she has an unspecified “concern.” She has offered no additional explanation despite repeated requests. 

Because of the deadline, there is no opportunity to meet with Nguyen or educate her to address her concern, whatever it is. In the 120 day session, her committee had an average of only 2 days to consider each of the 52 bills in front of them. The Senate Growth and Infrastructure Committee passed 75% of its bills, half of which they waited until the last week to act on. Ten of their bills weren’t even heard, including one from the Nevada Highway Patrol, S.B. 38, that would have prohibited and penalized road rage in Nevada. That’s something cyclists experience on the road every day and we will now need to continue to endure it because the committee failed to act on that bill which was backed by law enforcement.

These are no-brainer bills but they don’t make it past committee because of these arbitrary deadlines.

Law enforcement and bike advocates will now need to wait another two years before trying again on road rage and our Stop-As-Yield bike bill. We will go through the process all over – volunteering countless hours of time, energy and money with the possibility of unceremoniously being whacked by one committee chair who is running up against an arbitrary deadline and doesn’t have time to thoroughly consider the facts. This is extremely discouraging. 

If good policy that is backed by public safety experts, works in other states, modernizes our roads, saves lives and punishes violent criminals doesn’t make it over the finish line in the Senate Growth and Infrastructure Committee, it makes me wonder what are the common factors that do get a bill over the tight finish line.

For instance, AB 527 barely made it over the finish line at the last minute in the committee. It authorizes cameras to be installed on school buses to catch drivers who blast through school bus stop signs. The video of drivers almost killing children is alarming. That’s not the kind of bill that should have to wait years either, let alone until the last minute to pass because of arbitrary deadlines. Maybe a common factor that contributes to passage of bills is alarming and sensational video that grabs legislator’s attention and is an easy sell. 

Here is another common factor in bills that pass and it points to another serious problem posed by Nevada’s arbitrary deadline. Similar to the bike bill, AB 527 is already working in other states to save lives according to the proponents. Because of their time crunch, Nevada legislators are more likely to just pass things that are already working in other states, but they take a lot longer to do it and ask a lot of questions as if the bill is a novel idea or they ask no questions at all, like they did with the bike bill. Since they spend their time on bills that already work in other states, they are less likely to innovate and come up with laws specific to Nevada.

If they had more time, they would not only pass the laws that are already working to protect residents in other states but they would probably come up with great new and innovative laws for Nevadans. Legislators are sharp, well educated and probably want more time too.

With more time for lawmakers to research, Nevada could make leaps on many levels, not just transportation. But because of the arbitrary deadlines, legislators are killing bills without regard for facts or what their own local experts say. They don’t even have time to explain to their constituents.

Most bill proponents don’t speak out about this, for fear of retribution – that legislators will kill their bills just because they spoke out. It’s time to seriously ask ourselves if arbitrary deadlines are worth the consequences. Now the consequences mean years of more unnecessary deaths on our roads.

I am confident that the Stop-As-Yield bill would have been ultimately signed by the governor. Over the years thousands of good policy bills have likely died this way, never to be visited again. The result is that Nevada is at or near the top of nearly every bad list in the nation, clawing its way at the bottom behind every other state. 

It’s not just bills that died on Friday. Hope for change on our roads died.

The solution is simple: longer and more frequent legislative sessions so that we pass important bills and catch up with the rest of the nation.

Citizen’s Forum by Ky Plakson reshared with Our Town Reno

Keeping the Gloves On: A Local Boxing All-American Looks Back on His Nevada College Career

With the 2025 collegiate boxing season having come to an end just a month ago, Nevada boxers have already returned to the daily grind, preparing for whoever may be next.

For me, though, my opponents will no longer be NCBA boxers. After ending my collegiate career this past month in second place in the national standings for the second time, my initial response was heartbreak and disgust. I had fallen just short of my national championship dreams not once but twice.

After brief time off, I began looking at my experience with the UNR boxing program from a different perspective.

I realized how grateful I am to have represented the University of Nevada as a collegiate boxer in an amateur league that is truly unlike any other.

Nowhere else in boxing do you experience the kind of team aspect found in the NCBA or the level of respect and camaraderie between schools.

Through this club program, I traveled the nation doing the sport I love completely free of charge. I made some of the best memories of my life during this time. And even though I never achieved the goal I set for myself freshman year, I realized that was not the most important part.

It was the journey toward that goal that mattered. The pursuit of the belt gave me great friends, including teammates and even former opponents. In a sport as tough as boxing, I learned a lot about myself. I walk away from it with a deeper sense of confidence that I can do anything I set my mind to.

That is why I will continue my journey in boxing. When I first stepped into the ring nearly eight years ago, I was training under one of the best pro coaches I have ever known in my hometown of San Diego, California. Two other boys and I started around the same time under his watch. Both are now undefeated professionals. I chose the collegiate route, which took me away from that coach and brought me to Reno, a decision I now realize I am truly grateful for.

But through all 20 of my fights, I never had my hometown coach in my corner.

My coaches in the UNR program and at local gyms were experienced and dedicated but not trained in the same style I had learned growing up.

That is why I am so excited for my future in open amateur boxing back home in San Diego.

For the first time, I will have my original coach James Thomas in my corner. With his support, I believe the sky's the limit. Throughout my time in collegiate boxing, I called Coach Thomas for advice on training, mindset, and how to fight different styles and opponents. And while I had very caring coaches here in Nevada, I did feel a sense of being alone in these fights as the man who introduced me to boxing was not there. I am excited to see where this journey continues to take me and who I will become because of it.

Now, with my eligibility as a collegiate boxer finished and the UNR program handed off to a younger generation, what is next for Nevada Boxing?

Nate Nichols will be leading the charge. After an impressive season that included a regional title and All-American honors at nationals during his freshman year, he has pledged to guide the team by example.

The future looks bright. Other UNR boxers continue to grow. One of them, Billy Fisher, has already had about six fights in individual shows with the program, despite being a TMCC student. He has proven his ability to win and improve each time he competes.

With his long-range out-boxing style, more experience will only sharpen his game. Next year, Fisher will be a full-time UNR student, which means he can represent the school throughout the full season and at tournaments alongside Nate.

He is not the only non-UNR student who has been training in the gym. Murphy Rhea, a student at Reed High School, has been attending daily practices for some time. He is one of the most hardworking and dedicated boxers I have seen and will fit right in once he is officially on the collegiate roster this upcoming year. His style is similar to Nate’s in that he applies forward pressure with high-volume punching.

There are also a handful of less experienced but determined students in the gym putting in the work and training for the chance to represent Nevada in the ring.

UNR’s club boxing program is free and open to all University of Nevada students. It offers daily training and experienced coaching. If you are able to compete, collegiate boxing can take you across the country and give you some of the best experiences of your life. I guarantee it. One thing I hope to leave behind at the University of Nevada is this: the boxers who represent our school deserve the student body’s support and respect. We train just as hard as athletes in sports like football and basketball. And with the NCBA steadily improving in skill, you will see that for yourself this November when the team opens its season with a home show at the El Dorado Casino in downtown Reno.

Boxing made me a better student, a better communicator, and a better version of myself. I learned how to perform under pressure. I learned how to listen, take criticism, and push beyond my limits. I wish more people understood how powerful this sport can be, not just for fitness but for mental toughness and character.

If you are a UNR student looking for something that will humble you, test you, and change you for the better, I hope you consider trying out for Nevada Boxing. You do not need experience. You do not need to be tough. You just need to show up.

Nevada Boxing does not need to stay hidden anymore. It deserves your support and maybe even your presence in the ring.

Our Town Reno Citizen’s Forum by Joey Azar

Why I Want to Become a Local First Responder and then a Firefighter Despite the Possible Stress

My name is Logan Kerney, and I want to be an EMS first responder, hopefully working up to be a firefighter.

I am currently finishing up my undergrad studies at the University of Nevada, Reno, while I have successfully finished up my EMT certification and have applied for my state license as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), too.

I am looking to start applying to ambulance companies and fire departments once I graduate and start working.

Being an EMS provider has been something I have wanted to do since high school. I have been wanting to be an EMS provider because I have a passion for helping those around me and giving back to the community.

Ever since I have wanted to work in this career, I thought it was going to be just physically draining. When I took my basic Emergency Medical Technician training at Truckee Meadows Community College, they told us that working as a first responder is NOT for everyone.

They told us to warn us and not scare us away. I didn't listen to that until we started to cover different types of personal stress caused by work.

Acute stress, cumulative stress, and even Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, started to flow through my brain about what those meant and why they were teaching those to us.

These different types of stress have caused me to think that these will happen to me in my field, and would start to build up or cause me to crash and burn in my profession if I don't know how to recognize them or how to look out for signs of these different types of stress.

Before going to work for the EMS field as an EMT, I have a few questions regarding the mental health of myself and others striving to work in the EMS field.

As someone who wants to work in Emergency Medical Services (EMS), it is going to be very important for me to know the resources [for myself] and my colleagues or future EMS personnel.

I have a few questions regarding the resources, like what is provided by the company, and is there anything they do to look out for my mental health if I am not able to recognize my own behavior changes as well. These questions and resources would be very helpful to know before getting into the EMS career so I know where to go and what to look out for.

Renown offers a first responder outpatient program in Northern Nevada. These programs are accessible through most insurance companies. They encounter and address different types of mental health challenges, like trauma, PTSD, mental health, and substance use disorders.

This is a very important resource for Northern Nevada’s first responders. It is accessible to all and isn't private to a certain type of first responder either.

Some of the benefits for the local medical ambulances, REMSA, are that they offer reimbursement for gym memberships, peer support, and many other benefits.

A reimbursement of a gym membership is cool because of what I learned in class, since a good way to cope with stress and help mental health is to exercise. This benefit is going to push the employees to go and work out to stay physically healthy, but to also encourage employees to help with their mental health without having to pay for a membership themselves.

Our Town Reno contribution by Logan Kerney in partnership with a COM 210 class at UNR with Amy Pason

Can the Downtown Reno Area Turn into a University Town if Casinos Remain Very Much in Control?

There has been talk, hope and street name changes to turn Reno’s downtown area into more of a university town, with over 20-thousand students, faculty and admin craving more of a community, walkable feel.

That was the idea initially circulated for Uncle Junkee, now decamped into the Reno Public Market, despite its short lived Virginia street location getting matching grant money as part of the ReStore Reno initiative.

Can you imagine a row of actually affordable thrifting, an independent cinema, a grocery store, bookstores, cafes, vibrant galleries, maker spaces and healthy restaurants all along Virginia street with more regular buses going up and down? It could easily become a daytime attraction, with students stopping in and out, going to and from classes, providing continuity from Midtown to campus.

Instead, during daytime hours, in downtown it’s still mostly a decaying casino strip, with a largely down and out clientele, empty buildings, and victims of gambling now panhandling or trying to survive just outside high desert mirages sucking people in, while Midtown is increasingly on the too pricy side for most of us for many of its offerings.

Now the city of Reno is extending over $60 million in public money to a billionaire so he can host men’s basketball games at his GSR casino for his pockets, an 80 minute walk away from campus.

Those who are in favor say the Tax Increment Financing known as TIF is not that big of a deal for Reno, despite its current budget woes. Why then was there such a cavalry of opeds, social media posts, suits, ties and athletic jackets at the Council meeting pleading for that public assistance to have the billion dollar project begin?

The grasp of the casino overlords on the fate of Reno is still tight, from the motel demolishing and parking lot creating Jeffrey Jacobs to Alex Meruelo, to the Board of Directors for the Downtown Reno Partnership, whose website pointedly indicates the seat representing residents is now vacant.

After the Great Recession and then the pandemic there were multiple opportunities to mold the direction Reno and its core downtown was going. Instead, it still seems very much casino directed, inside dark doors through stinky, gaudy carpets with the occasional outdoor show or festival, while the casinos flood enabling elected officials with campaign contributions.

Tickets at the new J Resort’s Festival Grounds for its Drifters show this past weekend started at $99 for Saturday plus a 14% booking fee, hardly affordable at all.

The promised revitalization of Reno remains a partial gentrification with casino oversight that feels nothing like an organic or sustainable revival in terms of having a thriving, communal, walkable, livable, exciting and attractive downtown area.

Our Town Reno, Citizen’s Forum, May 12, 2025

Experiencing the Circus Circus as a Foreign Student from Vietnam

A first public encounter for many visitors in Reno is often wondering what the Circus Circus is all about. Brian Vo, a student at the University of Nevada, Reno, from Ho Chi Minh City shares his own experience.

As an international student from Vietnam, I’ve been exploring how American cities foster community and connect people to their urban environments.

In Reno, one of the places that caught my attention most was Circus Circus, a bright, chaotic casino in the heart of downtown.

Initially, it seemed like just another flashy tourist attraction, full of lights, games, and the sound of slot machines.

However, the more time I spent in the city, the more I realized how central this place is to the daily life of Reno. It’s not just a casino it serves as a place where University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) students park and where families come for affordable entertainment. It even temporarily housed students during the pandemic.

Despite these many community roles, Circus Circus remains a business built around consumption, and this contradiction between commerce and community made me rethink what “community space” means in a city like Reno.

As someone still learning to navigate the Biggest Little City, thinking in-depth about this Circus Circus raised unexpected questions for me about accessibility, belonging, and what kinds of spaces serve the people who live in a city.

Growing up in Ho Chi Minh City, I was used to a downtown that was always in motion with busy sidewalks filled with street vendors, families sitting on plastic stools at informal cafés, and motorbikes weaving through narrow streets.

My home city felt alive and communal, where public and commercial life blended naturally. People didn’t need formal invitations to gather; the city made space for connection in the everyday.

In contrast, when I first arrived in Reno, my experience of downtown felt surprisingly quiet and compartmentalized. The parks were for leisure, the casinos for entertainment, and the sidewalks for passing through.

Visiting Circus Circus added another layer of complexity. Inside, it was full of energy and movement, which reminded me a bit of home, but it also made me question the kind of community it created.

Was it a place where people connected, or where people consumed? This contrast made me reflect on how different cities create different rhythms of life and how those rhythms shape people’s experiences of connection, belonging, and what it means to “be in the city.”

One thing that stood out to me about Circus Circus is that it felt isolated from the rest of Reno. Although it is a major tourist destination, the surrounding public spaces seemed disconnected from the broader urban environment. The sidewalks, plazas, and public areas near Circus Circus often serve the commercial needs of the casino rather than the people who live or visit the city.

As I spent more time in the area, I began to see that Circus Circus, though designed as a space for entertainment, actually did become a part of Reno’s everyday life. UNR students park there, families walk through for cheap entertainment, and during the pandemic, it housed students when campus housing was unavailable. While Circus Circus serves a business purpose, it also serves a community function, which challenged my ideas about how cities create spaces for connection.

When I first walked into Circus Circus, I was struck by the overwhelming size and intensity of the place. Unlike the informal and spontaneous entertainment culture I was used to in Ho Chi Minh City, where street performers or small family-run cafés with live music are common, Circus Circus was a towering building filled with arcade games, flashing lights, and the constant noise of slot machines.

Everything was designed to keep people engaged and spending, moving from one attraction to the next. The energy inside was relentless, and it felt like a small city within the city one where the pace and purpose were driven entirely by consumption.

The arcade upstairs was noisy and packed with children and families, offering more playful escapism, while the casino floor was quiet, with older adults hunched over the slot machines.

Even the live circus performances, though impressive, were short-lived and didn’t interrupt the constant din of the casino. What struck me the most was the lack of spaces to slow down. I couldn’t find outdoor seating areas, green spaces, and no quiet areas to simply hang out. It made me realize that while Circus Circus provides excitement, it doesn’t offer much space for community or connection unless you’re there to spend money.

Right next to Circus Circus, there’s a small public space, a modest area with benches, trees, and open space, serving as a transition zone between the casino and the rest of downtown.

It’s a place where people can pause and rest without the pressure to spend money. However, this space feels underutilized, lacking community-oriented features like interactive art or seating designed for social connection.

To become a meaningful part of Reno’s public landscape, this space could be better integrated into the neighborhood and reimagined with thoughtful design. The surrounding area, however, is dominated by large parking lots and buildings with minimal green space, contributing to the urban heat island effect and a lack of nature in an otherwise built-up area.

This stark contrast to the lush parks I grew up with in Vietnam made me realize that Circus Circus caters more to tourists and gamblers, with little for the local community outside the casino environment. Safety can also be an issue, especially at night. Improving lighting, adding green spaces, and providing better security would go a long way in making the area more welcoming and inclusive for everyone.

Spending time at Circus Circus helped me realize that in a city like Reno, there aren’t many truly public gathering spaces.

Here, casinos and other businesses have taken on the role of de facto community spaces. These places are open, lively, and full of people, but they are designed around making money, which limits how inclusive or welcoming they truly are.

Circus Circus may seem welcoming with its performances, open walkways, and constant flow of people, but at the end of the day, it’s a business, one that caters to people who can afford to spend money.

In places like Ho Chi Minh City, streets feel shared, and people can sit, gather, or sell food without needing permission or a purchase. In Reno, however, these kinds of spaces often feel inaccessible unless you’re ready to spend money. Whether it’s the lack of green space, the absence of seating that isn’t tied to a restaurant, or the overall design that prioritizes tourists over locals, it’s clear that when businesses take on the role of community spaces, the community itself can feel excluded.

As I continue my journey in the U.S., my experiences at Circus Circus have helped me rethink what it means to be part of a community.

In Ho Chi Minh City, public spaces are vibrant and fluid, offering people from all walks of life the opportunity to connect freely and spontaneously.

In contrast, Circus Circus, while bustling and lively, is primarily driven by commercial interests, and that limits its potential as a genuine community space.

For downtown Reno to become a more community-centered space, places like Circus Circus must offer more than just entertainment or places to consume. They need to open up to local residents, offering spaces for connection that are not tied to profit. Perhaps more green spaces, cultural events, and areas dedicated to community gathering could make Circus Circus and the downtown area more inclusive and reflective of the diverse people who live and work in Reno.

Public spaces should be more than physical locations; they should be places where people from all backgrounds can gather, connect, and contribute to the evolving identity of a city.

Contribution by Brian Vo in collaboration with a COM 210 class at UNR with Amy Pason

Is it Raining Even More on Reno's Democracy?

There’s growing rumblings on social media of the City of Reno getting increasingly undemocratic, while its budget veers into higher and higher staff compensation, especially in the police realm, dampened by flat sales tax revenues for a projected $26 million and rising budget shortfall for fiscal year 2026.

After mounting complaints of public speakers being ignored, too many council members stepping down during their terms and replaced by the existing council rather than by voters in recent years, and then becoming favorites for developer contribution money, now comes more troubling undemocratic seeming Spring "weather."

One such unwelcome move is to suddenly implement a 90-day staffing hiatus on multiple boards and commissions, including the Access Advisory Committee, Arts and Culture Commission, the Human Rights Commission, Recreation and Parks Commission, Senior Citizen Advisory Committees, Youth City Council and Neighborhood Advisory Boards among others.

Another development causing gasps is the City of Reno’s current legislative effort to get its council members to obtain constant control over appointed planning commissioners, after tensions between members of the two bodies became evident due to data centers and their potential effects on local quality of life.

This is coming through State Senate Bill 48 which as worded now would allow City Council members to remove a planning commissioner for what is known as “just cause,” without a public process or stated reason.

Expect public comments to rain down this week at City Council with lots on the agenda on Wednesday, but as noted previously, some feel these are increasingly unheard, so the next possibility to curb these rainy undemocratic trends might only be the ballot box for Reno’s next big mayoral race, ending the Hillary Schieve era, in 2026.

Our Town Reno Citizen’s Forum Contribution, May 2025