It’s getting crowded in the sky over Somersett.

Between the automated license plate readers quietly capturing comings and goings, and now the appearance of a recreational drone — allegedly launched by the Somersett Homeowners Association — it seems Big Brother no longer needs a badge or a warrant. Just a Best Buy receipt and a little political cover.

But let’s back up. Because while the drone may be small, the backroom scheming flying beneath the radar is much bigger.

Michael Leonard - Mike's Reno Report - first pulled back the curtain on Somersett’s use of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) — a high-tech surveillance system that sounds impressive on paper. These cameras scan and store every license plate that rolls into the neighborhood, supposedly adding a layer of security for residents. But when real-world danger showed up, the machines stayed silent, and so did the people in charge.

On July 28, Our Town Reno reported a troubling incident: a group of youths harassing young women outside a public bathroom at Somersett East Park. It's a serious allegation — one that should have prompted immediate concern from the Somersett Owners Association. But their only suggestion? "Call the police." That’s it.

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).

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.