Prioritize solar power
On Sept. 21, a lively group gathered at Idlewild Park to celebrate the sun. The Solar Festival rang out with solar-amplified live music, demonstrated the power of solar generators and solar ovens, and featured sun-hat art builds, tie-dye, lawn games and nonprofit organizations supporting a quick transition to clean energy. Patterned after Earth Day, Reno’s Sun Day festival was one of more than 450 events nationwide calling on all of us to rise up for a sun-powered planet.
Sun Day is the brainchild of author Bill McKibben, hatched while writing his book Here Comes the Sun. Did you know that while the U.S. continues to dither around and prop up fossil fuels with subsidies, the rest of the planet is blasting forward with the cheapest energy available? As of 2024, solar power is one-half the cost of coal and gas and one-third the cost of nuclear energy; unlike fossil fuels, solar energy gets cheaper the more you use it. After regulations were loosened, 1.5 million Germans plugged in balcony solar. (These stats all come from McKibben’s book.)
Beyond celebrating, we want to bring solar power home. The sun shines almost every day in Nevada, and we have the right to harvest the sun that shines on our homes, whether we own or rent them. One thing you can do is to sign a petition at actionnetwork.org urging local officials to do everything they can to clear the way for a quick transition and implement policies that remove barriers to clean energy access.
Cathy Fulkerson, Facilitator, Third Act Nevada, Reno
Nevada’s legal system is driving up costs for car buyers
As a car salesman and proud member of the Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, I’ve dedicated my career to helping people find reliable vehicles they can afford. But in today’s market, the biggest obstacle isn’t inventory or financing—it’s Nevada’s broken legal system that drives up costs for consumers and small businesses alike.
Nevada’s lawsuit-abuse costs are among the highest in the nation, averaging $4,603 per household. Nearly half of those costs fall on small businesses, from dealerships to service shops. That means higher insurance premiums, vendor expenses, and legal fees—all of which ultimately trickle down to the customer.
Billboard attorneys and predatory-lawsuit lenders are making the problem worse. By pushing accident victims into high-interest loans and unnecessary medical treatments, they inflate settlements and pad their own profits. The result? Rising costs across every industry, including auto sales. Customers pay more; businesses struggle to grow; and our economy suffers.
Other states have acted to rein in these abuses. Nevada must do the same by reforming lawsuit lending and increasing transparency. We need a legal system that protects people, not one that enriches trial lawyers at the expense of hardworking Nevadans.
Aerys Pozo, Via RenoNR.com
How to find LGBTQ+ allied businesses
Regarding “Pride month in Reno: Here’s some advice from locals on how to be a good ally,” RN&R, September 2025): Great advice on how to be a good ally!
When it comes to patronizing queer-friendly businesses, there is an online directory that includes a list of LGBTQ+ and allied businesses in Nevada. GLCCNV is Nevada’s LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce, and all are welcome! We also invite you to explore our event calendar and join us at an upcoming business networking event. For more information visit glccnv.org.
Kri Edholm, Via RenoNR.com