Nearly a decade after 28-year-old Carson City native Sierra Ceccarelli was shot and killed in south Reno, her accused killer still hasn’t faced a jury.

Nine years. Multiple delays. A family still waiting for justice. And now, under District Attorney Chris Hicks’ watch, the trial isn’t expected to begin until April 2027 — eleven years after Sierra’s death.

There’s something ironic about how the City of Reno and Washoe County operate: elected folks dish it out daily — snide remarks, public shaming, name-calling from the dais — but the moment citizens push back, suddenly the officials are the victims.

Apparently, standing up, speaking out, and asking questions now qualifies you as “unhinged,” “obsessed,” or “mentally ill.” It’s the new government strategy — intimidate the activists, shame the critics, and drive the truth-tellers to the edge.

Picon readers called us out - District Attorney Chris Hicks was spotted at Joe Lombardo’s governor kickoff at Western Nevada Supply. Sure, it makes for a good photo op — but we’re left to wonder: was Hicks there on his own dime, or was this yet another taxpayer-funded field trip?

DA Chris Hicks announced he's running for a third term—and the silence from judges, lawyers, and supporters was so loud, you could hear a plea deal drop.

These signs are posted throughout our Washoe County libraries, thus it must have the approval of Library Director Jeff Scott. Has Scott gotten permission from the Washoe County Library Trustees to post this signage to instill confusion and stress for Washoe County residents of less library hours, less days open, less library employees, etc.

Remember when libraries were sanctuaries of learning and hope? Places where children discovered magical worlds and seniors found quiet comfort? Today, in Washoe County, something has changed.

While Herb Kaplan from the District Attorney's office keeps a less-than-watchful eye over Library Director Jeff Scott's decisions, our community's cherished spaces are being transformed into billboards of anxiety. The question echoing through our reading rooms: Why?