Letters

Brian and the bandits

Welcome to this week’s Reno News & Review.

If you had any doubt as to my relative sanity, wonder no more. My girlfriend and I are heading out on a roadtrip at the height of summer to the Midwest with two dogs and a 15-yearold.

Needless to say, this is the week a bunch of my vegetables are going to start coming ripe. Also needless to say, I’ve got a friend who is willing to check on the ripening vegetables and the cat, who has elected not to go on a roadtrip through the Midwest at the height of summer with two adult humans, a 15-year-old (likely to be the most mature person on this trip), and two dogs—neither of which is old enough to drive.

We are specifically not setting a stick-to-it itinerary. I mean, most of our family members know within a few days of when we’ll arrive, but we’re taking literally that old quote attributed to Robert Frost: Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in.

So anyway, I’ll leave stuff in the capable hands of my coworkers Brad Bynum, Ashley Hennefer and Dennis Myers. I’m sure they’ll be able to work it all out. And, you know, I have a cell phone.

This is one of those time vortex type editor’s notes. Unless something untoward happens, I should actually be turning toward home when this publishes. A lot depends on the actions of at least one wild raccoon whose fate I must help decide in the days before I leave.

I’ll bet we’re not the first people to have new problems with raccoons this summer. Reno has a bumper crop of fruit, the likes of which I’ve never seen. And with the drought out in the hills, backyard windfall is ripe for the picking. And you know, a lot of little dogs don’t know any better than to go after a trio of those little bandits. Anyway, if I get rabies, I’ll probably be a lot less fun to travel with.

—D. Brian Burghart brianb@newsreview.com

Reid vs. Romney

Nevada’s albatross, Sen. Harry Reid—once again, the senator has validated his incompetence, using the Senate floor to discuss a rumor about the taxes of Mitt Romney. In the private sector that is “theft of time” and no different than the theft of the company’s assets. This makes the senator a common criminal. In the private sector, a leader who does not lead should no longer serve. The senator represents every every American and should have utilized this time to bring bills to an up-or-down vote, thus moving the country forward.

The word is out that tourists are avoiding Nevada based on the conduct of Sen. Reid. Shame, shame on Sen. Reid. The real shame is that our military is making the supreme sacrifice to protect our way of life and we are subjected to the whining and lack of leadership of our elected politicians. They have no idea of the pain and emotional roblems they have created by not doing their jobs. Dwayne Evanson Nampa, Idaho

Portrait of Romney

Mitt Romney is better than you are. Have you noticed? He was born into a family of wealth and luxury and that is his lifestyle. He has friends who are millionaires and billionaires. And not only that, he is going to be the next president of the United States. He exudes supreme confidence because he has it all. And he has your vote, of course. Brad MacKenzie Reno

17 days

What is this magic we find gracing our TVairwaves as of late? Ah, yes, it’s the 2012 Summer Olympics! A brief period in time that fills our hearts with a wondrous blend of agony, ecstasy and exhilarating pride. Atime that allows us to live quite vicariously through the splendid athletes who are giving us their all. Patriotism abounds, and the much needed diversion is so appreciated!

For just over two weeks, we can somehow put aside the politician’s empty promises, the worldwide recession, the wars in far away lands, terrorism, prejudice, hatred, and on, and on, and on. And so it goes. All the nations on this frail planet manage to come together in harmony, solidarity and celebration for a mere seventeen days. But then, and all too quickly, it ends. The universal camaraderie we just shared is gone. The purity of the Olympic games that drew us together as one world is forgotten. Back to the negativity we have come to know, and regrettably accept. But I’m asking you now. Haven’t we just learned something? And if not, why not!?

Mark Murray Reno

Are you there, Mike?

Re “Are You There God? It’s Me, Jake.” (Feature, June 28):

All of the letters to the editor discussing this piece, as well as discussions I have had with people from a variety of beliefs, lead me to one unshakable conclusion: No two perceptions of God are alike. Therefore, God is what each of us perceives Him to be. So to Jake and all of the letter writers, I agree with each of you wholeheartedly. God is everything you believe Him to be. You’re welcome.

Mike Bohling by email

Locals only, please

Re “Best of Northern Nevada” (Aug. 9, 2012):

This email is regarding Kerry Sutherland of K. Sutherland PR winning best public relations professional in Reno and K. Sutherland PR winning second best public relations agency. I know these awards are based solely on votes but I would assume that a requirement be that you are actually based in Reno. Kerry Sutherland lives in Huntington Beach and claims to have a Reno office which is really a friend’s executive suite. Based on a comprehensive search with the city of Reno we can find no evidence of her having a Reno business license. She also has had no Reno employees until yesterday when she hired her first, well after your voting period. All of the income she earns from the two clients she has in Reno goes to the State of California.

I’m sure like others, she encouraged everyone she knows to vote for her, which is how she won, but I think it is offensive and unfair to actual local agencies. I am not complaining at all that our agency was not named as we did not at all try to solicit votes. I am merely letting you know that she is not in Reno, and I would encourage you to disqualify her and name your second place winner, Abbi Whitaker, best public relations professional as she is local, has employees, and does very good work, including a lot of charitable work with local non-profits. I also encourage you to disqualify K. Sutherland PR as second place agency as there is no actual agency here in Reno.

I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your response.

Tierra Bonaldi Impetus Agency Reno Editor’s note: Ms. Sutherland heard about this letter from another “Best of” winner in advance of its publication and contacted us to say she lived in Reno from age one until June 2011, that she still has an office in Reno—one office in a three-office suite—and that there is a full-time employee in that office. K. Sutherland PR is registered with the Nevada secretary of state’s corporate registration division.

Youth drug

Re “Highway to health care” (Notes from the Neon Babylon, July 5, 2012):

When we moved to Nevada in 1979 we became vaguely aware of a dust-up over “Gerovital.” “Wasn’t that the sponsor of a TVquiz show back in the ’50s?” thought I then, but no. Whatever the controversy was about, Nevada seemed to be a central battleground for the issue somehow. However, it was fading from the headlines by that time.

Some 20-plus years later we were watching an episode of “Celebrity Ghost Story” which contained a segment featuring Eric Roberts. He described how he survived a devastating jeep accident just as he was starting his acting career. Extensive injuries included his brain and power of speech. He described an older couple visiting him in his hospital room and telling him of a certain medicine which, though “illegal,” was available at any pharmacy— behind the counter. Roberts credits the medicine with allowing him to come back, resume his career and active life. The medicine was Gerovital or GH3.

I recalled Eric Roberts’story just recently after hearing of a young friend stricken suddenly with a stroke. I thought of my dad’s deepening depressive symptoms. Others. I revisited the Gerovital story. It is not illegal, but it has been suppressed. The story is quite fascinating. Alarge California-based health insurance company supports treatments available just over the border with Mexico, but suppressed within the land of the “free.”

Michael O’Neal Reno

Editor’s note: While Gerovital (procaine hydrochloride) is technically legal in Nevada, it is barred from interstate commerce and it is illegal to import it.

Corrections

Re: “Moving Pictures” (Arts & Culture, Aug. 2):

We misidentified Cyclectric cofounder Skye Telka as Skye Laskin. We regret the error and apologize for any confusion.

Re: “Tattoo you the best” (Arts & Culture, Aug. 2):

The address listed for Classic Skate Shop, which won “Best skateboard shop,” was incorrect. The correct address is 119 Thoma St.

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/Publisher D. Brian Burghart News Editor Dennis Myers Arts Editor Brad Bynum Special Projects Editor Ashley Hennefer Calendar Editor Kelley Lang Contributors Amy Alkon, Amy Beck, Megan Berner, Matthew Craggs, Mark Dunagan, Marvin Gonzalez, Bob Grimm, Michael Grimm, Dave Preston, 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, Matt Odegard, Bev Savage Senior Classified Advertising Consultant Olla Ubay Office/Distribution Manager/ Ad Coordinator Karen Brooke Business Manager Grant Ronsenquist 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, Russell Moore General Manager/Publisher John D. Murphy President/CEO Jeff vonKaenel Chief Operations Officer Deborah Redmond Human Resource Manager Tanja Poley 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: Priscilla Garcia Feature story design: Priscilla Garcia

THIS MODERN WORLD BY TOM TOMORROW

Stop the journalism boosterism

Last month a Truckee physician, John Eisele Jr., wrote an essay for the Sierra Sun in which he laid out some of the problems residents of this area will face if there is another Olympics here.

It was not surprising that he needed to turn to a “My Turn” essay to get his concerns out there. Reporters, at least in Reno, will not cover them.

Alook at coverage of the business community’s drive to bring the 2022 Olympics here over the last year or two will provide a display of boosterism, chamber-of-commerce verbiage, and complete lack of searching inquiry.

There’s a 2010 Sparks Tribune story by Jessica Carner that quotes two boosters of the idea and no critics. Even a Trib story about a Regional Transportation Commission meeting with Olympic boosters never touches on the traffic problems associated with an Olympics.

On television, there has been story after story that all seem to have been written by the Reno-Tahoe Winter Games Coalition instead of by reporters—all pro, no con.

In the Reno Gazette-Journal, we have seen article after article by Dan Hinxman written in upbeat style on the benefits of having an Olympics in this area. If there have been interviews with critics of the notion, it has escaped us. They certainly have not appeared in every story where boosters are represented.

The environmental hazards, the implications for taxes and public funding, the impact on traffic and other quality of life indices have been mostly ignored. So have the people who want to voice those concerns. It’s not as though they don’t exist, but that’s the danger—reporters get so heavily into boosterism they begin believing that everyone feels the same way. Not everyone does—there are many, many critics in this valley of a new Olympics.

As journalists, it is not our job to be boosters for the concerns of special interests in the community. But that’s what has happened in nearly all coverage of the possibility of a new Olympics here. Most news “reports” could have been published by boosters as promotional material with few words changed.

Our job is to scrutinize the claims by those on both sides, or any side, to subject their rosy scenarios or pessimistic predictions to analysis. Most of all, we need to make sure we give everyone their say.

Now, with 2022 a no-go, local businesspeople want to try for 2024.

Eisele wrote, “[I]t is impossible to minimize or mitigate the deleterious impact of more people, more buildings (and their infrastructure), more vehicles (particularly buses) and roads, and their consequence of more lake pollution and damage to the fragile Tahoe basin landscape. ... Try to think of what Lake Tahoe and its landscape might look like in 2030 as the price to pay for one more Winter Olympics—bringing an estimated 1 million visitors, many from places historically less concerned about the environment than we citizens of the Tahoe region.”

Why hasn’t his view, which represents a number of people, been reflected in every story done in Reno on this topic?

In 1988, Reno businesspeople launched a push for the 2002 winter games. They were given their say in the news coverage of the period, but there was also fair coverage of critics of the idea, which helped bring into public view just how deeply the business group wanted to dip into tax dollars. What has happened to local journalism in the ensuing quarter-century? Ω

How are you handling the heat?

Asked at Hot August Nights in Sparks

Doug Smith

Custom metalworker Not good. It’s hot! Hotter than I’ve seen it here in a long time. We’re from Sacramento—Loomis, actually. We’re getting by.

Janet Wagner

Retiree All right, I guess. We drove here in this 1939 Chevy. We have a time share here—air conditioned.

Matthew Marquez

Police officer I’m trying to stay hydrated, but it’s tough. Yes, we do have to wear these dark clothes. That’s not the bad part, either. It’s the Kevlar that really hurts.

Gail Hansen

Legal secretary Well, I’m from Washington State, so I’m liking it. I like it. It’s warm in Washington. It’s been in the 80s, but it’ll be hot for a few days and then we always get rain there. It’s drier heat here.

Penelope Guzman

Restaurant server Barely. I’ve been going to Lake Tahoe a lot. I don’t know. I’m not handling it.

Itʼ s happening in !

WHOLE FOODS SPARKS FARMERS' MARKET MARKET

Presented by Shirley’s Farmers’ Markets, the 20th annual farmers’ market offers a family-friendly annual farmers’ market offers a family-friendly atmosphere and farmer-focused event. atmosphere and farmer-focused event. Thursdays, 3-8PM, 8/16 & 8/23. Free. Victorian Thursdays, 3-8PM, 8/16 & 8/23. Free. Victorian Square Plaza, Victorian Ave. Square Plaza, Victorian Ave. 8/18, 6PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave.(775) 356-3300 8PM and Su, 8/19, 7PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300 Brewing Co., 846 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-7711 5:30PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300 846 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-7711 Nightclub, 1237 Baring Blvd. (775) 355-1030 Ave. (775) 356-9799 Baring Blvd. (775) 355-1030

ROSENDO

Th, 8/16, 5:30PM, F, 8/17, 6PM and Sa, 8/18, 6PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s

Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave.(775) 356-3300

JOHN DAWSON BAND

Th, 8/16, 7PM, F, 8/17, 8PM, Sa, 8/18, 8PM and Su, 8/19, 7PM, no cover. John

Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

BLUES MONSTERS

Th, 8/16, 7PM, no cover. Great Basin Brewing Co., 846 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-7711

SHAKA

F, 8/17, 5:30PM, Sa, 8/18, 5:30PM and Su, 8/19, 5:30PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100

Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

JEFF ROWAN

F, 8/17, 8PM, no cover. Great Basin Brewing Co., 846 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-7711

RENEGADE

F, 8/17, 9:30PM, no cover. Sidelines Bar & Nightclub, 1237 Baring Blvd. (775) 355-1030

HIRED GUNNZ

Sa, 8/18, 8PM, no cover. Elbow Room Bar, 2002 Victorian Ave. (775) 356-9799

WICKED HICKS

Sa, 8/18, 9:30PM, no cover. Sidelines Bar & Nightclub, 1237 Baring Blvd. (775) 355-1030

SCHEELS KIDS KLUB: PAINTBALL 101

What equipment is needed to get started in paintball? Let’s shoot at a target and see what it’s like to be a paintballer! M, 8/20, 6PM. Free. Scheels, 1200 Scheels Dr. (775) 331-2700

SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION

Improvisational music. M, 8:30PM, no cover. Sidelines Bar & Nightclub, 1237 Baring Blvd. (775) 355-1030

MICHAEL GARVIN

W, 8/22, 6PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave.(775) 356-3300

LAZY 5 SUMMER MUSIC SERIES: 2-PLUS

The band performs a mix of pop and jazz standards as part of the summer concert series. W, 8/22, 6:30PM. Free. Lazy 5 Regional Park, 7100 Pyramid Lake Highway, Spanish Springs (775) 424-1801

CAR CRUISE NIGHTS

Every Thursday, bring your classic cars to show. Great food and a DJ for music. Summer fun and prizes. Thursdays, 5PM, Free. Grumpy’s Sports Bar & Grill, 2240 Oddie Blvd. (775) 358-2316

SCHEELS BIKING CLUB

Moderate to strong riders are encouraged to participate. Rides will vary from 20-30 miles. Participants will need to sign a liability form when they attend. Th, 5:45PM through 9/27. Free. Scheels, 1200 Scheels Dr. (775) 331-2700

MUSIC AT THE MARINA

Sing for fun or compete for prizes,depending on the number of contestants, with DJ John Graham. Th, 9PM and F, 9PM. No cover. Anchors Bar & Grill, 325 Harbour Cove Dr. (775) 356-6888

JAZZ

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

WATER PARK

The popular water play park will be open W-Su, 10AM-5PM through 8/26. $3; free for seniors (61 and older) and children under 3. Melio Gaspari Water Play Park at Lazy 5 Regional Park, 7100 Pyramid Lake Hwy. (775) 424-1801

SUMMER SWIM SEASON!

The City of Sparks summer swim season is underway, with designated swim areas open at the Sparks Marina Park and the outdoor pool at Deer Park (Oppio Park pool is closed). The 2012 outdoor swim schedule is: Sparks Marina Park: Recreational swimming in designated swim area/north beach only (weather permitting), 12PM-4PM, 6/9 - 8/19, 8/25-26, 11AM-6PM 7/4 and 9/1-3. Free. Deer Park Pool (1700 Prater Way): Recreational swimming in the heated, zero-entry pool from 12PM-4PM through 8/19, 8/25-26 and 9/1-3. Under 18/$3.50,18-54 yrs./$6, 55+/$4, Family (up to 6 members)/$15. An “Almost Free Friday™“promotion takes place throughout the summer offering all ages a reduced rate of $1 per person to swim on Fridays. Swim lessons will be conducted at Deer Park pool, pre-registration required. Call 353-2385 or go to www.sparksrec.com

BEADS AND BOOKS!

Learn basic beading techniques with volunteer beading expert, Jamie, and work on projects with other beaders. First Su of every month, 1-3PM, free. Spanish Springs Library, 7100A Pyramid Lake Highway, Spanish Springs (775) 424-1800

KARAOKE

STEVE STARR KARAOKE

M, 8PM. No cover. Grumpy’s Sports Bar & Grill, 2240 Oddie Blvd. (775) 358-2316 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

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

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.

Mayor and Council members can be reached at 353-2311 or Sparks City Council Chambers, 745 Fourth St.

WEB RESOURCES:

www.cityofsparks.com www.sparksrec.com www.thechambernv.org www.sparksitshappeninghere.com

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