Squeezing Out
Of our content this week, none got as much traction and comments across our different feeds, from Instagram to Facebook and Twitter, as a picture of a “Help Wanted” sign in midtown Reno.
There were some comments along the lines of “too much COVID-19 unemployment benefits” but lots of research as other comments pointed out indicate many older workers are still fearful of the pandemic, while other seniors have cashed out on a still strong stock market, parents are still scrambling with discombobulated child care and can’t work odd hours, while other younger workers are now taking their time for better opportunities and pay, and willingly leaving behind low paying industries such as restaurant work. The pandemic is also resetting the world’s economy as a whole and there will definitely be a before and after COVID-19 if we ever exit that tunnel. The shortage is also part of the trend of growing inequalities between small businesses and behemoths.
Speaking of restaurants, different local places have been flagged on social media such as Bighorn Tavern, with a sign on their door blaming worker shortages due to “government handouts.” The Truckee originating Squeeze In sisters and podcasting duo have taken to Instagram in their quest for new hires for their breakfast and lunch spots. They’ve gotten positive media attention, but if you look closely in the comments, some called their strategy of putting a somewhat desolate black and white photo with them looking down“cringey” and wondered why they wouldn’t substantially raise hourly salaries and benefits instead.
Our articles this week included a citizen’s forum essay on the new Locomotion Plaza, which, last we checked, was strangely fenced off on both sides. Here is part of what author Anthony Shafton wrote: “Mainly it brings money to money. In the upshot, cities everywhere come to resemble corporate campuses and each other, physically and functionally. The process only reinforces the homogenization of public spaces and the collectivization of the individual psyche. Did I mention surveillance cameras?”
We also had an Ideas for Progress article, with an interview of Eileen Bidwell making a strong case for safe and legal parking programs in our area for those currently living in their vehicles. “Safe and legal parking could make huge differences in people's lives instead of people living in fear and unable to be out earning a living because they have to stay with their vehicles. They could live in a reasonably safe place. This is not the answer. I'm not advocating for this as the answer to ending homelessness. It is a small step and it would make an enormous difference to a lot of people in this community,” she stressed.
Our podcast episode this week is the audio version of our tour of the Washoe County / Karma Box Project run pilot safe camp at the Nevada Cares Campus. After a few pointed questions, and relaying comments we’ve heard the project isn’t meeting initial expectations, we were told to “wrap it up.” We still got a few questions in, but were left wondering how exactly this initial setup was chosen and based on what model. The episode has a new intro as it coincides with the start of a new partnership with local community radio KWNK, where our audio street chronicles and street reporting will soon be airing.