A Lack of Transparency
We reported about an angry, threatening downtown Reno Ambassador both on social media last Saturday and then in a subsequent article. We are still waiting for a response from Streetplus to our questions. Odd that if there’s a problem distancing is provided, in this case with the contracting company whose closest offices are in San Francisco. What about the “Reno” in the Downtown Reno Partnership?
Also, why did we report about this while other media didn’t? We believe since these uniformed salaried staff often serve a frontline role interacting with our neighbors without stable shelter, a vulnerable population who need help and not criminalization, they should be held to high standards. We were confused by both this person’s conduct during a peaceful protest, both in uniform and then shirtless, as well as the Downtown Reno Partnership’s responses to our repeated queries about him. Is their training adequate? For some street medics who came from out of town to educate protesters on what to do when being tear gassed, it was their first encounter with the so-called ambassadors, and they were also confused by their varying uniforms and Segways, not knowing who they were dealing with exactly. We believe these are important perspectives to think about going forward.
Speaking of transparency, This is Reno has reported as KTVN did earlier that the opening of the Nevada Cares Campus has been delayed yet again. This is Reno is also reporting that the monthly CHAB (Community Homelessness Advisory Board) meeting, usually held on the first Monday of every month, has been scrapped for May, with no explanation as to why yet. Advocate calls to replace police with social workers for outreach in camps, or to pass a local Right to Rest Act, seem not to be the priority anytime soon.
Our podcast this week includes music and thoughts by artist Sana Sana on protecting both humans and the local environment. Find it by searching for Our Town Reno where you get your podcasts, and delve into our archives for more insights from heroes and sheroes of Reno.
Our other articles this week included a student essay and photo series about growing up in a gentrifying Reno, how a veteran who moved to Reno is starting a new initiative to give back to those without housing in our community, and how the Reno Gastro Project helps both those in need of healthy food and pandemic challenged restaurants through an ingenious program.