In Reno, it seems some lessons don’t quite stick. The Karma Box Project—which previously had its nonprofit status revoked in 2023 for failing to file required tax returns—now appears to be behind again, with no publicly available filings for 2024 or 2025.

That raises an obvious question: how does this keep happening? Especially when the last lapse was quietly smoothed over, allowing operations to continue with little public accountability - thanks to Dana Searcy and Washoe County. For an organization that relies on public trust and community support, transparency isn’t optional—it’s the whole deal.

Three individuals who have worked for the Karma Box Project have been arrested since November 2025. That alone should raise serious questions about oversight and accountability.

At the same time, rumors continue to swirl that Karma Box Project has been replaced at the county’s Safe Camp by either RISE or Volunteers of America. Yet so far, no one at Washoe County seems willing to go on the record to confirm what is actually happening.

We’re genuinely curious.

Why does Washoe County, Nevada - Government go radio silent every time questions surface about leadership at the Karma Box Project?

No press conference.
No independent review.
No “we take this seriously and are looking into it.”

Just crickets.

Picon applauds the journalistic professionalism of Our Town Reno, which reported yesterday that the CHAB: Community Homelessness Advisory Board meeting scheduled for February 9 was canceled due to “logistical issues.” One of Washoe County’s ever-reliable messaging representatives confirmed to Our Town Reno in writing:

“There was a broken link in the agenda that was discovered too late to fix and repost while still meeting the Open Meeting Law requirements. It will be rescheduled as quickly as possible.”

Nothing to see here, folks… just smile for the retreat photo.

We couldn’t help but notice Karma Box Project’s board retreat photo — the kind that looks like it came with instructions: stand close, look proud, project confidence. Message received.

Gregg Kidd is back—once again attempting to “understand” Northern Nevada.

The well-funded would-be public servant is hosting yet another Meeting the Moment: Affordability Crisis Town Hall on Tuesday, January 21, from 5:00–6:30 p.m. at the Reno Public Market. Hosted by This Is Reno, Kidd says the event follows up on a March town hall meant to hear how everyday Nevadans are coping with rising costs—groceries, electricity, rent—and to gather ideas on making Northern Nevada more affordable and equitable.

Yesterday we published a story hoping someone with a bigger reach might amplify it — and bless their souls, Our Town Reno picked it up. They have a megaphone compared to Picon’s whistle, and for that we’re grateful. We’re happy being the “little engine that could,” the outlet everyone swears they don’t read… yet somehow always seem to react to. That’s our comfort zone.

But today we’re stepping out of that zone.

Because what’s happening at the Safe Camp — and how residents are reacting to it — can no longer be brushed aside with a smile, a ribbon, and a county press release from what we lovingly call the Propaganda Princesses at Washoe County.

We pushed another article to tomorrow because this one needed attention. Phil Tenneson flagged a concern, and as always, we followed up. Commissioner Mike Clark — the only commissioner who consistently speaks with us — confirmed he has already reached out to County Manager Kate Thomas to get the exact facts.