Reno police prepare for Hot August Nights

Jennifer Coleman

Tuesday, July 20, 1999 | 9:15 a.m.

RENO, Nev. - More than 125 police officers will patrol the downtown area at the height of Hot August Nights in an attempt to avoid a repeat of last year's riot, police said Monday.

Chief Jerry Hoover said he is expecting a crowd that will double Reno's population the first week in August as thousands arrive for the celebration of classic cars and '50s music.

Last year's disturbance, blamed on out-of-town gangs, resulted in more than 200 arrests. Two Reno Gazette-Journal photographers were among those arrested and Monday's luncheon briefing was an attempt to smooth relations with the media before the event.

Photographer Mark Studyvin pleaded no contest to obstructing and resisting officers. Studyvin, who left the paper a few weeks after the incident, was fined $390. Steven Keegan, a Gazette-Journal intern, was found guilty of obstructing and resisting officers.

Keegan was fined $1,230 and ordered to perform 80 hours of community service, which is being appealed.

Hoover said his department is preparing for the large crowds with new equipment, improved training and better communication with the media and with downtown businesses.

He added that downtown liquor stores aren't among those coordinating with the department.

"The liquor stores have chosen not to work with us," Hoover said, adding that the police will continue to conduct stings during the weeklong event. "If one of the liquor stores is selling to minors, I'll do whatever is in my authority to shut them down."

Police have also asked businesses that play music through outside speakers to shut them off after 10 p.m. Outdoor music drew more than 1,000 people to the intersection of Sierra and Second streets, blocking traffic and contributing to the unrest last year, Hoover said.

Both Hoover and Deputy Chief Jim Johns stressed that the problems didn't stem from those in town to attend Hot August Nights.

"Those causing problems were and are active, full-time San Francisco and central California gang members," he said. "This was not a normal Hot August Nights."

Police will also issue daily statements on traffic in the downtown area and advice for alternate routes to avoid the congestion.

Reno police will be assisted by the Sparks Police Department, Washoe County Sheriff's Department and the Las Vegas Metro Police Department.