Sparks fly in Sparks: UPS complaints, a Burning Man lawsuit and Reno’s ACAB moment

Kristen and Bob break down the latest Reno news headlines. This week, we discuss the Lear Theater’s future, a federal lawsuit tied to Burning Man, patient safety concerns at a Saint Mary’s Hospice, worker-safety allegations at UPS in Sparks, the city’s new arts board naming flap. We also give a nod to Nevada historian Guy Rocha, who recently passed away.

Lear Theater: What’s Next?

• The Reno City Council was slated to discuss unsolicited proposals to buy the long-closed Lear Theater, despite a February directive to keep it off the “for sale” list.
• Reno bought the property from Artown for $875,000.
• Restoration remains unfunded; prior estimates top $17 million for any work that must meet state historic-preservation standards.
• Council could reject proposals, entertain them, or issue an RFP. (They rejected it; more later.)

Burning Man Sued Over Alleged Trespass on Public Land

• Two local YouTubers filed a federal lawsuit after being told to leave the Black Rock Desert post-event during cleanup in 2024.
• The dispute centers on whether Burning Man’s BLM permit allowed exclusion of the public during cleanup and the scope of First Amendment access on public lands.
• Defendants include Burning Man, BLM, and local sheriffs’ offices. Burning Man calls the complaint “frivolous.”

Saint Mary’s Hospice Care and Compliance Concerns

• State inspections documented multiple deficiencies, including hygiene lapses and medication record issues at Saint Mary’s Hospice.
• Parent company LHC Group (a UnitedHealth Group subsidiary, associated with Optum) says a temporary admission hold was due to staffing shortages, not failed surveys.

UPS Sparks Facility: Worker Safety Allegations

• Employees and Teamsters Local 533 cite ongoing hazards: welding sparks near active work areas, excessive noise, and nonfunctioning conveyor “start-up” buzzers (workers say some only resumed after media inquiries).
• Roughly 10+ OSHA complaints over three years; formal records are delayed amid a state cyberattack.
• UPS says alarms are operating and emphasizes safety; union maintains conditions are substandard.

Crisis Comms in the AI Era

• Observation from recent stories: local institutions often issue brief, generic statements.
• We note AI-generated responses can be more effective.

City Arts Boards Merge … and an Acronym Problem

• Reno merged its arts bodies into the Arts and Culture Advisory Board.
• The chosen acronym, ACAB, drew public mockery and confusion due to widely known alternate meaning.
• City is recruiting members while the name and acronym remain.

In Memoriam: Guy Rocha

• Nevada historian and former state archivist Guy Rocha has died.
• Remembered for myth-busting columns, public talks and advocacy that helped move Nevada Day to a three-day weekend format.
• Segment closes with reflections on Nevada Day traditions and the state’s identity.

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This summary was generated with the assistance of AI and edited by us.