Letters

Wheels within wheels

Welcome to this week’s Reno News & Review.

I’ve probably written a dozen times about standing here at my desk on Friday afternoon, waiting to go have a glass or 10 of red with Georgette on St. James Infirmary’s deck.

But the semester started, and running a newspaper, doing two master’s degrees, teaching a class, working on my national project, and keeping the kid out of jail is too much work to have much of a nightlife. Or weekends for that matter.

No, today I can’t wait to get out of here because my new car is waiting for me. I just have to go sign the papers and drive the thing home. It’s a blue 2013 Nissan Leaf, an electric car. I think I’ve mentioned my holistic plan to foster my personal green economy, and this is the first step, although I also signed papers and wrote a check out for my new solar modules today, too. That was like 7,000 bucks to get the work started.

But, I’m sure you guys know an electric car in the hand is worth a solar power system in the bush any day of the week. I just know it’s going to have that new car smell, which I should point out smells exactly like skunky marijuana to me.

Wait until you hear the whole story about this car lease. I’m just one of those people weird things happen to. It’s just the way things are. In fact, the Nissan Leaf hit a U.S. sales record in August, 2,420 of them sold for 253.3 percent increase over last year, and I’ll bet mine was the only one that got sold to someone else after I purchased it but before I picked it up.

But hey, shit happens, and the guys at Nissan were kind enough to throw in a charging package, a back-up camera and satelite radio. I was more than satisfied with the make-good, but things got tense for a second there. If you’ve ever told me I can’t have something you’ve promised me, you can probably imagine what that initial phone call sounded like.

So, you know the sacrifice I’m making to still be standing here at 4:55 p.m. on Friday afternoon, when the only thing standing between me and the door is the final 20 words on this column. —D. Brian Burghart brianb@newsreview.com

The bird is sleeping

Re “We’re doing it again?” (Editorial, Sept. 5):

A bit better known is your lies about Pahlavi king. Who are you calling fascist? Reza Pahlavi? You are obviously an ignorant bastard who has slept with his mother! Terry Kenward London, England

Damned if they don’t

Re “We’re doing it again?” (Editorial, Sept. 5):

First, I want to say that I am opposed to the U.S. going into Syria at this time. I want to address the resistance of attacking Syria I am seeing from many Republicans. Many of them are opposed to President Obama launching a limited strike to deter the Syrian army from another chemical attack on the Syrian people. I am wondering if this goes against the Republicans’ own self-interest? Syria has a weapon of mass destruction. They have the ability to deploy the weapon. They have proven their willingness to use the weapon. They have the means to strike Israel but not the U.S.

Yet the Republicans say we shouldn’t intervene because we are not the policeman to the world. For years the Republicans have been asking the U.S. and the rest of the world to take out the ability of Iran to develop nuclear weapons. They say if Iran has nukes they could threaten their neighbors, Israel and the U.S. By intervening in Iran this makes the U.S. the policeman to the world. Where is the consistency in the decision making process? Are the Republicans voting against President Obama just to vote against him? And if they succeed in efforts to keep the president from a limited strike against Syria, what will be their argument for a limited strike against Iran? Two countries in the Middle East. Neither are truly an ally nor are they truly an enemy. One is known to have WMDs, the other is in the process of acquiring WMDs. Attack one country for what they might have and could do and not the other country for what they do have and have already done. Dewey Quong Reno

Murder, we wrote

Re “Lost & Found” (Feature story, Sept. 5):

Bill Germino did not murder Daniel Yuhasz. He beat him severely and left him for dead, but Yuhasz survived and lived, crippled, for several years. Robert Elston Silver City Editor’s note: Thank you, Robert, you are absolutely correct. He was convicted of second degree attempted murder. The online version of the story has been changed to reflect this.

Will work for school

Re “Gotta get that CD” (Upfront, Sept. 5):

I attended the University of Nevada (No “R”) on a Dick Graves (now John Ascuaga) “Scholarship.” He gave me a job working 48 hours a week with time to study during the slack time on the graveyard shift. He paid pretty well, too. I was married. My wife and I had a child. I was buying a house and going to school 20 hours a week. That is a commitment even greater than a 178-word oath. And I graduated without any student debt. (The “Yew young whippersnappers” though not stated may be inferred.) Larry L. Wissbeck Paonia, Colo.

CATO lies

Re “Dueling Statistics” (Upfront, Sept. 5): The CATO analysis is basically a fraud. It factors in every single benefit on the books, including some which most poor people will never have access to such as housing vouchers for which there is usually a four- to fiveyear waiting list. According to their own data only 14 percent of Nevada families receive housing assistance. WIC is a program that offers around $70 in vouchers for milk, cheese and baby formula. WIC eligibility is limited to pregnant mothers or those with children under 5.

Utility assistance is not really relevant to a family who lives in a weekly hotel or in their car, which is probably the only option with the maximum cash grant in Nevada for a family of three of $383. CATO also includes federal emergency food assistance which is not direct assistance, but rather a program that provides limited USDA foods to food banks and charities for distribution to the poor and homeless.

If you are curious as to why CATO would intentionally manipulate statistics, you need to look at a few of their white papers. Their solution for the “welfare problem” is: “The ultimate reform goal, however, should be to eliminate the entire system of lowincome welfare for individuals ... (they) would have to rely on the support of family, church, community, or private charity.” And their solution to finding jobs for these welfare slackers is to eliminate minimum wage: “Minimum wages particularly stifle job opportunities for low-skill workers, youth, and minorities, which are the groups that policymakers are often trying to help with these policies.” If you are really mean spirited and agree with CATO, then I suggest you consider the implications of the decreases in the wages of all workers which would occur if you eliminated welfare and minimum wage and had millions of people fighting over jobs that might end up paying a fraction of minimum wage. Lynne Black Reno

Genes aren’t fate

Re “What are you made of?” (Feature story, Aug. 22):

I am a retired mother of three. Forty years ago, after ongoing bouts of tonsillitis (it’s in my genes), my doctor wanted to remove my tonsils. I did not have it done. Thirty-three years ago, my OB/GYN wanted me to have a hysterectomy (it’s in my genes). I did not have it done. Twenty years ago, I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in my lower back (it’s in my genes), and the doctor wanted me to take prescription drugs. I did not do so. Six years ago, my OB/GYN wanted to admit me to a local hospital for a breast biopsy and possible mastectomy (it’s in my genes). I did not have it done, and I now breast check with thermograms rather than mammograms.

My mother died from high blood pressure, so it’s in my genes, but mine is healthy. I researched each condition, addressed each one with behavior changes, healthier food choices, distilled water, natural herbal supplements and exercise. My annual health checks and blood work are proof positive that I no longer suffer these conditions. I have taken an extra step in research and studies and am now a certified master herbalist pushing 70. If I can do it, anybody can do it, including Angelina Jolie. I am not world famous, so it may not matter much, but it’s the truth. Oh, and my father had heart trouble, and I was diagnosed with a heart murmur at age 19, so it’s in my genes, but my doc is amazed at how healthy my heart is. I love Angelina, but her decisions are sure not going to make me do anything radical to my body. I pray her decision does not promote a new trend.

Anne Huber Reno

If you build it

Re “Nevada should accept nuclear waste” (The Liberty Belle, Aug. 29):

Thank you for a well-stated endorsement for responsible management of spent nuclear fuels. Yucca Mountain has been studied and overstudied to serve this purpose for many decades, and many millions (billions, probably) of dollars have been spent to demonstrate that long-term (permanent, basically) storage of such waste at Yucca Mountain is a reasonable and safe proposition. As you say, nuke waste disposal is a necessary component for our nuclear energy policy. Nuclear power—both uraniumbased as it is now, plus thorium-based liquid fluoride thorium reactors, which are very promising—offers an economically-viable alternative to power generation from carbon fuels. Bob Roe Oklahoma City

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 Calendar Editor Kelley Lang Editorial Intern Sage Leehey Contributors Amy Alkon, Chanelle Bessette, Megan Berner, Mark Dunagan, Bob Grimm, Ashley Hennefer, Sheila Leslie, Dave Preston, Jessica Santina, K.J. Sullivan, Kris Vagner, Bruce Van Dyke, Allison Young Creative Director Priscilla Garcia Art Director Hayley Doshay Design Brian Breneman, Vivian Liu, Serene Lusano, Marianne Mancina, Skyler Smith Advertising Consultants Meg Brown, Gina Odegard, Bev Savage Senior 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, John Miller, Jesse Pike, David Richards, Martin Troye, Warren Tucker, Matthew Veach, Sam White General Manager/Publisher John D. Murphy President/CEO Jeff vonKaenel Chief Operations Officer Deborah Redmond Human Resource Manager Tanja Poley Business Manager Grant Ronsenquist Business Nicole Jackson, Tami Sandoval 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&R are 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&R is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts. All letters received become the property of the publisher. We reserve the right to print letters in condensed form.

It’ s happening in

EVENTS

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION HEART & STROKE WALK AND 5K RUN

Celebrates those who have made lifestyle changes and encourages many more to take the pledge to live healthier lifestyles while raising awareness for heart disease and stroke. Su, 9/22, 9AM-noon, $35 for run registration. Presented by Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center. www. nevadaheartwalk.com

GREAT BASIN LOCAL NEVADA FARMERS MARKET

Great Basin Brewing Company in Sparks is celebrating Nevada’s late-season harvests with a NevadaGrown farmers market that will feature local farms, ranches, food purveyors and... Th, 3:30-7:30PM through 9/26. Free. Great Basin Brewing Co., 846 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-7711

INTO THE LIGHT TOUR

Do not miss this amazing night of worship. Tickets available at Sparks Christian Fellowship, His Word, The Manger, itickets.com and Connected Music Ministries. Su, 9/29, 6:30PM, $20 for general admission; $25 at door; $30 for VIP. Sparks Christian Fellowship, 510 Greenbrae Dr. (775) 331-2303

HARVEST FESTIVAL

Our 3rd Annual Harvest Festival and Artisan Fair. Come see the harvest of our local farmers and gardeners, enjoy great food, fun and activities. Sa, 9/28, 10AM-5PM and Su, 9/29, 10AM-5PM. Free. Rail City Garden Center, 1720 Brierley Way (775) 355-1551

MOVIE PREMIERE: FREE AS A BIRD

Kick off the fall wildlife season with a free, family-friendly short movie! The area’s best wildlife shows are about to start! Th, 9/12, 6PM. Free. Sparks Heritage Museum, 814 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-1144

ACTIVITIES

SCHEELS RUNNING CLUB

Run with expert pacers and enjoy running in a group as we join the Reno Running & Fitness Tuesday night group runs. Tu, 6:30PM through 11/26. Free. Scheels, 1200 Scheels Dr. (775) 331-2700

SCHEELS BIKING CLUB

Join Scheels cyclists to do some road biking around the city of Sparks. Moderate to strong riders are encouraged to participate. Th, 5:45PM through 9/26. Free. Scheels, 1200 Scheels Dr. (775) 331-2700

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

PERFORMANCE AND MUSIC

DUO BRASILEIRO

Spend a well deserved evening out and relax in the beautiful atmosphere of the Orozko Lounge. There is no cover charge and parking is free. Th, 9/12, 5:30PM, F, 9/13, 6PM and Sa, 9/14, 6PM. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

ERIKA PAUL SINGS

Enjoy Louisiana-style food and the soulful, breathtaking jazz sounds of Erika Paul on keyboards and vocals. No cover. Th, 6PM. Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen, 1180 Scheels Dr., Sparks, NV 89441 / (775) 657-8659

STEW STEWART BAND

Join the fun at the John Ascuaga’s Nugget in the Casino Cabaret for weekly live entertainment. Th, 9/12, 7PM, F, 9/13, 4 & 8PM, Sa, 9/14, 4PM and Su, 9/15, 7PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

ERIC ANDERSEN

Enjoy an evening with great food and lively music at Trader Dick’s restaurant in the John Ascuaga’s Nugget. F, 9/13, 6PM, Sa, 9/14, 6PM and Su, 9/15, 6PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

RICCI MARTIN: A SON REMEMBERS

Ricci Martin is the son of Dean Martin and he is presenting this charming tribute to his father. F, 9/13, 8PM and Sa, 9/14, 8PM, $20. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

HEAVEN’S BASEMENT AND NOTHING MORE

F, 9/13, 8PM, no cover. Sidelines Bar & Nightclub, 1237 Baring Blvd. (775) 355-1030

BASTERD SAINTS

Sa, 9/14, 9PM, no cover. Sidelines Bar & Nightclub, 1237 Baring Blvd. (775) 355-1030

CRYSTAL IMAGE

Join the fun at the John Ascuaga’s Nugget in the Casino Cabaret for weekly live entertainment. Su, 9/15, 7PM, M, 9/16, 4 & 8PM, Tu, 9/17, 4PM and W, 9/18, 7PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

LIN ROUNTREE

W, 9/18, 6PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

COLIN ROSS

Spend a well deserved evening out and relax in the beautiful atmosphere of the Orozko Lounge. Th, 9/19, 5:30PM, F, 9/20, 6PM and Sa, 9/21, 6PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

JOHN DAWSON BAND

Th, 9/19, 7PM, F, 9/20, 4 & 8PM, Sa, 9/21, 4PM and Su, 9/22, 7PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

THOM AND THE TIKIS

Enjoy an evening with great food and lively music at Trader Dick’s restaurant in the John Ascuaga’s Nugget. F, 9/20, 6PM, Sa, 9/21, 6PM and Su, 9/22, 6PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

STREET VIBRATIONS WITH GROOVE CITY

Enjoy some live music after checking out the amazing bikes during the Street Vibrations Fall Rally. Th, 9/26, 9PM, F, 9/27, 9PM, Sa, 9/28, 4PM and Su, 9/29, 9PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

KYLE WILLIAMS

Enjoy an evening with great food and lively music at Trader Dick’s restaurant in the John Ascuaga’s Nugget. F, 9/27, 6PM, Sa, 9/28, 6PM and Su, 9/29, 6PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

ERIKA PAUL SINGS

Enjoy Louisiana-style food and the soulful, breathtaking jazz sounds of Erika Paul on keyboards and vocals. No cover. Th, 6PM. Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen, 1180 Scheels Dr., Sparks, NV 89441 / (775) 657-8659

LIVE MONDAYS WITH TANY JANE

Open Mic Night every Mon night at 8PM, hosted by Tany Jane. M, 8PM through 9/30, no cover. Sidelines Bar & Nightclub, 1237 Baring Blvd. (775) 355-1030

BLACK AND BLUES JAM

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

COUNTRY AT THE CABARET

The Casino Cabaret comes alive with the best in country music and dancing for “Country at the Cabaret” featuring DJ Jamie G. W, 7PM and Sa, 9PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave.(775) 356-3300

LIVE JAZZ

Vocal and instrumental jazz from “The Great American Songbook”, performed by First Take featuring Rick (SAX) Metz. Fridays, 6PM through 12/27, no cover. Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen, 1180 Scheels Dr., Sparks, NV 89441 (775) 657-8659

LADIES 80S WITH DJ LARRY WILLIAMS

Ladies ’ with DJ Larry Williams, every Thursday! Th, 7PM through 10/4, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

COLORLESS BLUE

Colorless Blue performs live jazz for your dining pleasure. Su, 1PM through 12/2, no cover. Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen, 1180 Scheels Dr. (775) 657-8659

OPEN MIC

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

THis secTion is pRoViDeD as a pUBlic seRVice BY THe Reno neWs & ReVieW anD is noT FUnDeD oR aFFiliaTeD WiTH THe ciTY oF spaRKs

THIs ModeRn WoRld by tom tomorrow

Asked in downtown Reno

Michael Renschler

Retiree If someone uses poison gas. Your freedom. Having a good time, which I guess comes down to freedom.

Sierra Parsons

Hotel desk clerk I’d fight against gun control because in our amendment, the government cannot take that away and so far they’re doing exactly that. We need our right to bear arms. We need our safety in our homes.

Reform schools structure Is there something you would fight for?

At a meeting last year, a business consultant said, “There’s a belief there’s not a great education system” in Nevada.

Gov. Brian Sandoval bristled and responded, “I could point to anyone in the room, and they’d say that Nevada is not inferior to anywhere else.”

The fact that he was unwilling to listen to unpleasant information spoke volumes about this governor’s many failings.

His puny economic development program has Nevada falling further and further behind other small Western states. His failure to raise money for a damaged higher education system left Nevada unable to compete in economic development with those other states.

His lack of involvement in the legislative process meant that he, like his predecessor, relied on vetoes instead of working with legislators, and he caused an unnecessary special session of the Legislature.

His partisan veto of a legislative redistricting plan put an out-of-control judge in charge of the matter.

His lack of leadership on the patient-dumping scandal meant that when Nevadans looked to their governor, he was nowhere to be seen.

Now, having failed other portions of the Nevada community, he is screwing up primary and secondary education. Nevada does not have a great education system.

The governor has a weakness for empire building. Nevada had an economic development program that operated independently and reflected all viewpoints. Then Sandoval proposed, and the Legislature approved, a new system under the governor’s thumb. It serves the purpose of showcasing him for publicity purposes, but it did nothing to strengthen the state’s economic development efforts.

That same kind of empire building was reflected when Sandoval called on the Legislature to allow him to appoint the state superintendent of schools, previously appointed by the Nevada Board of Education. Then, for good measure, he also asked that he appoint the members of the Board of Education.

Given the power to appoint the superintendent, Sandoval chose James Guthrie, who spoke unpopular truths that the public and governor badly needed to hear—that the inadequate Clark County schools drag down the state performance average, for instance. But Sandoval is not the kind of executive who appoints his man and then stands behind him. When Guthrie resigned, the governor set out to get himself a hand puppet instead of a servant of the public.

The governor appointed an old crony and childhood friend who can be counted on to be Sandoval Jr. Dale Erquiaga is a former deputy secretary of state of Nevada and head of the state culture agency. He’s been a job jumper for years, seldom staying in one place for long, even as a staffer in Sandoval’s office. His experience in education is as meager as the governor’s commitment to it.

This is not the way education should be handled. Members of the Washoe County legislative delegation should begin preparing now to reverse the decision to make the superintendent and school board members political appointees. It has been a fiasco, like much of the Sandoval administration.

In fact, while they are at it, they should return Nevada not just to electing its school board but electing its superintendent, too, which it did for most of state history. Then the superintendent can speak candidly to the public without fear of being forced out. And if there is one thing residents are qualified to vote on, it is education. Ω Ann Orchutt

Retiree Freedom, of course, in the U.S. If you don’t have freedom there’s nothing else. But I define what it is.

Randy Brophy

IT consultant Freedom and love because I think those are two great values. I don’t like to use the word fight. Strive, maybe. Problem is, the government often gets to define these things for the benefit, in quotes, of the people.

Nicholas Eylnn

Retiree Look where you’re at, in Syria, and all these crazy places. Look at all these people out here. None of them have homes. I think we’ve outgrown the present situation.