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With over 200,000 residents, 112 square miles and being known as “The Biggest Little City,” Reno provides a metropolitan atmosphere and an intimate feel. However, despite the city's colorful nightlife, urban lifestyle and community collaboration. Reno's crime rate alone is 28% higher than the state's national average, making Reno Nevada's second most crime-ridden area in the state. As the city continues to expand in population there is an increasing trend in criminal activity around several areas of Downtown. Popular shopping centers and along the Truckee River have become hot spots for crime. According to Reno police data analysts, the city represents about 8.6% of Nevada's population, and accounts for 11% of the state's violent crime. Like many big cities, crime is bound to foster in bustling areas when given the opportunity. While crime is particularly thought of in a violent light, such as shootings, robberies and kidnappings, this isn't always the case. The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) has an enrollment of over 20,000 undergrads and graduate students, making the university a prime setting for crimes relating to property theft, alcohol related incidents and medical emergencies all over campus.

University Chief of Police Eric James, who has worked 23 years at UNR, explained how much the university deals with problems relating to theft compared to other Nevada campuses.

a lot of people are parking on the street. Overall, with all the events coming to Downtown, the landscape here continues to change, we continue to adapt and make different areas of our town a lot safer.”

“I was just down in Las Vegas a couple weeks ago,” James said. “And I was talking with the chief of police down there, and he goes, ‘Do you guys have a problem with scooter theft or bike theft at your main camp?’ They see the exact things relating to property crimes, alcohol-related incidents and trespassing, but, strangely, we also police Western Nevada College, Truckee Meadows Community College, Great Basin College out in Elko and then DRI. We have very few thefts at those locations. So it's weird, and you all have seen it. When you go to the Knowledge Center, someone gets up to go get coffee or something and leave all their stuff, right? So I would say probably property crime is 100% our biggest theft problem here.”

With Reno’s population continuing to surge, areas like Downtown are also catching more attention as customer flow and foot traffic continue to increase. Statistically, this means higher property crimes, robberies and drug-related offenses.

Hunter Mercurio, a public information officer with the Reno Police Department explained the normality of crime activity in the surrounding area of Downtown Reno.

James explained how safety on campus is often exaggerated without reason. Students have told him that they haven’t felt safe on campus, even though they don’t know anyone who has been a victim of a violent crime or continue to walk on campus late at night despite the concern.

“I'd say so historically, I think, in the UNR area, there's a higher number of vehicle burglaries that happen there,” Mercurio said. “And maybe it's just because

“We also see a trend in vehicle burglaries, thefts from motor vehicles and maybe there's a good message there,” Mercurio said. “Don't leave your valuables in your car. Make sure you bring stuff in with you, and if you have anything that you need to leave in your car, make sure it's tucked under a seat or hidden in the trunk so people can't see it. There's just a lot of foot traffic around there, so there's a lot of opportunities for stuff like that to happen.”

“There's very, very, very, very little violent crime

at all, and the issues that we see off campus, they're almost exclusively related to alcohol or drug consumption in some way,” James said. “And I would say, again, the number of property crimes alone speaks to how safe people really do feel on campus because they will leave their things unattended or unlocked. So it is interesting when you get people who are nervous.” Elayna Zuniga, a freshman attending UNR expressed their feelings surrounding the campus and city safety in their years of attending. “Out of all the places I feel least safe around Downtown,” Zuniga said. “When I’ve been down there I’ve experienced some people bothering me and I always try to have a male in the group when I go and try to avoid groups of guys to avoid catcalling. I also try to avoid the casinos, I’ve found most harassment, at least for me, has taken place around that area. I’d say parking lots I tend to feel a bit nervous in but I always park as close to the entrance as possible.” Zuniga expressed their concerns over the reliability in the media when covering crime-related incidents and how the university should inform students on resources available to them. “The media doesn’t seem to cover things

really well or they take a long time to cover it,” Zuniga said. “I’ve had to rely more on social media…But even then, I have discovered more groups and various things around campus that help with safety, like PackRides or the blue police poles around the campus. For the University of Nevada, Reno, I would suggest making it a bit easier for students to be aware of what safety features are available to them.” In a city of many residents and visitors, university and city police is one of the busiest agencies in Northern Nevada, with multiple agencies such as Washoe County, Nevada State Police, UNR Police and Sparks PD. Both Reno and UNR police remind students that there are many resources working to maintain effective practices and security around the city. UNR police reminds students that help is available 365 days a year without judgement for those struggling or impacted by a crime. UNR has approximately 100 to 124 emergency blue light phones located across its campus, parking garages and satellite locations. These systems provide direct, geolocated access to 911 emergency services, with 97 of them located on the main campus alone with a response time of three to five minutes. Reno police remind students that there are other practices that should be followed in college

environments to maintain safety measures. “The Reno Police Department wants to make sure that we're meeting or helping meet students' needs in collaboration with UNR Police to make sure that everybody feels safe and has a good experience in their college career,” Mercurio said. “Nobody should have to become a victim of a crime or experience. But if that does happen, we want to make sure that we respond promptly, swiftly, with the utmost professionalism, and make sure that we just take care of the situation the best that we can.” Reno may have a higher crime rate than the state average, but both city and university police emphasize that most incidents are preventable with awareness and proper precautions. For students and residents alike, knowing where to go for help—and taking advantage of the city’s safety resources— can make all the difference. While no city is without risk, staying alert, informed and prepared helps ensure that life in “The Biggest Little City” can be both vibrant and safe . If you or someone you know has been a victim of a crime, you can contact Reno police at their nonemergency number 775-334 COPS (2677). For emergencies, the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) Police Department can be reached by calling 9-1-1. For non-emergency situations, you can call their dispatch at (775) 334COPS or the main office at (775) 784-4013.

The Reality of Nevada’s Sex Work Laws Written by Kendal Joyner

Just outside of Reno, past stretches of endless highway and desert, prostitution is legal, regulated and embedded into the local economy. However, inside more populated cities and towns, such as Reno and Carson City, it’s illegal. The difference between criminalized activity and legal sex work is merely miles apart. In certain rural counties across the state of Nevada, licensed brothels operate under state mandated regulations, this includes health checks and oversight. The contrast of prostitution being illegal in one city and perfectly legal miles away shows just how complicated Nevada’s approach to sex work is. As the only state in the United States to legalize prostitution in any form, Nevada has created a system shaped by its history and economy, but not without a constant debate. The result is a patchwork of laws that raise important questions regarding safety, crime and what legalization truly accomplishes. Nevada’s debate regarding legalized prostitution goes back to its early history as a mining state. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, prostitution was common in mining towns where large populations of primarily men lived and worked. Rather than fully eliminating it, the state gradually moved toward regulation. By 1937, laws required regular health checks for sex workers, reflecting concerns about public health as well as safety. The biggest shift came in 1971, when Nevada began to officially allow counties to license and regulate brothels. During this time, the state banned brothels in more populated areas, including cities such as Reno and Las Vegas. This compromise allowed rural counties to benefit economically while keeping prostitution out of major areas. That decision is why Reno sits in a strange legal gray area today. While brothels operate legally in nearby counties, any form of prostitution whatsoever is illegal within Reno. This creates what some people see as a “border effect,” where legal and illegal systems operate and exist side by side. In turn, people can travel a short distance to engage in legal, safe prostitution. However, within cities, the same activity becomes part of an underground, illegal market. This divide raises questions

about whether the current system actually reduces harm or simply shifts it elsewhere. Supporters of Nevada’s legalized brothel system argue that regulation makes sex work much safer. Licensed brothels are legally required to follow strict rules, including routine health screenings and oversight by local authorities. That way, sex workers have more protection compared to illegal environments. From this perspective, legalization is seen as a practical approach that acknowledges the existence and benefit of sex work while still trying to reduce its risks. However, critics argue that legalization does not completely eliminate the problems associated with prostitution. Instead, they say it can create a two-tiered system. In rural counties, workers in legal brothels do have some form of legal protections, but within cities where it’s illegal, those protections don’t exist. This can leave individuals working in underground markets more vulnerable to exploitation, violence and overall unsafe conditions. Concerns regarding human trafficking and illegal activity also continue to be a big part of the conversation. The impact on crime is just as complex. There is no clear consensus on whether legalization reduces overall crime. Even where regulated brothels operate under legal oversight, illegal prostitution still exists. In areas where brothels are illegal, enforcement of safety regulations becomes much more difficult. This suggests that legalization does not necessarily remove crime but rather change where and how it happens. Nevada’s laws have faced ongoing challenges over the years. Legal battles, political efforts and public debates have repeatedly questioned whether brothels should remain legal at all. Some advocates push for full decriminalization, while others argue for stricter bans. This has been a topic of debate for years, and Nevada’s approach is far from settled. Ultimately, Nevada’s status as the only state with legalized prostitution reflects a long history of compromise rather than a clear solution. For cities like Reno, the effects are especially visible. The state’s laws create a system where legality depends on location, and where safety can vary dramatically depending on whether someone is inside or outside a regulated environment. As debates continue, Nevada’s approach raises a much larger question, does legalization truly make sex work safer, or does it simply divide it into spaces that are easier to overlook?

I’ve lived in Las Vegas since 2021 and the one place that my family and friends frequent, time and time again, is Chinatown in North Las Vegas. Since my first year in Sin City, visiting all of the Asian owned businesses once Saturday came along has always been the highlight of my week. Where else could I eat Korean barbecue, warm xiao long bao, soft choco-buns and top-grade salmon nigiri all in one place?

There was something for everyone. I’d go to the beauty store that sold high-quality Korean makeup and Japanese haircare for all my essentials. My younger siblings would beg me to get Pop Mart blind boxes, Pokemon cards and plushies at the toy stores (I always gave in). Every time we went, I’d make sure to get a sweet treat for my mom at the Taiwanese bakery and we’d end our night with boba from Sharetea. The whole time we’re there, we pass by other Asian folks: whether they’re fellow Las Vegas residents or tourists, they’ve come from all over just to find a semblance of the home

that they love in Chinatown. But after moving to Reno, I couldn’t find that same community with the same rich blend of Asian culture. No longer did I find a district where the streets were lined with Asian restaurants and shops or families chattering excitedly with one another in their native language. Now, I have to look high and low for the cuisine and products that I was so easily attuned to finding in Las Vegas. I didn’t realize how much Chinatown meant to me as an Asian-American until I didn’t have it anymore. What I never knew is that over a hundred years ago, Reno had their very own Chinatown. In the late 19th century, there was once a bustling, lively community of Chinese immigrants. But decades

later it was gone, the entire area demolished and torn down. What happened to make Reno’s Chinatown vanished, forgotten and erased from the memories of Reno’s residents without a trace? The first Chinese settlement occurred around 1855 when Chinese workers were employed by Mormon settlers. They were brought to build ditches that transported water to mining sites. Once the work was completed, they put down roots and established the first Chinatown in Reno. More Chinese individuals soon immigrated to the area in light of the Comstock Lode’s discovery. It was the first large sediment of silver found in the U.S. which brought about $400 million. However, after a majority vote, Chinese workers were banned from involvement in mines. Their work was limited to domestic jobs such as servants and cooks. Meredith Oda, an associate professor of history at the University of Nevada, Reno, shined light on how an increase of Chinese workers came to Reno in 1868 to 1869 to construct the Transcontinental Railroad. Following its completion, they were left in an unfamiliar environment without a

home. Thousands of laborers worked tirelessly through the Sierra Nevada, but still persevered. Chinese workers experienced heavy mistreatment and racial discrimination, even though they were brought to the U.S. due to the labour shortage. They were paid less than white laborers and were forced to cover their own housing and food expenses. Still, after over a thousand Chinese workers died from disease, avalanches and even exploding dynamite, they got paid and cast aside once the work was finished. Displaced in an entirely new territory, a country so different from what they were used to, Chinese immigrants had to start over and rebuild their life. Near the Truckee River, they assembled their own homes on Virginia and First Street. Oda explained how, like Chinatowns elsewhere, immigrants have built themselves a thriving community. There were Chinese merchants who ran businesses, grocery stores and apothecaries who nurtured others with natural remedies.

But as the Chinese community of Reno continued to grow, there was growing anti-Chinese sentiment among the town’s residents who opposed the integration of a Chinatown. What cast Reno’s Chinatown in a negative light and drove others to demand its dismantlement was the red-light district with opium dens packed with gambling and prostitution. Although they were the subject of townies’ criticism, the brothels were among the few places conserved after the loss of Chinatown.

“It was, like other parts of other Chinatowns elsewhere, subject to a lot of hostility and violence,” Oda shared. “Even though white Renoites were constantly moving throughout Chinatown.” With the heightened tension between the white residents and Chinese immigrants of Reno, disaster soon struck. The demise of Reno’s Chinatown began with a fire.

The community that served as a home away from home for the Chinese workers who sacrificed their lives was devastated by a fire on August 3, 1878. The cause is unknown and has been classified as an accident. However, there has been growing animosity between Reno’s Chinese inhabitants and an anti-Chinese labor group, the Workingmen’s Party. The latter gathered on the same night as the fire to come up with a solution to approach the growth of the Chinese population in Reno. Be that as it may, they denied any involvement with the

fire. Even if the district had been wrecked, why didn’t Chinese residents build it once again? The fire that left a trail of destruction wasn’t just simply a tragic accident. Oda identified the root of Chinatown’s wreckage as racism. “The Reno fire department came in, saved all the houses, but did not save any buildings in the Chinatown area,” she said. Following the loss of Reno’s Chinatown, the Chinese population were stricken with terror and discouragement for decades due to the recurrence of violent hate crimes and being forced out from their

homes repeatedly. 30 years after the fire, the Washoe County Grand Jury voted to abolish Chinatown in November 1908. The grounds that Chinatown was built upon was legally under white landowners, so the Chinese were unable to fight against their oppressors. Around the 1950s, Reno’s Chinatown was entirely destroyed. The Chinese immigrants who finally formed a society to embrace their culture and honor their customs were once again left stranded by the people of Reno. The unity and strength of the Chinese community was brought down by white supremacists who viewed them as a threat to Reno’s elite power, such as bankers, merchants and hotel owners. Chinatown was continuously under the control of white Renoites’ high status through policing and limiting the rights of Chi-

nese immigrants and threats of unemployment. The treatment of Reno’s Chinatown reaffirmed the adverse political and economic power relations of the larger Reno community. Following their forced removal, we’re left to wonder: what does the Chinese population in Reno look like now? Oda explained how after the fire, the population actually grew from 1870-1880. Those who lost their homes in the fire moved in with others whose houses still stood. Many also moved into stone-made laundries that were fire-resistant. Through transporting goods and sending letters, Chinese residents continued to stay in contact with fellow Chinese people from San Francisco, Truckee and even family back home in China. They formed strong connections by creating community organizations, kinship networks and social and economic institutions. While some had decided to leave, many Chinese immigrants remained in Reno to be employed as launderers, gardeners, cooks and

waiters, janitors and other domestic jobs by the people who sought to dissipate their congregation. “They banded together, as best they could, cooked together, lived together, slept together, and so forth,” she said. “It was a community.” In spite of their rich history, the Chinese population in Reno has decreased since the 19th-century as their labor was no longer needed. But there are still traces to them today. In casinos all over Nevada, you

can find Fan-tan, a traditional gambling game played by Chinese migrants. It became popularized from the lost Chinatown’s gambling dens and later drew the attention of white Renoites. Now, you can find Fan-tan as a popular game in Reno’s biggest casinos such as The Silver Legacy and El Dorado. In remembrance of the forgotten Chinatown and to honor the immigrants who lived there, Reno’s Joss House society constructed the Chinese Pagoda Pavilion in 1989

at Rancho San Rafael Park. Those who visit the lovely structure on a warm day are able to not only appreciate its traditional elements, but to pay homage to the Chinese immigrants in the past who encountered unwelcoming animosity but went on to create a flourishing community of close-knit bonds. Although the residents of Reno’s Chinatown were bombarded with demands of their banishment, their presence in Reno has never faded. And it never will.

In this reality, women are never completely safe in the public sphere, and sometimes even the law. Women often live in fear of not just being taken advantage of, but the stigmatization and injustice that comes after. Women are taught to take multiple precautions throughout their entire lives for the sake of their safety. It could be because of an ex-partner, a current partner or someone else entirely. Regardless, this mentality always reminds women to be afraid of the possibility of becoming another victim. It is often a dismal truth for women to face, especially in the world of dating and sex. This discussion left untold only causes harm, especially when domestic abuse, sexual assault, harassment or stalking occurs. Women are expected to behave as though this topic doesn’t exist, but now is the time to discuss it. Sexual assault is not a fictitious or isolated scenario, but a real, consistent and painful experience for women. Although the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) is safer than most campuses, the question of safety for women in Reno is a reflection of the society we live in. In 2025, The Washington State University Insider stated that women living on campus face a higher risk of sexual violence than women who don’t attend college. According to Emma Seynaeve, who is a licensed clinical social worker and a permanent staff member at the UNR Counseling Center, women who have experienced these crimes could have side effects such as post traumatic stress disorder, acute stress disorder, depression, anxiety, hyper-vigilance, panic attacks, flashbacks, nightmares or other mental health symptoms. ”If untreated [it] can affect people’s dayto-day life,” said Seynaeve. “There’s… struggles when it comes to [victims] trusting themselves and others as well. I feel like there’s a lot of self blame. There’s embarrassment. There’s shame and guilt that comes with experiencing… violent crimes.”

Daela Gibson is a victim’s service coordinator and victim advocate at the UNR police department. She said besides theft being the most commonly reported crime on campus, stalking and harassment is a report that she sees most. “I think that our society definitely romanticizes certain behavior, such as stalking,” Gibson said. Gibson’s role is to help victims in any way she can, whether that means accompanying victims to the courthouse, reaching out to professors for leniency on schoolwork while investigating a crime or acting as an intermediary between victims and their stalkers or harassers. “The vast majority of the time, women are assaulted by people they know,” said Gibson. She does clarify, however, that UNR campus is safe for women. Students at UNR also commented on this issue. Viviana Castro, a 19-year-old undergraduate sophomore, discussed the systemic issues and normalization surrounding sexual abuse. “I think we’ve created a culture where we are open about sex but not about sexual abuse,” Castro said. Although Castro said she isn’t afraid to walk alone at night, her male friends are more protective around her and her female friends because of circulating and frequent stories of people being assaulted. She discussed that improving the city's infrastructure to be more pedestrian-friendly and making the city more walkable would make Reno a safer place for women. Reno can also prioritize safety by destigmatizing experiences of sexual violence victims and holding perpetrators accountable. “We know that it’s always a possibility,” Castro stated. “I think it’s really dangerous when you’re walking downtown Reno alone at night, or… even just [with] a group of girls.”

Some of the barriers for victims when it comes to reporting these violent crimes are fears around stigmatization, negative media, lack of privacy or name confidentiality depending on the case, fear of not being believed or taken seriously and reporting to law enforcement.

20-year-old junior undergraduate Emma Huizar explained that safety is when people have the ability to protect themselves. She doesn’t feel unsafe on campus, but she has made sure to be aware of her surroundings, carrying pepper spray, chatting on the phone with friends or sending Snapchat photos on her way home.

The UNR Counseling Center provides same-day sessions, individual therapy, group therapy, assessment program and case management support as well as trauma-specific tracks.

“If I do feel unsafe, I’ll just instantly call someone right away,” Huizar said. “A lot of my friends will be on campus so I’ll just find someone to meet up with them right there.”

Amylah Lee, an 18-year-old undergraduate freshman said that safety meant being comfortable within one space. “I feel like women especially are more of… a target because people… look down on us to be more vulnerable,” Lee said. She also shared her experience of seeing the same man approach her two to three times while she was in the Whalen Parking Complex, explaining that she didn’t know him and that he would continue to ask for her contact information such as a phone number or email abruptly. “His approach was really scary. I didn’t know what his intentions were…I think more campus police at night would make it a lot safer.” In 2025, according to the Las Vegas Review Journal, a lawsuit was filed against the Nevada System of Higher Education. An incoming freshman at UNR reported to have been drugged and raped at a dorm party during an overnight student orientation in 2023 by the alleged assailant, Caden Fletcher. No further updates have been given on the lawsuit and according to the Las Vegas Review Journal and Fletcher’s LinkedIn, Fletcher still attends the university. “I think that the university does a really poor job of holding students accountable,” UNR transfer student Leslie Vilchis-Mata commented. “I think that they tend to fall back on it being a legal issue. I feel safe on campus only because I’m always with people, not because the campus itself is safe.” This isn’t the only case in which many students feel that little action was taken in response to sexual assault reports. KUNR reported on UNR mechanical engineering professor, Feifei Fan, who filed a lawsuit against the University for sexual slavery, assault and abuse in 2022. Professor Yanyao Jiang was accused of raping and abusing Feifei Fan for over a decade. Feifei claimed it started when she was a foreign exchange graduate student at UNR. Feifei Fan filed a motion to dismiss her lawsuit against the university in November of 2024 and was let go along with Professor Jiang in January 2024. When women experience these crimes, the idea of justice is brought into question. These cases reflect on some of the more systemic dangers that women face on campus. Yes, the dangers of perpetrators will always be relevant, but such cases encourage a broader reflection on campus safety and whether the system itself supports those that come forward.

In Reno, and around the country, the housing crisis has continued to skyrocket. The number of people living on the street becomes more concerning with each passing year. It seems to be a neverending problem with no solution in sight. According to the annual Point in Time Count (PIT), Washoe County hit a record high with an unhoused population reaching 1,760 in 2024. Despite the discouraging statistics surrounding this issue, the Reno community is working endlessly to shift this reality. “I really did identify that the housing shortage in the community was such a big issue, and we saw a lot of individuals cycle through the shelter,” said Devin McFarland, a community administrator for Volunteers of America. “It just felt like it was potentially a neverending crisis because we had such a housing shortage, especially affordable housing in the community.” There are multiple organizations like Volunteers of America in the Reno area. These places span from food pantries, shelters and transitional living. People can go to this organization for a place to live and to help get back on their feet. “It's really just supporting them where they need it the most and working through that vulnerability of, like, ‘Hey, I'm seeing your resume, let's rebuild this from the ground up, tell me your experience,’ and really helping just build those foundations,” said McFarland. Homelessness is an unfortunate reality for many individuals and is really only one life crisis away for many others. “It takes one life event to put us in a predicament where we have to choose, am I paying my rent this month, or am I paying for my medicine?” McFarland explained. “A lot of what we see is medically-based challenges that lead to loss of housing and security, or life changes, like loss of partner, loss of

spouse, or break in the relationship. Of course you know, there's definitely the risk that gambling or mental health or substance use is at play, but I think a lot of that is a result of other challenges that they face.”

without a place to live, overtaken by substances and suffering. But, change is being made. There are more resources being created for these individuals and many people willing to lend a helping hand.

It is often assumed that substances and gambling, especially in a city like Reno, is the culprit when it comes to homelessness. However, in many cases this seems to be an after effect, a way to cope with the harsh reality of what an individual’s life has become.

“I think Reno's a very unique and special place, and I think that the challenges we see are similar to what any city sees,” said McFarland. “I think Reno has done a really good job at trying to be proactive to address some of these issues and concerns. It's not perfect, but, I know there's a lot of great initiatives going on that I didn't mention as well, where the community has really tried to band together, to work. It's not just agency, but it's collaboration across multiple agencies to create a solution.”

“The cost of living is very challenging,” McFarland said. “I think we saw a lot of that hit during COVID when a lot of individuals lost employment. I looked in the average apartment right now in Reno. It's about $1,760 a month, and so that becomes hard for a single individual who might be earning $3,200 a month or $3,400 a month, and still pay for groceries, pay for insurance, pay for their car or loan, pay their school debt, whatever it may be.” Reno is a rapidly growing city with more people from surrounding cities and out of state moving to start a new life here. This has significantly increased the cost of living. Making minimum wage and staying afloat financially has become increasingly difficult. Because many of these issues lie in the local and state government, the weight of the problem has been left to the community. The Reno community has banded together to make changes and help these people rebuild their lives. “There're folks who go out there every day creating touch points, helping those relationships to hopefully get people in for services,” said McFarland. “And then, the UNR School of Medicine has recently started going out on the street and providing medical care, such as wound care to some to the unhoused community.”

Providing a space for these people to get their lives back on track without judgement is fundamental when trying to solve this problem. Places like Volunteers of America are working to smoothly transition these people back into society. Help with finding a job, creating social connections, addiction recovery and eventually finding a place to live are all offered by these organizations. “We all need somebody to care for us and look out for us,” McFarland stated. She believes creating social connections is one of the most important steps when helping people rebuild their lives. This is a complex issue and change on a wider scale is needed to truly see a difference. However, support like this from the community is a huge step in the right direction. Having such an open and supportive community is beneficial when facing a serious crisis like this one. While it can seem hopeless at times, there are people working everyday to change the outcome of this issue.

It is heartbreaking to walk around Downtown and see people struggling

As a nearly lifelong Reno resident, I have seen firsthand how this city has evolved over the years. From seeing new houses and apartments being built, to the trivial things like watching the seasons change from my window. This city continues to change and grow in countless ways, most of which we wouldn’t have even noticed unless we looked back upon Reno’s history. Reno has quickly become more than just “The Biggest Little City.” By taking the focus off of casinos and putting more emphasis on the community, we can begin to see the beauty that sets our city apart. Many people tend to dwell on the flaws of Reno, but I want to emphasize the reasons why Reno residents love living here in the first place, faults and all. Over the years, Reno has become a center for the arts and gastronomic scenes, specifically in MidTown. MidTown was revitalized in the early 2000s, becoming a diverse city center filled with small local businesses. In MidTown you can find coffee shops, bakeries, breakfast spots and a distinct variety of restaurants to choose from. One of my personal favorite restaurants in all of Reno is Two Chicks, with one of their two locations being in MidTown. Two Chicks is a womanowned local business that serves delicious breakfast and brunch. For the music lovers, The Holland Project is a favorite local music venue among University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) students and locals alike. Another venue nearby is the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts. Here you can watch Broadway shows, ballet performances and concerts by the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra. Whether you are into getting new tattoos and piercings, thrifting a new outfit or discovering your new favorite coffee shop, MidTown has an endless amount of small businesses to explore. MidTown has had its fair share of business closures since the pandemic. With increased costs in rent and ingredients, as well as less people going out to eat post-

COVID, many local restaurants have had to shut their doors for good. Local favorites such as Laughing Planet (which closed both their UNR and MidTown locations) and Truckee Bagel Company both closed in summer 2025 due to high costs of operation. Just a couple years prior, Junkee Clothing Exchange, a popular vintage shop, moved out of MidTown in October 2023 after the owner was unable to purchase their former location. With these closures, it is more important than ever to support our local businesses as much as possible. It is nearly impossible to talk about the beautiful parts of Reno without talking about the mesmerizing nature that we get to see on a daily basis. For starters, we live about an hour away from one of the most gorgeous lakes, Lake Tahoe, a worldwide attraction for winter sports and relaxing lake days. Rancho San Rafael Park is walking distance from UNR’s campus, with trails to walk along and several different flower gardens to see. Even if you are just going to the grocery store, you are almost guaranteed to have a view of the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Truckee River that surrounds Reno. Over the years, housing developments in Reno and Sparks have grown exponentially. Building new houses has had several effects on our wildlife, such as disrupting natural habitats and increasing carbon emissions. Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful is a nonprofit organization that hosts cleanups around town. In 2025 alone, they had 5,306 volunteers help to preserve and restore Reno’s natural sites by cleaning up trash along the Truckee River and in various different parks and walking trails. Urban development has also had an effect on schools in the area. By adding more and more houses, high schools have become severely overcrowded as well. Like any city, Reno certainly has its flaws. I spoke with other lifelong Reno residents

to see what changes they wanted to see and what they think would make Reno a better place. Juliana Patton, a thirdyear journalism student at UNR said that she wants Reno to be investing more money into building more high schools. “Wingfield and Pyramid areas are growing in population quickly, with new developments happening constantly,” Patton said. “Spanish Springs High School is not big enough to hold that many students daily. That would be my main thing I’d like to see change, just making it so all students have an equal learning experience, and they can’t do that in an overcrowded school.” Liliana Newfelt, a first-year UNR student, said that a change she wants to see in Reno is people being more accepting and less judgmental of others. “I want to see changes in Reno in the sense of a more positive outcome for people being true to themselves with no judgement that follows,” Newfelt said. “I want Reno to have a more diverse side with people being who they are, and not who people want them to be.” These are issues that may be difficult to change at first glance, but as Reno residents, we can try to be the change we want to see. Drug accessibility can be changed by improving access to addiction treatment services. An easy way for residents to help fix the crime rates is by doing something as simple as starting a neighborhood watch group. Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Homeless Outreach Proactive Engagement (HOPE) team helped 2,728 unhoused people in 2025 to find housing and other support. Not all of these issues can be fixed overnight, but small steps and shifts in daily routines can lead to significant change. In order to make our city sustainable and safer, it is necessary for us, as one, to take the steps towards a future where Reno can live up to its fullest potential.

Raisha Taufan, a sophomore at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) was only 17 years old when she moved from her home in Indonesia to Reno. After spending her entire life living on the tropical coast, where she could admire the sea every day, her life flipped upside down. It was nothing like her home and everything had changed; the city, the people and especially the food. In Indonesia, Taufan typically ate satay (skewered

meat), rendang (curry) and nasi goreng (fried rice). Since she’s moved to Reno, she has felt overwhelmed with depression and homesickness, which is why her spirits lifted once she heard of an Indonesian restaurant in Carson City. It gave her a chance to escape the stress of an unfamiliar environment and gain a semblance of her old life. But when Taufan went to the restaurant for the first time, it failed to meet her expectations. Although she found the same dishes from her homeland, some were “westernized

or Americanized,” as Taufan described. Aside from the food quality, she went on to explain the vast difference of the dishes’ cost in Indonesia compared to the restaurant’s cost. “It's a different currency,” Taufan said. “But back home, it's only like $2, but here, it’s $20.” To top it off, the nearest Indonesian restaurant is almost 30 miles away, with none yet to reach Reno. Even after driving over an hour from the

UNR campus to finally get a taste of home, Taufan still yearns to feel her culture with her home so far away. After moving from Indonesia to Reno, Taufan’s attempts to find authentic cuisine from her country has proved extremely difficult, with very limited options…and she’s not alone. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 60.4% of Reno’s population is white, 25.8% are Hispanic or Latino, 16.6% are mixed race, 7% are Asian, 3% are Black, 1.1% are Native American and 0.6% are Native Hawaiian. As a predominantly white city, Reno often proves to be challenging for diverse UNR students to adjust to, and many have felt troubled with finding food that aligns with their culture. Leaving home is painful enough for many college students; being unable to engage in their life-long customs can make it even harder. Finding a culturally-rooted restaurant poses a great obstacle for students like Taufan, who wish to connect with their heritage but are limited by Reno’s few options. But there are still restaurants that serve flavorful dishes while honoring tradition. The most popular restaurants among UNR’s Nevada Filipino Club (NFC) are Silong and 11 7 Tambayan. Freshman Edmund Vinoya and sophomore Jairo Santos, members of NFC, recommend the two restaurants that's catered NFC events time and time again. Silong is Vinoya’s favorite Filipino eatery for not only the authentic, flavorful taste, but also for its reasonable price. Located in Sparks, Silong serves the classic Filipino dishes that Vinoya grew up with such as lumpia (spring roll), kare kare (oxtail stew in peanut sauce), pork sinigang (sour soup), adobo (braised meat), lechon (slow-roasted pig) and more. Santos was born and raised in the Philippines and found the very same dishes from his childhood at 11 7 Tambayan. “I grew up eating taho (silken tofu, brown sugar syrup and sago pearls) for breakfast, halo-halo (shaved ice), palabok (thin rice noodles with pork and shrimp sauce) and puto (steamed rice cake) for birthday parties and sometimes puto bumbong (purple rice cake) for dessert from my grandma,” he said. “I was able to

find some of those dishes in 11 7 Tambayan.” Although there are a few dishes substituted with American ingredients, the making of the food is bona fide to Filipino culture. The desserts, however, perfectly mirror the halohalo and taho made by Santos’ grandmother, giving him flashbacks of being raised in the Philippines and the warmth of home. Small but true to culture, Taqueria El Taconazo is an underrated delicious spot that makes appetizing food while respecting Mexican culture. Members of the UNR Spanish Club, juniors Alexa Hernandez and Mary Hernandez, have frequently seen overpriced Mexican restaurants that push offensive stereotypes to appeal to the primarily white population of Reno. But for them, Taqueria El Taconazo is a hidden gem. The modest Mexican spot is praised for their tacos, burritos, tortas and especially their salsa. With a wide, diverse menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner, there’s options for everyone to have a tasty dining experience. Aside from the cuisine, Taqueria El Taconazo embodies the full authenticness of Mexican culture through the warm atmosphere made from the welcoming, kind staff. Mary shared how the waitresses made her feel accepted for her heritage, in comparison to other Mexican restaurants that seem more materialistic. “Since our culture revolves a lot around traditions and family, having that environment to go to is a lot,” she said. “Especially for me because I’m away from home.” Their favorite Mexican restaurant in Reno is Antojitos, a dessert bar that serves savory and sugary snacks such as refreshing shaved ice, elote, fresh cut-up fruit and more. Mary views it as the best restaurant experience that she’s had in Reno after moving from Las Vegas. “Reno is really good at embodying the sweet treats of Hispanic culture. I feel like that’s something that they’ve really mastered here, and I really do appreciate that,” she said. UNR senior and the president of UNR’s Japanese Student Action Network, Taka Suzuki, was born to a Peruvian mother and a Japanese father. After living in the Biggest Little City for five years now after moving from

Japan, he said that Japanese cuisine is treated as a “luxury” in Reno, which makes it difficult for Japanese Americans to eat their everyday foods. Still, he found O’A Sushi and Haru make exceptional cuisine that adheres to Japanese tradition. O’A Sushi has a wide assortment of sushi rolls, nigiri and all sorts of unique dishes, giving customers a variety of options. Haru is Suzuki’s favorite Japanese place in Reno and is best known for the Tonkotsu Shoyu and Kuro Ramen as well as udon and tantanmen. For him, the two restaurants set themselves apart from the mainstream modern fusion Japanese establishments by leaning into the true, genuine culture. The best Japanese restaurants, in his eyes, are those that follow the traditional taste without trying to cater to a Western clientele. “It’s good being creative. But at the same time, you have to have this authentic taste,” Suzuki said. “And those are the ones that are the best.” When students of different backgrounds come to UNR, they shouldn’t have to face the disparity of cultural food spots serving poorlymade, inauthentic dishes that’s been gentrified for white diners. It isn’t just about a restaurant serving their favorite meals, but offering a safe haven where they can connect with their heritage. When restaurants choose profit and aesthetic over tradition and authenticity, it can make students of color feel even more alienated in a city that is already majority white. Not just students from other places, but even those who have lived in Reno for their entire lives recognize the inequity in the dining scene. Rather than portraying people’s heritage as a marketable trope and toning down ethnic foods for the sake of a white audience, the dining scene must consider those who actually identify with the culture that yearn for authenticity and faithful representation. To truly foster a welcoming environment that provides a sense of belonging to diverse students, these restaurant businesses of Reno have to show appreciation and respect to individuals from all cultural backgrounds. The transition of leaving home is challenging for everyone, but if there’s anything that can bring them back for just a moment, it’s the delicious taste of a familiar flavor.

Film has been around for over 100 years now and has become a medium many people enjoy. Going to see a film in theaters is an incredibly popular pastime. There have been hundreds of advancements that have led to film as we know it today. Technology has made mere visions come true. During the 1980s and 1990s, technology made it possible for the average person to direct and produce their own films. People began to realize you don’t need a big Hollywood studio; you just need a camera and a vision. Hollywood will always remain as the hotspot for big-budget films, but the art of independent films has been rapidly growing. There is this prominent presumption in many artists’ minds that the only successful approach to be in or produce a film is through Hollywood. Thousands of people move from their small towns to L.A. or even New York to follow their dreams of being involved in film production. The reality is you do not need to travel far, in fact, there is a booming film industry right here in Reno, Nevada that remains unrecognized. The possibilities are endless; all it takes is action. “I’ve seen people’s dreams literally come true just by taking charge and doing it themselves,” said Melody Ricketts, a multitalented figure in the Reno film community. From Nevada to L.A. back to Nevada, Ricketts found being in the industry in Reno much better than being in the industry in L.A. “I pretty much immediately got into doing films in L.A.,” said Ricketts. “When I moved back in 2021, I wrote and directed and

produced my first short film, and ever since then it’s had a snowball effect as I’ve gotten more into the Reno community.” With affordable taxes and great film locations, filmmakers are drawn to Reno for its accessibility to create great works of art. “It’s just a huge range of landscapes,” said Maya Wolery, a local actor in Reno. “People don’t know how cool Reno is.” Reno has an incredibly diverse landscape. From mountains, to desert, to rustic towns just 30 minutes away, the possibilities are endless for film locations. This alone has attracted filmmakers and has helped the industry grow. “People come here from more prolific places like Atlanta, Chicago, L.A.,” Ricketts said. “And I just see people are going to recognize it’s a booming industry out here and it’s a beautiful landscape for filmmakers. Many filmmakers argue that filming on scene creates a better work of art compared to filming on a sound stage. Audience members and film fanatics tend to agree with this. However, getting film locations is a complicated process. From getting permits, permission to film from landowners and paying additional taxes, it’s a big stressor when producing a film. Luckily, many local businesses are encouraging filmmakers and want them to use their location for their films. “They will give you crazy deals. They know that you’re working with very little, but they see the quality of work and the work ethic of the people, it’s pretty wild,” said Ricketts. “We’re very spoiled I would say. I hope it lasts.” This is enticing to filmmakers outside of Reno, drawing them to the city to create their works of art. The

accessibility to widely diverse sets is what attracts filmmakers from other places, especially L.A. “The people I talked to at Cordillera [International Film Festival] were like, ‘We’re gonna make more movies here,’...no one in LA knew this existed,” said Worley. Nevada is significantly more lenient in terms of getting permits. All that’s required is if filming takes place in a public area, such as a street or a park, you need to apply for a permit. Filming permits are generally free, according to Film Nevada. to film on private property, no permits are required and insurance is up to the property owner. In L.A., the cost is $931 just for the permit if you want to shoot in a public space, according to FilmLA. There are also many other fees to consider such as rider fees ($148.75 during business hours and $208 after business hours), cost of food, beverages, specific equipment, lane closure fees, gunfire fee and many more. For private properties, it ranges from $29/hr to $200/hr or, depending on the location, pay $10,000 to $30,000. Overall, it is

tired of waiting for other people to give them the green light.” Filmmakers are making names for themselves and building their portfolios thanks to the opportunities here. “When you’re an actor, you just get tired of waiting around for people to give you a role and I was like, ‘I’m tired of this, I’m going to make something,’” said Worley. The community is in all parts of the city, including the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). UNR has its very own film club, where young screenwriters, directors and actors come together to produce their own films.

incredibly costly. Not only is Reno cost effective, like previously mentioned, there are a variety of beautiful landscapes. From lakes and forests to deserts and rustic Old Town, to even the grittiness of Downtown; anything a filmmaker needs can be found right here in Reno. Every year, since 2018, Reno hosts the Cordillera International Film Festival. The festival recently ranked in the “Top 25 Film Festivals” according to MovieMaker Magazine. Having an international film festival has helped expand the horizons for Reno filmmakers. Screenwriters from around the world submit their films and the festival itself has grown significantly. With over 11,000 attendees averaging each year, this is a place for networking, creating connections and overall building relationships with others in the community.

was thinking, ‘This is the beach I used to go to every summer when I was a kid and here’s Rob Lowe.’” The Cordillera International Film Festival has also attracted some big names. For example, Keith David attended last year's festival. What also makes the industry so unique in Reno is the community. It is significantly more welcoming, with people from all different backgrounds coming together to make art, and it feels more like a community than anything else. However, even with a strong community, there will always be challenges. You don’t need to be in LA to struggle in the industry. There is still an incredibly competitive market and as the community grows, it’s only getting more driven. As the film community continues to boom and flourish, the artists inside the community are growing along with it.

Many big-name celebrities have made it out to Reno, like Rob Lowe shooting a SAG feature film in Lake Tahoe. “One day I was a stand-in for the actor playing Rob Lowe’s daughter,” Worley said. “I was on set and I

“No audition is easy to get to...it’s very rigid,” said Ricketts. “I think people are getting bolder and braver, I’ve noticed amongst my own friend group and creative collaborators, people are a little sick and

“I’ve always wanted to work on short films with friends, that’s my idea of fun,” said Tenaya Brusig, a member of the UNR film club. Recently, the members had the amazing opportunity to talk with founder and director of the Cordillera International Film Festival, Emily Skyle-Golden.

own short films, using different locations available made by the city. These students also have submitted films to the Cordillera Film Festival, giving them the opportunity to network with other filmmakers and creators.

“She talked with the film club and is really pushing for Reno natives to submit short films and such,” said Brusig. The tight-knit community expands all throughout Reno, and even college students who have dreams of pursuing any sort of career in film can get their start here. Many students have created their

The beauty of creating works of art is that there are no limitations. Getting creative and making do with what you have is what makes the art as inspiring as it is. Filmmakers in Reno have put this to the test, and as a result have made their mark in the film industry. As more and more creators emerge, the sky is the limit for local artists and the city of Reno.

Written by Ava Betancourt All I’ve ever wanted to do is leave Las Vegas. I knew from a young age that I wanted to reach for the stars and move out of town to go to college. To study something meaningful. To be my own person in a new place. So, I shot for the stars, and I landed in Reno. When the time came, I applied to the University of Nevada, Reno because I knew that going out of state was unattainable. I figured that starting a new chapter

somewhere that wasn’t my hometown, but somewhere that was still close to it, would be the perfect fit for me. I was so excited to move away and start something new; it was all I could think about! When I first moved to Reno, though, I’ll admit, I was entirely unenthused. It felt like I had just left a big, bustling city to move out into the middle of nowhere. It seemed like there was nothing to do, and that anything there was to do was just a

frat party or some lame dorm function. On top of my ifs, ands or buts about my new town, for the first time in my life, I had a hard time making friends. My roommate and I couldn’t get along and any friend group I found felt like I was trying to squeeze myself into somewhere I didn’t belong. I have always been a social butterfly, but I really felt isolated coming to a completely new town and not being able to find my groove or my niche.

I was so lonely that I started to feel like no one understood what I was going through. I’d wave to people or smile at them while crossing the street, and they wouldn’t do the same back. I’d try to start a conversation and get a weird look and no response. I noticed every little detail in such a negative way that I never had before. It’s almost like I started growing resentment towards Reno simply because of my nonexistent social life. I started doing everything by myself—going to class, eating in the dining hall, whatever it was—always without a friend. By the end of the semester, my roommate moved out and I had the dorm to myself. Sometimes, I wouldn’t leave my room for over 48 hours, and I didn’t even go to the dining hall anymore. My schedule was pretty much going to class and going home. I wasn’t really in a state to go anywhere else.

different outlook on things. I had a new roommate, new classes and a new start. I found out that my roommate was pretty much the coolest person ever. We started doing everything together; some parties, going to the dining hall and just simply coexisting in the same space. It was so refreshing to be able to help her get settled in Reno, even though I felt like I barely knew it myself. It was refreshing to have a friend. We started hanging out with people who lived just across the hall—people who had lived there the first semester, too. We would hang out at least twice a week, and we always had a good time, even if it was just soaking

When winter break came around, I was so excited to go home. In fact, I wanted to never return to Reno. I figured if I dropped out, at least I’d have my friends and family at home. All I ever wanted was independence, but moving away from home and to Reno left me craving company.

There was something about the way he was so sure I would be moving back home that sparked some kind of defiance in me. In a way, it felt like I had to prove him wrong. I think that, even though his statement hurt my feelings at that moment, it was something that pushed me to keep going. So, when I returned to Reno for my second semester, I decided to have a

I realized that for so long I felt sorry for myself. I sat in my room and played video games and scrolled on TikTok. I didn’t go out and make friends or go to the career fairs and meetings. I just sat there. For some reason it felt oddly comfortable to keep to myself, but it was also really isolating. I know that I was faced with some tough challenges in the first semester, but now I know that feeling helpless was never the answer. Reno was never the problem; it was always what I never did for myself that made all the difference. All it took was getting out of bed in the morning and trying something new. I tried new restaurants, new coffee shops, went to Lake Tahoe; I even went to a cat cafe! I discovered that getting outside and actually learning about what Reno had to offer was what I needed to do this whole time, and that sitting in my room thinking about how “there’s nothing to do in Reno” wasn’t really true at all.

I had heard so many stories of people who came to the university and fell in love with Reno. They moved in, met great friends almost immediately, went to parties, attended all of the football games and had a great experience right off the bat. I couldn’t understand why it was so difficult for me, someone who loves being social, is outgoing and always up for trying new things. What was I doing wrong that made my first semester so difficult for me? On the other hand, I had heard horror stories similar to mine. Bad roommate, no friends and dropping out after the first semester. I even remember my high school teacher telling me before I graduated, “you’ll go up there for one semester and come back because you hate it so much, just like all my friends that went there did.”

you into a new person. I know I certainly expected things like friendships and opportunities to just fall into my hands, but being in a new place doesn’t automatically make anything about your life different, it just gives you room to be able to make those changes yourself. That meant I had to put myself in uncomfortable situations, try to make conversation with anyone I met, show up to things I wanted to try alone and learn to be comfortable with myself rather than wishing I was with someone else.

up the sun at Manzanita Lake. It always makes me laugh that they were right across the hall the whole time and I never knew. I also started involving myself in more extracurriculars, like the one you’re reading, for example! It feels good to be motivated and to actually be involved on campus. Last semester, I was so unambitious and I just felt like I was waiting around for something to happen, but that’s the thing about Reno.

I know that some people will relate to my story. It’s hard to move away and feel like you have nobody. My advice to you is to go out and do what you want to do. Go knock on your neighbor’s door, you could meet your best friend. Go sign up for that club, you might find your passion. Go out and get the things that you want, because they won’t come to you. A new chapter in your life is never easy, but if the readers can take away one thing away from my story it’s this: you’re not alone, it’s not too late and make this fresh start the best time of your life!

Reno isn’t just a city that is going to hand you opportunities on a silver platter in front of your doorstep, you have to go and find them yourself. I think that the greatest misconception about college is that being in a new environment will magically shape