Melissa Shaffer’s 21-year-old son, Hayden, brings light, joy, and humor to her life. His diagnosis of Down Syndrome came as a surprise when he was a baby, but she soon learned to lean on her support system and cherish the joy of life. Melissa and Hayden share with us their lives and stories to commemorate World Down Syndrome Day.  

“DEIB” is not just a buzz phrase in HR circles, but also is a strategic approach to fostering work environments where people are appreciated, and all viewpoints are welcomed.  Diaz Dixon, local diversity expert and consultant, shares his insight on those tough conversations around discrimination, equality, and first impressions. 

Valentine’s Day is a day of love or just a really great excuse to go out for dinner, and we are joined this month by two local foodies who give us the scoop on their favorite restaurants. Be sure to follow BLC Bites & Bevs, and Hungry in Reno for the latest and greatest on Washoe County’s culinary scene.  

One of the inevitable things of life in northern Nevada is those dreaded snow berms. Community Services Department Roads Maintenance Worker Pete Lange shares his perspective from the driver’s seat of a snowplow, and explains why those berms sometimes just can’t be avoided and how to share the road to keep everyone safe in a snowstorm. 

A New Year and new season of “Washoe Life” is here, and we’re joined by the National Weather Service’s Meteorologist Chris Smallcomb. Chris describes the weather pattern we’re in now and how this fits into northern Nevada’s climate patterns. Spoiler alert: flood and drought cycles are more normal than you (or we) realize.

Ted Moore, host of “Paranormal NV,” returns for a bonus episode to talk about his favorite haunts in Washoe County. This special Halloween episode is the season finale of the first season of Washoe Life.  

Teresa Aquila has served Washoe County as a sworn deputy for 45 years and continues to work for the Sheriff’s Office. She’s a mechanic, author, radio host, lifelong volunteer for numerous community programs and she is chair of her neighborhood Citizen Advisory Board. Prepare to be inspired to step up and serve as Theresa shares what motivates her to give back to her community.  

University of Nevada Reno President Brian Sandoval has dedicated his career to public service as a legislator, attorney general, federal judge, governor, and now university president. Once a student at UNR, he now has big plans for his alma mater, including a prestigious ranking in the Association of American Universities.  

The Great Reno Balloon Race takes to the skies above Rancho San Rafael Regional Park this weekend, but did you know that it takes hundreds of volunteers and even the federal government to pull this event off? Executive Director Pete Copeland and Flight Director Katie Griggs share what goes into planning an event that welcomes 120,000 people every year, and why they keep coming back.  

Washoe County has a very special relationship with Burning Man, as Matthew “Chef” Kwatinetz explains in this episode of “Washoe Life.” Chef is on the Board of Directors for Burning Man Project and Senior Director of Nevada Operations, and he is an advocate for ensuring that the community of Gerlach benefits from the annual city built on the neighboring playa.