After controversy over Toy Run, only a few bikers want to remove swastikas
Clark and Herman donate again to the Toy Run, which was approved 4-1
According to a spokesman for the motorcycle club, the Branded Few are changing their jacket badge, which previously featured a swastika, after being condemned at Washoe County Commission meetings.
The Northern Nevada Confederation of Clubs hosts the annual Reno Toy Run, a nonprofit that collects toys for children, and received a $10,000 donation from Commissioner Mike Clark on June 18.
A photo subsequently circulated on social media showing a member of the Branded Few motorcycle club at the meeting wearing a jacket with the Nazi symbol.
Chairman Alexis Hill called for the donation to be voted on again on June 19. The donation was approved, with only Hill and Commissioner Mariluz Garcia voting against it.
On Tuesday, Commissioner Jeanne Herman and Clark proposed two additional donations of $10,000 each to the Reno Toy Run. Clark also donated $10,000 to Jewish Nevada.
“The Branded Few decided to be the adults in the room. (They) bravely decided as an organization to remove the patch you tried to use to defame them,” Tony Regas, spokesman for the Northern Nevada Confederation of Clubs, told the commission.
The badge, which the Branded Few call a “broken cross,” is replaced by a “BF” patch on their jackets.
“They have taken this action so that no one, including (the board), can ever again try to defame their reputation. I, for one, am proud of them,” Regas said in his public comment.
Marsha Berkbigler, a former commissioner and Hill’s current opponent for her seat, told the panel she was “appalled” by attempts to dictate to commissioners who they should donate to.
“I don’t care what the symbol is,” Berkbigler said. “To speak ill of a group of people who do nothing but good for this community is just unforgivable and you should be ashamed of yourselves.”
Hill said she was happy with the Branded Few’s decision to rename their brand, but said the swastika is a symbol of white supremacy and she will not vote to donate taxpayer money to organizations that carry it.
Garcia, who had previously voted against the donation, switched sides when she heard that the Branded Few would remove the badge.
“I want to end the frustration and recognize that there is important work that needs to be done for children,” Garcia said. “With this new information, I will support that work today.”
The vote to approve both donations passed 4-1, with Hill voting no.
Jaedyn Young covers local affairs for the Reno Gazette-Journal. Her salary is 100% funded by donations and grants. If you want to read more stories like this, please consider donate here. Send your story ideas and feedback to Jaedyn at [email protected].
