The
changes take into account the rise in inflation this year and will
apply to tax returns filed in 2023, the agency said in a press release.
The
standard deduction — claimed by most taxpayers — will increase to
$25,900, which is $800 more for married couples filing jointly for
the tax year 2022. For single taxpayers and married individuals
filing separately, the standard deduction will increase to $12,950 —
up $400. The deduction for heads of household will rise to $19,400, a
$600 increase.
Additionally,
the income thresholds for all income brackets will increase as
follows:
37%
for incomes over $539,900 ($647,850 for married couples filing
jointly)
35% for incomes over $215,950 ($431,900 for married couples filing
jointly)
32%
for incomes over $170,050 ($340,100 for married couples filing
jointly)
24%
for incomes over $89,075 ($178,150 for married couples filing
jointly)
22%
for incomes over $41,775 ($83,550 for married couples filing
jointly)
12%
for incomes over $10,275 ($20,550 for married couples filing
jointly)
10%
for incomes below $10,275 ($20,550 for married couples filing
jointly)
The
IRS adjusts these numbers annually to account for changes in the cost
of living based on formulas set by federal law. The adjustments are
based on average inflation in the 12-month period ending in August.
Some Las Vegas Homeowner Associations
Lead Efforts to Conserve Water
Kudos to those in Sun City Anthem who worked hard to allow our community have a "starring" role in this endeavor.
Watch the Darcy Spears report that was broadcast on Channel 13 at 6:00am on Tuesday, September 28th, 2021.
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MGM Properties Back in Business...Including
Parking Fees
NV residents Get Slight Break
Click on Image to Enlarge Picture of Rates___________________
As Lake Mead Continues to "Sink"
Are Water Restrictions Coming in the Near Future?
The
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation released 24-month projections this week
forecasting that less Colorado River water will cascade down from the
Rocky Mountains through Lake Powell and Lake Mead and into the arid
deserts of the U.S. Southwest and the Gulf of California.
Water
levels in the two lakes are expected to plummet low enough for the
agency to declare an official shortage for the first time,
threatening the supply of Colorado River water that growing cities
and farms rely on.
The
man-made lakes that store water supplying millions of people in the
U.S. West and Mexico are projected to shrink to historic lows in the
coming months, dropping to levels that could trigger the federal
government’s first-ever official shortage declaration and prompt
cuts in Arizona and Nevada.
The
agency’s models project Lake Mead will fall below 1,075 feet for
the first time in June 2021.
That’s
the level that prompts a shortage declaration under agreements
negotiated by seven states that rely on Colorado River water:
Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.
Federal
officials regularly issue long-term projections but use those
released each August to make decisions about how to allocate river
water.
If
projections don’t improve by then, the Bureau of Reclamation will
declare a Level 1 shortage condition.
The
cuts would be implemented in January.
Arizona,
Nevada and Mexico have voluntarily given up water under a drought
contingency plan for the river signed in 2019.
A
shortage declaration would subject the two U.S. states to their first
mandatory reductions.
Both
rely on the Colorado River more than any other water source, and
Arizona stands to lose roughly 18% of its supply.
In
Nevada, the agency that supplies water to most of the state has
constructed “straws” to draw water from further down in Lake Mead
as its levels fall.
It
also has created a credit system where it can bank recycled water
back into the reservoir without having it count toward its
allocation.
The
Bureau of Reclamation also projected that Lake Mead will drop to the
point they worried in the past could threaten electricity generation
at Hoover Dam.
The
hydro-power serves millions of customers in Arizona, California and
Nevada.
To
prepare for a future with less water, the bureau has spent 10 years
replacing parts of five of the dam’s 17 turbines that rotate to
generate power.
The
addition of wide-head turbines allow the dam to operate more
efficiently at lower water levels.
The
turbines will be able to generate power almost to a point called
“dead pool,” when there won’t be enough water for the dam to
function.
Less
water moving through Hoover Dam means less hydro-power to go around.
As
the elevation declines at the lake, then our ability to produce power
declines as well because we have less water pushing on the turbines.
The
hydro-power costs substantially less than the energy sold on the
wholesale electricity market because the government charges customers
only for the cost of producing it and maintaining the dam.
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Biden Administration Approves $ 86 Million to House Migrants In Hotels
The Biden administration has awarded ICE an $86.9 million contract for
hotel rooms near the border to provide temporary shelter and
processing services for families who have not been expelled from
the United States but have been placed in immigration proceedings for
their removal.
The
contract, through Texas-based nonprofit Endeavors, provides 1,239
beds and "other necessary services." The families will
receive a comprehensive health assessment, including COVID-19
testing.
Other
services provided by Endeavors for migrant families
navigating the U.S. immigration process include victim services,
therapeutic regiments, educational resources and mental health
care. Endeavors also offers culturally appropirate,
trauma-informed, child-centered case management, home study, and
post-release services for unaccompanied children and their sponsors.
According
to data released by the Customs and Border Protection,
the number of migrant family members caught crossing the southwest
border more than doubled between January and February.
Around
7,000 migrant families were caught in January compared to nearly
19,000 migrant families in February.
Meanwhile,
unaccompanied children and single minors caught crossing the
southwest border increased from 5,694 in January to 9,297 in
February.
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Planet Hollywood Latest to Reopen
While Strip resorts all closed at one time with the start of the COVID-19 crisis back in March, they have reopened randomly.
Planet Hollywood, a Caesars Entertainment property, reopened on Oct. 8 with limitations.
Gaming floors will be open daily, but the hotel will only accept weekend reservations, Thursdays through Sundays.
Masks will be required and available at the property.
Planet Hollywood is reopening with its newly branded William Hill sportsbook along with other amenities:
Gordon Ramsay Burger
Heart Bar
Extra Lounge
Café Hollywood
Earl of Sandwich
Chick-fil-A
Strip House
The Spa by Mandara
PH 24 and PH Need It shops
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New 40-acre Medical Campus Approved in Sun City Anthem "Backyard"
A hospital chain has purchased 40 acres of land in Henderson for a new medical campus.
Universal Health Services plans to build a hospital as part of a 40 acre medical project at the southwest corner of St. Rose Parkway and Raiders Way, formerly Executive Airport Drive, purchasing the parcel for $36.5 million.
Pennsylvania-based Universal Health Services, which operates locally as Valley Health System...
...has drawn up plans for a 550,000-square-foot hospital, 250,000 square feet of medical office space and two four-story parking structures.
The project would be developed in phases expects to start construction next year, and finish the full build-out in 2035.
The area has been flooded with real estate projects the past few years, including apartment complexes, housing tracts, retail centers and, an especially popular option, warehouses.
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Downtown Grand Opens New Gallery Tower
The Downtown Grand recently celebrated the grand opening of its new eight-story, 495-room Gallery Tower, which began construction in January 2019.
It is the first new hotel tower constructed in Downtown Las Vegas in more than a decade with Circa’s hotel portion soon to follow when it opens in December.
The Gallery Tower derives its name from the property’s art collection which includes works in varying sizes and mediums by local and internationally recognized artists.
The centerpiece of the Gallery Tower’s art program is “Transmigrations,” an interactive, augmented reality-based art installation exclusively available to guests staying in rooms in the Virtual Pad collection.
Using a proprietary hotel app on an in-room iPad, guests can view and interact with the augmented reality features of the artwork located just outside of the hotel room window.
Redefining the intersection of 4th and Ogden, the Gallery Tower has a new entrance to the casino floor and offers a boutique hotel experience for the modern traveler within its seven guest floors.
The assortment of room configurations includes three new 1,500-square-foot penthouse suites, 47 studio units, 20 one-bedroom suites, 313 Superior style rooms, and 112 Virtual Pad rooms, and brings the property’s total inventory to 1,124 hotel rooms.
Other resort changes feature and expanded fitness center, digital kiosks inside the new porte-cochere to allow contactless check-in and check-out for guests with prior reservations, and a direct connection to the Citrus Grand Pool Deck from the new tower.
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MGM Resorts Completes Property Reopenings
MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) announced Park MGM, the Strip’s newest destination resort since opening late 2018, and NoMad Las Vegas will open their doors on Sept. 30, completing the reopening of all the corporation’s properties around the world following closures earlier this year amid the Covid-19 crisis.
Most noteworthy....once reopened, Park MGM / NoMad will be the Strip's first fully smoke-free casino resort..
The Company also noted its Four Seasons Las Vegas property will reopen on Sept. 25.
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The art and entertainment complex AREA15 opened on Sept. 17.
Check it out ! Here's a preview !
The announcement was made during an event celebrating the arrival of local artist Henry Chang’s kinetic art cars: Mister Fusion and Valyrian Steel.
Chang’s street-legal art car Mister Fusion lead the procession.
The wildly futuristic art cars will be among the monumental art pieces on view inside and outside at this attraction, which is located minutes from the Strip and can be seen from the I-15 freeway.
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Las Vegas Convention Center
People Mover Project News
The $52.5 million Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) people mover tunneling project, part of a $980 million campus expansion, is expected to be completed by January.
The Boring Company is building the shuttle 40 feet beneath the ground at the LVCC to carry people between exhibition halls.
Each Tesla shuttle will be able to transport up to 16 people per vehicle along with the capability to have up to 62 vehicles in service at any given time.
Alleviating traffic is always a prime concern and two Strip resorts, Wynn and Resorts World, are planning to dig tunnels to whisk passengers to and from the LVCC.
Resorts World, the $4.3 billion resort scheduled to open in summer 2021, received an approval by the Clark County Commission necessary to move forward with constructing the resort’s passenger station and tunnel connecting to the LVCC campus via Elon Musk’s innovative transportation system.
This new tunnel project will transport passengers between the city’s newest integrated resort and the LVCC via underground tunnels in all-electric Tesla vehicles in under just two minutes.
Land-use application and design plans were submitted for the tunnel and passenger station to the Board of County Commissioners on June 1.
Marking an important milestone, the decision moves the landmark project into the next phase of the permitting process.
Construction is anticipated to begin by the end of this year.
Wynn and Elon Musk’s Boring Company have also submitted a land-use application to the county for the project’s design.
Tesla vehicles will also transport passengers underground from Wynn and the adjacent Encore to the LVCC in less than two minutes.
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Amazon's New Henderson Facility Now Open
Amazon opened its new 600,000-square-foot cross-dock facility support customer fulfillment building in Henderson by receiving large orders of inventory and redistributing products to fulfillment centers across the company’s operations network.
The new site will continue to ramp up to full operations over the next several weeks and will have more than 1,000 full-time employees by the 2020 holiday shopping season.
It's located on Raiders Way (formerly Executive Airport Drive) near the Raiders Practice Facility.
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Pandemic "Killed" Las Vegas Tourism
Las Vegas posted a visitor volume of 1,065,100 people in June as casinos in the state reopened, down more than 70% year-over-year.
The new figures from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority show the extent that tourism suffered amid the coronavirus pandemic, even with casinos allowed to operate again.
Las Vegas saw 3,607,400 people visit back in June 2019 in comparison to the same month this year, per the LVCVA's report.
Last June's total included 514,000 in convention attendance, which was non-existent this June.
Total room occupancy last month 40.9%, half of what it was in June 2019.
June 2019 had a 91.7% occupancy rate.
The average daily room rate in Las Vegas last month was $104.07, down 13.6% from the average of $120.43 posted in June 2019.
The gap was smaller for Strip resorts, where the average daily rate was $117.62, down 9.2% from an average of $129.49 last year.
Auto traffic was also down 13.2% compared to June, 2019.
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RTC Looking at New Bus Routes
Seeks Your Input
The Regional Transportation Commission is asking for your input on changes it is considering due to COVID-19.
That includes getting rid of some routes and adjusting others and changing the schedule.
There will be two meetings next Wednesday, August 5, 2020, at the Bonneville Transit Center in downtown Las Vegas.
The first meeting begins at 7 a.m. and then there will be a second meeting at 5 p.m.
You can also fill out a survey on RTC's website.
Fill it out for a chance to win a bus pass.
For more information, click:
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New Circa Will Offer
"Stadium Swim"
When Circa Resort & Casino opens downtown on Oct. 28, it will debut Stadium Swim, a multi-level destination pool amphitheater operating 365 days a year.
The visual focal point of the venue serving as the dramatic backdrop of the multi-functional pool space will be a massive 135 x 41-foot, 14-million-megapixel LED screen, which will broadcast major games and popular televised events.
To keep the party going, local artists will helm Stadium Swim’s DJ booth with a daily roster of upbeat music.
Boastful amenities will include six pools and two spaces, with 15,756 square feet of wet space.
Each body of water will feature a different temperature ranging from 78 to 94 degrees depending on weather conditions.
The fifth-level pools will be heated to a temperature of 104 degrees on colder days.
Equally impressive are the water precautions.
A key priority is water cleanliness.
Circa’s team conducted in-depth research on the development of a pool that can self-clean several times a day. As a result, water will be fully recirculated four to six times faster than required by codes.
While typical pool filters are filled with sand, Stadium Swim will use an activated material that is 100 percent bio-resistant and self-sterilizing glass.
All eight water bodies will have UVL sanitizers, which are technologically advanced devices designed to destroy pathogens, bacteria, viruses, organic and inorganic contaminants, and greatly reduce chlorine use.
Additionally, the pools will have highly sophisticated and real-time chemical monitoring controllers in place to continuously analyze the composition of all pool and spa water, second by second. Automated chlorine and chemical-dispensing systems will instantaneously adjust water chemistry throughout the day. In addition, an assortment of poolside lounge areas will include 30 cabanas and super cabanas hosting up to 25 guests.
Approximately 340 chaise lounges, 38 daybeds and eight poolside boxes will be offered for hotel guests and visitors to rent.
Enhanced VIP experiences will be available with tableside services including dedicated servers and towel refreshment, and luxurious spaces with couches.
Stadium Swim will be open daily except for closures for special or private events.
There will be an entrance fee for non-hotel guests.
Lounge chairs will be rented in two- or four-hour increments while daybeds/cabanas will be sold with a food and beverage minimum and reserved all day.
The pool deck will be available to rent for private events, meetings, parties and more.
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Something New
A Different Kind of Community Opens
Tuscan Highlands...
Las Vegas’ newest multi-family residential development, is introducing a new trend in residential experiences by providing an on-site e-sports and gaming lounge, which is an innovative move not seen before.
This latest social living community is providing a 4,500-sqaure-foot space for esports tournaments and casual gaming.
It is a haven for career or leisure gamers with seating accommodating 75-100 people.
The lounge includes: 12 computer stations, 11’ x 7’ ultra HD LED displays; a virtual reality multi-sport simulator with 15’ x 9’ display for golf, hockey and soccer; individual gaming stations equipped with Nintendo Switch,
PlayStation 4 and Xbox One consoles; arcade games; a YouTube/podcast recording studio, and more.
Scheduled to open this month, the lounge will be available to residents and for tournaments.
“We are immensely excited about this project and developing it in a residential Las Vegas venue,” said Milo Ocampo, founder of UNLV Esports and CEO of 8-bit Esports.
“This is not your average gaming lounge.
The developer took time to really understand gamers and what it means to integrate esports into a trend-setting living environment.”
Tuscan Highlands located on the southwest corner of St. Rose Parkway and Interstate 15 is home to 304 units, including one- to two-bedroom, studio- and loft-style apartment homes, as well as carriage-style living quarters with attached garage.
In addition, the apartment complex will have four corporate suites available for companies who need employees to stay in the area for 30 days or more.
More like a resort, the destination’s additional amenities include concierge services, a 21,000-plus square-foot resort hall complete with a health club and fitness studios; a spa and salon; resort-style saltwater pool with cabanas; outdoor athletics and multi-use courts and more.
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New Hospital Campus in Henderson
near
Raiders Practice Facility ?
Universal Health Services...
...a hospital chain has drawn up plans for a 40-acre campus near the Raiders’ new practice facility in Henderson.
Plans are to build a 550,000-square-foot hospital, 250,000 square feet of medical office space and two four-story parking structures.
UHS, which operates locally as...
...aims to build the campus at the corner of St. Rose Parkway and Raiders Way, formerly Executive Airport Drive, in phases.
The hospital would start at 300,000 square feet and expand.
The company expects to start construction next year and finish the project’s full build out in 2035, planning documents show.
The Henderson Planning Commission is scheduled to consider project plans on Thursday, July 23, 2020.
Property records show that the project site is owned by Las Vegas developer Joe Kennedy, founder of J.A. Kennedy Real Estate Co.
Kennedy confirmed that he is under contract to sell the land to Universal Health Services.
The hospital campus is the latest big construction plan for west Henderson, an area at the southern tip of the valley that, at least before the pandemic hit, was a heated spot for real estate development.
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Circus Circus Reopens
For family fun, Circus Circus has reopened including the Adventuredome, a five-acre amusement park, which opens at 10 a.m. daily.
Capacity is currently reduced on all rides and attractions to allow for appropriate social distancing.
The Carnival Midway where visitors can play a huge selection of games and win premium prizes is open and surrounds the circus stage, which showcases free circus acts — including flying trapeze, clowns, jugglers, contortionists and more daily.
For the adjacent gambling spot Slots A Fun Casino, a renovation includes new refurbishments, additional gambling offerings, and the return of its classic offering of $1 hot dogs and $1 beer.
For the only RV park option on the Strip, Circus Circus has made enhancements to the former check-in process.
The RV park currently starts at $20 per day for its 180 RV sites, which include electrical and plumbing hookups.
One mainstay which isn’t open is the Circus Circus Buffet.
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Newest Nevada Laws
Effective July 1, 2020
Here’s a look at the news laws effective July, 1, 2020:
AB 338: Defensive Driving courses — 16 and 17 year old’s can now complete a class instead of doing 50 hours of supervised driving.
AB 456: Minimum wage: The new wage goes to $8 with health benefits, $9 without. There will yearly stepped increases until the wage hits $12 in 2024.
SB 201: Payday loan database: This creates a database that payday loan companies will be required to check before making loans. It prohibits them from loaning more than 25% of gross monthly income to someone who already has a separate loan in the database.
SB 203: Individualized Education Plans for Blind, Deaf, Hard of Hearing students. Much of this law went into effect in 2019. The new provision requires plan to be modified for a student when it isn’t working.
SB 209: Testing and regulations for hemp & CBD products. It allows the state to make necessary regulations.
SB 245: This raises the tort cap on lawsuits against government entities in most cases. The cap goes from $100,000 to $150,000 then to $200,000 on July 1, 2022.
SB 403: Data security for students. This is regulation on all the Internet companies that provide services to students. Schools will have to provide that information to parents. It also allows Internet Service Providers to collect some data so ads aren’t targeted to students. The ISP must also alert schools if there is a data breach.
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"Hey Reb" Statue
&
Mascot
Removed from UNLV
The University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) suddenly decided that the team mascot "Hey Reb" had overtones that required both removing the statue, as well as, the mascot from team events.
In addition the team name will be changing.
"Hey Reb" had a history that had NOTHING TO DO WITH RACIAL ISSUES...
...until today.
And in defense of the old guy, here are few interesting aspects about him that those in charge DESTROYED.
UNLV’s
nickname and mascot date to the university’s origin in the
mid-1950s, a time when a nation founded by rebels once again became
obsessed with the idea of the iconic nonconformist.
The decade of the
1950s was epitomized by young people rebelling against their parents’
middle-class American values.
From popular motion pictures such as
1953’s "The
Wild One" starring
Marlon Brando and 1955’s "Rebel
Without a Cause" starring
James Dean, to “rebellious” musicians, such as Elvis Presley and
the beginnings of rock and roll as it emerged from American blues
music, the spirit of the times was rebellion.
That’s when
celebrated local artist Mike Miller was asked to conceptualize his
version of the UNLV Rebel — and Hey Reb! was born.
Miller, a
partner in a local advertising firm who held the UNLV account, was
asked to create a character representative of area history that
embraced the rebel spirit of defiance and nonconformity.
Miller, who
passed away in 2014, said his inspiration came from the Western
trailblazers of the 1800s who ventured into uncharted Nevada to
discover resources and build communities.
"Pathfinders were severely independent people who went all around the West looking for new trails, agriculture, gold mining, and everything," he said in a 2011 interview.
Miller sold the design of "Hey Reb" to UNLV for $1.00.
"Hey Reb" was reflective of Western independence and immediately resonated with
students, fans, and the community.
He's now gone, and with the knowledge of his history...
All we can say is "Good Bye" old friend ! You'll be missed.
We want your opinion.
Do you believe this made any sense?
Do you support removing this statue and changing the name of the athletic team?
Send your comment to:
Henderson Ranked Second Safest Large City
in the United States
AdvisorSmith, a leading information resource for business advice and original research, released a new study that found Henderson was ranked as the #2 safest large city.
A large city was defined as a population of 300,000 or more.
The study examined data from 3,107 cities and based each city's safety ranking upon its crime score. They examined crime rates in each municipality for violent and property crimes to create a proprietary crime score.
The numbers categorized the data by city size in order to find the top 10 safest small, midsize, and large cities.
Las Vegas ranked #26.
Here's a result of the study:
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Emerald Island Casino Owner
Speaks Out on Reopening of Henderson Downtown
With permission from Dan Roberts, publisher of the Vegas Voice magazine, we have reprinted this article that appeared in the June, 2020 edition.
The article was written by Nite Entertainment Editor and friend, Sam Wagmeister.
For those of you not familiar with Emerald Island casino in downtown Henderson, the best way to explain this local establishment is to borrow these words from the hit TV series, "Cheers"....
It's "Old Vegas" all over again...and where many local businesses seem to have irreparably been affected and closed due to the pandemic, owner Tim Brooks ...
...has taken it as a "challenge" to survive and prosper when it will reopen at 12:01am on Thursday, June 4th.
Here's the article in case you missed it.
"The best casino in Henderson, as voted by the readers of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, locked their doors at midnight March 17 to comply with the governor’s order.
“I had a premonition this was coming,” said Tim Brooks who, with twin brother Mike, opened Emerald Island Casino in 2003 after three others failed in the abandoned and converted Post Office.
Next he was forced to let his staff know, “many who had been with us for 10-15 years,” that they were being furloughed.
“It was the hardest thing I ever did, emotionally. It still stings today.”
For those 135 employees, the brothers distributed approximately $50,000 worth of food and dug deep into their pockets to keep them on the payroll and cover health insurance costs through the end of March.
Brooks is encouraged, looking forward to welcoming back Emerald Island’s team and the loyal customer base they’ve built over 17 years.
The shutdown demanded aggressive and detailed planning for the brothers.
“Every time we formulate a plan, it changes.”
In 2017, an addition increased floor space and the number of machines from 400 to 454. Only half of those machines are permitted to operate when Emerald Island reopens.
The staff has been issued protective equipment; the casino will be misted regularly with NSF and EPA-approved Vital Oxide, a sanitizer used in hospitals; glass partitions have been installed where face-to-face communication occurs.
Brooks is anticipating that Emerald Island will be the first casino to sanitize using UV technology.
The award winning café will operate at 50% capacity.
“Because gaming is our economic driver, I think casinos are going to be one of the cleanest places.”
Brooks expects the smaller, local casinos to recover more quickly than the Strip properties. “We’re more nimble. We can make quick decisions. We use our size to our advantage.”
At press time, the brothers, who purchased the neighboring Rainbow Casino, expected to receive the keys June 1 and reopen September 1 after extensive remodeling.
“We anticipate hiring the employees back.”
The family-friendly casino known for regularly surprising guests with complimentary hot dogs, donuts, cookies, and more promises its customers, “Know you’re going to be treated well.”
Tim Brooks sent me a copy of a recently produced video explaining the in depth approach to safety taken by Emerald Island, when it reopens its doors.
Tim's been there for US...let's be there for HIM.
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Something New at Henderson Executive Airport
Lone Mountain Aviation announced the opening of their aviation complex at Henderson Executive Airport.
Constructed by NDL Group, the facility was built to serve the growing needs of the general aviation community in the south valley, and is the first purpose-built, multi-use aviation complex of its kind at Henderson Executive Airport.
Located on Jet Stream Drive directly across from the new Raiders headquarters, the complex includes 9,000 square feet of office space, a premier retail shop for pilots, five training rooms, a full-size ground school classroom, an avionics workshop, a parts department, and an 18-person conference room overlooking the complex’s 22,000 square-foot maintenance hangar.
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La Bonita Supermarkets will celebrate its second-biggest store, the 7th in the Las Vegas valley.
It opened in Henderson on Wednesday, May 13, 2020.
The chain is opening up a store 2851 N. Green Valley Pkwy.
The new state of the art 50,000-square-foot location is La Bonita’s second-largest store, and it will provide more than 100 new jobs into the area.
The new location is said to provide a convenient layout that improves customers’ shopping experience with:
... the biggest Taqueria (a place where tacos, burritos, other Mexican dishes are sold) of all La Bonita Supermarkets stores...
...a Juice Bar for fresh juices and smoothies...
... a CarnicerÃa for fresh food cuts and meats...
...and a full Produce department.
The location also has four “fast lane” check out stations, for the customers wanting to make a quick and contactless purchase.
La Bonita Supermarkets is abiding by the new required rules requested by the Governor.
Due to the current state of phase 1 and in order to comply with social distancing protocols, there will be signs on the floor throughout the store.
There are also safety glass shields for the cashiers, and all employees will be wearing masks.
La Bonita said the new Henderson store will be operating at a lower capacity to follow social distancing guidelines.
Customers are also encouraged to wear masks.
This new store will also offer online shopping and curbside pick-up, allowing customers to get their groceries without leaving their car.
La Bonita Supermarkets has been in business in the Las Vegas valley for the past 26 years.
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CEO of Blackrock
Sees Many Bankruptcies in Near Future
Still believe the world should shut down due to a virus?
If so, get ready for this !
The world's biggest asset manager, Larry Fink, who runs the $7.5 trillion Blackrock, said that bankers told him to " expect a cascade of bankruptcies to hit the American economy."
For those of you unfamiliar with Fink & Blackrock, click on these links to familiarize yourself as to credibility.
Who is Blackrock?
Moody's recently expanded its "B3 Negative and lower list" which soared to its highest tally ever — 311 companies.
That tops a former peak of 291 companies, reached during the credit crisis of 2009 and the commodity-related downturn in April 2016.
At 20.7% of the total rated spec-grade population, the list also shot up above its long-term average of 14.8%, and closing in on its all-time high of 26.1%.
This spike is the result of the confluence of a coronavirus outbreak, plunging oil prices, and mounting recessionary conditions, which created severe and extensive credit shocks across many sectors, regions and markets, the effects of which are unprecedented.
Of course, downgrades first to junk and then to deep junk are just the first step in a painful voyage which ends with bankruptcy.
And while many borrowers are actively pulling levers to preserve cash by cutting payrolls, capital expenditdures, and dividends, in some cases even these drastic actions are not enough to avoid failures.
Indeed, as the latest default tracker from Bank of America shows, there has already been a surge in recently defaulted names and deeply distressed names, with April defaults surging to $17 billion while another $27 billion issuers now on the bank's default watchlist ...
...issuers that are currently in grace period for missed payment, recently initiated distress exchanges, or other actions that could lead to potential default...
...and finally an additional $25 billion in deep distress, whose bonds are currently trading below 50 cents on the dollar and have experienced price plunge by 50% from their maximum price within last 6 months.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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Las Vegas City Council
&
Henderson Councilwoman
"It's Time to Get Back to Business"
The majority of members on the Las Vegas City Council on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 pushed for businesses to reopen immediately, unifying behind an embattled mayor as Councilwoman Michele Fiore lamented how people were being “controlled” by fear.
Michele Fiore
“Fear is a great way to control people, and make no mistake, if you are staying home for Nevada without underlying (health) conditions, you are in fear and you are being controlled,” Fiore said in prepared remarks during the council meeting.
A majority of city lawmakers, including Councilman Stavros Anthony and Councilwoman Victoria Seaman, said that the time had come for the statewide shutdown to end, saying it could be done safely.
Stavros Anthony
“There is absolutely no reason why a retail store or restaurant cannot open up today,” Anthony said. “We’re not stupid. We’re Americans.”
The councilman said business owners and customers were capable of implementing and adhering to safety measures that would protect them against spread of the coronavirus.
“And if you don’t want to, you can stay home,” he added, noting that vulnerable populations should in fact remain sheltered. “There’s nothing wrong with that.”
“I recognize there is fear about opening too soon, but the question many are asking is when is too soon too late?” Goodman said in a prepared address.
Carolyn Goodman
The mayor noted “the depth of despair permeating an enormous and growing segment of this community: the unemployed,” adding that “the fear of imminent utter poverty is every bit as real as the fear of the virus.”
In Henderson a council member is calling for reopening the economy.
In an open letter to the Henderson Chamber of Commerce’s CEO dated Sunday, Ward 1 Councilwoman Michelle Romero said Nevada’s efforts to stave off overwhelming the hospital system by flattening the curve have been successful.
Michelle Romero
“Mission accomplished,” she wrote. “Now is the time to let our intelligent, hardworking people get back to work, while those who are part of the still-vulnerable population continue to take shelter until such time as they feel confident their health is not at risk,” she wrote.
This way, Romero claims, a functioning economy will be available when vulnerable people feel comfortable returning to daily life.
She also wrote that Nevada hospitals are now “fully prepared” to handle a surge in cases.
The councilwoman contends that if big-box stores can protect people with social distancing and sanitation, then so can small businesses.
She wrote that businesses such as salons should be able to reopen by practicing social distancing, using protective equipment and “enhanced sanitation practices.”
“On the other hand, I have also seen the worst of humanity, targeting one another with vitriol and hatred over whether or not ‘Stay at Home Orders’ are the answer,” she wrote.
Romero wrote that the longer the stay-at-home order is in place, “the impact can and will far surpass anything the virus could do.”
Romero’s letter points to mass unemployment, the prospect of a severe economic downturn, and the threat of businesses closing.
On a final note, we received an interesting video of what casinos might will look like when they reopen, which to many might be "the new normal".
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Sun City Anthem Residents
Can't Wait to Get out of the House
If some out there believe the world should shutdown, guess what?
If appears that may not be the case to many in our "senior active community"...
...the one that was advertised to all of us when we relocated here.
It didn't take long before the pressure of those who want to define LIFE as living it, rather then barricading themselves worrying about a less than one half or one per cent probability of death, to make their decision to join the world of PEOPLE, once the Governor decided to make a few changes to allow them to LIVE.
So to you "doom and gloomers" if you choose to remain in doors, please do. We won't tell you how to live, but then again, there are a bunch of us that choose to live our lives the way we see fit.
When the dawn broke on Friday, May 1st, the world began to reopen to many in Sun City Anthem who have longed for FREEDOM for the past month and ah half...
...freedom that requires caution, but nonetheless...
... FREEDOM of choice, the "doom and gloomers" have done everything in their power to refuse to allow it.
Check these photos of LIFE that commenced early Friday morning in Sun City Anthem. They were taken before 8:00am.
Has anyone ever seen the parking lot at The Liberty Center this full that early in the morning?
See all the golf carts...where there is no golf course ??? Every spot for the golf carts are occupied...not a single one open !
Those people want to play pickle ball !
What about the parking lot itself?
It's almost full, when normally at that time of day, it's empty.
One problem !
Those using the outdoor courts have NO restroom facilities access.
Keep in mind that we are continuing to pay many of our association employees, and with that in mind, this question arises:
Why can't one of them remain at a desk...with all the activity rooms locked, and have them available on a "one on one" basis?
Las Vegas Music Icons
Write Inspirational Song
"Needing Each Other"
Keith Thompson & Philip Fortenberry
If you're familiar with Las Vegas local entertainment, then the names Keith Thompson and Philip Fortenberry should be well known, but for those of you who are not, then you should be !
They have the deepest respect among their peers for the accomplishments both have made over their careers.
Keith Thompson and Philip Fortenberry are seasoned Broadway professionals that Las Vegas is fortunate to call "our own".
Thompson is primarily known for his work on "Jersey Boys" and is a co-founder of the "Composers Showcase" at the Smth Center.
Fortenberry, a pianist that is so talented, he was chosen to be the "hand double" of HBO's "Behind the Candelabra" that starred Michael Douglas as Liberace a few years ago.
Both previously combined their talents for a show at Caesars Palace's Cleopatra's Barge called "Cocktail Cabaret" that if you missed it, had to be one of the best local productions in town in years that starred Daniel Emmet (America's Got Talent), and Broadway stars Eric Jordan Young, Niki Scolara, and Maren Wade.
Now, in their dedication to Las Vegas, and on behalf of the so many local entertainers in our community, they'e combined their talents once again and written and produced a song and video to support those local entertainers who have given of themselves, as well as, support the:
"TCS Enertainment Community Relief Fund"
The piece showcases more than 50 singers, a Las Vegas Philharmonic string section and the brass section from Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns.
The contributors to the song and video belong include in alphabetical order:
Vinny “Vin A.” Adinolfi, Vinny Adinolfi, Jay Alger, Jassen Allen, Susan Anton, Tony Arias, Brent Barrett, Dennis Blair, Bernie Blanks, Karalyn Clark, Travis Cloer, Douglas Crawford, Jimmy Denning, Nicole Pryor Dernersesian, Vita Corimbi Drew, Daniel Emmet, Bruce Ewing, Kaylie Foster, Elisa Furr, Gret Menzies Gonzalez, Cherity Harchis, Todd Hart, Bucky Heard, Dr. Richard Hodges, Clint Holmes, Kelly Clinton Holmes, Liz Hyde, Chadwick Johnson, Michelle Johnson, Colte Julian, Randal Keith, Amanda King, Liza Likins, Dana Martin, Krissy Johnson Millstein, Christine Hudman Pardy, Effie Passero, Kevan Patriquin, Ron Remke, Dai Richards, Niki Scalera, Dan Schumann, Giada Valenti, Janien Valentine, Kelly Vohnn, Maren Wade, Jonathan Williams, Valerie Witherspoon, Jaquelyn Holland-Wright and Eric Jordan Young.
Fortenberry on piano; John Miceli on drums; Danny Miranda on bass; Lauren Cordell, Rebecca Sabine, Rob Taylor and Sage West on violin; De Ann Letourneau and Yunior Lopez on viola; Lindsey Springer, Moonlight Tran and David Warner on cello; Gary Cordell, Dan Falcone, Gil Kaupp and Wes Marshall on trumpet; Andrew Boostrom and Nathan Tanouye on trombone; Eric Tewalt on saxophone; and Beth Lano on French horn.
Several Vegas figures and many celebrities cut spoken video messages, among them Anton, Australian Bee Gees, Rick Barry, Dennis Bono, Lorraine Hunt Bono, Artie Butler, Carrot Top, Clint and Kelly Clinton Holmes, Frederick da Silva, Joyce DeWitt, Roy Firestone, Mick Fleetwood, Ronnie Foster, Mat Franco, Spencer Haywood, Thomas John, Frank Marino, Deana Martin, Myron Martin, Bill Medley, Stevie Nicks, Paige O’Hara, Tony Orlando, Chazz Palminteri, Marianne Phoenix, Irwin Raymer and Thunder From Down Under, and Keith Thompson.
And on behalf of all those wonderful individuals, here are two videos they have performed JUST FOR YOU.
The first is an abbreviated version of the song itself:
"Needing Each Other"
by Keith Thompson & Philip Fortenberry
The second is the full 16 minute video showing the entire cast of performers who gave their UNPAID time, to do what they have done for years, put smiles on our faces by entertaining us for years.
We hope you enjoy and consider a contribution in any amount to those who seem to be forgotten...and...whose future is so in doubt.
Las Vegas Mayor
Addresses Severity of City Shutdown
Below are the full comments by Mayor Carolyn Goodman as provided by her office:
"In this time of unprecedented challenge and uncertainty, each of us is being called upon to follow the national mandates of the president of the United States and those of our governor of Nevada, Steve Sisolak.
Clear, open communication and variable instructions-to-follow, call for all of us to work together, to remain calm, and realize there is and will continue to be, over-riding plans to follow.
Patience, civility, self-control, and having strong faith must prevail, for fear and fear alone can and will impede us.
It has been my intent as mayor of this great city of Las Vegas that we would be able to remain open for business … even when realizing that there could have been constraints put upon us to which we would have reasonably adhered.
Because not only do I understand, but also because I am painfully aware and sensitive to the very many who live paycheck to paycheck, I know we/they cannot survive any total shut down of the economy for any length of time beyond the immediate week or two.
So many, working in the hospitality industry (more than likely in big hotels) … and also those mom & pop small, privately-owned businesses ---these are most definitely at the greatest risk…they cannot survive any lengthy shutdown…thus my full out efforts will be focused on keeping as many of our people as possible, employed and asking the governor to shorten the projected shutdown.
Know the facts:
In the past 20 years alone and without any shutdown: we have survived:
The West Nile virus in 2002
SARS in 2004
The bird flu in 2005
2006 ecoli
2009 swine flu
2014 ebola
2016 zika virus
and annually “the general flu”
and we’re still here!!!
Any full-out shutdown will cripple this state’s recovery not only now but for several years to come…
We are unique; we are not New York, L.A., San Francisco…
Our economy depends on tourism and being open for dining, entertainment, gaming, sports.
42 million people come to us every year as tourists
… and our own 3 million Nevadans depend on the income from that tourism for their livelihoods.
Shutting down for any lengthy time will create untenable hardship!"
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Not Bad Sun City Anthem
We're #3 & #4 in the Valley in Home Prices
Looks like Sun City Anthem home values are doing pretty well according to SalesTraq's 2019 Zip Code Price Appreciation Analysis.
And...contrary to what so many seem to argue that "a restaurant increases property values" it looks like you can use the "B" word when it comes to that theory. (OK...bunk, not the the other, "B_ _L S_ _T", though both seem to apply.
As the name implies, this report breaks it down by zip code.
Although the overall price appreciation rates were slower in 2019 than 2018, median prices in nearly ever zip code was higher than last year.
The median prices for new homes increased 1% on the year to $387,506 and resale values jumped 5.8% from 2018 ($273,500 median price).
Median new home prices in 2019 hit an all-time high and resales prices remained below the prior peak of $285,000 reported in 2006.
Out of the 56 zip codes in the Las Vegas valley, 6 reported double-digit growth. This is down from 2018 when 49 zip codes posted double-digit growth.
Additionally, 2 zip codes (89109 and 89119) posted a price decline in 2019.
Six zip codes showed double-digit growth in 2019
89011 (11.3% -- $295,000)
89119 (11.8% --$215,000)
89101 (12.7% -- $200,000)
89030 (16.4%--$177,000)
89086 (16.9&--$299,500)
89169 (25%--$175,000)
The top zip codes by price for 2019 were:
89138 (6.1% -- $492,700)
89135 (3.4% -- $434,595)
89052 (6.8% -- $395,000)
89044 (3.5% -- $367,500)
89012 2.9%---$349,000)
The median home price in the 89169 zip code, which had the most growth in appreciation, increased from $140,000 to $175,000 in 2019.
The 89169 zip code includes the area around Las Vegas National Golf Course, Valley High School and Boulevard Mall.
The fastest-appreciating zip codes in Southern Nevada have been located in the more mature portions of the valley in recent years.
The 89138 zip code with the highest median price is the Summerlin zip code nearest Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
The 2nd highest, 89135, includes Summerlin South and south towards Blue Diamond Road.
The six zip codes with the lowest appreciation rate growth in 2019 were:
89119 (-7.6%)
89109 (0.5%)
89146 (0.0%)
89144 (1.8%)
89131 (2.2%
89145 (2.4%)
89119, which is the area around McCarran International Airport, is the zip code that had the biggest change from 2018. The median home price decreased in that zip code by -7.6%.
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Summerlin is Nevada's Best Selling
Master Plan Community
In 2019, 1,320 new homes were sold in Summerlin.
The master-planned community of Summerlin, a development of The Howard Hughes Corporation, maintained its position as the No. 3 best-selling Master Plan Community in the country for 2019 as ranked by RCLCO, a leading national real estate consultant ranking Master Plan Communities since 1994.
The ranking is determined by number of new home sales.
RCLCO also ranked the top Master Plan Communities for the decade, based on the number of times they appeared on the top ten list over the past 10 years.
Summerlin comes in No. 6 for the decade with five top ten appearances since 2010.
Summerlin’s milestone development in 2019 continued the evolution of Downtown Summerlin, the opening and storied inaugural year of Las Vegas Ballpark, and the addition of seven new neighborhoods.
The development forecast for 2020 includes 10 new neighborhoods, new 12-acre village park, new police department area command and new fire station, and Class-A office building at Downtown Summerlin.
Summerlin currently home to nearly 100,000 residents is now entering its fourth decade of development.
The community was ranked No. 1 as the nation’s top selling Master Plan Community eight times between 1994 and 2002.
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Lake Las Vegas
Reflection Bay Golf Course
Rebounds from Recessionary Times
Reflection Bay Golf Club built in 1998, which is a Jack Nicklaus-designed course and one of three in Southern Nevada, closed during the last recession and reopened in 2014.
In the past two years, the course located at the Lake Las Vegas community has made a comeback and was recently recognized as the Gold Winner in the Best of Las Vegas awards.
The course has improved its golf conditions, been updated and expanded clubhouse offerings.
Last year, the club launched The High Performance Golf Institute with PGA Tour professionals as instructors and now has more than 100 junior and adult athletes.
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Las Vegas Loses One of its Best
Trent Carlini
It's with great sadness that we announce the passing of a Vegas "fixture" in the world of tribute artists...the great Trent Carlini.
Listen to Trent and decide for youself !
"Blue Suade Shoes"
"Viva Las Vegas"
"Burning Love"
"Suspicious Minds"
"Can't Help Falling in Love"
Carlini passed away on Sunday afternoon, December 8th, at Centennial Hills Hospital, the result of what we learned was a massive stroke. He was only 57 years old.
Carlini had performed in Las Vegas for nearly two decades, starting his Las Vegas career in 1992 in "Legends In Concert" at Imperial Palace.
Over the years he also performed at Shimmer Cabaret at Las Vegas Hilton (later LVH), the since-imploded Boardwalk and Riviera, the Sahara, Steve Wyrick Theater (now Saxe Theater) at Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, and Hooters, now known at OYO Hotel & Casino , where his stage show “The King” closed in January 2017.
Carlini won $100,000 on ABC's contest on "The Next Best Thing" and he was widely considered one of the best Elvis tribute artists in the world.
Trent Carlini was born in Chicago, seven years after his parents immigrated to the United States from Italy, and became a Rock 'n Roll fan at the young age of five; and at age ten, began playing guitar.
Within a couple of years, music had become a major part of his life.
Trent attended school in Italy.
During his late teen years there, he produced a few records of his own music. With this accomplished, he moved back to the United States in 1987, making Florida his home. One could always find Trent, performing in local clubs!
With the King's death in 1977, Trent's musical direction changed. He decided to devote himself to recreating the style of the man that had influenced his life so greatly.
In 1988, Trent was chosen to star in the Annual Birthday Tribute to the King at the Star Plaza Theater in Indiana.
Performing with such greats as the Jordanaires, the King's own vocalists; J.D. Sumner & the Stamps Quartet; D.J. Fontana, the King's drummer; Charlie Hodge, the King's guitar man; and Joe Esposito, the King's right-hand man and road manager, Trent was a hit!
In 1990, Trent Carlini was chosen "Entertainer with the Most King-like Charisma" at the Global Record's Star Search Contest in Dallas, Texas.
In 1992, "Legends in Concert" producer John Stuart saw a video of Trent and promptly flew him to Las Vegas where he was hired as the King for his production there. Trent brought his incredible vocal range and charisma to the stage, performing as the King until September 1996.
Trent's uncanny resemblance to the King, his incredible vocal range, and high-energy charisma, has led to performances in Canada, France, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, United States, and Italy, where the European media called him "The New King of the 21st Century".
He starred on the very same stage of the King at the Las Vegas Hilton (International Hotel) selling out 4 years in a row.
Trent appeared on many television shows, including "Entertainment Tonight", "NBC Nightline", "Late Night with David Letterman", "The Oprah Winfrey Show", "Leeza", "ABC Primetime Live", "The Vicki Lawrence Show" and "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno".
He has also appeared on the Miss Universe Pageant, the National Arthritis Telethon, and The Nashville Network.
We contacted some of his fellow entertainer tribute artists.
Rob Garrett
(Neil Diamond Tribute Artist)
"During his peak, nobody could touch him"
Gary Anthony
(Frank Sinatra Tribute Artist)
"I knew him, I worked with him, and everybody loved him"
Steve McCoy
(Tom Jones Tribute Artist)
"Absolutely Saddening"
Jackie
Brett
Entertainment
Columnist
"
Total shock. Saw him many times. Really sad news."
Corrie
Sachs
"Reba"...Legends
in Concert
"I've
worked with Trent on & off for years. So Sad"
Genevieve
Dew
"
I
did know Trent. Did a show with him once. Wow.
Thanks for letting me know."
Sam
Wagmeiser
Night
Editor...The Vegas Voice
"Very
Sad"
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Californians Now Singing
"Nevada Here I Come"
When Bud DeStylva, Joseph Meyer, and Al Jolson collaborated in 1921 to write the song "California Here I Come"...
...for the Broadway musical, "Bombo", they weren't very good at fortune telling when it came to predicting the future of that state in the 21st century...
..because things have changed over the past 100 years !
More than 50,000 Californians moved to Nevada from July 2017 to July 2018, the second-highest amount in the past 10 years, according to newly released U.S. Census Bureau estimates.
According to the estimates, nearly 4 in 10 people who moved to Nevada from another state in those 12 months were from California....
...so many that...
There are now more adults in Nevada born in California than born in
Nevada !
Overall, about 127,000 people moved to Nevada from other states, and 14,000 more came from abroad, joining Arizona, Utah, and Washington in major "people moving".
Why?
A lower cost of living and no state income tax !
In October, the median sale price of previously owned single-family homes in Las Vegas was $307,000, compared with $663,000 in Los Angeles and $1.54 million in San Francisco.
Nevada was the nation’s fastest-growing state in 2018; ranking 2nd in both 2017 and 2016...
...and our state now boasts in excess of 3,000,000 residents as well !
Time to get into the 21st century ?
Radio station KLUC (98.5 on your FM dial) decided to to welcome the Nevada "newbies" in their own special way !
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Raiders Enter Agreement with M Resort
The partnership will designate M Resort as the "Official Raiders Team Headquarters Hotel."
The Raiders Performance Center in Henderson is currently under construction near M Resort.
M Resort also announced, that as part of the partnership, it would open a Raiders-branded restaurant currently known as Raiders Bar & Grill.
The restaurant, which will be open 24 hours and feature a wrap around deck for outdoor dining, is scheduled to open in 2020 and will offer guests and players exclusive Raiders-branded experiences on property and throughout the community.
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Bleutech Park
Coming to Las Vegas Blvd. & Cactus Avenue
Bleutech Park, a $7.5 billion energy-efficient mini-city, has secured a parcel of land at the south end of Las Vegas Boulevard.
BleuTech Park is said to include retail and housing and has been deemed an innovative "mini-city."
The project will sit on 210 acres on Las Vegas Blvd., near Cactus Avenue.
Bleutech Park will feature 100% "off-the-grid," ultra-luxury residential, sustainable living residential, tech-smart office facilities, retail space, a futuristic 3,000-keys hotel, a dream surfing destination with an innovative pool - guaranteed waves - and an exotic beach environment, in addition to a full-entertainment, state-of-the-art 1,200 ft. tower.
It will design and present 33 super trees as vertical gardens ranging in height from 50-100 feet with an emphasis placed on the vertical display of desert plants and foliage, as it aims to redefine the future of infrastructure.
The project will also serve as a haven of future-forward inspiration for established and emerging technologies, harvesting the power of renewable energies, and robotics, unlike any existing project in the world, according to a news release on the project.
But...there's more !
A woman involved in the Bleutech Las Vegas project is accused of lying to get millions of dollars from a Florida city for a similar project, according to an investigation from the Miami Herald.
The paper is reporting that police say Janet LeGrand used a fake engineering firm and a falsified resume to win a $33.3 million construction contract for a large retail complex project in Homestead.
Emerald Island Casino
The "Jewel" Takes Best in Henderson
"Where
Every Day is Promotion Day"
120
Market Street
Best Henderson Casino
Best Henderson Restaurant
"Hotels & Casino" Awards
Top Three in Categories
Best Video Poker
Best Paying Slots
October 13, 2019 Celebration
Radio Broadcast
11:00am to 1:00pm
Front
Tim
Brooks
Owner:Emerald
Island Casino
Back
KXNT
840 Radio Personality Alan Stock
Anthem Opinions Dick Arendt
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Cab Fares Will Soon Compete with Uber
from
McCarran to Strip Properties
Got visitors coming to town in 2020 and staying at a Strip property?
Changes are coming for cab service as a result of competition.
Effective January 1, 2020, a new flat-rate taxi fare system will commence between McCarran International and the Las Vegas Strip.
The 6-month pilot program was unanimously approved by the Nevada Taxi Cab Authority.
The flat fares will be based on three zones from the airport.
From Sunset, north to Tropicana, the flat fare will be $19.
From Tropicana north to Flamingo, the flat fare will be $23.
From Flamingo north to the Strat, $27.
Those flat fares are comparable to Uber, based on the ride-hailing company’s online cost estimator, and depending on the type of Uber service you request.
The flat fare system will be rolled out across three zones through the resort corridor, since it makes up 85% of the cab runs from the airport.
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A "Local's Delight"
Where Everybody Knows Your Name
Old Water Street, older than Henderson itself, cuts through the city’s historic downtown, but during the next decade, Water Street is expected to see more and more traffic, which will challenge the street’s ability to maintain its vintage feel as new businesses move in among historic shops.
Until then, it's "Old Vegas", and should be enjoyed as long as possible.
Looming over the quiet sidewalks in the center of the Water Street District sits Emerald Island Casino...
...a "relatively new" venue operating in an old landmark, located at 120 Market Street.
Tim and Mike Brooks bought the former Pot O’ Gold Casino and opened Emerald Island in 2003, recognizing it as “a good opportunity,” said Tim Brooks, who manages daily operations.
“Downtown Henderson at that time was not as vibrant,” he recalled. “What it’s doing now is what we expected to happen over 10 years ago, until we had a bump in our economy.”
Brooks is also a proud downtown Henderson resident himself, with a home “only six minutes away,” he said.
Personally, I absolutely love Emerald Island Casino for a number of reasons:
First, the casino bills itself as "The Only All Penny Casino" in Nevada.
OK, lots of games for over a penny, but you can still actually play penny poker to amuse yourself.
Second, unlike other casinos Emerald Island doesn't give out "free play"...the promos that "the biggies" give...that pay a dime on the dollar !
Instead, with minimal monthly play, they'll put you on their mailer that will give you one specialized restaurant item each week FREE, giving you the choice of one of their breakfast specials or a more than tasty lunch !
In the years I've been a patron, I have NEVER had a bad meal; and those whom I've recommended, have also become REGULARS, inviting their friends as well.
And why not? It's not far from Sun City Anthem, and has the flavor of "old Vegas" all over it !
Check out their menu!
And...catch the Special nights too !
Wednesday is BBQ night.
Friday is Steak &Lobster Night (for only $20.00) that includes a shrimp cocktail, potato, vegetable...and...dessert !
Saturday is Steak night that also includes all the "fixins" starting at only SEVENTEEN BUCKS !
And, to top it all off...
...If you're a senior, you'll want to get there on Tuesday. All seniors with qualified minimum play receive 50% off on any menu item.
(Make sure you try the smoked ribs.)
For example, on Tuesday, seniors who maintain that minimum play can get a FULL SLAB of ribs with side dishes...
...for under NINE BUCKS !
Get 200 points during the week, and on Thursday, Vets and First Responders will get 50% off their meals too !
Slots ?
What a deal here !
Every day between 5:00pm and 6:00pm, you'll get a 75X MULTIPLIER!
Cocktail or other beverage while you're playing? No cheap stuff there !
The best (and tallest drinks in town).
Are we through?
Nope...
If you need a nosh, get there in the late morning for free pastries; at around 2:00pm for free desserts, and at 6:00pm, there's either chili dogs, tacos, pizza, and whatever else the chef decides to serve, and like the early and afternoon "feedings", that's free as well !
Done yet? Still not.
On holidays such as St. Patrick's Day, their anniversary, or New Years Eve, the free food and "special coffee" are served from noon until about 7:00pm too !
The staff ? The greatest bunch of "team players" you'll ever experience.
You'll usually see Tim Brooks roaming the casino and restaurant saying hi and mingling with his customers.
Everybody knows (and loves) Tim !
He's "old Vegas" extraordinaire", trains his staff in a manner where everyone feels special, and like so many of his customers..
I'm proud to say...
"He's a Friend of Mine"
Unfortunately when I asked him which machines paid the best, he responded "If I tell you, I'd have to kill you".
Oh well, I tried !
His only flaw...he's a Dodger fan, while I'm a diehard Cub fan !
Get to Emerald Island soon...you too will become a regular if you do.
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Sales Tax to Increase January 1, 2020
Clark County commissioners passed a sales tax increase with a 5-2 vote .
The money collected from the one-eighth of one percent increase will be used by the county for programs for education and social service programs, including initiatives to reduce truancy and homelessness, as well as funding early childhood, adult and hospitality workforce education.
The requirement to pass the increase was a two-thirds majority vote and will become effective January 1, 2010.
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Fiery
Plane Crash at Executive Airport
2
Dead...4 Injured
Two
people are now dead after a small prop-plane crashed at the Henderson
Executive Airport.
One
person was pronounced dead at the scene and four others were taken to
the hospital. One of those four died at the hospital. Two of the
remaining three are in serious condition.
The
other person was a bystander who was trying to help. They are being
treated for smoke inhalation.
Officials
say the plane was taking off from the airport, and had mechanical
issues shortly after takeoff.
They
say the plane turned around and tried to return to the airport, but
crash-landed just south of the airport by Volunteer Blvd. &
Executive Airport Drive in an open area.
The
plane was on the way to Gillespie Field Airport in San Diego according to officials. Unconfirmed audio information indicated that a door came open on the plane before it crashed.
That
information has not been confirmed.
The
FAA says it was a single-engine Beechcraft Sierra.
The
aircraft tail number is N24030, which belongs to So Cal Leasing in El
Cajon, California.
That
happened just before 8 pm Saturday.
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Taking A Short Cut to the Strip?
Avoid
Tropicana Blvd.
The Nevada Department of Transportation started work on a $10.5 million, 5-mile-long upgrade of East Tropicana Avenue between Maryland Parkway and Boulder Highway in Clark County.
Plans call for milling and new asphalt pavement, plus changing the median islands to allow for increased lane widths, which reduce left hand turn crashes.
Other improvements entail enhanced lighting, fiber optics, and improved handicap accessibility with sidewalks and ramps.
Project work will initially begin between Maryland Parkway and Spencer Street as well as Pecos and Sandhill roads.
Construction will mostly occur from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Motorists can expect intermittent lane restrictions through the work zones.
Work is tentatively scheduled to finish in early 2021.
DMV to Require Odometer Readings
as of October 1st
A new law requiring the state to collect data on the number of miles driven in Nevada every year will take effect on Oct. 1.
The Department of Motor Vehicles will be required to collect your odometer readings every time you register or re-register your vehicle or complete a sale.
It’s part of Assembly Bill 483, which lawmakers passed earlier in 2019.
The intent is to see exactly how much our roads are used, and figure out how to fund repairs needed now or from future wear-and-tear based on the data they collect.
In Clark County, most people will see this done automatically.
If you get your vehicle smog checked, we’ll just pull the odometer reading off of the smog check, so for the vast majority of people here in Las Vegas, it’ll have no impact at all.
The data is restricted to odometer readings only, and that information is collected and sent to the legislature for study.
There is no fine or penalty for non compliance from the program, but you could wind up with some complications...
...especially if you register your vehicle on the DMV’s website.
Those who go online , if you decide you don’t want to enter an odometer reading, you will have to renew at a DMV office.
The new rules also apply to classic and alternative fuel vehicles.
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Del Webb Building a Sun City in Lake Las Vegas
This artist’s rendering shows what homes will look like in Del Webb’s new Sun City community in Lake Las Vegas.
Construction will begin in November.
DEL Webb, the nation’s leading builder of age-qualified communities for those ages 55 and older, has announced plans for Del Webb at Lake Las Vegas.
Del Webb Lake Las Vegas is set to break ground November.
Del Webb at Lake Las Vegas will be made up of 461 single-family homes, featuring nine one-story floor plans, ranging from 1,500 square feet to 2,800 square feet.
The gated community will sit on 125 acres and host a model home park highlighting eight consumer-inspired home designs, featuring a transitional Mediterranean architecture style.
Residents will enjoy active lifestyle activities and amenities with access to an exclusive 10,000-square-foot clubhouse that offers waterfront views.
Resort-style amenities will include a state-of-the-art fitness center, outdoor pools, pickleball, and bocce ball courts.
Nestled adjacent the 320-acre Lake Las Vegas, Del Webb at Lake Las Vegas joins a growing line-up of new neighborhoods as part of the Lake Las Vegas master-planned community.
The area provides abundant recreation, including a retail village, two resort hotels, the Lake Las Vegas Sport Club, and access to the owners’ marina and water sport equipment.
Del Webb at Lake Las Vegas will hold a grand opening in January 2020.
For more information, call 800-649-8029, or visit:
Del Webb is a national brand of Pulte Group Inc.
Here are a few videos to examine the area:
"Lake Las Vegas Drone View"
"Lake Las Vegas Sneek Peak"
"Lake Las Vegas Ground Breaking"
"Lake Las Vegas History"
The Bad News...Will it Make a Comeback?
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Nevada
State Museum
A
Must See for History Lovers
Looking
for something "different" to do? Getting weary of
losing money in the casinos?
If
you want to know something about your retirement home, check out the
Nevada State Museum. It's not far away and makes for a fun few
hours at a price that is more than affordable.
It's
open Tuesday through Sunday, closing on Thanksgiving,
Christmas, and New Years Day.
Numerous
exhibitions will take you back in time to "old Vegas".
Remember
the day of the showgirl?
Currently
they have a display "Jubilee Reunited" that will take you
back to the glorious show that decorated the Las Vegas Strip for 35
years until it sadly closed in February, 2016...
...a
show originally conceived by Donn Arden...
..who
was also responsible "Lido in Paris" which rand at the
Stardust from 1958 until 1991.
Then
there is the history of "Vegas Vic", originally created in
1951, a new exhibit that is on display until the end of 2019.
Both
are a step back in time in addition to the other areas of the museum.
This
one is a "must see" and it's only $9.95; $8.95 for
seniors.
It's
located at 309 S. Valley View Blvd. in Las Vegas (on the campus of
Springs Preserve).
Here's
their web site for further information:
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Governor Signs New Nevada Laws
Gov. Steve Sisolak signed the following new bills into law.
AB 456
...raises the minimum wage throughout the state, will not go into effect until 2024.
According to the bill's language, the state's minimum wage must be increased by 75 cents on July 1 of each year until 2024.
The minimum wage will also increase to $11 for employer offers health benefits.
SB 135
...gives state employees the power to collectively bargain and negotiate wages, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.
According to the bill's language, "an employee who is aggrieved by the failure of a public body" can file a complaint with the Employee Management Committee.
SB 135 also requires proper rooms and accommodations for new mothers who are breast-feeding their newborns.
SB 166
...codifies protections for equal pay.
According to the bill's text, if private attempts at mediation fail, then a public hearing can be held on the matter.
If the Nevada Equal Rights Commission finds an unlawful practice happened, the Commission has the authority to order a party to cease and desist the unlawful practice.
The order will also include the corrective action the person must take.
SB 448
...authorizes up to $10 million per year in tax credits for the creation of affordable housing.
The transferable tax credits are awarded based on the amount of transferable tax credit "threshold points" are awarded to a project, the bill's text said.
The issuing of the tax credits by the Housing Division is set to start around July 1, 2023.
SB 425
...expands federal funding the state receives to help those most vulnerable with affordable housing.
According to the bill's text, the director of Health and Human Services must indicate in the State Plan for Medicaid an option to provide certain additional home and community-based services.
Requirements within SB 425 are set to begin on January 1, 2020.
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New FAA Regulations Restrict Drone Flights
in
Las Vegas
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is implementing changes for recreational drone flyers mandated by Congress in the FAA Reauthorization Act of of 2018.
While recreational flyers may continue to fly below 400 feet in uncontrolled airspace without specific certification or operating authority from the FAA, they are now required to obtain prior authorization from the FAA before flying in controlled airspace around airports.
Furthermore, they must comply with all airspace restrictions and prohibitions when flying in controlled and uncontrolled airspace.
The new requirement to obtain an airspace authorization prior to flying a drone in controlled airspace replaces the old requirement to notify the airport operator and the airport air traffic control tower prior to flying within five miles of an airport.
Until further notice, air traffic control facilities will no longer accept requests to operate recreational drones in controlled airspace on a case-by-case basis.
Instead, to enable operations under the congressionally-mandated exception for limited recreational drone operations, the FAA is granting temporary airspace authorizations to fly in certain “fixed sites” in controlled airspace throughout the country.
The fixed sites are listed online and will be routinely updated.
In the future, recreational flyers will be able to obtain authorization from the FAA to fly in controlled airspace.
The FAA currently has a system called the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC), which is available to non-recreational pilots who operate under the FAA's Small Drone rule (Part 107):
https://www.faa.gov/uas/media/Part_107_Summary.pdf
The FAA is upgrading LAANC to allow recreational flyers to use the system.
For now, however, recreational flyers who want to operate in controlled airspace may only do so at the fixed sites.
Another new provision in the 2018 Act requires recreational flyers to pass an aeronautical knowledge and safety test.
They must maintain proof that they passed, and make it available to the FAA or law enforcement upon request.
The FAA is currently developing a training module and test in coordination with the drone community. The test will ensure that recreational flyers have the basic aeronautical knowledge needed to fly safely.
Some requirements have not changed significantly.
In addition to being able to fly without FAA authorization below 400 feet in uncontrolled airspace, recreational users must still register their drones, fly within visual line-of-sight, avoid other aircraft at all times, and be responsible for complying with all FAA airspace restrictions and prohibitions.
Additionally, recreational flyers can continue to fly without obtaining a remote pilot certificate provided they meet the eight statutory conditions of Section 349 of the Act, which are described in a Federal Register notice.
https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/register_drone/
If recreational flyers do not meet any of the conditions, they could choose to operate under Part 107 with a remote pilot certification.
Drone operators who fail to comply with the appropriate operating authority may be subject to FAA enforcement action.
Furthermore, flying a drone carelessly or recklessly may also result in FAA enforcement action.
The FAA will help recreational flyers learn and understand the changes by posting updates and additional guidance, including regulatory changes, on the FAA website.
If you are thinking about buying a drone, the FAA can help you get started with registration and important safety information.
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Red Flag Law
Senate Passes Bill
Now Going to Nevada Legislature
Legislation that allows police or family members to seek an order requiring a person to surrender any firearms if they appear to pose a danger to themselves or others now goes to the Nevada Assembly.
The Nevada State Senate passed the measure and it now goes to the General Assembly for a vote.
Here is the full text of SB120:
The Nevada Assembly's version of the bill is AB291.
The so-called red flag proposal also allows a court to authorize law enforcement to seize a firearm if the person has not surrendered it.
The measure that lawmakers were discussing at a committee meeting was included in a proposed amendment to an omnibus firearm bill.
The remaining parts of the bill would ban bump stocks at the state level and lower the legal blood alcohol level for carrying a firearm outside a person’s residence.
A nationwide ban took effect this year on bump stocks, the attachment used by the gunman in the 2017 Las Vegas massacre to make his weapons fire rapidly like machine guns.
If you have an opinion, here's the link to our state assembly representative Glen Leavitt:
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Nevada Legislature Passes Bill to Change
Presidential Electoral College Voting
Update: Governor Sisolak Vetoes Bill
AB 186 was passed by the Nevada Legislature and awaits the signature of Governor Sisolak to sign it into law...
...changing the manner in which Electors will vote in the Presidential election.
Under this bill, ELECTORS, no matter what the decision of the voters of the state decide, MUST cast their votes for WHOEVER WINS THE NATIONAL POPULAR VOTE.
To date, a number of states already have passed this into law having 189 electoral votes (only 270 are needed to elect the president).
If Governor Sisolak signs this into Nevada law, only 75 votes will be needed to eliminate the effect of the Electoral College.
Here is the draft of the actual bill:
Should Governor Sisolak sign this bill into Nevada law?
Voice your opinion to the governor by clicking on this link:
Anthem Opinions specifically states that we are NOT in ANY WAY, recommending passage or defeat of this bill; but nonetheless, if this becomes Nevada law, in our opinion, it leaves little doubt the the Electoral College on which American law was enacted in the US Constitution, would effectively be eliminated without having to go through the formalities of an Amendment to the Constitution.
Our question to our readers is simply:
Do you believe this is the manner in which to change the Presidential election balloting, or should any change in the Electoral College of electing our Chief Executive, be accomplished though an Amendment to the US Constitution?
Send us your thoughts to:
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Henderson City Council Approves Downtown
Golden Knights Skating Facility
Henderson mayor and council unanimously approved a lease agreement with the Vegas Golden Knights to build and operate an indoor ice hockey facility in downtown Henderson.
The Henderson hockey facility will be built on 3.2 acres at the southwest corner of Water Street and Atlantic Avenue, adjacent to Henderson City Hall on a site currently occupied by the Henderson Convention Center, which will be demolished this summer.
The new facility is tentatively scheduled for completion by July, 2020 with an estimated construction cost of $25 million.
Proposed facility amenities include:
1. Two National Hockey League regulation-size ice rinks.
3. A full-service restaurant overlooking the ice and Water Street.
4. Approximately 5,000 square feet of meeting space.
The project will expand the recreational facilities available to the community through youth and adult hockey programs and leagues, youth and adult figure skating programs, free hockey play and open skate events, tournaments, and camps for hockey and figure skating.
The facility will also be home to five official watch parties annually and host player and team executive appearances.
During the first three years of the agreement, the Vegas Golden Knights...
... will award 20 grants of $500 each to Henderson residents younger than 18 years old who come from at-risk or lower-income homes to be used for any of the programming offered at the facility.
The agreement approved at Tuesday's City Council meeting is for a 20-year ground lease and development agreement with the Vegas Golden Knights with the option of two additional 10-year terms, according to a city spokesperson.
The annual rent for the first year will be $40,000 and will increase by 2% each year.
The City of Henderson will also contribute $6.7 million along with $4 million in Redevelopment Agency funds toward the cost of design, development, and construction, for a total contribution of $10.75 million.
The city will acquire the building at completion of the lease.
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Open New Ballpark in Summerlin
For
the 2019 season, Las Vegas' Triple-A baseball team will have a new name and a new ballpark.
At
7:05 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, the Las Vegas Aviators will face the
Sacramento River Cats in the 37th season Home Opener on April 9 at
the grand opening of the brand-new Las Vegas Ballpark, located right
next to Downtown Summerlin near Charleston Boulevard and Pavilion
Center Drive.
The "Aviators" (formerly the 51s) will play three games against the "River Cats" from Tuesday through
Thursday, and then four games against the "Fresno Grizzlies" from
Friday to Monday.
Tickets
to the opening game were sold out.
Game
two of the series against the River Cats on Wednesday, April 10 will
feature the first of 10 games broadcast live on YurView on Cox cable
channels 14 and 1014 in high-definition.
And FREE promotional items too !
$2
Beer Night will be presented in the finale of the three-game series
against Sacramento on Thursday, April 11.
Inaugural Logo "Koozies" will also be given
out to the first 2,500 fans through the gates.
Magnetic
2019 Aviators Schedules will be given out to fans from
Wednesday-Saturday, April 10-13.
The
opener of the four-game series against Fresno on Friday, April 12
will feature an inaugural Aviators Logo Item to the first 2,5000 fans
through the gates.
Game
two of the series against the Grizzlies on Saturday, April 13 will
feature an Aviators Item to the first 2,500 fans through the gates.
Sunday
Family Day and Aviators Sunglass, to the first 2,500 fans through the
gates, will be featured against the Grizzlies on April 14.
The
Aviators Team Photo, to the first 2,500 fans through the gates, will
be featured in the homestand finale against the Grizzlies on Monday,
April 15.
Plan on making it to a few games this season.
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Unless you live is a fishbowl, when you woke up Monday morning, a rare form of winter appeared in Las Vegas...Snow !
Many of us came from parts of the country where this was a common winter occurrence (my wife and I are two of them), but there's another element of our Sun City Anthem community that haven't experienced this, much less have had to live with it over the largest part of our lives.
And...we're hoping that you might have put your long johns on, walked outside, and taken a few pictures of the beauty that beheld the majesty of the Las Vegas valley.
We did...
...and we hope you did as well.
...and if you did, send them to us and we'll post them for all to see.
Walkin' in a Vegas "Winter Wonderland" is rare, so we hope you enjoyed it while it lasted !
Send those photos to:
From Ellen & Bob Goodside:
From Hollis Habeger
From Marla Levey
From Allene Millard
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Will this be a Sign to Those Residing and Visiting
Las Vegas?
Las Vegas police have been directed to change their policies on turning over certain immigrants who are living in the country illegally to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo...
... directed the jail not to turn over immigrants in the country illegally who are booked for minor traffic crimes and other low-level misdemeanors.
The department has an agreement with ICE where the jail screens anyone booked and allows ICE to request they be detained if they are wanted for deportation proceedings.
The change comes a day after activists held a protest and news conference outside the police department in opposition to the ICE agreement.
Note to our readers:
This information is for informational purposes ONLY, and is NOT intended to influence political opinion in any way.
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The Vegas Voice invites all residents of the Sun City Anthem community to view the award winning film, “The Guardian” on Friday evening, February 15, 2009, 6:00pm, in the Anthem Center's “Delaware Room”.
Join Dan Roberts and Rana Goodman (recently announced candidate for the Sun City Anthem Board election as part of "The New Tradition Team") in presenting this documentary of the work The Vegas Voice dedicated to reforming the Guardianship laws in the State of Nevada.
Here they are being saluted by Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak for their tireless dedication to a cause from which all seniors will benefit.
For those of you not aware...our very own Sun City Anthem resident, Rana, was named "Senior Citizen of the Year" by Senior Connections magazine.
Those of you wishing to attend, must have a reservation for this free presentation.
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Postal Rates Going Up on January 27, 2019
The United States Postal Service filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission of price changes to take effect Jan. 27, 2019.
The proposed prices, approved by the Governors of the Postal Service, would raise Mailing Services product prices approximately 2.5%.
Shipping Services price increases vary by product.
Priority Mail Express will increase 3.9% and Priority Mail will increase 5.9%.
Although Mailing Services price increases are based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Shipping Services prices are primarily adjusted according to market conditions.
The Governors believe these new rates will keep the Postal Service competitive while providing the agency with needed revenue.
If favorably reviewed by the PRC, the new prices will include a 5-cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp, from 50 cents to 55 cents.
The single-piece additional ounce price will be reduced to 15 cents, so a 2-ounce stamped letter, such as a typical wedding invitation, will cost less to mail, decreasing from 71 cents to 70 cents.
The proposed Mailing Services price changes include:
Current New
Letters (1 oz) .50 .55
Letters additional ounces .21 .15
Letters (metered 1 oz) .47 .50
Outbound (International) (1oz) 1.15 1.15
Domestic Postcards .35 .35
The proposed domestic Priority Mail Retail Flat Rate price changes are:
Current New
Small Flat Rat Box 7.20 7.90
Medium Flat Rate Box 13.65 14.35
Large Flat Rate Box 18.90 19.95
APO/FPO Large Flat Rate Box 17.40 8.45
Regular Flat Rate Box 6.70 7.35
Large Flat Rate Envelope 7.00 7.65
Padded Flat Rate Envelope 7.25 8.00
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Downtown will Welcome
Circa Resort & Casino
The long wait and mystery are finally over for the plans for Downtown Las Vegas' first casino-resort being built from the ground up in more than three decades.
Developer Derek Stevens...
...co-owner of the D and Golden Gate properties, unveiled renderings of Circa Resort & Casino expected to open in December 2020.
No longer will we refer to it by the working title 18 Fremont, which is the address.
Stevens at a VIP event explained the fortuitous situations which allowed deals to be made to purchase the Las Vegas Club, three small properties – Glitter Gulch, Mermaids and La Bayou, and finally a T-shirt shop giving his company the rights to a whole city block for building Circa.
Many more decisions are yet to be made such as the restaurants, but Stevens announced some of highlights.
He's excited to build a three-level, stadium-style sports book and making it the largest.
Keeping some of the past, the famous Vegas Vickie sign will be inside the lobby.
A new approach will be the Garage Mahal, which will integrate ride sharing.
The hotel tower will be the tallest north of the Strip and with 777 rooms.
On the roof will be six pools, a 125-foot TV screen, and space capacity for 4,000 guests. The rooftop will be used for festivals, concerts, sports watch parties, etc.
Stevens only arrived in Las Vegas in 2006, yet he is already a modern ground breaker for the city who holds Las Vegas original pioneers in high regard.
April & Company
Goes "Down" & "Away"
Thanks to the dedication of Sun City Anthem residents Rana Goodman and her beau, Dan Roberts, editor of the Vegas Voice....
...it finally came to an end.
April Parks and crew are finally getting what they deserved...
Long Term
...for the cruelty they arrogantly displayed for years as seniors with guardianship issues were fleeced of their life savings.
Two cases were finally concluded on Friday, January 5, 2018 following guilty pleas they entered on November 5, 2018.
In the first case...
Parks pleaded guilty to:
Five felony offenses, including two counts of Elder Exploitation, a category “B” felony
Two counts of Theft, a category “B” felony
One count of Perjury, a category “D” felony
Simmons pleaded guilty to:
One count of Elder Exploitation
One count of Theft
One count of Perjury
Taylor pleaded guilty to:
One count of Elder Exploitation
Eighth Judicial District Court Judge Tierra Jones...
...handed down the following sentences:
Parks:
16 to 40 years
in Nevada State Prison
Simmons:
7 to 10 years
in Nevada State Prison
Taylor:
2 to 5 years
in Nevada State Prison
In the second case...
...the following sentences were handed down by the court:
Parks:
6 to 15 years
in Nevada State Prison
Simmons:
4 to 10 years
in Nevada State Prison
...to be run concurrent to their first sentencing orders.
The judge also ordered that the defendants pay restitution in the amount of:
Simpson’s sentencing date was continued by the court.
Every senior citizen in the state of Nevada owes Rana, Dan, and The Vegas Voice a debt of gratitude for the time and determination spent in protecting them against financial predators in our state.
Want to say thanks?
Send your comments to:
2018
"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year"
"Sleigh RIde"
"Feliz Navidad"
" It's a Marshmallow World"
"Holly Jolly Christmas"
"Dominick the Donkey"
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Rana Goodman
&
The Vegas Voice
A Guardianship Rights Victory
April Parks is going to jail...
...and Sun City Anthem and the entire state of Nevada owe our very own Rana Goodman for the persistence and dedication she, along with the Vegas Voice, showed in changing state guardianship laws.
Gary Taylor
...and business partners...
Mark Simmons
... and...
Noel Palmer Simpson
...may join her.
Parks pleaded guilty to five felony offenses, including two counts of elder exploitation, two counts of theft and one count of perjury.
Simmons pleaded guilty to one count of elder exploitation, one count of theft and one count of perjury.
Taylor, who was named in seven counts of the original indictment, pleaded guilty to one count of elder exploitation.
Parks was the owner of A Private Professional Guardian, LLC.
Parks, her office manager Simmons, her husband Taylor and her Simpson were collectively indicted on 270 counts for elder exploitation, representing the most significant guardianship indictment in Nevada’s history.
They collectively committed 117 counts of perjury, 73 counts of offering false instrument for filing or record, 42 counts of theft, 37 counts of exploitation and one count of racketeering.
The fraudulent acts were committed between December 2011 and July 2016.
Several of these defendants also pleaded guilty Monday in a second related case where Parks, Simmons, Simpson and James Thomas Melton are alleged to have exploited an elderly couple through the use of guardianship between December 2010 and May 2017.
In this case, Parks, Simmons and Simpson each pleaded guilty to another count of elder exploitation.
The District Attorney is asking for the maximum sentence when Parks and her co-conspirators come back to court.
Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 4, 2019.
Under the terms of the plea agreements with Parks and Simmons, the state and the defense have retained the right to argue for what sentence they will receive.
Parks faces a maximum prison sentence of 84 years in prison between the two cases.
Simmons faces a maximum prison sentence of 54 years.
Taylor’s plea agreement jointly recommends a sentence of 24-60 months in prison.
Simpson will receive the recommendation of probation in exchange her cooperation.
Parks, Simmons and Taylor have been detained in the Clark County Detention Center since their arrest in March 2017.
Anthem Opinions sends our sincere appreciation to Rana Goodman and The Vegas Voice for vigorously pursuing this injustice.
Both deserve a well deserved thanks from all !
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New Bridge Will Go Over South End of Strip
Construction has begun on a brand-new pedestrian bridge expected to open along the Strip next July.
The $16.9 million project will have the crossover bridge going between Park MGM and the Showcase Mall, which sits in front of the MGM Grand.
Like the Strip's other existing pedestrian bridges, it will have escalators and elevators on both sides.
Another precaution for the safety of pedestrians is the continuation of placing steel bollards along the Strip, which can withstand the impact of a 15,000-pound vehicle traveling at 50 mph.
By the end of February, there will be 3,800 steel posts in place.
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Tropicana Begins Parking Fees for Non-Guests on "Event" Days
As of Friday, Oct. 26, 2018, The Tropicana Hotel began charging parking fees for non-guests; however, there's a somewhat "bright light" to the fee...a food coupon !
The Tropicana is charging $15 for self-parking and $20 for valet parking for non-hotel guests on event days.
According to the hotel's management:
"The event-based paid parking initiative will allow us to ensure our most valued guests always have a place to park."
However...
All cars that pay to park in the Tropicana paid parking on event days will receive a $10 voucher for:
Robert Irvine's Public House restaurant
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The Nevada Medical Center, a non-profit organization composed of health care and business leaders, recently determined that the state of Nevada receive a grade of "D" when it comes to access to health care.
This same organization gave Nevada a grade of "D" in 2017.
Nevada Medical Center also stated that in the past 20 years, Nevada's population has increased 73%, most of which occurred in southern Nevada; however, it also determined that the number of medical providers was insufficient to accommodate that massive population increase...
...that it was hoped that the UNLV School of Medicine will have a positive effect.
Other grades issued by the Nevada Medical Center:
"C" in chronic diseases, substance abuse, and mental health.
"B" in nutrition.
"D" in infectious diseases.
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From Nelson Orth...to...Anthem Opinions
While it is admirable that SCA and other HOAs are doing their part to conserve water, communities in Anthem need to ask the City of Henderson what they are doing to help conserve water.
All one needs to do is drive down Volunteer to see the massive number of new houses and apartments being built.
Clark County has a massive shortage of water.
New home construction only exacerbates this problem. One only needs to know that more tax revenue leads to more power.