Sparks is spending $15,000 to help fund a study that will try to identify and recommend the best practices for reducing crime and building trust in area law enforcement officers. The Sparks City Council voted to spend money obtained in drug forfeiture and seizure funds for a study that will also include Reno police and the Washoe County sheriff’s office. Back in December … [Read more...]
Sparks City Councilwoman Julia Ratti seeks state Senate seat
Sparks City Councilwoman Julia Ratti has announced her candidacy for the state Senate seat left vacant by the death of Debbie Smith on Feb. 21. “I am devastated by the passing of my friend and mentor Senator Debbie Smith and heartbroken for her family, friends and all those who loved and admired her,” Ratti said in a statement issued last week. “I have spent the past week … [Read more...]
Councilwoman reflects on city changes as term winds down
When Julia Ratti first won a seat on the Sparks City Council in 2008, she hoped to focus on the urban core and making Sparks a more environmentally-friendly city. However, those goals were delayed as the city faced bigger challenges brought on by the economic recession. “There were all those wonderful things that I wanted to do, but the reality is that the crash timed … [Read more...]