SK: As we get started, can you share a little bit about yourself and how you got involved with Our Town Reno?
LS: “Last fall I did a documentary called the ‘Anarchist Picnic,’ where I covered a group that hosts weekly potlucks for the houseless community near the GSR. After that, Nico Colombant reached out to me and asked if I wanted to do this kind of reporting. I was really interested in it because that documentary really opened my eyes to the issues that houseless individuals are facing and I wanted to dig into that a little bit more. My background, I'm from Reno. I've been reporting for about two years. I love nature. I love dogs. I love movies and random, interesting facts about movies.”
While reporting about those on the streets and their pets, Lucia Starbuck took this picture of Marilou and her best friend.
SK: What has it been like being a reporter for Our Town Reno?
LS: “It's been chaotic. Everything changes and moves so quickly. So if I hear about something, it needs to be reported on that day. It can all change so instantly. It's been a lot of really early mornings going to police sweeps that are happening of homeless encampments, or really late shooting video of a street photographer in the middle of the night in downtown Reno. So it’s a lot of hearing what's going on in the community and acting instantly, going to it, reporting on it, figuring out what's going on and a lot of listening to folks about what issues they're facing because I wouldn't really know [what it’s like to be houseless], but just taking what I'm told and just running with it.”
While reporting about the point in time count, Lucia Starbuck took this picture of Leanne Duey.
SK: You mentioned that you're originally from Reno. In what ways has working for Our Town Reno changed your perception of the city?
LS: “I think growing up in Reno you just have this feeling of, ‘Oh, I can't wait to get out of Reno. I don't want to be here anymore. I've grown up here, I know everything, I know everyone.’ But reporting for Our Town Reno has changed my outlook completely. I've met so many different people, seen so many different things going on in the community and met really rad people that if I would've left immediately I would have never met. So [my perception has] definitely changed. I have a higher appreciation for [Reno]. I guess also maybe a little anger towards it, figuring out what the city is doing wrong or what the County is doing wrong or the kind of corruption [that exists] in the city. I love it so much more, but I'm also like, ‘Wow, like why are y'all doing this?’ So just those kinds of kinds of feelings. But I've just overall learned so much more about the city.”
A photo Lucia Starbuck took of a donation drive by the Reno Hope Bus before the pandemic shutdown.
SK: As you look back on your time reporting for Our Town Reno, are there any particular stories or memories that stand out?
LS: “I think every single interview I do, every single person I talk to has had an impact on me and on my heart. Some stories that have stuck out to me the most: I've met this really cool person and her name is Lisa Lee. She works at Foundation for Recovery. She's formerly homeless and has also gone through substance use. Hearing from her, it's just so cool because she's just so grassroots and the people that need help and need help now, she’s going to help them right now. I just love seeing that direct action. She talks about the origins of Food Not Bombs, which is basically like going into dumpsters and getting food and making them in big pots at your friend's house [to share with the houseless community].
That's one part I love is hearing that there are people who care about Reno and are trying to make a difference. A lot of houseless individuals I've talked to who live on the streets have really impacted me too. One story specifically, LeaRae, who's also going to be in my documentary [about houseless individuals and their pets called “Biggest Little Companions”]. Her story was really special as she just became homeless not too long ago and she also has a dog with her. It's really cool to hear about the resilience she has. I see her a lot now too, so it’s nice to catch up with her as she remembers me, too.
Annette who I met with [you], she also has a dog, Kiekie, and her story is really special, too. When we met her, she was kind of on her own but she's doing a little bit better now. But hearing about how she basically made a family for herself, made a community for herself at one of the parks and just hearing about how she spends her time also looking out for youngsters on the street. It's really special to know that there are these built-in families and see that people do have support on the streets.”
Lucia Starbuck accompanied a downtown Reno ambassador doing his rounds as the coronavirus shutdown took effect.
SK: So you've been working for Our Town Reno for almost two years now. What has it been like to work for a niche media publication like Our Town Reno, one that has a specific topic, compared to some other media organizations that you have experience with?
LS: “I think that's what I love the most about Our Town Reno in that I do get what I guess you can call a beat. It's really nice to be able to look out for these things. If I'm kind of a general assignment reporter, it's like here's the story here and there, but I don't get the chance to really dig into stuff. But with Our Town Reno, which we cover things like homelessness, affordable housing and then we have our ears out in Reno. Those are the folks that are doing good things in the community. So it's like I get to just focus on what's going on in that community and build a lot of relationships with the activist and advocacy groups. I get to touch base with them, see them at meetings and it's nice to just be able to build relationships like this because it’s what I do, it’s what I cover, these are things that I can look out for.
Another thing I really like about Our Town Reno is that before [I started working for] Our Town Reno, I didn't realize how large our homeless population is in Reno and what they face. So I really support the work of Our Town Reno and its topic because when I see other media in Reno covering it, it's kind of like a ‘Here's a quick look at what’s going on,’ but I like being able to say ‘This is my job and I'm going to actually talk to these people that are facing these things.’”
Lucia Starbuck recently reported about Mary Charles who after being on the streets with addictions now conducts peer recovery online.
SK: For our listeners and readers who only see the finished product, could you share a little bit about your approach to stories and how you go out and find stories?
LS: “Oh my gosh, so much goes into every story I make of course. A lot of it is man-on-the-street, so that's literally grabbing my recorder, my camera and just going to the places where people are. So that's going to parks, under bridges, along railroad tracks, and it can be kind of scary just kind of approaching someone and saying, ‘Hey, we didn't set up this interview but can you share your life story with me?’
I have really bad social anxieties, so those kinds of things really terrify me. But once I'm there I'm like, ‘Wait, I love doing this. I love talking to folks.’ So it's also kind of like the lead up when you're getting out of the car [to approach someone] and you're like, ‘Is this crazy?’ Like if a reporter approached me, I don't even know what I would say or do.
The writing process is a whole other beast. Some of these conversations can be really quick, but other conversations I've had last like an hour and it's like, ‘Oh my gosh, how do I put this amazing story into like a few pages for an article?’ So it's also picking the best bites and trying to do good for them, too, because I think the goal is to shine a light on the things that they're feeling personally.
Then other things like the tip about the huge sweep that we covered, because I got a call from someone who said, ‘Hey, I know you report on this. This is what's going on.’ So it's also a lot of just contacting my people that I know in the community and just really finding out the stories from the people actually experiencing these things.”
Lucia Starbuck covered a protest denouncing sweeps of encampments.
SK: In what ways has your experience with Our Town Reno shaped you as a journalist?
LS: “[Our Town Reno] has definitely made me the journalist I am today. I've learned the value of reporting quickly and just being there. I also love the experimental factor. Sometimes when I’m on the scene, I don't have the chance to write out this beautifully constructed article. So it's sometimes just a video of me saying, ‘Hey, this is Lucia Starbuck from Our Town Reno. This is what I'm seeing,’ and literally just showing it. I love being able to do that kind of experimental stuff. This isn't super traditional, but what better way for me to communicate this information than showing you a video of it. So it’s different things like that I really enjoy.”
SK: Since we focus on stories from the streets and homelessness in the community, how has your perception of the homeless community changed since working for our town Reno?
LS: “That's definitely been one of the biggest impacts from this job to me. Now, it’s kind of always on my mind. I'm always worried, especially seeing some of the things since the Covid-19 [outbreak]. I have so much heart for this community whom I've never really interacted with before I worked for Our Town Reno. Now every time it's cold and at night I'm so sad that people are sleeping outside and this is something that is just so prevalent right now. Then when I hear about the impacts of Covid-19, I'm like, ‘But what about the houseless?’ So it’s just engulfed a lot in my mind and I'm also just on the lookout all the time. A lot of my Twitter newsfeed is seeing what's going on in other cities and wondering, ‘Will this happen in Reno?’ Or if something is happening in Reno and seeing it in other cities. I think it's always on my mind now for sure.”
Lucia Starbuck also interviewed people who wished to share their story while staying anonymous, like this man who was living in his car.
SK: You mentioned the Covid-19 outbreak. How has that changed what you've been doing for Our Town Reno and approaching the homeless community?
LS: “I'm really sad because we're being told to stay in our home so I haven't been able to do the man-on-the-street stuff that I love doing. I still did in the beginning and it was really interesting because people just weren't informed of what's going on, especially with all the stuff at the shelter. It's changed a lot because I'm not able to reach that community and some folks don't have phones or Internet access. I usually have to go to their tent, to the parks and where they hang out during the day and halting that really makes me sad because it's hard to report on what's going on if I'm not there. The city can tell us all they want, all the wonderful things that they are implementing to help folks out but it's like, ‘Do they have hand-washing stations? Do they have adequate bathrooms? Do they have water? Do they have a place to go to the bathroom?’ Things like that. So it's really hard to report on this community if I'm not able to be on the streets.”
SK: What has it been like in terms of the community feedback that you get on a lot of your stories that you've done for Our Town Reno?
LS: “It's a mixed bag for sure. I religiously read every single comment, the shares and the comments that are on other people's shares. I'm looking at literally everything all the time. There are a lot of positive comments, a lot of like, ‘I didn’t know this was happening, thank you for sharing their story.’ A few people have reached out to help those folks, so that's really good. A lot of trolls, too, that will say things like, ‘I still don't get why this person is homeless.’ Well, they just explained to you what exactly happened to them in the story, so if you read it you would know why they are homeless, things like that.
Our Town Reno is a little experimental, so sometimes we just have one voice for a story. But I'm still going into it as a journalist and these folks do not have an incentive to lie or make things up. They are so honest all the time, so people kind of get mad at that. For example, I did a story on a sign in a McDonald's that said you can't be here for more than 30 minutes. I was like, ‘Hmm, I wonder if this targets houseless individuals?’ I went down there to interview folks about the sign and I interviewed someone who was staying in the shelter and she totally approved of the sign and she’s like, ‘I’m trying to eat here. I don't want people hanging out for more than 30 minutes.’ Like, totally honest. We had posted that and there were comments saying, ‘This reporting is so lazy, you asked one person. I eat there and there are people hanging out around the outside.’ But it's like, if you read it, she agrees with you. So it's things like that. But those comments are kind of like whatever, the comments that are really kind and thoughtful responses like asking, ‘Have they tried these resources?’ Those are the ones that I like to keep in mind.
Elizabeth expressed concerns of coronavirus contagion while living in a crowded encampment.
SK: So for our listeners and viewers, we're sad to say that your time with Our Town Reno is coming to an end. We'd like to thank you for all the time and effort that you've put in for our audience, sharing these stories. From a personal level, I'm very grateful to have learned so much from you as a journalist and as a person, as well as a whole lot about Reno having worked alongside you. So for our audience that has gotten to know you and your work over the past two years: What's next?
LS: “So surprise! I'm not leaving Reno yet, so you'll still see me for a bit. I want to continue reporting on this population. I want to cover what's happening to people who are living on the streets. I'm going on to work for This is Reno. The editor just received a grant, so I'll be covering Covid-19 impacts on vulnerable populations and one is the houseless. So I'm excited to continue that reporting there. So I'm really excited. I'm not leaving yet. I’ll be in Reno for at least a little while longer.
A self-portrait Lucia Starbuck took as one of the street photographers for our affiliated Biggest Little Streets Instagram.
SK: So in closing here with us, what message would you like to share with Our Town Reno’s audience?
LS: “At the end of the day, I think if you're feeling sad or in a bad place, I think you should know there are people in Reno who do want to help. It seems sometimes that everywhere you look there aren't enough resources, but there are individuals who are actively trying to help you get what you need. For the folks in Reno, next time you see someone on the streets say, ‘Hello,’ and ask [them], ‘How's it going?’ It can be something as simple as a nod of acknowledgement just as you would any passer-by. Just be a decent human being. Spread more kindness because there could be some more, but I think there already is some [kindness] in general, too. But those are kind of my messages. Just be nice to people and if you need help, please seek out some of that help.”
SK: Thanks again Lucia for taking the time to speak with me today and share a little bit about your experience with Our Town Reno for our listeners and readers. Thank you for all the hard work and effort that you've put into Our Town Reno for the past two years and good luck on your future endeavors.
LS: “Thank you Scott and thank you, Our Town Reno.”