The Future of the Lear, Books Not Bullets, and a Horrific Deadly Crash
Mutual aid volunteers and unhoused neighbors paid their respects to Michell Jardine known to many as Mama Bear during a candlelight vigil this week, after she was killed when a car rammed into her and two volunteers with Food Not Bombs Reno, who are slowly making progress from multiple injuries.
A celebration of life is being prepared to mourn Jardine’s passing in June. She was a grandmother, mother, sister, and friend to many here in Reno.
The crash tragically showed how there is no safe space for volunteers to hold gatherings to help the unhoused if they want to do so independently of county or city authorities, since they aren’t welcome right in front of the Cares Campus.
A post on our social media platforms with video of a #booksnotbullets walkout protest at Damonte Ranch HS following a code red there led to passionate back and forths in the comments, including lots of encouragement for this new generation of local activists.
A plea for the Lear Theater needing some tlc led councilwoman Naomi Duerr to engage with other commenters and include this statement:
“Actually, it's the beginning of "an end in sight." YAY! The City allocated $1 million from our ARPA funds just last month to begin the process on the Lear. We will use some of the funds to conduct a historic structures report and some to upgrade the outside of the structure and grounds. The inside is more complicated and will require quite a bit of discussion and public process. I'm committed to the Lear. It's one of the reasons I asked to become the Liaison to the Reno Historic Resources Commission. Stay tuned.” We will.
More Our Town Reno Reporting This Week
Our What’s That Construction Project series looked into an expanding Renown.
Our Places of Reno went to a nook on West 7th street.
Our #keeprenorad series looked into a former flight attendant now a flower truck entrepreneur.
Our Ideas for Progress series looked into community tool lending libraries.
Our weekly podcast looked at neighbors in need surviving with odd jobs on the streets of Reno.