May 28, 2015

Letters ........................... 3 opinion/Streetalk ........... 5 Sheila Leslie ................... 6 Brendan Trainor............. 7 news ............................. 8 green .......................... 10 Feature ......................... 11 Arts&Culture ............... 14 Art of the State ............ 16

Foodfinds ..................... 17 Film.............................. 18 Musicbeat .................... 19 nightclubs/Casinos ....... 21 This Week ................... 24 Advice goddess ...........25 Free Will Astrology .......26 15 Minutes ....................27 Bruce van Dyke ...........27

Time for ShenaniganS See Let Freedom Ring, page 7.

Republican legislatuRe gives new meaning to ‘fiscal Responsibility’ See News, page 8.

Living on The edge See Arts&Culture, page 14.

H I L L A R Y S C H I E V E D E F I E S E X P E C TAT I O N S

SHE’S THE M AY O R

Buy diSney

adverTiSing!

See Film, page 18.

RENo’s NEws & ENtERtaiNmENt wEEkly

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Send letters to renoletters@newsreview.com

Biggest Little Best of Northern Nevada Welcome to this week’s Reno News & Review.

Can anyone guess what time it is? It’s Biggest Little Best of Northern Nevada time again!

Yippee!

I told you last year we were going to add some cool new features to enable participation ease and disable ballot-box stuffing, and here they are. https://vote.newsreview. com/best-of-reno-2015/ I didn’t actually build all these improvements. Operations specialist extraordinaire John Bisignano did all that. Among other things, he enabled signin from Facebook or Google, and killed that horrendous News & Review log-in.

We already had someone trying to crack the system, which is exciting for me. Nyah, nyah, cheaters never prosper.

So fire up the social media, folks. We encourage social media campaigns, companies forcing their employees to vote, buying votes, just about anything except individuals voting multiple times, and it’s easier than ever to catch them. This is going to be awesome. I probably don’t need to remind readers that if we catch people cheating, we just disqualify the category.

You know, we should probably enable a way for people to print out a record of the votes they cast, so they can provide it as proof to whomever is buying their vote.

You know how we have a different section to focus on a specific area of Reno culture every year? For example, last year, we did women, and the year before we did Latino culture. This year we’re focusing on bike culture with questions like Best Place to Get Doored, and Best Bicycle Store. We’re also doing something special with the art again this year, but I don’t want to tell you too much, because I don’t want to spoil the surprise.

Voting will run through 7 a.m. on July 16.

This is going to be great, and I can’t wait to watch how the voting changes with these innovations.

—D. Brian Burghart

Money for benefits I believe that the Mayor and Council should begin funding the city’s Other Postemployment Benefits (OPEB) liability using the multi-million dollar surplus. According to the June 30, 2014 City of Reno audit, the OPEB obligation increased by $13 million in fiscal year 2013-14 to a total net unfunded OPEB obligation of $89 million. Spending the money on anything other than the OPEB obligation is irresponsible, and places the burden of paying these current costs on our children and future taxpayers. It also will result in reduced service levels in the future when the OPEB obligations are paid.

Gary Kraemer Reno

Why the racist radio?

Have you wondered why there is not more Black music other than rap on the airwaves? It bothers me big time when the music that more audiences enjoy is the old school ’70s and ’ 80s sound. But if you want to enjoy it live, or even listen to it on the radio, you won’t see an R&B act performing it, but some other nationality with big afros trying to portray R&B artists in America. It’s very upsetting when they are accepted for trying to sing black, dance black and act black. But let a real R&B artist, band or vocalist perform the music that was developed by an R&B artist, and they can’t get a job or an opportunity.

The agents, promoters, and entertainment buyers don’t want to support Black music coming from a black artist. Even what few black agents there may be won’t even support a black R&B band or artist.

Their excuse is they are too black!

Why aren’t the whites being “too black” when they try to perform black music all night long? The R&B artist that may be booked by a talent buyer is only there so that the agent or buyer won’t be charged with discrimination!

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.

So, you ask, why am I bringing this up? I am tired of seeing what should be blackface brought back to life all over again! The racism in the entertainment industry is overwhelming, and so obvious that it’s scary to see anymore. And worst is that no one will stand up against it. The black artists in America have lost their identity. Back in the day, bands had their own sound, their own look and style, and either you liked it or you didn’t. Nowadays everyone is being told, “If you play and sound like this you’re only gonna be paid this much; you can only work with these certain musicians or vocalists; you must have one or more whites in your band, or we won’t book your act; you must look the part, act the part, and sound like everyone else out there today.”

I have never and never will sell my soul to the powers-that-be to get a job, a record deal, or a tour just to turn around and hate myself tomorrow for playing the game that I have always fought against.

Will we ever see R&B artists stand together for each other? Or will you continue to sell your soul against your brothers and sisters in the industry for a buck? I’m not going to change my style, my format with my music or the lineup of my band.

I was told directly once that the boss won’t book us if I change anything about my band right now. The only music we’re gonna play is suited to please our white audience. They don’t want to see too many blacks at our shows, it sets a negative example!

Well that was enough for me, I knew it was then I needed to make my departure from that band, and I did with no regrets!

Michael Coleman Reno

Off target Re “Guns everywhere” (Letters to the Editor, April 30): In response to the Editor’s note to Doug Thompson’s article, I have to set the record straight. Your advice that he should not “walk into a

Editor/Publisher D. Brian Burghart News Editor Dennis Myers Arts Editor Brad Bynum Special Projects Editor Georgia Fisher Calendar Editor Kelley Lang Contributors Amy Alkon, Woody Barlettani, Bob Grimm, Ashley Hennefer, Sheila Leslie, Eric Marks, Jessica Santina, Todd South, Brendan Trainor, Bruce Van Dyke, Allison Young

brianb@ ne wsreview.com

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Creative Director Priscilla Garcia Art Director Hayley Doshay Associate Art Director Brian Breneman Ad Design Manager Serene Lusano Production Coordinator Skyler Smith Design Melissa Bernard, Brad Coates, Kyle Shine Advertising Consultants Joseph “Joey” Davis, Gina Odegard, Bev Savage, Jessica Wilson Senior Classified Advertising Consultant Olla Ubay Operations Coordinator Nanette Harker Kelly Miller

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Nevada casino and assert his rights” is plain ignorant. There is no Nevada Revised Statute barring the carry of firearms in any gaming establishment. As a U.S. citizen, I can carry my gun in any casino I please. I can also, under current Nevada law, carry a gun in banks, stores, bars and houses of worship. To tell Doug “you would not advise it” has no basis on Nevada law and therefore it is irrelevant. If you have never read it, I’d advise looking at Article 1, Section 2 of the Nevada State Constitution.

While you are at it, read Section 20 of the same article. Then look up the NRS 202.010 under General Information. You might learn a lot about who can legally do what.

Justin W. Edwards Sparks Editor’s note: Of course, there are still obstacles to carrying guns into casinos, like their rules, such as this one at Harrah’s:

Horrible humans I do not know if this is the right place to post a letter. If so, please do not use my name. I am handicapped, and have a hard time walking any distance. I have a handicap license plate. However, there are many people here in the Reno/Sparks area that seem to be too lazy to park where they should. They would rather park in a handicap spot knowing that the cops will not do anything about it. I have spoken to some who do this and have been told to my own goddamned business! I would hope that when they

Distribution Director Greg Erwin Distribution Manager Anthony Clarke Distribution Drivers Sandra Chhina, Steve Finlayson, Debbi Frenzi, Vicky Jewell, Angela Littlefield, Joe Medeiros, Ron Neill, Christian Shearer, Marty Troye, Warren Tucker, Gary White, Joseph White, Margaret Underwood General Manager/Publisher John D. Murphy President/CEO Jeff vonKaenel Chief Operations Officer Deborah Redmond Human Resource Manager Tanja Poley Business Manager Grant Rosenquist

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read this, they will realize they are not only doing something illegal, but hurting a handicapped person who needs the closer parking spots. I keep hoping that those who do this, that when they get to be my age, 82, and find they need a handicap spot, they are unable to find one because someone has parked there illegally! Please, people in Reno/Sparks, do not park in the handicap spots as there are people who really need them. They would park anywhere else if they were able to walk better/farther. If you feel you really need to park there, ask your doctor for a letter to the DMV to obtain a card or license plate. We would appreciate your not using our spots as we really do need them.

Name withheld Reno

Harder to kill Re “Campus targeted” (Feature story, April 2): The gun-on-campus debate continues, so here is my two cents worth. One reason given for having guns on campus is to protect women from assault. According to law enforcement numbers, a majority of rapes are called acquaintance rape—committed by someone the victim knows. The same law enforcement numbers indicate that most acquaintance rapes are not reported.

When you apply for a concealed weapon permit, they teach you how to use the weapon safely. But they don’t teach you how to kill. Hitting a paper target is not the same as taking a life. How do the supporters of guns on campus expect women—when they are not willing to report being raped by someone they know—to shoot them? Before there can be any real discussion of guns on campus a survey has to be taken to see how many people are willing to take a gun in hand and kill.

Dewey Quong Reno Editor’s note: Against all expectations, it appears Nevada legislators have once again voted against allowing guns on campus.

Business Nicole Jackson, Kortnee Angel Sweetdeals Coordinator Courtney deShields Nuts & Bolts Ninja Christina Wukmir Lead Technology Synthesist Jonathan Schultz Senior Support Tech Joe Kakacek Developer John Bisignano System Support Specialist Kalin Jenkins 405 Marsh Ave., Third Floor Reno, NV 89509 Phone (775) 324-4440 Fax (775) 324-4572 Classified Fax (916) 498-7940 Mail Classifieds to classifieds@newsreview.com

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Website 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.

Cover and Feature story design: Brian Breneman

MAY 28, 2015

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by Dennis Myers

This ModeRn WoR ld

by tom tomorrow

How do you feel about the Virginia Street Bridge coming down?

Asked around downtown Reno Todd Berger Job seeker

I think it’s amazing. It’s time for new.

I’d rather it be torn down than it fall down when people are driving on it.

Jason Soto Police chief

It is a needed project, but I really will miss the history of the old bridge. But I know that structurally it needed to be replaced, and I’m looking forward to them making a bridge [so] that everybody could appreciate its new history within our city.

Kelly Hall

Way too cozy

Restaurant manager

Reno City Councilmember Paul McKenzie did us all a service in raising the question of the city government’s membership in the local chamber of commerce.

There are those who wanted to write off his concern to his role as a labor union official. And there were those who didn’t want the topic discussed at all, which is probably why it dropped off the radar screen so fast.

The fact is, there is way too much coziness between city government and the business community in general and the Reno-Sparks Chamber in particular. Moreover, the money doesn’t always flow from the city to the chamber, which indicates how cozy it all is.

In 1996, for instance, when the Reno City Council wanted to hold a meeting somewhere the Reno public would have difficulty attending—California—the chamber helped pay the tab. Can city politicians be indebted to business lobbyists that way and remain independent in their policy stands and votes on the council? They would no doubt answer yes, but it’s unlikely the public would take their word for it—nor should they have to. The council should stay clean in the first place.

This is hardly the only mixing of public money with private interests, or interested money with public policies.

Why, for instance, did the state Commission on Mineral Resources give $2,500 for the political group Nevada Mineral Exploration Coalition (which has three lobbyists at the Nevada Legislature) to have a trade show booth?

Why, for many years, did the Nevada Legislature pay $1,000 a year dues to the reactionary American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), which has promoted standyour-ground gun laws, polling place voter identification requirements, climate change denialism (until some of its biggest funders like Google and Microsoft cut them off), and Arizona-style immigration policies?

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Oh, I wouldn’t want to see it torn down.

It’s the first time I’ve seen it, but it’s pretty and it gives you a very nice view on both sides of the [bridge].

Take it a little further. Why do elected officeholders use their office employees to work their political campaigns, as an impeached state controller did in 2002? Why do agencies like the Regional Transportation Commission and the Washoe District Attorney’s office use public resources or their official office space to campaign for or against ballot measures?

And why do public prosecutors wink at all these behaviors?

Finally, what is so difficult about avoiding cutting those kinds of corners?

Getting back to Reno city government being a member of the local chamber, it’s not as though there was any written policy on what organizations the city will join.

It was just assumed that a chamber of commerce falls into that category. That indicates an automatic comfort level between the two that the city does not have with, say, the Reno Sparks NAACP (we checked—the city is not a member) or the American Civil Liberties Union, the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada, or even ALEC. So this one group has a special advantage in approaching city government.

Over the decades, local chambers of commerce under their various names have been identified with some of the worst policies Reno, Washoe and Sparks governments have followed, and this automatic assumption that such an unhealthy connection is good for local governance may well explain why those pitfalls were not avoided. Because of the coziness in the relationship, chamber claims, interests, and motives were not scrutinized by city councilmembers with the same intensity as those of other interest groups.

It’s time they were, and thanks to McKenzie, maybe now they will be. Ω |

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Larry Kingley Photographer

I think it’s a crying shame. It’s a hundred years old, and what they’re going to build is going to be large and probably pretty gaudy.

Charlie West Massage therapist

I’m upset about it because it’s a historic landmark, and I don’t think historic landmarks like this bridge should be torn down. It’s part of history, Reno’s history.

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Deaf to facts, blind to optics It’s not the only time we’ve ever agreed on public policy.

Victor Joecks, from the ultra-right think tank, Nevada Policy Research Institute, and I both disagreed with the Legislature in 2013 when it approved $80 million of taxpayer funds to subsidize movie production by in Nevada. We didn’t like moving Sheila Leslie $70 million of the subsidy to the Tesla giga-giveaway during last year’s Special Session either. And we both think the 2015 Legislature is wrong to make the program permanent and unlimited as it is poised to do with the passage of Senate Bill 94.

Mr. Joecks comes from a hardcore “taxes prevent business from succeeding” perspective while my years in the Peace Corps, having malnourished babies die in my arms, convinced me that government has an obligation to provide for its most vulnerable citizens.

But we both agree this mania to ignore the free market and give away our hard-earned tax dollars to a favored industry—filmmaking, in this case—under the guise of

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creating jobs is misguided. And we’re both appalled that these tax credits are transferable, meaning they can be sold to large businesses like casinos, since the movie companies don’t pay enough taxes in Nevada to fully use them.

At the Assembly hearing on S.B. 94, Mr. Joecks was the lone voice in opposition. Chairman Derek Anderson, a freshman Republican, firmly and repeatedly interrupted Joecks as he tried to inform the committee of the experience of other states that have succumbed to the film subsidy boondoggle.

Chairman Anderson didn’t want to hear it. He insisted that Joecks limit his testimony to Nevada’s program, even though the experience of other states with a new policy is a routine discussion point on any bill.

He probably wanted to avoid the testimony because the news isn’t good. Louisiana, the first of 39 states that has subsidized moviemaking, has tried the hardest, offering unlimited tax credits. But according to the Pew Charitable

Trust, Louisiana is cutting back, passing a bill this month to limit film tax credits to just $200 million a year. The state is facing a shortfall of $1.6 billion and can’t afford unlimited subsidies any longer.

Meanwhile, the Alaska Legislature approved a bill last month to eliminate the state’s movie tax credits altogether.

In Massachusetts, the Republican governor is pushing a proposal to end an $80 million film subsidy program. He thinks those funds could be used for a higher priority, such as increasing the earned income tax credit for the working poor.

Pew also reports that some states are “doubling down” on their subsidy programs because they’re concerned the industry is playing one state against another to get the best deal, and they don’t want to be left behind, ignoring the numerous independent studies showing the tax breaks cost more than they bring in. One think tank, the Louisiana Budget Project, concluded that the return on investment was “a

flop” and taxpayers “paid $60,000 for every job created.” Naturally, industry studies paint a much rosier picture.

Robert Tannenwald, a noted economist, concluded in his research that “Film tax credits don’t pay for themselves, so states have to raise taxes or cut expenditures (to make up the difference). Those snuff out jobs as fast as film tax credits create them.”

Bill sponsor and minority leader Aaron Ford insists the scaled-back Nevada subsidy program has been very successful. Businesses that have profited from it enthusiastically agree. Ford wants the pilot program to be permanent and unlimited, reasoning that the framework will allow each Legislature to determine how many millions to devote to the program every biennium.

When the right and the left agree a policy is counterproductive and benefits a few at the collective expense of the taxpayers, you’d think the Legislature would listen. You’d be wrong about that. Ω

Here’s some 2013 info about film tax credits from that liberal rag U.S. News & World Report: http://www. usnews.com/opinion/ blogs/economic-intelligence/2013/04/16/ film-tax-creditsdont-give-states-aneconomic-boost

Liberals may win at the Legislature For the second time, a Nevada Legislature must soon decide if they will implement the greatest tax hike in Nevada history—under a Republican governor.

Gov. Sandoval’s original tax hike proposal passed the Senate, but is a dead letter in the Assembly. So on by Brendan May 14, he announced a new “hybrid” Trainor tax proposal to marry his hike to an Assembly proposal. Predictably, it combines the worst of the two proposals. He will need at least 11 Republicans to vote for a tax increase, assuming no Democrat goes rogue and votes no. So far, he might have seven. Assemblymember Pat Hickey, on his “Soup to Nuts” blog, uses a baseball analogy to liken the holdouts, notably Ira Hansen, Michelle Fiore and Jim Wheeler, to playing “far right field.” He argues they better return to “center field” or they won’t be on the governor’s team, and might not get to bat in the next legislative session.

It could be that Gov. Sandoval’s

popularity is masking his tax increase.

He opposed the gross receipts tax on last November’s ballot. Is it the case that Nevadans simply are not aware, despite television ads and newspaper accounts, that the popular governor is a tax hiker?

There are two rationales for the tax increase. The first is that gambling is no longer the economic engine that drives Nevada. More people come to Las Vegas now for entertainment than to gamble. The mantra is we need to have a broader tax base to complement a more diversified economy.

But a broader tax base does not automatically mean higher taxes.

We could raise more revenue with a broader base to meet the increase in population and inflation with lower taxes than proposed.

The second rationale is that more business would come to Nevada, except our public education is, frankly, a joke. Why should exciting new high tech jobs come

here when our graduates often have to be retrained to perform simple business tasks by companies that hire them?

The problem with this rationale is that we have had decades of increased spending on education in Nevada and all over the country with very little improvements in outcome.

Baltimore, for example, spends over 15,000 per pupil, but they are rioting because money doesn’t equal results.

Businesses do not normally pour money into losing propositions, but they seem resigned to open their wallets again to patch the leaking K-12 Nevada system. Why? There are other potential sources for education funding available.

Colorado has shown that legalizing recreational marijuana is one of them. Marijuana should not be legalized simply because it can be taxed. There are compelling moral reasons for doing so. But it cannot be overlooked that this new industry could come online rather quickly

to provide a boost in revenue that would alleviate the need for a dramatic tax increase Taking back control of the public lands is a longer term, constitutionally sound means of raising new revenue. Depending on the amount of oil and mineral deposits that may be developed, Nevada’s control of the public lands could provide a significant new revenue stream. Other states that use this revenue for education have a track record of success.

Although Nevada has passed a modest school choice “opportunity scholarship” bill, there is a comprehensive school choice bill in committee that would make Nevada a choice leader for the nation. All it needs is a nudge from the governor, and it would sail through the Republican-controlled Legislature.

What will it be, Gov. Sandoval, more taxes or more educational choice for Nevada? Ω

The Heartland Institute loves the new tax credits for education law: http:// news.heartland. org/newspaperarticle/2015/04/22/ nevada-legislaturecreates-states-firstschool-choice-program

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PHOTO/DENNIS MYERS

Carole Vilardo, left, chats with another lobbyist at the Nevada Legislature.

Precious flower needs legal help Flamboyant Nevada casino figure Steve Wynn has again turned to the Nevada Legislature to pass some legislation tailored to his personal needs.

In 1997, Wynn ordered up a new state law giving him a tax break on his collection of paintings by Van Gogh, Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse and others. After receiving the break, he then charged Nevadans and tourists to see the collection. Nevada Journal writer Ralph Heller, who wore a hearing aid, wrote, “As Nevadans ponder Steve Wynn’s breathtaking art collection they might well wonder what such a sensitive artist [as Van Gogh] would think of Nevada’s practice of granting tax breaks to buy art while continuing to tax the deaf.”

When he wanted a federally protected species, dolphins, in the pools of his Mirage casino, state politicians closed around him to protect him from federal or other interference. In subsequent years, 14 dolphins died at the Mirage, prompting an animal rights group to try to shut down the dolphin “habitat” at the casino.

Now Wynn wants a Nevada law to make it easier for him to sue his critics, and state lawmakers so far are cranking one out.

Nevada’s working poor never get such vigorous service from their legislators.

Two years ago, the Nevada Legislature enacted a law to discourage frivolous lawsuits that were intended to prevent expression of opinion and chill commentary. It is particularly helpful to defendants under attack by deep-pocketed plaintiffs who can keep a suit going for years. Wynn’s operatives—who seem to include members of the legislature—are now busily trying to gut that new law with Senate Bill 444. The measure reduces time that a target of a lawsuit can respond from 60 to 20 days while easing the process for the plaintiff.

No single legislator was brave enough to sponsor the proposed bill, so it was introduced by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Bloomberg News reported last week that Wynn and his companies have contributed a whopping $1.6 million to Nevada politicians—including $40,500 to the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Committee chair Greg Brower argues that the existing law is out of step with other states.

But attorney Marc Randazza—who helped draft the 2013 law—said the bill “drops Nevada from the gold standard to one that makes its protections lower than any other state in the union.”

Wynn has a previous record of going after his critics. When Lyle Stuart’s Barricade Books published a 2011 biography of Wynn written by Las Vegas journalist John L. Smith (who testified against 444), Wynn sued not over the content of the book but over a single sentence in a Barricade catalog that suggested a link between Wynn and a crime family—and convinced a jury to award $3.1 million. The verdict was overturned on appeal, but by then Stuart had been forced to declare bankruptcy. The Wynn lawsuit also damaged an associated book publisher, Blue Moon Books, a subsidiary of Barricade that was similarly driven into bankruptcy when Barricade could no longer service it. Blue Moon was owned by Barney Rosset, a renowned fighter against censorship who brought titles like Tropic of Cancer, Lady Chatterly’s Lover, and works of Samuel Becket, Che Guevara, Jean Paul Sartre and Malcolm X into print in the United States, sometimes after court fights with the U.S. government.

Rosset died in 2012, Stuart in 2010. Columbia University— where Stuart’s papers are housed—says the Wynn file is the largest in Stuart’s legal papers.

—Dennis Myers

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Going bare Nevada pushes off into the future with little protection against hard times The Nevada Legislature, now approaching its final days, is getting the state all ready for prosperity. But if prosperity by doesn’t show up, the legislators have Dennis Myers not gotten the state ready for that.

All during the 2015 legislative session, legislators have had a happy-days-are-here-again attitude that economic recovery is already an established fact.

“I just wish we would stop operating reactively instead of proactively.”

Carole Vilardo Nevada Taxpayers Association The lawmakers have been considering ending the foreclosure mediation program in this, the state that experienced the highest foreclosure rate in the nation—even while they also processed a measure to deal with squatters living in empty homes.

In perhaps the most pronounced gesture of faith in recovery, the Assembly budget committee, Ways and Means, last weekend emptied the Account to Stabilize the Operation of State Government—better known as the state “rainy day fund”—to use the money for current spending.

“Saturday they cleaned out the rainy day fund,” said Nevada Taxpayers Association executive

director Carole Vilardo. “They’re transferring everything out so anything that’s available we’re not going to know for a year. They may have left a million dollars in there, but I’d have to go back and look.”

About $28 million was moved out of the fund.

Under normal procedures, each session of the Nevada Legislature leaves a substantial amount—in double-digit millions—in the fund, which is then also supplemented by a trickle of revenue generated as the biennium passes. That is, the fund grows during the two years between legislatures.

This time, however, the fund will apparently be supplied only by the supplementary revenue.

Vilardo, one of the state’s leading experts on the tax system, has long expressed concern about the way the fund is serviced.

In 2011, she said, “And so the other problem that you had is we’ve never, in my opinion, funded the rainy day fund properly. … And in a bad economy, more people who did not need social services … such as Medicaid now need those services. …

What we’ve gotten used to is taking every cent that we get and spending it on programs without looking at the sustainability of the programs.” (“Where’d the money go?” RN&R, June 2, 2011.)

For instance, there is often unappropriated money available at the end

of legislatures, and the lawmakers have usually used it for one-shot boosts for favored programs, instead of adding it to the rainy day fund.

And surplus revenue in 2005 was rebated to taxpayers instead of put in the fund.

The legislators’ reliance on the economy recovery seems to overlook what economists have called the fragility of that recovery, as well as its nature—a “recovery of the rich.”

In 2013, St. Louis Federal Reserve office’s widely respected report on household wealth indicated that 62 percent of the wealth recovered since the recession took the form of increase value of stocks, 80 percent of which is held by the upper 10 percent. That kind of recovery does not help the working poor and is of limited help to the middle class, meaning that the kind of assistance programs needed during hard times may still be facing demands.

Moreover, even the value of that recovered wealth is uncertain when adjusted for inflation.

Not only are Nevada’s legislators not expecting much demand for those kind of services, they are also not making preparations for any economic downturn in the next two years. There’s a sort of Tesla effect that has affected the money committees in particular. It’s reminiscent of what Gov. Robert List said when hit by a major recession in 1981-82, after he had pushed through the legislature a sales tax hike that made state government highly vulnerable to a weak economy.

“I had no way of knowing a recession was coming,” List later said.

But a recession is always ahead.

In the postwar years until 1981, there were recessions in 1948-49, 1953-54, 1957-58, 1960-61, 1969-70, and 197375. Since the Nevada tax shift, they have occurred in 1981-82, 1990-91, 2001 and 2007-2009 (though this last one probably began earlier and ended later in Nevada).

And many of those recessions were unforeseen. At the moment, nearly all economic predictions for Nevada are positive, including that of the Nevada Economic Forum, whose projections govern the legislative budget. Last month, a report done for the Forum by the state Employment, Training and Rehabilitation Department said Nevada will gain 45,000 jobs this year, 52,000 next year, 60,000 the year after that.

The lawmakers were thrilled with the Forum’s report and ran with it.

Even Forum members did not offer much caution. “I feel good

about the major source of revenue,” said forum member Marvin Leavitt.

“The sales tax is performing well.”

The sales tax always declines rapidly if hard times hit.

Moreover, the state’s profligate distribution of tax credits create uncertainty in the revenue picture because no one knows when companies—Tesla and movie companies— will take those credits.

Vilardo said the legislators do have a difficult job in foreseeing budget needs when the legislature meets only every other year.

“You don’t suddenly plan for something like a 9/11,” she said.

However, legislators can plan for hard times, which are always a threat. In fact, some municipalities in the state are taking the threat more seriously than are the lawmakers.

Relatively new state laws (Nevada Revised Statues 354.6115-6118) allow local governments to set up their own rainy day funds.

In an interview in this week’s edition of the RN&R, for instance, Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve said that even with the city facing $500 million in debt, a recent surge of unexpected revenue was being used in part to be ready for hard times if necessary.

“And so we want to be really fiscally responsible with this surplus money,” she said. “And it’s hard because you want to do everything, and people have great ideas, whether

it’s parks or bike lanes or things like that. They’re all great ideas but there’s just not enough money to go around, and we’re playing catch-up, so capital improvements, we’re paying off two bonds, and we’re going to put 8 percent away in the rainy day fund. So I think we’re making a really wise choice.” (See full interview, page 11.)

“ The sales tax is performing well.”

Marvin Leavitt Nevada Economic Forum member If the lawmakers proceed to final adjournment the way they appear to be doing, Nevada won’t have much of a cushion if the economy goes bad. There’s a term in the insurance field—going bare, meaning doing without insurance. Until enough money trickles into the rainy day fund to give the state a substantial level of protection—and that’s probably a year or more away—Nevada will be going bare.

In that 2011 interview, Vilardo recalled that during the early years of the century, Nevada “had such a stretch of good times” that it didn’t do much about the future.

“I just wish we would stop operating reactively instead of proactively,” Vilardo said this week. Ω

Eve of destruction PHOTO/DENNIS MYERS

Signs have been posted around the downtown to let people know that demolition of the Virginia Street Bridge was about to start. On May 26, the sign in front of the Reno Arch (left) was removed and the date on all the remaining signs was changed to June 6.

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Nevada’s organic certification program is in the red. Details about the NDA’s June 3 public meeting are expected soon, at agri.nv.gov

Seeding change The Nevada Department of Agriculture could drop the state organic certification program next month

Reduce your water use by at least 10% In a normal year, rain and snow would give us the water we need for summer. But this is not a normal year, this is a drought. However, if we can all reduce our water use by at least 10%, we’ll meet this challenge and protect a big part of our reserves for next year.

Learn 10 Easy Ways to Save 10% at tmwa.com/save

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A day of reckoning is coming for the local organic industry. Nevada’s cash-strapped certification program is apt to fold anyway if it doesn’t get some help—like more state funding, obviously, or the lucrative addition of by Georgia Fisher meat, eggs and honey—and with the 2015 legislative session ending soon, new funding seems unlikely. The Nevada Department of Agriculture has g e o rg i a f@ clout, however, and a June 3 board meeting could determine whether the ne w s re v i e w . c o m organics program stays afloat.

The department’s organic advisory council is studying several options in the meantime: increasing program fees; bringing in more organic producers and handlers; convincing legislators to tap into the general fund (better hurry); or closing the state program altogether in favor of private certifiers. Nevada already has a handful of those, actually, and it’s a misconception that every state boasts a government-certification program. Only 16 do, and for all its crunchy goodness, even California isn’t one of them.

Killing the state program means a symbolic lack of support, proponents say, and personal costs can be huge. Take Kunall Patel, co-owner of Davidson’s Organics and a member of the Organic Advisory Council, who’s sitting on around $500,000 worth of materials emblazoned with the state-certification label. He says they’ll be moot if the state program closes—a system that needs a relatively piddling $60,000 to $70,000 annually.

“It’s a large deficit to the common man,” he said, “but it’s not a large An April 9 RN&R story gives more deficit when you look at the state budget. It’s a drop in the bucket when background on millions of dollars are being spent on other programs.” the state organicHe calls it “depressing,” too, that the program has so few clients. certification Forty-one are enrolled, said NDA spokeswoman Rebecca Allured. That’s issue: http://bit. ly/1eloQWs a bit more than half the number of certified outfits statewide.

The program won’t last, Patel said, “unless we reconfigure the cost matrix the NDA has; unless we aggressively market and get new clients; unless we raise the fee that businesses pay to be organic-certified; unless we get a bill mandated by the state or the NDA that says organic programming is important to the state of Nevada …. that there’s still going to be a deficit, but it’s important, and we’re going to keep funding it until the deficit isn’t there.”

Closing is an option, “but it’s far more open-ended than that,” Allured said of the June 3 meeting. “It’s not by any means a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ right now. We’re looking for a solution that works for as many people as possible.”

Amber Sallaberry, of Reno’s Great Basin Community Food Co-op, begs to differ.

“They’re going to make the decision that day, and it’ll be really easy to scapegoat lack of support, but the program has lost half of their producers because [the NDA] made an unstable program [in the first place],” she said.

“It’s a bigger part of restructuring the plant industry.” Ω

Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve has held office for six months.

PHOTOs/ERIC MARKs

H

illary Schieve was elected mayor of Reno in 2014 after serving two years on the Reno City Council.

She owns Plato’s Closet and Clothes Mentor. She was an Olympic hopeful figure skater way back when, and she walks around with one of her sister, Amanda Sanchez’s, kidneys in her back. In fact, the result of that sudden need for a kidney probably prompted her first taste of community service, when she started a national organdonation network. Promoting organ activism, on Feb. 11, 1998, she graced one of the best covers this newspaper ever had, dressed as a manic doctor clutching a raw beef heart.

Six thousand, three hundred and eighteen days is a long time between covers, and since she’s just celebrating six months in office as the mayor, we thought we’d sit down over some sushi and chat about the machinations in Reno’s halls of power. It’s not exactly Game of Thrones.

Because i thought it was a great idea.

Hill ary ScHieve iS defying expectationS.

[Laughs.] Well, there are so many cool things we can be doing. However, the first time you have a surplus like that, we need to be really watching our house and paying down debt and things like that. That’s all great, but we don’t have an endless supply of money, so I got a lot of negative feedback on that. A lot. I just had to clarify and say, “Look, I want to be clear. I have no plans on touching the arch. I just want to make sure we’re having a conversation.” If there’s a group that’s going to come in and change it, then it needs to be a public process because a lot of people feel so strongly about it.

It’s funny the things people care about, when there could be this really big issue versus a smaller issue.

SHE’S THE M AY O R • B r ian B @n e WSr e v ie W.co M

By d. B r ian BU r g Hart

very demanding job, but it’s also an incredible job, too. It’s a great job.

Time flies, right? I can’t believe it.

The most frustrating thing ... you’ll laugh. Sometimes, the headlines are misleading—when everyone thinks you want to tear down the arch. I love my job. I feel so blessed. I represent an incredible city. And sometimes it’s really hard for me, because I want to be in 10 places at once. That can be really challenging, because I have a tendency to be a workaholic. I am very receptive because I love people, so I’m always trying to help them, and there’s just not enough time in the day. It’s a

So what happened was, we were going into our budget meeting, and staff came to us, and they presented ideas and said, because we have this $10 million surplus, “We think these are some of the things you might be interested in spending this money on.”

Well, one of the items said, “lights for the arch,” and I brought up the fact that there was a group interested in redoing the arch. So I brought that up to staff, saying, “I have some concerns because the arch is so iconic that this should be a conversation that’s done

in public and transparent.” Well, the next thing I know was, “Mayor wants to rethink arch.” People didn’t read the story, they read the headline, and then my phone blew up, and my email blew up, but you know what? Actually, it turned out really well because I’m also really responsive on social media, and I responded personally, and people were surprised. They were like, “Wow, I can’t believe you’re actually responding.” But I think, too, it’s frustrating because people are really quick to assume and to judge.

Speaking of the arch, what did you mean by all that?

So you got a lot of negative feedback on that?

continued on page 12

So you’ve been mayor six months now, right?

So far, what’s the most frustrating thing?

it’s amazing, isn’t it? it’s because these smaller issues are easier to understand, so they tend to catch the public imagination because everyone can be concerned, even people who don’t care about police or fire or paying down debt. they can understand that arch is a symbol for them, either a symbol of old reno or a symbol of new reno.

You’re right, and the more people are talking about it, the more people get engaged.

Because that’s something you can talk about over

I got a ton of negative feedback.

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“ SHE’S THE MAYOR ”

And then you come up with what it could look like. I mean, people were giving me feedback. One guy said it should have a deck on it, so people can go up there and take pictures. Cool ideas.

Remember the Jeff Griffin days when it seemed like the money was just never going to stop? $10 million wouldn’t have been a drop in the bucket compared to what those guys were spending. I mean, what percentage of the train trench is $10 million? Nothing.

I thought it would be cool to have that artist Leo Villareal, who did the light installation on the San Francisco Bay Bridge—to have him design an arch for us that uses LED lights that could change colors or say things or show patterns. It could be amazing, but I don’t know if $10 million could pay for that. So tell me about the $10 million. How do you find $10 million?

How did that come about?

But I think too, this recession has really changed people and their spending habits. And that’s the other thing we have to think about. What if we have another recession? We have to be much more responsible. One thing I’ve really enjoyed watching with this council is they’re really concerned with community input, which is great, and that’s one of the reasons I’ve been really vocal about bringing back the NABs [Neighborhood Advisory Boards].

Those are really important. But remember, we weren’t on the council in the heyday. When I got there, it was, “Don’t think about spending a dime.” I haven’t really ever been on the council when it had money, so I don’t know what that would be like.

I should explain that it’s a one-time surplus. So a lot of people have said, “Oh, you should do this or do that with it.” You know, like hire more people. But that means you could only hire them for a year and that would be it. You have to understand what you can do with that money. But how that came about was something we call the “Tesla effect.”

It comes from seed tax, franchise tax, business tax, and they didn’t predict we would even have that kind of growth.

So we were very surprised. I wouldn’t be surprised if you see another surplus.

And I know people get confused; “Well, how is that a surplus when you are $500 million in debt?” But they have to realize the general fund is different. The other interesting thing is we’ve already paid down $100 million in debt. And with the surplus, we’ve already paid down two bonds, capital improvements—I’m sure you saw the story about the elevators.

I think we’ve had about 10 incidents of people getting stuck in our elevators.

We’re playing catch-up from many years of neglect.

Right.

And so we want to be really fiscally responsible with this surplus money.

And it’s hard because you want to do everything, and people have great ideas, whether it’s parks or bike lanes or things like that. They’re all great ideas, but there’s just not enough money to go around, and we’re playing catch-up. So capital improvements, we’re paying off two bonds, and we’re going to put 8 percent away in the rainy day fund. So I think we’re making a really wise choice.

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So tell me everything you know about pot and pot dispensaries.

Can I ask you a question?

Sure.

Do you smoke pot?

Sometimes. Do you?

No.

Never have?

I think some drugs cause [reactions] like paranoia. I don’t want to be paranoid. Well, I’ve been very vocal about getting more licenses. I’ve done a lot of research on the benefits of marijuana, and certainly for medicinal purposes, I wholeheartedly believe in it, so I’ve been vocal about getting more licenses, and Senator Segerblom has done a really great job fighting for more licenses for us. And he just got us one more.

That’s right, from the redistribution because the cow counties didn’t want them, or didn’t have the applications, I guess.

The thing for me is accessibility. A city our size, and we’re only getting three.

It was really interesting to watch the process, because we had a lot of people applying for these licenses, and you had these people come together and bring these partnerships, like one from

PHOTO/BRIAN BURGHART

continued from page 11

dinner. You don’t talk about getting the jurisdictions together on fire over dinner.

You talk about, what can the Reno arch be?

Hillary Schieve first showed up on the RN&R cover on Feb. 11, 1998.

California or Colorado that had already been in the business, and then they sort of married up with someone locally. But it’s still really infantile, so we’ll have to see how it plays out. One location will be in Midtown, and then you have one right here off of Plumb. That proximity is so close, we have to worry about accessibility.

Right, because it’s going to change traffic patterns. I don’t want to denigrate it because I do believe in medical marijuana, but I think it creates a system around it, whether it’s for the right purposes or not. I guess that remains to be seen.

I think it will be much bigger than we ever imagined.

Recreational marijuana is only a couple of years down the road. And these people with the medical licenses will have a system already in place to move into the recreational market.

If you look at the business ... people have this perception that it’s “drugs,” but I’ve seen some really impressive operations. Right on down to the inventory. It’s business. … So that’s what I know about marijuana.

Well, I am disappointed to hear you have never smoked pot.

Boring, huh? What was it Clinton said?

He didn’t inhale?

You had some kind of caustic things to say about the RSCVA. So you got some blowback on that one. How do you feel about that? First off, what’s wrong with that organization? Why is it so bad?

Quite honestly, I think we need to be holding people accountable. It’s taxpayer dollars. There’s a lot of bleeding going on. We have an empty bowling stadium. I know they’ll disagree with me on that. We have empty event centers. We could be doing so much more with tourism—playing on this new momentum. I’m just frustrated with some of the marketing. It’ll be successful in spite of itself because of this new energy Reno has created. I’ve been very vocal—I would like to see that board change. As a matter of fact, we’re going to reduce the number of board seats at the Legislature. I just think it’s time for fresh energy and a new set of eyes. We should look at it like an opportunity.

We should also look at what Vegas does with the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority. They do a lot right. … I’d like to see a different marketing approach.

So you think it’s about the marketing?

Let me ask you this, when the bowlers are in town, do you know it?

I do.

Do you think most people do?

I don’t think they have a spreading effect into the economy. I think it mostly benefits the downtown casinos.

Because I get around. I intentionally drive down Virginia Street whenever I have to get to the university.

I do too, but I think most people don’t.

They avoid that area.

When are they here, what are they doing? Why aren’t we surveying them, and asking, “Hey, what did you do while you were in Reno? Where did you go?

Where did you stay?” It’s really hard to market to a group we don’t understand.

Not to mention, businesses [outside of downtown] could really jump on board, with “Welcome bowlers.” Or I’m happy to go to the airport to welcome them. Really make them feel like when they’re in Reno, Reno is welcoming them, and they know it. But I think, too,

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I think a lot people feel that way. I have to tell you, that was an issue that, quite frankly, I was surprised at how many people have reached out to me, and they’re very frustrated with it.

But has that changed? Air was never the major or even a major source of our tourists.

It’s always been Washington, Oregon, California. Is that no longer true?

Why do you know that? Why do you say that you know they’re here?

OPINION

never successfully done what it’s supposed to do.

diversifying things we offer [is important]. One thing is the air service. We’ve got to really pay attention to air service and what we’re bringing in. I think that whole piece of the puzzle needs to be very aggressive.

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$50 million bowling stadium, facilities falling apart, facilities unoccupied. Their main job was to bring conventions in, but if you look at the numbers on conventions, they’re failing in ways that aren’t indicated by the economy, because we are a destination for different groups than Vegas is.

Well, what happens is getting to Reno can be more challenging than getting to Vegas. Vegas is direct and much cheaper. So providing more air service ... it’s unfortunate that we lost the London flight, but JetBlue is really great with direct to New York. You know, I just went to Washington, D.C. Oh my gosh, it took me 12 hours to get there. It was brutal.

And we’ve lost some really big conventions, too. So you have to look at that again and say, “Well, what are we doing, and how can we do it better?” I guess I get frustrated by this mentality on the board that says, “Oh, we just can’t get anyone better. We can’t do any better than that.” I refuse to accept that. We have to push the limits, especially right now. We might have a limited window of opportunity with this momentum. This is the time to act upon it.

So—RSCVA. I just think it’s an opportunity right now to make some big changes. I think that scares people when you talk about change.

But the RSCVA has been a failure since 1959. It has

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We’re trying to posture ourselves as a technological hub, but we don’t enable it.

We’ve got these giant [fiberoptic internet] pipes through town, but we don’t utilize them. So, what would you do? How would you change the attitude? Does it need more government oversight or more business oversight or just fewer people?

There are several things that have to happen. It’s better to reduce that board, but I think you have to make your board members be engaged. And some of them, quite frankly, are not. The other thing is looking at doing something almost grassroots—sort of like what the Biggest Little City did—and really looking at the other aspects of the age groups. … We are seeing this younger demographic coming in. We have one of the best backyard playgrounds this area has to offer. We need to play on that.

The marketing I’ve seen gives me some very big concern. [Shows a current Reno advertisement that features an ’80s-looking hotel room.] Our marketing approach needs to be different. Ω

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Photo/Kris Vagner

Early in May, when the garden was in need of maintenance, a city planner named Gunnar Hand was looking for a project. “He mobilized his folks,” Isham said. “They approached Home Depot, got all the plants donated.” A couple of days later, the garden’s 11 sturdy boxes were full of strawberries, chives, chard and several other herb and vegetable starts.

“It happened super fast,” Isham said. “My hat is off to them. Gunnar doesn’t even live here.”

VanguardianS of the gal a x y

Sandy Isham of the Reno Community Assistance Center, has praised the Vanguard group’s work.

Participants brought in new plants for the RCAC’s rooftop garden.

A national conference of young thinkers mixed, mingled and jump-started urban renewal projects here in Reno

BY KRIS VAGNER

S

andy Isham greets a confused-looking homeless mother as if she were a friend, manages two or three conversations at once in the hallway of the family shelter without seeming the least bit harried, and pushes the elevator button. She reaches the roof, where she can see storm clouds passing by.

She’s pretty sure it’s going to rain, but still she gives the maintenance person a ring on her cell phone to announce that the new pepper and string bean seedlings in the rooftop garden look thirsty, and the irrigation hoses don’t seem to be helping.

With long, gray-blond hair and a youthful smile, Isham is warm, welcoming, and ready to deal with any number of large and small details that come up over the course of a day at the Reno Community Assistance Center on Record Street, where she works. She helps residents address basic needs such as food and shelter, and offers extra comforts or learning opportunities

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whenever possible to help make life there feel more normal. One of those extras is the rooftop garden.

“We’re in a food desert,” Isham said, referring to the East Fourth Street-adjacent neighborhood. “The downtown restaurants are great, but there’s no fresh food down here for people in poverty, just liquor stores that sell cookies and chips. If you’re in poverty, that’s very difficult. You don’t have access to fresh produce.”

The garden was built in 2010 by United Way volunteers, and while it’s not large enough to meet the needs of all 27 families currently at the shelter, it has come in handy as a teaching tool. Last year, a chef from the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe taught residents about crock-pot cooking using veggies grown on the roof. This year, the cilantro plants are healthy, the peppers are growing, and Isham is considering a salsa-making night.

Hand lives in Kansas City, Missouri, and the folks he mobilized to plant the garden were among 55 urban leaders who convened May 5-8 in Reno for the Vanguard conference. Put on by Next City, a nonprofit that publishes media and holds events to advance its mission of social, economic and environmental change, the conference aimed to gather “the best and brightest young urban leaders,” including people from government, urban planning, business and art. This is the sixth Vanguard conference, and the first in the West.

“Next City puts out a request for proposals each year,” explained Sara Schuenemann, the organization’s events and development manager, from her office in Philadelphia. “Reno came back with the best presentation.”

Doug Erwin from the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada enticed Next City to hold the conference here. He cited Tesla, Start-up Row, and recent downtown revitalization as reasons Reno would make a good host location.

The 55 “Vanguards,” as the participants are called, gathered at Whitney Peak Hotel. Among them were six Renoites: Paul Baker Prindle, gallery director at the University Of Nevada, Reno; Reno City Councilmember Oscar Delgado; Brianna Bullentini, owner of Rawbry, a juice bar slated to open soon downtown; Andy Durling, partner at civil engineering firm Wood Rodgers; and Reno Bike Project executive director Noah Silverman.

The Vanguards toured a few areas where they’d be expected to propose improvements: East Fourth Street; City Plaza, across from City Hall; and “The Lids,” as Next City had nicknamed the covered ReTRAC trenches downtown.

Thursday evening, May 7, they gathered at Cargo Concert Hall to compete in a “Big Idea Challenge.”

They’d been divided into groups weeks earlier and asked to present some “tactical interventions”—projects large or small that would improve Reno, had worked elsewhere, and could be implemented for $10,000.

The Vanguards’ creative juices were stirred easily.

“My group has already had two conference calls,” Baker Prindle had announced two weeks before the event began.

The Big Ideas ranged from simple to ambitious.

Delgado’s group Googled “Reno Arch.” The search results showed a lot of selfies, so they decided to

propose easy-to-make “selfie stations” around town.

Delgado thought, “Why don’t we get some stencils and some paint, and paint those throughout ‘The Lids?’”

The idea was that people could take selfies and post them on social media to encourage tourism and lend the city a fun, friendly reputation.

Bullentini, a Renoite who studied sustainable architecture in New York, said her group came up with a plan to recast City Plaza as something of a localized Grand Central Station. “I really liked the idea of being a centralized transportation hub in downtown Reno,” she said. “We need it bad. Bus stations, pedicabs, a place to linger and to meet.” She also imagined a downtown grocery store there.

“Clearly none of this would be done for $10,000,” she admitted, “but we wanted to get the word out that having [City Plaza be] this open space is getting us nowhere.” She mentioned that her team had also come up with a mini-version of the plan, to simply paint lines on the road for taxis and pedicabs to line up to, and to start with a farmers market to gain traction for the idea of a transport and retail hub.

That kind of thinking outside the challenge’s initial parameters sat just fine with the other Vanguards. The conference had an age requirement: under 40. While at least one person balked at the idea of an old folks/ young folks division, the Vanguards’ collaborative working methods, unbound creativity and scalable projects had a definite Millennial flavor.

Delgado noted he’s sat on a lot of boards comprised of people over 40. He said, “With a lot of boards, it’s like, ‘Here’s my idea; get it done.’ With Vanguards, there’s more community input.” He believes the process of gathering ideas, while lengthy, often leads to “vested buy-in,” which he said he values.

One team, which had no Renoites, proposed augmenting efforts for a connecting corridor along Fourth Street between Sparks and Reno. Part of the idea was to have decorative flames shooting from no-longer-used telephone poles.

This idea—not-entirely refined, not 100 percent confirmed as being feasible, and not under-budget— also went over fine. That one won the contest. Details are yet to be hashed out on how, when and if it’s going to be implemented.

One of the most important ideas behind the Big Idea Challenge was to start conversations and get people from different disciplines talking about solutions to urban problems. While Hand’s rooftop garden planting was conceived and completed within a few days, many projects that’ll likely result from the conference, officially or unofficially, have just begun.

Several Vanguards have reported that they’re excited to keep in touch with new contacts all over North America. Bullentini said, “We all stayed connected on every level that you can.” She’s now coordinating with an architect in New Jersey and a designer in New Orleans.

As for the selfie station, Oscar Delgado’s already taken it up with the City Council, and he’s optimistic it may well happen. Ω

90 Auto Center Dr.

For more information, visit nextcity.org.

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Film studies Marji Vecchio Marji Vecchio is keenly aware of nuances.

Sipping a midday coffee, she rattles off a list of observations about what by Kris Vagner I’m doing when I think I’m doing nothing: “The way you’re holding your pen, the way you’re touching your nails, the way we’re looking at each other. That’s all a part of our conversation right now. There’s a lot of silence there, even though we’re talking. And there’s tons of communication.”

Photo/Kris Vagner

Former Sheppard Gallery curator Marji Vecchio and her new book, The Films of Claire Denis: Intimacy on the Border.

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MAY 28, 2015

The way those nonverbal cues draw us in is exactly what attracted her to the films of Claire Denis. “They’re extremely visual,” explained Vecchio, former curator at University of Nevada, Reno’s Sheppard Gallery. “And they just sort of show, very quietly, without talking, how people communicate, what their fears are, what their psychologies are.”

Vecchio relates to Denis on another level too. They each have a lifelong experience with a half insider, half outsider status. Denis was born in France, raised in Africa until age 14, and returned to France with her family to find her sense of cultural identity confused.

Vecchio was adopted as a child.

Each of those circumstances, while it presents its own challenges, also provides the advantage of a broader perspective on cultures or families.

“Every single [one of her films] is about that kind of duality,” Vecchio said. “That’s why her work has a lot to do with borders and citizenship, migration, immigration, siblings, health, stuff like that.”

Denis began making films in her 40s, and at 69 she’s still making them. Among her best known are Beau Travail, “her most ‘cult classic,’” according to Vecchio; Trouble Every Day, her most controversial; and Chocolat, her debut film about growing up in Africa (no relation to Lasse Hallström’s Chocolat with Juliette Binoche).

Vecchio met Denis in 2002 at the European Graduate School in Switzerland while pursuing a doctoral degree. “A couple years later, I was invited by the director to be a visiting scholar,” said Vecchio.

“I could study any subject that I wanted, with any instructor that I wanted, and I just thought, ‘Claire!’”

Denis has received awards from at least 10 international film festivals and has garnered the Stockholm Lifetime Achievement Award.

Vecchio decided her project would take the form of a book.

After years of soliciting and editing contributions from writers around the globe—and more years of publishing delays—The Films of Claire Denis: Intimacy on the Border was finally published in November 2014.

The book contains scholarly essays, interviews by Denis’ collaborators, and a forward by Wim Wenders that reads like a free-verse poem about meeting Denis in Texas.

He’d sized her up as “frail,” then watched her rescue a film production from disaster after disaster.

Denis went on to make a name for herself as a woman who could compete in a man’s world, a barrierbreaking storyteller, and a collaborative leader.

Vecchio’s book has so far been well received. It landed her a positive review by the American Library Association and a lecture at San Francisco Art Institute. She’s a finalist for the UK’s Kraszna-Krausz Book Award, which means the book will be exhibited along with the work of nine other finalists at the London Science Museum.

“That’s something, as a curator, I really respect,” she said. Ω

DONNER VISITOR CENTER Friday, June 5th Exclusive Tour • Gourmet Dinner • Auction

Fanciful feast Suite 103 50 N. Sierra St., 971-4727 When my sister and I were kids, our mother purchased inexpensive stemware so we’d learn how to properly hold and by Todd South drink from adult glasses. Plain ice water transformed into … fancy ice water. Her goal was to prepare us for the day we’d be “dining at the governor’s mansion.” That day has yet to arrive, but I did try to mind my Ps and Qs at one of Reno’s newest “white linen” restaurants, Suite 103.

White tablecloths with expertly fanned cloth napkins. Place settings of which my home ec teacher would approve. Leather seats, tasteful artwork, dark wood canopy bar, jazz standards crooning softly in the background and a view of Reno’s nightlife through huge windows. It’s old-school by design, unsurprising given that the husband-and-wife team responsible for this experience are veteran providers of fine dining service in larger, more cosmopolitan settings.

The theme is Mediterranean with Moroccan flair, but this is no simple kebab-and-couscous bistro.

The menu includes expected flavors, but the evening’s specials stirred our interest. We enjoyed warm flatbread with housemade hummus to start things off.

A saute of shrimp ($10), with tomatoes, herbs, garlic, onion and a blend of spices, had a great balance of zip and tang, and the shrimp was cooked just right. This was followed by “Shrimp Cigars,” a mix of minced shrimp and other ingredients wrapped in cylinder of phyllo, sliced in half and served upright in a pool of mildly sweet sauce ($9). The filling had a creamy—almost cheesy—texture, but was actually a blend of herbs,

Executive chef Heather Beaupre Howell prepares the sauteed shrimp appetizer.

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A Night at the Museum!

vegetables and shrimp. Both appetizers were delicious.

We next shared a serving of stew with plenty of Moroccan influence, including diced vegetables, fresh herbs, and long-simmered meat in harmony with saffron and other spices ($6). It was hearty yet delicate.

Our entrees were each served with a mildly-seasoned pilaf of short-grain rice and a diced saute of zucchini, corn and carrots that were simple but tasty. My wife chose steak and cake ($37), featuring a section of pan-seared New York strip prepared as if filet—small and thick—topped with a Oaxacan onion marmalade. The steak was paired with a crispy rockfish cake finished with a preserved lemon aioli (the lemons brined in-house over several weeks). Each item was full of flavor and prepared with skill, but I think the price might be a little high for what was on the plate, especially when compared against my entree.

An apple-stuffed prime rib of pork with a rosewater glaze is not something I’d normally order, because I’m not a fan of pairing pork chops with applesauce.

I generally prefer meat dishes to be savory, but I couldn’t resist this creation ($25). The biggest pork chop I’ve ever seen was stuffed with a mince of apples, spices and possibly nuts.

The glaze was finished with some kind of crumbled coating, but I was so busy eating I forgot to ask about the details.

Based on my history, I shouldn’t have liked this, but I ate the whole thing and enjoyed it despite myself.

Three dessert options were offered and our server noted we could try all three as a sampler plate ($14). The baklava was a bit dry and not terribly sweet despite the brittle, caramelized sugar it came with, but whiskey chocolate cake made up for it. Dense and brownie-like, a powerful punch of dark chocolate drizzled in boozy, fudgey goodness with whipped cream and berries on the side. Best of all, a slice of chocolate mousse pie that was light, creamy, and possibly my wife’s favorite part of the meal. Looking to impress a date, propose marriage or celebrate an anniversary? Suite 103 should be at the top of your list. Ω

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Bright future

2

Avengers: Age of Ultron

Tomorrowland The future is a little confusing and convoluted, but kind of cool anyway, in Tomorrowland, the latest Disney attraction to get its own movie, this time courtesy of director-writer Brad Bird (The Iron Giant, The Incredibles).

Boy genius Frank Walker (Thomas Robinson) and his jetpack attend the 1964 World’s Fair in Queens, New York, during a by wonderful sequence that recreates the legendary Bob Grimm event. After sparring with the curator of an invention contest (Hugh Laurie), the despondent bg r i mm@ newsr evie w.c om boy winds up on a bench sulking, only to be given a special pin by a mysterious young girl named Athena (the absolutely incredible Raffey Cassidy).

During a ride through “It’s a Small World,” which Walt Disney actually did premiere at the fair, Frank finds himself transported to a strange, seemingly future world where Athena resides and robots repair his jetpack. In short, it’s a world where the inventive likes of Frank can thrive.

3

"Do you ever think that maybe this is all just a commercial for an amusement park?"

1 Poor

2 Fair

3 Good

4 Very Good

5

Cut to the present day, where super intelligent teenaged girl Casey (25-year-old Britt Robertson wearing a baseball cap to appear younger) is trying to sabotage the destruction of a Cape Canaveral launch site.

She wants to be an astronaut someday, and her dad (Tim McGraw) is a NASA engineer, so no space program means big bummers for Casey. She, too, is given a pin by Athena, who we guess must have the ability to time travel. Casey touches the pin, and is instantly transported to Tomorrowland.

After a brief stay, she’s transported back home, much to her chagrin. She eventually winds up in the company of a grown-up Frank Walker (George Clooney … hooray!), who has become a hermit living in a New York house littered with gadgets. Clooney is perfect for the role of a former dreamer who

excellent

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has grown up to be a little bitter, yet still has time and gumption to make a bathtub that transforms into a rocket.

Everything eventually leads to another Tomorrowland visit, where we discover things about the fate of the place and Earth itself. Along the way to the halfway decent finale, Bird provides some great battles involving ticked-off robots, dazzling special effects rife with fun Disney Easter eggs (Space Mountain in the Tomorrowland skyline!) and some great performances.

For me, the true star of this movie is Cassidy, a relative newcomer who simply owns every second of her screen time. I’ll call her performance as a futuristic scout with big secrets and an ability to kick major ass one of the year’s best performances so far.

Robertson proves a mighty fun protagonist and nets the most screen time. Her character is some sort of child prodigy, although why is never fully revealed. She just sort of knows how to solve things. While she isn’t fully fleshed out, Robertson is a winning enough presence that it’s easy to forgive the shortcomings in the script. Again, she’s playing way below her age, but she pulls it off.

Clooney gets to mix in a bit of his cantankerous persona along with his gentle side. He has the classic Hollywood looks that are right at home in a Disney film that longs for nostalgia. It’s some of his more fun work in years.

The script was co-written by Lost and Prometheus scribe Damon Lindelof, so, naturally, all of the dots don’t seem to be connected. Lindelof can be a little ambiguous, even confusing at times, but he’s always interesting. If you like your movies tied up in a nice little bow, the works of Lindelof are not for you. As for me, I have a fun time trying to figure his stuff out, even if I don’t come up with all of the answers.

The film’s production was shrouded in secrecy, which may have actually hurt it to some extent because some might attend Tomorrowland looking for more than what they actually get. The big reveals don’t necessarily live up to all of the hype. Even so, it’s a fun film, with some great ideas that provide cool mythology for one of Disney’s most popular theme park attractions. Ω

You can’t accuse director Joss Whedon of “second verse, same as the first” with this sequel. As things turn out, perhaps it would’ve been OK to retain more of the good humor, camp and non-cluttered thrills that made the original Avengers such a gas. This latest convergence of Marvel superheroes is a flat affair. Nothing of any real consequence happens here other than a bunch of scenes teasing future Marvel movies and some action sequences that lack clarity. With the exception of an interesting smackdown between Iron Man and the Hulk, the action sequences feel repetitive. The main villain, Ultron, is a series of robots voiced by James Spader looking to wipe humans off the face of the Earth. It’s surprising how underwhelming his efforts wind up being. If you’re an Avengers fan, I guess you have to see Age of Ultron simply because it sets up a series of other films and you might find yourself lost when watching future movies. As for Whedon, perhaps he was the wrong man for the gig. He’s gone on record as saying he didn’t have the best of times making this movie, and the fatigue shows. The sequel searches for a darker tonal shift, a sort of Empire Strikes Back for the Avengers.

The result is one of the year’s most crushing cinematic letdowns.

4

Ex Machina

Men playing with microchips learn that perhaps highly intelligent robots aren’t the best idea in this competent and exciting directorial debut from Alex Garland, who also wrote the script. Computer programmer Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson) wins a weekend hanging out with his eccentric, reclusive boss Nathan (Oscar Isaac) at his secluded house in the middle of nowhere. Shortly after arriving, Caleb learns that he’s to take part in an experiment where he must interact with Nathan’s latest creation: a mightily attractive and lifelike robot named Ava (Alicia Vikander). Caleb is told to analyze Ava’s legitimacy as a full-blown A.I., a thinking robot with emotional capability.

He does this, and develops a robot crush along the way. Not only is Nathan playing god, but he’s totally using Caleb as a guinea pig. While Garland could’ve easily made this a Caleb vs.

Nathan affair, he tosses in enough variables and throws plenty of curveballs to keep the audience guessing. The film works as a thriller, science fiction, a mystery, and even passes a few horror movie tests. Isaac is developing into one of his generation’s best actors, and he’s quite the chameleon. His Nathan is a slithery, hard-drinking, narcissistic, brilliant mess of a human, and a far cry from the grouchy folk singer he played in Inside Llewyn Davis.

Garland has been kicking around Hollywood for years, delivering solid screenplays for the likes of 28 Days Later, Dredd and Sunshine. His work behind the camera here definitely points to a future directing if he wants it.

3

Furious 7

The latest Furious movie says goodbye to series mainstay Paul Walker while taking car chases to seriously outlandish and fantastical extremes. In some ways, the film has become more of a science fiction offering rather than a car chase movie, and that’s fine by me. I have to admit that part of me got uncomfortable watching Paul Walker racing around in cars a little over a year after he died in a fiery car crash. You can say Walker died doing something he loved, but I’m thinking irresponsible and reckless speeding dropped way down on his favorite things list during the final moments of his life. Like, to the way, way bottom of that list. That said, Furious 7 does spark some life into a very tired franchise by going totally bananas, and it’s pretty remarkable how Walker, who had allegedly only filmed half of his scenes before he died, is inserted into the movie posthumously. Director James Wan, primarily known for horror movies like Saw and The Conjuring, has delivered the franchise’s best offering since the first one.

This movie gets my blessing for the sequence involving Vin Diesel’s Dominic Toretto and Walker’s Brian O’Conner jumping a car through not one but two skyscrapers in Abu Dhabi.

Will there be an eighth film, even though Walker is no longer with us? Um, given that the movie made nearly $144 million in its opening weekend, I think it’s a foregone conclusion that Universal will find a way to keep the engines running on this sucker.

4

Mad Max: Fury Road

George Miller is back in his post apocalyptic world of Mad Max, messing around with fast rigs on desert landscapes.

He has a new Max, Tom Hardy replacing Mel Gibson, and Charlize Theron is along for the ride. The results are a blast, probably the best in the franchise when it comes to action. I’m going to have to give a few points to Gibson over Hardy for his Max portrayal.

Hardy is good in the role, but Gibson is the original and best Max, even if Gibson is a total asshole. The film starts off with a shot reminiscent of The Road Warrior (a.k.a. Mad Max 2), and then it just goes berserk. Max gets himself captured by a really disgusting looking, villainous ruler named Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne) and finds himself hanging upside down and providing blood for a pale, bald Joe minion, Nux (Nicholas Hoult). A shaven-headed Theron shows up as Imperator Furiosa, a one-time loyalist of Immortan Joe, who tricks him and kidnaps his wives, intent on taking them to some sort of green promised land. When Joe figures out she’s making a run for it, his soldiers (who look a little like the cave creatures from The Descent) take off after her. This includes Nux, with Max strapped to the front of his car wearing a facemask reminiscent of his Bane getup in The Dark Knight Rises. The folks who put the look of this movie together, from it’s terrific cinematography, to its costuming to its incredible stunt work, all deserve praise and extra beers.

1

Poltergeist

In the original Poltergeist, a dude eating a drumstick tears his face off while looking in a mirror, throwing chunks of bloody flesh in a sink. Somehow, that movie managed to get a PG rating. In this remake, Sam Rockwell cries, and somehow they get the PG-13 rating. I love Sam Rockwell, but it’s hard to watch him work up tears for this dreck. Actually, this movie is hard to watch from start to finish, even if you haven’t seen the original. Original director Tobe Hooper (teaming with writer-producer Steven Spielberg) managed a good, horrific treat spiked with humor back in 1982. This paltry remake from director Gil Kenan loses all of the spark of the original, and gives us a routine haunting movie with cheap scares involving clown dolls that don’t actually scare and kid actors who fail to register. I won’t single them out because they are kids, but they do suck. Rockwell and Rosemarie DeWitt squirm through the roles originated

by Craig T. Nelson and Jobeth Williams. There was no good reason for this undertaking.

The movie shouldn’t have been remade. If somebody dares to try and remake Jaws, I will be truly pissed off. Leave the Spielberg properties alone!

4

Slow West

Michael Fassbender just keeps on rolling with this one, a gritty, appropriately downbeat Western from writer-director John Maclean. Fassbender plays Silas, a cynical, grouchy rider on the American frontier in the 19th century who comes across Jay, a Scottish boy (Kodi-Smit McPhee) traveling alone in search of Rose (Caren Pistorious), a girl he loves. She and her father had to flee to America after an accident, and now they have a bounty on their heads. Silas knows of the bounty, but he doesn’t tell Jay. After coming across a group of bandits led

by Payne (the ever reliable Ben Mendelsohn), Silas must decide on whose side he’s going to back, the boy or the bandits. It’s a great ride, with a vivid depiction of the Old West unlike any I’ve seen before. By the time the action reaches Rose’s farm, a single house out in the middle of nowhere, you get a sense of just how few people were inhabiting that part of the world at this time. McPhee is heartbreaking as a young man who just doesn’t get it, and Fassbender continues to prove he’s a cinematic treasure. They make for a great screen duo. (Available for rent on iTunes, Amazon.com and On Demand during limited theatrical release.)

Alien nation Skinwalkers Many horror stories, with the exception of disaster and creature-features, have one common denominator: something by Kent Irwin looks human, but isn’t. It’s something else. This is no modern development, as the Native American legend of the skinwalker can attest. Humans fear that which takes the appearance of one of our own, but conceals a different creature underneath.

Photo/Kent IrwIn

different sound. They sought a stronger form of expression, something bleeding, raw and personal. A trace of the members’ hardcore roots adds to the band’s energy, but their aim is to remove all emotional barriers between artist and audience.

“I use music to amplify my emotions,” said Meza. “If I’m feeling insecure, or anxious, I express that through my playing.”

“There’s definitely a primal feeling to our shows,” added McMaster. “We just have to hit stuff and scream to get it all out.”

“By the end of a song, I feel totally broken down as a human being,” said Lachner. “I lose my cool every time.

I have to.”

Skinwalkers want none of the posturing and contrivance present in much of rock music, which Lachner considers disingenuous. McMasters and Meza agree that their music is at its best when they’re fully exposed and vulnerable.

Skinwalkers’ sound is most at home with early emo in the vein of MewithoutYou. The songs are dynamic, building crescendo over the course of the verses toward a climactic ending. Lachner’s voice grows from quiet, unintelligible growling to frustrated screams. Meza and McMaster play a sludgy, driving beat reminiscent of stoner and grunge music in the rhythm section. Mood and atmosphere are essential in recording as well as live performance. Often, to set the tone during shows, the band will kill all the lighting in the room and silhouette themselves with a blue lamp set up behind the stage.

Lachner considers his lyrics, which deal with alienation, detachment, frustration and paranoia, to be the driving element to Skinwalkers’ music.

Although the words of the band’s EP, Invisible Twin, are written from the perspective of an invented character, the musicians feel that their own emotions are equally and honestly represented.

“Invisible Twin is all about isolation and irony,” said McMaster. “It takes expressing these feelings to see how absurd they can really be.”

Although Invisible Twin is fresh off the press, Skinwalkers are readying their next batch of songs for release in late June. Then they hit the road for a two-week long Northwest tour.

“Having new songs for people, and making them as good as possible, is our main goal,” said Lachner. Ω

Nathan Lachner, songwriter for Reno indie band Skinwalkers, can relate to this fear. His song “Reptilian” was inspired by a period in which a family member began to follow the conspiracy theorist David Icke, infamous for touting his belief that many humans are disguised reptilian aliens.

Lachner’s stepmother believed herself to be one of them. Lachner soon moved out, but the unsettled feeling followed him.

“I started thinking a lot about not being human, being detached from my own humanity,” said Lachner.

He found solace in hardcore music, and was soon invited to join a local band that included bassist Sean McMaster and drummer Nick Meza.

“We ended up forming a stronger bond with just the three of us than we did with the rest of the band,” said McMaster. “We started talking about how to form a more emotionally honest band.”

Before long, Skinwalkers was formed by the trio of Meza, McMaster, and Lachner, in search of a

Clockwise from top, Sean McMaster, Nick Meza and Nathan Lachner are Skinwalkers ... or are they?

For more information, visit skinwalkersnv. bandcamp.com.

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WHO: Sarah McGraw WHAT: Owner/Artist WHERE: Pulsing Canvas Our shop is pretty eclectic...we’ve been open for 7 years and have evolved as the tattoo and piercing industry has evolved. We love to do realistic and traditional tattoos and everything in between...always to please our clients and make them feel welcome. We also have a passion for all types of different media from oil painting to spray paint. We try to participate in a lot of the community art shows as well as sell original art in our shop.

Have a piece from one of these shops or artists that you'd like to feature? Email a JPG file to contest@newsreview.com and put “Ink'd Reno” in the subject line. Include your full name, age and daytime phone. Entries will be featured on our Facebook Fan Page.

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846 Victorian Ave., Sparks; (775) 355-7711

GREAT BASIN BREWING CO. THEVictorian GRID Ave., BARSparks; & GRILL 846 (775) 355-7711

Post show s online by re iste Pogst gs aot shrion w nline by w rewgw is.n teew rinsr g ev atiew.com /r e n o .D www.n easr dlin ew thoem eveieis w.c Fr efo /rid eay re no.bD e a d lin e is pFruid the bay licabtion. efore publication .

Live flamenco guitar music, 5:30pm, no cover Live flamenco guitar music, 5:30pm, no cover7pm, no cover Arnold Mitchem,

The P’s & Q’s, Mel Wade, 7pm, no cover

Arnold Mitchem, 7pm, no cover

The P’s & Q’s, Mel Wade, 7pm, no cover

8545 N. Lake Blvd., Kings Beach; (530) 546-0300

THE GRID BAR & GRILL HANGAR 8545 N. LakeBAR Blvd., Kings Beach; (530) 546-0300

Karaoke Kat, 9pm, no cover

10603 Stead Blvd., Stead; (775) 677-7088

HANGAR BAR HARRY’S SPORTS BAR677-7088 & GRILL 10603 Stead Blvd., Stead; (775)

Traditional Irish Tune Session, 7pm, Tu, no cover Traditional Irish Tune Session, CarsonTu,Feet 7pm, no Warmers, cover 11:30am, Tu, no cover Dave Leather, noon, W, no cover Carson Feet Warmers, 11:30am, Tu, no cover Dave Leather, noon, W, no cover

The Grups, 9pm, no cover

Karaoke Kat, 9pm, no cover

1100 E. Plumb Ln., (775) 828-7665

HARRY’S SPORTS BAR & GRILL HIMMEL 1100 E. PlumbHAUS Ln., (775) 828-7665

Karaoke w/Nitesong Productions, 9pm, Tu, Open Mic/Ladies Night, 8:30pm, W, no cover Karaoke w/Nitesong Productions, 9pm, Tu, Open Mic/Ladies Night, 8:30pm, W, no cover

Angels for Angelina fundraiser, noon, $TBA Angels for Angelina fundraiser, noon, $TBA Karaoke w/Andrew, 9pm, no cover

Bass Heavy, 9pm, W, $TBA

Karaoke w/Andrew, no cover Canyon White Open 9pm, Mic Night, 8pm, no cover Canyon White Open Mic Night, 8pm, no Open mic,cover 7pm, no cover

Bass Heavy, 9pm, W, $TBA

Open mic, 7pm, no cover

Open Mic Night, 9pm, M, no cover Trivia Night, 9pm, W, no cover Open Mic Night, 9pm, M, no cover Fungi Girls, Trivia Night, Los 9pm,Cripis, W, noVideo coverWorld, 8pm, M, $5 Fungi Girls, Los Cripis, Video World, 8pm, M, $5

3819 Saddle Rd., South Lake Tahoe; (530) 314-7665

HIMMEL HAUS THESaddle HOLLAND 3819 Rd., SouthPROJECT Lake Tahoe; (530) 314-7665 140 Vesta St., (775) 742-1858

THE HOLLAND PROJECT 140 Vesta St., (775) 742-1858

Superheaven, Diamond Youth, Rozwell Kid, Skinwalkers, 7pm, $8 Superheaven, Diamond Youth, Rozwell Kid, Skinwalkers, 7pm, $8

The Glitch Mob MayGlitch 28, 8 p.m.

The Mob Knitting Factory May 8 p.m. St. 211 N.28, Virginia Knitting 323-5648Factory 211 N. Virginia St. 323-5648

Comedy Comedy

3rd Street, 125 W. Third St., 323-5005: Comedy Night & Improv w/Patrick Shillito, 3rd W, Street, W. Third St., 323-5005: 9pm, no125 cover Comedy Night & Improv w/Patrick Shillito, Carson Nugget, 507 N. Carson St., W, 9pm, no cover Carson City, 882-1626: Kabir “Kabeezy” Carson N. Carson St., Singh,Nugget, F, 9pm, 507 $15-$18 Carson City, 882-1626: Kabir “Kabeezy” Catch a Rising Silver Legacy, 407 N. Singh, F, 9pm,Star, $15-$18 Virginia St., 329-4777: John Ager, Th, Su, Catch a Rising Star, Silver 10pm, Legacy, 407 N. 7:30pm, $15.95; F, 7:30pm, $15.95; Virginia St.,10pm, 329-4777: John Ager, Sa, 7:30pm, $17.95; Eddie Clark,Th, Su, 7:30pm, $15.95;$15.95 F, 7:30pm, 10pm, $15.95; Tu, W, 7:30pm, Sa, 7:30pm, 10pm, $17.95; Eddie Clark, The Tu, Improv at Harveys W, 7:30pm, $15.95 Cabaret, Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, (800) 553-1022: The Scott Improv at Matt Harveys Cabaret, Harveys Henry, Knudsen, Th-F, Su, 9pm, Lake Tahoe, (800)Hyche, 553-1022: $25; Sa, 8pm, Stateline, 10pm, $30; Heath W, Scott Henry, Matt Knudsen, Th-F, Su, 9pm, 9pm, $25 $25; Sa, 8pm, 10pm, $30; Heath Hyche, W, Reno-Tahoe 9pm, $25 Comedy at Pioneer Underground, 100 S. Virginia St., Reno-Tahoe Comedy at Pioneer 686-6600: Kabir “Kabeezy” Singh, F, 9pm; Underground, 100$10-$15 S. Virginia St., Sa, 6:30pm, 9:30pm, 686-6600: Kabir “Kabeezy” Singh, F, 9pm; Sa, 6:30pm, 9:30pm, $10-$15

OPINION

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NEWS

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GREEN

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FEATURE STORY

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ARTS&CULTURE

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IN ROTATION

|

ART OF THE STATE

|

FOODFINDS

|

FILM

|

MUSICBEAT

|

NIGHTCLUBS/CASINOS

|

THIS WEEK

|

MISCELLANY

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MAY 28, 2015

|

OPINION

|

NEWS

|

GREEN

|

FEATURE STORY

|

ARTS&CULTURE

|

IN ROTATION

|

ART OF THE STATE

|

FOODFINDS

|

FILM

|

MUSICBEAT

|

NIGHTCLUBS/CASINOS

|

THIS WEEK

|

MISCELLANY

|

MAY 28, 2015

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RN&R RN&R

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21

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21

THE JUNGLE JUNGLE THE 246 W. First St., (775) 329-4484 246 W. First St., (775) 329-4484

KNITTING FACTORY FACTORY CONCERT CONCERT HOUSE HOUSE KNITTING 211 N. Virginia St., (775) 323-5648 211 N. Virginia St., (775) 323-5648

THURSDAY 5/28 5/28 THURSDAY

FRIDAY 5/29 5/29 FRIDAY

SATURDAY 5/30 5/30 SATURDAY

SUNDAY 5/31 5/31 SUNDAY

The Glitch Mob, Blade, EPROM, The GlitchXavier, Mob, 8pm, Blade,$22-$45 EPROM, Richard Richard Xavier, 8pm, $22-$45

TeeFLii, Show Banga, Vicious, City, TeeFLii, Banga, City, Double Show Dimond, Feeki,Vicious, 8pm, $20-$30 Double Dimond, Feeki, 8pm, $20-$30

Meg Myers, 9pm, $15-$30 Meg Myers, 9pm, $15-$30

MONDAY-WEDNESDAY 6/1-6/3 6/1-6/3 MONDAY-WEDNESDAY

Outspoken: Open Mic Night, Outspoken: 7pm, M, no Open coverMic Night, 7pm, M, no cover

THE LOVING LOVING CUP THE 188 California Ave.,CUP (775) 322-2480

Whatitdo Wednesday, 9pm, W, no cover Whatitdo Wednesday, 9pm, W, no cover

188 California Ave., (775) 322-2480

MOODY’S BISTRO BISTRO BAR & & BEATS BEATS MOODY’S 10007 Bridge St., Truckee;BAR (530) 587-8688

Superheaven Superheaven

10007 Bridge St., Truckee; (530) 587-8688

Live music, 8pm, no cover Live music, 8pm, no cover

Live music, 8:30pm, no cover Live music, 8:30pm, no cover

Live music, 8:30pm, no cover Live music, 8:30pm, no cover

O’SKIS PUB PUB & GRILLE GRILLE O’SKIS 840 Victorian Ave.,&Sparks; (775) 359-7547

May 28, 7 p.m.

May 28, 7 p.m.

Holland Project Holland Project 140 Vesta St. 140 Vesta St. 742-1858 742-1858

840 Victorian Ave., Sparks; (775) 359-7547

PADDY & & IRENE’S IRENE’S IRISH IRISH PUB PADDY 906-A Victorian Ave., Sparks; (775)PUB 358-5484 906-A Victorian Ave., Sparks; (775) 358-5484

Shamrockit Open Mic Night, Shamrockit Open Mic Night, 6pm, no cover 6pm, no cover Acoustic Wonderland Singer-Songwriter Acoustic Wonderland Singer-Songwriter Showcase, 8pm, no cover Showcase, 8pm, no cover

Karaoke w/Cyco Mike, 9pm, no cover Karaoke w/Cyco Mike, 9pm, no cover

POLO LOUNGE LOUNGE POLO 1559 S. Virginia St., (775) 322-8864

Johnny Lipka’s Gemini, 9pm, no cover Johnny Lipka’s Gemini, 9pm, no cover

Johnny Lipka’s Gemini, 9pm, no cover Johnny Lipka’s Gemini, 9pm, no cover

PONDEROSA SALOON SALOON PONDEROSA 106 S. C St., Virginia City; (775) 847-7210

Steel Rockin’ Karaoke, 8pm, no cover Steel Rockin’ Karaoke, 8pm, no cover

Live music, 8pm, no cover Live music, 8pm, no cover

1559 S. Virginia St., (775) 322-8864

106 S. C St., Virginia City; (775) 847-7210

RED DOG DOG SALOON SALOON RED 76 N. C St., Virginia City; (775) 847-7474

Open Mic Night, 7pm, M, W, no cover Open Mic Night, 7pm, M, W, no cover

76 N. C St., Virginia City; (775) 847-7474

RUBEN’S CANTINA CANTINA RUBEN’S 1483 E. Fourth St., (775) 622-9424

Reggae Night, 10pm, no cover Reggae Night, 10pm, no cover

1483 E. Fourth St., (775) 622-9424

Hip Hop Open Mic, 10pm, W, no cover Hip Hop Open Mic, 10pm, W, no cover

RYAN’S SALOON SALOON RYAN’S 924 S. Wells Ave., (775) 323-4142

Live jazz, 7:30pm, W, no cover Live jazz, 7:30pm, W, no cover

924 S. Wells Ave., (775) 323-4142

SHEA’S TAVERN TAVERN SHEA’S 715 S. Virginia St., (775) 786-4774

FallRise, Toy Called God, 9pm, $10 FallRise, Toy Called God, 9pm, $10

715 S. Virginia St., (775) 786-4774

Passion Pit Pit Passion

SINGER SOCIAL SOCIAL CLUB SINGER 219 W. Second St., (775)CLUB 657-9466

Blues Jam Thursday, 7pm, no cover Blues Jam Thursday, 7pm, no cover

SPARKS LOUNGE LOUNGE SPARKS 1237 Baring Blvd., Sparks; (775) 409-3340

Thursday Showcase, 8pm, no cover Thursday Showcase, 8pm, no cover

219 W. Second St., (775) 657-9466

May 29, 7:30 p.m.

May 29, 7:30 p.m.

Grand Sierra Resort Grand Sierra Resort 2500 E. Second St. 2500 E. Second St. 789-2000 789-2000

1237 Baring Blvd., Sparks; (775) 409-3340

ST. JAMES JAMES INFIRMARY INFIRMARY ST. 445 California Ave., (775) 657-8484

Jazz Jam Tuesday w/First Take, Jazz Tuesday 8pm,Jam Tu, no cover w/First Take, 8pm, Tu, no cover

Local Music Night w/local bands Local Music bands or local DJs,Night 9pm,w/local no cover or local DJs, 9pm, no cover Herbert Bail Orchestra, Lantz Lazwell Herbert BailTribe, Orchestra, Lantz Lazwell & The Vibe 8pm, $10 & The Vibe Tribe, 8pm, $10

445 California Ave., (775) 657-8484

STUDIO ON ON 4TH STUDIO 432 E. Fourth St.,4TH (775) 737-9776 432 E. Fourth St., (775) 737-9776

WILD RIVER RIVER GRILLE WILD 17 S. Virginia St., GRILLE (775) 284-7455

Tuesday Night Trivia, 8pm, Tu, Reno Beer and Tuesday Nightw/guest Trivia, 8pm, Reno Beer and Record Club DJs,Tu, 9pm, W, no cover Record Club w/guest DJs, 9pm, W, no cover

Dance party, 9pm, no cover Dance party, 9pm, no cover Seductive Rage, Ostracized, Victims of Seductive Rage,A Ostracized, Victims of the Cave, Half Tusk, 9pm, $9 the Cave, Half A Tusk, 9pm, $9 Sunday Jazz, 2pm, no cover Sunday Jazz, 2pm, no cover

17 S. Virginia St., (775) 284-7455

WILDFLOWER VILLAGE VILLAGE WILDFLOWER 4275-4395 W. Fourth St., (775) 787-3769

1) The Writers’ Block Open Mic,

1)7pm, Theno Writers’ cover Block Open Mic, 4275-4395 W. Fourth (775) 787-3769 1) Golden Rose Cafe 2) St., Green Fairy Pub 3) Cabaret 7pm, no cover 1) Golden Rose Cafe 2) Green Fairy Pub 3) Cabaret

1) Reno Music Project Open Mic, 1)7pm, Reno noMusic coverProject Open Mic, 7pm, no cover

3) Jack Di Carlo, 5pm, no cover 3) Jack Di Carlo, 5pm, no cover

sushi all the time sushi all the time sushiall the time

Davidsons distillery’s

Blues & Hard

rock

all you can eat all you can eat all you can eat

weekend! tonight, may 28th

THIRSTY THURSDAY! FRiDay, May, 29th • 9:30pM SatuRDay, May 30th • 9:30pM

dirty fingers

marsyas compleX

Happy Hour

mon-fri, 4pm-7pm $2 wEll DRinkS & $2 buD/buD light

DRINK SPECIALS

A NEVERER COV GE CHAR 22 22

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RN&R RN&R

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MAY 28, 2015 MAY 28, 2015

$5 domestic pitchers on sat, 10am-6pm

davidsons distillery 275 E. 4th St., REno, nV • Downtown 3 Blocks east of virginia st.

THESE DON’T MIX Think you know your limits?

Think again.

If you drink, don’t drive.

PerIod.

Mel Wade , Gia Torcaso, 6pm, M, Tyler Stafford, Mel , GiaJane, Torcaso, M,cover Tyler Stafford, 6pmWade , Tu, Tany 6pm,6pm, W, no 6pm , Tu, Tany Jane, 6pm, W, no cover 1) Comedy Power Hour Open Mic, 1)8pm, Comedy Open Mic, Tu, noPower coverHour 3) Jamming 8pm, no cover w/RayTu,Saxon, 7pm,3)W,Jamming no cover w/Ray Saxon, 7pm, W, no cover

highest quality highest&quality fresh fish & fresh dailyfish / take-out daily / take-out orders welcome orders welcome / full bar/ with full bar hot with & cold hotsake & cold sake

highest quality & fresh fish daily, take-out

Open 7 Days Opena7Week Days a/ Week Monday / Monday - Saturday - Saturday 11:30am 11:30am - 9:30pm - 9:30pm /with Sunday / 11:30am Sunday 11:30am - 9:00pm- 9:00pm orders welcome, full bar hot & cold sake

open 7 days a week at 11:00am

Last Seating: 775.589.2067 775.589.2067 195 highway highway 50.,daily stateline 50., stateline highest quality &195 fresh fish / take-out orders welcome /9:30pm full bar with sake Mon Sat & hot Sun& cold 9:00pm 1/2 mile1/2 north mileofnorth the casinos of the casinos Open 7 Days a Week / Monday Saturday 11:30am 9:30pm / Sunday 11:30am 9:00pm sushipiertahoe.com sushipiertahoe.com 1507 So. Virginia St. - Midtown, Reno - 775.825.5225 775.589.2067 195 highway 50., stateline 1/2 mile north of the casinos sushipiertahoe.com

THAT’S HOW WE ROLL

ATLANTIS CASINO RESORT SPA 3800 S. VirginiaCASINO St., (775) RESORT 825-4700 SPA ATLANTIS

1) Grand Ballroom Cabaret 3800 S. Virginia St.,Stage (775)2)825-4700 1) Grand Ballroom Stage 2) CARSON VALLEY INNCabaret 1627 Hwy. 395, Minden; INN (775) 782-9711 CARSON VALLEY 1) Valley Ballroom 2) Cabaret Lounge 3) TJ’s Corral 1627 Hwy. 395, Minden; (775) 782-9711 1) Valley Ballroom CRYSTAL BAY2) Cabaret CLUB Lounge 3) TJ’s Corral 14 Hwy. 28, Crystal Bay; (775) 833-6333 CRYSTAL BAY CLUB 1) Room 2) Red 14 Crown Hwy. 28, Crystal Bay;Room (775) 833-6333 1) Crown Room 2)RESORT Red RoomCASINO ELDORADO 345 N. Virginia St., (775) 786-5700 ELDORADO RESORT CASINO 1) Brew Brothers 3) NoVi 345Showroom N. Virginia2)St., (775) 786-5700 1) Showroom 2) Brew Brothers GRAND SIERRA RESORT3) NoVi 2500 E. Second St., (775) 789-2000 GRAND SIERRA RESORT 1) Grand TheaterSt., 2) Lex 3) Sports Book 2500 E. Second (775)Nightclub 789-2000 4) Grand SummitTheater Pavilion2) 5)LexSilver State3)Pavilion 1) Nightclub Sports Book 4) SummitROCK PavilionHOTEL 5) Silver & State Pavilion HARD CASINO 50 Hwy. 50, Stateline; (844)& 588-7625 HARD ROCK HOTEL CASINO 1) Vinyl Arena 50 Hwy.2)50,Outdoor Stateline; (844) 588-7625 1) Vinyl 2) Outdoor ArenaTAHOE HARRAH’S LAKE 15 Hwy. 50, Stateline; 588-6611 HARRAH’S LAKE(775) TAHOE 1) Shore Room 2) Peek588-6611 Nightclub 15 South Hwy. 50, Stateline; (775) 3) Center Stage Lounge 1) South Shore Room 2) Peek Nightclub 3) Center StageRENO Lounge HARRAH’S 219 N. Center St., (775) 788-2900 HARRAH’S RENO 1) The Zone 219Sammy’s N. CenterShowroom St., (775)2)788-2900 3) Sapphire Lounge 4) Plaza 5) Convention Center 1) Sammy’s Showroom 2) The Zone 3) Sapphire Lounge 4) Plaza 5) Convention Center NUGGET CASINO RESORT 1100 Nugget CASINO Ave., Sparks;RESORT (775) 356-3300 NUGGET 1) Celebrity 2) Rose Ballroom 3) Gilley’s 1100 NuggetShowroom Ave., Sparks; (775) 356-3300 1) Celebrity Showroom 2) Rose Ballroom 3) Gilley’s PEPPERMILL RESORT SPA CASINO 2707 S. Virginia St.,RESORT (775) 826-2121 PEPPERMILL SPA CASINO 1) Tuscany Ballroom 2) Terrace Lounge 2707 S. Virginia St., (775) 826-2121 3) Edge 4) Capri Ballroom 1) Tuscany Ballroom 2) Terrace Lounge 3) Edge 4) REGENCY Capri BallroomCASINO HOTEL SANDS 345 N. Arlington Ave., (775) 348-2200HOTEL SANDS REGENCY CASINO 1) Lounge Jester Theater 3453rdN. Street Arlington Ave.,2)(775) 348-2200 1) 3rd Street Lounge 2) Jester Theater SILVER LEGACY 407 N. Virginia St., (775) 325-7401 SILVER LEGACY 1) Exposition 2) Rum Bullions Island Bar 407Grand N. Virginia St.,Hall (775) 325-7401 3) Aura Ultra Lounge Baron Lounge 1) Grand Exposition Hall4)2)Silver Rum Bullions Island Bar 3) Aura Ultra Lounge 4) Silver Baron Lounge

OPINION OPINION

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NEWS NEWS

| |

GREEN GREEN

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THURSDAY 5/28 THURSDAY 5/28

FRIDAY 5/29 FRIDAY 5/29

SATURDAY 5/30 SATURDAY 5/30

SUNDAY 5/31 SUNDAY 5/31

MONDAY-WEDNESDAY 6/1-6/3 MONDAY-WEDNESDAY 6/1-6/3

2) Atomika, 8pm, no cover

2) Atomika, 4pm, no cover Soul Persuaders, 10pm, no cover 2) Atomika, 4pm, no cover

2) Atomika, 4pm, no cover Soul Persuaders, 10pm, no cover 2) Atomika, 4pm, no cover

2) Soul Persuaders, 8pm, no cover

2) Hindsight, 8pm, M, Tu, W, no cover

2) Soul Persuaders, 8pm, no cover

2) Hindsight, 8pm, M, Tu, W, no cover

2) California Cowboys, 7pm, no cover

2) California Cowboys, 8pm, no cover

2) California Cowboys, 8pm, no cover

2) Greg Austin, 6pm, no cover

2) Greg Austin, 6pm, M, Tu, W, no cover

2) California Cowboys, 7pm, no cover

2) California Cowboys, 8pm, no cover

2) California Cowboys, 8pm, no cover

2) Greg Austin, 6pm, no cover

2) Greg Austin, 6pm, M, Tu, W, no cover

1) Metal Shop, 9pm, no cover 2) Edmundo, 1) Metal Shop,Disco 9pm,Terrorist, no cover 11:30pm, no cover 2) Edmundo, Disco Terrorist,

1) Golden Gate Wingmen, 9pm, $25-$30

2) Atomika, 8pm, no cover

Soul Persuaders, 10pm, no cover

11:30pm, no cover 1) Tap Factory, 7pm, $26.95 2) CashFactory Presley, 10:30pm, no cover , 7pm, $26.95 1) Tap 3) Bullet, 10pm, no no cover cover 2) Blackburn Cash Presley, 10:30pm,

1) Tap Factory, 7pm, $26.95 2) CashFactory Presley, 10:30pm, no cover , 7pm, $26.95 1) Tap 2) Cash Presley, 10:30pm, no cover

3) Blackburn Bullet, 10pm, no cover 2) DJ Rick Gee, 10pm, $15-$30 3) Boots Daisy10pm, Dukes$15-$30 w/DJ Jamie G, 2) DJ Rick&Gee, 10pm, no & cover Passion Pit, Jamie G, 3) Boots Daisy5)Dukes w/DJ Young Thecover Giant,5)7:30pm, 10pm, no Passion$35 Pit,

2) Flirt Thursdays, 10pm, no cover 3) Tonk Thursdays w/DJ Jamie G, 2) Honky Flirt Thursdays, 10pm, no cover 10pm, no Tonk coverThursdays w/DJ Jamie G, 3) Honky 10pm, no cover

Young The Giant, 7:30pm, $35

1) Rock on! Live Band Karaoke, 9pm, noon! cover 1) Rock Live Band Karaoke, 9pm, no cover

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Big Voodoo MayBad 30, 7:30 p.m. Daddy

1) Golden Gate Wingmen, 9pm, $25-$30 1) Tap Factory, 7pm, 9:30pm, $26.95 2) CashFactory Presley, 10:30pm, no cover 1) Tap , 7pm, 9:30pm, $26.95 3) Bullet, 10pm, no no cover cover 2) Blackburn Cash Presley, 10:30pm,

1) Tap Factory, 7pm, Tu, W, $26.95 2) Live Band M,W, DJ$26.95 Chris English, Factory, 10pm, 7pm, Tu, 2) Live 1) TapKaraoke, 10pm, Tu, Garage Boys, no cover Band Karaoke, 10pm, M,10:30pm DJ ChrisW,English,

1) Tap Factory, 7pm, $26.95 2) CashFactory Presley, 10:30pm, no cover , 7pm, $26.95 1) Tap 2) Cash Presley, 10:30pm, no cover

3) Blackburn Bullet, 10pm, no cover 2) Chuckie, 10pm, $15-$25 3) 2) County Chuckie,Social 10pm,Saturdays $15-$25 w/DJ JamieSocial G, 10pm, no cover 3) County Saturdays

10pm, Tu, Garage Boys, 10:30pm W, no cover

1) Hot for Teacher, 9pm, $5

1) Chad Bushnell, 9pm, W, no cover

1) Trey Stone, 8pm, no cover

1) Hot for Teacher, 9pm, $5

1) Chad Bushnell, 9pm, W, no cover

2) DJ JosBeatz, 10pm, $20 3) DJ ArtyJosBeatz, the Party,10pm, 9pm,$20 no cover 2)

1) Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, 7:30pm, $43 2) DJ Rick Gee, 10pm, $207:30pm, $43 1) Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, 3) DJ ArtyRick theGee, Party,10pm, 9pm,$20 no cover 2)

1) Nashville Unplugged, 1) Nashville Unplugged: The Story Behind 8pm, $29.50-$40.50 3), Jackie Dauzat, Unplugged 1) Nashville $29.50-$40.50 the Song, 8pm, Unplugged: The Story Behind 8pm, no cover 4) British Invasion, noon, 1) Nashville 8pm, $29.50-$40.50 3) Jackie Dauzat, 3) Jackie 8pm, no cover 8pm, $29.50-$40.50 the Song, Dauzat, Decades, 6pm, no cover 8pm, no cover 4) British Invasion, noon, 3) Jackie Dauzat, 8pm, no cover Decades, 6pm, no cover 3) DJ/dancing, 5pm, no cover 3) DJ/dancing, 5pm, no cover CJ Simmons, 8pm, no cover CJ Simmons, 8pm, 3) DJ/dancing, 5pm, no cover 3) DJ/dancing, 5pm,nonocover cover CJ Simmons, 8pm, no cover

CJ Simmons, 8pm, no cover

2) Miss Lonely Hearts, 7pm, no cover

2) Miss Lonely Hearts, 8pm, no cover 3) 7:30pm,8pm, $10 after 8pm 2) Fixx MissFridays, Lonely Hearts, no cover 3) Fixx Fridays, 7:30pm, $10 after 8pm

3) Arty the Party, 9pm, no cover 1) Nashville Unplugged, 8pm, $29.50-$40.50 3), Jackie Dauzat, 1) Nashville Unplugged 8pm, cover 4) British Invasion, noon, 8pm, no $29.50-$40.50 3) Jackie Dauzat, Decades, 6pm, no cover 8pm, no cover 4) British Invasion, noon, Decades, 6pm, no cover 3) DJ/dancing, 5pm, no cover CJ Simmons, 8pm, 3) DJ/dancing, 5pm,nonocover cover

1) Nashville Unplugged: The Story Behind $29.50-$40.50 the Song, 8pm, Unplugged: The Story Behind 1) Nashville the Song, 8pm, $29.50-$40.50

the Song, 8pm, M, $29.50-$40.50 3) DJ/line dancing lessons, 6pm, W, nodancing cover lessons, 3) DJ/line

3) DJ/dancing, 5pm, no cover 3) DJ/dancing, 5pm, no cover

CJ Simmons, 8pm, no cover

1) Billy Currington, 8pm, $24-$74 2) MissCurrington, Lonely Hearts, no cover 1) Billy 8pm,8pm, $24-$74 2) Miss Lonely Hearts, 8pm, no cover

6pm, W, no cover

2) Verbal Kint, 6pm, no cover

2) Verbal Kint, 6pm, M, Tu, W, no cover

2) Verbal Kint, 6pm, no cover

2) Verbal Kint, 6pm, M, Tu, W, no cover

4) Halie O’Ryan Band, 9pm, no cover

9pm, no cover

FEATURE STORY FEATURE STORY

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ARTS&CULTURE ARTS&CULTURE

| |

IN ROTATION IN ROTATION

| |

ART OF THE STATE ART OF THE STATE

2) Apple Z, 9pm, no cover 3) Saturdays, 9pm, $5 2) Seduction Apple Z, 9pm, no cover 4) Seduction Halie O’Ryan Band, 9pm, no$5 cover 3) Saturdays, 9pm, 4) Halie O’Ryan Band, 9pm, no cover

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FOODFINDS FOODFINDS

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FILM FILM

Cobra Lounge at Asian Noodles, 1290 E. Plumb Lane, at Ste.Asian 1, 828-7227: Cash1290 Karaoke Cobra Lounge Noodles, E. w/Jacques 8pm, noCash cover Plumb Lane,Simard, Ste. 1, Sa, 828-7227: Karaoke w/Jacques Simard, Sa, 8pm, no Ste. cover1070, Money Bar, 180 W. Peckham Lane, 823-9977: Steve Starr Karaoke, F, 9pm, Money Bar, 180 W. Peckham Lane, Ste. 1070, no cover Steve Starr Karaoke, F, 9pm, 823-9977: no cover Spiro’s Sports Bar & Grille, 1475 E. Prater Way, Sports Ste. 103,Bar Sparks, 356-6000: Spiro’s & Grille, 1475 F-Sa, E. Prater 9pm, Ste. no cover Way, 103, Sparks, 356-6000: F-Sa, no cover West9pm, Second Street Bar, 118 W. Second St., 8pm,Bar, no cover West384-7976: SecondDaily, Street 118 W. Second St., 384-7976: Daily, 8pm, no cover

1) Blues Jam Wednesday, 7pm, W, Jam no cover 1) Blues Wednesday,

8pm, $15 2) Apple Z, 9pm, no cover 3) 9pm, no cover 2) Fashion Apple Z,Friday, 9pm, no cover 4) Fashion Halie O’Ryan Band, no cover 3) Friday, 9pm,9pm, no cover

Karaoke Karaoke

1) Nashville Unplugged: The Story Behind M, $29.50-$40.50 theNashville Song, 8pm, 1) Unplugged: The Story Behind

2) Utility Players Improv Show, 8pm, $15Players Improv Show, 2) Utility 2) Banzai Thursdays w/DJ Trivia, 8pm, no cover 2) Banzai Thursdays w/DJ Trivia, 3) University 8pm, no coverof Aura, 9pm, no coverof Aura, 3) University

Harrah’s Lake Tahoe May 30, 7:30 p.m.

15 Highway 50 Tahoe Harrah’s Lake Stateline 15 Highway 50 588-6611 Stateline 588-6611

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1) Trey Stone, 8pm, no cover

3) Arty the Party, 9pm, no cover

2) Miss Lonely Hearts, 7pm, no cover

Soul Persuaders, 10pm, no cover

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7pm, W, no cover 2) Trey Valentine’s Backstage Karaoke, 8pm, no cover Backstage Karaoke, 2) TreyTu,Valentine’s Country-Rock Bingo w/Jeff Gregg, 8pm, Tu, no cover 9pm, W, no cover Country-Rock Bingo w/Jeff Gregg,

2) Recovery Sundays, 10pm, no cover 3) Recovery Industry Night, 9pm,10pm, no cover 2) Sundays, no cover 3) Industry Night, 9pm, no cover

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For a complete listing of this week’s events, visit newsreview.com/reno

May Arboretum Society Annual Plant Sale Shop for unique plants, hard-to-find varieties and native plants selected to grow in our climate zone, including sun and shade perennials, plants that attract butterflies and hummingbirds, and plants that have low water requirements. Horticulturists and members of the May Arboretum Society will be on hand to offer growing tips. The sale takes place from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 30, and continues from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, June 1, through Friday, June 5, at the Ranch House at the Wilbur D. May Arboretum in Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, 1595 N. Sierra St. Call 785-4153 or visit www.mayarboretumsociety.org.

—Kelley Lang

Nevada Humanities Literary Crawl Listen to readings of fiction, non-fiction and poetry and watch a performance

by The Utility Players at venues in midtown Reno, including Liberty Fine Art Gallery, the Lake Mansion, Pignic Pub & Patio, St. James Infirmary and 1864 Tavern. The event begins at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, at Sundance Books and Music, 121 California Ave. All events are free and open to the public, although the bar venues are only open those age 21 and older. Call 784-6587 or visit www.nevadahumanities.org.

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GREEN | FEATURE STORY may 28, 2015

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Valhalla Renaissance Faire Pull on your tights, adjust your codpiece and make haste to the 23rd annual festival.

The fair features costumed performers, live music and entertainment, jousting sessions and full armored combat between knights, demonstrations in archery, javelin throws and fencing, arts and crafts, and a merchants area for shopping for that must-have Renaissance garment. The first weekend is geared toward younger audiences with a variety of shows, storytelling, costume contests, music and magic. The second weekend features a pirate and barbarian hordes theme. Visitors can participate in scavenger hunts, costume contests and “Talk Like a Pirate” competitions.

Fair hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 30 and June 6, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 31 and June 7, at Camp Richardson Resort, 1900 Jameson Road, South Lake Tahoe. $Tickets are $18 for adults, $13 for seniors, military, and children ages 13-17, $8 for children 6-12. Admission is free for children under age 6. You can park at the lot across from the fair, but it will cost $5 and the lot fills up quickly. Another option is to park at the casinos at Stateline and take a free shuttle bus to the fair.

The bus will run from 9:30 a.m. through 6:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, both weekends. Visit www.valhallafaire.com.

Spring Fever Revival Get a glimpse of what’s to come later this summer during Hot August Nights’ spring classic car show. Hot rods, classic cars and muscle cars will line the streets of downtown Reno, along with food, beverage and vendor booths, outdoor stages with live bands, a show & shine and other attractions.

The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, May 30-31, along Virginia Street in downtown Reno. Call 356-1956 or visit www.hotaugustnights.net.

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Reno Mini Maker Faire The second annual fair showcases the invention, creativity and resourcefulness of local makers who range from tech enthusiasts to crafters to homesteaders to scientists to garage tinkerers of all ages and backgrounds. Makers will show what they are making and share what they are learning. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, at the University of Nevada, Reno Innovation Center, 450 Sinclair St., The Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, 490 S. Center St., and the Southside School, 190 E. Liberty St. Tickets are $8. Visit http://makerfairereno.com.

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Saturday, May 30th

The Reno Bead Shop and Too Soul Tea

RECYCLE

THIS PAPER.

The file high club A year ago, a co-worker I had a crush on made moves on me after hours at work, and we stopped just short of having sex. I saw him as a potential boyfriend, and I emphasized that I was not interested in casual sex. He told me at the time that he had broken up with his girlfriend but two days later said they’d made up. Several times since, when his relationship has been on the rocks, he’s suggested we have sex. I told him I want no physical contact with him ever again, and now he rarely speaks to me, despite seeing me daily at work. I considered him a friend, so I’m devastated he took advantage of me and was only interested in cheating. I’m finding it really hard to heal and move on.

If there’s a next logical step after late-night office sexytime, it probably isn’t “Now that we’re done despoiling the conference table, let’s go meet each other’s parents!”

Remember dating? People who want relationships— especially female people who aren’t up for anything less—go on dates before they go on the conference table.

This isn’t to say women should never have after-hours fun with some guy at work; it’s just that if you want a relationship, having sex before he gets emotionally attached is a risky strategy—one that often leads to just sex. Or just sex whenever his relationship is on the rocks.

Sure, you “emphasized” that you don’t want casual sex—a statement that probably buzzed on papery little wings around the guy’s ear before getting squished by his sex drive. Women evolved to be the Missouri of human sexuality—Missouri’s nickname is “the Show-Me State.” Women protect themselves by being what evolutionary psychologists Martie Haselton and David Buss call “commitment skeptics”—holding off having sex while seeking evidence of a man’s willingness to invest (beyond an evening of semi-naked fun in a desk chair). As for men, psychologists Russell Clark and Elaine Hatfield confirm what most of us have observed numerous times: As long as a woman has a moderate level of attractiveness, a man’s likely to want to have sex with her. In other words, while women are the sexual gatekeepers, for men, there is no gate. There isn’t even a fence.

Sure, it’s disappointing when a man you’re picturing in the “future boyfriend” slot just wants to have sex. But feeling insulted about that is like my feeling insulted that my 5-pound dog tries to have sex with my arm—apparently some sort of odd biological imperative that my arm and I don’t take personally.

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To move on, turn this into a learning experience so you can protect yourself in the future. This starts with admitting that you got sucked in not because of something this guy did, but because you let ego and emotion do the driving while reason was gagged, hogtied, and left for dead in the trunk. Accept that it’s your responsibility to vet whether a situation would ultimately work for you instead of leaving the guardianship of your needs to others—others whose agenda may not match yours. Yes, I’m hinting that many men will tell a woman just about anything to get sex. Just ask a man whose grandma has died suddenly and tragically—dozens of times.

Feral hugs After casual sex, why do some men spend all night spooning and cuddling? This just happened for the second time, and it really messes with my head. My nesting inclination kicks in, and I start fantasizing about engagement rings. And I’m not some needy little thing.

It’s like when the plane’s landing gear is malfunctioning and a person grabs the hand of the stranger seated next to them—not because that person means something to them but because it feels better than possibly dying alone in a fiery explosion.

Casual sex, like grain alcohol and ladies’ clingy knitwear, isn’t for everyone. In research by anthropologist John Marshall Townsend, many women who just wanted sex from a guy still woke up the morning after with worries like, “Does he care about me?” and, “Is sex all he was after?” This is perhaps because of the release of the bonding hormone oxytocin—upon orgasm or from intense cuddling. In men, testosterone goes all defensive lineman, tackling the oxytocin and blocking it from getting to its receptor. Understanding this may lead you to rethink hooking up. At the very least, you should take precautions for safe sex—like asking “Where’s the fire escape?” and telling a guy about the tender talk you need immediately afterward, such as “You can let yourself out,” and “Don’t forget to leave the parking pass in my mailbox.” Ω

Got a problem? Write Amy Alkon, 171 Pier Ave., No. 280, Santa Monica,CA 90405, or email AdviceAmy@aol.com (www.advicegoddess.com). |

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TAURUS (April 20-May 20): The weta

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is a very large insect whose habitat is New Zealand. It looks like a robotic grasshopper, with giant black eyes on a long red face, enlarged hind legs bearing spikes and floppy, oversized antennae. The native Maori people call it “the god of the ugly things.”

Please note that this is a term of respect.

The weta’s title is not “the most monstrous of the ugly things” or “the worst” or “the scariest” or “the most worthless of the ugly things.” Rather, the Maori say it’s the god— the highest, the best, the most glorious. I suspect that in the coming days, Taurus, you will have a close encounter with your own version of a “god of ugly things.” Doesn’t it deserve your love and welcome?

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You have successfully made the transition from brooding caterpillar to social butterfly. Soon you will be in your full, fluttery glory, never lingering too long with one thought, one friend, or one identity. Some heavy-duty, level-headed stalwarts might wish you would be more earthy and anchored, but I don’t share their concern. At least for now, having a long attention span is overrated. You have entered the fidgety, inquisitive part of your cycle, when flitting and flirting and flickering make perfect sense.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Only one

fear is worthy of you. Only one fear is real enough and important enough to awaken and activate the numb part of your intelligence. So for now, I suggest that you retire all lesser fears. Stuff them in a garbage bag and hide them in a closet. Then put on your brave champion face, gather the allies and resources you need, and go forth into glorious battle. Wrestle with your one fear.

Reason with it. If necessary, use guile and trickery to gain an advantage. Call on divine inspiration and be a wickedly good truthteller. And this is crucial: Use your fear to awaken and activate the numb part of your intelligence.

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played drums for the rock band the Who. He was once voted the second-greatest drummer in history. But his erratic behavior, often provoked by drugs or alcohol, sometimes interfered with his abilities. In 1973, the Who was in the middle of a live concert near San Francisco when the horse tranquilizer that Moon had taken earlier caused him to pass out. The band appealed to the audience for help. “Can anybody play the drums?” asked guitarist Pete Townshend. “I mean somebody good?” A 19-year-old amateur drummer named Scot Halpin volunteered.

He played well enough to finish the show. I suspect that sometime soon, Aries, you may also get an unexpected opportunity to play the role of a substitute. Be ready!

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LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In the coming nights,

try to see your shadow as it’s cast on the ground by the moon. Not by the sun, mind you. Look for the shadow that’s made by the light of the moon. It might sound farfetched, but I suspect this experience will have a potent impact on your subconscious mind.

It may jostle loose secrets that you have been hiding from yourself. I bet it will give you access to emotions and intuitions you have been repressing. It could also help you realize that some of the deep, dark stuff you wrestle with is not bad and scary, but rather fertile and fascinating.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The ancient

Greek statesman Demosthenes was regarded as a supremely skilled orator.

His speeches were so powerful that he was compared to a “blazing thunderbolt.” And yet as a youngster he spoke awkwardly.

His voice was weak and his enunciation weird. To transform himself, he took drastic measures. He put pebbles in his mouth to force himself to formulate his words with great care. He recited poems as he ran up and down hills. At the beach, he learned to outshout the pounding surf. Take inspiration from him, Virgo. Now would be an excellent time for you to plan and launch strenuous efforts that will enable you to eventually accomplish one of your long-range goals.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Long-distance

flirtations may soon be just around the corner or across the street. Remote possibilities are taking shortcuts as they head your way. I swear the far horizon and the lucky stars seem closer than usual. Is it all a mirage? Some of it may be, but at least a part of it is very real. If you want to be ready to seize the surprising opportunities that show up in your vicinity, I suggest you make yourself as innocent and expansive as possible. Drop any jaded attitudes you may be harboring. Let the future know that you are prepared to receive a flood of beauty, truth and help.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): I suspect

that marriages of convenience will begin to wither away unless they evolve into bonds of affection. Connections that have been fed primarily on fun and games must acquire more ballast. In fact, I recommend that you re-evaluate all your contracts and agreements. How are they working for you? Do they still serve the purpose you want them to? Is it time to acknowledge that they have transformed and need to be reconfigured?

As you take inventory, be both tough-minded and compassionate.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):

Petrarch was an influential 14th-century Italian poet whose main work was Song Book. It’s a collection of 366 poems, most of which are dedicated to Laura, the woman he loved. For 40 years he churned out testaments of longing and appreciation for her, despite the fact that he and she never spent time together. She was married to another man, and was wrapped up in raising her 11 children. Should we judge Petrarch harshly for choosing a muse who was so unavailable? I don’t. Muse-choosing is a mysterious and sacred process that transcends logic.

I’m bringing the subject to your attention because you’re entering a new phase in your relationship with muses. It’s either time to choose a new one (or two?) or else adjust your bonds with your current muses.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “The

soul moves in circles,” said the ancient Greek philosopher Plotinus. Modern psychologist James Hillman agreed, and added this thought: “Hence our lives are not moving straight ahead; instead, hovering, wavering, returning, renewing, repeating.” I bring this to your attention, Capricorn, because you’re now in an extra-intense phase of winding and rambling. This is a good thing!

You are spiraling back to get another look at interesting teachings you didn’t master the first time around. You are building on past efforts that weren’t strong enough. Your words of power are crooked, gyrate, curvy, labyrinthine and corkscrew.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): It’s no

coincidence that your libido and your mojo are booming at the same time. Your libido is in the midst of a deep, hearty awakening, which is generating a surplus of potent, superfine mojo. And your surplus of potent, superfine mojo is in turn inciting your libido’s even deeper, heartier awakening.

There may be times in the coming week when you feel like you are living with a wild animal.

As long as you keep the creature well-fed and well-stroked, it should provide you with lots of vigorous, even boisterous fun.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “I always

arrive late at the office, but I make up for it by leaving early,” quipped 19th-century English author Charles Lamb. I invite you to adopt that breezy, lazy attitude in the coming weeks. It’s high time for you to slip into a very comfortable, laid-back mood … to give yourself a lot of slack, explore the mysteries of dreamy indolence, and quiet down the chirpy voices in your head. Even if you can’t literally call in sick to your job and spend a few days wandering free, do everything you can to claim as much low-pressure, unhurried spaciousness as possible.

Go to RealAstrology.com to check out Rob Brezsny’s expanded weekly audio horoscopes and daily text message horoscopes. The audio horoscopes are also available by phone at (877) 873-4888 or (900) 950-7700.

Think Free

by Dennis Myers PHOTO/DENNIS MYERS

Life in Congress Rep. Mark Amodei was elected to the U.S. House in a 2011 special election after he served 14 years in the Nevada Legislature. The italics represent emphasis in Amodei’s voice.

What’s been your biggest surprise back there?

The pace of inactivity. … Makes the Nevada Legislature look like the highest production outfit in the nation.

What’s been your toughest problem?

You know what? … I mean, I’ve been there for 42 months, 14 days, but who’s counting? The culture, as I’ve come to know it, is one that many times places political sport over issue work product.

You know, people disagree on issues, and that’s nothing new, but you look at the issues, whether it’s health care, whether it’s immigration—I mean, now even the Congress is being expected to get into managing foreign policy. I guess one of the things from serving over here [at the state legislature] for so long, you do your homework, you try to find out what the facts are, you talk to people, and then you say, “OK, here’s what I think ought to be done. Let’s go see if we can’t get that done.” And a lot of what my experience

Do you see any light at the end of the tunnel on remedying this?

You know, over half the people that are serving in the House right now have been elected since 2010. So that’s the last three classes on both sides of the aisle. And I’m not trying to piss on the folks that have been there the longer. I don’t know that this is attributable to evil or whatever, but I do think that there is a culture in place that places political considerations above working the issues. And if I work an issue that the people back here in CD2 think, “You’re on the wrong side of it,” and they

Golden showers Well, that last week of thunderstorms/rain was quite the timely little weather event. It rained on me out here in Spanish Springs for nine freakin’ days in a row. I think the last time that happened, Nevada was still a territory.

But drippy rain event notwithstanding, we’ll be back to high, dry and baked again in no time, and that means the talk of water conservation will rev up to fifth gear in a hurry.

And there’s one area of potential savings that I’m pretty sure is going to get completely overlooked, due to an unwillingness to tackle a slightly delicate issue. I don’t think the City Council is going to address it, nor the County Commission, nor the Truckee Meadows Water Authority. OK, fine.

Leave it to the zany columnist in the back of the paper. But doggone it, it’s time for a whole bunch of folks around these parts to stop peeing in the toilet.

Hell, yes, I’m serious. Doesn’t it seem absolutely cuckoo for people to waste precious water at this OPINION

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fire me, that’s the process. Instead of, “I haven’t done anything, so you can’t really criticize me for something.” It’s like it’s impossible to defend nothing. And so, when you say, “Is there light at the end of the tunnel?” I think that the folks that have been elected the last three cycles, if they stick around, are people whose—by and large—hearts and minds are in the right place and want to be able to come back to their districts and towns like Carson and Sparks and stuff and be able to say, “Here’s what we did” and have you go, “I think that’s dumb” or “That’s’ good stuff” or whatever—as opposed to the passage of time without the production of something to just get you by in terms of where you voted on issues. Ω

[in Congress] has been is that political positioning or perceived political advantage are some of the first things that are evaluated instead of the facts and issues related to solving a problem.

A longer version of this interview can be read on our Newsview blog.

∫y Bruce Van Dye brucev@newsreview.com

There are all kinds of toilets currently in use. Some use 5 gallons a flush, some use 1. For ease of math, let’s use a conservative average of 2 gallons a flush. If 1 in 8 citizens was leaking on the lawn instead of in the bathroom, that would be 50,000 folks. It’s estimated an average adult pees 5 times a day.

So 5 daily lawn leaks would save 10 gallons a day. 50,000 times 10 equals 500,000 gallons a day, 3.5 million gallons a week, and 14 million gallons a month. In the prime outdoor pissing season of June through September, that’s about 56 million gallons of water. Or 172 acre feet! Man, that ain’t chump change, Johnson. That’s some serious water.

Girls, you don’t have to miss out on this piss party. Not at all. Two words— pee funnel. Available in abundance. So OK, let us Tinkle for Tahoe, and Pee for Pyramid! May your stream always be strong and true. Ω

crucial time flushing urine into the river when you could just as easily be outside peeing on the petunias? And puh-leez, don’t even mention that “if it’s yellow, let it mellow” approach.

Letting three or four pisses “mellow” in the toilet? Gettin’ all filmy and rank and icky? Ugh. I’d much rather just take it outside. Wouldn’t you? Obviously, this strategy is inappropriate for many.

Apartment and condo dwellers, for example. You get a pass on this, and if you want to do your part, you’re stuck with the mellow yellow scene.

Knock yourself out. But there are a lot of homes in the Truckee Meadows that have nice fences providing plenty of privacy. So why not?

Once again, it’s time for cocktail napkin math. We’ve got approximately 400,000 humans living in the Meadows these days. If a measly 1 in 8 citizens, or 12.5 percent, would commit to a Yard Urinal Program (YUP), we could save some serious water this summer. Here’s how.

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