Sensi Magazine - Las Vegas (September 2019)

LAS VEGAS

THE NEW NORMAL

Culture reigns supreme in the land of glitz

HISTORICAL POSTS

Commemorating our past with signs

LOOKING BACK

One voice brings Vegas history to life

9.2019

sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 3

4 SEPTEMBER 2019 Las Vegas

ISSUE 9 // VOLUME 2 // 9.2019

FEATURES 32

SP EC IAL R EP OR T

Higher Ed

A college degree in cannabis is a real thing. And it’s a big sign the industry is legitimate.

38 Off the Road Again

Tales of an accidental RVer.

BIRDS IN THE SKY This bookstore goes twice as high.

#RVLIFE Traveling in this lane.

38

20

every issue 7 Editor’s Note 8 The Buzz 14 NewsFeed

SIGNS OF THE TIMES

16 TasteBuds

MELTING POT

20 LifeStyle

BEYOND REALITY

24 AroundTown

FUN FRIDAYS

28 HighProfile

HEART OF VEGAS

48 The Scene

CELEBATION WITH SHAQUILLE O’NEAL

50 HereWeGo

WATCHFUL EYE

Sensi magazine is published monthly by Sensi Media Group LLC. © 2019 SENSI MEDIA GROUP LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

ON THE COVER Photo by Emily Wilson Photography

sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 5

sensi magazine ISSUE9 / VOLUME 2 / 9.2019

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editor’s

NOTE

Yes, Las Vegas is a cultural destination with 114 years

of innovative architecture, enduring artistic creations, and musical icons throughout the years. Today, culture is expanding and

growing in southern Nevada as both locals and tourists enjoy more than neon lights, gaming, and strip clubs. Las Vegas combines the gaudy, sleazy, profound, original, urban, rural, and pioneering spirit into an artistic scene like no other in the world.

Culture is not just emerging in southern Nevada, but has always been an epicenter of the desert. Theater companies, operas, art galleries, orchestras, ballet, poetry slams, museums, dance groups, and musicians are celebrating decades of adding to the fabric of Vegas. Opera Las Vegas, Vegas City Opera, and Nevada

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with programs by the Nevada Ballet Company. Over 10 theater companies in Vegas dramatize life throughout the Valley. Art plays a vital role from street art to up-and-coming local talent to icons from the past. Local governments sponsor concerts and programs, while college and high schools entertain with young talent.

Art communicates. Rock, pop, rap, and classical music send a message. Visual imagery signifies expression. It is a chance to look at the world from a new perspective.

Culture embraces the soul of people, capturing the past, present, and future. Whether it was created in the 1800s, 1900s, or today, the interior face of society comes forward in creativity and those who embrace it.

Plan on attending a play, engaging in an exhibit, and taking pleasure in a performance in one of the most colorful, diverse, and expansive cities globally. Thank you for reading Sensi while we explore the world together.

Yours in the new normal,

Debbie Hall

M ANAG I NG E D I TO R SENSI LAS VEGAS

sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 7

A Woman’s Touch

Legends Barber Studio cuts barriers with female firsts.

Saleemah Abare continues to follow her dream, first becoming a master barber and then becoming the first female barber instructor in Nevada. Now she has opened Legends Barber Studio (LEGENDSBARBERSTUDIOLV.COM ) in downtown Las Vegas. When the opportunity came up to open her own shop, Abare decided to take the risk as another step in pursuing her next goal to open a school in Nevada.

Abare was first introduced to the barbershop when she would tag along with her brothers and enjoyed the artistry of their barber. However, Abare first attended college to pursue a career in nursing. Health care was not her passion, so she quit and moved to San Diego to learn and earn her barber’s license.

“Being a female in a male-dominated industry is tough, and to have a piece of history stem from something I fell in love with as a little girl is humbling. I am still wrapping my head around being the first female instructor in the state of Nevada. I hope my story will inspire other women to follow their dreams and never give up,” she says.

Abare enjoys operating her own shop while making her clients look amazing with her unique barber style. –Debbie Hall 616 Las Vegas Blvd. S.//Las Vegas // (702) 380-8177

Beauty Giant Grows

Lord Jones launches as the first CBD Brand in Sephora stores.

The new normal continues to grow and expand in retail. Lord Jones, which offers upscale CBD-infused products, launched as the first-ever CBD brand available in

Body Oil. Its newest product, the Lord Jones Royal Oil,

171 Sephora retail stores (SEPHORA.COM ). The launch at

will roll out to Sephora stores later this month. As a

Sephora brings the brand’s total US retail footprint to

brand of firsts, Lord Jones continues to destigmatize and

over 1,000 locations. Lord Jones High CBD Body Lotion

elevate cannabis.

and Lord Jones High CBD Body Oil are now available

Sephora was also a trailblazer in October 2018 when it

at Sephora Caesar’s Palace, Sephora Fashion Show, and

launched the Lord Jones CBD Formula Body Lotion as its

Sephora Miracle Mile in Las Vegas.

first CBD product on Sephora.com. The product sold out in

Lord Jones cult favorite skincare products incorporate the Lord Jones Body Lotion and Lord Jones Formula 8 SEPTEMBER 2019 Las Vegas

its first week. Lord Jones Royal Oil has already become one of the top five oils at Sephora since its introduction.

–DH

sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 9

Visual Disruption

Graffiti has transformed from vandalism to an art genre, including street art, and Las Vegas has become a canvas, sometimes for a fleeting moment. The underground movement morphed into the public eye with styles including abstraction and imagery. Street Art Las Vegas, published by Smallworks Press (SMALLWORKSPRESS.COM ), captures the spirit of the artists through photography.

Murals embrace surfaces on Fremont Street calling out to locals and tourists to explore this style. In the 18b district, artworks explode on walls and in alleyways. The small voices that are not heard communicate with expressions of art in the tunnels running underneath the city.

Photographers William Shea and Patrick Lai have compiled the photo essay in a beautiful book documenting art that could be lost to the elements or time. The artwork is recorded using 252 high-quality photos from all around the valley and the Life is Beautiful festival.

“Originally, I was working on urban photography,” explains Shea. “The photos came out so beautifully, and I realized that nobody has ever written a book about street art in Las Vegas.”

Artists bloom in Southern Nevada and reach out through colors, styles, and bold statements. This art will live on even if the buildings are torn down or walls are painted over.

–DH

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The wearable clip is designed for active lifestyles and can be comfortably worn during the day and while sleeping.

The LI4 between the thumb and index finger has been used for thousands of years to provide natural headache and tension relief as well as promote the body’s natural energy. In fact, it’s one of the most potent acupressure points on your body. In Western medicine, doctors sometimes suggest getting a hand massage or gently applying pressure to the area between your thumb and index 10 SEPTEMBER 2019 Las Vegas

–DH

PHOTO BY DANIELLE KLEBANOW PHOTOGRAPHY

Street Art Las Vegas captures creativity in photographic images.

History In The Making

Public invited to learn what Nevada can extract from cannabis. // September 14

The Friends of Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas (NSMLV.ORG ) will offer a series of public events to highlight Nevada history in the making. The Nevada State Museum will become the gathering place for the southern Nevada Community.

“What Can Nevada Extract from Cannabis?” will bring together a panel of noted individuals to discuss how the legalized cannabis industry continues to affect the state. The panel’s discussion will take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 14 at the museum. Admission to the event is free, but seating is limited.

Journalist Jon Ralston, founder and director of The Nevada Independent, will moderate the panel. Participants include Ruth Fisher, who has a doctorate in economics; Chris Giunchigliani, a former state legislator and member of the Nevada Marijuana Advisory Panel; Mowgli Holmes, who has a doctorate in microbiology and immunology; John Norman, who has a doctorate in biochemistry; and Brandon Weigand, chief compliance officer for The+Source Dispensaries. A number of the panelists are affiliated with cannabis research or the cannabis industry in other states.

On Oct. 26, “Nevada’s Governing Principals: List, Miller & Sandoval Look Back,” will be held at the museum. Robert List (1979–1983), Bob Miller (1989–1999), and Brian Sandoval (2011–2019) will share their experiences as well as their current views on topics that affect Nevada.

–DH sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 11

Revere The Fry

Bite into Frites in Vegas’ first fry-centric hotspot.

French fries—those delicious cuts of potato fried to perfection—transcend the snack zone, becoming elevated to Frites (FRITESLASVEGAS.COM ), the first-ever French fry concept on the Las Vegas Strip. The uniquely cut fries are prepared in the richness of beef tallow to create the ultimate crispy perfection.

Frites is short for pommes frites, meaning snack, but the selections at Frites Las Vegas is so much more. Whether for a meal or to share, savory or sweet, explore the menu. Breakfast dishes include sausage gravy Frites with breakfast sausage on top of stubby Frites fries and smothered with black-pepper gravy. House Frites adds an egg on top of original or truffle fries. Original Frites Fry satisfies that snack urge, or explore the menu of Frites Meals, including Castle Frites, Chips ‘N Dip, Sausage Gravy Frites, and Nacho Frites, House Pumps with specialty sauces enhance the meal.

As for dessert, root beer floats quench thirst while sweet churro-style crinkle-cut sweet potato fries topped with whipped malted Nutella cream (made with coconut oil) gratify any sweet tooth. Drinks include bubbly sodas and water.

Spoor pulled a mighty sword from an enormous potato, celebrating the knight-themed Excalibur Hotel & Casino.

–DH

Frites Las Vegas // Excalibur Hotel & Casino // 3850 Las Vegas Blvd. S. // Castle Walk Food Court 12 SEPTEMBER 2019 Las Vegas

PHOTOS BY DAVID BECKER

Frites Las Vegas opened spectacularly when Frites Founder Lincoln

sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 13

{newsfeed }

by B R I A N PA C O A LVA R E Z

OF THE TIMES A piece of Las Vegas History gets remuddled.

The year 2012 was an epic turning point in the cultural his-

chitectural and commercial vernacular, its vaunted neon

tory of Las Vegas. That year, the Entertainment Capital of the

signs. This important cultural institution saves the essence

World witnessed the single biggest investment in the history

of what sets Las Vegas apart from the rest of the world.

of the cultural arts in Nevada with the opening of The Smith

Though no one in Las Vegas discovered the noble gas neon,

Center for the Performing Arts for $470 million. In addition,

nor did the city have the honor of hosting the first neon

the city opened two long-awaited attractions, the National

sign, what it did do is allow human imagination to create

Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement (The Mob

signs that were so large, so fabulous, and so over-the-top

Museum) and the Neon Museum. These new attractions

that Las Vegas and neon became virtually synonymous.

would finally cement Las Vegas as an important cultural cen-

The competition for customer attention by hotels, ca-

ter in the region and announce to the world that Las Vegas

sinos, and even motels was so fierce at one time that, in

is more than a gaming destination. It is a community with a

many instances, the neon signs eclipsed the very estab-

historic sense of place, with a vibrant cultural arts scene and

lishments they were meant to advertise. Sign companies

a robust Western ethos based on the ability to survive and

like YESCO used their prowess in the sign-making industry

thrive in the inhospitable place that is the Mojave Desert.

to make ever taller and more complex signs. It was YESCO

Every one of these three cultural pillars that opened the

that invented the “Neon Spectacular,” which was meant to

same year had humble beginnings rooted in Las Vegas his-

create a unified façade to many casinos on Fremont Street

tory. The Smith Center celebrates the Art Deco Streamline

by expanding their footprints with the buildings immediate-

Moderne architecture of Hoover Dam, The Mob Museum

ly adjacent to them. This led to Fremont Street being given

educates visitors about an era in Las Vegas history when

the moniker Glitter Gulch. Not just casinos, hotels, and mo-

made men who made money were as common as apple

tels got into the neon sign craze, but so did many business-

pie. But it’s the Neon Museum that single-handedly plays

es that were on or off the Strip. Shopping centers like the

the pivotal role in preserving Las Vegas’s most famous ar-

Lawless Center in North Las Vegas, with its distinct googie

14 SEPTEMBER 2019 Las Vegas

design, medical offices, gas stations, soda shops, cafes, and even dry cleaners, had to have neon.

Though time, the rise of urban design standards, new architecture styles, and technology would see the demise of the neon sign, luckily there are several classic examples left in Las Vegas from that bygone era. Thanks to the efforts of the Neon Museum and a few intrepid collectors, many historic neon signs have been saved.

But there are many left in the landscape in danger of either being torn down, dismantled, or worse, being taken apart and repurposed. The recent “rebranding” of the Somerset Shopping Center sign painted over as a restaurant sign, has chipped away at our history. The sign was originally installed in 1967 on Convention Center Drive and, as the last starburst-style sign left in Las Vegas, is now lost.

In the last month alone, I have personally identified six historic neon signs that were or are in imminent danger of being lost. Those signs are the Tod Motor Motel, The Strip Centre sign, the tall Monterey Motel sign, the smaller Monterey Motel sign (which was recently taken down), and the Somerset Shopping Center. The sixth sign is the Rummel Motel, which for several years, I tried to bring attention to its plight, but my pleas not taken seriously. I finally sent a text a few weeks ago to a city official who acted quickly and saved it.

Looking back at the time and effort I have made to help preserve the last vestiges of my hometown’s past, it really takes a village of concerned citizens to act diligently and deliberately to help spearhead the change that is needed. Efforts by the Las Vegas Historic Preservation Commission, the Centennial Commission, the Nevada Preservation Foundation, the State Historic Preservation Office, UNLV Special Collections, the Clark County Museum, the Springs Preserve, the Nevada State Museum, the Junior League of Las Vegas, the Mormon Fort, the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, the Las Vegas News Bureau and, of course, the Neon Museum have made considerable strides in saving our history.

At the end of the day, it is those who care who need to keep a vigilant eye when they see a potential threat that could wipe away a historical artifact in a matter of minutes. What happened to the Somerset Shopping Center should give us pause, because it should have never happened, especially in a city that is finally beginning to recognize the economic benefits of preserving and celebrating these important landmarks that will help bring Las Vegas’s cultural and heritage travelers of the future.

sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 15

{tastebuds }

by D E B B I E H A L L

Fergusons Downtown

1028 Fremont Street //Las Vegas //(702) 268-8939

MELTING POT

PHOTO CREDIT

Hatsumi celebrates the diversity of Japanese cuisine.

16 SEPTEMBER 2019 Las Vegas

Japanese cuisine is a culinary adventure, with many styles inspired by many regions. Chef Daniel Krohmer brings robata izakaya dining with a yakitori bar to Vegas with Hatsumi (HATSUMILV.COM ) at Fergusons Downtown. Krohmer takes his cues from his experiences working and traveling in Japan to create a menu that includes plates, snacks, and skewers. Hatsumi features an expanded beer and wine list and a full bar with an extensive cocktail menu and the largest sake program downtown.

“I THINK IN AMERICAN CULTURE, IT WOULD BE GOOD FOR US TO SLOW DOWN. WE ARE USED TO HAVING SO MANY THINGS AT ONE TIME INSTEAD OF FOCUSING ON ONE THING AND PERFECTING IT.” —Chef Daniel Krohmer

The yakitori bar is fashioned after traditional Japanese omote-

“I think in American culture, it would be good for us to slow down. We are used to having so many things at one time instead of focusing on one thing and perfecting it,” says Krohmer. “I am also introducing items to get people to try a diversity of cuts, including hearts, livers, kidneys, and tongue, which I think is important to offer.”

Robata or robatayaki is a method of cooking food at varying speeds over hot charcoal. Yakitori specializes in grilling all parts of the chicken. Irori is a traditional Japanese open hearth used for grilling.

Japanese street food snacks will

nashi-style hospitality believed to invoke subliminal hap-

also be on the menu, and there will be many options for veg-

piness. Moving into a linear space that was once motel

ans, vegetarians, and other dietary concerns. Plates include

rooms, Hatsumi will focus on robata and irori grilling.

gyoza (pork crunchy rayu, and ginger soy), beef tataki (crunchy

Krohmer has seen the gentrification of Japanese restau-

rayu, ponzu, oroshi), lomi lomi (fish of the day, red onion, cher-

rants in the US, where they are expected to offer sushi,

ry tomato, chili ponzul), and suckling pig, (kimchi, turnip, napa

teriyaki, and ramen on one menu. In Japan, smaller restau-

cabbage, yamaimo kimchi and cucumber, daikon).

rants focus on one menu item. One could first walk into

Try snacks, including edamame (soybeans, sea salt),

a ramen place, and then another place serving eel bowls.

miso soup (dashi broth, tofu), spicy pickled okra, and cured

The yakitori bar would offer 12 to 15 seats with patrons

vegetables (miso marinated). Skewers combine a vari-

enjoying the communal table.

ety of bite-sized ingredients with chicken skin, chicken

sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 17

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many explore the different areas, including outside of the Fremont Street Experience and Fremont East. Local clientele consists of musicians, artists, government officials, and even Nicolas Cage, a Vegas resident.

Krohmer’s path to chef and restaurateur started when he dropped out of college. “I have always loved Japanese food, especially sushi, so I started working in a sushi bar when I was 18,” says Krohmer. “At that time, there were rock ‘n’ roll sushi bars, and it was getting crazy. I decided to move to Japan for a couple of years to focus on more traditional styles of cuisine.”

He was mentored in the art of hospitality and cooking.

Krohmer always remembers that eating out is more than eating; it should be an experience. After moving around to different restaurants, he traveled with and catered for bands and musicians, including Godsmack, Taylor Swift, and Ed Sheeran, to venues such as Coachella.

Now he has put down roots, with two of his three restaurants open and growing produce on his farm in Pahrump, Nevada. Diversity takes root in food and comradery.

wing, chicken heart, chicken liver, pork belly, shishito, and bacon-wrapped tomato.

As for the location, Krohmer lives downtown and believes in the commitment and investment by Tony Hseih and the Downtown Project. Hatsumi fits with the art, culture, and community and is honored to be part of the group for the regeneration of Fergusons Downtown.

Co-founder and creative strategist of Fergusons Downtown Jen Taler says: “With our ethos of being rooted in the community and celebrating and highlighting local talent, Fergusons is beyond honored and excited to team up with local chef Dan Krohmer and his vision for Hatsumi and La Monjá. To be able to bring such talent to downtown Las Vegas is extremely exciting and supports everything we stand for. Not only are we already craving the quality and delicious cuisine that Dan will bring to the neighborhood, but we also love that he is dedicated to highlighting his talented team and chefs, a value that is so important to the Fergusons brand and community.”

Krohmer also sees a broader demographic in his restaurant, which serves many tourists. Visitors are savvy about finding hidden gems and unique places in Vegas, and sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 19

{lifestyle }

by D E B B I E H A L L

The Writer’s Block

519 S. 6th St. // Las Vegas (702) 550-6399 // THEWRITERSBLOCK.ORG

BEYOND REALITY Despite closures of independent and chain bookstores

“We have both been lifelong readers, and I don’t think I

and the predictions of the end of printed books, there is a

am alone, generationally [as a millennial], speaking in feel-

change as printed words in books still resonate. The Writ-

ing that books can offer something you can’t do digitally,”

er’s Block has taken the best elements and reinvented the

says Cohen. “I still think it is easier and more pleasurable

rest as it opens a literary world in downtown Las Vegas.

to read a print book. Navigating a print book is cognitively

The gleaming white building, part of The Lucy cultural

more satisfying. I can find my place and mark up a book,

center, beckons with promises of coffee, pastries, an arti-

which is more tactile. I believe people crave that today

ficial bird sanctuary, a live rabbit, and so many books! Lo-

now that things are becoming increasingly digital.”

cal authors, reissued classic titles, obscure finds, and the latest fill the shelves.

People who are interested in reading books tend to be interested in slowing down while holding and touching

Co-owned by married couple Drew Cohen and Scott

something. Another important aspect is that the reading

Seeley, along with Beverly Rogers, the business is de-

experience circumscribes and is separate from reading

signed around the couple’s love of books.

done digitally to communicate professionally or socially.

20 SEPTEMBER 2019 Las Vegas

STORE PHOTOS BY EMILY WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY

Step into the literary world of The Writer’s Block.

“When you read a book, it won’t be interrupted by a pop-up notification,” Cohen laughs.

ited their vision. One of the most demanded features asked by customers was to sell coffee. The size of the new building

Cohen enjoys backlist releases that remain favorites

as a blank slate when they entered the project with Rogers,

throughout time. He has a passion for classic literature, and

along with the fact it was already zoned for food service, al-

“because Vegas doesn’t have the same saturation in the

lowed them the opportunity to offer this component.

bookselling market like New York City, it is so important to

“We are fortunate to collaborate with Michelle Watts

have those classics on the shelves, which are some of our

as our coffee shop manager, and she has taken enor-

best sellers.” Some of the authors include Kurt Vonnegut and

mous responsibility designing the menu and taking care

Albert Camus, and many young readers want to begin their

of the business,” says Cohen. Pastries from wholesalers

reading journey with classic books by well-known authors.

and Rooster Boy are also offered, and soon, bird-shaped

All the books are new, even reissued titles. More bargain titles will be available; they’re also new, but are being liquidated by the publisher, so they can be discounted.

cookies will be available.

As for the bird theme, it isn’t a literary reference, and they’re not bird people. They just think artificial birds look

New board games, gel pens, glasses, stationery, fountain

cool, and the theme organically developed, along with an

pens, and gift items are also scattered around the store for

indoor/outdoor tree concept to match. Now, all the birds

purchase. Unique products that are best sellers include stat-

are named for “autobirographgies”, and people can “adopt”

utes based on Hieronymus Bosch medieval allegorist paint-

them. The checkout is “enclosed” in a 16-foot-tall birdcage.

ings. Another hit with customers are 4D anatomy models of

Cohen and Seeley are cat people, but because some cus-

animal figurines that display the inside of their bodies.

tomers have allergies along with other concerns, the store

Cohen and Seeley developed The Writer’s Block as a place

pet is The Baron, a rabbit rescued from a shelter. Most peo-

they would want to shop and spend time. Their first store, on

ple don’t interact with rabbits daily, so the rabbit offers the

Fremont Street, offered only a third of the space, which lim-

right amount of interesting and dramatic (and is contained).

sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 21

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“We’ve been [living in Vegas] for six years, and we love it here. It is weirdly eccentric but has a clear vision of what it is about.”

—Drew Cohen, The Writer’s Block

Giving back to the community, free creative writing class-

at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Check the web-

es for children are part of its terrain with project-based

site and Facebook page (FB.COM/THEWRITERSBLOCKLV ) for

workshops for ages 5 through 8. During the school year,

upcoming events.

the shop fills during weekends with creative young minds

Seeley used his expertise to design the space with

who leave with a book, movie, or CD they created. Writing

green, floating offices. Parking is available behind the

becomes tangible for them with a finished project. Free

building and surrounding streets (free parking on Bonne-

field trips for second to fifth grades students to create and

ville Avenue). While the original location was in the heart

take home picture books are also offered.

of downtown, this building is more accessible and still part

Book clubs and signings are also part of the culture, as well as a partnership with the Black Mountain Institute

of downtown but connected with the residents and other surrounding businesses.

Growing up in suburban New York, minutes from an independent bookstore, Cohen loved to spend time there but never planned to make it his path in life. His husband, Seeley, was working in literary non-for-profits with a design, retail, and educational background. It was through the Downtown Project that they pitched their idea of a combination book-

PHOTO OF DREW COHEN BY DEBBIE HALL

store and center for children to learn about books.

“People in our demographics are leaving New York City and Los Angeles to medium-sized cities that have a better standard of living and more opportunity. We have been here for six years, and we love it here. It is home,” Cohen says. “It is weirdly eccentric but has a clear vision of how people should be treated and what it is about.”

The digital world could be considered all encompassing or invasive. But printed words in books still resonate as The Writer’s Block creates a new literary world. sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 23

{aroundtown }

by D E B B I E H A L L

First Friday

1025 S 1st St. // Las Vegas // FFFLV.ORG

FUN FRIDAY The arts district becomes the epicenter of culture,

within the Fun Zone for children to embrace and express

art, music, and discovery with the community gathering

through a creative message. The party atmosphere ex-

known as First Friday. As the festival continues its 17-

tends to the Arts Factory, Art Square, and downtown, es-

year growth pattern, diversity is explored and embraced

pecially Fremont Street East, and moves along Las Vegas

while pushing away boundaries.

Boulevard.

Music fills the night as the crowd explores emerging and

An innovation by the foundation began in April 2018

established artists; the aroma from food trucks entices

with the emergence of HempWay, created by HempWay

while Hempway intrigues guests. Families come together

founder Joey Vanas. Located on the corner of Boulder Way

24 SEPTEMBER 2019 Las Vegas

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FIRST FRIDAY

First Friday ignites creativity to bring people together.

and 1st Street, HempWay is dedicated to breaking down barriers, educating, and offering a creative platform to open a conversation about the hemp movement, as well as remove the stigma of medicinal and adult-use recreational cannabis.

“Hemp is a sustainable plant to help sustain the planet.

The material can be fashioned to make clothing, including

“IT IS REALLY INCREDIBLE, THE INCLUSIVITY THAT HAPPENS DURING FIRST FRIDAY, THE LOCAL COMMUNITY GATHERING, AND THE SUPPORT OF THE YOUNG, EMERGING ARTISTS.” —Corey Fagan, Development Director

shoes. Balms are developed for skincare, and there are so many other uses,” says development director Corey Fagan. The runway at HempWay features clothing made exclusively from hemp during its fashion shows held during

raising money and awareness with his performances.

First Friday. Another favorite is the pet talent shows, giv-

Chloe J (formerly Chloe Jones) started performing during

ing pooches a chance to win a basket full of CBD goodies.

First Friday when she was six years old. Six years later, she

Musicians and speakers are also celebrated, sharing mu-

is with Hollywood Access recording her first single. Chloe

sic and knowledge on the HempWay stage.

has grown in her confidence and skill in attending and per-

More music fills the main stage with local artists and

forming every festival.

different genres. The city has donated the use of the City

Artist Izaac Zevalking curates art and brings interactive

Stage six times a year, with amazing acoustics and reach-

painting for those who want to explore their own creativity.

es in the area to bring bigger acts to the festival. Pop-

Alex Huerta, a mixed-media visual artist, has been partici-

up stages, including Diego Morales and the sound of his

pating in the festival since its beginning when he attended

beautiful saxophone, populate the festival. Morales has

the very first First Friday, which would change his life.

been playing during First Friday since he was 12 years old

“It is really incredible, the inclusivity that happens during

and has never missed a single First Friday event. His entire

First Friday, the local community gathering, and the sup-

family attends every First Friday to support him, and he is

port of the young, emerging artists,” says Fagan. sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 25

26 SEPTEMBER 2019 Las Vegas

There are so many options to tantalize taste buds with the First Friday culinary experience offering delicious choices from over 45 delicious food vendors. Main Street celebrates its reemergence with places to eat and drink, including Jammyland, Makers & Finders, ReBar, Hop Nuts Brewing, and Velveteen Rabbit.

While rideshare is an option, for those driving, First Friday has partnered with the city of Las Vegas to open its city hall parking garage (500 S. Main St.) for $5. The covered garage offers a safe place to park, so you are not stuck walking or driving in dirt lots filled with debris, including nails and glass. Hop on the free Downtown Loop shuttle for service to the event from 5 p.m. to midnight.

Sin City Cycle Cab, a pedicab business, will also drop off and pick up from the City Hall parking garage to 1st Street and Hoover Avenue with rides from downtown Las Vegas to First Friday from 5 p.m. to midnight.

First Friday started as a dream of bringing people together to become a force in changing the landscape of the city. It is a nonprofit foundation with a mission never to charge admission and to continue creating platforms for emerging artists. The price for a space to exhibit work remains $100 and, many times, the cost might be waived.

The fee has not been raised in over six years.

Outreach extends past the art district with its newest

campaign, First Friday Everyday.

“We go out into the community to build gardens in senior daycare centers, paint murals, and teach garden projects in schools. In our school district, the foundation creates and judges contests for art, posters, and essays

FIRST FRIDAY GALA SURREAL will be held at the Industrial on November 21 with a theme to dress representing the artwork of Salvador Dali. The fundraiser will support continuing programs for First Friday Everyday. Save the date and start planning that outrageous, artistic, creative outfit.

by students and awards stipends to the winners. The foundation offers free space for local, young artists to showcase their work and stages for young musicians to perform,” explains Fagan.

A partnership has also been developed with the Children’s Discovery Museum in The Smith Center. With an estimated $70,000 cut from the art budget for the Clark County School District, First Friday brings art and culture to several Title 1 schools. The foundation pays for the buses for the field trip to the museum.

As people discover downtown or return after years of staying away, a positive economic impact is created as businesses downtown grow and thrive.

First Friday will “constantly and emphatically seek, discover, inspire, and explore creativity in all its forms and ignite the creative spirit that exists within, and defines us all, as human.” sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 27

{highprofile }

by D E B B I E H A L L

Alvarez explores the dichotomy of southern Nevada superimposing color against its nature landscape. PHOTO BY TIM TRAD

HEART

OF VEGAS Brian Paco Alvarez embodies the spirit of Vegas.

28 SEPTEMBER 2019 Las Vegas

Las Vegas epitomizes the American dream of a free land

conception) reads like the plot of a story about the Ameri-

populated by a diverse culture encompassing all aspects

can Dream. In 1960, Alvarez’s Aunt Glara fell in love with a

of life. Las Vegas native Brian Paco Alvarez represents

Rhodes Scholar and Air Force pilot stationed in Argentina

the best of southern Nevada with passion, expertise, and

who was tragically killed after they met. Glara felt an ob-

leadership, along with a bigger-than-life persona.

ligation to return his personal effects to his family, so she

His accomplishments, work history, and projects would

made the journey to Miami and fell in love with the US.

have to be compiled in book form as Alvarez has explored,

She eventually moved to Las Vegas for the opportunity

contributed, and curated in the areas of art, culture, and

the city offered.

history of his home. His current incarnation includes being

Alvarez’s father first arrived in the country in 1967 at

an entrepreneur, graduate student in the Urban Leadership

the urging of his sister Glara, but he chose to settle in New

program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and expe-

York City, working as a waiter throughout the region. His

riential exhibitions curator consultant. But that is merely

father’s first nudging to move west was an invitation to

scratching the surface of Alvarez’s drive to preserve and

meet Jack Entratter, known for operating the Copacabana

celebrate all that is Nevada, especially Las Vegas.

nightclub and the Sands Hotel and Casino it its heyday. Al-

“I liken Las Vegas to a Jackson Pollack painting.

We see where the first bucket of paint was thrown, but there is still is a lot of white space to fill in.”

—Brian Paco Alvarez

A new way to share his wealth of knowledge is his lat-

varez’s father arrived in Las Vegas with $1,000, blew his

est business endeavor, Fabulous Story Tours (on Face-

money on gambling, and traveled back to New York, never

book). After being approached by ETA Transportation

meeting Entratter.

three years ago, Alvarez created an upscale, luxury tour

When he returned to New York City, his father met his

in air-conditioned coaches in 2017. Various tours are de-

mother, who is also from Argentina. The big glitch at the time

signed for those who want to learn the well researched,

was that his father is Catholic, and his mother is Jewish, a

in-depth, entertaining history of Las Vegas from a local’s

significant obstacle in the 1960s but not a factor in their love.

perspective.

“I had a great childhood. My parents lived in Vegas when

“It is very unique with a different approach. My tours

it was glamorous,” Alvarez says. “My father worked in the

fill a different niche from other tour companies,” Alvarez

showrooms and opened up the original MGM in 1973

says. On certain tours, he includes background on neigh-

when my mother was pregnant with me. Ironically, I would

borhoods, schools, cultural centers, and other areas for

end up opening the new MGM years later.”

those looking to relocate.

At the time of his birth, the Argentine colony was devel-

His second project began when Alvarez was approached

oping in the area now known as the Fruit Loop, a cluster

to curate art for commercial properties, and he started

of LGBTQ nightclubs and businesses on Naples Street and

Alvarez Art Advisors. “I have done consulting before, but

Paradise Road. “I like to pride myself as probably the only

now it is a business,” he says.

gay man with a birth certificate that shows I was born in

As with all things Alvarez, his journey to Vegas (before

the Fruit Loop,” Alvarez laughs. sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 29

30 SEPTEMBER 2019 Las Vegas

Loving the desert and the city’s history, Alvarez was at a crossroads about what career to pursue as a young adult.

He worked on the Strip for three years, and while attending college to enter the hospitality industry, Alvarez discovered anthropology through an elective course taught

by Dr. Kevin Rafferty.

“Anthropology, history, and archeology are interesting since it is all about studying the material culture left behind by society,” Alvarez explains. Many anthropologists study the last vestiges of the tribal level societies around the world. Historians delve into old documents and then research how that knowledge applies today. But the reality is, there is very little income to be earned in social sciences unless you’re part of academia. “But there is more to life than making money. I was able to parlay my bachelor’s degree in anthropology, along with taking museum study courses at UNLV, to learn about the documents saved by Bob Coffin written by the founders of this city. To be one of the first people to hold the original bill of sale for the city of Las Vegas, I was inspired to study its history.”

In the late 1990s, one of Alvarez’s many college projects

Curious Curator Alvarez is the founding curator of the Las Vegas News Bureau Photo and Film Archives, a unit of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority; interim curator of the Neon Museum, Curator of the City of Las Vegas Office of Cultural Affairs Las Vegas Centennial Project; Curator of the Hispanic Museum of Nevada; and Collections Manager of the Liberace Museum.

Curatorial projects include the Siegfried and Roy Costume Collection, Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas Redevelopment Agency’s Historic 5th Street School, L. Maynard Galleries and have consulted on overseas projects in London. In 2008, he curated the Beneath the Neon exhibition based on the book by the same name, authored by Matthew O’Brien.

Alvarez has served as a trustee to the Nevada Test Site Historical Foundation, US Senate Curatorial Committee, board member of the Contemporary Arts Center of Las Vegas, the Hispanic Museum of Nevada, the Nevada Museums Association, 18b Arts District Association, Preserve Nevada and Chairman of the Liberace Foundation for the Performing & Creative Arts. In addition, he has served as a member of the City of Las Vegas Arts Commission and RTC Art in Transit Advisory Council.

included curating an exhibition about the 10 city founders.

Years later, Alvarez was hired by the city of Las Vegas Office of Cultural Affairs to recreate this project for its centennial.

“My life has been about coming full circle in multiple ways,” he says. “Part of this is that Las Vegas has gone through an evolution during its 114 years of history. There is a misconception that this is not a real city, but we have a thriving culture, not to mention we are a microcosm of society.”

A good example to demonstrate the veracity of Las Vegas is the city of Goldfield, which was the largest city in the state of Nevada in 1905 when Las Vegas was founded. The original motto for Vegas was “the gateway to the Gold Fields.” Today, less than 900 people live in Esmerelda County (where Goldfield is located), while over 2 million people call the Southern Nevada metropolitan area home.

“Las Vegas has evolved multiple times as a city,” Alvarez says. “I liken Las Vegas to a Jackson Pollack painting. We see where the first bucket of paint was thrown, but there is still is a lot of white space to fill in.”

Alvarez’s mission for art, culture, and history is to “politely correct when needed, inform, and educate the next generation. Look at our past, live in the present, and always prepare to look forward to our future.” sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 31

SPEC IAL REPORT

Higher Education A college degree in cannabis is a real thing.

And it’s a big sign the industry is legitimate.

by S T E P H A N I E W I L S O N

32 SEPTEMBER 2019 Las Vegas

Full disclosure: WHEN I WAS GETTING MY DEGREE IN JOURNALISM FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS, AMHERST, I NEVER ONCE IMAGINED THAT I’D PUT IT TO USE ONE DAY IN THE LEGAL CANNABIS INDUSTRY. ALTHOUGH, TECHNICALLY, I’M NOT IN THAT INDUSTRY TODAY. As the editor in chief of this magazine, I oversee a team

job market for the cannabis industry. The research found

of editors making a series of city lifestyle magazines

that between December 2017 and December 2018, the

covering markets across the country. Those magazines,

number of job listings increased by 76 percent, covering

like the one you’re reading now, appeal to advertisers in

highly diverse roles, from marketing to retail to research

the cannabis industry—companies eager to reach you,

to agriculture to technology, logistics, and law. It con-

dear reader, and introduce you to their newly legal and

cludes that “workers with higher education and skills in

therefore probably newly launched brand.

fields as varied as marketing, horticulture, and logistics

But technically, I don’t work in cannabis. My job is

will only be more desirable as the industry grows.”

indirectly related, my company ancillary. But it’s still

Even now, those skills are in high demand. Cannabis

part of a growing stat, a field that just a few years ago

industry employers struggle to find qualified applicants

didn’t exist but now is the fastest growing industry in

to fill specific roles that require specialized knowledge—

the US. There are more than 211,000 Americans working

broad-based understanding and highly specific skills.

There are now more legal cannabis industry workers than dental hygienists in the United States. full-time in the booming industry, directly employed in

Reacting to that employer demand, schools in the US

cannabis. When ancillary jobs such as mine are taken

are stepping up, introducing cannabis curriculum to

into account, that becomes 296,000.

help prepare students to enter the $14-billion-and-rising

That means in the US there are now more legal can-

global industry as trained professionals. From certifi-

nabis industry workers than dental hygienists. Than

cate programs to master’s degrees, with everything in

brewery workers (69,000) and coal miners (52,000) and

between, higher learning is here.

textile manufacturers (112,000). These figures come from

The first four-year undergraduate degree dedicated to

a March 2019 special report by cannabis website Leafly

teaching students about the cannabis industry was intro-

with consultancy Whitney Economics, which looked at

duced fall 2017 at Northern Michigan University, under

the stats the US Bureau of Labor Statistics won’t touch,

the innocuously titled Medicinal Plant Chemistry. Derek

given that cannabis is still illegal on a federal level. But

Hall, a spokesperson for NMU, says Professor Brandon

that isn’t stopping it from booming growth, decreased

Canfield suggested the idea for a medicinal plant chem-

stigma, and skyrocketing interest from all sides.

istry degree program after attending a conference. “He

As of September 2019, 11 states and Washington, DC have

came back thinking it was a place for us to step in. On

legalized cannabis for adult-use, and 34 more have legalized

the one side, you have the growers, and on the other side

medical use in some capacity. Legal cannabis sales in 2018

you have the users. In between, you have a chemistry lab

topped $10.8 billion. The job market is heating up, and the

measuring compounds—how much and what is being

demand for educated employees grows higher every day.

used. Those are the people we are interested in.”

It’s a wide-ranging industry, and there are a lot of career

The degree program offers two different tracks: bio-an-

paths one could take within it. Beyond the obvious—dis-

alytical and entrepreneurial. The program description

pensary manager, budtender, grower, trimmer—there are

mentions that the additional focus means graduates will

a ton of opportunities in the field. Career website Glass-

not only be qualified to perform the instrumental analy-

door released a report earlier this year on the state of the

sis in a laboratory, but “will also be empowered to build sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 33

34 SEPTEMBER 2019 Las Vegas

their own testing laboratory, dispensary, and growing

up for the program in the fall of 2017, when it opened

operation from the ground up.”

to grads and undergrads. A year later, there were 225.

When the school announced the program, it wasn’t ex-

“We’re pulling in students from all over the country.”

pecting much interest, but it proved to be quite a viral

Minot State in North Dakota introduced a similar pro-

topic. Hall says a lot of people were looking for a cre-

gram this year, making it only the second college to offer

dential to help them get into the cannabis industry. “We

a four-year degree program specializing in cannabis. In

fielded a ton of calls from people who were serious about

the Rocky Mountain region, Colorado State University,

it. One interesting thing is we had a lot of students who

Pueblo, offers a minor in Cannabis Studies, with courses

said, ‘My parents suggested it.’ A lot of others said they

focused on cannabis and its social, legal, historical, po-

knew people who had benefited from the medicine.”

litical, and health-related impact on society. The degree

It’s a very demanding program. “The heavy chemistry

brochure mentions that “as part of a Hispanic Serving

requirements are mind-boggling. Kids who are there are

Institution, there is an emphasis on understanding and

very, very serious,” Hall says. About 20 people signed

appreciating the impact cannabis has had on the Chicano/Chicana community and other regional populations of the Southwestern United States.”

In New York, SUNY Morrisville is introducing a Cannabis Industry minor this fall semester that combines courses in agricultural science, horticulture, and business programs. It also includes hands-on instruction in cultivating cannabis plants with less than 0.3 percent THC, thanks to the school’s license to grow hemp.

In June 2019, University of Maryland announced the

“On the one side, you have the growers, and on the other side you have the users. In between, you have a chemistry lab measuring compounds…

Those are the people we are interested in.”

country’s first postgraduate program in the field, a mas-

—Derek Hall, Northern Michigan University

ational and/or medical purposes.” The university, along

ter’s of science in Cannabis Science and Therapeutics.

Associate degrees in the field are offered at Stockton University in New Jersey and at Philadelphia’s University of Sciences, where students can earn an associate degree in Cannabis Health Therapy.

Even the Ivy League is getting into the field. Cornell launches “Cannabis: Biology, Society, Industry” course this fall, with plans to introduce a master’s in cannabis next year. That program is said to have an emphasis on oral and written communication skills with media and industry stakeholders, according to reports from Quartz.

At Harvard, law students in a Cannabis Law class last spring considered “criminal law enforcement, land use, civil rights, banking, and other issues arising from the cultivation, distribution and use of marijuana for recrewith MIT, received a $9 million alumni donation this summer earmarked for independent research on the influence of cannabis on brain health and behavior.

The University of Vermont’s pharmacology course in Medical Cannabis is considered the first of its kind at a US academic institution, and the medical school is also the first to offer a professional certificate in cannabis and medicine. And it’s fully online, led by faculty from the college, geared toward teaching doctors, pharmacists, nurses, PAs—medical professionals—what wasn’t on the course lists whenever and wherever they earned their degrees. sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 35

36 SEPTEMBER 2019 Las Vegas

Cannabis courses are popping up in undergrad and grad-

To create the curriculum, Seaborn had to start from

uate programs at schools coast to coast, from UConn (Hor-

scratch. “When you teach a course, you use standard

ticulture of Cannabis: From Seed to Harvest) to UC, Davis

materials. In this area, there is no road map. You have to

(Cannabis sativa: The Plant and its Impact on People). Even

figure it out on your own.” Seaborn drew on people work-

more institutions have launched certificate programs cov-

ing in the new Colorado industry as guest speakers, and

ering a range of topics. Clark University in Worcester, MA,

found many eager to help. Business Insider reports that

introduced the country’s first certificate program in can-

the semester culminates with a field trip to Sweet Grass

nabis control regulation. University of Las Vegas runs the

Kitchen, where students tour the facility and hear from

Cannabis Academy through its continuing education divi-

management, including marketing director Jesse Burns.

sion, with classes in cannabis and the opioids epidemic, cannabis professionals, and pets and cannabis.

Burns has an MBA from the University of Colorado, Boulder. “It’s been the foundation that I’ve built my career

Professor Paul Seaborn has taught a class titled the

on,” Burns says. “The skills I acquired helped me do the

Business of Marijuana at University of Denver’s Daniels

best and become successful and achieve goals. Having

College of Business for a few years now. Seaborn says af-

that formal education helped me see the bigger picture

ter legalization in Colorado in 2012, it seemed like a good

and helped give me the confidence to make the best deci-

idea to approach the topic from an entrepreneurial point

sions.” And as the manager, he does a lot of the hiring. He

of view. He offered the first class in 2017, and it was the

is so very excited to see more qualified applicants enter

only accredited business school offering a class in can-

the field—ones with an education specific to the industry.

nabis at the time, open to undergrads and grads. “I’ve never had as many different people—alumni, staff members, parents, students—who showed interest.”

The cannabis industry needs people who have general

“A lot of students are ready,” says Seaborn. “It’s a question of universities catching up to them.”

Leland Rucker contributed reporting to this article.

business skills to help those who don’t. “A student might have a marketing or finance or accounting major, but we’re adding on to that with history and regulation, so we can get the best candidates who can hit the ground running,” says Seaborn. “It’s a steep learning curve, and the competition has gotten more fierce. It’s not guaranteed success. The bar keeps rising, and the more you can be prepared, the better.”

“It’s a steep learning curve, and the competition has gotten more fierce. The bar keeps rising, and the more you can be prepared, the better.”

—Paul Seaborn, University of Denver sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 37

38 SEPTEMBER 2019 Las Vegas

Last year, after two years

SPENT WHITTLING MY POSSESSIONS DOWN TO WHAT COULD FIT IN AN AIRSTREAM, I CLEARED OUT OF BOULDER, CO, MY HOME FOR THE PAST 25 YEARS. I’D DONE MY TIME, I TOLD EVERYBODY. I WAS TRADING PINE TREES FOR PALM TREES, AND I WASN’T LOOKING BACK. I HIT

a digital nomad, living the dream.

THE ROAD AND HEADED WEST,

My plan was to start out easy with an extended stay at the Chula Vista marina just south of San Diego, watching the sun spill orange into San Diego Bay from my dinner table every evening and waking up to swaying palm trees outside my bedroom window every morning. I’d spent the previous winter there, and I was counting on many more—but that wasn’t meant to be.

Rock stars write songs about it. Even long-haul truckers can’t endure it forever. The road. It’s hard. And crowded. And lonely.

Tales of an accidental RVer.

by R O BY N G R I G G S L AW R E N C E

“WHEN IT GETS TOO FAMILIAR, I’LL BE GONE.” —Fastball, “Airstream”

On February 1, the Chula Vista RV Resort was closed to make way for a billion-dollar mega-development. After a bittersweet month of reunions and goodbyes as longtimers who had been wintering there for decades swung by one last time, I rode with the Chula Vista diaspora off into the sunset.

I made plans with my then-sweetheart (and driver) to spend a couple months exploring Baja, but I changed my mind at the last minute, and we parted ways. It probably wouldn’t have been the greatest trip, anyway. I had a lot of anxiety about hauling my one-and-only home through Mexico, where I’m sure it’s completely safe but some of my friends and most of my family members kept telling me it wasn’t.

That left me in southern California with a 27-foot-long Airstream I’d towed only once (on an empty state highway) and no parking reservations. sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 39

40 SEPTEMBER 2019 Las Vegas

“DON’T LET THE SOUND OF YOUR OWN WHEELS DRIVE YOU CRAZY.”

state and national parks) need to be made half a year in

—The Eagles, “Take It Easy”

advance, and it’s damn near impossible to find a spot

(three months at most private resorts and two weeks at

without reservations if you stay on the road past cocktail With the help of friends I met in Chula Vista, I learned

hour—which pretty much kills the whole freedom-of-the-

how to haul my own rig. I can’t say it’s something I love,

road, drive-til-you’re-done vibe that was key to this dream

and I still can’t back in, but towing is now something I

for me. I spent too many nights in Motel 6 rooms (which

do—an accomplishment I’m proud of because I stepped

are actually cheaper than the nicer RV parks).

through extreme fear. Hauling a 9,000-pound trailer

Securing parking became a full-time job—which was

down the kind of steep grades that have runaway truck

problematic, because I have a full-time job, and promised

ramps and signs warning truckers they’re not down yet

my colleagues and clients everything would flow seam-

PHOTO BY AIRSTREAM INC. VIA UNSPLASH

is one of the scariest things I’ve ever done.

lessly while I was chasing the dream in my Airstream.

What I did not see coming was the parking situation for

They loved to hear about my adventures, but they didn’t

RVs in southern California, which is akin to, and proba-

love to hear that unhooking sewer and electric lines, pack-

bly worse than, the parking situation for cars in its major

ing up and securing an Airstream (and everything in it),

cities. As the economy has soared over the past decade,

hitching it to a truck, hauling it to a new spot, unhitching,

anyone and everyone who ever wanted an RV (myself

plugging in and setting up a sewer line, then unpacking

included) bought one. RV parks are packed to capacity

and unsecuring everything again took the better part of a

with shiny new Tiffins and Jaycos, a decent number of

day, leaving little time for their projects.

Airstreams, and a good smattering of Prevosts—the rock

I learned why digital nomads steer clear of KOA Camp-

star buses that can be had for well over a million. Most

grounds, which cater to families, sometimes with groups

of the towering motorhomes are owned by baby boomers,

so large you can’t imagine how or where everyone sleeps

some of whom traded in their homes (like I did) to live

inside that Prowler. It’s great to see kids riding their bikes

the dream on the road. A lot of the Winnebagos and Lanc-

in the streets while their parents drink beers and listen to

es are driven by millennials, some of whom are living the

’80s metal, until you have a conference call or a deadline.

dream because they can’t afford to buy houses.

I stopped making friends because I got tired of having

All those folks living the dream need a place to park. And

to say goodbye a couple days later—and I don’t have the

in southern California, at least, infrastructure isn’t keep-

capacity to follow even one more living-the-dream jour-

ing up with demand. Reservations for long-term parking

ney on YouTube and Instagram. sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 41

42 SEPTEMBER 2019 Las Vegas

“WHAT A LONG, STRANGE TRIP IT’S BEEN.”

for that month, and when it came time to think about

—The Grateful Dead, “Truckin’”

traversing mountain passes and metro areas on the way

I was happy and grounded in my one-and-only home

to the next place—wherever that might be—I felt very There were, of course, experiences that made the dream worth living. Walking on sand made from fish skeletons

PHOTO BY AIRSTREAM INC. VIA UNSPLASH

along the banks of the churning Salton Sea as low char-

tired. I dreaded the road. I wanted, maybe even needed, a soft spot to land in for a while.

And so it ended. I dragged my Airstream over the Rock-

coal-colored clouds moved over the Chocolate Mountains

ies and back to Boulder, feeling my heart sink at the smell

in February is one I’ll never forget. I finally got to see Slab

of pine trees, then soar with every welcoming hug from my

City, an anarchist squatter RV community on a former

kids and friends. I went to practice with my favorite yoga

military base that’s known as “the last free place on earth.”

teacher and signed a lease with my bestie. I came home.

(The residents there aren’t actually all that thrilled with

I lasted less than nine months on the road. I could eas-

looky-loos hanging around, but it’s worth a drive through.)

ily consider my truncated journey a failure. But I don’t. I

I went on epic bike rides around Mission Bay and Corona-

did something I didn’t think I could do and learned some

do, and I never stopped appreciating palm trees.

big lessons—about the road, about myself, and about life.

I met new friends who let me park for a month behind their paddleboard shop in Page, Arizona, on the banks of Lake Powell, one of the most spectacular places on earth.

It rained a lot, but it didn’t matter. Settling into one place— especially one so beautiful—felt like the ultimate luxury.

I know, without a doubt, that people matter more than palm trees.

ROBYN GRIGGS LAWRENCE, author of the bestselling Cannabis Kitchen Cookbook and the recently released Pot in Pans: A History of Eating Cannabis, is thrilled to be growing her own cannabis again.

I dragged my Airstream back home, feeling my heart sink with the smell of pine trees, then soar with every welcoming hug from my kids and friends.

sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 43

44 SEPTEMBER 2019 Las Vegas

FLOWER ONE

Flower One LARGEST GREENHOUSE IN NEVADA HAS EVEN BIGGER PLANS.

A visionary team is working to ensure the state’s res-

“One of the main things our sales team will focus on

idents and tourists have continuous supply now and

is informing budtenders and dispensaries about our

in the future.

best-in-class brands and product portfolio,” Boyajian

Flower One, focused on being one of the largest

says.

greenhouse cannabis grow and processing facilities in

Earlier this year, Flower One completed its inaugural

the United States, is following the vision of a solid team

cannabis harvest, and it is now operating on an ongo-

of industry experts. They have created one of the most

ing cycle of harvesting one zone per week, represent-

technologically advanced facilities to date, capable of

ing approximately 10,000 hydroponically grown can-

producing 140,000 pounds of dry flower per year.

nabis plants per zone. But the company’s not finished

Their straightforward business model is to provide

yet, Boyajian says. “First you got to get good, and then

the highest quality, seed-to-retail-ready product that

you get big. Right now, we are trying to get good here

is custom packaged and delivered to retailers. This is

in Nevada. That is the first step. We built this facility

combined with a commitment to consistent, reliable,

with the intention of what the future will bring, not

high-volume delivery that is just part of what Flower

where we are today.”

One is working to achieve for its brand partners and consumers.

“The team that I am designing purposefully come from various industries, not only from cannabis,” Salpy

For more information, visit:

FLOWERONE.COM

Boyajian, COO of Nevada operations, says. “We are here to elevate how the world of cannabis is viewed by the way we operate our business.”

Flower One’s operations are based out of its 455,000-square-foot cannabis facility in North Las Vegas, including a 400,000-square-foot state-of-the-art greenhouse paired with an adjoining 55,000-squarefoot processing and custom packaging facility, making Flower One the largest facility of its kind in the state. Flower One’s product portfolio ranges from dry flower, pre-rolls, cannabis oils, distillates, concentrates, edibles, topicals, and infused products.

“The vision of the company is to create a suite of products that run the full gamut so that we have something for every customer,” Boyajian says.

Flower One has nearly 400 employees and contractors, with plans to add at least 50 more people to its team before the end of the year. sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 45

46 SEPTEMBER 2019 Las Vegas

LLAMASTE

Health, Balance, and Harmony LLAMASTE OFFERS A UNIQUE WAY TO ACHIEVE UNITY OF BODY AND SOUL.

Llamaste now has two other yoga teachers on staff and continues to add more classes per week. Ades received his 500-hour yoga teacher’s certification through a yoga-training program.

He is creating t-shirts, other athletic gear (tops, leggings, and headbands), yoga mats, and mat cleaners, with the goal of launching Llamaste’s branded athletic line of products by September. No THC or CBD oil products, or any cannabis-related products, will be developed or offered. “I am sticking to one focus,” Ades says. “I do have hemp oil in one of my sprays.”

Ades says he has two other goals before the end of the year. One is to relocate Llamaste’s yoga studio and boutique, which is located in a trendy area of Brooklyn, to a larger storefront that has more exposure to pedestrian traffic as well as a space to teach yoga. He also plans to contact more higher-end athletic chain stores and boutiques to feature and sell Llamaste products.

“They can buy them at our wholesale cost and then About five years ago, entrepreneur, artist, and health coach Bill Ades drew a picture of a llama in a lotus pose on the back of an envelope. He was talking and joking about llamas with his 12-year-old son. Ades also wrote down Llamaste, a combination of yoga and llama that has since evolved into a yoga business and a brand.

Since October 2013, he has developed his logo, established the company name, and gone through the careful step-by-step trademarking process, learning

sell them for whatever price they want,” he says.

Because Llamaste has an e-commerce presence, he will be contacting resellers nationwide and working on getting a yoga subscription service on its website so people can do yoga in their own homes. Llamaste currently offers yoga videos and streaming yoga classes.

For more information, visit:

LLAMASTE.COM

during that time how the llama totem represents balance and harmony.

“We are a yoga startup company,” he says. “Around the end of 2015, I decided to become certified teaching yoga myself and promote Llamaste not only through products but through this practice. I wanted to establish this community where yoga is available to all people regardless of their level of expertise, and make it fun.” sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 47

SHAQUILLE O’NEAL CELEBRATES VEGAS EXPANSION

Beer Park at Paris Las Vegas celebrated its 10,000-square-foot interior expansion with a grand opening party featuring special guest Shaquille O’Neal. The outdoor rooftop and grill introduced an indoor area for dining, drinks, karaoke, and games during a VIP party hosted by O’Neal and a performance PHOTOS COURTESY OF BEER PARK

from DJ Bayati. “Beer Park is a special place to party in Las Vegas because there are so many different beers from around the world,” says O’Neal.

“There’s a great view of the Strip, and it’s a great place to hang out in Vegas.”

48 SEPTEMBER 2019 Las Vegas

Where: Beer Park at Paris Las Vegas When: July 12, 2019

sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 49

{HereWeGo }

Phalanx of Angels Ascending

705 Building //705 N. Las Vegas Blvd. // Las Vegas

by D E B B I E H A L L

WATCHFUL EYE Phalanx of Angels Ascending mural honors iconic Blue Angel statue.

Back in the day, the iconic Blue Angel statue perched

with her beautiful smile. I love that about her.”

high over Fremont Street and Charleston Boulevard to

For over 60 years, from 1957 to 2017, the 16-foot-tall stat-

welcome locals and travelers. Now, a chorus of blue an-

ue, designed by Betty Willis (creator of the “Welcome to Fab-

gels watches over downtown Las Vegas as the Phalanx of

ulous Las Vegas” sign), stood over the Blue Angel Motel. The

Angels Ascending. Native Nevadan and artist James Stan-

property was demolished in 2015 and the statue was removed

ford designed and painted the mural in collaboration with

in 2017 with plans to restore and install it in its original setting.

street artist Cliff Morris.

Stanford wanted to capture the essence that Las Vegas

“I was raised a couple of blocks from the motel and

embodies a playful attitude without becoming insipid. The

we miss her,” says Stanford. “It was the brightest spot in

multitude of blue angels embraces the valley with the same

those days. She was not judgmental but was always there

loving message for all who view them.

50 SEPTEMBER 2019 Las Vegas