News

Patient dumping case goes forward

The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected an appeal from Nevada state government growing out of the state’s former policy of dumping mental patients on other states.

In a June 30 decision, the Court declined to take up an appeal of a California Superior Court ruling that Nevada can be sued in California. Nevada had claimed sovereign immunity. The case is Nevada et. al. v. Superior Court of California, et. al.

The case grows out of Nevada’s practice of dumping mental patients out of state to free up space in a Nevada facility, Rawson-Neal Psychiatric Hospital. The practice was disclosed in an award-winning Sacramento Bee series by reporters Cynthia Hubert and Phillip Reese. Their reports were sparked by schizophrenia patient James F. C. Brown, a homeless man who was given a one-way ticket and put on a bus bound for Sacramento. The reporters subsequently learned that 1,500 patients had been dumped in states across the nation.

San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera filed a class action against Nevada on behalf of California local governments who paid the costs of patients dumped in their jurisdictions. Twenty of the patients dumped in San Francisco required medical attention, and that city is seeking about $500,000 for medical care, housing and other costs.

Nevada still hopes to get the case dismissed. It is planning a second trip to the U.S. Supreme Court, this time to invoke California Franchise Tax Board v. Hyatt, a case in which California sought a Supreme Court ruling that a state government should be immune from lawsuits by private individuals, in this case inventor Gilbert Hyatt.

Hyatt, a California resident, moved to Nevada and informed California of the move, subsequently paying only part of his California licensing fees for the year of the move. California opened an audit, prompting Hyatt to sue. The California Franchise Tax Board sought immunity against the suit and the Nevada Supreme Court ruled for Hyatt. The U.S. Supreme Court found in California’s favor on the two points of the case it accepted for appeal.

Another threat

U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell last week told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that tax scofflaw Cliven Bundy will be held accountable for his behavior.

“Cliven Bundy has had multiple court orders to remove his cattle from federal public lands, and he has not paid his grazing fees, and he has not abided by the law,” she said. “We will continue to pursue that.”

However, the federal government’s negligence in the case make continued threats against Bundy seem empty—or at least some Nevada ranchers think so. A few days after Jewell’s comments, the New York Times reported on other Nevada ranchers who, inspired by Bundy’s example, have begun grazing their cattle without paying grazing fees, apparently feeling secure that the feds’ threats can safely be ignored.

“If I end up in a federal prison, I hope JEWELL it’s Martha Stewart’s,” said Lander County rancher Eddyann Filippini.

“So far, that does not look likely,” the Times observed.

Bundy’s failure to pay his fees dates back two decades without the Interior Department taking effective action.

Nostalgia

Nov. 18, 1987: “NEW YORK — Donald J. Trump, the New York real estate magnate, a registered Republican, has been asked by Jim Wright, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, to be the host at the 25th annual Democratic Congressional dinner in Washington in March. ... Rep. Beryl Anthony Jr., D-Ark., chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee ... said they had asked Trump to serve as chairman of the dinner, a major fund-raising event, because he projected the new image they would like the Democratic Party to have.”

—Dennis Myers

Caucus tactics

Seven months out, casinos and candidates plot their course

The nation’s casino lobby is running in the 2016 caucuses and primaries. by Republican Donald Trump is Dennis Myers busily alienating Latinos and GOP leaders. And Rand Paul, by embracing Cliven Bundy, may have sewn up the state’s small counties where few of the state’s voters reside. The Des Moines Register—the leading newspaper in the first presidential caucus state—reported that the American Gaming Association will be active in presidential primaries and caucuses in pushing its agenda on behalf of the nation’s casino industry.

“Whoever’s nominated will be reminded constantly that their party produced Donald Trump.”

Fred Lokken Political analyst

It’s a far cry from the 1990s, when evangelical Christian organizations quizzed Republican candidates on their stands on allowing gambling and on whether they employed the euphemism “gaming” in their speeches.

“This isn’t your grandfather’s casino industry,” Freeman said. “There are nearly 1,000 casinos across the United States. But we still find perceptions out there as to what gaming is, or what it may be.”

Freeman may be poor-mouthing for strategic reasons. After all, only a fifth of the states still do not have a stake in gambling. Most presidential candidates understand that state and local governments are invested in casino jobs and revenues. What is more likely at issue is getting the candidates on the record early on the casino lobby’s policy agenda.

“We think we have an opportunity as the candidates are crisscrossing the state to introduce them to the industry to begin to learn what the industry does, how we operate and what the local perspective is, so they are better equipped when they are back in Washington, whether it is the White House or some other capacity,” Freeman said.

He cited the February 2009 incident when President Obama said in remarks to Indiana bankers, “When times are tough, you tighten your belts. You don’t go buying a boat when you can barely pay your mortgage. You don’t blow a bunch of cash in Vegas when you’re trying to save for college. You prioritize. You make tough choices.”

Some Nevada officials and leaders were distressed by the comments, and Freeman essentially said that if he and industry representatives get to candidates in the primaries and caucuses, they can teach them to avoid characterizing the industry that way.

In February 2012, Republican caucusgoers  at Dilworth Middle School in Sparks checked listings to find out where in the school their  precincts gathered.

Meanwhile, Trump’s comments on Latinos have hurt his chances in Nevada, where he already had problems. His attacks on immigrants undercut the efforts of some GOP leaders to attract a greater percentage of the Latino vote, as Ronald Reagan (45 percent) and George W. Bush (44 percent) succeeded in doing by avoiding criticism of immigrants. In addition, the crudity of his comments (“Who is doing the raping, Don?”) are reminiscent of the rationale for many lynchings of AfricanAmericans in the South in the 20th century, and threaten to make Trump another Pete Wilson—a 1990s California governor whose war on immigrants alienated Latinos from the GOP for decades. Latinos make up about a fifth of Nevada voters.

Nevada political analyst Fred Lokken found Trump’s actions difficult to understand.

“Politically, I really don’t understand why he is doing this,” he said. “He’s decided, I guess, to own this issue. It’s fracturing the party right now. And whoever’s nominated in the fall will be reminded constantly that their party produced Donald Trump.”

Lokken suggests it may be a way for Trump to position himself to be a commentator when the campaign is over.

“Trump is a showman,” he said. “He may be doing it to become a pundit. Donald Trump is the poster child for alternative motives. This is a guy who promotes himself all the time.”

Trump also has frayed relations with Nevada GOP leaders. On May 29, 2012, he appeared on stage in Las Vegas to endorse Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney. Unfortunately, earlier in the day, Trump had appeared on CNN to talk about Barack Obama’s birth certificate: “You won’t report it, Wolf [Blitzer], but many people do not think it was authentic,” Trump said. “His mother was not in the hospital. There are many other things that came out and, frankly, if you would report it accurately, I think you’d probably get better ratings than you’re getting, which are pretty small.”

Headlines across the nation appeared, like this one in the Arizona Republic: “Romney clinches, gets upstaged by ‘birther’ Trump.”

Nevada Republican leaders, already struggling with divisions in their ranks, were angered by Trump’s blunder. Just as bad, a

few weeks earlier that year, Trump seemed to take credit for Romney’s second win in the Nevada caucuses: “And a lot of people are giving me credit for that and I will accept that credit,” Trump told Fox News.

Last week, Rand Paul was similarly upstaged when he appeared shoulder to shoulder with Cliven Bundy, who in April 2014 led an armed standoff against federal officials who were seeking to collect unpaid grazing fees from Bundy, some of the arrears dating back two decades (see “Another threat,” Upfront, facing page).

Paul’s Bundy problem was exacerbated when he met privately with the rancher, who later seemed to speak for Paul on public land issues, prompting Paul’s staff to hastily say that only Paul spoke for Paul.

Lokken was as puzzled by Paul’s actions as by Trump’s.

“He’s getting some bad advice from someone, a distorted picture of what is going on here,” he said. “This could really haunt him.”

While Bundy has considerable support in the small counties, Paul likely already has entree to those votes. Expanding his appeal beyond them could be difficult because Nevada is an overwhelmingly urban state where voters in the metro areas are not necessarily as bewitched by Bundy as Paul is.

Initially a Bundy supporter, Paul had distanced himself from Bundy in April 2014 after Bundy made comments about “Negroes” being better off under slavery than under public programs.

“They abort their young children, they put their young men in jail, because they never learned how to pick cotton,” Bundy told the New York Times. “And I’ve often wondered, are they better off as slaves, picking cotton and having a family life and doing things, or are they better off under government subsidy? They didn’t get no more freedom. They got less freedom.”

“His remarks on race are offensive and I wholeheartedly disagree with him,” Paul said then.

But subsequently, Rand has romanced Bundy and his followers.

Bundy left the Republican Party the month after the standoff to join Nevada’s small Independent American Party, a remnant of George Wallace’s 1968 third party. Ω

“Thisisn’tyour grandfather’scasino industry.”

Geoff Freeman Gambling lobbyist

Where’s Waldo?

The tent city that gathers in downtown Sparks for the July 4 fireworks seemed smaller than usual this year, but that just made it more mellow and less boisterous. The weather was cooler than preceding days, but the children’s fountain (top of image) still saw plenty of play.

Outdoor Concert Series

Itʼ s happening in !

EVENTS

IMPRESSIONS OF NEVADA

The Impressions of Nevada solo exhibition of local artist Dan Whittemore’s paintings will be on display at the Sparks Museum’s Cultural Center during the monthof July. Whittemore’s colorful work is inspired by hikes through Nevada’s wildness. An opening reception with refreshments will be held Friday, July 17, from 5 to 7 PM. Tu-F, 11AM-4PM through 7/31, Sa, 1-4PM through 7/25 and F, 7/17, 5-7PM, free. Sparks Heritage Museum, 814 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-1144

ACTIVITIES

39 NORTH MARKETPLACE

A modern approach on a classic street fair, 39 North Marketplace unites local artisans and farmers alike. We showcase the best in art and crafts and highlight produce, health and wellness and specialty food vendors. Th, 7/9, 4-9PM through 8/20. Closed 8/6, free. Victorian Square, 14th Street And Pyramid Way Along Victorian Ave.

SPARKS FOOD TRUCK DRIVE-IN

Local food trucks and specialty vendors will have food and treats available for purchase, followed by a free movie in the newly renovated St. Mary’s Outdoor Amphitheater. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, stadium and low-back chairs. This week’s move is “Enchanted”. Sa, 7/11, 6-9PM, free admission. Victorian Square, 14th Street And Pyramid Way Along Victorian Ave.

LAZY 5 REGIONAL PARK SUMMER MUSIC SERIES

The outdoor concert series includes a farmers’ market and free kids’ crafts sessions. W, 6:30PM through 8/12, free. Lazy 5 Regional Park, 7100 Pyramid Lake Highway, Spanish Springs (775) 424-1801

RAIL CITY FARMERS’ MARKET

The boutique market will offer fresh produce and products from local farms and food purveyors, including Snyder Family Farms, Workman Farms, Sand Hill Dairy, the Bakery Gallery and Mitchell Pickle Packing Company. Su, 10AM-2PM through 9/27, free. Rail City Garden Center, 1720 Brierley Way (775) 355-1551

RENO SKI AND RECREATION CLUB MEETING

Active adults are invited to socialize, have dinner and learn about our activities including weekly TGIFs, parties, camping trips, tennis, hikes and ski trips. Tu, 7/14, 5:30-8PM, free. Wildcreek Golf Course, 3500 Sullivan Ln. (775) 673-3100

SCHEELS HUNTING EXPO

Scheels and Federal Ammunition Present the Hunting Expo. Come and join us for the 2015 Hunting Expo. Reps and Scheels Experts will be on hand for questions, product demonstrations and product give-a-ways. Register to win a $500 Scheels gift card. Sa, 7/18, 10AM-4PM, free! Scheels, 1200 Scheels Dr. (775) 331-2700

LINE DANCING LESSONS AT GILLEY’S!

Free line dancing lessons from professional teachers. Two dances taught at a comfortable pace for everyone! W, 6-8PM through 10/21, free. Nugget Casino Resort, 1100 Nugget Ave (775) 356-3300

CROCHET CONNECTION

Learn to crochet or share tips with other crochet enthusiasts. Th, 4-5:45PM, free. Spanish Springs Library, 7100A Pyramid Lake Highway. (775) 424-1800

FOUR SEASONS BOOK CLUB

The book club meets the fi rst Saturday of each month. Call to fi nd out each month’s book title. First Sa of every month, 1-2PM, free. Sparks Library, 1125 12th St. (775) 352-3200

CONVERSATION CAFE

The drop-in conversation program meets on the fi rst Saturday of each month, 2-4PM, free. Sparks Library, 1125 12th St. (775) 352-3200

BIKINI BULL RIDING AT GILLEY’S!

Get ready for a wild night with Bikini Bull Riding at Gilley’s! Get your favorite bikini on and show off those skills for the chance to win the CASH PRIZE! Su, 9PM through 10/25. $5 for bull ride. Nugget Casino Resort, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

CLICKETS KNITTING GROUP

This class is for knitters of all ages and levels. Yarn and needles are available. First and Third Su of every month, 1:30-3PM, free. Spanish Springs Library, 7100A Pyramid Lake Highway, Spanish Springs (775) 424-1800

PERFORMANCE AND MUSIC

BANDITOS PLAY AT 39 NORTH MARKETPLACE

Come on out to watch this honky tonk rock ‘n’ roll group from Alabama take the stage at 7PM during our 39 North Marketplace. Th, 7/9, 7PM, free. Great Basin Brewing Co., 846 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-7711

HIGHWAY 42

Th, 7/9, 8PM, F, 7/10, 8PM and Sa, 7/11, 8PM, no cover. Nugget Casino Resort, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

ARNOLD MITCHEM

F, 7/10, 8PM, no cover. Great Basin Brewing Co., 846 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-7711

ALIAS SMITH

Ecclectic rock covers F, 7/10, 9PM, no cover. Sparks Lounge, 1237 Baring Blvd. (775) 409-3340

VOODOO DOGZ

Sa, 7/11, 8PM, no cover. Great Basin Brewing Co., 846 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-7711

CHUBBY CHECKER & THE WILDCATS

Sa, 7/11, 8PM, $49. Nugget Casino Resort, 1100 Nugget Ave., (775) 356-3300

ROCKSLIDE

Ecclectic classic rock covers Sa, 7/11, 9PM, no cover. Sparks Lounge, 1237 Baring Blvd., (775) 409-3340

JOHN DAWSON

Th, 7/16, 8PM, F, 7/17, 8PM and Sa, 7/18, 8PM, no cover. Nugget Casino Resort, 1100 Nugget Ave.(775) 356-3300

RENEGADE

Ecclectic classic rock covers F, 7/17, 9PM, no cover. Sparks Lounge, 1237 Baring Blvd. (775) 409-334

ROCK*FUNK*DANCE

We’re Back!….Come join us for an evening of rocking/dancing fun! Sa, 7/18, 9PM, no cover. Elbow Room Bar, 2002 Victorian Ave.(775) 356-9799

SOLID GOLD SOUL

Solid Gold Soul is a tribute to the ’60s soul music of Motown, including the Four Tops, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross & Jackie Wilson. W-Su, 8PM through 8/5, $39. Nugget Casino Resort, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

CYCO MIKE

Come dance the night away to Cyco Mike! Every Friday night, drink specials! F, 9PM through 9/25, no cover. Paddy & Irene’s Irish Pub, 906-A Victorian Ave. (775) 358-5484

DANWISE AND FRIENDS

A free monthly comedy show featuring local talent. The event is BYOB and limited beer will be provided free as well. Third Th of every month, 8PM, free. The Generator, Inc., 1240 Icehouse Ave.

THURSDAY SHOWCASE

Showcase your act on the Sparks Lounge stage. We have a full backline for all your performance needs. Check the Sparks Lounge website or Facebook for upcoming shows. Th, 8PM through 8/28, no cover. Sparks Lounge, 1237 Baring Blvd. (775) 409-3340

DJ NIGHTS AT GILLEY’S!

Come in and scoot your boots! The Dj plays the new favorites and the old hits. DJ is open to requests! W, 6PM through 10/28, Th, Su, 7PM through 10/25. F, Sa, 8PM through 10/24. No admission fee. Nugget Casino Resort, 1100 Nugget Ave (775) 356-3300

ACOUSTIC WONDERLAND

This is a singer-songwriter showcase. Come down to Paddy’s and bring your acoustic instruments. Sign-ups are at 7:30PM and music begins at 8PM. Drink Specials all night! Th, 8PM, through 9/25, no cover. Paddy & Irene’s Irish Pub, 906-A Victorian Ave. (775) 358-5484

LADIES NIGHT

Deep discounts just for the ladies from 8PM-10PM: $1 off all shots and specialty drinks. Sporting bootie shorts 20 percent discount. Parties of three or more 20 percent discount. Sa, 8-11PM through 8/29. Sparks Lounge, 1237 Baring Blvd (775) 409-3340

DJ RAZZ

Come dance the night away to DJ RAZZ! You can even karaoke if you like. Ladies Night every Friday night. Drink Specials all night. F, 9PM. Paddy & Irene’s Irish Pub, 906-A Victorian Ave. (775) 358-5484

KARAOKE

KARAOKE NIGHT

Join us for a rocking good time every Tuesday for Karaoke Night. Tu, 6:30PM through 7/7, no cover. Elbow Room Bar, 2002 Victorian Ave. (775) 356-9799

SINGING IN THE SUMMER KARAOKE CONTEST

Steve Starr & DJ Hustler Karaoke Show. This is one of fi ve locations to qualify for Singing in the Summer Karaoke contest during regular show. Tu, 8PM through 9/1. Paddy & Irene’s Irish Pub, 906-A Victorian Ave. (775) 358-5484

KARAOKE WITH BOBBY DEE

Tu, 8PM, no cover. Morelli’s G Street Saloon, 2285 G St. (775) 355-8281

KARAOKE

Th-Sa, 9PM, no cover. Bottom’s Up Saloon, 1923 Prater Way (775) 359-3677

CYCO MIKE

Come dance the night away to Cyco Mike! The best Karaoke show in Sparks! Every Friday night, drink specials! F, 9PM through 9/25, no cover. Paddy & Irene’s Irish Pub, 906-A Victorian Ave (775) 358-5484

KARAOKE WITH PSYCHO MIKE

Sa, 8PM, no cover. 50 Yard Line Bar & Grill, 400 S. Rock Blvd. (775) 358-8848