Video Center Reno Va Mucho Más Allá De Su Nombre

Si entras al Video Center Reno esperando alquilar la última película de taquilla, podrías sorprenderte un poco. Claro, el nombre aún sugiere "noche de cine", pero dentro encontrarás mucho más. Es un negocio que lleva 27 años en la comunidad, donde no solo puedes rentar una película, sino también enviar dinero a tu familia en Centroamérica, comprar un teléfono, recoger una camiseta de fútbol para tu hijo, pagar tu factura de agua o incluso conseguir boletos para un espectáculo local.

Y pensar que todo comenzó por accidente.

Guillermo Padilla y su esposa Araceli, originarios de México, se habían mudado a Fontana, California. En 1998, durante unas vacaciones en Reno, decidieron parar a comer unos tacos en Tacos El Rey, un pequeño local justo al frente que aún está allí. Mientras comían, algo llamó su atención: un cartel de "se vende" justo enfrente. Curiosos, decidieron echarle un vistazo.

Lo que encontraron, según las palabras de Guillermo, era un lugar con un aspecto “muy solitario, muy feo”. 

Sin embargo, algo en ese lugar los cautivó. Guillermo tomó una tarjeta de presentación del dueño y, días después, estando ya de regreso en Fontana, hizo la llamada para decir que querían comprarlo.

Al principio, solo estaban Guillermo, Araceli y sus hijas haciendo todo ellos mismos. La hija mayor, Melissa, prácticamente creció en la tienda.

“A veces dormía aquí,” recuerda Melissa. “Iba a la escuela y regresaba directo para pasar el resto del día en la tienda.”

Avanzando casi tres décadas, Video Center Reno ha superado la era de Blockbuster, resistido el auge de Netflix, atravesado la pandemia y se ha expandido mucho más allá de su propósito original.

El Video Center de 1998 lucía muy diferente al de hoy. Comenzó como una tienda de alquiler de música y películas, pero con el tiempo se adaptó porque así lo requerían las circunstancias. A pesar de ello, el nombre nunca cambió.

Guillermo se rió, reconociendo que durante años debatieron si renombrar la tienda, pero al final decidieron mantenerlo.

“Ya a estas alturas, todo el mundo conoce Video Center Reno. Aunque no vengan por una película, el nombre es parte de nuestra identidad.”

Hoy en día, Video Center Reno es un centro integral donde puedes pagar facturas, hacer envíos de dinero, comprar teléfonos prepagos y mucho más. Incluso venden medicamentos de mostrador típicos en muchos hogares latinos, como Viro-Grip y Tukol D. También ofrecen activaciones de teléfonos con AT&T, Verizon y Cricket, facilitando a los clientes la configuración de su servicio o la compra de teléfonos desbloqueados.

Sigue siendo un negocio familiar en su esencia. Guillermo, Araceli y Melissa trabajan allí junto con algunos empleados. No lo tendrían de otra manera.

“Los invitamos a que vengan,” dice Guillermo. “Todos tenemos una factura que pagar, ¿verdad? Aceptamos todas, electricidad, agua, renta. ¿Necesitas enviar dinero a casa? Tenemos Western Union y otras opciones. ¿Quieres comprar un teléfono? Los activamos aquí mismo. Y si te gusta el fútbol, tenemos camisetas, zapatos y pelotas.”

Es una familia, un legado y un lugar que, sin importar cuánto cambie, siempre se sentirá como en casa. Así que si alguna vez necesitas algún servicio, Video Center lo tiene cubierto. Y si te da hambre después, Tacos El Rey está justo al otro lado de la calle.

Informando por Genevy Machuca

Keep Reno Rad: Antojitos Colibri Serving Up Sweet Treats on Wells Ave.

This warmer first Spring we are experiencing is a perfect time to try out Antojitos Colibri at 880 South Wells.

On a recent day at 11 a.m. sharp, an employee of three years, Erika Perez, helped open up the small but vibrant local ice cream shop.

“I enjoy what I do and I love being here,” Perez said. “I love making your guys’ drinks and seeing your guys’ faces whenever you come in.”

While this small colorful shop offers various ice cream flavors and fruity raspados, or shaved ice, it is quite well known for its cup-filled sweet treats and savory snacks. Fruit cups like fresas con crema and aguas frescas ranging from $5 to $10 are local favorites. Antojitos Colibri also offers elote for $3.50, a corn on the cob slathered in mayo, crumbled cheese, lime and the hot sauce of your choosing. 

It’s hard to miss the vibrant bursts of colors from Antojitos Colibri. As small as it may seem, taking up only a slight chunk of a corner before turning on E. Taylor Street, the ice cream shop covers almost every inch of space in radiant shades of pinks and yellows. 

Four black tables are evenly spaced in front of the dark blue painted shop. Almost every inch of white wall surrounding the corner folds and overlaps as a vibrant mural. The bottom half of the walls have large multi-colored leaves following each other. Bursts of green, warm yellow, shocking pink and dark blues decorate the walls, all leading to the striking focal point of the mural, which displays a large, fluorescent hummingbird that consumes the main wall in striking colored feathers. 

In this photo series, Perez starts to make Antojitos Colibri’s most famous dessert, the Chamango. She first starts the process by covering the sides and bottom of the clear cup with chamoy and tajin. Then she stuffs the drink with shaved ice right to the rim and douses the ice with thick, golden mango syrup. She tops the drink off with a fresh scoop of smooth mango sorbet and chunks of fresh mango. Just to finish off the dessert, which is almost overflowing with bright yellow and striking reds, she adds a final layer of Chamoy and Tajin that drips down to the very bottom.

”Just to top it off, you put your straw, your spoon and the little tamarind stick,” Perez said. “I would try to avoid them [the chamango] at first, but now whatever I get, I enjoy making it.”

Photos and reporting by Samantha Wagner 

Keep Reno Rad: Getting your Music Fix in Person

It’s almost too easy to search for music online and have it at your doorstep quickly. Not to mention streaming services and digital downloads that underpay artists. 

For those ready to make the extra effort, there’s an unmatched gratification of digging through music to find your next listen and asking an employee their current favorite album. 

The experience of buying music in person fosters community that would otherwise be lost. Here’s your guide to get your music fix while shopping locally in the 775.

• Recycled Records Recycled Records has been a long standing Reno classic for music. Since opening in 1978, they have had a wide ranging selection of vinyls, CDs, movies and more. This store is perfect for wandering aisles and digging through old classics. The staff at this store is extremely knowledgeable and can often be heard debating music at the front counter.

• Discology Reno This tiny store is located down by the river next to the old Riverside movie theater. It might be hard to find — or rather hard to find parking — but this hole in the wall spot is not to be missed. Opened in 2006, this store became known for its rare pressings, new releases, and coveted finds. This store has a great curation of all genres. If you can’t find what you’re looking for in store, Discology welcomes special ordering to get the album you want.

• Fine Tooth Records Fine Tooth Records is pop up store that you can now find more permanently at The Radical Cat bookstore from Thursday through Sunday. This spot self describes as a “local purveyor of loud, strange and otherwise beautiful music on vinyl, compact disc, and cassette tape.” Fine Tooth is perfect for niche punk or grunge finds.

• Thrift Stores It can be expensive to buy new physical media, especially of albums no longer being made. Reno has many thrift and consignment stores with a strictly hit or miss media selection. Although faced with a surplus of religious and holiday hits, there’s still gems to be found if you look hard enough. Stores such as St. Vincent’s, Salvation Army and Goodwill have music that can be cheaper than elsewhere.

• At a local show There’s no better way to get some new music than straight from the source. The next time you’re at a show, local or otherwise, the merch table is not only a great way to buy physical music, but also meet the people behind it. It can be costly and tiring for independent artists to tour, let alone break even on revenue. Going out of your way to buy music from independent sellers is a mutually beneficial purchase. If you’re not able to get to the gig, consider checking out an artists website or Bandcamp to support them directly.

To learn more about community music events and shows, check out the KWNK Radio Events Calendar https://kwnkradio.org/communityevents/

Explainer reporting by Sophia Nebesky shared with Our Town Reno 

Marcus Brooks, Keeping it Buzzing at Reno's Downtown Planet Smoothie

Marcus Brooks, 40, a new entrepreneur in Reno has his hands on the blender, looking over the exact instructions for one of his own favorite smoothies, the Dragon Fruit Lemon Splash.  

He’s just returned from picking up change for the register at a nearby bank, while customers come in to pick up their online orders.  

It’s a focused blur for Brooks who takes care of eight kids with his wife Neva, while the couple runs the new downtown Planet Smoothie which opened last fall. They’re both “brand new business owners,” Brooks, who previously worked as a forklift driver and in retail, explains.  

Their airy brightly colored narrow smoothie spot is conveniently located within walking distance of the UNR campus, with available parking, in a spot it shares with a Jimmy John’s and a Teriyaki Madness on Virginia and 7th street.

“We just wanted to bring that fresh fruit smoothie to Reno,” Brooks said of the Atlanta founded Planet Smoothie chain, the third largest in the country, known for its real fruit and nutritious ingredients.  

“We don't have, like, the purees and the syrups. All our fruit is fresh,” he guarantees. Pointing to the menu, he also recommends meal replacement and energy smoothies.  

There’s a loyalty program with $5 offered after every $50 spent, plus a free smoothie if it’s your birthday.  

Brooks says he’s hired “the best staff in Reno,” which helps make operations go smoothly.  

Family wise, he says he wants something to leave to his kids, as well as help them “develop some kind of business savvy.” Brooks hopes with more foot traffic during warmer months, and a regenerating downtown, the business will be buzzing even more in the months ahead.  

“We brought it here for you guys. So whenever you get a chance and you're craving a smoothie, come on down to Planet Smoothie,” he concluded. 

Our Town Reno reporting, February 2025

Kiawna Lavery, A Rising Photographer in the 775 Underground Music Scene

It was nearly 1:00 a.m. on a Wednesday when Kiawna Lavery crept into bed beside her boyfriend, who had already drifted into a deep sleep. Just as she was settling in, a notification lit up her phone, one that made her heart nearly stop. She let out a sharp gasp, jolting her boyfriend awake.

“What’s wrong?!” he asked, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
Lavery, wide-eyed and breathless, could barely get the words out.

“OH. MY. GOD. CHARITY KISS WANTS ME TO DO THEIR PHOTOSHOOT.”

For years, Lavery, 22, had idolized Charity Kiss, a band with over four thousand monthly listeners on Spotify and a staple of Reno’s music scene.

She had spent countless nights at The Holland Project, singing along in the crowd, never imagining she’d one day be capturing them through her own lens.
Her love for photography had started in high school, in an art class at McQueen, but it wasn’t until her mother gifted her a camera at graduation that she truly dove headfirst into documenting Reno’s underground music scene.

When Charity Kiss reached out, she was just getting started, still building her confidence.

“I was like—there’s no way they actually want me to take their photos,” Lavery admitted.

But that shoot marked just the beginning. Over time, she has become one of the most sought-after and affordable photographers in the scene, turning her passion into a career and making a name for herself on Instagram as @keychainptg.

Lavery is currently showcasing her photos at Midnight Coffee Roasting, where her live show, documentary style moments are available for sale in a sleek black frame.

Keep Reno Rad reporting by Lauren Juillerat

Keep Reno Rad; Radical Cat Creates Unique Sense of Community (with Video)

Samantha Wagner recently visited their new location at 1500 S. Virginia Street and got to interview Ilya Arbatman a regular #heroesofreno who also plays a key role with Laundry to the People.

Here's part of what Samantha wrote after her recent visit: "A modern, clean, and cubic exterior with large square glass windows reveals vivid content inside. When people enter The Radical Cat, they are greeted with vibrant couches, golden overhead lights, soft music, and long shelves of books.

Co-founder Ilya Arbatman walks along the path of books, pointing out genres of cultural studies, feminism, and sexuality alongside books of magic and witchcraft. The bookstore prides itself on inclusivity, community, and human health in all spheres.

“A really big component of our mission is sort of to be a community space,” Arbatman said. “Which means bringing people in here, both during the day and after hours.”

While books cascade along the walls until the very back of the store, the main desk can be seen lined with stickers, totes, apparel, coloring books, pins, patches, and plants trailing down almost every book shelf.

But The Radical Cat isn’t just a bookstore, relevant to its name, it’s also a cat adoption center. In fact, it was a cat lounge before books were introduced to the business.

Rosie Zuckerman first started a cat lounge event at The Holland Project, where she hosted adoptable cats and created galleries around the pop-up.

Zuckerman desired to make this establishment permanent, and with consistent revenue to keep the place active, so that’s when she partnered with Arbatman, Melissa Hafey, and Mike Hafey to start up The Radical Cat.

The bookstore has also started integrating a musical element to the store and as of January, have started selling records Thursday through Sunday.

“I find that the experience of going into a bookstore is really valuable in itself,” Arbatman explained.

“There's really a lot of discovery that happens within a bookstore that just can't really happen in the same way if you are ordering stuff online.”

Reporting by Samantha Wagner shared with Our Town Reno

With Dreams Dashed to be a Show Dog, Luna Serves as An Outstanding Local Therapy Dog

Luna wakes up in the morning, like the rest of us, with a stretch and maybe a yawn. She eats breakfast, drinks some water – never coffee – then is out the front door and on her way to work. 

She is one of the lucky ones who has escaped the cramped, often sterile cubicle atmosphere. Instead, she travels around Reno all day, meeting people familiar and unfamiliar, doing one of the most important jobs in the world: making them smile.

Luna’s job is harder than you might imagine. One look at her resume makes it clear that this isn’t a job just anyone can do. But let’s break down what it takes.

The job requires two essential certifications. To qualify, candidates must demonstrate their ability to greet strangers politely, navigate crowds confidently, maintain composure amid distractions, and listen attentively to people. The next step of the hiring process is the most critical, and it is based solely on your looks. To be considered you should ideally have two ears, four paws, and a tail for wagging. That’s right, you have to be a dog. Specifically, a therapy dog.  

Luna, a jet black standard poodle, is pigeon-toed. Originally trained to be a show dog, she had to switch careers early-on – her condition kept her from passing both physical appearance and movement tests. Her friendly personality made her easy to adopt and lent itself well to a line of work requiring constant human interaction.

Behind every great therapy dog is their dedicated human partner. For Luna, that’s Mel Minarik, a retired professor of the School of Public Health at the University of Nevada, Reno and a current non-denominational minister. Mel and Luna have been doing therapy work for a year and a half now, but have been together for almost seven. 

"It's kind of like a ministry for me," Minarik said. "To me this is a great way to connect with people."

Connection is what drives both Mel and Luna’s work. Whether they're visiting the HOPES campus, a community health center serving vulnerable populations in northern Nevada, or making rounds at Renown hospital, Luna approaches each person with the same welcoming spirit. Mel finds humanity in these interactions. Given America’s fraught political climate, understanding and listening to others can be scary, frustrating, or both.

“She [Luna] greets everybody equally, and that's a lesson for me,” Minarik said. “Then, when I can connect with the people, the stories they tell me remind me of the humanity out there.”

An obviously inseparable pair, they learn from each other every day, but save some room for having fun. On their days off, Luna gets any extra energy out chasing bunnies and dog balls in the park while Mel watches and laughs. 

And their kindness does not go unnoticed; the good they do is deeply felt around the community.

One of Luna’s private clients has severe dementia and doesn't always remember her when she’s not around. But when they are together, for the moments that matter, she often says: “Luna knows everything, doesn’t she?”

Reporting by Piper Heath shared with Our Town Reno

Immigrants of Reno: Yoshie Kadowaki, Creating Connections Between Reno and Japan

In Hokkaido, Japan, a young Yoshie Kadowaki fell in love with studying English and communication using different languages.

She also admired foreigners making the effort to speak Japanese. Kadowaki remembers being left in awe once as she watched a foreigner on TV speaking her language.

“When I was in high school, it  was when I first started to think about teaching Japanese to English speakers would be very interesting,” Kadowaki says.

As I and other students sit in the rows of a small university classroom, at the University of Nevada, Reno, Kadowaki stands passionately as she gives us insights into Japanese culture and language.

After high school, Kadowaki attended a school in Tokyo preparing students to study abroad for a year. As the school had a strong connection with the University of Nevada, Reno, she took the opportunity to study abroad in 1988.

After studying English linguistics and pursuing her TESOL degree, Kadowaki became a part-time instructor for Japanese. As the department grew larger, she was prepared to be a full-time instructor. She is now a Senior Lecturer in Japanese.

As an educator she tries to make language learning fun, eye opening and fulfilling for her students,

“It’s important that they think it's fun so even when they finish taking classes here, they'll carry that good memory about studying and learning Japanese,” Kadowaki said.

Reno shares the small, dry and snowy familiarity of Hokkaido which is why Kadowaki says she feels at home here, while creating connections with her native country.

“I kind of feel my job here is to somewhat make me feel like I’m contributing to Japan in a very small way by making this bridge between Japan and the United States,” she said.

Reporting by Elijah Reyes shared with Our Town Reno

Local Dave's Hot Chicken Get Early Rave Reviews From Readers

We had two volunteer reporters, including one on media day earlier this week, test out the new Dave’s Hot Chicken at the Outlets at Legends in Sparks, which is now open 11 a.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays.  

The franchise restaurant specializes in Nashville-style hot chicken tends and sliders, and after opening in a parking lot in East Hollywood, got financing from Drake.  There are seven spice levels from No Spice to Reaper, which requires a signed waiver. 

Here’s what our media day reporter Rhys De Haan wrote: “Dave’s Hot Chicken officially opened this Friday at Legends. Known for their Nashville style hot chicken, the franchise was open to us this Thursday to try their famous chicken. The chicken itself is remarkably good, with the tenders being juicy and flavorful, and the spice level adding some extra depth to the experience. I ordered a slider and tender, both at the Extra Hot level, which, while spicy, was entirely manageable. In addition, I got a tender with their infamous Reaper spice level, which was so hot that I was required to sign a waiver. While the Reaper was a major step up from the previous spice, it isn’t so bad that you’ll regret eating it, at least if you’re a spice fanatic. 

Overall, Dave’s appears to be a high quality restaurant, with a good interior atmosphere and high quality food. If you’re in the area, I would highly recommend going.”

Timothy Brancamp meanwhile gave us his own review.  

“Dave’s Hot Chicken at The Legends is a whole vibe! The place is decked out with fun, bold colors, and the energy is just right,” he wrote. “Plus, the customer service? A1, super friendly and fast!

We went with the #2 (Sider) and #1 (Tenders),  medium spice, and honestly, it was perfect, just enough heat to keep it interesting without setting your mouth on fire. If you’re feeling bold, you can go spicier, but be warned, above medium might be pushing it for some. The flavor? Unreal. Juicy, crispy, and packed with that signature Dave’s seasoning. Pro tip, Drizzle some honey on top, and thank me later.

Definitely a must try!”

If ever you want to have any local restaurant recommendation with photos published on our channels never hesitate to reach out on www.ourtownreno.com/contact

Keep Reno Rad reporting, February 2025

Local Gym Manager, John Smith, Turns Around Sparks Crunch Fitness

Eight months ago, it was a gamble to walk into Crunch Fitness in Sparks, on Scheels Drive. Equipment was out of order, the floors weren’t as clean as they should be, and the gym’s reputation had taken a hit under its previous ownership and management.

Members were frustrated, and the energy of the space reflected it. But then, John Smith arrived. When asked to describe the gym before he took over, John, the new general manager, used one word: “rough.”

After two years as a general manager at Planet Fitness, he stepped into the role at Crunch not just for the pay increase, but for the challenge of turning a gym around.

The biggest hurdle? Rebuilding trust. "Just the gym’s reputation from the previous ownership to new," Smith said.

Fixing the reputation was the hardest part, but he knew that to change how members felt about the gym, he had to start from the inside out.

Smith quickly got to work. He brought in around 12 new hires, enforced strict check-in policies, making sure everyone scans in and made cleanliness a top priority. “It’s cleaner, everything’s fixed,” he says.

“Members come up to us and let us know how much they appreciate it.”

Online reviews reflect the shift, with overwhelmingly positive feedback coming in about the improved atmosphere.

And he’s not stopping there. On February 15th, the gym will officially switch to 24-hour operations, a move he believes will make a huge difference.

“It’ll help alleviate rush hour build-up,” Smith said.

The extended hours will allow more access, especially on the weekends, which is a big change from their previous limited hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m..

Looking ahead, he’s extra-focused on accountability, ensuring that staff continue to uphold the new standard he’s set.

“I’m going to keep doing what I’ve been doing, holding everyone accountable and making sure they do the right thing, not their own thing,” he said.

The results are already showing. Smith says January 2025 saw the highest number of sign-ups in a single month the gym has ever had.

On a recent weekday, the energy inside of Crunch Fitness Sparks was electric. The clanking of weights, the hum of treadmills, and the beat of high energy music fills the air. All machines are working properly, the ground appears spotless, and the members powered through their workouts with enthusiasm, a clear sign of the gym's new atmosphere. 

Reporting by Alexus Hildebrand 

The Fresh, Vintage Chrome Coffee Works in Downtown Reno Gets Rave Early Reviews

In a house which used to host underground concerts not too long ago, coffee, tea and pastries are now served in a vintage themed, airy, open space with the early morning sun creating interesting shadows inside.

Chrome Coffee Works on 131 Pine Street is open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and has been since late last year.

On this Monday, Miguel, behind the counter, smiles and pours sweet smelling coffee into real coffee mugs for patrons walking in on an icy, snow covered morning in downtown Reno at this charming spot near the Pioneer Center.  

The sign above him lists black, green and herbal teals, pastries, breakfast burrito, bagel and affogato.  In terms of coffee, there’s drip coffee, espresso, Americano, Cold Brew, Cortado, Latte, Mocha, White Mocha and Chai.  It also indicates in 1950s type lettering “If you don’t see what you want, just ask! We can probably make it!”

At the front of the counter, fresh croissants are begging to be ordered.  

Around ten or eleven, Miguel says it’s lawyers and courtroom workers who start arriving for a quick pick me up.

For now, the food served here comes from other shops, such as the pastries from Beloved’s Bakery and Cafe and the breakfast burritos from Midnight Coffee.  

There’s also beers on tap and canned adult beverages.

On Sundays, a DJ sets the vibe playing some vinyls for a crowd that has more time to relax.

The Yelp reviews have been high, averaging 4.4, complimenting the well lit space, all the available outlets, the cleanliness and the espressos and lattes. A recent reviewer Megan S. who ranks as elite with 38 coffee reviews and counting wrote:  “ORDER: Gingerbread Oat Milk Latte“FUTURE ORDER: Rosemary Oat Milk Latte &/or Rosemary Lavender Latte!

I can't resist seasonal options so super recommend the gingerbread latte while you can, but yay for herbal unexpected options!!! Thrilled to see the option for rosemary which I'm now realizing is also seasonal, so I'll be hurrying back for some more perfect microfoam babyyyyy

Also yay for local beer on tap, beautiful ambiance & awesome service - such a welcome addition to downtown!”

The Google Reviews are at an even higher average of 4.8.

“Chrome Coffee Works is amazing! The building's aesthetics are super cute and the espresso and cold brew are really tasty! It's the first coffee I've had in years that doesn't taste overly roasted or burnt. Congrats on opening!” Jennifer Flynn recently wrote giving five stars. 

Our Town Reno, Keep Reno Rad reporting, January 2025

Getting Vintage with Waggish & Co, with a Monthly Flea Market on the Way

Here’s a message from Jianna von Savoye about a new vintage store in Midtown at 243 Californian Ave.

“Tina Reynoso began “treasure hunting” and selling vintage items online as a passion project that allowed her to work from home and spend time with her children as they grew up. Now her collection exists as a brick and mortar store in the heart of Reno. 

Located on California Ave, Waggish & Co. is Reno’s newest addition to shopping in midtown. Downstairs of The Cheese Board, you’ll find a hidden treasure trove full of handpicked clothing, homeware, art and more. Waggish & Co. is not your typical secondhand store and offers a curated shopping experience with one of a kind items that each have their own unique story.

“Right now everything is mass produced and all these things in my store are things that went overlooked by trends and would've gone into landfills,” Reynoso says. “I love the idea of saving things from history that you can’t get anymore.”

Waggish & Co. was inspired by Reynoso’s trip to Italy, where she found herself drawn to local boutiques full of handmade items and wanted to bring that same concept home to Reno’s local community. 

“I want to build up our community because it’s stronger when we rely on each other instead of big business,” Reynoso says. Waggish & Co. has big plans to build up the community by hosting an all local flea market in the parking lot on the second Saturday of each month and is currently searching for other vendors. “

 Waggish & Co plans to organize the monthly flea market starting in April. 

Keep Reno Rad reporting, January 2025

Emily Lee, Rolling Her Children's Book Wagon into the Riverside Market

“As a mom and former teacher, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful reading can be for children,” says Emily Lee. “Nook & Cranny was inspired by my own child’s love of books, as well as a desire to share my passion for reading with children in our community. Being a part of the Riverside Market will allow me to bring the joy of reading to even more families in the community each week.”

A new Sunday fixture at the Riverside Market will be the Nook & Cranny Book Wagon, a mobile children's bookstore dedicated to offering a wide range of new and used books for children from baby to preteen.  Prices start as low as $2. A curated selection ranges from activity books to nonfiction, just off the printing presses to gently used.  

The shop will be housed in a 1971 horse trailer renovated into a small bookshop using sustainable, upcycled materials. Lee, a self-published children’s book author, is passionate about supporting early literacy and fostering a love of reading in the community.

Becoming a mainstay at one of the most accessible local public events is a natural fit, or in this case, a perfect chapter.

"We are thrilled to be part of the Riverside Market community," says Lee. "It’s such a special place for local families to gather and support small businesses. I’m looking forward to spending Sundays with families, introducing them to wonderful books and fostering a love of reading in a fun, creative space."

During the winter, the market runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Idlewild park.

Our Town Reno, Keep Reno Rad reporting, January 2025 

A Deeper Look into a Reno Revelation: Faded Shawties

Being part of a small local band can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with its own unique set of challenges. A group that is continuing to move through it all while staying true to their lighthearted and fun-focused ways is Faded Shawties. 

Lead guitarist Eduardo “Eddie” Esquivel is the founder. After many years of performing solo acts, he decided to take a leap of faith and follow his dream of being in a group. The band’s first recruit was Daniel Davis, an experienced drummer familiar with the local music scene.

Together the two of them created the elusive band image of the “Swag Lifestyle” and Davis is credited for giving the band its name.

One of the toughest hurdles for a small band is gaining visibility. Local venues may not have the reach of larger clubs or national tours, and getting notoriety within even just the local scene can require months, if not years, of gigging.

A later addition, Nicolas “Nico” Villalobos, the band’s bassist, is the creative director behind their Instagram content; which the band has become synonymous with. 

With the help of a social media presence, the band has booked many live shows including multiple performances at the Holland Project.

For most local bands, the financial realities are harsh. Revenue from local gigs is often meager, especially when you're playing small venues with low ticket prices. Equipment costs, studio time, and travel expenses can quickly add up, and most of the time, the money earned from performances doesn’t cover these costs.

Many bands rely on day jobs to support their music, making it difficult to balance both responsibilities. Band members often juggle their music career with other obligations—work, school, and family. This makes coordinating rehearsal schedules, studio time, and live performances a logistical challenge.

Finding time to work on new material while managing personal lives can stretch members thin, which sometimes leads to burnout or even internal conflict within the band.

Each member of Faded Shawties has many obligations outside of creating music. Daniel is a full-time college student at the University of Nevada Reno, whereas both Eddie and Nico have full-time jobs. But they make the commitments to each other that their friendships are a crucial part of being creative together and prioritizing their relationships and connections are what allow them to grow and thrive together as a band. 

Many bands chase the elusive "big break" that will launch them into the spotlight. But the reality is that success in the music world is often a slow burn.

While some bands seem to rise quickly, the majority spend years honing their craft, building relationships, and earning their place in the industry. The lack of immediate success can be discouraging, but perseverance and patience are often the most important qualities for survival.

Faded Shawties has been a group for two years and has plans to continue to make music and perform. Despite the challenges, being in a small local band can be incredibly fulfilling. It offers opportunities for creative expression, the chance to build a community and the possibility of unexpected breakthroughs. While the path may be tough, those who stick with it often find that the music, the camaraderie, and the passion make the struggle worth it. 

Reporting by Mayra Gonzalez Hernandez, CyAnastasia McRae-Liber and Wesley Kaopio with top visual made from photos by @keychainptg on Instagram

Our Reno-related book of the year is The Horse by Willy Vlautin

We once had the immense privilege of interviewing Vlautin himself for an Our Town Reno story about motels he’d written about in his first book The Motel Life, now mostly all gone amid downtown gentrification: https://www.ourtownreno.com/our-stories-1/2018/4/15/willy-vlautin-author-of-the-motel-life-torn-on-renos-disappearing-motels

His latest book has stark, folksy, minimalistic echoes of the late great Cormac McCarthy, with a 60-something songwriter, guitarist barely living out memories of gone south relationships and being a small time but admired musician in multiple bands, who dishearteningly make more money when playing covers.

An ailing horse by an unused mine in a barren part of Nevada where he’s living his last chapter, thanks to his great uncle who repeatedly came to his rescue, serves as a metaphor for himself. The question is whether or not he will try yet again to save himself, this time by way of the horse.

The musician’s recollections bounce around from one strange band to another, all the songs he’s written, and the relationships he’s failed at, some for better, others for much worse. As in many of Vlautin’s other books, drifters, downtown diners, struggling poets, the down and almost entirely out, the kitschy casinos and grimy motels take center stage.

Vlautin, a songwriter and musician himself, who grew up partly in and out of Reno motels, knows this West Coast environment all too well.

One takeaway from this book is that kindness, talent and passion will occasionally save you, and give you grace upon others, but that an addiction such as alcoholism will ultimately bury you.

Reno serves as a base which he can never get away from, even if it fuels his alcoholism rather than his potential. The book is a rich song, meandering through a torn up life with too many regrets, but plenty of fodder for more to write.

Keep Reno Rad, December 2024

RareTea Boba Gets a Rave Review

On the corner of Virginia and California, a specialty cheese store, a gluten-free smoothie shop, and a bagel place all grace the area with their presence. However, it’s RareTea Boba that steals the spotlight.

Owner Ruth Broos first moved to Cold Springs, Nevada to be closer to family. She decided that Reno “needed something different.” After first looking into possibilities for the area (another smoothie joint, original pizza, etc.) she settled on boba tea.

“You know, when I first came to Reno, I didn’t know very much about the areas,” she remembers. “I used a commercial real estate agent, and she brought me here because she was friends with the owner of the property,” Ruth says. “That’s how it worked out. Then more and more customers were coming in, and they were saying I had the best spot in town, location wise.”

RareTea is a boba franchise based out of Berkeley, California, and Ruth’s location on California Ave. is the only location in Nevada. Her location is also one of the biggest, she says.

Her 24 California Ave. location boasts an open floor plan, with board games, TV, and plenty of seating, making it a popular spot for students and families. 

Even though she’s not from Reno, Ruth recognizes the importance of the community. Ruth is from, Phoenix, Arizona– a city boasting a casual 1.6 million residents– so Reno is a pretty big change. Her favorite thing about Reno? The people.

“They’re pretty cool, they’re down to earth. It’s a small town, everybody knows everybody,” she said.  

Reporting by Madison Kitch for Our Town Reno

Armon Johnson, Now the Head Basketball Coach at Hug High, Giving Back What He Once Received

"I felt it felt right," Armon Johnson says of replacing Moe Golashani as the head coach of the Hug varsity basketball team this season. "It's like a place I wanted to leave an imprint, you know, and try and help as best as I could."
Johnson, a former Traner, Hug and UNR standout, had a brief career in the NBA after being drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in 2010.
As a high school player, he tied the state record for career points scored with 2,616 over the 2004 to 2007 seasons for the Hawks. At Nevada, he was WAC freshman of the year and all-conference twice, with averages of 14.3 points and 4.4 assists before being enshrined in the Nevada Hall of Fame in 2020.
He says in years past he came back to Hug to volunteer feeling he needed to give back for all he had received.

"Hug prepared me for my future, for college, for things like that, for the professional ranks because it made me be a man," he says of what he got from playing basketball for Hug. "I had to step up. I had to be mature. I had to be responsible. You know, being in class on time, everything around here was motivating to me. Like, when I was here at Hug, the UNR Wolf Pack guys would come to open [the] gym. You know, they would come and support, watch our games, things like that. That was always super motivating and a huge part of the reason I went to Nevada. Just having those guys support, I always had that motivating factor that, wow, I got a lot of people I can't let down."

He says his plans as head coach are to build a local dynasty. His coaching philosophy centers around making extra passes, putting in extra work, never giving up and being confident but not arrogant.

Reporting shared with Our Town Reno, December 2024

Big Horn Olive Oil Presses On With its Tasty Gourmet Offerings

Inside of the Mayberry Landing Boutique Shopping Center, a friend of mine pointed to an olive oil place on a whim – Big Horn Olive Oil. I had done an olive oil tasting before; while she had not, setting me up in this instance as a connoisseur for the common Mediterranean cuisine ingredient.

The idea of trying flavored olive oil and balsamic vinegar seems unusual, especially since those products typically do not come in flavors like mango and apricot. One of the store’s employees, Ego Onunaku, explained this phenomenon.

“It does sound kind of weird that there's a store of olive oil and vinegar, but once you come in and actually try it, then you can see why there's so many flavors and so many choices,” she said.

My friend experienced this progression – almost verbatim – as we went through the store. I finally convinced her to sample an apricot olive oil, and to her surprise, she enjoyed it. On the other hand, I knew exactly what flavor of olive oil I wanted, since I discovered the pairing of the spicy harissa olive oil and tangy mango balsamic at a previous tasting.

Finding pairings is something that the employees at Big Horn Olive Oil assist customers with. They know which flavors are popular, which ones go well together, and how you can use a balsamic in cooking. 

“It's kind of overwhelming, so you have to kind of give them the breakdown of the store,” Onunaku said. “Pretty much just being on the floor, giving people pairings and showing them what they can do with the product for the most part.”

In addition to having products of different flavors, Big Horn Olive Oil also claims a higher quality than products bought at a grocery store.

“Ours is super fresh because once it's harvested, it has to be crushed into an oil two to four hours after it's harvested,” Onunaku said of olives in the oils being sold here. “Whereas like a regular grocery store, they don't have the same requirements because ours is ultra premium extra virgin, rather than just extra virgin.”

“We have a lot of restaurants that actually buy from us to make their product, because they know it's high quality, and because you can just taste it in the flavor, you can taste the quality of it,” she added.

Onunaku listed a couple of local restaurants, like Centro and Smiling With Hope Pizza, that purchase various products from Big Horn Olive Oil. She also noted that other restaurants purchase truffle oils from them as well.

As a small local business, Big Horn Olive Oil also gives back to the Reno community. They have a thank-you message from the Reed High School wrestling team on the wall by their checkout counter. The company helped fund travel costs for the team. 

“We're always giving donations for people to do their raffles or even the Reed High School,” Onunaku said. “So just pretty much a lot of local donations for people that come in and ask for help with that kind of thing.”

After any visit, mouths are watering for that next taste of tasty olive oils paired perfectly with a delicious balsamic vinegar.

Reporting and Photos by Aaron Blum shared with Our Town Reno

High Fives Foundation, Going Stronger Than Ever 15 Years In, Healing Athletes with Life Altering Injuries

In 2006, Roy Tuscany, an aspiring pro skier, was at Mammoth Mountain when he went 130 feet on a 100-foot ski jump. He fell from 30 feet in the air, and the impact fractured his T12 vertebrae, causing instant paralysis from the belly button down. 

Tuscany was raised in Waterbury, Vermont, and moved to Lake Tahoe in 2004. Now at 43 years old, he lives in Reno, Nevada with his wife and son. 

In 2009, he created the High Fives Foundation. This nonprofit's goal is to support athletes who have experienced life-altering injuries through a three-phase approach. First, the foundation looks at what is needed for recovery, from physical therapy to one-on-one workouts to alternative medicine. Then, they look at how they can create a better quality of life, like making home or vehicle modifications. Lastly, they hope to reconnect the athletes to the community through sports. 

Tuscany said that his injury was the catalyst in starting the foundation. When he got hurt, his community in Vermont and the Sugar Bowl Academy in Lake Tahoe, where he was a ski coach, put together fundraisers to support him. Once he got to a good place in his recovery, Tuscany felt that he needed to pay it forward and help those who would fall into the same position he was in. 

“It’s my calling, you know,” he said. “I think that’s why the day that I got hurt and had such a catastrophic injury… it’s really shaped me knowing that I was left on this planet to help others.”

Now, 15 years later, the organization has helped over 850 athletes. 

Tuscany had his own struggles during his healing journey, such as facing uncertainty and hearing others give him a bleak outlook on life, but he draws from his experiences to guide others. 

“One of the things I realized is once you stop trying to press rewind because we cannot rewind on life, you can actually start hitting play and living life again,” he said. 

He likes to tell people that even if life may never be the same again, it can still be awesome. 

Through his injury, Tuscany found unexpected fortunes. He was able to spend more time with his mom, as she was there to support him before she passed away from cancer. It also led him to meet his wife, Alana Nichols, who also has a disability. 

His passion for sports continues, whether it’s skiing, mountain biking, surfing, fly fishing or driving off-road vehicles. Tuscany hopes to continue helping individuals with life-changing injuries, showing there is always a way forward.

Reporting by Stephanie Navarro Rocha with photos provided by the High Fives Foundation

My Uncle Binu Singh: The Passionate Owner Behind Vino’s Pizza

In 2017, my uncle celebrated the opening of a new pizza business in Carson City, Vino’s Pizza, continuing a long held family tradition.

My family also worked in the pizza business for 15 years, with my father owning two Mountain Mike’s franchise locations. Inspired, my uncle later used the skills he acquired through working there to form his own business where he is more hands-on with the recipes, self-branding, and restaurant culture. 

With one son and two daughters, my uncle has lived with a nonstop schedule since the start of his business. As his family has grown, Singh has also been striving to grow his business. In January 2021, he opened a location in Sparks, followed by another at USA Parkway, in November 2023. 

“I took this opportunity of the business being a success to find the best location for additional openings,” Singh said. 

The logo for Vino’s Pizza is a play on the letters of his name, Binu aligned with the visuals of an abstracted pizza. Growing up in Punjab, India, he is referred to by his known name and that is Binu. However, after arriving in the U.S. and opening his business, he also has been nicknamed Vino. A missing pizza slice is seen as a cut-out for the letter, with the slice serving as a comma.

Vino’s Pizza logo is displayed on the buildings of all three restaurant locations. The bright colors and simple font create an eye-catching appeal - Photo by Khushleen Khera.

“I took the advice from family and friends and executed a combination of our ideas with the help of professionals,” Singh said, explaining the creative process when developing his business and brand. 

As I visit Vino’s Pizza throughout the years, I can see the passion and hard work my uncle implements throughout every aspect of his business. From carefully attending to customers to decorating the space with a warm ambiance, he puts his all in his work. 

“My favorite part of this daily routine is meeting new and frequent customers. I love having those small and short yet personal conversations,” Singh said. 

Singh takes the chance to interact with every customer he can, embracing a warm, welcoming environment - Photo by Khushleen Khera.

With what is served at the restaurant, there is a detail in highlighting the variety of both pizza and wine. The walls of the interior display lines of wine, paintings, and subtle restaurant decor to match the theme of the brand. Vino’s Pizza’s menu includes a wide selection offering loads of topping options, garlic twists, wings, and desserts. 

“The recipes and taste combinations we follow here were also recommendations from family and friends, I want to make what the people want,” Singh said.

The interior of Vino’s Pizza restaurants is adorned with winery decor and warm ambient lights. The pizza shown is Binu’s special veggie recipe, including a variety of vegetables and barbeque sauce on top - Photos by Khushleen Khera. 

With now three locations, my uncle jumps from one restaurant to another depending on which one is busiest that day. Operating each restaurant and being the boss of multiple employees requires nonstop tasks. I am fascinated with how he proceeds to successfully run each restaurant. 

Each restaurant has become a space for my uncle to indulge in his passion for business and celebrate familial gatherings. Beyond just serving delicious pizza, these locations have fostered a sense of community, where friends and family gather to share memories over a meal. 

Fragment of a design on the initials of Vino’s Pizza displayed on a door leading to the outdoor seating of the restaurant - Photo captured by Khushleen Khera.

“I hope to continue growing my local business and enjoy this journey with my family, employees, and customers,” Singh concluded.

Reporting and photos by Khushleen Khera shared with Our Town Reno