Letters

Here come da judge

Welcome to this week’s Reno News & Review.

Every year, I take on a little journalism chore: judging other states’ press association awards. It usually just takes one weekend day, or two at most, but I really get more than I give. That’s how I spent my Sunday. For me, it’s an opportunity to put my hands on what distant local newspapers consider good journalism. I always sign up for the weeklies, as they’re sort of my niche. They’re often not my cup of tea, however. For example, some of those little newspapers are actually community public relationssheets, papers whose owners believe booster stories are good journalism and will enhance advertising revenues. Some, like some tribal papers, have no pretension to be anything but family newsletters.

But it becomes obvious, and I mean like a sore thumb, that the newspapers that are doing real, balanced, watchdog journalism are vastly more successful from both a community service and a financial standpoint. I mean, they’re thick with ads and content, and the staff boxes are big and dense.

But—particularly this year when I’m reading newspapers from a Midwest state—these are daily newspapers that come out once a week. They don’t have the edge of alt-weeklies. They have far more in common with the Reno Gazette-Journal than with us. Many of these publications serve a much smaller readership than our own metropolitan daily, and yet, they have triple and quadruple the percentage of locally produced articles that would appear in any single issue of the GazetteJournal. In fact, it’s very difficult to find a wire story, and many of them actually rewrite the press releases that are published as “staff reports.”

I watch our community newspaper struggle, and I listen intently to the silence when more buyouts are announced by Gannett. My heart goes out to those experienced journalists, and I know they aren’t the insulated ones who can’t see what works in other parts of the country. I don’t know why corporate can’t see this, too.

Save our rights

Re “Welcome to the machine” (Feature story, Jan. 19):

Please email Sens. Harry Reid and Dean Heller and ask them to support Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s “Due Process Guarantee Act of 2011.” You can contact them or any senator through www.senate.gov.

Erik Holland Reno

The nuts are in charge

Re “Fiscal gee-wizards” (Letters to the Editor, Feb. 16):

Wow! Have Republicans gone crazy? I am a lifelong Democrat, but I am a citizen of the United States first. As a Native American, I distrust both parties. As I watch the Republican primary process and listen to what the candidates say, it makes me wonder what it is they’re trying to do. I recall an English sociologist named Herbert Spencer. He argued that the state was not an “essential” institution and that it would “decay” as voluntary market organization would replace the coercive aspects of the state. He also argued that the individual had a “right to ignore the state.” The world soundly rejected his philosophy back in the late 1800s. Are the Republicans in lockstep with Spencer? Do they really want to neuter all forms of government? I find it difficult to believe that a majority of citizens who call themselves Republicans actually believe that government has no function save national defense and enforcement of contracts. Never in history has a society existed along those lines: It is fictional, yet Republicans seem to be advocating for Herbert Spencer’s model of society. My only conclusion is that a wing of the Republican Party has gone crazy. More realistic Republicans had better speak up. Even if your party fails in November, your crazy uncle has taken over. Wake up before it’s too late. Anthony Matulich Reno

Citizens undermined

Re “The new state of campaign finance” (Right to Your Head, Feb. 16):

Sean Cary has missed the not-sosubtle point in Stephen Colbert’s satirical performance. Colbert’s central message is not “money equals speech,” as Cary naively says. His central message is “Citizens United is profoundly misguided.”

To argue the lack of merits of this ruling would take pages of analysis. The flawed application and unenforceability of its regulations is enough comic fodder for Stephen Colbert.

Even if the general principle of Citizens United was deemed correct, one of the most important safeguards is unenforceable. According to the ruling, candidates cannot coordinate with Super PACS. Stephen Colbert and John Stewart proceeded to mock this regulation, coordinating multiple sketches, including the signing of official FEC documents transferring control of Stephen Colbert Super PAC to John Stewart, Colbert’s business partner and friend. Being business partners does not count as coordination, nor does being former aides (Romney and Gingrich), advisor (Santorum), or co-owning an island with a candidate’s chief-ofstaff (Perry).

Citizens United stands as a loophole to bypass restriction on direct corporate campaign contributions.

Due to the difficulty of proving coordination and number of obvious loopholes, Super PACS are able to overtake advertising for campaigns in an effective matter, while providing candidates the appearance of distance from negative ads.

Stephen Colbert took money, or speech, from thousands of Americans and warped their free speech into support for his self-satisfying agenda, whether or not it represented the interests of his donors. This misallocation of Americans’political speech stands as a funny, albeit serious example of what the future holds

This law will gradually diminish the influence that average Americans have on the political process. The contributions of millions of dollars by a minute percentage of individuals and corporations threaten to steer future legislation and political discourse towards the whims of an upper class micro-minority and away from the needs of the majorities. Daniel Sotelo Reno

Hometown toys

Re “Valentine’s Day Tech Support” (Arts & Culture, Feb. 9):

I enjoyed Matthew Craggs’article on the latest in sex toy technology, but thought it might be good to point out one of the biggest American manufacturers of adult toys is located right here in town. Tantus, Inc. moved from Chula Vista, Calif., a year ago and is operating at full production at our facility in Sparks. Jenna Clark via email

Many parents

Re “Organically grown” (Feature story, Feb. 9):

I feel fortunate to have been a part of the Great Basin Food Co-op since its inception. In the Sallaberry sisters’ backyard, early meetings consisted of defining how the co-op would operate, make decisions, and start out filling its britches without overextending its limited means. There were attendees that had survived the fallout of the old Washoe Zephyr Co-op offering words of wisdom and a younger generation brimming with rogue idealism and confidence. From its early home at Sound and Fury Records to the location near the Reno Bead Shop, the co-op has ridden the laurels of good fortune, elbow grease, and an incredible enclave of dedicated denizens. And now the co-op is truly on the map, in a great location and a stellar structure that will truly benefit the community of Reno. Now, the co-op can take care of the village that worked so hard to create it. Taylor Donovan Reno

Justin credible

Re “Justin McMahon” (In the mix, Feb. 16):

I’m so glad that not all artists have Brad Bynum’s musical taste and the need for “edge” all the time. When I want that, I know where to find it, too. Good job, Justin! It was worth the wait. Please keep up the good work, even though not everyone appreciates it.

Jim Mueller Reno

Our Mission To publish great newspapers that are successful and enduring. To create a quality work environment that encourages people to grow professionally while respecting personal welfare. To have a positive impact on our communities and make them better places to live. Editor D. Brian Burghart News Editor Dennis Myers Arts Editor Brad Bynum Special Projects Editor Ashley Hennefer Calendar Editor Kelley Lang Photographer Amy Beck Contributors Amy Alkon, Megan Berner, Sharon Black, Sean Cary, Carol Cizauskas, Matthew Craggs, Mark Dunagan, Bob Grimm, Michael Grimm, Audrey Love, Casey O’Lear, Jessica Santina, K.J. Sullivan, Bruce Van Dyke Design Manager Kate Murphy Art Director Priscilla Garcia Associate Art Director Hayley Doshay Editorial Designer India Curry Design Brennan Collins, Marianne Mancina, Mary Key, Skyler Smith, Melissa Arendt Art Director at Large Don Button, Andrea Diaz-Vaughn Advertising Consultants Gina Odegard, Kelly Funderburk, Matt Odegard, Bev Savage Classified Advertising Consultant Olla Ubay Office/Distribution Manager/ Ad Coordinator Karen Brooke Executive Assistant/Operations Coordinator Nanette Harker Assistant Distribution Manager Ron Neill Distribution Drivers Sandra Chhina, Jesse Pike, John Miller, Martin Troye, David Richards, Warren Tucker, Matthew Veach, Neil Lemerise, Daniel Golightly General Manager John D. Murphy President/CEO Jeff vonKaenel Chief Operations Officer Deborah Redmond Human Resource Manager Tanja Poley Senior Accountant Kevin Driskill Credit and Collections Manager Renee Briscoe Business Zahida Mehirdel, Shannon McKenna Systems Manager Jonathan Schultz Systems Support Specialist Joe Kakacek Web Developer/Support Specialist John Bisignano 708 North Center Street Reno, NV 89501 Phone (775) 324-4440 Fax (775) 324-4572 Classified Fax (916) 498-7940 Mail Classifieds & Talking Personals to N&R Classifieds, Reno Edition, 1015 20th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 or e-mail classifieds@newsreview.com Web site www.newsreview.com Printed by Paradise Post The RN&R is printed using recycled newsprint whenever available. Editorial Policies Opinions expressed in the RN&Rare those of the authors and not of Chico Community Publishing, Inc. Contact the editor for permission to reprint articles, cartoons or other portions of the paper. The RN&Ris not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts. All letters received become the property of the publisher. We reserve the right to print letters in condensed form. Cover design: Hayley Doshay Feature story design: India Curry

THIS MODERN WORLD BY TOM TOMORROW

A newborn pariah

Nevada politicians are in high dudgeon as they frantically shed the financial contributions from Harvey Whittemore that they once accepted with alacrity.

Whittemore, a long-time lobbyist who moved into real estate development just in time to be clobbered by the foreclosure collapse that helped cause the recession, has given campaign money to U.S. Sens. Harry Reid and Dean Heller and innumerable other politicians.

Whittemore as a lobbyist always played hardball, often leaving bruised feelings. The way the scientific institute he and his wife founded went after a departed scientist with criminal charges instead of a civil lawsuit had his fingerprints all over it.

But Reid, Heller and company knew he was a tough guy when they took his campaign contributions. It’s not an indictable offense to play rough.

Whittemore is now being sued by some associates from his second career as a developer.

But Reid, Heller and company take money from businesspeople involved in lawsuits all the time. It’s not an indictable offense to be sued.

Whittemore is also being investigated by the U.S. Justice Department, but he has not been indicted or convicted of anything—or, indeed, accused of anything except by some unhappy litigants on the other end of the lawsuits and journalists too free with loaded language.

Harvey Whittemore can take care of himself, but there is a principle at stake here. Rich and powerful (or

formerly rich and powerful) people are not exceptions to the Bill of Rights. The politicians who are now treating Whittemore like a pariah are figures we expect to uphold the rule of law in the public performance of their duties. Harvey Whittemore, like each of us, is entitled to be regarded as innocent under the law until the law proves otherwise. How protective can we expect our leaders to be of our civil liberties if they are busily pre-judging someone they once embraced so enthusiastically? In disputes like this, politicians often suddenly start acting like innocent, virginal blushing brides when bad publicity puts them into awkward If they don’t protect positions. They start cherry-picking who they want to be Harvey Whittemore’s associated with in the public mind. In her first U.S. Senate rights, what chance is campaign, Hillary Clinton there that they will accepted contributions from Israeli supporters and returned protect ours? money from Arab supporters. Reid, Heller and company are responding to news stories that have accusatory tones and few facts, but they knew Whittemore’s methods of operation when they took his contributions. It would be nice if they responded with greater force to the rights of citizens not to be judged on the basis of rumor and untried lawsuits. If they treat a pal like Harvey Whittemore this way, what chance is there that they will oppose measures like the National Defense Authorization Act and the PATRIOTAct that endanger the civil liberties of all of us? Unfortunately, we already know the answer to that question. Ω

Will ‘they’ cure cancer?

Asked at Michael’s Deli, 628 S. Virginia St.

Bob Howell

Retiree Not in my lifetime. I hope they do. With the exception of breast cancer, there’s too much money in trying to cure it. You give people medicine. If they cured it, where’s all the bucks going to go?

Melanie Lubbe

Student Yes. I think I recently saw a new article on [progress]. I think there’s a good chance that they could.

Brian Smith

Retiree I think there’s cures out there right now that the medical establishment is just trying to protect itself by not revealing what the cures really are.

Aaron Neilson

Bartender I think there’s already a cure. The government’s hiding it from us.

Colleen Laidlaw

Retiree I hope so, so that so many people won’t die. I think everybody wants them to cure cancer.

Itʼ s happening in

SPRING KICKBALL LEAGUE

The City of Sparks brings a fresh new twist to the adult recreational sports scene by offering kickball. The popular program is geared for adults who want to socialize and be active without the competition required of a sport like softball or basketball. Teams of 10 players open to men and women ages 18+. 10 games, with doubleheaders, 6:30-9:30PM Mondays, 3/5 - 4/2, at the Golden Eagle Regional Park Sports Complex. $350/team. Register through 3/1, Alf Sorensen Community Center, 1400 Baring Blvd. (775) 353-2385 or sportsinfo@cityofsparks.us.

YOGA CLASSES

Six-week sessions taught by instructors from Yoga Loka studio. Yoga Basics: Introductory course covering principles, philosophy, movements, breathing and relaxation techniques of yoga. Tuesdays, 2/21- 3/27,5:30-6:45PM. Yoga Flow: All levels. Includes a fl owing sequence of postures and detailed instruction. Thursdays, 2/23 – 3/29, 5:30-6:45PM. Yoga mat, block and strap are required. $97/session for adults; $81/Sparks residents. Larry D. Johnson Community Center, 1200 12th Street (across from Sparks Library) (775) 353-7857 or e-mail recinfo@cityofsparks.us.

LADIES 80’S NIGHT

Hosted by DJ BG. Th, 6-11PM, Trader Dick’s Lounge. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

JAZZ

With First Take, featuring Rick Metz. Th, F, Sa 6PM. Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen, 1180 Scheels Dr. (775) 657-8659

WEEKEND JUMP-OFF PARTY

With DJ BG. F, Sa, 10PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

CELTIC HERITAGE EXHIBIT

The Sparks Heritage Museum has created a Celtic exhibit in their 900-square foot changing gallery displaying loaned items from the Northern Nevada Celtic community. M-Su through 4/30, $5 donation for reception. Sparks Heritage Museum, 814 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-1144

FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Featuring work by members of the Portrait Society of Reno. M-Su, 6AM-5PM through 3/27. Free. Jolt-N-Java Cafe & Coffee House, 5295 Vista Blvd. (775) 354-2121

THE VOICE VIEWING PARTY FOR WHITNEY MYER

Come cheer on local talent Whitney Myer on this season of NBC’s “The Voice”. Monday nights at 8PM, 8-9PM through 5/14.Great Basin Brewing Co., 846 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-7711

WINE & FOOD PAIRING

Enjoy a great evening of wine and great food featuring Husch Winery from the Anderson Valley CA. 2/23, 6PM. $17/ person. Limited Space. RSVP (775) 359-7547. O’Skis Pub & Grille, 840 Victorian Ave.

Follow me to Sparks - where it’s happening now!

ERIC ANDERSEN

Th, 2/23, 5:30PM, F, 2/24, 6PM and Sa, 2/25, 6PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

TYLER STAFFORD

Live Local Music. Th, 2/23, 6PM, no cover. Cantina Los Tres Hombres, 926 Victorian Ave. (775) 356-6262

JO MAMA

Th, 2/23, 8PM, F, 2/24, 9PM, Sa, 2/25, 9PM and Su, 2/26, 8PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

SHAKA

F, 2/24, 5:30PM, Sa, 2/25, 5:30PM, Su, 2/26, 5:30PM no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

COMPOSTING AT HOME

Presented by Master Composter Ron Shulman. Learn how to set-up easy compost systems in your home. Regular and vermaculture (worm farms) will be covered. Sa, 2/25, 10AM. Free. Rail City Garden Center, 1720 Brierley Way (775) 355-1551

BUILD AND BLING GOURD BIRDHOUSES

Presented by Gourd Guru Jack Fulton. Learn techniques for building gourd birdhouses and making them look fabulous for your feathered friends. Sa, 2/25, 1PM, $15 per gourd, includes all supplies. Rail City Garden Center, 1720 Brierley Way (775) 355-1551

DUST ON THE BOTTLE

Sa, 2/25, 8:30PM, no cover.Great Basin Brewing Co., 846 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-7711

DEE LUCAS

W, 2/29, 6PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

GARDENING WORKSHOP

Experience a workshop by Eliot Coleman, bestselling author, researcher and farmer. Learn about moveable greenhouses and using fabric covers, soil health, vegetable varieties that survive. Su, 2/12, 10:30AM-noon & 1:30-3PM, $50/session. Rail City Garden Center, 1720 Brierley Way, (775) 355-1551

ZUMBA FITNESS

Zumba is a way to burn calories that’s more like a dance party than an exercise routine. Tuesdays &Thursdays, 6:15-7:15PM. Designed for all levels, beginner to high fi tness. Bring workout shoes and water. $42 or $35/month for Sparks residents. Drop-in option, $6/class. Sparks Recreation Gym, 98 Richards Way.

KARAOKE

SPIRO’S F, 9PM, no cover. 1475 E. Prater Way (775) 356-6000 THE ROPER DANCEHALL & SALOON Country music dance lessons and karaoke, Th, 7:30PM, no cover. 670 Greenbrae Dr. (775) 742-0861

OPEN MIC

GREAT BASIN BREWING Open mic comedy. Th, 9PM, no cover, 846 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-7711

SEND US YOUR SPARKS EVENTS!

E-mail to: Sparks@newsreview.com

GET INVOLVED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY!

CITY OF SPARKS

Geno Martini - Mayor, Julia Ratti - Ward 1, Ed Lawson - Ward 2, Ron Smith - Ward 3, Mike Carrigan - Ward 4, Ron Schmitt - Ward 5, Shaun Carey - City Manager, Tracy Domingues - Parks & Recreation Director.

OTHER ELECTED OFFICIALS

Judge Barbara S. McCarthy - Dept. 1, Judge Jim Spoo - Dept. 2, Chet Adams - City Attorney. Mayor and Council members can be reached at 353-2311

SPARKS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

745 Fourth St., Sparks

CITY OF SPARKS WEBSITES:

www.cityofsparks.com www.sparksrec.com www.sparksitshappeninghere.com

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

1420 Scheels Drive, Ste. 108

(next to Forever 21, Legends at Sparks Marina) 775-358-1976 www.thechambernv.org

THIS SECTION AND ITS CONTENTS ARE NOT FUNDED BY OR CREATED BY THE CITY OF SPARKS