2017-12-24 - The Sunday - Las Vegas by Greenspun Media Group

THE SUNDAY DEC. 24- DEC. 30

CONTENTS

By one measure, Emma Gibson is about as old as her mother. The baby was conceived in 1992 and frozen as an embryo. The embryo was donated to Tina Gibson, who carried the baby to term and gave birth Nov. 25.

10 12 24 43

NOTEWORTHY STORIES

QUICK GUIDE TO EASY HOME FIXES

ON THE COVER Arbor View’s Brittnee Kublick fights for a catch. (PHOTO BY L.E. BASKOW/STAFF)

Not every home maintenance job requires a claim to the home warranty company or a call to an electrician. There’s no need to be intimidated by a chirping smoke detector, clogged sink, toilet that won’t stop running or garage door that won’t close. In five minutes, we’ll make you an expert on jobs anyone can do.

THE YEAR IN PHOTOS 2017 gave us triumph and tragedy, controversy and determination. Our photographers share some of their favorite images of the past 12 months. MORE LIFE ■ Recipe: Salted toffee chip cookies, 32 ■ Pets available for adoption, 34 ■ Calendar of events, 40 ■ Horoscopes, P65 ■ Puzzles, P66

Isabella Seltenreich poses for a photo before the eclipse Aug. 16. (THE SUNDAY FILE)

FOSTERING THE FEMALE ATHLETE

Las Vegas’ new WNBA team is just the latest example of the city’s growth in women’s sports. Soccer, tennis and basketball — and even wrestling, football and hockey — have become fertile ground for young female athletes to develop their skills and enrich their lives through competition.

FAMILY REUNION

Las Vegan Kim Morrison left her war-torn village in Vietnam as a teenager and hadn’t seen her mother or sisters since. In November, nearly 40 years later, she returned to her homeland. Armed with photos and names, she traveled the countryside interviewing strangers, until she was reunited with her long lost family.

WOUNDED PSYCHE

The mass shooting Oct. 1 on the Strip further exposed Nevada’s lack of mental health resources — the state ranked last nationally in a survey by Mental Health America. Gov. Brian Sandoval and the state Division of Insurance, though, enacted emergency regulation that provide workers with additional counseling services.

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news

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dec. 17-dec. 30

week in review WEEK ahead news and notes from the

las vegas valley, and beyond

politics

tax reform passed

President Donald Trump, surrounded by Vice President Mike Pence and Republican members of Congress on Dec. 20 on the South Lawn of the White House, talks about passing the Republican-sponsored tax reform bill, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. (Associated Press)

Dec. 17

advocate’s goodbye Dana Marshall-Bernstein, who worked to raise awareness about Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, died at age 28. She was remembered for being the voice for many with her illness.

Dec. 19

winter grads More than 2,000 students from 31 states and 42 foreign countries participated in UNLV’s winter commencement. About 85 percent of the graduates were Nevada residents.

Dec. 30

dec. 31

conference britney’s opener last show The UNLV men’s basketball team tips off its Mountain West Conference schedule at 8 p.m. against Boise State at the Thomas & Mack Center. The Broncos and Rebels both started the season 10-2.

Britney Spears wraps up her “Piece of Me” residency at Axis at Planet Hollywood on New Year’s Eve.

dec. 31

home advantage Hoping to continue their dominance on home ice, the Golden Knights host the Toronto Maple Leafs at 12:30 p.m. at T-Mobile Arena.

3.91M

Number of passengers accommodated by McCarran International Airport last month, a 1.3 percent increase from November 2016. For the year, passenger traffic has increased 2.2 percent.

the sunday dec. 24- dec. 30

ne w s

S P O R T S business li f e gaming politics entertainment

$324,370

sports

Boise wins las vegas bowl

Amount donated by mining company Barrick to Communities In Schools of Nevada to support initiatives that help improve student outcomes.

Boise State defeated Oregon, 38-28, in the 26th Las Vegas Bowl on Dec. 16 in front of 36,432 fans. The Broncos improved to 4-0, tying Utah (4-1) for the alltime wins lead in the bowl.

A&E

welcome lady gaga LOCAL

bundy mistrial

Ammon Bundy, right, and Carol Bundy, wife of Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy, speak with reporters outside of a federal courthouse in Las Vegas. Chief U.S. District Judge Gloria Navarro declared a mistrial in the case against Cliven Bundy, his sons Ryan and Ammon, and Ryan Payne. (Associated Press)

(L.E. BASKOW/ STAFF)

Nonstop from brazil politics

last term for kihuens

LATAM Airlines Brazil will offer nonstop service from Sao Paolo to Las Vegas from June through August, marking the first scheduled nonstop flight to Las Vegas from Brazil.

Freshman Rep. Ruben Kihuen, DNev., at the center of sexual harassment allegations, announced that he wouldn’t seek re-election. His announcement came a day after the House Ethics Committee opened an investigation into whether Kihuen “may have engaged in sexual harassment” with a campaign aide and a lobbyist.

Grammy Award winner Lady Gaga will begin a two-year, multidate special engagement at the Park Theater in December 2018, MGM Resorts International announced. Performance dates and ticket information were not available. The 5,300-seat theater is located at the Strip resort transitioning from the Monte Carlo to Park MGM.

$100K

News

‘this is hunger’

Attendees educate themselves during “This Is Hunger,” a first-of-its-kind free mobile exhibit at Temple Beth Sholom. The exhibit is part of a 16-month national tour that brings Americans face-to-face with the stark realities of hunger in the U.S. (L.E. Baskow/staff)

Amount of a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to UNLV University Libraries’ Special Collections and Archives for a project to document the contributions of Latino communities to the development of Southern Nevada.

THE SUNDAY

My smoke detector is chirping.

DEC. 24- DEC. 30

There are three common causes: One, your battery (or backup battery for hard-wired detectors) is bad. Two, the unit is dusty. Three, it’s old and needs to be replaced. For one and two, make sure the detector’s breaker is turned off if the unit is hard-wired. To replace the battery, find the battery cover and remove it. You may need a screwdriver. If the unit looks dusty, remove the cover and remove the dust using a vacuum cleaner. Once the battery is replaced and/or the unit is dusted, put it back together and hit the “test” button. You should hear a beep, but the chirping should stop. If the unit makes no noise or keeps chirping, call an electrician.

QUICK GUIDE TO HOME TROUBLESHOOTING

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I have an outlet that stopped working, and I’m worried there might be a short in the wiring.

Go to your circuit breaker box, a gray rectangular panel on a wall somewhere in your home (In older homes, the box may be on the exterior of the house). You’ll see columns of switches — these are circuits that control wiring to outlets, fixtures and appliances in your home. Ideally, one of the circuits will be in the “off” position, which means the breaker that controls the nonworking outlet has been tripped by an overload, and the power to the outlet has been shut off so there’s no chance the overloaded wire will catch fire. If that’s the case, call an electrician and don’t worry. If none of the switches has been tripped, there’s probably not a short, but it’s a good idea to turn off the circuit manually and call an electrician. Finding the right circuit to switch off can be a challenge, but hopefully the circuits will be labeled.

BY RIC ANDERSON STAFF WRITER

You’re responsible for holiday dinner with your family this year, but in the midst of juggling turkey and mashed potato prep, the garbage disposal stops working. Or you blow a circuit breaker. Or the washing machine begins to leak. What do you do? Here’s a list of common household problems and a few quick methods that may save your plumber or electrician a trip.

I have a sink that won’t stop dripping.

Look under the sink. As with the toilet, you should see flexible tubing with football- or X-shaped handles. Turn those off, and the sink should stop dripping. Call a plumber.

My sink is clogged. Here are two methods to try before calling a plumber.

METHOD 1

There’s water under my washing machine. What can I do? Try turning off the hoses that connect the machine to your plumbing. They should be hooked to two spigots behind the washer. (Warning: Sometimes these spigot handles are a bit difficult to turn.)

Fill the sink with enough hot water to cover the rubber part of a plunger. If it’s a double sink, stuff a wet rag into the drain that you’re not plunging. With a plunger fully covering the drain opening, move the plunger up and down quickly. After five or six pumps, check to see if the sink is clear. If not, try again.

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METHOD 2

Wearing rubber gloves, pour one cup of baking soda into the drain, then pour in the same amount of white vinegar. Put the stopper in the sink so that the solution — which will foam up — is forced down the drain. After five minutes, pour warm water down the drain and see if the clog is cleared. If not, try a pan full of boiling water. If none of it works, try the whole process again.

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5-MINUTE EXPERT

THE SUNDAY DEC. 24- DEC. 30

My garage door isn’t working.

NOTE: If you can’t find the allen wrench that came with the disposal, consult your owner’s manual. Most disposals use 1 /4 -inch wrenches, but it’s smart to check the manual before you head to the store.

What’s the “plate warmer” function on my dishwasher? When food is served on a warm plate, it stays hotter longer. The plate warmer uses the dishwasher’s dryer function to make plates toasty.

A common culprit is a safety feature of modern doors. It’s a photoelectric beam that shoots between two small, rectangular boxes located near the bottom of the tracks on either side of the door. The beams stop the door if something crosses them, which keeps the door from closing on a pet, a child, your car, etc. However, the door won’t work properly if the beams aren’t aligned, and it’s not uncommon for the boxes to get knocked out of alignment or the lenses to become covered in grime or moisture. Wipe off the lenses first. If that doesn’t work, adjust the beams as follows: Notice that on the facing side of each rectangular box, there should be a tiny light glowing red or green. If the beams are out of alignment, one light will be red and one green. One of the boxes will be fairly fixed, while the other one will have an adjustor screw that gives the box movement. Loosen that screw, and point the lens toward its counterpart. When the lenses are in alignment, the lights on the boxes will both turn green. If the lights are out or the garage door still doesn’t work after they turn green, contact a service provider.

1 2

My garbage disposal stopped working.

Flip the switch to make sure the disposal still has power. If it doesn’t, look under the sink and see if it’s plugged in. If everything is hooked up and the disposal doesn’t make noise, call an electrician. If the disposal is making noise, unplug it. If you can’t unplug the unit and can’t find its breaker, call an electrician. If the power is connected but the disposal isn’t working, it may be clogged. Make sure the switch is turned off and the disposal is unplugged. Look on the bottom of the unit for a hexagon-shaped opening. Using the allen wrench that came with the disposal (and is ideally attached to it) twist clockwise and counterclockwise until you feel the motor spin freely.

2 3 4

Reconnect the power and run water down the drain. Flip the switch to see if the obstruction is gone. If not, call a plumber.

My toilet is running. I’ve jiggled the handle, but it won’t stop.

Look behind the toilet near the floor. You should see flexible metal tubing with a handle shaped like a football (or sometimes an ‘X’). That’s the toilet shut-off valve. Turn it counterclockwise to stop the flow of water to the toilet tank. If it doesn’t stop, try turning it the other way. One caution: If the valve is hard to turn, don’t put too much pressure on it. It might snap off, and then you’ll have a bigger problem. Once the water is off, you can call a plumber, or — don’t be intimidated — try to repair the toilet yourself. Standard repairs, such as replacing a floater valve or flapper valve, are simple and inexpensive. The key is finding the right parts, which for many toilets are available at big-box home improvement stores or retailers. Follow the directions on the package.

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HARD-HITTING

THE SUNDAY DEC. 24- DEC. 30

WOMEN LAS VEGANS ARE THRIVING WHEN GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO COMPETE

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BY RAY BREWER STAFF WRITERS

Tatum Pine doesn’t view herself as different than other wrestlers in town. Aside from the obvious — she’s a female in a male-dominated sport — the Palo Verde High junior has the same intentions once the match begins. “A win is a win,” she said. “Boys get upset when you beat them so that makes it more fun.” Pine is one of six female wrestlers at Palo Verde and about 30 in Southern Nevada, all of whom compete in the boys’ high school league and on the Team Nevada club for girls. About 15,000 girls compete in high school wrestling nationally, and states such as Oregon, Hawaii and Tennessee sponsor a state tournament, according to the Women’s College Wrestling Association. For Kevin Pine, Tatum’s dad and a former world champion, introducing his daughter to the sport had nothing to do with her following in his footsteps. Rather, it was about building a strong and confident daughter. “The things wrestling teaches you is work ethic, goal setting and discipline,” said Pine, the Team Nevada coach. “There are male wrestlers and female wrestlers. But they are no different. Hopefully I don’t treat them different, because they don’t want to be treated different.

“They put in the time, they cut weight, they put in the miles. They do everything the boys do,” he said. And they are getting similar chances. The first all-girls high school wrestling tournament in Las Vegas featured just eight participants in 2012. That number has increased to 50, giving girls an opportunity to win a championship and earn a spot in the national tournament in North Dakota. For three locals, it’s led to full college scholarships to one of the about 30 universities with female programs, Pine said. Pine’s mindset in fostering female athletes was simple: It’s all about creating equal opportunity. “There’s a national movement with women’s wrestling, and we have kids right in the middle of that,” he said. “A lot of girls don’t want to go out and compete against the boys, especially if you are a high school kid. That is somewhat uncomfortable for both. We are here to promote these girls and their hard work.” At Arbor View, 106-pound division wrestler Peyton Prussin was the No. 1 seed in the Sunset Regional last season and was one of the best, regardless of gender, this season. At Palo Verde, Tatum Pine is the team Panthers’ captain. Here are some other instances of female athletics thriving in Las Vegas:

DEC. 24- DEC. 30

GIRLS LOVE FOOTBALL TOO This junior varsity girls’ flag football game sure produced some late-game excitement. “I almost had a heart attack at the end of the game last night because the quarterback didn’t spike the ball (to stop the clock) at the end of the game,” Bonanza coach Dion Lee said. “But it was great fun. These games are always exciting.” Lee is one of the founding fathers of female football in Las Vegas. In 2006, he started the Las Vegas Showgirlz adult team, which over 10 years gave about 400 women a chance to experience tackle football recreationally. In 2012, he helped girls’ flag football launch in the Clark County School District. Lee is the coach for both of Bonanza’s varsity football teams. “Gender has no issue,” he said. “With my son, I don’t say I have a boy athlete. With my daughter, I don’t say I have a girl athlete. These girls at Bonanza, they know they are on equal footing.” Flag football has become so popular in Las Vegas that it went from being offered as strictly a varsity sport to all three levels. At Bonanza, there are 75 girls in the program and 80 boys. Clark County was one of the first districts nationally to offer the sport. Its success has been observed by other states and duplicated. “I love advocating for these girls and giving them an opportunity,” Lee said. That’s apparent by what many of his peers would have considered an unconventional hire. The wide receivers coach for the boys’ Bonanza tackle team is one of Lee’s former Showgirlz players, Carrie Walters. He had no reservations about putting a woman in charge of boys, and they quickly learned to respect Walters’ knowledge. “It wasn’t an issue. And by the end of the season they were all gung-ho to have me as coach,” Walters said.

Arbor View’s Makayla Rucks (5) strives for yardage as Bonanza’s Alicia Kestner, right, grabs her flag during their varsity girls’ flag football game Dec. 12. (L.E. BASKOW/STAFF)

COVER STORY

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MGM bringing WNBA to town a game changer for local girls

When the WNBA launched in 1996, Sequoia Holmes was a middle-school student in North Las Vegas with a singular passion — playing basketball. She went from having few players to look up to and model her game after to a league of women she hoped to one day join. After a standout four-year career at UNLV, Holmes debuted in the WNBA with Houston in 2008. She’s now 31 years old and a veteran of 59 career games in the league, including last season with San Antonio. The Stars relocated to Southern Nevada in October, and the rebranded Las Vegas Aces will begin play in the spring, possibly with Holmes on the roster. What the Vegas Golden Knights have done for the youth hockey scene here — from clinics to facilities to developing a young fan base that includes both boys and girls — will be emulated by MGM Resorts and the WNBA. “This will have the same effect with the Las Vegas women’s basketball community,” Holmes said in October. “Young girls will see that it’s possible to play this sport professionally.” That was apparent in the league’s first formal act this month at Mandalay Bay Events Center, where the franchise owned by MGM Resorts International invited local high school teams to take part in the festivities. Players from schools such as Centennial and Spring Valley were introduced to WNBA President Lisa Borders and players, reveling in the historic moment for their sport. “How cool that the (Bulldogs) get to be at the unveiling of the WNBA team??!! Excited for our future team Vegas.#WNBA #Vegas #basketball,” read a post on Centennial’s Twitter account. “If you look at the data for the market, according to ESPN and ESPN2, (Las Vegas) is a top-10 market for basketball,” Borders said.

(Christopher devargas/staff)

looking for a hockey program? The golden knights have it covered. Since the NHL came to Las Vegas, the league and the Golden Knights have tried to infuse hockey into the local community. From sprouting youth programs to giving away hockey sticks at local parks, the team has hosted a bevy of events. The latest is a “Women’s Learn to Play” program for those 18 and older. The women’s hockey scene is scarce across the U.S., particularly in the West. According to the latest numbers from USA Hockey, only 75,832 of the 555,175 registered members are female. Of those, only 18,040 are older than 18. “I grew up in a place where girls’ hockey

was really small, and even when I was in college, I had to play men’s league because we didn’t have girls’ hockey,” said Haley Craven, coach for Women’s Learn to Play and daughter of Golden Knights senior vice president Murray Craven. “It’s nice to get out here with a bunch of women who are all levels, and all super excited to play together.” Craven and other coaches put the women through drills, skating through cones, passing the puck and firing it into the net. “Tonight we had 16 women, which was super awesome,” Haley Craven said. “The hope is to get a women’s league going and a women’s team to start traveling to the nearby areas.” The lessons started Dec. 4 and run through Jan. 15, with practices every Monday, excluding Christmas, at City National Arena. The cost

was $135 for the whole program. One participant flies in from California each week to play because it’s so difficult to find women’s hockey. Most are Las Vegas locals. “I’ve been a hockey fan my entire life, and I figured it sounds fun so I’ll try it out,” said 23-yearold Brittany Sabine, who has lived in Las Vegas since she was a child. “I played hockey a little bit, but I haven’t played in a really long time because there are no women’s leagues here, so I’m hoping this kick-starts something.” Women of all ages and skill levels showed up for the event. “They are having a blast,” Haley Craven said. “The first practice, they were scared to fall and scared to trust their skates. And now, just in the second week, I’ve noticed a huge improvement. We try to get them to know each other so it’s less awkward. It’s easier to fall when you’re surrounded by friends.” — Jesse Granger

San Antonio Stars center Kayla Alexander (40) is blocked by Connecticut Sun center Lynetta Kizer (12) during a WNBA game JulyÂ 5 in San Antonio. In October, the team relocated to Nevada and became the Las Vegas Aces. (Associated Press)

the sunday dec. 24- dec. 30

the sunday DEC. 24- dec. 30

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Keys to fostering Girls’ sports exposure & funds

SAFETY

opportunity & role models

Sue Thurman, the College of Southern Nevada volleyball coach, is quick to recite this statistic: Of the 80 girls who are in the junior college’s athletic department, 80 percent are first-generation college students. CSN also has a women’s program for soccer and softball. “When you think about the opportunity for those kids, that’s pretty awesome,” Thurman said. Thurman was previously the boys’ and girls’ coach at Las Vegas High, and still teaches at Harney Middle School in the northeast part of the valley. She’s a vocal proponent of funding to provide increased middle school sports programs for girls, especially in areas considered socioeconomically disadvantaged. At Harney, there’s a club soccer team that attracts 60 kids to try out for a handful of spots, meaning cuts are inevitable. The same goes for the school’s basketball team. “Those kids are losing self-confidence to put themselves out there again,” Thurman said. The end result is seen a few years later on the high school level, where freshmen and junior varsity teams are half-full or teams are eliminated altogether. “Not having kids involved, that’s heartbreaking,” Thurman said. “There’s a real need to develop these kids through athletics.”

Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics coach, received a 60year prison sentence this month for child porn crimes and assaulting female gymnasts. In Las Vegas over the past 13 months, volunteer high school coaches at Eldorado, Del Sol and Silverado have been arrested on suspicion of sexual misconduct. It’s a stark reminder that keeping children safe, whether it’s from a concussion or ankle sprain during a game, or from an inappropriate relationship with a coach, is an obstacle in empowering female athletes. Coaches in the Clark County School District are required to be finger-printed and pass a background check before gaining access to a team. They also need CPR certification and are required to complete an online safety class on concussions. It’s a similar scenario in youth leagues, where local affiliates for Little League or USA Soccer have multiple levels of background checks and safety-precaution training.

Roger Tabor, the founder of Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club, receives a phone call around the same time each year from the coach at Cochise College near the Arizona-Mexico border. “They’re like ‘Hey, we have full-ride (scholarships) to give. Can you send a kid our way,’ ” Tabor said. “That place is so close to the end of the world that they’ll take a kid sight unseen.” More than 3 million girls play soccer annually in this country, according to USA soccer. Tabor said the sport’s growth is attributed to two factors: the advent of Title IX in 1972 and the United States’ World Cup victory in 1999. Title IX, which is regulated by the federal government, calls for equal opportunity for female athletes when it comes to college scholarships, facilities and the like. So when a Division I football program — the lone moneymaker for most university athletic departments — has 85 scholarship players, it leaves the college’s female sports with a full roster’s worth of scholarships to construct a team. At UNLV, for instance, women’s soccer has 15 fully funded scholarships. For men’s soccer, it’s just nine, and they can be awarded only partially. The same breakdown is similar with softball and baseball. In 1974, just 103,432 girls were regis-

tered as participants with USA Soccer. That spiked to 810,793 in 1980 because of the impact of Title IX. Another bump of about 700,000 girls occurred following the 1999 World Cup, when Brandi Chastain’s penalty kick gave the U.S. a victory against China and, more importantly, one of the signature moments in the growth of girls’ sports. Chastain ripped her jersey off in celebration and the iconic photo helped usher in a new era of female sports. Women instantly became marketable celebrities and provided girls someone to aspire to. “What the team did changed women’s sports. It’s that simple,” Tabor said. “Every girl wanted to play.” The club each February hosts the Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup, which is broken into separate weekends for boys and girls. That’s by design because the line of coaches recruiting girls — upward of 200 programs each year — is so long. Coaches come from all levels of college soccer. The event, Tabor estimates, contributes to hundreds of girls getting free education annually. In Southern Nevada alone, nearly 50 girls from the graduating class of 2017 advanced to college soccer, many on scholarship. “We get dozens of schools at the Mayor’s Cup. They walk up and ask, ‘Who’s not committed?’ ” Tabor said.

Benefits of participating in athletics Tennis champion Billie Jean King founded the Women’s Sports Foundation in 1974 with a mission statement to “advance the lives of girls and women through sport and physical activity.” Among the materials the nonprofit charity organization offers is a compilation of studies answering why it’s important for girls to get involved in athletics. Here are some of the reasons the foundation highlights.

Four hours of exercise a week can reduce a teenage girl’s risk of breast cancer by up to 60 percent, according to the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Sports help increase bone mass, meaning they significantly help cut the chances of participants developing osteoporosis later in life.

the sunday dec. 24- dec. 30

Palo Verde High School wrestlers listen to instructions from official Chris Cheff before their matches against Arbor View and Cimarron-Memorial. (L.E. Baskow/Staff)

High school girls who play sports get better grades, graduate at a higher rate and have a lower rate of unintended pregnancy.

Girls who participate in sports have higher levels of confidence and self-esteem, and lower levels of depression than those who do not. They also have a more positive body image and are more likely to have a higher state of psychological well-being.

Women without a background in sports are disadvantaged in the job market. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proven that sports serve as one of the first sociocultural learning environments for boys, and girls deserve the same advantage.

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NYE celebration and safety plans on the Strip By Chris Kudialis Staff Writer

New Year’s Eve could be rockin’ more than ever just days from now, officials said. ¶ Between 300,000-350,000 tourists are expected for the weekend, according to the Las Vegas Visitors and Convention Authority. Clark County has increased funds for security, as it did for last month’s Las Vegas Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon in the wake of the Oct. 1 mass shooting. security resources On Dec. 7, the Nevada Legislature’s Interim Finance Committee approved a $346,100 expenditure — an increase from the $122,250 initially proposed — to cover costs of added security provided by more than 350 Nevada National Guard personnel. This includes 30 guardsmen at McCarran International Airport and at least 20 armed vehicles spread across the Strip and downtown Las Vegas. Citing the Oct. 1 shooting in a letter to state authorities, Clark County Emergency Manager John Steinbeck called New Year’s Eve the county’s “greatest security concern.” “Existing interlocal and mutual aid agreements are not sufficient to support anticipated public safety needs,” Steinbeck said in a request for funding to the state. Metro Police spokesman Aden Ocampo-Gomez also hinted at an increased police presence similar to the security bump at the marathon, which had almost double the usual number of officers. For that event, the ramped-up presence included Metro’s new $9.6 million Airbus H145 helicopter for patrol, and several snipers placed across key locations on the Strip. Police will have a press conference announcing basic plans and structure this week, Ocampo-Gomez said, although they will not divulge specific details “for obvious reasons.” “We don’t want a potential attacker to know our plans or exactly where we’ll be,” he said. the festivities New York-based pyrotechnic firm Fireworks by Grucci will position 700-750 loaded mortar tubes, 45-60 shot boxes and dozens of other firework props on the rooftops of seven Strip casinos — MGM Grand, Aria, Planet Hollywood, Treasure Island, the Venetian, Stratosphere and Caesars Palace. More than 150 fireworks per sec-

ond will be blasted for a span of 8-9 minutes during what’s being called “America’s Party 2018.” Partygoers can download the mobile Fireworks by Grucci app, which provides the synchronized soundtrack to the fireworks show. Most Las Vegas nightclubs and concert venues have New Year’s Eve parties planned too. Maroon 5, Foo Fighters, 21 Savage, Post Malone and Gucci Mane are among the performers scheduled to appear at venues on the Strip and across the valley. With so many visitors expected for one of the world’s largest New Year’s Eve parties, Metro advises that attendees take caution and plan ahead. People driving to the Strip or downtown should arrive early, park outside the road closures and walk to make it easier to get out when the celebration is finished, Ocampo-Gomez said. With ride-sharing options such as Uber and Lyft, and taxi services, as well as Regional Transportation Commission buses available, the Metro spokesman advised against driving at all if possible. “It makes sense to just leave the cars at home,” Ocampo-Gomez said. “It’s safer for everyone.” The Regional Transportation Commission is offering free rides on all 39 of its fixed routes, which includes express service between parkand-ride facilities and downtown Las Vegas. The free service routes will run from 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve to 9 a.m. on New Year’s Day. But the Strip festivities will create “extensive detours” on routes that go to and around Las Vegas Boulevard, RTC spokesman Brad Seidel said. Strip-goers under 18 won’t be allowed to stay in the area after 9 p.m. unless they’re accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. And strollers, backpacks and glass bottles are banned from the Strip on New Year’s Eve, Ocampo-Gomez said. All bags must be 12 inches by 12 inches by 6 inches or smaller.

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ABOVE AND LEFT: Metro Police officers stand along the Strip on New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve 2016. FAR LEFT: Metro Police officers pull back barricades to make room for the crowd leaving the Strip just after midnight Jan. 1. (Photos by STEVE MARCUS/staff)

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Help for Oct. 1 victims along the road ahead With victim fund distribution decided, focus turns to resiliency center and ongoing needs of those affected By April Corbin staff writer

The gatekeepers of the Las Vegas Victims Fund stress that the $22 million they will dole out this spring is a gift. Not reimbursement for things like medical expenses. Not compensation for lost wages. Simply a gift — given from the hearts and pocketbooks of more than 90,000 empathetic people from around the world, to the people most severely affected by the mass shooting during the Route 91 Harvest Festival. With guidance from national experts in victim compensation after mass-casualty tragedies, a 17-person committee of locals was tasked with deciding what exactly it means to be most severely affected by the events of Oct. 1. What they decided — and announced Dec. 15 when they released the final distribution plan for the fund — was that eligibility would be based on loss of life and physical injuries. That means the families of the 58 people who died, as well as possibly more than 500 survivors who were treated for physical injuries related to the shooting, are expected to receive cash payouts sometime in March. Exact amounts will be tiered. Victims with permanent brain damage and/or permanent paralysis requiring continuous home medical assistance will receive the maximum amount, or the same amount as the families of those who died. Others will receive money based on the extent of their injuries and/or the length of their stay in the hospital. Originally, the distribution plan left out victims who had been treated at a hospital for physical injuries but hadn’t stayed overnight. The eligibility criteria was expanded to include this group after hundreds of people spoke and wrote to the committee requesting their inclusion. The committee faced an almost impossible task of addressing concerns from across the community. According to Scott Nielson, chairman of the committee, many wanted money gifted to those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and emotional trauma. After the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Fla., left 49 dead and dozens more injured in June 2016, a similarly structured victim fund distributed money to people who were inside the nightclub but escaped without physical injuries. The difference is that Pulse was a small space with a only a few hundred occupants. The Route 91

Harvest Festival occurred on a 15-acre lot filled with 23,000 country music fans, plus event staff and thirdparty vendors. In its official distribution plan, the committee acknowledged this shortcoming. The $22 million raised so far through GoFundMe, National Compassion Fund, Direct Impact Fund and other accounts would amount to less than $1,000 if divided evenly — and the committee has made it clear that won’t be the case. The committee vowed to work with local and state resources to provide resources to people coping with emotional trauma. Enter the Vegas Strong Resiliency Center. First launched as the Family Assistance Center at the Las Vegas Convention Center immediately after the mass shooting, the original missions included helping people reconnect with their missing loved ones and receiving information that would assist in identifying those who died. By month’s end, it relaunched as the Vegas Strong Resiliency Center on Pinto Lane near the Clark County Coroner’s Office, and shifted its focus to the changing needs of people affected by the tragedy. “This is a long-term process,” says Kevin Schiller, assistant county manager. “This is not, ‘We had Oct. 1 and five months out we are done.’ It is a long-term commitment to the victims and recovery.” The center will likely exist for at least three years and be re-evaluated at that time. For comparison, the Massachusetts Resiliency Center created after the Boston Marathon bombing in April 2013 only recently closed, four years after that attack. Schiller adds that access to mental health counseling is the most common request from the hundreds of people who have reached out to the center. The center is making sure people reach providers who are qualified to handle the challenging circumstances of trauma. The extent of needs goes far beyond counseling. Others are dealing with employment issues, such as workman’s compensation, or legal issues related to not having or not being able to do their job. Some just need help prioritizing bills that fell by the wayside while dealing with immediate needs after the shooting. Still more have unique circumstances, such as undocumented immigration status, and need a hand determing what resources they qualify for. Typically, there are about a dozen people at the center — a few from local social service agencies, a few from state agencies, a Metro Police victim advocate and a therapist. Parents of one of the deceased victims visited the resiliency center for help filling out paperwork for

the Nevada Victims of Crime Program. The couple qualified for income-based social services and left with additional resources for food and transportation. The center is pushing for all those affected to register with the Nevada Victims of Crime Program by Oct. 1. So far, more than 4,000 have, but those who don’t will be unable to receive financial assistance after that date. The state-run effort helps people with financial costs and has already paid for funerals and insurance copays. A related message from the center: Even if you don’t currently need help, register because someday you might. “With this kind of trauma, there are different trigger points,” Schiller said. Birthdays or anniversaries related to lost loved ones can cause issues, as can fireworks during New Year’s Eve or the Fourth of July. Another day might come when a victim feels as if the community has forgotten about the pain they still grapple with each day. “People may think they are fine and don’t need to register with the Nevada Victims of Crime, but if they have any (financial or emotional issues) in a year and a half, they need to be registered,” Schiller said. Schiller added that national statistics suggest 85 to 90 percent of people don’t need outside assistance. But he wants everyone to be prepared if they wind up in a situation where they might. The center is working on outreach to folks connected to the shooting. Staff are putting together a database and coordinating with third parties such as the FBI and vendors who were working at the event to get lists of names and contact information. They are working with an outside firm to do social media and reach people nationally. They are also creating a virtual resiliency center that lists resources in the locations — California being the biggest one — where they know victims are based. Meanwhile, Metro, medical first responders and the coroner’s office are being connected to the resources of the resiliency center as well. “We are the hub for the (thousands of people the tragedy affected),” Schiller said. “At the same time, we are trying to evaluate the gaps that aren’t being met. It’s a day-to-day process.”

Vegas Strong Resiliency Center Lied Building, Second floor 1524 Pinto Lane 702-455-AIDE (2433) or 1-833-299-2433 vegasstrongrc.org

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The Remembrance Wall in the Community Healing Garden at 1015 S. Casino Center Blvd. commemmorates victims of the Oct. 1 mass shooting. The city of Las Vegas launched the Community Healing Fund to raise money for maintenance of the garden and to provide grants that support community-related needs that arise as a result of shooting. (Bill Hughes/Las Vegas News Bureau)

THE SUNDAY DEC. 24- DEC. 30

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU’RE SUED FOR AN UNPAID DEBT? ASK

AT TO R N E Y

I received a court summons for an unpaid credit card debt. I knew I was behind on my payments, but I thought I would have more time to figure it out before I’d be faced with anything like this. The court says I have to respond in 20 days. What do I do? QUESTION:

ANSWER: Many people try to ignore

XENOPHON PETERS, ESQ.

their debt problems until they “figure it out.” Unfortunately, once you receive a court summons, you must take action immediately. First, make sure the debt is valid. Occasionally, receiving a summons suddenly (sometimes without prior warning) can mean your identity has been stolen and/or that the debt is erroneous. However, if the debt is valid, you need to seek help and it’s advisable to hire an attorney.

WHY YOU CAN’T IGNORE A COURT SUMMONS Ignoring a summons or refusing to accept a summons will not make the problem go away. In fact, it can make it worse. Court summonses are legally binding documents that are filed through the county. If you don’t respond or appear in court on the designated day, it’s likely a default judgment will be entered against you. Worse still, judgments often are harsher when you fail to respond, and the judge may add attorney fees, court costs and interest to the total judgment. Many people assume that if they cannot pay their debt, there’s no point in responding to the summons because a judgment would be granted in the creditor’s favor regardless. But even a minimal or brief response is better than none at all.

WHAT CAN HAPPEN IF A JUDGMENT IS FILED AGAINST YOU? Court judgments can grant creditors a few options to forcefully recover debt, including the ability to garnish your wages and place liens against your property. The creditor may even be able to file a secondary motion to freeze your assets or seize your bank account.

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In some cases, you may legally receive a court summons without ever being physically served one. Nevada law allows service notices to be printed in community publications, such as newspapers, if they’re unable to find and serve you the summons physically. So, if you’re off the grid, or have been dodging the service clerk, you’re probably not off the hook. The creditor may have already fulfilled the legal responsibility of serving the summons via newspaper, and if you missed it, a judgment may already be entered against you.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU’VE BEEN SERVED Start by contacting a debt-relief attorney to discuss your options. While you can respond to the summons on your own and without legal counsel, doing so is not recommended. Your creditor likely has a team of attorneys on its side, so it’s best if you’re represented. It’s important to get an attorney involved quickly after receiving the summons because there is a brief window of time, before the court date, that you may still be able to negotiate a settlement with the creditor. Settling out of court is almost always preferable to having a judgment against you, and once a judgment is entered, it can be very difficult to overturn.

DEALING WITH DEBT AND AVOIDING COURT-ORDERED COLLECTION When you have debt collectors after you, don’t wait to receive a summons before acting. If you have a lot of debt that you cannot pay, it’s likely time to consider filing for bankruptcy or negotiating a settlement. Some people may be hesitant to file bankruptcy because they’re concerned about the consequences to their credit, but having a judgment against you is much more damaging on a credit report. And in Nevada, judgments stay on your credit report longer than a bankruptcy. Further, when faced with a bankruptcy versus a judgment, bankruptcy is a better option because it absolves many of your debts. Once a judgment is filed, you have no control over what the creditor can access and take when recovering the debt, but with bankruptcy, you’re in control and able to protect many of your assets.

If you have a question you’d like to see answered by an attorney in a future issue, please write to questions@PandALawFirm.com. Please note: The information in this column is intended for general purposes only and is not to be considered legal or professional advice of any kind. You should seek advice that is specific to your problem before taking or refraining from any action and should not rely on the information in this column.

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Kim Morrison sits with her husband, Jon, at their home in Henderson. Kim was recently reunited with her mother and sisters after being separated since the Vietnam War. (photos by STEVE MARCUS/staff)

‘A dream come true’ Las Vegan reunited with mother, sisters after more than 40 years apart

By Chris Kudialis

M staff writer

any Las Vegans will celebrate this holiday season with family, huddled around a fire, watching their favorite Hallmark movie. ¶ But one local family traveled to the other side of the world to make their Hallmark story a reality. ¶ More than 40 years after being removed from a war-torn village in Vietnam, longtime valley resident Kim Morrison returned to her home country on a mission-oriented vacation last month. With her husband, Jon, she knocked on dozens of doors in Ho Chi Minh City to overcome seemingly impossible odds and reunite with her ailing mother and two sisters. The couple’s journey was sparked by the Oct. 1

mass shooting, in which 58 people were killed and more than 500 hospitalized. Their 22-year-old daughter, Nicole, considered attending the Route 91 Harvest Festival before deciding to go home after a Vegas Golden Knights preseason game on the Strip.

“It reminded us how precious life is, and we realized this was a calling to see if we could find Kim’s family,” Jon Morrison said. “If not now, then when?” Kim’s guardians — an unnamed American serviceman and Vietnamese woman, Dzu Hoang — brought Kim to the United States in 1974 when she was 14 years old. Kim had worked for the family in Vietnam during the war, she said, spending her days housekeeping to support her mother, Huong Thi Dao, who lived in a dirt-floor grass shack in a remote jungle outside the former city of Saigon. But after coming to the U.S., Kim’s relationship with her guardians soured. She also said her guardians pretended not to know what had become of Kim’s mother, who was among

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the lowest class of citizens in her home country’s social hierarchy. “I was just really scared,” Kim said. “I wanted to know what happened and where they were.” Her adopted guardian did not respond to multiple requests for an interview with The Sunday. Kim’s younger sisters Thanh and Lap also worked for relatives of Hoang in Saigon, but letters from them and Dao never made it to her. Hoang kicked Kim out of her Las Vegas residence when she was 18, with only $3 to her name. Her Caesars coworkers became her only family. Briefly homeless and unable to speak English, she married a colleague to help meet her basic necessities. The couple divorced a year later, and she married another man, with whom she had her first son, Frank. It wasn’t until 1985 that she and Caesars cash carrier Jon Morrison connected eyes in an employee dining area. “I couldn’t stay away from her,” Jon Morrison said, grinning as he recounted their first meeting. “She was very attractive.” They built a life together, with two children, several business ventures and a 4,500-square-foot home in Henderson. Kim retired last year. But despite the Morrisons’ success and happy family life, something was missing. Left without closure about her biological family’s whereabouts or health, Kim longed to reconnect. Her desire was amplified when a long-lost sister of Jon’s reached out by phone last year and when the Oct. 1 shooting took place. Jon stepped up, scouring public records and private sites to find the former guardian’s whereabouts. He reached several wrong numbers, left dozens of voicemails, and received many calls back from well-wishers. But after weeks of trying, Morrison finally connected with Hoang and her son, Tuan Benson. Benson provided documents: Kim’s Vietnamese ID; former address; and a photo of her sister, Thanh, near a landmark lighthouse in the city of Vung Tau. “It was our first lead, and something we could finally put out there,” Jon said. “That was important in helping us get started.” Jon connected with YouTube documentarian Kyle Le after discovering a video in which Le filmed himself helping another Vietnamese family reunite. Le offered his services to Morrison if the family could meet him in Ho Chi Minh City. “He asked at the end of October if we could meet him there the second week of November, and I said ‘Done,’ ” Jon said. Within hours of arriving at their hotel on Nov. 18, Jon, Kim and Le were knocking on doors, including the same home where Kim worked for Hoang 43 years ago. While the current owner of the home said he had no idea who they were, some neighbors down the street remembered Hoang’s extended family, including those who had used Thanh in a similar housekeeping role.

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the sunday dec. 24- dec. 30

Jon Morrison displays a photo of his wife with her mother.

The Morrisons and Le sat in the neighbors’ home for three hours. And after a few phone calls from that home, the Morrisons had a lead to Thanh, who they were told worked as a nurse in Long Hai, about 65 miles southeast. The next morning, the trio made the two-hour drive to the jungle town. They didn’t immediately find Thanh — the clinic where she was said to work had been closed for more than 20 years — but after a brief excursion across the city, an elderly woman led Kim to her sister. “As soon as Thanh realized it was me, we instantly broke down in tears and hugged,” Kim recalled. “She just wanted to confirm it was me.” The timing: 43 hours after the Morrisons arrived in Vietnam, sisters who hadn’t seen each other in 43 years were reunited. “Everything had to happen perfectly for that to happen the way it did,” Jon said. Thanh directed Kim to the whereabouts of their mother, who was bedridden after a stroke. She also reunited with Lap, who made a career in Ho Chi Minh City as a makeup artist. Despite being reunited with her family, Kim admitted even her sisters and mother aren’t free from the rifts many families experience on a regular basis. While Dao is taken care of by Kim’s two younger half-sisters, Thanh and Lap continue to work and live separately near Ho Chi Minh City. Kim now keeps in touch via Skype and Facebook messenger, relishing an improbable holiday accomplishment. “It’s special and something I never expected,” Kim said. “It’s a dream come true.”

‘

(The Oct. 1 mass shooting)

reminded us how precious life is, and we realized this was a calling to see if we could find Kim’s family. If not now, then when?”

— Jon Morrison

the sunday DEC. 24- dec. 30

Make sure kids get plenty of sleep

Learn to recognize common, childhood sleep disorders and call your pediatrician if you’re concerned. Children can experience insomnia, nighttimewaking, snoring and sleep apnea. According to George, most sleep problems in children are easy to treat, so the sooner you discuss with your pediatrician, the better.

Everyone requires adequate, quality sleep each night, but it’s especially important for children because sleep is necessary for healthy development. ¶ “The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has found that appropriate sleep duration, based Meet the medical on age guidelines, leads to improfessional in this story proved attention, behavior, learnConstantine George, MD, ing, memory, emotional regulaChief Medical Officer of EPITOMEDICAL, founder tion, quality of life, and mental and of Vedius app, and board-certified in internal physical health. Inadequate sleep medicine and pediatric is associated with increased injuries, medicine on staff at Sunrise Hospital hypertension, obesity and depression — especially for teens who may have increased risk of self-harm,” said Dr. Constantine George. ¶ While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. does not get enough sleep, many habits learned during childhood carry into adulthood, and establishing healthy sleep patterns early in life could help prevent disordered sleep later. How much sleep should your child be getting? The National Sleep Foundation notes that every child may be slightly different in how much sleep he or she needs, but in general, this is how many hours children should be getting for optimal health:

Newborns (0-3 months) Recommended: 14-17 hours

Infants (4-11 months)

May be appropriate: 11-13 hours, 18-19 hours Not recommended: Less than 11 hours, more than 19 hours

Recommended: 12-15 hours May be appropriate: 10-11 hours, 16-18 hours Not recommended: Less than 10 hours, more than 18 hours

Toddlers (1-2 years) Recommended: 11-14 hours May be appropriate: 9-10 hours, 15-16 hours Not recommended: Less than 9 hours, more than 16 hours

Preschoolers (3-5 years) Recommended: 10-13 hours May be appropriate: 8-9 hours, 14 hours Not recommended: Less than 8 hours, more than 14 hours

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Get them on a regular sleep schedule 1. A daily routine is key, especially for younger children. Children should wake up at the same time every morning, and go to bed at the same time every night. They also should have an overall sense of consistency throughout the day — meals, playtime, naptime and reading time should all occur at the same designated times. This can help children develop their internal rhythm, which can make bedtime a much easier process. 2. Adopt a bedtime ritual. An hour before bed, kids should begin winding down. A bedtime ritual can signal to them that it’s time for rest. Turn off all electronic screens, dim the lights, brush teeth, bathe, put pajamas on, listen to calming music, settle in for a bedtime story — whatever works best for your child.

Let’s keep far away.

3. Create a “sleep-supportive” bedroom. Children should be able to relax before going to bed, and an overly stimulating bedroom can be distracting. Be sure all toys are put in their place, their bed is cozy and they feel safe and secure in their surroundings. Security blankets and nightlights can be helpful as well. 4. Lead by example and adopt healthy sleep habits yourself. Children observe and internalize so much of what’s going on around them, so model the positive behaviors you’d like to see them replicate.

what about napping? Children should have a daily afternoon nap until at least age 5. The time spent napping is included in the sleep-time recommendations, so if a toddler gets a total of 12 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, 1-2 of those hours can be spent napping during the day. Most infants sleep intermittently throughout the day and take multiple naps. Children older than 12 months should be limited to one or two naps each day. George notes that naptimes should be planned in advance to ensure they don’t occur too close to bedtime.

Symptoms of sleep deprivation Adults typically get sleepy and groggy when they haven’t had enough sleep, but for children, lack of sleep can have the opposite effect. A common indicator that children aren’t sleeping enough is in their behavior: excess, hyperactive energy is often a result of sleep disturbances and/or deprivation.

Things to avoid around bedtime Electronic screens Eating meals or heavy snacks High-sugar products Caffeine

School-aged children (6-13 years)

Teenagers (14-17 years)

Recommended: 9-11 hours

Recommended: 8-10 hours

May be appropriate: 7-8 hours, 12 hours Not recommended: Less than 7 hours, more than 12 hours

May be appropriate: 7-11 hours Not recommended: Less than 7 hours, more than 11 hours

Text ER to 23000 for Average Wait Time. Message and data rates may apply. For more info visit texterhelp.com.

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THE YEAR

Immigration rights. Women’s rights. The mass shooting on the Strip. Harvey Weinstein, Matt Lauer and Louis C.K. The list continues. In many ways, it seems 2017 did everything it could to knock us down. But here we are, ready to celebrate another year. ¶ Las Vegas reminded the world that we’re a thriving city with outstanding law enforcement, medical personnel and citizens who care about this desert oasis and all who visit. As we honor those we’ve lost, we also remember what we’ve gained — an unimaginable appreciation for each other and a community that will always be #VegasStrong. For the complete gallery, visit lasvegassun.com.

Holly Smith, center, holds a sign during a rally protesting President Donald Trump’s immigration order Jan. 29 at McCarran International Airport. (STEVE MARCUS/staff)

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Far left: Esperansa Solorio holds a Statue of Liberty-themed sign as she marches with thousands of union members and activists on the Strip. Almost 2,000 local residents took to the Strip on May 1 to promote a variety of political causes, including immigrants’ rights, minimumwage laws and race relations. LEFT: Cowboy boots are left on the street near the Route 91 Harvest Festival concert venue after a mass shooting Oct. 1 on the Strip.

IN PHOTOs (photos by STEVE MARCUS/staff)

An alien face peeks out from behind the bar at a restaurant along State Route 375, also known as the Extraterrestrial Highway, on Aug. 24. Travelers have reported alleged UFO activity along the highway, which runs near Area 51. (the Sunday file)

Visitors and flowers surround the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign on Oct 9. The memorial was created after the Oct. 1 mass shooting. (STEVE MARCUS/staff)

the sunday DEC. 24- dec. 30

RIGHT: Ozzie, a then-3-year-old giraffe, kisses ranch owner Keith Evans on April 27 before a collaborative painting session with artist Donovan Fitzgerald at the Lion Habitat Ranch in Henderson. (STEVE MARCUS/staff)

BELOW: Yota and Daiki Matsubayashi wear masks with custommade solar eclipse glasses Aug. 21 as they observe the total solar eclipse from Memorial Park in Weiser, Idaho. (L.E. Baskow/staff)

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LEFT: A young contestant participates in the CWR Mutton Bustinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; competition April 13 at the Clark County Fair & Rodeo in Logandale.(l.e. baskow/staff)

ABOVE: A ringside physician checks on Dejan Zlaticanin after he was knocked out by Mikey Garcia during the third round of their WBC lightweight title fight Jan. 28 at MGM Grand Garden Arena. (STEVE MARCUS/staff)

LEFT: Boys from Wendell Williams Elementary School wait for the start of the 35th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade on Jan. 16 in downtown Las Vegas. (STEVE MARCUS/staff)

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Salted Toffee Chip Cookies Send your news information to news@thesunday.com

Recipe provided by freed’s bakery

Family-owned Las Vegas favorite Freed’s Bakery is getting the opportunity to show its stuff to the world thanks to the Food Network’s new series, “Vegas Cakes.” A November episode showcased third-generation owner Max Fried and his team making over-the-top cakes for the Las Vegas 51s baseball team and Cirque du Soleil’s “Ka.” Baking a cake masterpiece for a special event isn’t Freed’s only specialty; longtime locals know the bakery is the place to go for festive holiday treats. If the TV show creates longer lines this year, take matters into your hands with Freed’s sweet and savory salted toffee cookies.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup (2 sticks) butter

1 tsp coarse sea salt

2 large eggs

(makes 25-30 cookies)

1. Take the butter out to soften at least 30 minutes in advance. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

1 1/2 cups allpurpose flour

1 cup brown sugar

2 tsp vanilla

DIRECTIONS

1 tsp baking soda

/2 cup granulated sugar

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

2. In a large bowl, sift flour, baking soda and sea salt together. Whisk well. Whisk eggs and vanilla in a small, separate bowl. 3. In a separate bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar. Add the egg-vanilla mixture and mix well. Pour these creamed ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir with wooden spoon until incorporated, then add chocolate chips and toffee and stir until distributed evenly. 4. Using a small kitchen spoon, drop small dollops (1 1/2 inches in diameter) of dough onto parchment paper, keeping about 2 inches between cookies. Sprinkle a bit of sea salt on the cookie drops and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are golden. 5. After removing cookies from the oven, allow them to cool on the cookie sheet for 2-5 minutes.

1 cup toffee (chopped or crushed)

Additional coarse sea salt for topping

(photo by Wade Vandervort/staff)

Together,

When high fevers are burning up your little ones, we’re here to make them cool again. At Sunrise Children’s Hospital, we’re not just the largest pediatric emergency room in the Las Vegas area, we’re also your partner who’s always ready to take care of your kids 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When we partner with parents we are #AmazingTogether. For more information visit us at

SunriseChildrensHospital.com

Text ER to 23000 for Average Wait Time.

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LOOKING FOR A NEW BEST FRIEND?

The Animal Foundation and the Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals are shelters dedicated to finding homes for dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, turtles and more. Each week, we feature a selection of animals available for adoption.

Betty (A0982993)

Regina (A0994388)

Misty

Hunter

Age: 2-year-old spayed female Description: Betty loves to play. Whether with ropes, balls or staff, she has a great time. She would be a great addition to a home with no other pets. Adoption fee: $50

Age: 2-year-old female Description: Regina enjoys going for walks, and she routinely seeks affection. With time and training, she will be a wonderful addition to a loving home. Adoption fee: $50

Age: 4-year-old spayed female Breed: Domestic longhair Description: Misty loves to chitchat. She prefers to have humans to herself, so it’s best if she is the only cat. Adoption fee: $40

Age: 9-month-old neutered male Breed: Domestic longhair Description: Hunter is shy at first but once he gets comfortable, he likes to cuddle. He loves other cats, too. Adoption fee: $50

Tobby (A0995469)

Draco (A0995469)

Charlie

Christine

Age: 1-year-old male Breed: Domestic mediumhair Description: Tobby is sweet and affectionate. He enjoys lying in a cat bed, but actively seeks attention when it’s offered. Adoption fee: $25

Age: 1-year-old male Breed: Domestic shorthair Description: Draco is an affectionate cat who craves being scratched on his chin and behind his ears. Adoption fee: $25

Age: 9-year-old neutered male Breed: Corgi/terrier mix Description: Charlie has experienced abuse in his past and takes a bit longer to trust. He needs a peaceful, adult-only home so he can put all that trauma behind him. Adoption fee: $75

Age: 5-year-old spayed female Breed: Chihuahua Description: Christine tends to sneak kisses when you least expect it, and she enjoys wearing sweaters. Adoption fee: $75

Dingers (A0969891)

Patrick (A0933881)

Marlo

Judith and Haddonfield

Age: 2-year-old male Description: Dingers savors hopping around his barrel, snacking on Timothy Hay and being gently held. Adoption fee: $25

Age: 2-year-old male Description: Patrick is friendly and social. He’s a great addition to an active home. Adoption fee: $50

Age: 2-year-old spayed female Breed: Himalayan mix Description: Marlo is shy and enjoys gentle affection. She would prefer an adult-only home after being left behind when her previous human moved. Adoption fee: $25

Age: 10-month-old spayed/neutered female and male Breed: Dutch/American mix Description: Judith and Haddonfield are sociable siblings who would love to be adopted together. They adore fresh greens and snuggling. Adoption fee: $40

Editor’s note: The Animal Foundation does not label dogs by breed.

Animal foundation 702-384-3333 x131 | animalfoundation.com/adopt Animals are assigned a color next to their names indicating location: 655 N. Mojave Road, Las Vegas 286 W. Lake Mead Parkway, Henderson

Nevada SPCA 4800 W. Dewey Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89118 702-873-SPCA | www.nevadaspca.org

the sunday DEC. 24- dec. 30

Gaming

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CASINO PROMOTIONS M Resort

December Jackpot Celebration drawing Date: Through Dec. 29 Time: Hourly, 6-10 p.m. Information: Players who win a jackpot receive a drawing entry for a chance to win $10,000 on Dec. 30, and those who won big Oct. 1-Nov. 30, will receive bonus entries based on their tier. Guests who hit a jackpot Dec. 30 must present their winnings in the Promotion Area beginning at 4 p.m. to receive their entries. Those who bring all their jackpot vouchers earned in December and win another jackpot Dec. 30 will receive a bonus $150 in free slot play. During each drawing, five players will win $750 in slot play. The final grand prize drawing is for $10,000. $40,000 Jackpot Celebration Date: Dec. 30 Time: Hourly, 6-10 p.m. Information: Receive a drawing entry for every jackpot won through Dec. 30. During each drawing, 10 players will each win $750 in slot play. One guest will receive $10,000 at the final drawing. $10,000 Cash Table Games Drawings Date: Dec. 30 Time: 9 and 9:30 p.m. Information: Win up to $3,000. $40,000 New Year’s Eve Drawings Date: Dec. 31 Time: Hourly, 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Information: Win up to $2,000 in play. $25,000 New Year’s Eve Table Games Giveaway Date: Dec. 31 Time: Hourly, 9:15 p.m.-1:15 a.m. Information: Ten players will be chosen every hour to take home their share of $25,000.

WESTGATE

$2,500 I Love Westgate Slot Tournament Date: Dec. 28 Time: 5-7 p.m. Information: Win a share of $2,500 in slot play.

LUCKY DRAGON

Naturally 8 Lucky Saturdays Date: Saturdays in December Time: 9 and 11 p.m. Information: For baccarat players with a loyalty card. Receive a natural 8 hand to be entered in a drawing. Win $10,000 in prizes.

Holiday Point Race Date: December Information: Earn points to redeem for gas cards (keep the points). Earn 500 points for a $10 gas card; earn more than 5,000 points to get a $100 gas card. Gift giveaway Date: Saturdays in December Information: Earn 50 points to receive a gift. On Dec. 23, receive wine glasses. It’s a mystery prize on Dec. 30.

KLONDIKE SUNSET CASINO

Gift giveaway Date: Wednesdays in December Information: Earn 100 points to receive a gift. On Dec. 27, receive Champagne and chocolate.

Player’s choice giveaway Date: Fridays in December Time: 10 a.m.-noon Information: Earn points to receive up to $110 in gift cards. Slot machine giveaway Date: Dec. 30 Time: 8:30 p.m. Information: Earn drawing tickets to win a Red, White and Blue slot machine.

SOUTH POINT

Point multiplier Date: Dec. 25 Information: Receive 2x points on video poker, 5x points on reel machines and 10x points on penny reels. Players who earn 1,000 base points in video poker will earn $6. Players who receive 1,000 base points in reel play will receive $15. Players who receive 1,000 base points on penny reel machines will receive $30.

TUSCANY

Spin & Win Slot Tournament Date: Saturdays in December Time: Noon-9 p.m. Information: Earn 100 points to participate. Holiday gift grab Date: Tuesdays in December Information: Earn 200 points to receive a prize, including slot play, gifts and more. Gift giveaway Date: Sundays in December Information: Earn 300 same-day base points. On Dec. 24, the gift is a 20-pack of AA batteries. New Year’s Eve Special Date: Dec. 31

Information: Receive 12x points on reels and 6x points on video poker. Table games wine giveaway Date: December Information: Earn tickets for wine by playing table games.

SLS las vegas

$25,000 New Year’s weekend drawings Date: Dec. 30 Time: Hourly, 7-9 p.m.; finale at 9:30 p.m. Information: Fifteen players will have a chance to win up to $1,500 in play. Win a share of $5,000 in slot play at the finale drawing. Pick an Elf kiosk game Date: December Information: Players who earn 20 points, or a $10 average rated bet for one hour, are eligible. Win up to $5,000 in slot play. 20x Mystery Multiplier and Bonus New Year’s Day Multiplier Date: Mondays through Jan. 1 Information: Earn up to 20x points on slots every Monday in December and a 10x slot multiplier on Jan. 1. Players are allowed up to 75,000 points. Excludes video poker. Ceramic cookware giveaway Date: Thursdays in December Time: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Information: Earn 250 slot points, 500 video poker points or have a $25 average-rated bet for one hour to receive a piece of ceramic cookware. Champagne giveaway Date: Dec. 26 Time: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Information: One bottle per player. Limited to the first 850 players. $60,000 Spin and Win Hot Seat Date: Sundays in December Time: Hourly, noon-5 p.m. Information: Four players will be chosen each hour to spin wheel and win up to $500 in play.

COSMOPOLITAN

Instant Riches Bonus Wheel Game Date: Through Dec. 31 Information: For players on machines in the slot section adjacent to Bond Bar. Earn a wheel spin for every 1,000 points earned. Win up to $500 in play with each spin. Players can participate up to 50 times.

EL CORTEZ

Free Play Inferno drawing

Date: Thursdays in December Time: 7 p.m. Information: Receive one entry for every 100 base slot points earned. Receive 3x entries on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Win up to $1,100 in play. Double Diamond drawing Date: Saturdays in December Time: 8 p.m. Information: Receive one entry for every 100 base slot points earned. Receive 3x entries on Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays. Win up to $1,000. Buffalo point multiplier Date: Sundays and Mondays in December Information: Earn 10x points on Buffalo machines. Pasta for players Date: Mondays and/or Tuesdays in December Information: Earn 1,000 slot base points to receive an order of the Siegel’s 1941 daily pasta special.

DOWNTOWN GRAND Touchdown at Downtown Date: Sundays through Dec. 31 Time: 9 p.m. Information: Earn drawing tickets through play and dining. Top prize is signed memorabilia or $200 slot play. Connect 4 Battle Date: Through Dec. 30 Information: Two players will be randomly selected to participate in a battle of Connect 4. The top prize is $100 in slot play. Champagne giveaway Date: Thursdays through Dec. 28 Information: Receive one bottle of Champagne for every 500 same-day base points earned. Santa’s Workshop Date: Mondays-Wednesdays in December Information: Redeem slot play up to five times for every 500 base points earned. See kiosk for details.

BOYD PROPERTIES*

Point multiplier Date: Dec. 25 Information: Earn 11x points on reels and 6x points on video poker. *Valid at Orleans, Gold Coast, Suncoast, Sam’s Town, California, Fremont and Main Street Station. Go on a Point Shopping Spree Date: December, while supplies last Information: Use their points to receive

We want to hear from you Send your gaming information to gamingguide@thesunday.com

a panini maker for 20,000 points, hand/stand mixer for 28,000 points, an eight-cup food processor for 25,000 points and a stay or go six-quart portable slow cooker for 20,000 points. *Valid at Orleans, Gold Coast, Suncoast and Sam’s Town.

SUNCOAST

Lose & Win Date: Through Dec. 28 Information: Poker players can win up to $100. Players must lose with a specific pair on each day. Kiosk Swipe and Win Date: Thursdays in December Time: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Information: Earn 10 base points to play game. Win cash, slot play, points and more. $50,000 New Year’s Eve Celebration drawings Date: Dec. 31 Time: 2 p.m.-12:15 a.m. Information: Players will have the chance to win up to $5,000. Stocking Stuffer kiosk game Date: Dec. 24 Information: Earn 10 base points to play.

GOLD COAST

Slot Tournaments Date: Sundays in December Time: 2-8 p.m. Information: Earn 100 points for the first entry to the tournament, earn an additional 150 points for a second entry. Lucky Tuesday Table Drawings Date: Tuesdays in December Time: 7, 8, 9 and 10 p.m. Information: Players at table games have a chance to win $500 in chips. Gift giveaway Date: Saturdays in December Time: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Information: Earn 300 points to receive a gift. Selections include a Mirassou bottle with the choice of chardonnay or pinot noir, four-piece stemless wine glasses, two-piece flute glasses and Barefoot Bubbly with the choice of brut or red moscato.

Sam’s Town

12 Days of Christmas Date: Fridays-Sundays through Dec. 24 Time: 4:15 p.m. Information: Earn a minimum of 300 points to participate. Prizes include gift cards from various merchants.

ORLEANS

Lucky Tuesday Table Drawings Date: Tuesdays in December Time: 7, 8, 9 and 10 p.m.

Information: Players at table games have a chance to win $500 in chips. Lucky Money baccarat tournaments Date: Wednesdays in December Time: Hourly, 8-10 p.m. and midnight Information: Entry fee is $25. Win a prize package worth $3,000. Hit Me Once, Hit Me Twice blackjack tournaments Date: Saturdays and Sundays in December Time: Hourly, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays; 2-4 p.m. Sundays Information: Entry fee is $25. Win up to $1,000.

Rampart Casino

Pirate’s Treasure progressive drawings Date: Last Wednesday of the month Time: 6:15 and 8:15 p.m. Information: Ten winners will be chosen at each drawing. The progressive jackpot increases each month it isn’t hit.

STATION CASINOS

Point multipliers Date: Fridays and Saturdays in December Information: Receive 10x points on slots. *Valid at Green Valley Ranch Resort, Red Rock Resort, Fiesta Henderson, Fiesta Rancho, Santa Fe, Texas, Boulder, Palace and Sunset. Dining points multiplier Date: Dec. 24-Jan. 1 Information: Earn 2x points for holiday dining. Not valid at cafes or buffets. *Valid at Station properties

BOULDER STATION

$15,000 Countdown to 2018 Cash Drawings Date: Dec. 29-Jan. 1 Time: 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Information: Spin for up to $5,000. There will be five participants at each drawing. Earn 5x entries every Thursday and swipe daily for 10 free entries.

BOULDER STATION

TEXAS STATION

Point multiplier Date: Mondays or Tuesdays in De-

cember Information: Earn 10x points on slots, 6x points on video poker and 6x points on table games.

SANTA FE STATION

Cash in on the New Year Date: Dec. 31 Time: 10:30 p.m. Information: Earn entries from Dec. 24 to 31. Win up to $100,000. Earn 5x entries from 2-10:15 p.m. on Dec. 31.

CANNERY*

Countdown to Cash Swipe and Win Date: Through Dec. 30 Information: Earn 5 same-day base points to receive the first swipe. Earn 150 same-day base points for the second and third swipes. Win drawing entries, points, slot play and more. *Both locations $100k Countdown to Cash Progressive Drawings Date: Fridays and Saturdays in December Time: 7 p.m. Information: For every 100 same-day base points earned, receive a drawing entry for a chance to win up to $1,000. Plus, the five top slot point earners between Nov. 26 through Dec. 31 at 1:59 p.m. will be eligible to enter a drawing to win up to $3,000 on Dec. 31 at 2 p.m. *Both locations Football Frenzy kiosk game Date: Through Dec. 30 Information: Earn 50 same-day base points to play. Win up to $500. *Craig Road location Gift giveaway Date: Fridays in December Information: Earn 400 machine points or 48 table points to receive a gift. Choices include different candle warmers with scented melts. *Craig Road location Mug in a Tin Date: Thursdays in December Information: Earn 300 points on slots or 36 table game points to win a Mug in a Tin with $5 to $500 in slot play or cash. *Craig Road location Eastside Extra Thursdays Date: Thursdays in December Information: Earn 400 machine points or 48 table points to receive a gift. Choices include different candle warmers with scented melts. *Boulder Highway location Bonus Bet Cash Drawings Date: Saturdays in December Time: 1 p.m. Information: Ten players will win up to $50 in promotional chips or $200 in

Gaming

the sunday dec. 24- dec. 30

cash per drawing. Earn drawing entries per hand for any of the following bonus bets: Lucky Ladies, Bet the Bust, Blackjack Spin bonus bets and more. *Boulder Highway location

Eldorado and jokers wild* Mystery point multipliers Date: Sundays in December Information: Earn up to 50x points. Mystery giveaway Date: Mondays in December Information: Earn 100 points to win a mystery prize of up to $100; earn an additional 500 points to receive food voucher worth up to $15. Rolling for Slot Dollars Date: Fridays in December Time: 3:30-10:30 p.m. at Eldorado; 3-10 p.m. at Jokers Wild Information: Players can get a chance to roll the dice and win 10x the roll. Lucky Play giveaway Date: Thursdays in December Time: 3-9 p.m. Information: Ten players will be randomly drawn to win $50. *Jokers Wild only

SILVERTON Go Long! Weekly Football Challenge Date: Through Dec. 31 Information: Swipe card at kiosk to participate.

WILDFIRE PROPERTIES* Point multiplier Date: Sundays in December Information: Receive 10x points on slots and 6x points on video poker. *Valid at the Wildfire Gaming properties. Gift giveaway Date: Wednesdays in December Time: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Information: The first gift is free for invited guests. Earn a second gift for 250 points. Noninvited guests must earn 100 points to receive the first gift. On Dec. 27, it’s a mystery gift. *Valid at the Wildfire Rancho, Wildfire Sunset, Wildfire Casino & Lanes, Wildfire Boulder and Barley’s. Bubbly Saturday Date: Dec. 30 Information: The first bottle is free for invited guests. Earn a second for 250 points. Noninvited guests must earn 100 points to receive the first bottle. *Valid at the Wildfire Rancho, Wildfire Sunset, Wildfire Casino & Lanes, Wildfire Boulder and Barley’s.

the sunday DEC. 24- dec. 30

editorial

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In fighting for the ‘Dreamers,’ Sandoval shines brightly

y joining a bipartisan group of governors advocating for “Dreamers,” Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval has once again reminded us how humane, pragmatic and fair the Republican Party used to be. Last week, Sandoval and 10 other governors sent a letter to congressional leaders urging them to take quick action to protect the 750,000 children eligible for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program — otherwise known as “Dreamers.” Those children were brought to the U.S. by immigrant parents who were without documentation. As the governors wrote in their letter, the “Dreamers” “played no role in the decision to come here and they have known no other home but the United States.” DACA shielded them from being deported, but they lost that protection in September when President Donald Trump issued an order phasing out the program. Since October, the governors said, more than 12,000 “Dreamers” have lost their protective status and

have become susceptible to deportation. More than 100 are losing their DACA protections daily, the letter said. Meanwhile, congressional lawmakers have failed to craft a permanent replacement for the program. Although there was speculation that Democrats might press for a resolution on DACA late last week as Congress considered a spending bill that would prevent a government shutdown, several media reports indicated that congressional negotiators had agreed to put off the issue until January. As of press time for The Sunday, there had been no movement on DACA. In the absence of progress in Congress, Sandoval and his fellow governors urged lawmakers to “come together quickly to shape a bipartisan solution that allows our ‘Dreamers’ to remain in the United States and continue their constructive contributions to our society.” “We stand with these young American immigrants not only because it is good for our communities and a strong American 21st century economy, but also because it is the right thing for our nation to do,” the letter went on to say.

“As you know, DACA recipients have subjected themselves to extensive background and security checks in order to work and attend college. They are studying to be teachers, doctors and scientists at our universities. They are working to support themselves and their families, paying taxes and contributing to their communities. ... In the absence of congressional action providing for a permanent resolution, the termination of DACA puts these young people and their families in peril, and will destabilize our schools, workplaces and communities.” In Nevada, where there are about 13,000 people participating in DACA, such major employers as MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment have urged Congress to resolve the matter and let “Dreamers” stay. That speaks to how much they’re contributing to our economy and how valuable they are to our state’s employers. Nationally, as reflected in figures from Nevada U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto’s office, deporting “Dreamers” would cost the economy $433 billion over the next decade. Then there are

the costs involved in finding, detaining and deporting those individuals — nearly $10 billion, as estimated by Brookings Institution researchers. There’s also the human cost, which is incalculable. Many “Dreamers” have little if any connection to their countries of origin. Some don’t speak languages other than English or have connections in foreign lands beyond distant relatives. Kicking them out would be inhumane, unfair and counterproductive. Among our nation’s core strengths is providing opportunities for the best and brightest visitors; it’s un-American not to keep “Dreamers” on a path to success. So it’s a relief and an inspiration to see leaders like Sandoval stand up for them. The group of governors included four other Republicans, five Democrats and an independent. As Trump, Steve Bannon, Roy Moore and others steer the Republican Party and the nation toward nationalism and fuel racial division, Sandoval and the bipartisan group that teamed with him have given us a ray of hope at Christmastime.

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the sunday DEC. 24- dec. 30

life

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS SUNDAY, DEC. 24 Nevada Ballet Theater’s “The Nutcracker”: This magical tour through the wonder and sparkle of the season features a cast of nearly 100 dancers. Before settling into your seat, visit the Nutcracker Wonderland at Troesh Studio Theater to wander through scenes of holiday joy and hear the story of “The Nutcracker.” 2 p.m., $29-$179, Reynolds Hall at the Smith Center for the Performing Arts, 361 Symphony Park Ave., 702-2432623, 702-749-2000, nevadaballet. org/shows/the_nutcracker or thesmithcenter.com. Glittering Lights: The dazzling array features more than 3 million LED lights that intertwine a 2.5-mile course. Ride in your own car or take the Santa Tram, an open-air ride with festive decor, games, a train for children and plenty of family selfie opportunities. 5-9 p.m., $20-$30, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, 7000 Las Vegas Blvd. North, 702-222-9777 or glitteringlightslasvegas.com. *Also: 5-9 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays and 5-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Jan. 7 Magical Forest: Enjoy sparkling lights, entertainment, food and holiday cheer. There is miniature golf, a carousel, the Forest Express Passenger Train, Boris the Elf’s Experience and photos with Santa. 5:30 p.m., $10-$22, Opportunity Village, 6300 W. Oakey Blvd., 702225-9627 or opportunityvillage.org. *Also: Nightly through Dec. 31 (closed Christmas Day)

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 27 Las Vegas Holiday Classic High School Wrestling Tournament: Teams from all over the country will compete. Awards will be given for individual and team events. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., $13, South Point Arena, 9777 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 702-7967111, southpointarena.com or lvsports. org. *Also: 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Dec. 28

THURSDAY, DEC. 28 Hard Rock Goes Bonkerz with Allan Stephan: Rock ‘n’ roll with laughter at Hard Rock Live’s new comedy series. Stephan’s humor is a cross between the down-home manner of your favorite uncle and the acerbic tongue of a Far Side comic strip. 8 p.m., $15-$60, Hard Rock Live

at the Hard Rock Cafe, 3771 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 702-733-7625 or hardrock.com/live/locations/lasvegas. *Also: Through Dec. 30 Yoga at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park: Stretch your body and relax your spirit in the shade of the Red Rock Canyon escarpment. 10 a.m., free with park entry ($9 per vehicle), Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, 6375 Nevada Highway 159, 702-875-4141 or smr-interp@parks. nv.gov. D3 Hoops Classic: Division III men’s and women’s basketball teams will compete. 10 a.m., $20, South Point Arena, 9777 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 702-796-7111, southpointarena.com or sporttours.net. *Also: Through Dec. 30

SATURDAY, DEC. 30 Kwanzaa celebration: The event, themed “Affirming African Values, Culture and Community with Purpose,” will bring a message of cultural truth, which speaks of what it means to be African and human. 2-4:30 p.m., free, West Las Vegas Library Theatre, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd., 702-229-2787, 702-507-3989 or artslasvegas.org. The Dan Band: The party band kicks off New Year’s Eve weekend. Attendees must be at least 18 years old. 8 p.m, $15 and up, House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 702-632-7600 or houseofblues.com/lasvegas. Fireworks Over Pahrump: Light up the sky with your own fireworks in a safe and supervised environment. Launch site is first come, first serve. Visitors have a 30-minute limit. 6 p.m.-midnight, free, Fireworks Over Pahrump launch site, 1 mile west on Gamebird Road, right off Highway 160, visitpahrump.com. *Also: Dec. 31 New Year’s Eve celebration: Dress in your holiday best and celebrate with stories, crafts and a sparkling cider toast. 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m., free, Green Valley Library, 2797 N. Green Valley Parkway, 702-207-4260 or hendersonlibraries.com.

see santa claus Operation North Pole: Enter through Candy Cottage and meet Sugar Plum Marcy, experience the toy workshop while making a homemade craft with an elf, have cocoa and cookies with Mrs. Claus, tour the reindeer stables and spend one-on-one time with Santa. Ticketed children receive a teddy bear. Times vary through Dec. 24, $28-$36, Tivoli Village, 400 S. Rampart Blvd., 702-534-0000 or tivolivillagelv.com. Las Vegas Christmas Town: Entertainment and attractions include a skating rink, 40-foot Christmas tree, 100-foot sledding hill, 40-passenger Polar Express train ride, paintball zone, free photos with Santa Claus and nightly snowfalls. 5:30-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 5:30-10:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday through Dec. 31 (closed Dec. 24-25), $20, Wet ’n’ Wild, 7055 S. Fort Apache Road, 702-899-1678 or lasvegaschristmastown.com. Snow in the Square and photos with Santa: Get your picture taken with Santa and watch as magical snow flurries set to holiday music turn Town Square into a winter wonderland. Pet photos with Santa are available Wednesdays. Reservations are required for photos with Santa. Snow falls at 7 p.m. nightly with a second show at 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday (times vary for photos); free to watch snow/$20 deposit for photos, Town Square, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 702-269-5001, mytownsquarelasvegas.com or tslvsanta.com. Winter Wonderland Chalet: A forest of mountain pines and playful deer create a modern take on traditional holiday detail and pattern, offering a festive environment to whisper holiday wishes to Santa Claus through Dec. 24. Times vary, photo packages start at $24.99, Macy’s Promenade at Downtown Summerlin, 2075 Festival Plaza Drive, downtownsummerlin.com. Santa at the Galleria: See Santa with same-day reservations (notifying you via text when it is time to see Santa) or by making an appointment and purchasing a photo package in advance online. Times vary, photo packages start at $24.99, Galleria at Sunset, 1300 W. Sunset Road, 702-434-0087. Santa at the Boulevard: Santa will be available 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 24. Boulevard mall, 3528 S. Maryland Parkway, 702-735-7430 or boulevardmall.com.

and Allan Stephan. Must be at least 21 years old to attend. 6-8 p.m., $120, Hard Rock Live, 3771 Las Vegas Blvd. South, hardrock.com/live/locations/ lasvegas. Noon Year’s Eve at Town Square: Celebrate the new year with your little ones. Festivities will include an inflatable slide and rock wall, bounce houses, face painting and balloon artists. 10 a.m., Town Square Park, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 702-2695001 or mytownsquarelasvegas.com.

SUNDAY, DEC. 31

Escape Masquerade New Year’s Eve Ball: Ring in the new year at two downtown Las Vegas venues. Party revelers will be transported into a glittering fantasy-land decked out in New Year’s Eve style at each venue. 8 p.m., $10-$500, Gold Spike, 217 Las Vegas Blvd. South, and Inspire, 107 Las Vegas Blvd., 702-476-1082, 702-910-2388 or goldspike.com/nye.

New Year’s Eve Dinner & Bonkerz Comedy Show: Enjoy a three-course prix fixe menu and open bar during a comedy show featuring Warren Durso

Sunday Night Fever: Iron your bell bottoms, shine your platform shoes and come dressed in your disco best. There will be a cocktail hour, three-

course dinner and live performance of the Boogie Knights. Guests must be at least 21 years old. 6 p.m., $150, International Theater at the Westgate, 3000 Paradise Road, 702-732-5111 or westgatelasvegas.com. Noon Year’s Eve at Discovery Children’s Museum: Families can make New Year’s noisemakers and wishing wands, and enjoy snacks and toast with sparkling cider during the noon balloon drop. 10:30 a.m.-noon, $10-$30, Discovery Children’s Museum, 360 Promenade Place, 702-382-3445 or discoverykidslv.org. Countdown by the Lake: Hyde Bellagio will transform into a secret garden, highlighting the seamless indoor-outdoor space, floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive terrace that looks out over the fountains. Must be at least 21 years old to attend. 9 p.m., $50-$75, Hyde Bellagio, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 702-693-8700 or hydebellagio.com. Generations of Rock and Roll with Michael Cavanaugh: Cavanaugh will

LIFE help guests ring in the new year as he performs the rock ‘n’ roll hits from every generation. Tickets include a four-course dinner, open bar, party favors and a Champagne toast. Guests must be at least 21 years old. 8 p.m., $150, South Point Grand Ballroom, 9777 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 702-796-7111 or southpointcasino.com. Pennywise New Year’s Eve party: The band known as a politically minded, melodic hardcore act is one of the most successful independent acts of all time. Must be at least 18 years old to attend. 8 p.m., $29.50 and up, House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 702-632-7600 or houseofblues. com/lasvegas.

MONDAY, JAN. 1 Life Time Athletic Commitment Day 5k Fun Run and Walk: Enjoy a weekend filled with events and activities as a fun, healthy way to celebrate the new year. 10 a.m.-1 p.m., $35 (free for children 12 and under), Life Time Athletic Green Valley, 121 Carnegie St., 702-8027300 or commitmentday.com.

TUESDAY, JAN. 2 Organize Your 2018: Start your year with goal-oriented planning and creative habit tracking. 6:30-7:30 p.m., free, Green Valley Library, 2797

the sunday dec. 24- dec. 30

N. Green Valley Parkway, 702-2074260 or hendersonlibraries.com.

FRIDAY, JAN. 5 “Aires de Flamenco”: Mexican singer and songwriter Alejandra Moreno will perform solo with her guitar and drum machine. 7 p.m., $10, Winchester Cultural Center, 3130 S. McLeod Drive, 702-4557340 or clarkcountynv.gov/parks.

SATURDAY, JAN. 6 Family Night at the Museum: Enjoy dinner, a showing of “Jumanji” and jungle-themed games. 5-9 p.m. $10-$15, Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd., 702-822-7700 or springspreserve.org. All Clear Law Enforcement Recruiting Expo: Meet recruiters from local, state and federal agencies seeking to hire qualified first responders. Participating agencies include: Metro Police, the city of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas Police Department, UNLV Police Services, Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Land Management Law Enforcement Division, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Department of Homeland Security - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Noon-3 p.m., free, courtyard in front of AMC theater at Town Square, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 702-269-5001 or mytownsquarelasvegas.com.

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Mementos fill a community healing garden that opened Oct. 6, five days after the mass shooting that killed 58 people at a concert on the Strip. (WADE VANDERVORT/staff file)

Wounded psyche State’s lack of mental health resources further exposed in wake of mass shooting By Danielle Birkin | SPECIAL TO VEGAS INC

Almost three months after the mass shooting on the Strip, employers and policymakers are still working to address the shortage of resources for counseling needs of victims and their loved ones, eyewitnesses, first responders and other members of the community. ¶ Given the national dearth of mental health care providers — a scarcity which is acute mental health, Continue d on page 53

30%

Reduction in production of Christmas trees from 2002 to 2012. About 95 million homes have a Christmas tree this year but only about 18 million are live trees, according to a Nielsen survey.

7,958

Pounds of rattlesnakes caught this year in the Sweetwater, Texas, Rattlesnake Roundup. The snakes are gathered for venom extraction, food and leather.

Age of John Collison, a Harvard dropout who is the youngest self-made billionaire in the world. Collison co-founded the tech company Stripe with his brother when he was 19.

$220M

Amount “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” made on its opening weekend. It was the second-best box office performance for a film’s first weekend, behind “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” ($248 million).

CONTENTS

THE SUNDAY DEC. 24- DEC. 30

GROUP PUBLISHER Gordon Prouty ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Breen Nolan

EDITORIAL

NOTEWORTHY STORIES

47 48 56 Q&A WITH DENISE VAN LEER

The marketing manager for Olympia Cos.’ Skye Canyon and Southern Highlands master-planned communities talks about the joy of helping nonprofit organizations serve the community, the need for well-rounded education and her favorite place to have fun in Las Vegas. THE NOTES People on the Move, P46

MEET BLOOM

Ginger Melien was a Wall Street executive and Chelli Wolford was chief strategist for her brother, music star Pitbull. The two met through a mutual friend, and Wolford shared her idea of creating a co-working space for women. Thus, Bloom was born. TALKING POINTS Review your investment strategy for the year, P49

DATA AND PUBLIC INFORMATION A listing of local bankruptcies, bid opportunities, brokered transactions, business licenses and building permits. MORE VEGAS INC BUSINESS NEWS Calendar: Happenings and events, P55 The List: Largest conventions of 2017, P60

EDITOR & CREATIVE DIRECTOR Liz Brown (liz.brown@gmgvegas.com) MANAGING EDITOR Dave Mondt (dave.mondt@gmgvegas.com) ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR/SPORTS AND DIGITAL Ray Brewer (ray.brewer@gmgvegas.com) STAFF WRITERS Mick Akers, April Corbin, Yvonne Gonzalez, Jesse Granger, Chris Kudialis, Thomas Moore, Cy Ryan, Camalot Todd, Ricardo Torres-Cortez COPY DESK CHIEF John Taylor GENERAL EDITOR Paul Szydelko METRO EDITOR Adam Candee SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS EDITOR Craig Peterson RESEARCHER Jamie Gentner EDITORIAL CARTOONIST Mike Smith LIBRARY SERVICES SPECIALIST Rebecca Clifford-Cruz OFFICE COORDINATOR Nadine Guy

ART DESIGNER LeeAnn Elias MULTIMEDIA MANAGER Yasmina Chavez PHOTOGRAPHERS L.E. Baskow, Christopher DeVargas, Steve Marcus, Mikayla Whitmore

ADVERTISING PUBLISHER OF DIGITAL MEDIA Katie Horton GROUP DIRECTOR OF SALES OPERATIONS Stephanie Reviea PUBLICATION COORDINATOR Denise Arancibia SENIOR ADVERTISING MANAGER Jeff Jacobs EXTERNAL CONTENT MANAGER Emma Cauthorn BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST Sandra Segrest ACCOUNT MANAGERS Katie Harrison, Dawn Mangum, Sue Sran ADVERTISING MANAGERS Brianna Eck, Mitch Keenan, Alex Teel

MARKETING & EVENTS DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER Jackie Apoyan EVENTS MANAGER Alyssa Crame

PRODUCTION VICE PRESIDENT OF MANUFACTURING Maria Blondeaux PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Paul Huntsberry PRODUCTION MANAGER Blue Uyeda PRODUCTION ARTIST Marissa Maheras FULFILLMENT MANAGER Doris Hollifield ART DIRECTOR Sean Rademacher GRAPHIC DESIGNER Dany Haniff TRAFFIC SUPERVISOR Estee Wright TRAFFIC COORDINATOR Meagan Hodson

CIRCULATION DIRECTOR OF CIRCULATION Ron Gannon ROUTE MANAGER Joel Segler

GREENSPUN MEDIA GROUP CEO, PUBLISHER & EDITOR Brian Greenspun CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Robert Cauthorn EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR Ric Anderson

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 51 Vegas Inc (USPS publication no. 15540), 2275 Corporate Circle, Suite 300, Henderson, NV 89074 is published every Sunday except the last Sunday of the year by Greenspun Media Group. Periodicals Postage Paid at Henderson, NV and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: Vegas Inc 2275 Corporate Circle Suite 300 Henderson, NV 89074 702.990.2545

(LAS VEGAS NEWS BUREAU)

VINTAGE VEGAS: CAESARS PALACE A VEGAS ICON Caesars Palace opened Aug. 5, 1966, and continues to be an iconic property on Las Vegas’ resort corridor. Pictured here April 9, 1965, in front of the hotel’s construction site are, from left, project manager Jerry Wald, Caesars Palace President Nate Jacobson and developer/founder Jay Sarno.

Famous for Evel Knievel’s failed attempt to jump the resort’s fountain on a motorcycle, talking statues at Fall of Atlantis, Celine Dion’s residency and suite 2452 from “The Hangover,” Caesars Palace has stood the test of time unlike many properties on the Strip. — REBECCA CLIFFORD-CRUZ

For inquiries, write to: Vegas Inc 2275 Corporate Circle, Suite 300 Henderson, NV 89074 For back copies: Doris Hollifield at 702.990.8993 or e-mail at doris.hollifield@gmgvegas.com For subscriptions and customer service: Call 818.487.4538, or visit vegasinc.com. For annual subscriptions, $50. For single copies, $3.99.

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the notes Send your business-related information to news@vegasinc.com

awards

Nicole Musolino is a public relations assistant at Imagine Communications. Wells Fargo expanded its technology and life sciences focus in musolino the Southwest, adding local, dedicated coverage for the bank’s Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico technology and life sciences customers. Corey Saba Basha is responsible for relationship development and driving the expansion. The Nevada Association of Realtors named Greg Martin of Elko as its Realtor of the Year. Its newly elected officers for 2018, led by kasama president Heidi Kasama, include: president-elect Keith Lynam of Las Vegas, vice president William Process of Sparks; and treasurer Diane Brown of Incline Village, and immediate past president Martin. Jeanne McMillian Abraham joined the board of the Nevada Association of Employers. Todd Parmelee is Golden Entertainment’s vice president of food and beverage operations. Zachary Laney received the Las Vegas Business Academy’s UNLV Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering fellowship, where he will help improve our community’s cybersecurity systems. Gina Yager launched Gina Yager Creative, a public relations, marketing and special events company. The 2017 honorees of Las Vegas HEALS’ Inspired Excellence in Healthcare Awards include: Dr. Chowdhury Ahsan, UMC; Dr. Mary Ann K. Allison, Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada; Shelley Berkley, Touro University Nevada; Dr. Aanshu Shah, Steinberg Diagnostic Medical Imaging; Dr. Troy Watson, Desert Orthopaedic Center; and Carolyn Yucha, UNLV. Faisal Khan is GLI’s director of engineering. He oversees regulatory responsibilities while providing leadership and strategy to engineering and technical teams. Dale Everett is associate general manager for Opendoor in Las Vegas. The American Gaming Association’s Gaming Hall of Fame’s Class of 2017 is: Diana Bennett, casino management luminary and philanthropist; John Breeding, who was behind the electronic card shuffler and proprietary table games; Joe Kaminkow, the slot game designer who pioneered

The Nevada Excellence in Mine Reclamation Awards for 2017 were presented at the annual Nevada Mining Association Convention. Honorees were: Comstock Mining Inc. received an award for Abandoned Mine Lands Hazard Mitigation for its work in rebuilding of State Route 342 and reclamation of historic mine features near Gold Hill in the historic Comstock District in Storey County.

The U.S. Department of Energy and National Nuclear Security Administration awarded the agency’s top honor, the Secretary of Energy Exceptional Service Award, to James Holt, second from left, site director for the Nevada National Security Site and president of National Security Technologies. Under Secretary for Nuclear Security and NNSA Administrator Gen. (Ret.) Frank G. Klotz, left, also awarded Holt and NSTec vice presidents Roy Bridges, second from right, and Raffi Papazian the NNSA Administrator’s Distinguished Service Gold Award, the NNSA’s highest honor. Bridges serves as the vice president for operations and Papazian is the vice president for program integration. (COURTESY PHOTO)

the industry in licensing branded games; and Melvin B. Wolzinger, a prominent Nevada businessman and Las Vegas community leader. Hallmark Homecare opened in Las Vegas. The caregiver search, recruitment, and placement company is directed by Jennifer Florendo, franchise partner. Henderson Mayor Debra March is serving on the Governing Institute’s Women in Government Leadership Program Class of 2018. March is one of 25 new participants selected for the yearlong program designed to promote and support elected women leaders. Mike Plante is captain of strategy for the Las Vegas Film Festival. For nearly 25 years, Plante has worked as a programmer for film festivals, and continues to serve as senior programmer for short films at the Sundance Film Festival. The Nevada Hospital Association board of directors for 2017-18 is: chairman Robert Freymuller, Summerlin Hospital Medical Center CEO; vice chairman Jason Bleak, Grover C. Dils Medical Center CEO; immediate past chairman Alan Olive, Northern Nevada Medical Center CEO; treasurer Chris Bosse, Renown Health vice president of government affairs; secretary Bill M. Welch, Nevada Hospital Association president/CEO. Other NHA board members include Sam Billig, HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Henderson CEO; Susan Davila, Desert View Hospital CEO; Leonard Freehof, Spring Valley Hospital Medical Center CEO; Helen Lidholm, St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center CEO; Tom Mangione, Southern Hills Hospital Medical Center; Erik Olson, Renown Regional Medical Center CEO; Melodie Osborn, Renown Health nurse executive; Adam Rudd, Southern Hills Hospital Medical Center CEO; Steve Shell, Desert Parkway Be-

havioral Healthcare Hospital CEO; Todd Sklamberg, Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center CEO; and Mason VanHouweling, University Medical Center CEO. Rhonda Kobylecky joined the National Child and Adult Care Food Program Sponsors Association board of directors through September 2020. Kobylecky serves as the director of food services for Acelero, a multistate Head Start organization serving approximately 5,000 children. Kent Dail is the executive clinical director of Oasis Counseling. Dr. Caleb Pinegar joined Crovetti Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine. Pinegar specializes in the evaluation, treatment and prevention of athletic injuries, as well as degenerative conditions of the shoulder, knee and elbow. Henderson is using a $63,000 Department of Homeland Security grant to augment the city’s cybersecurity program. The city purchased a security service that monitors for any city activity on the internet or on the darknet, as well as monitor the activity of city vendors or partners. The city is extending the monitoring service to vendors and partners as those businesses often handle customer data. UNLV took top honors in U.S. News & World Report’s annual listing of the nation’s most diverse universities for undergraduates. The Nevada State Veterans Home in Boulder City is a 2017 HealthInsight Quality Award recipient. MountainView Hospital received accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education for its Emergency Medicine residency program for 32 residents. The Sunrise Health GME Consortium Emergency Medicine Residency

Kinross Bald Mountain Mine received an award for Concurrent Reclamation and Wildlife Habitat Restoration for its work in mine site reclamation and mule deer migration corridor in White Pine County.

Newmont Mining Corp. received an award for Leadership in Conservation Planning for its work in developing the Conservation Framework Agreement, which covers 1.5 million acres of sage grouse habitat in Northern Nevada.

Newmont Exploration received an award for Concurrent Exploration Reclamation for its work at the Chevas and High Desert exploration projects in Elko County.

Winners of the 2017 Southern Nevada Landscape Awards include: Water Smart Conversion Award: Hebberd residence, design by homeowner

Award of Excellence: Hardin residence, design by homeowner

Award of Excellence: Zamora residence, professional design and maintenance by Trident Landscape

n Award of Excellence: Martin residence, professional design by Attanasio Landscape Architecture

Award of Excellence - Linn Mills Community Garden Award: Mabel Hoggard Magnet School garden

n Award of Distinction: Bradford residence, professional design and maintenance by Schilling Horticulture n Award of Distinction: Mann residence, professional design by Schilling Horticulture

Award of Distinction: RTC UNLV, maintenance by Green Images

Program at MountainView Hospital will have eight positions available the first year, with the first Emergency Medicine residents joining MountainView in July 2018. This accreditation brings the total number of residency positions available at the hospital, among its accredited graduate programs, to 141 positions. La Flor de Michoacán is open at Texas Station.

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the sunday dec. 24- dec. 30

Q&A with Desiree Van Leer

‘All acts of kindness matter and multiply’ By Rebecca Clifford-Cruz | Staff writer

Desiree Van Leer is marketing manager for Olympia Cos.’ Skye Canyon and Southern Highlands master-planned communities, completing market and consumer research to analyze the best ways to reach their target audience. Among her duties is to coordinate Fit Lives Here events at Skye Canyon, which has seen attendance increase tenfold, she said, since 2016. Do you have any recent news or updates you’d like to share? Skye Canyon is opening Phase II of its development in 2018. Phase II includes beautiful neighborhoods, a charter school, a park and the opening of Skye Canyon Marketplace. I have watched Phase II’s development, and I can’t wait to share Skye Canyon’s expansion with the community. What is the Skye Serves initiative, and how was the concept conceived? Skye Serves is effort to give back to Southern Nevada nonprofit organizations. The concept happened organically. Since the official grand opening at Skye Canyon in 2016, we have partnered with many local nonprofits at our Fit Lives Here events. Nonprofit partners educate the public about their charity, and attendees can donate to charities for which they have a passion. Skye Canyon often matches the donations raised. As Skye Canyon’s population grew, our residents’ interest in participating in additional charity work also grew. When we planned our first event, 200 people showed up. In less than two years, Fit Lives Here events draw thousands of people from all over the valley. When I attend an event, it’s wonderful Desiree Van Leer has changed her opinion of Las Vegas’ community since Oct. 1. “It was wonderful to see to watch people play lawn games with their fam- the way Southern Nevada came together,” she said. (christopher devargas/staff) ily, sweat it out in a fitness class, enjoy a star-filled sunset over the water is breathtaking. be focused on preparing the next generation for a night on a blanket, or just relax with a glass of wine variety of careers. There needs to be an emphasis on with a view of the mountains after a long day. Whom do you admire? a well-rounded education that is targeted toward a My dad. Not only is he one of the hardest-working curriculum that includes technical skills, criticalWhat has been your most exciting project? people I know, but he is one of the most inspiring. thinking applications and creative components. We Do you really want me to pick one? SpearheadHe is always reminding those around him that expeshould strive to make our children leaders, not just ing Skye Serves is rewarding, and we are just getting riencing life is best done through taking risks, daring good test takers. started. I’m always searching for creative ways to to be your authentic self and living in gratitude. partner with nonprofits. If you could change one thing about SouthAs the lead on this project, I am proud to be a part What’s your favorite place to have fun in Las ern Nevada, what would it be? of a company and community that is dedicated to Vegas? I used to think our community was a bit fragmented, having a positive impact on Southern Nevada. As a I love the downtown Arts District. The unique but I changed my opinion. It was wonderful to see the mom, I enjoy seeing how the work we’ve done affects venues often have trendy art exhibits and shows. way Southern Nevada came together after the Oct. 1 children, brightens their day or improves their lives. While exploring the art galleries and antique shops, tragedy, but it shouldn’t take an unspeakable event there is always something new to see and a hidden for us to reach out and help our neighbor or support a What advice would you offer to businesses gem to find. cause that is in need. I hope #VegasStrong is woven so or communities that want to get involved in strong throughout our community that we continue to volunteering? Where do you see yourself in 10 years? apply acts of kindness with everyone we meet. Connect with a nonprofit and get involved any I have had such a great time working at Olympia way you can. Small or large, all acts of kindness matthat I hope to be leading another marketing initiaWhat is your dream job outside of your curter and multiply. If you are passionate about giving, tive, perhaps leading the charge on another innovarent field? others will typically join you and match your efforts. tive residential or commercial experience. I have no I have always dreamed of being an artist, but I I have found some unique niche nonprofit partners idea what the future holds, and I love that. have no artistic talent. whose values mirror those of Skye Canyon. Most businesses can find nonprofit partners that resonate What is something that people might not If you could live anywhere else in the world, with their corporate culture. know about you? where would it be? I’m raising three teenagers. I have a vinyl collecPoint Reyes National Seashore in Northern CaliWhat’s the biggest issue facing Southern tion, and I just tried sushi for the first time recently fornia. The landscape encompasses the beach, cliffs, Nevada? (which is apparently a crazy notion). waterfalls and greenery. To watch the sunrise and With the push to attract new industries, we should

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DEC. 24- dec. 30

Send your business-related information to news@vegasinc.com

by the numbers

$400 million

Amount Apple is spending to acquire music-recognizing app company Shazam, according to TechCrunch. Shazam’s services will likely be integrated into Apple’s music-streaming service, Apple Music.

11 million

Number of “The Elf on the Shelf” copies sold since it launched in 2005. Elf on the shelf is a new holiday tradition popular among children. An elf doll is hidden to watch children and report to Santa Claus on whether they’ve been naughty or nice. Once found, the elf is not to be touched, and will be hidden in a new spot before the next morning.

$569,932

Average compensation for a university president, according to data compiled by the Chronicle of Higher Education looking at tax filings from 500 private, nonprofit schools. Fifty-eight of the college presidents made more than $1 million per year.

$52.4 billion

Amount Disney is paying in stock to acquire 21st Century Fox’s film and TV divisions. Fox stockholders will receive 0.2745 Disney shares for each share of Fox held. Disney is expected to put Fox shows and films on its future streaming service to help compete with Netflix.

30%

Decrease in Pier 1 Imports’ stock after it announced low expectations for the holidays. Like many other traditional retailers, the decline in sales stems from people shopping online.

10 million

Number of Nintendo Switch consoles sold since its launch in March. For comparison, Nintendo’s previous console, the Wii U, has sold 13 million units since 2012. Nintendo expects to have sold 14 million units by the time the console is a year old.

Chelli Wolford, left, and Ginger Melien founded Bloom, a co-working space for women. (christopher devargas/staff)

Beautiful workplace blooms downtown By Rebecca Clifford-Cruz Staff Writer

Describe your business.

Bloom Address: 520 S. Seventh St., Las Vegas Phone: 702-462-9885 Email: info@bloomvegas.com Website: bloomvegas.com Hours of operation: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, plus private event bookings 6-9 p.m. weekdays Owned/operated by: Ginger Melien and Chelli Wolford In business since: 2017

Bloom is a place for women to work, create and connect in a nontraditional, thoughtfully created space that inspires community and calling. Bloom is as much about offering women a beautiful environment to work — with all the conveniences of a corporate office structure, plus the needed amenities to support a busy woman-on-thego — as it is about fostering friendships and connections. How was the concept conceived?

Co-working spaces are gaining popularity, particularly in major metropolitan areas where there are thriving freelance communities and entrepreneurs working on startups. Many of these are geared toward the tech industry and have a decidedly male-skewing aesthetic — lots of pingpong tables and foosball to help spark creativity. There are a few co-working spaces in Las Vegas, but no one was specifically catering to women. Who are your customers?

Obviously, we are predominantly female, though that doesn’t mean men are barred from Bloom — either in booking the conference spaces or attending meetings — but we are really geared toward that working professional woman. Most of our clients have some work experience under their belt and are either transitioning toward starting their own business ventures or may serve as remote employees for large corporations with office space outside of Las Vegas. Many of our clients are mothers to young children, so they require some flexibility in their work hours to ac-

count for school and daycare. We have clients who work in professional services and like the downtown location for easy access to meeting with clients on the Strip, or grabbing lunch or coffee downtown as a central meeting point. Others may be a bit newer in their career paths, but bring fresh perspectives while tapping into the expertise and guidance that those with greater experience can offer.

What is your business philosophy?

Business is personal. Only good things can happen when you provide a product or service that is valuable and helps better or simplify the lives of others. Whether personally or professionally, greatness is achieved when you fully show up in your life. What is the best part about doing business in Las Vegas?

The support we have received from other downtown businesses has been overwhelming. Mayor Carolyn Goodman came to our opening event for a ribbon-cutting and spent time touring Bloom, learning about our business. Las Vegas is not quite the small town it once was, but it hasn’t lost that feel. When it comes to supporting your neighbors, rooting for their success, and the opportunity to try something new, Las Vegas is second to none. What’s the best business advice you’ve received?

There are three pieces of advice that I’ve received from my brother Armando (aka Pitbull). First: “Trust your hustle.” Meaning, believe in yourself. Second: “Scared money don’t make money.” And finally: “There is no failure, only lessons learned.”

talking points Send your business-related information to news@vegasinc.com

Reader comments We want to hear from you. Visit facebook.com/ lasvegassun.com to post your opinion.

On April Corbin’s story “Trustees spurn offers to help with cost of search for superintendent”: Unless our state legislators realize that this huge school district requires funding appropriate to size, nothing will change. Also, salaries at the top need looking at. I’m tired of teachers and ancillary staff always doing more with less. — Debbie Reising Greene On Mick Akers’ story “Construction to start in January on UNLV training complex”: Someday, UNLV will spend as much on faculty salaries, academic research and student scholarships as it spends on athletics. — Bryan Guiot On Chris Kudialis’ story “Agassi says latest charter school ‘a dream come realized’ ”: Thanks to the Agassi Foundation, my son went to UNLV on an art scholarship. He was required to volunteer at the Boys and Girls Club throughout college. — Mary Smith On Adam Candee’s story “Deadlines again creep up on Raiders, stadium authority to finish project documents”: What is that, parking for 5,000? Traffic doesn’t look like it should be to bad, though. With no parking, nobody will drive there. — Alan Owens

the sunday dec. 24- dec. 30

Review your investment strategy for the year

guest column: your desired target, you may need to make s the year draws to a close, it’s a Michael J. Eakman II some changes. Before doing so, though, you good time to review your progneed to understand why your return was ress toward your financial goals. lower than anticipated. But on what areas should you For example, if you owned some stocks focus your attention? that underperformed because of unusual circumstances — Of course, you may immediately think about whether and even events such as hurricanes can affect stock prices your investments have done well. When evaluating the for some companies — you may not need to be concerned, performance of their investments for a given year, many especially if the fundamentals of the stocks remain sound. people mistakenly think their portfolios should have done On the other hand, if you own some investments that have just as well as a common market index, such as the Stanunderperformed for several years, you may need to consider dard & Poor’s 500. But the S&P 500 is essentially a measure selling them and exploring new investment opportunities. of large-company, domestic stocks, and your portfolio Other factors also should be considered consider when lookprobably doesn’t look like that — nor should it, because it’s ing at your financial picture over the past year. important to own an investment mix that aligns with your What changed in your life? Did you have a new child? If goals, risk tolerance and return objectives. so, you may need to increase your life insurance coverage It’s this return objective that you should evaluate over or open a college savings account. Did you or your spouse time. change jobs? You may now have access to a new employerYour return objective will likely evolve. If you are starting sponsored retirement account, such as a 401(k), so you’ll out in your career, you may need your portfolio to be orineed to decide how much money to put into investments ented primarily toward growth, which means it may need within this plan. You almost certainly moved one year to be more heavily weighted toward stocks. But if you are closer to retirement, so you may need to re-evaluate how retiring in a few years, you may need a more balanced almuch risk you’re willing to tolerate in your investment location between stocks and bonds, which can address your portfolio. Whether it is the performance of your portfolio or needs for growth and income. changes in your life, you always have reasons to look back at So, assuming you have a long-term investment strategy your investment and financial strategies for the year — and with a target rate of return for each year, you can review your to look ahead at moves you can make for the next. progress accordingly. If you matched or exceeded that rate Michael J. Eakman II is a financial adviser at Edward Jones. this past year, you’re on track, but if your return fell short of

Smith’s world

Mike Smith is an award-winning editorial cartoonist who also draws for the Las Vegas Sun. His work is distributed nationally by King Features Syndicate. See archives of his work at lasvegassun.com/smithsworld.

the sunday DEC. 24- dec. 30

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Wynn Resorts buying site of former New Frontier on Strip By thomas moore Staff Writer

Wynn Resorts announced last week it would buy 38 acres of land on the Strip across from Wynn Las Vegas and Encore. Most of the land — 34 acres — is on the site of the never-realized Alon casino project, where the New Frontier once stood. According to a news release, Wynn Resorts will pay $336 million for the property. The statement did not spell out what the company plans to do with the land. The company earlier this year announced plans for a new resort on the Wynn golf course property behind its existing Strip casinos. The latest purchase gives Wynn a footprint that stretches from Paradise Road on the east, near the Las Vegas Convention

Center, to Industrial Road on the west. Phil Ruffin, owner of Treasure Island, bought the Frontier from the Elardi family in 1997 for $165 million, with plans to build a $700 million San Francisco-themed resort. He then changed course and proposed a $2 billion Swissthemed resort called the Montreux, which would house the Montreux Jazz Festival and an observation wheel. Ruffin, however, never pulled the trigger on the project and in 2007, he sold the property for $1.24 billion to the El Ad Group, an Israeli firm. In 2014, El Ad sold the land for $280 million to Crown Resorts, with plans to build the Alon resort. In December 2016, Crown abandoned the project and announced it would sell the land.

Las Vegas-to-Mexico City flights added Viva Aerobus signage is seen during a Dec. 15 news conference at McCarran International Airport to announce new Viva Aerobus service between Las Vegas and Mexico City. Officials with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority noted that Mexico is one of the most important international markets for Las Vegas. The cost for the new flights reflects Viva Aerobus’ reputation as a low-cost carrier, with one-way tickets starting at $114. (las vegas news bureau)

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Room rates, table game prices fluctuate widely during holidays By thomas moore Staff Writer

Prices for hotel rooms and at casino tables in Las Vegas traditionally surge and recede during the holidays, but at least one pricing expert says technology may eventually allow resorts to attract the best-spending customers and worry less about empty rooms. Anthony Curtis, a consumer blogger and publisher of the Las Vegas Advisor who has tracked room rates on the Strip for 27 years, says prices follow a fairly regular pattern: Up at Thanksgiving; down until the National Finals Rodeo comes to town; up during the rodeo; down dramatically after NFR; up dramatically at New Year’s. For those seeking a deal, Curtis has a special name for the week after NFR: “Golden Week,” he said. “It has absolutely the lowest rates for the year.” That begins to change, however, immediately before New Year’s. “The prices will go back up the day after Christmas, or even on Christmas Day. But definitely between Dec. 26

and Dec. 31, they’ll spike and can double and triple as we get closer to New Year’s. Sometimes they can quintuple.” The minimum buy-in for table games also can jump and drop during the holidays, but differently than room rates, casino blogger Andrew Uyal says. Uyal, also a floor supervisor at a Strip casino, said New Year’s is a big day for gaming. “At New Year’s, it’s hard to find anything on the Strip less than $25 on that weekend,” he said. “A lot of people will go outside to watch the fireworks. When they go outside, we raise the minimums. A lot of companies do that because everyone wants to play after the fireworks.” Minimum bets of $15-$25 can grow to $50-$100 on New Year’s Eve, Uyal said. Prices on other holidays, however, largely remain the same because demand is flat. For example, on Thanksgiving, the hotels may be busy, but the tables are slow, he said. “Thanksgiving can be surprisingly busy, but not at the tables because it’s

not a gaming crowd,” he said. “There are a lot of people in town to visit family. Maybe after the families go to bed, they might come into the casinos, but not to gamble.” ‘Revenue optimization’ Paul Murray, chief of the hospitality sector for the pricing research firm Revenue Analytics, says the peaks and valleys of holiday room rates in Las Vegas reflect an increasing level of sophistication on the part of Strip operators. “Resorts on the Strip are pretty well attuned to the amount of demand coming in to the hotels. So where there’s low demand, you’ll see more aggressive pricing try to yield off of that,” said Murray, who was once an executive in charge of setting room rates for a Las Vegas resort company. However, there may come a day when hotels don’t need to drop room rates as much to drive business during slow periods, he said. “There is a brass ring out there to be able to look at total revenue optimiza-

tion across the entire hotel,” he said. By optimization, Murray means knowing how much money a customer spends everywhere in the resort, including the room, restaurants, casino and retail areas. Once a resort company has that data, he said, it can focus more on attracting customers who spend more overall. The challenge, Murray said, is people tend to pay for different things in different ways. They use credit cards to book rooms, cash to gamble and their partner’s credit card to pay for food or go shopping. This makes it hard to know the overall value of any one customer. Other hospitality companies have tried different methods to gather this disparate information. He noted that the Walt Disney Co. offers its customers bracelets that can be used to open hotel room doors, get tickets for theme parks and pay for food and souvenirs. In this way, Disney can track exactly what its customers are spending money on during their entire visit.

#ChangeStartsWithUs Pop-up Job Fair Comes to CES Pop-up Job Fair during Advancing Diversity Honors Event

Wednesday, January 10th Palace 1 Ballroom, Caesars Palace 7:00pm - 8:00pm Free Admission • Advance registration required • Register at http://bit.ly/2CDaxbY Imagine discussing your dream job with companies who are hiring now! Meet recruiters from the biggest agencies, tech companies, and media brands who want to diversify their workforce at the biggest tech show in the world. Kick-off 2018 by joining #ChangeStartsWithUs pop-up job fair during the Advancing Diversity Honors Event! We’re looking for consumer attendees of CES – gadget freaks, media buffs, tech nerds – people who live and breathe our business. We’re looking for you.

*Corporate Discounts Available Exclusively for Las Vegas Companies for the Advancing Diversity Honors Event

For Event Tickets Visit: http://bit.ly/2z9ic3c

#AdvancingDiversity

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m e ntal healt h, from page 43

Nevada ranks last for mental health care in Nevada — this concern was particularly daunting. But immediate, temporary relief was available to some residents in the form of increased access to employee assistance programs (EAPs), according to Yeraldin Deavila, public information officer for the Nevada Division of Insurance. “Nevada employers, particularly many of the casino-resorts, offer employee assistance programs, which provide certain free, limited benefits to address issues that may affect employees at their jobs,” Deavila said. Under Nevada law, the number of counseling sessions under an EAP was limited to no more than three within a six-month period. “Due to increased demand for counseling services after the Oct. 1 shooting, employers indicated that three counseling sessions may not be sufficient while employees transition to counseling under their insurance plans,” Deavila said. To that end, the Nevada Division of Insurance proposed an emergency regulation that allows employees to access up to six sessions of counseling through their EAP within a six-month period. This emergency measure was approved by Gov. Brian Sandoval and adopted Oct. 6. “This emergency regulation will provide help sooner to restore health and functionality of employees and family members in Las Vegas,” said Barbara Richardson, commissioner of insurance with the Nevada Division of Insurance. “It will allow EAPs to provide more frequent interventions to help employees and family members heal from pain inflicted by this most disturbing and despicable assault on our community.” In a memo to Sandoval, Richardson said additional mental health services were needed to ensure employees and family members could receive the support they need until they are able to transition into mental health care, if necessary, through their insurance plan. Michael Dillon Jr., a health care reform expert and employee benefits broker with Dillon Health, said this use of resources would help get the community through this crisis, and recommended that employers consider adding EAPs to their overall benefits package in the future. “These are usually inexpensive, and some primary and ancillary carri-

EMS personnel hold candles during a vigil in memory of victims of the mass shooting on the Strip. (christopher devargas/staff)

ers offer this group health insurance product,” Dillon said. “Employees can receive expert support services to assist them and their families with a variety of life issues such as family care, stress, depression or addiction. “Not only would employers be providing a program that employees appreciate, they would also be helping to ensure a productive workplace. In today’s environment, addressing worklife balance issues is more important than ever.” In terms of counseling services covered by insurance companies, Dillon said that under the essential health benefits provisions of the Affordable Care Act, mental health benefits were usually clearly defined. “The key is to finding out how your insurance plan covers counseling,” he said. “Typically, outpatient hospital programs, residential treatment programs and inpatient services for mental health will require prior authorization from the insurance provider. Mental health office visits that are not part of a mental health treatment program may not require prior authorization. “There are many preventive coverages and wonderful benefits that can come with working with your provider,” he added. “Insurance companies

and the health care industry want to reach out and hopefully provide services that can address issues that can be handled in a fashion that will be a benefit to the employee and their families, instead of it turning into a situation that becomes much worse for all affected.” This includes first responders, who face the risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder and other disorders, although Dillon said most public-sector employees have excellent employee benefit programs. “In addition, there have been several state laws passed over the years that provide specific benefits above and beyond benefits to certain first responders due to the things they may have been exposed to on the job,” Dillon said. Nicole McGee, executive director of the nonprofit National Alliance on Mental Illness of Southern Nevada, said mental health conditions do not discriminate, and can include PTSD, anxiety, depression and substance abuse. “Individuals who suffer from PTSD as a result of similar or other gunrelated violence are probably at the greatest risk, aside from those directly and indirectly involved,” McGee said. “For many people with behavioral

health problems, the most effective approach often involves a combination of counseling, medication and support, but there is no one-size-fits-all treatment. Even people with the same diagnosis will have different experiences, needs, goals and objectives,” McGee said. The mass shooting has also raised concerns about availability of mental health care in Nevada, given that the state placed 51st — dead last — in Mental Health America’s 2017 state rankings (which included Washington, D.C.). A low overall score indicates a higher prevalence of mental illness and lower rates to access of care. The combined scores of 15 measures comprise the overall ranking. Nevada also faces a severe shortage of mental health care providers, ranking at or near the bottom in terms of the number of licensed providers per 100,000 population. “Nevada is ranked 51st in the nation with the highest need for mental health care and the least amount of access, according to Mental Health America,” McGee said. “The mental health infrastructure is insufficient to say the least, and more resources are needed to provide vital services and advocacy to an underrepresented population.”

• � � R D � A N N U A L � •

AWA R D S F O R C L A R K C O U N T Y S C H O O L D I S T R I C T

THE SMITH CENTER AND THE ROGERS FOUNDATION ARE PROUD TO SHINE A SPOTLIGHT ON GREAT TEACHERS IN THE CLARK COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN THROUGH JANUARY 18, 2018

Visit

TheHeartOfEducation.org

Anyone can nominate a teacher who goes above and beyond. Tell us a compelling story!

nominated teachers will receive an invitation to complete a short application

800 finalists will be invited with a guest to a special evening at The Smith Center in their honor. For details and sponsorship information: TheHeartOfEducation.org

TOP 20 finalists will receive

$5,000 and a Heart of Education Award

PLUS $1,000 FOR THEIR SCHOOL

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Calendar of events MONDAY, JAN. 8 CES Time: 9 a.m.-midnight (times and locations vary through Jan. 12) Cost: $100-$1,400 Location: Las Vegas Convention Center North Hall (and other locations), Las Vegas Information: Contact the Consumer Technology Association at 866-233-7968 or cesinfo@cta. tech, or visit ces.tech CES is the world’s gathering place for those who thrive on the business of consumer technologies. The convention showcases more than 3,900 exhibiting companies, including manufacturers, developers and suppliers of consumer technology hardware, content, technology delivery systems and more; a conference program with more than 300 conference sessions and more than 170,000 attendees from 150 countries. Startup Night Downtown Vegas Time: 6-9 p.m. Cost: Free Location: Gold Spike, 217 Las Vegas Blvd. North, Las Vegas Information: Email contact@tech.co Mingle with CES tech startups from around the world. There will be a startup pitch competition, as well as food and cocktails.

TUESDAY, JAN. 9 2018 LVBNM Baby Boomers Expo Time: 6-9 p.m. Cost: Free with ticket Location: Suncoast, 9090 Alta Drive, Las Vegas Information: Call 702-639-6964 Kick off the Large Vision Business Network Mixer’s 2018 season. This expo will showcase exhibits that highlight baby boomer business owners and services for Clark County consumers. Admission tickets are being distributed at Storage West Self Storage locations. Tech4Good Las Vegas Time: 6-8 p.m. Cost: Free Location: RedFlint Vegas, 300 S. 4th St., Suite 180, Las Vegas Information: Contact RedFlint at 702-408-3200 or redflint@phoenix.edu Topics at this meeting will include software solutions for donor management and volunteer engagement, as well as printing, phones, internet and office programs. Those within a nonprofit or educational organization, as well as people in the business community, are welcome to help.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 10 Henderson State of the City 2018 Time: Noon-1:30 p.m. Cost: $50 Location: Grand Events Center at Green Valley Ranch, 2300 Paseo Verde Parkway, Henderson

Information: Contact Donna Israelson at 702565-8951 or disraelson@hendersonchamber.com Henderson Mayor Debra March will deliver the annual State of the City address to an audience of leaders, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, local businesses, students and others. Site 1001 Showcase Launch Party and Mixer Time: 6-10 p.m. Cost: Free Location: RedFlint Vegas, 300 S. Fourth St., Suite 180, Las Vegas Information: Visit site1001.com/ces-party Watch new technology in action and experience what happens when structures transform into living structures with which we can communicate. There will be food, drinks and handson demonstrations of real-world technologies working to make buildings smarter, healthier and more efficient.

THURSDAY, JAN. 11 Preview 2018 Exhibitor Workshop Time: 1:30-3:30 p.m. Cost: Free Location: Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce, 575 Symphony Park Ave., Suite 100, Las Vegas Information: Contact Rachel Payne at 702-5863843 or rpayne@lvchamber.com Learn more about Preview Las Vegas show day and setup logistics, exhibiting and marketing tips, social media suggestions, best practices and venue information. This is also an opportunity to network with fellow exhibitors. RSVP is required. What Nevada employers need to know about California employment law Time: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Cost: $75 per line Location: By phone Information: Call Sutton Hague Law Corp. at 702-270-3065 or email events@suttonhague.com Attorneys Brett Sutton and Jared Hague offer information about developments in California employment law that may affect Nevada employers. Participate from any touchtone phone and submit questions during the program. Registration is per phone line, but have as many people as you want in the room.

ments; business and home office tax deductions; establishing a social media strategy; obtaining financing; and accounting and record keeping.

THURSDAY, JAN. 18 2018 North Las Vegas State of the City Time: Noon Cost: $45 Location: Dallas Ballroom at Texas Station, 2101 Texas Star Lane, Las Vegas Information: Call the city at 702-633-1000 North Las Vegas Mayor John Lee will reflect on the progress and achievements made in North Las Vegas in 2017 and preview the opportunities coming to the city in 2018. Slot Performance Analysis Workshop Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (also Jan. 19) Cost: $895 Location: UNLV, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas Information: Contact Dave Newton at 702-2559891 or dave.newton@cdcgamingseminars.com Get the tools needed to analyze and improve slot-floor performance. The workshop is designed for gaming industry professionals who understand basic financial measures such as a profit and loss, variance, mix percentages, ratios, ranking, indexing and market share. Forecast 2018 Time: 7:30-11:30 a.m. (register by Jan. 15) Cost: $60-$80 Location: Convention area second floor at the Orleans, 4500 W. Tropicana Ave., Las Vegas Information: Call the NAIOP at 702-798-7194 Learn how Las Vegas is becoming a big-league town with this presentation, “Southern Nevada Commercial Markets: Building a Big League City.”

SATURDAY, JAN. 13

Urban Chamber Social Hour Time: 6-9 p.m. Cost: Free Location: Urban Lounge, 107 E. Charleston Blvd., Suite 150, Las Vegas Information: Call the Urban Chamber of Commerce at 702-648-6222 Mingle with the Urban Chamber of Commerce members and staff. Meet other business professionals and test your skills on the ice breaker challenge.

How to start and operate a home-based business Time: 9-11:30 a.m. Cost: $30 for one registrant; $45 for two Location: Henderson Business Resource Center, 112 Water St., Henderson Information: Call 702-388-6104 or visit scorelv. org This seminar will cover topics such as succeeding in an at-home business; how to set up a home office; Nevada business license require-

Vegas Young Professionals Fusion Mixer Time: 6-8 p.m. Cost: $10 for members; $15 for nonmembers Location: Tea Lounge at Mandarin Oriental, 3752 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas Information: Contact Danica Torchin at 702586-3834 or dtorchin@lvchamber.com, or visit vegasyp.com Join Vegas Young Professionals for its kick-off fusion mixer in style.

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Records and Transactions BANKRUPTCIES CHAPTER 7 UV Doctor Systems P.O. Box 3122 Las Vegas, NV 89173 Attorney: Anthony Zmaila at bkecf.aaznevada@gmail.com

Katie Avenue storm drain Clark County, 604653 Tom Boldt at tboldt@clarkcountynv.gov

cosmetology Address: 60 S. Stephanie St., Suite 140, Henderson Owner: Buddha Nail Bar & Spa

License type: General services (counter/office) Address: Did not disclose Owner: Viva Las Logos & Design

Brokered transactions

The Nail Room License type: Barbershop and cosmetology Address: 1450 W. Horizon Ridge Parkway, Suite B305, Henderson Owner: Ngoc Hong Nguyen

Welding & Fixing License type: Trucking Address: 5253 Sandstone Drive, Las Vegas Owner: Juan Lopez Ramirez

Chapter 11

Sales

6 Via Paradiso 6600 W. Charleston Blvd., Suite 117 Las Vegas, NV 89146 Attorney: Michael Beede at mike@ legallv.com

$2,661,750 for 22,750 square feet, industrial 4620 Calimesa St., Las Vegas 89115 Seller: NLV Sagebrush Seller agent: Dan Doherty, Paul Sweetland, Chris Lane and Jerry Doty of Colliers International Buyer: BACIO LLC Buyer agent: Did not disclose

Q&C Properties P.O. Box 60010 Boulder City, NV 89006 Attorney: Marjorie Guymon at bankruptcy@goldguylaw.com

Bid Opportunities Dec. 28 2:15 p.m. Annual requirements contract for traffic signal modification, installation and maintenance Clark County, 604675 Ashley Peterson at ashley.blanco@ clarkcountynv.gov

Jan. 9 3 p.m. Annual requirements contract for asphalt concrete for Las Vegas, Laughlin and Moapa Valley area Clark County, 604679 Ashley Peterson at ashley.blanco@ clarkcountynv.gov

Jan. 10 3 p.m. Las Vegas Boulevard landscape maintenance Clark County, 604706 Ashley Peterson at ashley.blanco@ clarkcountynv.gov

Jan. 11 2:15 p.m. Lone Mountain Road Clark County 215 Beltway to Tenaya Way Clark County, 604670 Tom Boldt at tboldt@clarkcountynv.gov

Jan. 18 2:15 p.m. Wigwam and Torrey Pines Park Clark County, 604696 Sandy Moody-Upton at scm@ clarkcountynv.gov 2:15 p.m. Pinto campus IT UPS replacement Clark County, 604708 Sandy Moody-Upton at scm@ clarkcountynv.gov

Jan. 19 2:15 p.m.

$835,000 for 5,892 square feet, industrial 8715 Lindell Road, Suite 100, Las Vegas 89139 Seller: Augustin Paris Seller agent: Did not disclose Buyer: Dent II Buyer agent: Dan Doherty, Paul Sweetland, Chris Lane and Jerry Doty of Colliers International $361,410 for 1,721 square feet, office 7336 W. Post Road, Suite 2, Las Vegas 89113 Seller: Professional Warehouse Office Condos Seller agent: Brian Riffel, Chris Connell, Grant Traub and Tyler Jones of Colliers International Buyer: 7336 West Post Suite 102 LLC Buyer agent: Did not disclose

Lease $960,600 for 3,000 square feet, retail 4343 N. Rancho Drive, Las Vegas 89130 Landlord: 4343 North Rancho Drive LLC Landlord agent: Jacqueline Young and Liz Clare of Avison Young Tenant: Five Star Gaming Tenant agent: Jacqueline Young and Liz Clare of Avison Young

BUSINESS LICENSES The Event Co. License type: Management or consulting service Address: 871 Coronado Center Drive, Suite 200, Henderson Owner: The Event Co. The Hive License type: Vapes and electronic cigarettes Address: 900 S. Valley View Blvd., Suite 160, Las Vegas Owner: Dustin Lopez and Molly Ellsworth The Nail Bar II License type: Barbershop and

Theodore Giza License type: Real estate sales Address: 9525 Hillwood Drive, Suite 120, Las Vegas Owner: Theodore Giza Timeline Fab License type: Manufacturing Address: 101 W. Brooks Ave., Suite ABC, North Las Vegas Owner: Timeline Fabrication Top Notch Realty and Property Management License type: Real estate sales Address: 8681 W. Sahara Ave., Suite 100, Las Vegas Owner: Top Notch Realty and Property Management Travelpatti License type: Travel and ticket agency Address: Did not disclose Owner: John and Patricia Digiovanna TTS Group License type: Management or consulting service Address: 7448 W. Sahara Ave., Suite 101, Las Vegas Owner: Tabletop Solutions Turtle Peak License type: Business support Address: 8076 W. Sahara Ave., Suite B, Las Vegas Owner: Steven Brown and Karana Spires Limited Partnership United Subcontractors License type: Contractor Address: 4030 Industrial Center Drive, Suite 502, North Las Vegas Owner: United Subcontractors Valery Jeffries License type: Real estate sales Address: 7575 Vegas Drive, Suite 150, Las Vegas Owner: Valery Jeffries Value Electric License type: Contractor Address: Did not disclose Owner: Christopher Bojorquez and Aracely Reyes-Sanchez Villa Pizza License type: Restaurant Address: 4300 Meadows Lane, Suite 5060, Las Vegas Owner: Villa Pizza Viva Las Logos and Design

Whole Foods Market License type: Package Address: 8855 W. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas Owner: WFM Southern Nevada Wired Designs License type: Trucking Address: 1051 Olsen St., Suite 3511, Henderson Owner: Wired Designs Wrap-So-Dy License type: General retail sales Address: 350 S. Rampart Blvd., Suite 150, Las Vegas Owner: New Life Innovations Yes Dental Laboratory License type: Clinic or laboratory Address: 8068 W. Sahara Ave., Suite G, Las Vegas Owner: Blessed J & H 5252 Productions License types: Photography; general retail sales Address: Did not disclose Owner: Ivan5252 LLC A-1 Vacsew License type: General retail sales Address: 4069 W. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas Owner: Tebha Inc. A1 Fence and Gate Repair License type: Contractor Address: 7400 W. Flamingo Road, Suite 2021, Las Vegas Owner: A1 Fence and Gate Repair Aceptive Cleaners License type: Residential property maintenance Address: 6332 W. Sahara Ave., Las Vegas Owner: Aceptive Studios Advanced Pediatrics License type: Professional services — medical Address: 8551 W. Lake Mead Blvd., Suite 180, Las Vegas Owner: Nudrat Nauman Ageless Ascension Day Spa License type: Massage establishment Address: 6006 Smoke Ranch Road, Las Vegas Owner: William Gentry and Charity Franklin Agueda Ureno License type: Real estate sales Address: 1735 Village Center Circle, Las Vegas

Owner: Agueda Ureno Airstream 2 Go License type: Rental and leasing Address: 1001 Fremont St., Las Vegas Owner: Richard E. Riegel III Alberto Christian Camarena License type: Real estate sales Address: 1820 E. Sahara Ave., Suite 101, Las Vegas Owner: Alberto Camarena Amanda Williams Agency License type: Insurance agency or adjusting firm Address: 2831 St. Rose Parkway, Suites 200-201, Henderson Owner: Amanda Williams Agency Anytime Fitness License type: Personal services Address: 855 Seven Hills Drive, Suite 120, Henderson Owner: DJJ Enterprises Apex Home Inspections License type: Real estate sales Address: 7106 NW Brighton Village St., Las Vegas Owner: Apex Home Inspections Apex Repair Services License type: Residential property maintenance Address: Did not disclose Owner: Songkham Chareunsap Archer Appraisal Services License type: Professional services Address: Did not disclose Owner: Robert Archer Arianna Eyebrow Threading License type: Personal services Address: 170 N. Boulder Highway, Suite 140, Henderson Owner: Dil Neupane Arowana Senior Resources License type: Management or consulting service Address: Did not disclose Owner: Arowana Dynasty Autumn’s Artisan Creations License type: General retail sales Address: Did not disclose Owner: Autumn Adams Bath & Body Works #1562 License type: General retail sales Address: 8800 W. Charleston Blvd., Suite 29, Las Vegas Owner: Bath & Body Works Battleborn Services License type: Repair and maintenance Address: Did not disclose Owner: Battleborn Contracting Beasley Repairs License type: Handyman/maintenance services Address: 3124 Bayliner Ave., North Las Vegas

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Records and Transactions Owner: Michael Beasley Belladesigns License type: Designer/draftsman Address: Did not disclose Owner: Marlen Alvarez Bellamar License type: General retail sales Address: 1717 S. Decatur Blvd., Suite D18, Las Vegas Owner: Ernesto Herrera Matamoros Bigelow Space Operations License type: Miscellaneous sales/ service Address: 1899 W. Brooks Ave., North Las Vegas Owner: Bigelow Space Operations Blanky’s Beauty Salon and Spa License type: Cosmetology; general retail sales Address: 4907 Vegas Drive, Suite 140, Las Vegas Owner: Did not disclose Boom LLC License type: Management or consulting service Address: 3110 Polaris Ave., Suite 28, Las Vegas Owner: Guy Elchayani, Ziv Cohen and Roi Alhaiani Boundless Beauty License type: Permanent makeup Address: 8751 W. Charleston Blvd., Suite 160, Las Vegas Owner: Karyl Harper Brazil Station License type: General retail sales Address: 5191 W. Charleston Blvd., Suite 190, Las Vegas Owner: Antonio Cajueiro Brillo Restoration License type: Property maintenance Address: 1792 Tanner Circle, Henderson Owner: Brillo Restoration Bristol at Sunset Apartments License type: Apartment house Address: 2001 Ramrod Ave., Henderson Owner: Gleiberman Properties Bui Holding License type: Business space rent or lease Address: 812 S. Sixth St., Las Vegas Owner: Nicolas Bui Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop License type: Restaurant Address: 3355 Novat St., Suite 150, Las Vegas Owner: Be Amazed Sandwich Co. Carol Wilcox License type: Door-to-door solicitor and peddler Address: 679 Ladywood Lane, Henderson Owner: Carol Wilcox

Celebrate Your Talent License type: Nonprofit community services Address: Did not disclose Owner: Elida Deluna Chak Auto Supply License type: General retail sales Address: 3333 Fremont St., Las Vegas Owner: Rola Kandalft Chaos Financial Group License type: Insurance agency Address: 1180 N. Town Center Drive, Suite 100, Las Vegas Owner: Stephen Kenny Chasemor License type: Contractor Address: 505 E. Windmill Lane, Suite 1C-305, Las Vegas Owner: Chasemor Clark County Waste Services License type: Miscellaneous sales/ service Address: 517 Eastgate Road, Henderson Owner: Jeffrey Wulf Colonial Apartments License type: Apartment house Address: 2730 E. Bonanza Road, Las Vegas Owner: Shakila Khan, Sheik Ellias and Ayaz Khan Columbia Dental License type: Medical office Address: 229 N. Stephanie St., Suite C, Henderson Owner: Vi Raymond Cool Storage of Las Vegas License type: Express or delivery service Address: 2955 Westwood Drive, Las Vegas Owner: Nilo Maghinay Cornwell Tools Authorized Distributor License type: Automotive supply sales Address: 2266 Heavenly View Drive, Henderson Owner: Tool Solutions Corporate Transport and Shipping License type: Miscellaneous sales/ service Address: 4351 Corporate Center Drive, Suite 306, Las Vegas Owner: Corporate Transport and Shipping Dakem & Associates License type: Contractor Address: 2645 W. Cheyenne Ave., North Las Vegas Owner: Dakem & Associates Deanna Brant License type: Real estate sales Address: 9525 Hillwood Drive, Suite 120, Las Vegas Owner: Deanna Brant

Deborah L. Wake Consulting License type: Management or consulting service Address: 277 Via Del Duomo, Henderson Owner: Deborah Wake Defensive Innovations License type: General retail sales Address: Did not disclose, Las Vegas Owner: Joseph Griffin Do It Right Lawn Care License type: Residential property maintenance Address: 1711 Rawhide St., Apt. 149, Las Vegas Owner: Edgar Campos Duke of Computers License type: General retail sales Address: 8447 W. Lake Mead Blvd., Las Vegas Owner: Duke of Computers Dust Raiders License type: Janitorial service Address: 3432 N. Bruce St., Suite 7, North Las Vegas Owner: 21st Century Moves Dynatel License type: Contractor Address: 565 W. Sunset Road, Henderson Owner: Craig Speirer Ebuyhouse License type: Management or consulting service Address: 5430 W. Sahara Ave., Las Vegas Owner: Ke and Zemin Hu and Guan Wang Elements of Motivation License type: Professional services Address: 7040 Laredo St., Las Vegas Owner: Elements of Motivation Elite Construction Clean Up License type: Janitorial service Address: 3508 Nipper St., North Las Vegas Owner: Elite Construction Clean Up Emco Sales License type: Management or consulting service Address: Did not disclose Owner: Emco Sales Emily Escanuela License type: Real estate sales Address: 5550 Painted Mirage Road, Suite 140, Las Vegas Owner: Emily Escanuela Ensemble Arts Academy License type: Instruction services Address: Did not disclose Owner: Clam Inc. Enviro Master Las Vegas License type: Janitorial service Address: 4345 Corporate Center

Drive, Suite 201, North Las Vegas Owner: Hygiene Ventures Erin Peace License type: Real estate sales Address: 7465 W. Lake Mead Blvd., Suite 100, Las Vegas Owner: Erin Peace Eunice Duff License type: Independent massage therapist Address: 2700 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Suite 803, Las Vegas Owner: Eunice Duff Experience Recovery Coaching License type: Instruction services Address: Did not disclose Owner: Experience Recovery Coaching Fashion Jewelry License type: General retail sales Address: 4300 Meadows Lane, Suite 5546, Las Vegas Owner: SNF LLC G.O.A.T. License types: Tobacco dealer; automated teller operator; tavern Address: 3805 W. Sahara Ave., Las Vegas Owner: PPLS LLC Gabriela Suchanova Pilates License type: Instruction services Address: Did not disclose Owner: Gabriela Suchanova-Chard Geary Pacific Supply License type: Express or delivery service Address: 2900 Westwood Drive, Las Vegas Owner: Geary Pacific of Nevada Genarian Tech License type: General services (counter/office) Address: Did not disclose Owner: Marvin Raab Gentle Water Services License type: Personal services Address: 2440 W. Horizon Ridge Parkway, Suite 130, Henderson Owner: Gentle Water Services Great Solutions West License type: General retail sales Address: 1717 S. Decatur Blvd., Suite D04, Las Vegas Owner: Leslie Farrer Green Cross Nevada License type: Production — gross sales Address: 2917 E. Alexander Road, North Las Vegas Owner: Green Cross Nevada Green Cross Nevada License type: Medical marijuana production Address: 2917 E. Alexander Road, North Las Vegas Owner: Green Cross Nevada

Gun Play Worldwide License type: Instruction services Address: 1350 E. Flamingo Road, Suite 13B, Las Vegas Owner: Gun Play Vegas Hermann Lohoury License type: Rental property Address: 1835 Goldfield St., North Las Vegas Owner: Hermann Lohoury Hood Stop License type: Beer/wine cooler off-sale Address: 1801 E. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas Owner: Royal Stop Ian Estrada License type: Professional services Address: 801 S. Fourth St., Las Vegas Owner: Ian Cstrada Interior Expression License type: Designer/draftsman Address: Did not disclose Owner: Renee Shimada and Joseph Thompson ISR Fire Protection License type: Contractor Address: Did not disclose Owner: Sigal Schwarts Jam Consulting Group License type: Management or consulting service Address: 5092 Ranchovilla Court, Las Vegas Owner: Joshua Ifergan, Javier Ortiz and Michael Colley Jessica’s Nail Spa License type: Barbershop and cosmetology Address: 4401 E. Sunset Road, Suite 10, Henderson Owner: Phong Dao Jimmy John’s License type: Restaurant Address: 106 N. Stephanie St., Suite 130, Henderson Owner: SNL Venture

BUILDING PERMITS $4,752,500, commercial — new 325 Inflection St., Henderson Legacy Traditional School $1,433,931, solar 4550 Nexus Way, North Las Vegas Konisto Companies $697,453, commercial — addition 6625 Speedway Blvd., North Las Vegas High Desert Petroleum $475,761, single-family dwelling 673 Dragon Peak Drive, Henderson Sun West Custom Homes $339,893, commercial — addition

the sunday DEC. 24- dec. 30

your Business-to-business news Send your business-related information to news@vegasinc.com

Records and Transactions 5675 E. Ann Road, North Las Vegas E.S.S.I. $258,618, single-family dwelling 2220 Ledge Rock Lane, Henderson Pardee Homes of Nevada $236,882, single-family dwelling 2920 Galena Drive, Henderson Did not disclose $200,000, rehabilitation 2600 Harewood Ave., North Las Vegas Spike Construction $196,293, single-family dwelling 12 Rue Promenade Way, Henderson Did not disclose $187,587, single-family dwelling 2216 Via Firenze, Henderson Pardee Homes of Nevada $178,770, single-family dwelling 265 Crimson Edge St., Henderson D.R. Horton $178,549, single-family dwelling 261 Crimson Edge St., Henderson D.R. Horton $174,675, residential — new 5904 Middle Rock St., North Las Vegas D.R. Horton $170,509, residential — new x2 5909 and 5912 Middle Rock St., North Las Vegas D.R. Horton $168,673, residential — new 813 Bronze Spur Ave., North Las Vegas Pardee Homes of Nevada $165,795, single-family dwelling 269 Homeward Way, Henderson Woodside Homes of Nevada $164,132, single-family dwelling 961 Elmsgate St., Henderson Did not disclose $163,335, residential — new 5917 Middle Rock St., North Las Vegas D.R. Horton $161,809, residential — new x3 809, 817 and 825 Bronze Spur Ave., North Las Vegas Pardee Homes of Nevada $161,222, sign 2101 Texas Star Lane, North Las Vegas Yesco $160,084, single-family dwelling 957 Elmsgate St., Henderson Greystone Nevada $155,618, residential — new x2 6929 and 6937 Whispering Falls Drive, North Las Vegas Woodside Homes of Nevada

$151,404, residential — new x2 5916 and 5921 Middle Rock St., North Las Vegas D.R. Horton $150,269, single-family dwelling 19 Via Levanzo, Henderson Ryland Homes $149,493, single-family dwelling 277 Homeward Way, Henderson Woodside Homes of Nevada $149,493, single-family dwelling 648 Cadence View Way, Henderson Woodside Homes of Nevada $149,493, single-family dwelling 257 Kindly Way, Henderson Woodside Homes of Nevada $146,554, single-family dwelling 296 Via Del Duomo, Henderson Century Communities $143,568, residential — new x2 5905 and 5920 Middle Rock St., North Las Vegas D.R. Horton $143,336, residential — new 805 Bronze Spur Ave., North Las Vegas Pardee Homes Of Nevada $141,342, single-family dwelling 3008 Young Bouvier Ave., Henderson Did not disclose $140,177, single-family dwelling 497 Intonation St., Henderson Did not disclose $140,177, single-family dwelling 508 Cadence View Way, Henderson Did not disclose $139,955, single-family dwelling 141 Langley Hill Ave., Henderson Did not disclose $139,567, single-family dwelling 3172 Rowan Brook Ave., Henderson Lennar $139,512, single-family dwelling x2 788 and 792 Rosewater Drive, Henderson Greystone Nevada

2529 Amista Drive, Henderson Did not disclose $133,008, residential — new 4052 Juanita May Ave., North Las Vegas D.R. Horton $133,008, residential — new 4028 Juanita May Ave., North Las Vegas D.R. Horton $130,305, residential — new x2 5908 and 5913 Middle Rock St., North Las Vegas D.R. Horton $130,196, single-family dwelling 3171 Rowan Brook Ave., Henderson Greystone Nevada $129,728, residential — new 608 Desert Senna Ave., North Las Vegas KB Home Nevada $127,535, single-family dwelling 3080 Young Bouvier Ave., Henderson Beazer Homes $126,403, residential — new 5732 Aspen Park Lane, North Las Vegas Beazer Homes Holdings $124,596, single-family dwelling 1346 Bear Brook Ave., Henderson Ryland Homes $124,487, residential — new x2 4036 and 4044 Juanita May Ave., North Las Vegas D.R. Horton $122,156, single-family dwelling 885 Bluebell Brook St., Henderson Greystone Nevada $121,546, single-family dwelling 2625 Cooper Gallery St., Henderson Beazer Homes $119,872, residential — new x3 3908, 4004 and 4005 Makushin Bay Ave., North Las Vegas D.R. Horton

$139,234, single-family dwelling 273 Homeward Way, Henderson Did not disclose

$119,872, residential — new x2 5725 and 5737 Swan Bridge St., North Las Vegas D.R. Horton

$139,234, single-family dwelling 252 Kindly Way, Henderson Did not disclose

$119,272, single-family dwelling 677 Look Lively Court, Henderson Did not disclose

$138,680, single-family dwelling 488 Cadence View Way, Henderson Did not disclose

$119,272, single-family dwelling x2 420 and 424 Turtle Mesa Ave., Henderson Did not disclose

$136,906, single-family dwelling 2818 Calle Cadiz St., Henderson KB Home Nevada $134,688, single-family dwelling

$118,274, single-family dwelling 3013 Historic Horizon Ave., Henderson Did not disclose

$118,274, single-family dwelling 3024 Young Bouvier Ave., Henderson Did not disclose $116,001, single-family dwelling 367 Mano Destra Lane, Henderson Richmond American Homes of Nevada $114,836, residential — new 344 Caddoan Mounds Court, North Las Vegas Woodside Homes of Nevada $114,171, single-family dwelling x3 382, 384 and 388 Espressivo St., Henderson Richmond American Homes of Nevada $113,724, residential — new x2 4032 and 4048 Juanita May Ave., North Las Vegas D.R. Horton $113,118, single-family dwelling x2 4 and 6 Vicolo Sebino, Henderson Ryland Homes $110,234, residential — alteration 735 Orange Plume Walk, Henderson Did not disclose $110,125, residential — new x3 3904, 3912 and 4008 Makushin Bay Ave., North Las Vegas D.R. Horton $110,125, residential — new 5733 Swan Bridge St., North Las Vegas D.R. Horton $110,047, residential — new 821 Bronze Spur Ave., North Las Vegas Pardee Homes of Nevada $109,846, single-family dwelling 3009 Historic Horizon Ave., Henderson Did not disclose $108,486, residential — new 345 Caddoan Mounds Court, North Las Vegas Woodside Homes of Nevada $108,293, single-family dwelling 752 Rosewater Drive, Henderson Lennar $106,852, single-family dwelling 354 Inflection St., Henderson Richmond American Homes of Nevada $105,743, residential — alteration 739 Orange Plume Walk, Henderson Did not disclose $103,884, residential — new x2 4024 and 4040 Juanita May Ave., North Las Vegas D.R. Horton $103,192, single-family dwelling 392 Espressivo St., Henderson

Richmond American Homes of Nevada $102,305, single-family dwelling 390 Mano Destra Lane, Henderson Richmond American Homes of Nevada $102,194, residential — new x2 2877 and 2883 Cabrillo Terrace St., Henderson KB Home Nevada $100,586, single-family dwelling x2 888 and 889 Bluebell Brook St., Henderson Greystone Nevada $98,841, residential — new 549 Desert Senna Ave., North Las Vegas KB Home Nevada $98,260, residential — new 4009 Makushin Bay Ave., North Las Vegas D.R. Horton $98,260, residential — new 5729 Swan Bridge St., North Las Vegas D.R. Horton $98,035, single-family dwelling 28 Via Del Fiume, Henderson Pulte Homes $96,261, residential — new x2 2875 and 2879 Cabrillo Terrace St., Henderson KB Home Nevada $96,261, residential — new x2 2874 and 2882 Starling Summit St., Henderson KB Home Nevada $95,429, single-family dwelling 362 Inflection St., Henderson Richmond American Homes of Nevada $94,209, single-family dwelling 881 Bluebell Brook St., Henderson Greystone Nevada $92,448, residential — new x2 2114 and 2116 N. Yale St., North Las Vegas Sunrise Builders $92,435, single-family dwelling 748 Rosewater Drive, Henderson Greystone Nevada $92,435, single-family dwelling 472 Open Hill Ave., Henderson Greystone Nevada $90,354, residential — new x2 6920 and 6933 Whispering Falls Drive, North Las Vegas Woodside Homes of Nevada

To receive a complete copy of Data Plus every week in Excel, please visit vegasinc.com/subscribe.

SHOP, DONATE, CHANGE LIVES!

When you shop and donate at Goodwill, you help provide job training and placement services for Southern Nevadans. As a token of our appreciation, enjoy $5 off your next purchase.

5 COUPON $ FREE

Offer valid for $5 off purchase of $20 or more and expires 1/31/18. Excludes Clearance Centers, Deja Blue Boutique & Yellow Tags. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts.

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www.Goodwill.Vegas

the sunday

your Business-to-business news

DEC. 24- dec. 30

Send your business-related information to news@vegasinc.com

The List

Category: 2017 conventions (Ranked by number of expected attendees)

Convention

Dates

Expected attendees

1 2 3 4 5 6 7a 7b 9a 9b 11 12 13 14a 14b 16 17a 17b 19 20 21a 21b 21c

CES cesweb.org

Jan. 5-8

177,000

SEMA (Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week) semashow.com

Oct. 31 - Nov. 3

160,000

ConExpo-Con/Agg conexpoconagg.com

March 7-11

129,000

National Association of Broadcasters nabshow.com

April 24-27

103,000

MAGIC Marketplace Spring Show ubmfashion.com

Feb. 21-23

85,000

Shooting, Hunting & Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT Show) shotshow.org

Jan. 17-20

64,500

International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition - AHR Expo ahrexpo.com

Jan. 30 - Feb. 1

60,000

World of Concrete worldofconcrete.com

Jan. 17-20

60,000

Las Vegas Market - Summer lasvegasmarket.com

July 30 - Aug. 3

50,000

Las Vegas Market - Winter lasvegasmarket.com

Jan. 22-26

50,000

ASD Las Vegas - March asdonline.com

March 19-22

46,000

2017 Pack Expo Las Vegas packexpolasvegas.com

Sept. 25-27

45,000

ASD Las Vegas - July/August asdonline.com

July 30 - Aug. 2

44,000

JCK Annual Trade Show lasvegas.jckonline.com

June 5-8

39,000

Nightclub and Bar Show ncbshow.com

March 28-29

39,000

RECon icsc.org

May 22-24

37,000

Cosmoprof North America cosmoprofnorthamerica.com

July 9-11

30,000

National Hardware Show nationalhardwareshow.com

May 9-11

30,000

International Security Conference - ISC West iscwest.com

April 4-7

29,000

G2E: Global Gaming Expo globalgamingexpo.com

Oct. 3-5

26,000

Adult Entertainment Expo - AVN Adult Expo adultentertainmentexpo.com

Jan. 18-21

25,000

Interbike Expo interbike.com

Sept. 20-22

25,000

International Esthetics Cosmetics & Spa Conference International Beauty Show Las Vegas ibslasvegas.com

June 24-26

25,000

21d 21e 26

National Business Aviation Association, Inc. - Annual Meeting & Convention nbaa.org

Oct. 10-12

25,000

The International Surface Event tisewest.com

Jan. 18-20

25,000

Licensing International Expo licensingexpo.com

May 23-25

24,000

Source: Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and VEGAS INC research. It is not the intent of this list to endorse the participants or to imply that the listing of a company indicates its quality. Visit vegasinc.com for more. Although every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy and thoroughness of VEGAS INC charts, omissions sometimes occur and some businesses do not respond. Please send corrections or additions on company letterhead to Clayt Keefer, research associate, VEGAS INC, 2275 Corporate Circle, Third floor, Henderson, NV 89074.

Discover THE VALLEY HEALTH SYSTEM

Karen McKay Former Valley Hospital Neurology Patient

Bill Wilson Former Desert Springs Hospital Cardiac Rehab Patient

Rachel Moenoa Former Spring Valley Hospital Cardiac Patient Christina Pangelinan Former Centennial Hills Hospital Maternity Patient Bob Cannata Former Summerlin Hospital Cardiac Patient

We’re Living Proof The Valley Health System Delivers Quality, Life-saving Care The Valley Health System is a comprehensive network of six hospitals conveniently located throughout Las Vegas and Henderson and is also affiliated with Desert View Hospital in Pahrump.

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Providing comprehensive care is our specialty. • Emergency care – where ER just got easier with ER wait times online and ER Reserve available online • Maternity care and neonatal intensive care units • Advanced cardiac care • Specialized cardiac rehabilitation • Innovative neurology services • Wound care • Surgical weight loss • Pediatric services

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2 OFF per Carton* (Cigarettes only) *Must be 18 years of age or older. NO LIMIT on any brand of carton purchased. Excludes fifiltered cigars. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Limit one discount given per customer per day. Must present this coupon for redemption. Cannot be redeemed for cash. No photocopies accepted. EXPIRES 1/31/2018. TS

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$5 FREE Slot Play for New Members

Must become a Player Rewards Card member to redeem. Existing Player Rewards Card Members do not qualify. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other free slot play offer. Management reserves all rights. Limit of one (1) New Member free slot play offer per person and Player Rewards card. Group #6248. Valid 12/24/2017 - 12/30/2017.

Buy One Get One FREE Dinner Buffet or 50% OFF One Dinner Buffet VISIT A-PLAY® CLUB TO REDEEM COUPON Valid at S7 Buffet and based on full price purchase. Cannot be combined with any other discount or offer, including A-Play Discounts. Must visit A-Play Club for coupon redemption prior to visiting buffet. Must be 21 years or older. Tax and gratuity not included. Complimentary value up to $19.99. Void if copied. Limit one coupon per week, per party. No cash value. May not be combined with any other coupon offer or discount; full retail pricing applies. Management reserves the right to cancel or discontinue this offer without prior notice. Not valid without A-Play® Club Card. Membership into the A-Play® Club is free. Offer expires 1/6/2018. Not valid on Sunday, December 31, 2017. CP31491.

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Buy One Get One FREE Drink at Sean Patrick’s Wine, well or domestic beer *Expires 12/30/17. Please present coupon at time of order. No cash value. Management reserves all rights. May not be combined with any other offer. See bar host for details. VALID AT 11930 SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS PKWY. and 8255 W. FLAMINGO ROAD ONLY. Settle to 1581.

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Buy One Entree, Get One up to $5 OFF *Limit one discount per table. Must present original coupon at checkout. Cannot be combined with other offers. Single diners: Not applicable on 1/2 entrees and gets up to $2.50 off. Redeemable Dec. 24 - Dec. 30, 2017. Code: SUNDAY.

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week of december 24 By Rob Brezsny

TAURUS

ARIES

March 21-April 19 Your life in the first half of 2018 will be a psychological boot camp designed to beef up your emotional intelligence. Here’s another way to visualize your oncoming adventures: They will constitute a friendly nudge from the cosmos, pushing you to be energetic and ingenious in creating the kind of partnerships you want for the rest of your long life. Be on the lookout for glimpses of what your daily experience could be like in five years if you begin now to deepen your commitment to love and collaboration.

LEO

July 23-Aug. 22 If you’ve had an unfulfilled curiosity about genealogy, your ancestors or the riddles of your past, 2018 will be a favorable time to investigate. Outof-touch relatives will be easier to locate. Lost heirlooms, too. You may be able to track down and make use of a neglected legacy. Even family secrets could leak into view — both the awkward and the charming kinds. If you think you have everything figured out about the people you grew up with and your history, you’re in for surprises.

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec. 21 You can’t be delivered from an old demoralizing pattern that has repeated and repeated itself — until you forgive yourself completely. For that matter, you probably can’t move on to the next chapter of your life until you compensate yourself for at least some of the unnecessary torment you’ve inflicted on yourself. Now here’s the good news: 2018 will be an excellent time to accomplish these healings.

GEMINI

April 20-May 20 You’ll soon have a chance to glide out into the frontier. Pack your bag of tricks. Bring gifts with you, too, just in case you must curry favor in the frontiers where the rules are a bit loose. How are your improvisational instincts? Be sure they’re in top shape. How willing are you to summon spontaneity, deal with unpredictability and try impromptu experiments? Your explorations will position you well to take advantage of the opportunities that will become available throughout 2018.

May 21-June 20 These days, it’s not unusual to see male celebrities who shave their heads. But in the 20th century, the bareheaded style was rare. One famous case was actor Yul Brynner. By age 30, he’d begun to go bald and he shaved off all his hair. From then on, the naked-headed look became his trademark. So he capitalized on what many in his profession considered a liability. He built his power and success by embracing an apparent disadvantage. Practice your own version of this strategy in 2018.

horoscopes

the sunday dec. 24- dec. 30

CANCER

June 21-July 22 In the Northern Hemisphere, where 88 percent of the world’s population resides, this is a quiescent time for the natural world. Less sunlight is available, and plant metabolisms slow down as photosynthesis diminishes. Deciduous trees lose their leaves, and evergreens approach dormancy. Yet in the midst of this stasis, you are beginning to flourish. Gradually at first, but with increasing urgency, you’re embarking on an unprecedented phase of growth. As a result, 2018 will be your Year of Blossoming.

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

Aug. 23-Sept. 22

Sept. 23-Oct. 22

Oct. 23-Nov. 21

Most of us regard our ring fingers as the least important of our digits. Is there any activity for which they’re useful? But our ancestors had a stronger relationship with their fourth fingers. There was a belief that a special vein connected the fourth finger on the left hand directly to the heart. It’s an apt metaphor for one of 2018’s important themes: A resource you have underestimated or neglected will be especially valuable — and may even redefine your understanding of what’s truly valuable.

In fairy tales, characters often are rewarded for their acts of kindness. They may be given magical objects that serve as protection, or the blessings they receive may be lifeenhancing. A similar principle will be active in your life during 2018. You’ll find it easier and more natural to express kindness, empathy and compassion. If you consistently capitalize on this predilection, life will provide you with the resources you need.

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

Dec. 22-Jan. 19

In 2018, one of your primary missions will be to practice what you preach; to walk your talk; to be ambitious and masterful in all the ways a soulful human can and should be ambitious and masterful. Live up to your hype in the coming months. Do what you have promised. Stop postponing your dreams. Fulfill the noble expectations you have for yourself. Don’t be shy about using exclamation points to express your visions of what’s right and good and just.

What’s on your

Jan. 20-Feb. 18 An editor once counseled, “Always give priority to the big three: romance, money and power.” He was disgruntled by reading about psychological health and spiritual aspirations as much as his Big Three. Fortunately, that’s not relevant now, because 2018 will bring you chances to become more powerful by working hard on your psychological health, to grow wealthier by cultivating your spiritual aspirations, and to generate more love by being wise and ethical.

HORIZON? Visit our Horoscope section for weekly insight. For information on advertising, please contact Sandra Segrest at Sandra.Segrest@gmgvegas.com

Like all of us, you go through mediocre phases when you’re not functioning at peak efficiency. But in 2018, you will experience fewer of these blah times. We will see a lot of you at your best. Even more than usual, you’ll be an interesting catalyst who energizes and ripens collaborative projects. You’ll demonstrate why the sweet bracing brightness needs the deep, dark depths, and vice versa. You’ll help allies open doors they can’t open by themselves. The rest of us thank you in advance.

PISCES

Feb. 19-March 20 What binds you? What keeps you closed down and locked up? Ponder those questions. Once you get useful answers, the next step will be to meditate on how you can undo the binds. Fantasize and brainstorm about the specific actions you can take to unlock and unclose yourself. This project will be excellent preparation for the opportunities that the coming months will make available to you. 2018 will be your personal year of liberation.

the sunday DEC. 24- dec. 30

life

We want to hear from you Send your thoughts to news@thesunday.com

PREMIER CROSSWORD

“ON THE EVE” By frank longo

 top downloads of the week (as of dec. 21) songs on itunes

1 2 3 4 5

12/24/2017

Across 1 Will, in the Bible 6 Sang like a bird 13 Modify 19 Pages, e.g. 20 Stone Age tool 21 Simple shack 22 “Well ... hop to it!” 25 Pa’s ma 26 Mega-years 27 Big record label, once 28 Angers 30 “Hamlet” monologue exhortation 38 Singer DiFranco 39 Skeletal bit 40 Told fibs 41 Fancy resort 42 “Very sorry to hear that” 49 Skidded 51 Penn of film 52 Compass pt. 53 Divested (of) 55 Intl. cultural gp. 59 Like lambs 61 Voicing a question of curiosity 66 Bush barb 68 Misery 69 Battery size 70 Suffix with convert 71 Army sites 73 “Look ahead,” to a drill instructor 77 Wicked acts 78 Regarding 79 Downed 80 Charged bit 81 — Lauder 83 Was the right thing, but didn’t happen 88 Steeds 91 Set of seven 92 That dude’s 93 Ad about DUI, maybe 95 Just makes, with “out” 96 Prune a bit 98 Be published 103 — Moines 106 “Back in Black” band 108 Actress Poehler 109 Many a charity gp. 110 Poem that’s the source of the phrase comprising

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the first words of 22-, 30-, 42-, 61-, 73-, 83- and 98-Across 118 Viral GIF, e.g. 119 Sci-fi saucer 120 — Party 121 Cookie giant 123 Alternate title of 110-Across, with “The” 131 Director May 132 Shady giant 133 Island ring 134 Expunge 135 More diluted 136 Body of art?

48 “Fine fellow” 50 Paperboy, for one 54 Gorilla guru Fossey 56 Actress Leelee 57 Pick out from others 58 Some poems 60 Plural of “el” 62 Be in debt 63 Some votes 64 Zapping ER treatment 65 Silver of statistics 67 Neighbor of Belg. 71 Party 72 Netman Arthur 74 “Uh-huh” 75 Caviar base DOWN 76 Inseparable 1 Like cut wood 2 Pair of drum-kit cymbals 77 DDE’s WWII sphere 79 Chocoholic, e.g. 3 “A Bell for —” 82 Chinese port 4 Unleash on 84 Oahu patio 5 Airport org. flagging 85 Road, in Italy bags 6 Parody-filled newspaper 86 Seer’s “gift” 87 “Fresh Air” network 7 Gretzky of hockey 89 Dusk, to a bard 8 Brian of rock 90 Old Brit. Airways jet 9 School URL ender 10 “... — a puddy tat!” 94 More heartfelt 11 Orals, e.g. 97 PC file that’s shareable 12 Clear, as a windshield 99 Fathers 13 Boxing great 100 First-aid pro 14 Bear’s home 101 Writer Rand 15 Bender 102 Nanki- — (“The Mikado” 16 Not suited son) 17 Town that’s home to the 103 Block up University of Connecticut 104 Made level 18 Shredded 105 “Good as gold,” e.g. 23 Blitzen, e.g. 107 Mötley — 24 6’6”, say 111 “Love Story” author Erich 29 Brine source 112 “He’s a man — words” 31 Solo in films 113 Dinero 32 Mine find 114 “With this ring — wed” 33 Game aim 115 Keno’s kin 34 It aired “ER” 116 Knight’s mail 35 Hi- — (stereos) 117 Some pups 36 Caviar fish 122 Norway port 37 Suburb of Minneapolis 124 Make haste 42 “Umami” taste source 125 Blast stuff 43 “— -haw!” 44 Simply must keep going 126 Flying stinger 127 Apartment divs. 45 At variance 128 Archaic verb ending 46 Dr. Kildare player Ayres 129 Dernier — 47 “I heard him exclaim, — he drove out of sight ...” 130 Used a pew

without repeating. Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 through 4 (easy) or 1 through 6 (challenging)

The numbers within the heavily outlined boxes, called cages, must combine using the given operation (in any order) to produce the

target numbers in the top-left corners. Freebies: Fill in singlebox cages with the number in the top-left corner.

For answers to this week’s puzzles, go to Page 41

D I N N E R I DA N C I N G I C O C K TA I L S SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2017 6:00 PM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10:00 PM

Tickets are available for purchase at the Westgate Box Office for $150 each, plus applicable taxes and fees. Ticket purchase includes entrance to the cocktail hour, dinner and 9:00 pm countdown. Must be 21 or older to purchase tickets and attend the NYE 2018 party. No refunds or exchanges on tickets purchased. Space is limited. Please visit the Westgate Box Office for tickets and event details.