Washoe County Regional Street Naming Committee Meeting - October 31, 2025

The Washoe County Regional Street Naming Committee met on October 31, 2025, at 2:30 PM via Zoom. The meeting was called to order by Chair Wayne Handrack, with a quorum of eight members present. Key actions included the approval of previous minutes and the agenda, the election of a vice chair, and consideration of a proposal to name an unnamed alley as Rajan Zed Avenue. After discussion and public comment, the committee voted unanimously to deny the application.

Consent Calendar

• The committee approved the October 23, 2025, agenda items as written (motion by John Walker, second by Sean Chambers; unanimous).
• The October 23, 2025, agenda was approved (motion and second; unanimous).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mary Ellen Peterson, a resident of Mary Street, opposed renaming the alley where she lives. She noted that her address is part of a historic area and that changing the name would impose significant monetary and personal hardship on her and 46 other affected property owners. She suggested a plaque as an alternative honor for Rajan Zed.
• Elizabeth, representing Rajan Zed, spoke in support of the application. She read a letter of support from Reno Mayor Ed Lawson, noting that over 50 local clergy members signed the application. Additional letters of support were submitted from City Councilmember Devin Reese, Washoe County Commissioner Alexa Hill, and others.
• During the item's public comment period, Ms. Peterson reiterated her opposition.

Discussion Items

• Election of Vice Chair: Amanda Duncan nominated Kyle Baters (previously an alternate) as vice chair. The nomination was seconded and approved by voice vote.
• New Business: Rajan Zed Avenue Proposal:
  • Steven (staff) presented the application to name an unnamed alley between Forest and Pluma Streets, near California Street, as Rajan Zed Avenue. The alley runs north-south and affects 47 addresses. The name was checked for duplication and accepted into the reservation list.
  • Chair Wayne Handrack disclosed that he met briefly with Mr. Zed and received eight phone calls opposing the change, as well as three additional letters of support after the cutoff.
  • Committee Questions:
    • Leah Picati asked how many of the 47 affected property owners supported the change. Elizabeth responded that only one directly impacted party (the Reno Buddhist Center) was a supporter. She acknowledged no active outreach was conducted to neighbors.
    • Picati noted the lack of specific connection between the alley and Mr. Zed, and that naming would impose hardship on residents. Elizabeth argued that naming the alley could improve mail delivery and emergency response, citing issues with the current system.
  • Applicant's Statement: Rajan Zed thanked the committee and emphasized the symbolic recognition and potential community benefits of naming the alley.
  • Motion to Deny: Leah Picati moved to deny the application, citing the lack of support from the 47 affected residents. Kyle Daters seconded, noting the absence of outreach to homeowners.
  • Vote: A roll call vote resulted in 8-0 to deny (Caitlin Cortez, John Walker, Megan Burner, Kyle Daters, Leah Picati, Sean Chambers, Sarah Colocurcio, and Wayne Handrack all voted "yay" to deny).

Key Outcomes

• Denial of Rajan Zed Avenue: The committee voted unanimously (8-0) to recommend denial of the street naming application. This recommendation will be forwarded to the Reno City Council for final decision.
• Next Meeting: The next meeting is scheduled for January 22, 2026, at 2:30 PM via Zoom.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 3:08 PM.