The New Messiah warned us: After the election, unnamed blackguards will rename Pennsylvania.
Commentary
To what? Trumpsylvania, of course, on the day His Wonderfulness returns as third-term presidential dictator for life.
Viruses spread. A gentleman named Jeff Jacobs has vacuumed up much of Reno’s West 4th Street, now pockmarked with vacant lots where once stood old motels housing the least among us.
The Jacobeans say they did the lowly renters a favor. Even the streets would be more humane. Them buildings was unfit, infested with mold and vermin and even (gasp) Democrats! Old Fred Trump would be proud.
The Jacobeans eventually trumpeted they would help relocate some of the dispossessed descamisados, even giving them a few bucks to help find new lodging.
They also announced ambitious construction projects, including that rare endangered species low-cost housing. I wonder if employees at Mr. Jacobs’ rechristened “J” Hotel-Casino will earn enough to afford rent.
At least he won’t demolish the venerable Gold ‘n’ Silver Inn coffee shop he bought. At least not yet. Can the day be far when he starts affixing his name in huge gold — and silver — lettering throughout downtown, emulating He Who Must Not Be Named?
All this leads to my religious epiphany, an e-mail from the Rev. Dr. Debra A. Whitlock-Lax, Pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Sparks. Her church also owns its progenitor near JacobsWorld.
There goes the neighborhood.
“Dear Friend of Bethel: I’m urgently reaching out to you about a critical matter threatening the very fabric of our community. Jeff Jacobs of Jacobs Entertainment is orchestrating maneuvers that imperil the historic Bethel AME Church. His efforts to persuade the City of Reno to designate certain streets as abandoned, thereby facilitating the expansion of his company’s property line to encroach upon ours, are deeply concerning.
“Let’s be clear: our property is not abandoned. It is home to a longstanding church that has served our community faithfully for years.
Jeff Jacobs’ actions threaten to displace this sacred institution, erasing an integral part of our cultural heritage and the African Methodist Church’s historical presence of more than 119 years.
“We cannot stand idly by as Jacobs Entertainment seeks to undermine the integrity of our neighborhood and erode the rich tapestry of our history. That’s why I implore you to join me and fellow Bethel members at (Reno) City Hall on Wednesday, February 28, 9:45 a.m.
“Your presence and voice are crucial in this fight to protect Nevada’s oldest Black/African American church. We need passionate advocates like you to (defend) the preservation of our community’s soul (and) speak out against Jacobs Entertainment’s unchecked expansionism.
“Please consider lending your voice for three minutes to underscore why we must resist Jacobs Entertainment’s attempts to seize control of downtown. Together, we can safeguard our heritage and ensure that future generations continue to benefit from the invaluable contributions of Bethel AME Church.
“Jeff Jacobs has moved other historically registered property and wants to move our building, currently being rented to a church. We plan to create a Black Cultural Center in the future. Please – stand with me.
Stand for justice.”
Mama mia.
Opposition to council agenda item C-1 may be entered at publiccomment@reno.gov (No hyphens)
I e-mailed this: “Black History Month BLACKLASH: Once again, Reno City Hall has demonstrated its endemic moral obtuseness — scheduling this hearing at the end of Black History Month.
“Comedian Chris Rock got it right when he asked ‘has anyone noticed that they gave us the shortest month of the year?’
“I have searched the council agenda and the 59-page staff report. There is nary a mention of the AME Church or its jeopardy.”
One noted Nevada historian responded: “Reno has over 70 National Historic Register properties (including Bethel AME), many near Jacobs developments.
“They tell the story of architecture, commerce, institutions, civic life — subjects important to share with succeeding generations so that emergent leadership can understand the context of decisions made, of issues confronted, and of the panorama that shaped the community they inherit. Educated and informed citizenry create cohesive communities.”
Whether or not you read this before the council meeting, send an e requesting inclusion of your opinion in the official record. Contact your officials. It’s an election year.
GOWABUNGA, I’m famous. I don’t know how he got it, but I got an e from Jacobs lawyer Gordon Garrett who stated “The information outlined in the emails is completely false. I would appreciate the opportunity to provide you with correct information.”
Gee. I must have even mis-spelled my own name if everything therein was false.
I thanked him for his response and asked that he send the info. You’ll know more when I do. Stay tuned.
MAILSTROM, PART DEUX. I used to get prescriptions overnight from Sparks to Reno. Now it takes two days and sometimes more. Some February primary ballots took four or five days to get across town.
MAGA Postmaster Generalissimo Louis the Clueless DeJoy is trying to make matters worse by moving local mail sorting to Sacramento — everything from northeastern California, northern and central Nevada.
Most voted by mail this month. Washoe voter registrar Cari-Ann Burgess told the Reno Gazette-Journal that this Donner Pass delaying tactic puts ballots in jeopardy of invalidation. She will advise voters not to use mail if the DeJoy debacle devolves.
Sacramento currently has one whole person trained to postmark Nevada-style ballots. One sick day can tilt elections toward MAGA moonhowlers more likely to vote in person. Which is the idea. This raises serious constitutional voting rights issues.
If you get this column on or before the Feb. 28 commentary deadline, register objection at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/mpfr-reno-nv/
A cosmetic public hearing will be scheduled but insiders say this looks like a done deal. Dammit. So much winning, indeed.
This proposal will do nothing save producing manufactured Giuliani-style “evidence” that the postal service should be privatized, Mr. DeJoy’s pet project.
As Yogi Berra might say, if Ben Franklin was alive he’d be turnin’ over in his grave.
Vaxx up, stay safe, pray for Ukraine and almost 100 other currently war-torn lands.
Be well. Raise hell. / Esté bien. Haga infierno.
Andrew Quarantino Barbáno is a 55-year Nevadan and editor of NevadaLabor.com, CesarChavezNevada.com and MississippiWestnv.org/ Barbwire by Barbano has originated in the Tribune since 1988. E-mail barbano@frontpage.reno.nv.us
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