Week of Jan. 3, 2024

From the editor’s desk

It appears that right-wing allies have taken control of the Washoe County Library Board of Trustees—and Jeff Scott, the director of the Washoe County Library System, is in a fight to keep his job. Delaney Uronen reports on how we reached this point. 

When Matt Westfield, the RN&R’s business columnist, traveled to the small, conflict-rattled African nation of Guinea-Bissau a few years ago, he learned an important lesson over roasted chicken and a beer. This year, he’ll let that lesson guide him in business—and life.

The moment we enter a new year always makes me think about what’s most important—like the thoughtful, creative things the members of our community are doing, and the hard work and integrity that RN&R writers put into keeping us informed about them. Here are more of my thoughts in the current editor’s note. 

The business model for musicians has always been tough. Local musicians Liam Kyle Cahill and Whitney Myer shared some insights on how streaming has made it even harder. Meanwhile, retired tech exec Ford Goodman is experimenting with a novel plan to support musicians.

Good things happen in January for stargazers who don’t want to be awake in the wee hours. The late sunrises make for some convenient glimpses of Venus and Mercury. Here’s the full astronomy report.

If Ilona Smith-Martinez, manager of Honey Bar in the Reno Public Market, could give her younger self a piece of advice, it would be to savor a cocktail—but don’t let it run your life. Check out Michael Moberly’s Liquid Conversations column for more morsels of advice from some of Reno’s best bartenders.

“We got off to a slow start for movies in 2023—but things definitely hit their stride in the last couple of months,” writes film guy Bob Grimm. Here’s are Bob’s picks for the best films of the year—and the movies you might as well avoid. 

What role does your celebrity idol play in your life? A route to escapism? Catalyst for community? Role model? Photo editor David Robert asked locals about their takes on celebrities in Streetalk. 

Picon punch, anyone? Local food blogger David Rodriguez has long been a fan of Basque restaurants. He brought us stories from three of his favorites across Northern Nevada. 

Last but not least, if you’d like to be part of the conversation about the RN&R’s future as we transition into being a nonprofit, you’re welcome to join us for a community conversation this evening, Wednesday, Jan. 3, from 6-7 p.m. at The Generator, 2450 Oddie Blvd. in Sparks. 

Take care,

—Kris Vagner, managing editor