Mandate Reversals, Petitions, Ordinances and an Upcoming Our Town Reno Shorts Film Festival
UNR and the Washoe County School District acted lightning fast, reversing their own mask mandates, as soon as the requirement was dropped by Governor Steve Sisolak at the state level. Relief was expressed by many, but the loudest voices on social media were those of concern, among the disabled, the immunocompromised, and others fearing for their wellbeing. By Thursday night, a petition was being circulated among UNR students to keep the masks on throughout the 2022 Spring semester. With previous petitions signed by thousands but not heeded, it seems likely this one will be discounted as well.
In terms of our own reporting and social media posts this week, we focused on local ordinances, including looking into whether one to stop the theft of catalytic converters went far enough, or if we need a regulation on plastic bags. We’ll be exploring more possible local regulatory frameworks in the coming weeks in our Ideas for Progress section.
We also featured Masud Shagor, an immigrant downtown corner store owner, giving his back story as he feels the oncoming single alcoholic beverage sale regulation will cripple his business model.
We are hosting a free shorts film festival at West Street Market Feb 25 at 8 PM followed by Q and As with local filmmakers and a community conversation. Documentaries include Biggest Little Streets Companions about the importance of pets for the unhoused, stop the sweeps reporting and Down Goes Another Motel.
Our podcast this week is with Henry Sotelo, running for a Reno Municipal Court Judge position, talking about the need of our court system to help society and people rather than just handing out punishments.
Our #KeepRenoRad feature is with local hip hop artist J-Gip struggling with mental health but finding a healthy outlet in music.
Our book recommendation got some important feedback and criticism via our Twitter, on the important discussion of how to conduct street photography, which is explored in one of our films to be shown at our festival, The Biggest Little Lens. Join us to pursue these conversations in person later this month.