The Washoe County Commission meeting on Tuesday, January 16, took an unexpected turn when the founder of Reno Satanic was allowed to deliver the opening prayer, concluding with “Hail, Satan,” marking the first-ever satanic invocation before a Nevada government body.

Historically, the Washoe County Commission never included invocations before meetings, but this changed in response to Commissioner Clara Andriola’s suggestion in June 2023. Wanting to show diversity, equality, and inclusiveness while expressing no faith preference, the commission established guidelines for monthly invocations from representatives of diverse faith communities.

During the satanic invocation, Jason Miller from Reno Satanic recited Latin references to Satan and Lucifer, emphasizing the group’s non-theistic stance and promotion of reason and critical thinking. While Andriola left the chambers during the invocation, the meeting witnessed varied reactions, including some attendees shouting out Christian counter-prayers to ward off the evil brought on by the invocation.

In the public comment period that followed, former commission candidate Tom Green deemed the invocation “rather appropriate,” framing it as part of a broader struggle between light and dark, good and evil. Observers booed him, voicing their displeasure with his “political correctness.”

Andriola publicly disagreed with the presenter during the meeting, seeking clarification from the county’s legal counsel, Nate Edwards. Edwards explained that allowing invocations, as mandated by federal law once initiated, opens the floor to diverse perspectives, including satanic invocations.

Commissioner Mike Clark, acknowledging the unintended consequences, criticized the situation, emphasizing his strong faith and dismissing the potential for conversion. He urged acceptance of the outcome, echoing Edwards’ stance on the inevitability of diverse invocations when the floor is open.

The incident adds to a broader trend, exemplified by a vandalized satanic statue in Iowa’s Capitol installed by The Satanic Temple. While the Reno group claims no affiliation with The Satanic Temple, it views Satan as a symbol of rebellion against tyranny.

Aside from hailing Satan during the meeting, the board appears to have violated its rules regarding lobbyists.

Referencing a previous action from Tuesday, September 12, 2023, labeled Action 18. BCC 09.12.2023, commissioners moved to require lobbyists to register with the County Manager. Violations of these regulations carry criminal and civil penalties.

Two lobbyists set themselves up to support Alexis Hill and Mariluz Garcia despite the Commission’s rules.

Finally, Andriola, Hill, and Garcia voted to appoint Cari Ann Lefler Alleman Burgess as the county’s latest Registrar of Voters (ROV) while going against limiting Eric Brown’s spending authority and voting against Jeanne Herman becoming the chair.

My Cousin Elmo says, “If you’re still alive and kicking it, remember you’re not struggling with depression, depression is struggling with you.”

Standing in a rail yard’s alley,
Iron on Steel, Billy Goat Valley,
Ash cat yelling to move along,
No free rides, the Bullman’s song.

‘Tween the Jungle and Hole in the Sky,
The Bone Polishers bite, Pie in the Sky.

Sunrise whispers on the rail,
Adam and Eve, a culinary tale,
Hot mud-brew in weary grip,
Traveler’s solace on this trip.

Should never have left Pappy’s home,
Did not listen to Mama — had to roam.

In twilight arms, echoes dance,
Locomotives, a rhythmic trance,
A symphony of wheels, click-clack,
Night’s accommodations, no lack.

‘Tween the Jungle and Hole in the Sky,
The Bone Polishers bite, Pie in the Sky.

Stars above, the silent guide,
Respite time, nowhere to hide,
Jump an open moving rail car,
Ride beneath night’s bright star.

Standing in a rail yard’s alley,
Iron on Steel, Billy Goat Valley.

met her only now
never knew she existed
nice motorcycle

Washoe County Manager Eric Brown is entangled in yet another controversy, with allegations of manipulating the 2024 elections, whether by design or sheer incompetence. County Commissioner Andriola, if she votes in favor of Brown’s Registrar of Voters (ROV) pick, Cari Ann Lefler Alleman Burgess, is in on the scheme.

The county has witnessed four ROVs in just two years, all seemingly lacking the qualifications required for such a crucial role. Rather than appointing a competent, ethical ROV to ensure lawful elections, Brown is once again pushing for what appears to be an inadequately qualified candidate.

The ROV is trusted to ensure the legality of elections. Your vote, a peaceful means to effect change, relies on the competence and integrity of the ROV.

Brown’s favored candidate, Burgess, has a background that raises eyebrows. Witnesses claim she lived in Minnesota, underwent a divorce in 2019 after 22 years of marriage, and has three children. Her income is said to be $30,000 or less annually. While she moved between states and encountered personal challenges, it was her qualifications for the ROV position that came under scrutiny.

Divorce records reveal attempts to hold her ex-husband in contempt of court, seeking jail time over non-payment issues. Witnesses note her mostly unemployed status, with the closest thing to a managerial role being ordering and scooping ice cream – something that would be comical if it weren’t so concerning.

Contacting those familiar with Burgess, it becomes apparent that hiring her is not recommended. Although she may articulate well, there is an overwhelming lack of confidence in her capabilities.

A public records request exposes her resume, contradicting witnesses’ claims and showcasing a dubious professional history. She spent a brief period in Carson City and Douglas Counties, and her time at the Washoe ROV office, under two months, is puzzlingly insufficient for the vital experience the role demands.

Financial records reveal judgments against her, raising concerns about her suitability for such an important position with the county. Moreover, doubts emerge about her claimed educational qualifications, with discrepancies in her lack of college degrees.

The question remains: Why is Brown so insistent on pushing Burgess into the crucial role of running elections? Why does he repeatedly overlook highly qualified candidates for the ROV position?

Whether intentional rigging or sheer incompetence, the situation appears grim. Brown and his assistant, Kate Thomas, seem to be populating the ROV with inadequately qualified individuals. Why this preference for unqualified personnel?

The lack of a background or reference check on Burgess is alarming, and the ethical implications of endorsing her candidacy are apparent. The Tuesday, January 16 vote was hidden in a 13-item block, raising suspicions of a rigged game.

If this isn’t a rigged scenario, why dismiss Tracey Hilton Thomas, a candidate with over 20 years of experience running Washoe County elections? Her dismissal after she called out Brown’s actions to law enforcement appears suspicious.

Even if we give Burgess the benefit of the doubt, she appears far from qualified to oversee elections. Knowing this, Andriola’s potential support for Burgess leaves little room for excuses – a clear sign of questionable decisions.

Half the war is beat, yet the echoes of battles linger in the air, a haunting reminder of the struggles that had shaped the shape of conflict. The victory, though significant, felt like a fragile respite in an ongoing storm.

The scars of the battleground told tales of sacrifice and determination, etched into the very soil where soldiers had stood their ground. The weary faces of those who had weathered the storms revealed a mixture of relief and weariness, unsure whether to celebrate or brace for what lay ahead.

In the wake of triumph, a poignant silence enveloped the war-torn terrain, broken only by the distant echoes of retreating forces. The half-won war was a testament to resilience, a narrative of courage etched into the collective memory of those who had faced the relentless tide of adversity.

Yet, amid the shadows of victory, questions lingered.

What lay on the other side of the battlefield? Was this a turning point or just a brief interlude before the next chapter of struggle unfolded? The air was thick with uncertainty as if the winds held their breath in anticipation of the unknown.

Leaders grappled with the delicate balance between celebration and preparation. The war room buzzed with discussions on rebuilding, reconciliation, and the challenges that awaited on the horizon. In the soldier’s heart is a mix of pride and caution warred for dominance, knowing that the journey was far from over.

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the battlefield, hope and apprehension intertwined. The phrase ‘half the war was beat’ echoed like a refrain, a mantra that both inspired and cautioned, a reminder that victories, though hard-fought, were milestones in a journey fraught with twists and turns.

In the twilight of conflict, the test lay not only in overcoming the external adversaries but also in navigating the internal struggles that lingered in the aftermath. The half-won war is a canvas upon which the indelible marks of human resilience and the complexities of peace are paint-by-number designs.

There is a fatigue that accompanies exposing corruption, especially when generally ignored by the media and those who ought to know better, like law enforcement and the bureaucracy that permeates city hall.

The Washoe County Manager, Mr. Brown, indulges in a bizarre ritual to cope with the stress of his annual review – a peculiar mix of champagne, white wine, and accompanied by a whiskey chaser, raises eyebrows and invites speculation about the real motives behind this unorthodox pre-performance routine.

One cannot help but wonder why Mr. Brown is so jittery about defending his professional competence. Is the prospect of justifying his abilities so daunting that it requires the simultaneous consumption of wine, champagne, and a hearty whiskey kicker?

The extravagant mix seems to mask the anxiety of the impending review with a cacophony of bubbly, white wine, and a robust whiskey encore. But the plot thickens – Brown is not just sipping on this peculiar blend for personal enjoyment.

He is eyeing a golden parachute package, allegedly awaiting him from Washoe County. While Alexis Hill, Clara Andriola, and Mariluz Garcia are reportedly eager to lavish him with this generous prize, the looming elections for Hill and Andriola add an element of uncertainty. The citizens of Washoe County may have something to say about rewarding Browns, given his less-than-stellar track record with public comments and departures.

Given Brown’s public and private life, a noteworthy detail surfaces – his wife, Melody Brown, who shares his affinity for spirits, as evidenced by her 2021 Nevada DUI. Questions arise about the couple’s responsible drinking as they drank at the Red Hawk Golf Resort in November 2023.

As surveillance footage captured County Manager Brown’s unsteady departure to his $140,000 Audi, the whereabouts of Mrs. Brown become a mysterious subplot. Have the couple adopted a “his and hers” designated driver strategy after their liquid courage?

Thus unfolds the bewildering saga of Eric Brown, his peculiar taste in libations, and his ambitious pursuit of the coveted golden parachute package. As the curtains open in 2024, the citizens of Washoe County hold the key to whether Mr. Brown will attain the sought-after prize.

It all adds up to the same old song and dance — till someone gets injured or killed.

And so,
I found myself adrift in the chaos of my thoughts,
Navigating a labyrinth within the corridors of my own mind.
It was as if I had misplaced the key to my sanity,
And the other inhabitants of my consciousness
Had mischievously absconded with it,
Leaving me to grapple with the echoes of their whims and caprices.
They,
The myriad voices within,
Seemed to have orchestrated a coup over my tranquility,
Holding my sanity hostage in the recesses of my own cognitive realm,
Unwilling to relinquish their newfound sovereignty.

Self-proclaimed progressive Communist Lily Baran is seeking to infiltrate the Reno City Council, Ward 1, bringing with her a controversial track record.

Known for her involvement as a Black Lives Matter Organizer and a homeless advocate, Baran’s resume includes affiliations with the ACLU and PlanNV, along with the operation of a community garden and food bank from her residence in Ward 1.

Ward 1, spanning Downtown, Northeast, and the University neighborhoods, is represented by Councilwoman Jenny Brekhus, who terms out in 2024. In 2022, the city council denied her an appointment to the Ward 3 seat in favor of Miguel Matinez.

In her campaign announcement, Baran portrays herself as a “dedicated community leader” with a background in grassroots organizing, civil rights advocacy, and mutual aid. While championing causes such as housing justice, environmental conservation, and civil rights, Baran’s divisive stance emerges in her call for the abolition of what she deems inherently racist and classist: the police and prison system.

She provocatively questions the need for firearms among law enforcement.

Baran’s podcast revelations in July 2022 expose her radical views on anarchism as an “equalizer against oppressive capitalist systems.” Despite acknowledging the use of the capitalist system until someone creates an alternative, her rhetoric reflects a deep-seated belief in combating capitalism, which she claims is failing.

Admitting to a preference for “shaming people in power,” Baran’s activism strategy raises eyebrows. While advocating for humanizing everyone, she simultaneously acknowledges the difficulty of bridging gaps between white privilege and marginalized communities.

Baran’s admiration for Instagram accounts like the Nap Ministry and Dr. Ayesha Khan raises further concerns. The Nap Ministry’s goal of resisting capitalism through restful means and Khan’s controversial statements labeling Israel as a genocidal occupier and blaming capitalism for the mental health crisis add to Baran’s polarizing associations.

While conceding the near-impossibility of abolishing capitalism, Baran proposes reducing wealth disparity within her community. She presents her community garden as a solution because it lacks government involvement.

In a nonpartisan race, Baran claims to identify with the policy choice that “makes the most sense,” leaning towards fiscal conservatism. Her emphasis on reallocating funds from public safety to housing and mental health services and advocating for a line-item city budget is portrayed skeptically as an attempt to introduce transparency.

Baran’s vision for the City Council is to bring a “fresh perspective and harmony,” though critics question her definition of harmony and express concerns about her approach to decision-making. Her strengths, touted as peace-making and finding solutions, are met with skepticism as the public debates the potential consequences of such an approach.