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September 2025
When the Seasons Start to Shift
Finding Focus in the Fall
Fall has always had a certain pull for me, especially here in Reno. The mornings turn crisp, the light shifts, and the rabbit brush starts to bloom. That scent in the air tells me the season’s changing, even before the calendar does. I moved to Reno in 1996, after spending a summer doing legal work here. I remember those early September mornings clearly. Something about the weather and the way the days started made the place feel full of possibility. I didn’t think much of it then, but that feeling of possibility has always stuck with me. Every year as fall begins, the same energy returns. September feels like a reset but not the kind that comes with resolutions or major life changes. It’s more like a natural nudge to pay attention. Maybe it’s the old rhythm of the school year kicking in, or perhaps it’s just the shift that comes when summer starts to fade. This is also the time of year when I try to spend more time outside. We have a good stretch of weather before winter starts, and I do my best to make the most of it. The mountain biking trails near Reno are amazing after a bit of rain has packed the dirt down. It’s also great to be out in the mountains as the green of summer gives way to the colors of fall, and the views start opening up. A cool morning ride
has a special way of clearing my head, and being out there on my bike helps me reset in a way nothing indoors really can.
Another major reason this time of year stands out is that my eldest daughter was born in early September. I remember holding her for the first time and watching her eyes focus on mine. She made a soft sound, like a coo. Every time the weather changes and the air gets cooler, I think back to that moment. Later, her son was born on the same day in September, so I got to relive the cycle all over again with her and her husband. That just added another layer of something special to the season. Here in Reno, the shift into fall is hard to miss. Right after Labor Day, the sky fills with color during the Great Reno Balloon Race. It happens early in the morning, but people still show up. Even after all these years living in the area, it’s hard not to stop whatever I’m doing and watch. It’s a one-of-a-kind spectacle. The morning air is crisp, and with a rainbow of hot air balloons overhead, everything slows down. September is also the beginning of harvest season, and you can feel the pace change. The days start to shrink, the light fades a little faster, and any time outside feels more deliberate. I usually shift my routine to match, starting my work earlier to get in a bike ride before the sun drops behind the hills. The daylight feels like it matters more. Of course, fall comes with its quirks. Rabbit brush might be the first sign the season’s here, but it also kicks off allergy season for me. That’s when I really know it’s fall — when the sneezing starts. Even so, I don’t mind. This time of year helps me refocus. It’s a good reset, and I try to use it. So, whether you’re settling in or still finding your pace, here’s to getting something out of the season. Hopefully, it will be one to remember.
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Insurance After Impact
What to Say, Do, and Avoid After an Accident
Nobody leaves their home intending to get into a car accident, but thousands of collisions still happen every day. They happen when people drive to work, pick up the kids from school, travel across the country on vacation, and in almost any other driving situation you can imagine. Statistics show that most Americans experience 3–4 accidents in their lives, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we know what to do immediately after the event. This can be especially daunting and stressful for young or new drivers. The aftermath of an accident can be complicated, partly because of insurance companies. Regardless of whether you’re at fault or another driver is to blame, you must report the accident to your insurance company and maybe even the other party’s insurance to get everything straightened out. If it’s been a while since you last reviewed your policy, set aside time to review it. Familiarize yourself with important terms and understand your policy to the best of your ability. Awareness of your coverage will help when dealing with an adjuster. Let’s walk through what you should do immediately after an accident and how to set yourself up for success when dealing with insurance companies. Document as much as you can. After an accident, you must do everything possible to protect yourself. Even if the other driver was obviously at fault, you never know what they will claim when talking to the police or their insurance carrier. Take pictures or record videos of the accident scene, any vehicles involved, and visible injuries. After speaking with police officers, request a copy of their report, which may include information stating who was at fault. If you need to see a medical professional, then obtain records of any treatment, prescriptions, or doctor’s visits for injuries from the accident. Lastly, gather contact information for any witnesses to
the accident if possible. All of this documentation will serve as evidence should insurance push back.
Watch what you say. You’ll often hear attorneys say you should be very careful when speaking with law enforcement to ensure you don’t admit guilt or say something that lands you in trouble. They’re not the only group you need to be cautious of when expressing your thoughts. You’ll likely have to speak with an insurance adjuster whose sole job is to minimize the amount the insurance company pays on claims. It’s vital that you don’t speculate or admit fault when speaking with an adjuster. Anything you say on this call could affect your potential compensation. Cooperate as much as you can, but avoid giving a recorded statement until you know the full extent of your injuries. Another thing to remember is that the insurance company will likely try to settle this matter quickly. Their initial offer may be tempting, but don’t jump the gun. Wait until you know the full extent of your injuries and the situation before accepting their offer, or else you could receive less compensation than you need. Know when to turn to legal help. Not every car accident will require legal counsel or involvement. Ideally, you won’t suffer a severe injury or deal with an uncooperative insurance company. If you aren’t so lucky, you should hire a lawyer to represent you and fight for your rights. There’s a good chance the insurance company will take your claim more seriously once it realizes you have legal representation. An attorney can provide guidance and advice regarding communication and signing documents. Your lawyer should be able to break down the terms of any document your insurance company sends. Even if things go your way initially, you may need to stay on top of your own or the other party’s insurance carrier to ensure they don’t drag their feet. Follow up regularly to ensure your claim continues to move forward!
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BRAIN GAMES
When You Lose Your Cool, Find Your Courage
Strong Parents Say I’m Sorry
SOLUTION
Parenting is one of the most challenging responsibilities anyone can undertake. A parent must be a strong role model, providing guidance, structure, and support. However, everyone still makes mistakes even with the best intentions and dedicated effort. Sometimes, you might take it too far and get mad at your kids for something that isn’t their fault or isn’t a big deal. Nobody is perfect, but how you respond to mistakes shows your true character. In today’s society, apologizing is considered a sign of weakness when in reality, it’s one of the most efficient and effective ways to take responsibility for your actions. All parents have experienced a moment when their children did something that upset them and responded in a manner that leads to a guilty conscience a few hours later. You don’t have to let those feelings fester. Instead, apologize for how you reacted. By reaching out and acknowledging your mistakes, you’re building trust with your children, fostering a healthy relationship, and teaching them the importance of accountability. Apologizing to your children isn’t as simple as giving a half- hearted “I’m sorry.” Start by showing empathy and recognizing their hurt feelings. They may feel scared or upset that you were mad at them or believed they did something wrong, and it’s perfectly okay for them to feel that way. Make sure they know that before explaining the situation and accepting responsibility for your actions. After explaining the situation, you must put your child’s mind at ease so they don’t develop a fear of you. Commit to never making that mistake again, and try to be as clear as possible when discussing your actions. They likely have more understanding than you realize. If lingering tension or apprehension remains, find a way to connect with them, such as taking them to their favorite restaurant to discuss the situation further. Possibly the most important part of this process is actually saying the words “I’m sorry.” Through their educational journey and children’s media, they’ve learned the importance of those words, so make sure you use them. Apologizing to your kids will strengthen your relationship and help them grow emotionally. Don’t dismiss the power of a good apology!
Grilled Teriyaki Flank Steak
Inspired by TheShortOrderCook.com
Ingredients
• 1/4 tsp black pepper • 1/4 tsp ginger powder • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Marinade • 2/3 cup red wine • 1/2 cup soy sauce or tamari
• 1/3 cup brown sugar • 1/4 cup sesame oil • 1 tbsp sesame seeds • 1 tsp minced garlic
Meat • 1 1/2 lbs flank steak
Directions 1. In a large bowl, whisk together marinade ingredients. 2. Place the flank steak in a large, rimmed dish. Pour the marinade over the meat. 3. Refrigerate and allow to marinate for 15 minutes. Flip and let marinate for another 15 minutes. 4. Preheat grill to 400 F. 5. Add the meat to the grill and cook for 3–5 minutes on each side. Leave the grill lid open to avoid overcooking. 6. For a medium-rare steak, remove from grill at 130 F internally, and for medium, remove at 140 F. 7. Let the meat rest on a cutting board for 5–10 minutes. Then, slice against the grain into thin pieces and enjoy!
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1
A Look at Life in Autumn
Your Game Plan for Post-Accident Chaos
2
Grilled Teriyaki Flank Steak
3
A Parent’s Guide to Meaningful Apologies
Chris Brown Sued for Alleged Defamation
4
WHEN FANDOM TURNS TO FURY Chris Brown’s Superfan Sues Over Online Shaming
Since social media became mainstream, fans have had constant access to celebrity idols. These fans can keep up to date on any projects the celebrity is involved in, monitor their private lives, and even attempt to communicate with them. Some fans have taken it to the next level, creating fan pages to share their thoughts and feelings about their celebrity crush or fascination. It’s usually all in good fun, but occasionally, a celebrity will take the attention the wrong way and put the individual in the limelight. Chris Brown recently did this to a superfan, causing her to retaliate with a lawsuit. Angela Reliford frequently posted online about Chris Brown, his music, and his dancers under the name chrisbrownzwife777. Reliford claims to have met Brown at a meet-and-greet in Canada last year. She attended the event’s afterparty, where Brown’s security
team asked her to leave after an incident between Reliford and Brown’s lead dancer. She immediately went live on Instagram to speak of fantasies of killing Brown’s dancers (which probably wasn’t a good idea, either). Brown eventually reposted that video with extra graphics, alluding that Reliford was a stalker making threats against his crew.
Brown has quite the online tribe, with over 144 million followers on Instagram. Many followers saw his response video about Reliford and took it upon themselves to defend their favorite singer. Reliford claims she has been relentlessly attacked online, with many comments misgendering her. She also has stated that someone attacked her at her workplace after viewing the content. Reliford filed a $30 million lawsuit against Brown this past May. She alleges defamation, slander, libel, copyright infringement, invasion of privacy, emotional distress, and negligence over the video. “You threw me to 145 million people, and I was destroyed, ripped apart, and for what? Because I no longer wanted to support you?” stated Reliford. Chris Brown and his team have not publicly responded to the lawsuit at the time of this writing.
Photo: Pelpa Time Production
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Navigating the First 90 Days: Starting a Business With Partners the Right Way
2. Incomplete Financial Commitments: • Problem: Discrepancies in financial contributions lead to frustration and resentment among partners. • Solution: Ensure that all agreed-upon
Starting a business with partners can be an exciting endeavor, filled with potential and shared dreams of success. However, too often, these ventures take a wrong turn within the first 90 days, leading to disagreements, frustrations, and potential business failure. In this article, we will explore common pitfalls and offer guidance on how to ensure a smooth start when forming a business with partners. One key mistake many entrepreneurs make is rushing into business without establishing a solid foundation. Here are some common pitfalls. 1. Lack of Formal Agreements: • Problem: Partners often neglect to create a formal operating agreement, leaving critical business terms undefined. • Solution: Draft a comprehensive operating agreement with the help of an attorney, covering potential scenarios like deadlocks, exit strategies, and decision-making processes.
financial contributions are made before any commitments or business activities commence. 3. Failure to Implement Agreements: • Problem: Partners may not sign or implement the operating agreement, leading to uncertainty and disputes. • Solution: Require all partners to sign the operating agreement before any business activities begin to ensure commitment and understanding. If you find yourself within the crucial first 90 days of your business venture, consider the following steps to ensure a positive start.
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6770 S. McCarran Blvd, First Floor Reno, NV 89509 775.448.6070 SierraCrestLaw.com
... continued from Front
1. Legal Foundation: • Form your business entity with the assistance of an attorney to ensure compliance with legal requirements. • Draft a comprehensive operating agreement that addresses key business aspects and potential challenges. 2. Financial Commitments: • Ensure all partners fulfill their financial commitments before initiating any business activities. • Monitor contributions closely to avoid delays and discrepancies. 3. Hold Off on Commitments: • Avoid making any long-term commitments, such as leases, until all partners have demonstrated their commitment and signed the operating agreement. If you’re past the initial 90 days and facing challenges with your business partners, here are some recovery strategies. 1. Information Gathering: • Collect all relevant records, including agreements, emails, and financial contributions. • Create a detailed account of each partner’s contributions to the business. 2. Communication and Decision-Making: • Establish regular communication channels and structured meetings with agenda points.
• Seek the guidance of a business attorney to navigate challenges and pitfalls effectively. 3. Strategic Decision-Making: • Be prepared to make tough decisions to steer the business in the right direction. • Consult with a business attorney to develop a strategic plan and address the issues at hand. Starting a business with partners requires careful planning and execution. By prioritizing legal foundations, ensuring financial commitments, and maintaining open communication, you can increase the likelihood of a successful and harmonious business partnership. If challenges arise, don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance to navigate the complexities of business relationships. Remember, addressing issues head-on is the key to preserving the health and longevity of your business partnership.
6770 S. McCarran Blvd, First Floor Reno, NV 89509 775.448.6070 SierraCrestLaw.com
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