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Wednesday, March 11, 2026 - Immigration: Pathways, Barriers and Myths

2/13/2026

 
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Join us for a free community forum to address questions about immigration. What impact do immigrants have on our economy and culture? How diverse is Nevada’s immigrant community? What are the rules about immigrating to this country? What is the path to citizenship?
 
Moderated by Lucia Starbuck of KUNR Public Radio, this panel will explore immigration pathways, barriers within the current system, and common myths shaping public understanding. Time will be reserved for written questions from audience members.
 
Sierra Nevada Forums presents this discussion in partnership with the AAUW Capital Branch and the League of Women Voters of Northern Nevada.

​RSVP Encouraged:
Registration is not required, but it helps us plan for materials and seating.
Let us know you're coming:
RSVP Now!
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)
Location: Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall
Address: 511 W King St, Carson City, NV 89703
Admission: Free and open to the public

Please note: No large bags or recording permitted. A recording of this forum will be available on this website afterwards.

​Hosted by: Sierra Nevada Forums
​Media Sponsors: KUNR Public Radio, The Nevada Appeal, and In Plain Sight Marketing

Panelists:

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​Michael Kagan
Director, UNLV Immigration Clinic
William S. Boyd School of Law
 
Michael Kagan is a professor of law and director of the UNLV Immigration Clinic at the William S. Boyd School of Law. His teaching and research focus on immigration law, administrative law, and international human rights. Courts and academic journals have widely cited Kagan’s scholarship on refugee and asylum law, and he is frequently interviewed by local, national, and international media on immigration issues. Before joining UNLV, he spent a decade building legal aid programs for refugees in the Middle East and Asia.
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​Athar Haseebullah
Executive Director
ACLU of Nevada
 
Athar Haseebullah is the executive director of the ACLU of Nevada, the state’s largest civil liberties and civil rights organization. Since assuming leadership in 2021, he has led legal and policy efforts addressing constitutional and civil rights issues across Nevada. A graduate of Howard University and Howard University School of Law, Haseebullah previously served in roles with public agencies and nonprofit organizations in Southern Nevada. He is a frequent commentator on civil liberties and public policy matters.
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​Cristian Gonzalez Perez
Supervising Attorney
Make the Road Nevada
 
Cristian Gonzalez Perez is the supervising attorney for Make the Road Nevada’s legal department. He focuses on providing legal representation and advocacy for immigrant communities throughout the state. A graduate of the UNLV Immigration Clinic, Gonzalez Perez has represented asylum seekers, unaccompanied minors, and DACA recipients. His work centers on expanding access to legal resources and navigating complex immigration processes within Nevada’s diverse communities.
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​Edelweiss Solano
Senior Director
Asian Community Development Council

Edelweiss Solano serves as senior director of the Asian Community Development Council, where she oversees programs supporting Nevada’s AANHPI and other diverse communities. Her work includes citizenship assistance, civic engagement initiatives, food access programs, and health navigation services that help families navigate complex systems in the United States.

Born in the Philippines, Solano brings both lived experience and professional expertise to her role. She has served as a state-licensed health navigator and as a commissioner on Clark County’s Asian-American Pacific Islanders Community Commission, and she remains active in community leadership efforts across Nevada.

Moderator:

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​Lucia Starbuck
KUNR
​Moderator
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Lucia Starbuck is an award-winning political journalist covering state government for KUNR Public Radio, Northern Nevada’s NPR affiliate. She hosts the monthly show Purple Politics Nevada and is known for making complex policies accessible and relevant to voters. Lucia has previously moderated Sierra Nevada Forums on legislative and congressional topics.
 

February 10, 2026: A Conversation About Fraud

1/20/2026

 
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Is this fraud?
Am I being scammed?
Assume the Worst.
Have you ever received a phone call, email, or text that just did not feel right? Maybe it sounded urgent. Maybe it sounded official. Maybe it asked for personal information or money.
 
Have you found yourself wondering: Is this a scam? Then this forum is for you! 

Fraud and scams are evolving quickly, and they affect people of all ages and backgrounds. From phone and email scams to identity theft and financial fraud, these schemes are becoming harder to recognize and easier to fall victim to. This February, Sierra Nevada Forums will bring together trusted voices to help our community better understand how fraud works, how to spot warning signs, and what steps to take if something goes wrong.
 
Sierra Nevada Forums presents A Conversation About Fraud, moderated by Tabitha Mueller of The Nevada Independent. The conversation will focus on real-world examples, current trends, and practical guidance that attendees can use to protect themselves and those they care about.
 
Panelists include:
  • Timothy Johnston, Better Business Bureau
  • Mark Krueger, Office of the Attorney General
  • Riley Franco, AARP
  • Ken Furlong, Carson City Sheriff

Moderated by Tabitha Mueller, The Nevada Independent. 
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Together, they will discuss the most common scams currently being used, how fraudsters target individuals, what to do if you have been affected, and steps you can take to reduce your risk in the future.
 
The discussion will also explore the human impact of fraud, including how scams affect a victim’s health, relationships, and sense of trust, and why changing the way we talk about fraud is an important part of supporting those who have been affected.
 
This forum is presented in partnership with AAUW Capital Branch and the League of Women Voters of Northern Nevada, organizations that share a commitment to education, awareness, and informed civic engagement.
 
RSVPs Requested
RSVP Today!
​Event Details
Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)
Location: Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall
Address: 511 W King St, Carson City, NV 89703
Admission: Free and open to the public

​Hosted by: Sierra Nevada Forums
​​
Media Sponsors: KUNR Public Radio, The Nevada Appeal, and In Plain Sight Marketing

Meet our Panelists

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​Timothy Johnston
Vice President
Better Business Bureau Serving Northern Nevada and Utah
 
Timothy Johnston has more than 25 years of experience with the Better Business Bureau, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing trust in the marketplace. In his role as vice president, Johnston serves as a key liaison to communities throughout northern Nevada, providing education and resources focused on consumer protection and fraud prevention. He works closely with businesses, community organizations, and local partners to help individuals recognize scams, make informed decisions, and protect themselves from fraud.
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​Mark Krueger
Chief Deputy Attorney General and Consumer Counsel
Bureau of Consumer Protection, Nevada Attorney General’s Office
 
Mark Krueger serves as Chief Deputy Attorney General and Consumer Counsel in the Nevada Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. His work focuses on complex consumer protection, antitrust, and multistate litigation. Krueger has played a key role in major legal actions on behalf of the state, including Nevada’s opioid litigation, which has recovered more than $1.2 billion to address the opioid epidemic. Prior to joining the Attorney General’s Office, he served as an assistant district attorney in Carson City and Lyon County. Krueger has extensive experience in both civil and criminal litigation and has practiced before state and federal courts, including the Nevada Supreme Court and Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
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​Riley Franco
Director of Community Outreach
AARP Nevada
 
Riley Franco is the Director of Community Outreach for AARP Nevada, where she leads statewide efforts focused on fraud prevention, family caregiving, health care access, and brain health. Her work centers on equipping Nevadans with practical information to help them stay informed, independent, and protected. Franco holds both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and is passionate about strengthening communities across her home state.
 
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​Ken Furlong
Carson City Sheriff
 
Sheriff Kenneth T. Furlong is a lifelong Carson City resident and a graduate of Carson High School. He began his law enforcement career after entering the U.S. Air Force in 1978, where he earned degrees in Police Science, Criminal Justice, and Criminal Justice Administration. Following his retirement from the Air Force Office of Special Investigations in 1998, Sheriff Furlong continued his service with the Nevada Department of Public Safety, working in Parole and Probation and the State Investigations Division.
 
Elected Carson City Sheriff in 2003, Furlong has focused on aligning law enforcement services with the evolving needs of the community. Under his leadership, the Sheriff’s Office has expanded beyond traditional policing to include specialized units supporting schools, traffic enforcement, mental health and crisis response, narcotics and gang enforcement, crisis negotiation, drone operations, and enhanced K-9 services. Sheriff Furlong emphasizes education, community engagement, and collaboration across all initiatives and is committed to building public safety through transparency, professionalism, and strong community partnerships.
 
 
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Moderator: 
​Tabitha Mueller
Capital Bureau Chief
The Nevada Independent

​Tabitha Mueller is the Capital Bureau Chief for The Nevada Independent, where she leads political and legislative reporting. Her work has received numerous awards for excellence and impact, including Journalist of Merit from the Nevada Press Association. Tabitha focuses on the human stories behind policy and accountability.

AI and Robots In Action: Exploring the Future of Technology in Our Everyday Lives

12/18/2025

 
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AI and Robots in Action: Exploring the Future of Technology in Our Everyday Lives

Featuring David Feil-Seifer, Ph.D.
Professor, Computer Science & Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno

Artificial intelligence and robotics are no longer science fiction. They are part of our present and rapidly shaping our future.  

They are changing how students learn, how doctors treat patients, and how engineers solve problems.

At this forum, you will have the chance to see robots in action, engage directly with emerging AI applications, and discover how this technology is being developed right here in Northern Nevada.

Dr. David Feil-Seifer, a professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, is one of the region’s leading researchers in socially assistive robotics, machine learning, and human-robot interaction. His work focuses on how robots and AI can be used in education, healthcare, and accessibility, as well as what role ethics will play in shaping this evolving field.
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Whether you are fascinated by technology, curious about the future of work, or wondering how AI might impact your community, this is your chance to learn, interact, and explore what is next. Come ready to ask questions, try out real-world demonstrations, and experience how innovation is unfolding right here at home.

RSVPs Requested
Register Now
​Event Details
Date: Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)
Location: Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall
Address: 511 W King St, Carson City, NV 89703
Admission: Free and open to the public

​Hosted by: Sierra Nevada Forums
​
Media Sponsors: KUNR Public Radio, The Nevada Appeal, and In Plain Sight Marketing

Meet Our Speaker

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David Feil-Seifer, Ph.D. is a Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno, where his work focuses on robotics, artificial intelligence, and how humans interact with technology. His research includes socially assistive robotics, machine learning, cybersecurity, and ethics in computing, with real-world applications in education, healthcare, and accessibility.
Dr. Feil-Seifer earned his Ph.D. and M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Southern California and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Rochester. He completed postdoctoral research at Yale University and has been a dedicated mentor to undergraduate researchers and robotics teams throughout his career. His work and mentorship have been recognized with national honors, including awards from the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence and the National Science Foundation.

How Cancer Care is Evolving: Personalized, Targeted Treatments​

10/21/2025

 
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Advances in precision oncology are reshaping cancer treatment. Learn how physicians screen for early detection and use genetic, molecular, and cellular information to tailor treatments to each patient’s individual needs. By analyzing the unique characteristics of every cancer, doctors can identify therapies that are more effective, minimize unnecessary side effects, and improve outcomes.
Moderator:
Dr. Timothy McFarren, OB/GYN, Carson City
Panelists:
Dr. Ragneel Bijjula, Medical Oncology/Hematology, Carson Tahoe Health
Lindsey Foxen, R.N., Oncology Nurse Navigator, Carson Tahoe Health
Dr. Lee Schwartzberg, Chief of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Pennington Cancer Institute at Renown Health; Professor of Clinical Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno
Audience members will have the opportunity to submit written questions during the event.

RSVP Encouraged:
Registration is not required, but it helps us plan for materials and seating. 
​Let us know you're coming!
RSVP Now
​Event Details
Date: Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)
Location: Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall
Address: 511 W King St, Carson City, NV 89703
Admission: Free and open to the public

​Hosted by: Sierra Nevada Forums
​
Media Sponsors: KUNR Public Radio and The Nevada Appeal

Meet Our Speakers

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Dr. Timothy McFarren
Obstetrician/Gynecologist, Carson City
Dr. McFarren is a board-certified OB/GYN providing women’s health care in Carson City. He brings extensive experience in clinical practice and patient care, and will guide the evening’s discussion on how cancer treatment is evolving through personalized, targeted therapies.
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Dr. Lee Schwartzberg
Chief of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Pennington Cancer Institute at Renown Health; Professor of Clinical Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno
Dr. Schwartzberg is a nationally recognized oncologist and researcher with more than 30 years of experience in cancer care and clinical innovation. His work has advanced the fields of precision medicine and supportive care, and he continues to shape oncology practice through research, teaching, and leadership at Renown Health and UNR.
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​Dr. Ragneel Bijjula
Medical Oncology/Hematology, Carson Tahoe Health
Dr. Bijjula is a board-certified oncologist specializing in precision medicine and targeted cancer treatments. He joined Carson Tahoe Cancer Center in 2023 after completing his medical training in India and fellowships in Kansas and Tennessee. His work focuses on individualized therapies for a range of cancers, including breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal.
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​Lindsey Foxen, R.N.
Oncology Nurse Navigator, Carson Tahoe Health
With more than 15 years of oncology nursing experience, Lindsey Foxen helps guide patients through every step of their cancer journey. She is an Oncology Certified Nurse and serves as a trusted resource for patients and families, ensuring coordinated, compassionate care at Carson Tahoe Cancer Center.

Join us on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, for "How Will 'The Big Beautiful Bill' Impact Nevada?"

9/26/2025

 
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The recently passed “Big Beautiful Bill” is one of the most sweeping pieces of legislation in recent history. But what does it really mean for Nevadans? Join Sierra Nevada Forums as a panel of experts breaks down the financial and social impacts of this complex bill.
 
Topics will include:
  • Tax changes and revenue cuts
  • Shifts in health and human services, including Medicaid and SNAP
  • Effects on Nevada’s small businesses
  • Who benefits, who doesn’t, and when changes will roll out
 
With backgrounds in economics, politics, health care, and small business, our panel will bring clarity to this complex law and offer insight into how it may affect Nevadans, their families, and their communities.

RSVP Encouraged:
Registration is not required, but it helps us plan for materials and seating. 
​Let us know you're coming!
RSVP Now
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)
Location: Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall
Address: 511 W King St, Carson City, NV 89703
Admission: Free and open to the public

​Hosted by: Sierra Nevada Forums
​
Media Sponsors: KUNR Public Radio and The Nevada Appeal

Meet Our Speakers

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Tabitha Mueller
Capital Bureau Chief, The Nevada Independent
Moderator
​Tabitha Mueller is the Capital Bureau Chief for The Nevada Independent, where she leads political and legislative reporting. Her work has received numerous awards for excellence and impact, including Journalist of Merit from the Nevada Press Association. Tabitha focuses on the human stories behind policy and accountability.
Fred Lokken
Professor of Political Science, Truckee Meadows Community College
​Panelist
​Professor Lokken has spent more than two decades teaching political science at TMCC. In addition to his academic leadership roles, he is widely recognized as a commentator on Nevada and national politics. He frequently provides expert analysis for local and national media, helping audiences understand today’s political issues.
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​Elliott Parker, Ph.D.
​Chair of Economics, University of Nevada, Reno
Panelist
​Dr. Parker is a professor and chair of the Economics Department at UNR. His research examines how policies impact economies both globally and in Nevada, with a focus on migration, inequality, and fiscal policy. He has written extensively on Nevada’s recovery from the Great Recession and teaches courses ranging from international trade to comparative economics.
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Stacie Weeks, JD, MPH
Director, Nevada Health Authority
​Panelist
Weeks was appointed Director of the Nevada Health Authority in 2025 after serving as the state’s Medicaid Director. She has led major health care reforms, including expanding Medicaid managed care and improving children’s behavioral health services. With experience in both Nevada and Minnesota, she brings a strong background in health policy and innovation.
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Randi Thompson 
Owner, Randi Thompson Consulting
Panelist
Thompson has more than 30 years of experience in public relations and government affairs. She has lobbied at the Nevada Legislature since the early 1990s and works closely with small businesses to help them navigate the challenges of changing laws and regulations. In addition to her consulting work, she remains deeply active in Northern Nevada community organizations.

Join us on September 9, 2025 - The Fourth Estate: Local Media's Role in Reporting on Nevada Politics

8/7/2025

 
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The Fourth Estate: Local Media's Role in Reporting on Nevada Politics
A community forum on how local journalists serve, inform, and engage Nevadans.

In an era of rapid information and shifting public trust, local journalism remains a vital part of a healthy democracy and of our community.
 
Sierra Nevada Forums invites you to a thoughtful, nonpartisan conversation featuring respected journalists from Northern Nevada’s own print, radio, and television newsrooms.
 
These are the reporters who sit in our legislative hearings, attend our town halls, and speak directly with our neighbors. Together, they will explore the evolving role of the press as the Fourth Estate. This key pillar of democracy is tasked with providing accurate information, promoting transparency, and helping citizens understand how policy decisions affect their lives.
 
The evening will include a look back at Nevada’s recent legislative session, a discussion of journalistic ethics and fact-checking practices, and an honest examination of the challenges local media face. Topics will include building public trust, ensuring freedom of expression, and adapting to a rapidly changing landscape.
 
Whether you closely follow state politics or simply want to better understand how news is gathered and shared right here in Northern Nevada, this forum offers a respectful and community-focused space to listen, learn, and engage.
 
Why This Matters to You
When we talk about “the media,” we are not referring to a faraway institution. We are talking about the journalists who live and work right here in our region.
 
They report on our local school boards, attend city council meetings, cover legislative sessions, and help us make sense of the policies that shape our everyday lives. They are part of our communities, and their work directly impacts how we understand the issues facing Northern Nevada.
 
This forum is for anyone who:
  • Wants to hear how local journalists approach covering politics and public policy
  • Values transparency, accuracy, and civil dialogue
  • Is curious about how trust is built between the media and the public
  • Believes that strong communities are built on shared facts and informed decision-making
 
No matter your political perspective, if you care about truth, accountability, and respectful conversation, this is a discussion you will want to be part of.

RSVP Encouraged:
Registration is not required, but it helps us plan for materials and seating.
Let us know you're coming:
RSVP Now
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)
Location: Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall
Address: 511 W King St, Carson City, NV 89703
Admission: Free and open to the public

​Hosted by: Sierra Nevada Forums
​
Media Sponsors: KUNR Public Radio and The Nevada Appeal

Meet Our Speakers

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Lucia Starbuck
KUNR
​Moderator
​
Lucia Starbuck is an award-winning political journalist covering state government for KUNR Public Radio, Northern Nevada’s NPR affiliate. She hosts the monthly show Purple Politics Nevada and is known for making complex policies accessible and relevant to voters. Lucia has previously moderated Sierra Nevada Forums on legislative and congressional topics.
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Adam Trumble 
Nevada Appeal​
Panelist

Adam Trumble is the publisher and owner of the Nevada Appeal, Carson City's long-standing local newspaper. With deep roots in community journalism, he leads coverage that keeps residents informed about local government, policy decisions, and public affairs.
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Arianna Bennett
KTVN 2 News
Panelist
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Arianna Bennett is a veteran anchor and reporter with KTVN 2 News in Reno. Her in-depth coverage and approachable reporting style have made her a trusted voice for Northern Nevada viewers, particularly in coverage of government and community issues.
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Tabitha Mueller
The Nevada Independent
Panelist
​
Tabitha Mueller is the Capital Bureau Chief for The Nevada Independent, where she leads political and legislative reporting. Her work has received numerous awards for excellence and impact, including Journalist of Merit from the Nevada Press Association. Tabitha focuses on the human stories behind policy and accountability.
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​​Paul Boger
KNPR
Panelist 
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Paul Boger is KNPR's Northern Nevada reporter and producer. He has reported extensively on state politics, elections, and policy, and now oversees statewide news coverage focused on providing context and clarity to listeners across Nevada.

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