The Save Lakeridge Saga: Lawyers, Lobbyists, and a Whole Lot of Questions
Obviousily hiring the lawyers and lobbyist has blown the Save Lakeridge LLC graphic artist budget.
Once upon a time in Reno, there was a community rallying to “Save Lakeridge.” Lawn signs sprouted, neighbors united, and for a moment, it looked like the little people might actually hold their ground against big development. Fast-forward to today — and the movement that once had fire in its belly now feels more like a members-only club with a cover charge.
At a July meeting of the retooled Save Lakeridge LLC, residents expected transparency, plans, and maybe even a little hope. What they got instead was mystery theater. The group proudly announced they’d hired two lawyers and a lobbyist — then didn’t name them. No explanation of their roles, no strategy, not even a slide deck. Attendees were told to write their questions on cards, and only the “chosen ones” were read aloud. The rest? Filed under “never mind.”
It all felt strangely familiar. Back in 2021, the same cause raised piles of donations, hired more consultants than a state commission, and — spoiler alert — still lost the fight over the old Lakeridge Tennis Club. Transparency wasn’t their strong suit then, and judging by this sequel, it still isn’t.
Sources tell Picon Press that leftover funds from that first round in 2021 are now fueling some of the new effort. And who’s guiding this one? Many of the same players who couldn’t volley their way to victory last time. It’s like watching the same doubles team lose another set — and they’ve added a lobbyist to carry the towels.
Meanwhile, residents who once believed in the cause are asking fair questions: Where did their donations go? Who’s on the payroll? And most importantly — what’s the plan? Well now they need you to show up at City Hall on November 20, 2025 for the Planning Commission meeting and a rally that starts at 4PM.
It’s a sad commentary when a grassroots movement forgets its roots. Real community organizing means keeping people informed and engaged, not locked out and in the dark. If Save Lakeridge wants residents to show up at City Hall again, they might start by showing them the receipts.