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. Stay current on Reno news by subscribing to our free daily newsletter . This summary was generated with the assistance of AI and edited by us. Support the show

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Sparks fly in Sparks: UPS complaints, a Burning Man lawsuit and Reno’s ACAB moment is an episode from This Is Reno Radio by This Is Reno.

This episode is 29:19 long.

This episode was published on Sep 26, 2025.

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