Why is the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District all but broke? Could it be those boated salaries being paid to upper management at the department, you know, not the boots on the ground fire firefighters? Could it be the large increases approved by Chief Charlie Moore to his direct reports before his departure? How about a little bit of all of the above.

When more than 15 homeowners associations band together to tackle wildfire emergency preparedness, you’d hope for something concrete—like a real agenda, names of the speakers, an expert or two, or literally any plan beyond vague “potential topics.” But instead, we get what appears to be a thinly veiled PR stunt, held at the ultra-exclusive Club at ArrowCreek (because nothing screams “urgent fire response” like catered nibbles with a mountain view and security so those pesky people they don’t want to attend, can’t).

In the bright Reno sunshine, Mayor Hillary Schieve seems to have forgotten an essential civic protection: transparency.

As the City of Reno partners with the Nevada Cancer Coalition along with the Reno Aces baseball team to sponsor cancer screenings at Greater Nevada Field, a curious connection has emerged from the shadows. Mayor Schieve, the city's highest elected official, has been quietly developing her own skincare line called "Spooge"—a sunscreen product ostensibly designed to help prevent skin cancer.

City of Reno Honors Law Enforcement—But Ignores the Citizen Who Pays for It

Each year, the iconic Reno Arch is illuminated in blue in honor of fallen law enforcement officers—a solemn and meaningful tribute from the community. The gesture, often praised by the Reno Police Department and city officials, offers a powerful visual symbol of respect.

In the bustling metropolis of Sparks, Nevada, a peculiar political drama unfolds—one that gives new meaning to the phrase "the road less traveled." Mayor Ed Lawson's prized toll road bill, once the crown jewel of his infrastructure vision, now lies in legislative purgatory, thoroughly defeated in the halls of the Nevada Legislature. Yet, like a determined door-to-door salesman who refuses to acknowledge the "No Soliciting" sign, Mayor Lawson continues his crusade for concrete.

Washoe County's Curious Financial Priorities

In a dazzling display of fiscal cognitive dissonance, Washoe County is preparing to honor its Chief Financial Officer Abbe Yacoben at the annual Nevada Women's Fund Women of Achievement Gala this May. The same Washoe County that is currently navigating a $27 million budget shortfall. The same CFO who presumably has access to a calculator.

In the City of Reno, the message to residents has never been clearer—don’t call us, and we definitely won’t call you. Amid a $26 million budget deficit, the city has hit “pause” on appointing residents to its many boards and commissions. The official explanation? Cost savings. The real outcome? A quieter public, a less accountable government, and power kept in the hands of the few.

Reno residents, pay attention: A dangerous bill is quietly making its way through the Nevada legislature that would allow City Council to remove Planning Commissioners at will. This isn't just another boring piece of legislation—it's a direct attack on your neighborhood's future.

In a display of concern for suffering patients they'll never meet, local religious leaders have taken out a full-page RGJ ad celebrating their victory over terminal patients' bodily autonomy. How generous of them to volunteer others for excruciating pain.

The financial saga unfolding at Washoe County Library raises more questions than a mystery novel. With a base budget of $12 million annually, the library system has accumulated additional funding requests to stay “whole” $1.3 million from the Washoe County General Fund and $3.2 million from the Library Expansion fund — and now we’ve got Baker & Tayler $850,000 and OverDrive, Inc. $300,000 asks from recently-resigned director Jeff Scott on the commission agenda on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

The Washoe County District Attorney's Office and their Public Information Officer are certainly vocal when celebrating their wins—like the recent four life sentences handed to a child abuser. Press releases, media alerts, perhaps even a congratulatory social media post or two.

Yet a deafening silence surrounds questions about a more recent tragedy: the April 2025 death of five-year old Izabella Loving whose father now faces charges with the Washoe County District Attorney’s Office is investigating. What's conspicuously missing from the DA's outreach efforts is any transparency regarding Washoe County Human Services Agency's potential involvement with this family. The information we are being sent is shocking but nothing can be verified due to the investigation, but Human Services Agency must be accountable if any of the information we have been sent turns out to be factual.

What better way to celebrate Older Americans Month than by telling seniors at the last minute: “Never mind”?

The much-anticipated reopening of the 9th Street Senior Center — originally scheduled for May 1st as a kickoff for Older Americans Month — has been delayed. No explanation. No apology. Just silence from Washoe County. Because who needs clarity when you’ve got chaos?

In a rare display of unified resistance, Washoe County's independently elected officials have issued a pointed letter to the Board of County Commissioners expressing serious concerns about proposed budget reductions. The April 22nd letter—representing the County Clerk, Recorder, Treasurer, Public Administrator, and Assessor—reveals deepening tensions between these constitutional officers and County Manager Eric Brown's administration.

In most cities, it’s considered a public service when a resident takes time out of their day to speak during public comment at a city council meeting. In Reno, Nevada, it’s starting to feel more like a public risk — especially if you say something that rubs Mayor Hillary Schieve the wrong way. Because these days, challenging Schieve’s decisions doesn’t just get you a polite nod — it might get you publicly accused, publicly shamed, and publicly dragged for… well, daring to participate in democracy.

Well, it’s happened again. Washoe County Manager Eric Brown has decided that low-income seniors deserve less than dignity—and apparently, less than a warm meal.

Seniors enrolled in the federal meal program, many of whom rely on these daily lunches as their primary source of nutrition, are now being served cold meals. Why? Because the temporary kitchen that had been used to prepare hot meals while the senior center undergoes remodeling has mysteriously been released. That’s right—Brown let it go. No more hot entrees. Just plastic-wrapped sandwiches and a big middle finger to the elderly.

Is Washoe County playing a shell game with building priorities? Commissioner Mike Clark's persistent quest for radon test results at the Washoe County Courthouse raises some interesting questions about project sequencing.

Clark has reportedly been trying for months to obtain radon testing data from 2017/2018, along with results from tests supposedly conducted in February 2025. His struggle to access this basic public safety information is curious, to say the least.

Looks like we’ve got a bit of a sunscreen scandal unfolding in Reno, Nevada. Mayor Hillary Schieve, who has been busy protecting citizens from the dangers of sunburns, might want to turn her SPF 50 on herself, because her latest moves are starting to leave a bit of a stinging rash on her reputation.

Let’s break it down. In the latest episode of "Reno’s Most Transparent Leaders," Mayor Schieve and her business partner, dermatologist Dr. Whitney Hovenic, are basking in the sun with their sunscreen brand, Spooge—yes, you read that right. Spooge. Not exactly the first name we’d go with for a sunscreen product, but hey, not our product to judge.

It seems Richard Jay—best friend to Mayor Hillary Schieve, collector of prestigious appointments (Airport Authority, RSCVA), and self-appointed Facebook municipal code enforcer—might need to check his own address.

Commissioner Clark frequently reaches out to us at Picon since the other three commissioners give us the silent treatment. As for Commissioner Herman? After eleven years of being ignored on the commission, who knows if she's still engaged or has mentally checked out.

Attention Ward 5 and City of Reno residents. While Ward 5 Neighborhood Advisory Board meetings seem to have mysteriously vanished from Councilmember Devon Reese's calendar, he has managed to find time for something truly essential: Community Tennis and Pickleball Day.

Yes, while your concerns about the Lakeridge development, ADUs on your lot line, and that charming Jiffy Lube proposal for Mayberry and Hunter Lake, you can rest easy knowing your elected representative is perfecting his backhand. Sure most of this, except the ADUs are not in Ward 5 but activist citizens have been using their voices at NAB meetings and should have the right to equally be heard in Ward 5.