Letters for June 22, 2017

Oversight

Re “Lost city” (cover story, April 6):

I recently had the opportunity to read the excellent article by Kent Irwin about Chinese immigrants who contributed so much to the historic development of Northern Nevada.

In the paragraph lamenting the lack of appropriate memorials recognizing the Chinese contributions the author lists a “plaque” in Carson City and a “pagoda” in Reno’s Rancho San Rafael Park. Unfortunately, the author was apparently unaware of the marble memorial to the Chinese who labored during Nevada’s early years that is prominently located in the Lillard Park in Sparks on the southwest corner of Victorian Ave. and Pyramid Way.

Richard Simmonds

Sparks

Editor’s note: Dr. Simmonds, a Sparks Heritage Museum board member, is quite correct that we overlooked this marker. Given dates and other language inscribed on it, (“here in Virginia City,” “Erected in 1965 and reconstructed in 1981”), it appears to have been originally installed in Virginia City during the Nevada Centennial. It also seems to have been a project of Taiwan: “Dedicated by the Vocational Assistance Commission for Retired Servicemen, Executive Yuan, Republic of China.” One line reads “Nevada Centennial Marker 25.”

GOM

I remember when Bruce van Dyke used to write about pleasant things like his adventures in nature, etc. Usually informative, entertaining or heartwarming—now you’re more like a grumpy old man. Don’t be like that, Bruce.

You still have fans out here who would still love to hear from some of your more hopeful side too.

Becky Jessee

Reno

Biela case

Re “Reasonable doubt” (cover story, July 28, 2016):

I am writing to thank you for publishing Tim Prentiss’s story about my case. I respect and appreciate your willingness to allow another point of view about a story people think they know about. I wrote to Tim when I got back to Ely in September but I never heard back. I don’t have anything else to say about that, so thank you. If anyone else had questions or wanted to do another story, I am available.

James Biela

Ely

Fraying

Either in support of or against him, Mr. Trump is beginning to look more like a liability for this country than an asset. Not on account of his political positions, but over his mysterious financial connections with Russians, his failure to disassociate himself from his businesses while serving as president, his holding government—confidential?—meetings in a public—though members only—country club, and his nearsighted “neo-nepotism.”

The continuous shakeup of Mr. Trump’s staff gives one pause to wonder how good of a businessperson he really is. Augmented by his satiric twittering, Mr. Trump’s lack of political suave is starting to show frayed around cuff, collar, and hem, and we can only hope that he won’t take the country someplace we shouldn’t go.

Michael Seidl

Reno