HHAPPYAPPY NNEWEW YYEAREAR LLASAS VVEGASEGAS

Volume 16, Issue 43 Dec. 31, 2014-Jan. 6, 2015 lasvegastribune.com Ward 5 Chamber of Commerce Member

Dozens of mistakes identified in now-viewable records Federal education officials: Nevada can’t charge dad to look at children’s records By Karen Gray vada Journal last week that after lection program — called the “Sys- records, at no cost, regardless of Nevada Journal months of battling with the Nevada tem of Accountability Information whether they are maintained by the LAS VEGAS — Remember the Department of Education (NDE), Network,” or SAIN — “was not school, district or state. Nevada dad who was told it would he and his wife were finally allowed designed for student-level inspec- Conversations with officials at cost him over $10,000 to see the to review the records housed on his tion” and informed Eppolito it the federal U.S. Family Policy records the State of Nevada has on children in the department’s data- would cost him $10,194 to see the Compliance Office also suggested his children, a story first reported base. information because the state would the possibility that NDE was in vio- by Nevada Journal? While Eppolito said it would have to do a “data dump” and cre- lation of the Act. He’s been allowed to view those have taken more than a full day to ate the programming required to Such violation, at least theoreti- records — without being charged review and understand all the data, produce a “report.” cally, could mean Nevada losing — following intervention by the in the four hours he spent review- Eppolito, however, had not federal education dollars. federal Department of Education. ing the information, he identified asked the state for a report. He sim- Nevada Journal contacted NDE, Student information warehoused in more than 30 erroneous addresses ply asked to “see” the information citing federal officials’ statement the Nevada State Longitudinal Data associated with his children. regarding his children that NDE that the state was “supposed to pro- System, said federal officials, con- “These are just four kids,” he maintained in its database. vide [parents] the opportunity to stitutes education records under the said. “How many others?” Parents’ rights inspect and review [records] upon Family Education Rights and Pri- NDE uploads and stores more under federal law request,” and that “there shouldn’t vacy Act and therefore must be than 800 points of data daily on JOHN EPPOLITO Federal law — the Family Edu- be a fee for inspecting and review- open to inspection by parents. each public school student, and on his four children. cation Rights and Privacy Act — ing the records.” John Eppolito, the father of four Eppolito earlier this year asked de- State officials responded that the entitles parents to review and in- Nevada State Superintendent of faced with paying $10,194, told Ne- partment officials to see the records state’s $10 million K-12 data col- spect their children’s educational (See Parent’s Rights, Page 6) My Point of View By Rolando Larraz I am glad the euphoria of the holidays is over this week and I can go back to a normal status writing my Point of View without having to be worried about hurting anyone’s feelings or giving the im- pression of being a cold-blooded insensitive person. But, before I start writing some of the stuff that has been bothering me for a while, I want to take a moment to thank District Court TOP LOCAL STORIES OF 2014 Judge Art Richie Jr. for the beauti- ful Christmas card he and his wife sent me. Judge Richie is maybe the only one in this world that still uses real Christmas cards to send to people in the Christmas season — we didn’t even send real cards this year — and for that I am grateful to Judge and Mrs. Ritchie Jr. for their effort to keep the tradition alive while helping to support the United the State Postal Service by purchasing stamps. While talking about judges in year District Court I want to thank Judge William “Bill” Kephart for the in- vitation that I had received to his in news swearing-in ceremony on Friday, (See pages 4 and 5) January 2nd, 2015 at the Clark County Government Center (Com- mission Chambers) 500 Grand Cen- tral Parkway. The event is at 2:00 p.m. precisely. This event is not going to be like events in the courtroom of some of the judges — such as when some- thing is scheduled for 9:00 and at 9:20 the judge is seen at the court- house parking lot just getting out of the car. And... I’m still waiting for the delicious cookies that one of the judges promised me before the Christmas season started; but in the meantime I will start with my first column of the new year, 2015. FROM THE DESK OF GORDON MARTINES Perhaps this year Chief Judge Jennifer Togliatti will take time out of her busy schedule and address Morality is a private and costly matter the attorneys’ attire in open court. By Gordon Martines officer-involved fatal shooting in- In my widest dreams, I still can’t is Detective Yant, the new chief How can the court tell people how By definition, Morality is the set cident. After all the lies have been quite figure out why a human be- counselor for cop shootings, for the to dress for court when an attorney of principles concerning the distinc- told, the cover-up manufactured, ing, unarmed, squatting down half- LVPPA. shows up in jeans, jogging shoes, tion between right and wrong or and all the parties involved have naked, flushing his dope down a Morality=0 Expediency=1 T-shirt and (maybe by accident) a good and bad behavior. Having di- been publicly vindicated and even toilet, is suddenly, recklessly, and Let us examine the Stanley jacket and with the blessing of the rectly been an observer for the past promoted to higher positions, tax- maliciously shot in the back of his Gibson officer-involved fatal shoot- judge conducting his morning cal- 36 years, I can attest to the fact that payer monies were then given to the head and killed instantly by a nar- ing. Stanley Gibson for the most endar? the LVMPD police administration survivors so that they would not cotics detective serving a warrant, part had barricaded himself in his I was in that courtroom that day, is definitely lacking in Morality. pursue a civil rights complaint law- who - backed up by several other vehicle in the parking lot of an I saw it with my own eyes, and Notwithstanding, this past, suit and thus possibly expose narcotics detectives and a TV civil- apartment complex. Responding thought he was the defendant in- present, and more than likely future, wrongful acts committed by the ian camera crew - felt that the lives officers had blocked Gibson’s ve- stead of the attorney of record and police administration substitutes police department. And as a side of his backup team and himself hicle from moving in any direction the judge sounded sincerely grate- money for morality. In police terms, note, let me reassure you that when were in immediate danger from by the use of their patrol vehicles, ful when she thanked the attorney it is called “Shut-your-mouth the federal government examines a Travon Cole. I am guessing that the setting up a barricade. A plan was for coming in dressed ready to jump money.” case for trial, there is no stone left only person that knows the real formulated to approach Gibson’s (See My Point of View, Page 2) Let’s examine the Travon Cole unturned. truth of why deadly force was used (See From the Desk, Page 8) Page 2 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / December 31, 2014-January 6, 2015 The Rhiannon Gonzales Story Conclusion: DA Dena Rinetti describes Elgin’s medical condition By Rolando Larraz mit to a drug test, on May 8 she ting off of utilities, not being able been approved any visitors since Las Vegas Tribune failed to report and on May 9 she to see the doctor because the facil- her arrival at the Florence McClure Final Part in a Series was administered a drug test which ity required payment at time of ser- Women’s Facility on June 17, prior Criminal Court on Tuesday, May showed positive for methamphet- vice, concluding that this entire or- to being reassigned to the facility 13, was not the triumph that it was amine and amphetamine. Invoking deal must have been extremely dif- that staffs the Forestry Division. On originally scheduled to be. Instead the search clause Gonzales’ phone ficult to handle, and she finally September 26, 2014, her mother of Willis reporting that he had re- was discovered in her car. In the broke. Piro asked that she be placed spoke to Rhonda Larsen of Family leased Gonzales from House Arrest phone text messages were discov- into a drug rehabilitation program. Services for Nevada Department of and restitution had been made, he ered that indicated that Ms But then Rinetti dropped the Corrections, to inquire about get- was reciting a list of the parole vio- Gonzales was selling controlled bombshell, “And she’s pregnant!” ting permission for the children to lations committed by Gonzales. substances. Willis did admit that up There was complete silence for a visit. Ms Larsen found that there Willis stated that Gonzales was in to that point she had always tested split second. Then Judge Valerie were visitation restrictions with violation for failure to report, as clean and that he was just about to Adair pronounced “Probation Re- Gonzales’ children placed by the well as violations regarding con- allow visits with her daughter. voked” and stood up and left the Nevada Department of Corrections. trolled substances, directives and In addition, Willis stated, “there courtroom in disgust, as did She then told Gonzales’ mother conduct. was a video on Gonzales’ phone of Gonzales’ family, who were dumb- which form to instruct Gonzales to May 15, two women from the a baby, who has just been identi- founded at the revelation. request so that she can appeal the Parole and Probation Department, RHIANNON GONZALES fied as her son, and her daughter, Afterward, when Gonzales was restrictions. one of whom was Parole and Pro- with Gonzales’ voice in the back- visited by her family, she reported The children are both healthy bation Specialist Terra Kolpak, ground, which showed that she had that she was not pregnant, saying and as happy as can be expected, went to see Gonzales at Clark not adhered to her stipulation of ‘no that she too was just as surprised to living in Southern California. County Detention Center and in- contact’.” In actuality, the video had hear that as anyone else. She Iyanna is currently on the volley- TRIBUNE formed her of the options available been sent to Gonzales by her daugh- pointed out that if she were preg- ball and drill teams at school and, VOL. 16, NO. 43 to her if she admitted to having a ter, taken at her grandmother’s nant she would not be able to get like both her parents, writes lyrics/ drug problem. They clarified that FOUNDER house, and it was Gonzales’ accepted to the Fire Camp that she poetry, and she studies ballet. She Rolando Larraz many who have opted for the “Drug mother’s voice that was heard in the had learned about and had already also plays basketball and is the star Court” after having violated proba- background. planned to request. of her softball team. Thankfully, PUBLISHER tion were able to get their proba- Willis never spoke again as Today Rhiannon Gonzales, an Elgin is in perfect health. He is an AND tion reinstated. On May 15, Rinetti took over, ultimately de- inmate of the Nevada Prison Sys- extremely bright boy, who already EDITOR IN CHIEF Gonzales waived her rights to a pre- manding a prison sentence for tem, is part of a crew of the Nevada shows signs of excelling at basket- Rolando Larraz liminary hearing, requesting her Gonzales. Gonzales admitted to Fire Forestry Division, working on ball and soccer, he attends a weekly case go directly to court. having done drugs, but not to sell- fires, floods and forestry projects. storytime at the library, a child de- GENERAL MANAGER June 3, 2014, Criminal Court, ing them. John Piro pointed out that In order to be accepted she had a velopment class with his caregiver Perly Viasmensky presided over once again by Hon- Gonzales had been under an enor- rigorous test to pass and could not once a week and will soon be join- orable District Court Judge Valerie mous amount of stress, including have any write-ups against her. ing a sports league for toddlers. MANAGING EDITOR Adair. Chief Deputy District Attor- financial. He told of her inability to Apparently Gonzales was not preg- They are being raised by their fa- Maramis Choufani ney Dena Rinetti, wearing stiletto complete a 40-hour work week due nant. She earns $1.00 an hour when thers, grandparents and an excellent PRODUCTION heels and towering over the diminu- to her probation commitments, thus they are working on a project, and caregiver for Elgin. They love each Don Snook tive Probation Officer R. Willis, disqualifying her from being paid $1.00 a day when they are not. She other very much; but Iyanna still swears Willis in. Willis reports that any of her earned commissions. He sees a therapist and attends church misses her mother tremendously ASSOCIATE EDITOR on May 7 Gonzales refused to sub- told of her recent car trouble, shut- services regularly. She has still not (See Gonzales, Page 7) Colleen Lloyd

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER My Point of View Kenneth A. Wegner (Continued from Page 1) I will tell everyone that has ex- to let a dollar go. maybe they can patrol the parking on a boat in Lake Mead. perienced a bad ruling from Judge One day we were driving on lots of supermarkets and depart- For advertising Later I learned that the attorney, Ochoa that they got what they de- Sahara Avenue and while stopped ment stores to give the people pa- rates, deadlines despite the fact of giving the im- served because they know how to at the light at Eastern, I looked at tronizing those businesses some call 702-868-6398 pression of being very wealthy (ev- read, and how to use the computer her and asked, “Do you remember peace of mind. ery attorney likes to believe and and could have learned about Judge the blind guy by the store? Look They could start at Smith’s Food Las Vegas Tribune is published give their clients the impression that Ochoa and his record on the bench; who is driving that Mercedes next and Drug parking lot on Desert Inn weekly at 820 So. 7th Street, they are very wealthy), had been it was so obvious he should never to us.” All she could say was, “Oh, and Decatur, with the Spanish lady Las Vegas, Nevada 89101. very sick for a while. have been reelected. my God!” selling tamales out of her car, most Main Number: (702) 868-6398 Well, I personally do not believe What happens is that people “do My ex is not that bad of a per- likely without a health card or any News desk: that being sick is an excuse to show not want to get involved” or “don’t son and when she said “Oh, my other hygienic measures. (702) 868-6397 up in court with the wrong apparel, have time for such things”; between God,” I thought she was going to Two issues for my first column Fax: (702) 696-0096 and if I don’t mention his name, it’s work, the bar, and the casino there wonder how a blind man could be of the year that may not seem too Website: because I don’t see the benefit of is not enough time to learn about driving a car, but all she said to my important to some, but they are to LasVegasTribune.net embarrassing the judge any more the people who are running for of- surprise was, “Okay, you’re right, me. Happy New Year! All rights reserved. Statements, that she has already been previously fice in our community and that is you won.” I could not believe that My name is Rolando Larraz, and opinions and points of view ex- embarrassed. the reason why the wrong people my ex agreed with me, but I was as always, I approved this column. pressed by the writers are their All I said is that the rules should get elected, especially in judicial happy. * * * * * own and do not necessarily rep- reflect a two-way street, one way races. What I am saying is that some- Rolando Larraz is Editor in resent those of the publisher. for the court, and one way for those And now the next and first issue thing has to be done to end the Chief of the Las Vegas Tribune. His Information, including prices and times, is considered correct appearing in court; it cannot be all of 2015; I was under the impres- plague of beggars that now exist in column appears weekly in this at the time of publishing but may or nothing, or am I wrong to think sion that loitering is against the law, our community becoming pests to newspaper. To contact Rolando change without notice. Las Ve- that the court and those working in not only in Las Vegas, but every- our residents. Larraz, email him at: gas Tribune assumes no re- the court are not above the law? where else in the nation. Police no longer assist with car [email protected] or sponsibility for unsolicited One more thing about the courts Nowadays there is no place in accidents when no one is hurt, so at 702-868-NEWS (6397) manuscripts, transparencies or and then I’ll go into another issue Clark County, which is where I live other submitted materials. For that has been bothering me for a and about which I care the most, return, please enclose a self- while and get it off my chest once where, when one gets out of an es- addressed stamped envelope. and for all to give me peace of mind. tablishment, one is not bombarded Las Vegas Tribune The other day I had a man come by a team of no less than six people Tune in to published weekly by the to my office complaining about of all races, genders and nationali- Tribune Media Group David A. Rifkin, Executive Vice President Judge Ochoa ruling in his case, and ties, asking for help to “get some- I was shocked to learn that that man thing to eat,” to “buy a cup of cof- RadioTribune Quote of the Week: voted for Judge Ochoa in last fee,” to “catch the bus,” to “feed my November’s election. children,” and any other excuse to “Learn from yesterday, I was even more shocked when hustle money from the next victim. www.RadioTribune.com live for today, hope for I learned that he voted for Judge I remember years ago when I Ochoa because his attorney told was married, my now ex-wife used Call-In Line (702) 983-0711 tomorrow.” him who to vote for and he thought to go to a department store by our — Albert Einstein that by voting the way his attorney house and there was a blind man Tune in and listen to those who will tell you told him to vote would help his there with a bucket collecting the truth, and nothing but the truth. You’ll case. money from generous people. Please Note: I told the man that I was glad that I kept telling her not to give any discover different personalities and hear Although the Las Vegas Tribune the Judge had ruled against him in money to the man because when different opinions, but when it comes to the is open to all and sundry opin- his case because there was enough people give money to beggars they ions about what we publish, we information out there to NOT vote never go away and she told me that facts, you’ll always get the truth from us! wish to inform all those who for Judge Ochoa; there was no rea- I was too cheap and just didn’t want choose to submit their opinions son why Judge Ochoa should have in writing to refrain from threat- ening anyone about whom an ar- been reelected after all the damage ticle is written or the writer of he has done in this community. [email protected] the article. In other words, any opinions containing threats will not be published. We thank you for adhering to this policy. MISSION STATEMENT We search for the truth, em- brace the truth, and print the truth. If we inadvertently print some- thing that is not true, we will let our readers know. We are open to documented information to shed light on any issue of concern to our readers. We are of service to our community, and it is our in- tention to serve our community the best way we can. RECEIVE A FREE COPY OF THE LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE EVERY WEEK! To receive a complimentary link to every new issue of the Las Vegas Tribune, please send an email to [email protected] and give us the email address where you would like your copy sent. We look forward to having you as a subscriber to our publication. Page 2 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / December 31, 2014-January 6, 2015 December 31, 2014-January 6, 2015 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / Page 3 The Rhiannon Gonzales Story Conclusion: CITY BEAT DA Dena Rinetti describes Elgin’s medical condition RTC recognizes student winners By Rolando Larraz mit to a drug test, on May 8 she ting off of utilities, not being able been approved any visitors since Las Vegas Tribune failed to report and on May 9 she to see the doctor because the facil- her arrival at the Florence McClure Final Part in a Series was administered a drug test which ity required payment at time of ser- Women’s Facility on June 17, prior Criminal Court on Tuesday, May showed positive for methamphet- vice, concluding that this entire or- to being reassigned to the facility of annual Anti-Graffiti art contest 13, was not the triumph that it was amine and amphetamine. Invoking deal must have been extremely dif- that staffs the Forestry Division. On originally scheduled to be. Instead the search clause Gonzales’ phone ficult to handle, and she finally September 26, 2014, her mother Cleaner fires help of Willis reporting that he had re- was discovered in her car. In the broke. Piro asked that she be placed spoke to Rhonda Larsen of Family Nevada, EPA says leased Gonzales from House Arrest phone text messages were discov- into a drug rehabilitation program. Services for Nevada Department of Burning a cleaner fire in that and restitution had been made, he ered that indicated that Ms But then Rinetti dropped the Corrections, to inquire about get- wood stove or fireplace over the was reciting a list of the parole vio- Gonzales was selling controlled bombshell, “And she’s pregnant!” ting permission for the children to holidays is helpful to the health of lations committed by Gonzales. substances. Willis did admit that up There was complete silence for a visit. Ms Larsen found that there Nevadans and also benefits the Willis stated that Gonzales was in to that point she had always tested split second. Then Judge Valerie were visitation restrictions with state’s climate, according to the violation for failure to report, as clean and that he was just about to Adair pronounced “Probation Re- Gonzales’ children placed by the Environmental Protection Agency. well as violations regarding con- allow visits with her daughter. voked” and stood up and left the Nevada Department of Corrections. Alison Davis, senior adviser in the trolled substances, directives and In addition, Willis stated, “there courtroom in disgust, as did She then told Gonzales’ mother Office of Air Quality Planning and conduct. was a video on Gonzales’ phone of Gonzales’ family, who were dumb- which form to instruct Gonzales to Standards at the EPA, says a good May 15, two women from the a baby, who has just been identi- founded at the revelation. request so that she can appeal the way to burn the hottest and most Parole and Probation Department, RHIANNON GONZALES fied as her son, and her daughter, Afterward, when Gonzales was restrictions. efficient fire possible is to use only one of whom was Parole and Pro- with Gonzales’ voice in the back- visited by her family, she reported The children are both healthy dry, seasoned wood. bation Specialist Terra Kolpak, ground, which showed that she had that she was not pregnant, saying and as happy as can be expected, “The reason this is important is ery, at least on the jobs front,” he launch of its sixth store opening in went to see Gonzales at Clark not adhered to her stipulation of ‘no that she too was just as surprised to living in Southern California. dry wood burns more completely,” says. “That’s stronger than it is Las Vegas at the Grand Bazaar County Detention Center and in- contact’.” In actuality, the video had hear that as anyone else. She Iyanna is currently on the volley- she says. “That benefits you in two throughout the rest of the nation.” Shops in late February 2015. TRIBUNE formed her of the options available been sent to Gonzales by her daugh- pointed out that if she were preg- ball and drill teams at school and, ways: you get more energy out of Anderson says professional and The 295 sq. ft. cosmetic heaven VOL. 16, NO. 43 to her if she admitted to having a ter, taken at her grandmother’s nant she would not be able to get like both her parents, writes lyrics/ Kylee Shay Mitchell, Aleya Porter, the firewood because it burns more business services, as well as leisure at Grand Bazaar Shops will bring drug problem. They clarified that of the actual wood itself and the and hospitality, are the leading sec- LUSHs’ portfolio to a total of 217 FOUNDER house, and it was Gonzales’ accepted to the Fire Camp that she poetry, and she studies ballet. She Roy Martin Middle School Victoria Fertitta Middle School Rolando Larraz many who have opted for the “Drug mother’s voice that was heard in the had learned about and had already also plays basketball and is the star The Regional Transportation Located at 6000 W. Spring other is the fire then produces less tors for job growth. He notes job stores across North America. 22 Court” after having violated proba- background. planned to request. of her softball team. Thankfully, Commission of Southern Nevada Mountain Rd. #1B in Las Vegas, smoke.” gains measured in the thousands new jobs have been created, which PUBLISHER tion were able to get their proba- Willis never spoke again as Today Rhiannon Gonzales, an Elgin is in perfect health. He is an (RTC) recognized local students Inyo sits on what was once the Davis says you can easily tell if were also added in construction, include a variety of roles from re- AND tion reinstated. On May 15, Rinetti took over, ultimately de- inmate of the Nevada Prison Sys- extremely bright boy, who already who won the agency’s 8th Annual Maple Tree Café. Foodies may re- wood is dry by knocking two pieces health care and manufacturing. tail managers, team leaders and EDITOR IN CHIEF Gonzales waived her rights to a pre- manding a prison sentence for tem, is part of a crew of the Nevada shows signs of excelling at basket- Anti-Graffiti Art Contest at two spe- member the Maple Tree Café as the together, which should produce a Nevada ends the year with a 6.9 sales associates. Rolando Larraz liminary hearing, requesting her Gonzales. Gonzales admitted to Fire Forestry Division, working on ball and soccer, he attends a weekly cial award ceremonies on Wednes- only restaurant in Las Vegas where hollow sound. She adds that a mois- percent unemployment rate, which Alyssa Gates, LUSH Cosmetics case go directly to court. having done drugs, but not to sell- fires, floods and forestry projects. storytime at the library, a child de- day, Dec. 17, at Roy Martin Middle the hit television show, Food ture meter can determine wood’s remains about a point above the Director of US Real Estate: “We are GENERAL MANAGER June 3, 2014, Criminal Court, ing them. John Piro pointed out that In order to be accepted she had a velopment class with his caregiver School and Thursday, Dec. 18, at Network’s Restaurant Impossible moisture level, which should be at national average. Anderson notes thrilled to be opening our sixth new Perly Viasmensky presided over once again by Hon- Gonzales had been under an enor- rigorous test to pass and could not once a week and will soon be join- Victoria Fertitta Middle School. had come in and completely rede- twenty percent moisture or less. the state has come a long ways since store in Las Vegas in February next orable District Court Judge Valerie mous amount of stress, including have any write-ups against her. ing a sports league for toddlers. The RTC’s annual art contest, signed the restaurant. Most of the Davis says smoke coming from the the dark days of the Great Reces- year.” MANAGING EDITOR Adair. Chief Deputy District Attor- financial. He told of her inability to Apparently Gonzales was not preg- They are being raised by their fa- sponsored by Vector Media and interior will be kept from the show, chimney is a key sign that you’re sion when Nevada’s jobless rate “Our long term relationship with Maramis Choufani ney Dena Rinetti, wearing stiletto complete a 40-hour work week due nant. She earns $1.00 an hour when thers, grandparents and an excellent Outdoor Promotions in partnership while adding an Asian flare to not burning an efficient fire. peaked at 13.9 percent. He expects local consumers has allowed us to PRODUCTION heels and towering over the diminu- to her probation commitments, thus they are working on a project, and caregiver for Elgin. They love each with the Clark County School Dis- brighten the space. Davis adds that wood smoke the positive jobs trend to continue. expand to two new locations in Don Snook tive Probation Officer R. Willis, disqualifying her from being paid $1.00 a day when they are not. She other very much; but Iyanna still trict, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Inyo will be more than just an produces fine particle pollution, “By the time we get out to 2017, Nevada next year including Grand swears Willis in. Willis reports that any of her earned commissions. He sees a therapist and attends church misses her mother tremendously Department Graffiti Investigation Asian restaurant. It will be your which can be harmful to human we’re looking at year-over-year job Bazaar Shops and The Forum ASSOCIATE EDITOR on May 7 Gonzales refused to sub- told of her recent car trouble, shut- services regularly. She has still not (See Gonzales, Page 7) Section, Crime Stoppers and the Asian experience without the travel. health. growth that approaches 50,000 a Shops at Caesars (late January Colleen Lloyd Southern Nevada Graffiti Coalition, Owner Chih Peter Chen, was born “When you breathe in air that year, and a lot of that improvement 2015). LUSH was already ex- invited local elementary and middle in Taiwan and married a Japanese has fine particles in it, it can pen- in growth is attributable to the Tesla tremely well-received by consum- INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER My Point of View school students to create and sub- bride, Mayumi Miyoshi. Having etrate deep into the lungs where it project,” he says. ers when we first launched in Las Kenneth A. Wegner (Continued from Page 1) I will tell everyone that has ex- to let a dollar go. maybe they can patrol the parking mit artwork that promotes the grown up in the restaurant indus- can harm the heart, the blood ves- The Tesla project is the electric Vegas several years ago and as a on a boat in Lake Mead. perienced a bad ruling from Judge One day we were driving on lots of supermarkets and depart- For advertising contest’s theme, “Keep Southern try, the 30-year old restaurateur sels and the lungs,” she says. “Fine carmaker’s so-called “gigafactory” result we felt it was time to further Later I learned that the attorney, Ochoa that they got what they de- Sahara Avenue and while stopped ment stores to give the people pa- Nevada Graffiti Free.” learned the business from the inside particles are linked to heart attacks to be built in the Reno area, which extend the number of stores in the rates, deadlines despite the fact of giving the im- served because they know how to at the light at Eastern, I looked at tronizing those businesses some More than 209 students from 14 out, from working at his parent’s and strokes.” is expected to create more than area.” call 702-868-6398 pression of being very wealthy (ev- read, and how to use the computer her and asked, “Do you remember peace of mind. schools across the valley partici- restaurant until he recently ended Davis says particle pollution 6,000 jobs. “We are also very proud to have ery attorney likes to believe and and could have learned about Judge the blind guy by the store? Look They could start at Smith’s Food from wood smoke can be a major * * * * * created 22 new jobs and be build- Las Vegas Tribune is published pated in this year’s contest. At the his adventures at the Tropicana give their clients the impression that Ochoa and his record on the bench; who is driving that Mercedes next and Drug parking lot on Desert Inn ceremonies, RTC recognized the Casino. Chih has spent much of his cause of air pollution in cities across LUSH to open sixth new ing knowledgeable and professional weekly at 820 So. 7th Street, they are very wealthy), had been it was so obvious he should never to us.” All she could say was, “Oh, and Decatur, with the Spanish lady Las Vegas, Nevada 89101. top two winners — Kylee Shay life traveling across Asia and hopes the nation, especially those with air- store in Las Vegas teams, who will continue to make very sick for a while. have been reelected. my God!” selling tamales out of her car, most Main Number: Mitchell of Roy Martin Middle to bring a brand new experience inversion problems during the win- LUSH Fresh Handmade Cos- shopping at the stores a unique and (702) 868-6398 Well, I personally do not believe What happens is that people “do My ex is not that bad of a per- likely without a health card or any School and Aleya Porter of Victoria with a diverse menu. ter months. metics, the British born ethical cos- enjoyable experience.” News desk: that being sick is an excuse to show not want to get involved” or “don’t son and when she said “Oh, my other hygienic measures. Fertitta Middle School. The artwork Knowing that a restaurant is only * * * * * metic deli, is preparing for the * * * * * (702) 868-6397 up in court with the wrong apparel, have time for such things”; between God,” I thought she was going to Two issues for my first column of the two winners will be displayed as good as its head chef, Chih Nevada economy ends Fax: (702) 696-0096 and if I don’t mention his name, it’s work, the bar, and the casino there wonder how a blind man could be of the year that may not seem too on the outside of an RTC transit partnered with Gregg Fortunato, year on high note Website: because I don’t see the benefit of is not enough time to learn about driving a car, but all she said to my important to some, but they are to vehicle and will travel Las Vegas former Head Chef at the high end Nevada’s economy is adding LasVegasTribune.net embarrassing the judge any more the people who are running for of- surprise was, “Okay, you’re right, me. Happy New Year! Valley streets for up to one year. BLUE RIBBON SUSHI BAR jobs faster than all other states ex- All rights reserved. Statements, that she has already been previously fice in our community and that is you won.” I could not believe that My name is Rolando Larraz, and Students were encouraged to AND GRILL inside the Cosmopoli- cept for Colorado and North Da- opinions and points of view ex- embarrassed. the reason why the wrong people my ex agreed with me, but I was as always, I approved this column. kota. Bill Anderson, chief econo- pressed by the writers are their create original designs and to sup- tan Casino and former Executive All I said is that the rules should get elected, especially in judicial happy. * * * * * port the message of respecting each Chef of Little Buddha inside the mist with the state Department of own and do not necessarily rep- reflect a two-way street, one way races. What I am saying is that some- Rolando Larraz is Editor in resent those of the publisher. other’s property and not devaluing Palms Casino. Fortunato has expe- Employment, Training and Reha- for the court, and one way for those And now the next and first issue thing has to be done to end the Chief of the Las Vegas Tribune. His Information, including prices or defacing it with graffiti. rience opening many Asian-themed bilitation says 3.8 percent job and times, is considered correct appearing in court; it cannot be all of 2015; I was under the impres- plague of beggars that now exist in column appears weekly in this The runners-up included restaurants around the country, hav- growth in the first half of 2014 re- at the time of publishing but may or nothing, or am I wrong to think sion that loitering is against the law, our community becoming pests to newspaper. To contact Rolando Katheryn Macias-Padron, Isaac ing opened the Buddha Bar in flects a gain of up to 40,000 new change without notice. Las Ve- that the court and those working in not only in Las Vegas, but every- our residents. Larraz, email him at: Carpenter, Hunter Mecham, Sara Washington D.C, Jia at the Beau jobs. gas Tribune assumes no re- the court are not above the law? where else in the nation. Police no longer assist with car [email protected] or Barajas Villa and Luz Molina Rivage Casino in Biloxi, MS, and “You can definitely see signs of sponsibility for unsolicited One more thing about the courts Nowadays there is no place in accidents when no one is hurt, so at 702-868-NEWS (6397) Garcia of Cashman Middle School; also served on the opening team for a pickup in Nevada, and a recov- manuscripts, transparencies or and then I’ll go into another issue Clark County, which is where I live Jesus Martinez-Cazares and Jade several Roy’s Restaurant locations. other submitted materials. For that has been bothering me for a and about which I care the most, Alexe of Roy Martin Middle With this restaurant adventure, return, please enclose a self- while and get it off my chest once where, when one gets out of an es- addressed stamped envelope. School; and Britton Cheney of First Fortunato and Chih will focus on DOCUMENT PREPARATION SERVICES and for all to give me peace of mind. tablishment, one is not bombarded Good Shepherd Lutheran School, bringing together various Asian Las Vegas Tribune The other day I had a man come by a team of no less than six people Tune in to published weekly by the who were recognized with certifi- cuisines, such as Japanese, Chinese, to my office complaining about of all races, genders and nationali- Tribune Media Group cates of achievement. Artwork sub- Thai, and Korean dishes into a LOW COST David A. Rifkin, Executive Vice President Judge Ochoa ruling in his case, and ties, asking for help to “get some- mitted by the runners-up will be single harmony. The majority of I was shocked to learn that that man thing to eat,” to “buy a cup of cof- RadioTribune featured on transit shelters around Inyo’s dinner menu will be priced PARALEGAL SERVICES Quote of the Week: voted for Judge Ochoa in last fee,” to “catch the bus,” to “feed my the valley. under $10 dollars as menu items are November’s election. children,” and any other excuse to * * * * * specially designed to be shared like “Learn from yesterday, I was even more shocked when hustle money from the next victim. www.RadioTribune.com Inyo Promises Patrons tapas, allowing the guests to order (702) 439-5333 live for today, hope for I learned that he voted for Judge I remember years ago when I Will Experience Asian a few items to sample instead of one Ochoa because his attorney told was married, my now ex-wife used Call-In Line (702) 983-0711 • DIVORCE • DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP • tomorrow.” Cuisine Variety large order. Guests will also be able him who to vote for and he thought to go to a department store by our The New Year often brings many to enjoy complementary side • CHILD CUSTODY/SUPPORT • MODIFICATION • — Albert Einstein that by voting the way his attorney house and there was a blind man Tune in and listen to those who will tell you new things to celebrate and 2015 dishes, similar to the experience of • SEALING OF CRIMINAL RECORDS • BANKRUPTCY • PROBATE • told him to vote would help his there with a bucket collecting the truth, and nothing but the truth. You’ll will be no different. Galloping in going into a Korean restaurant. case. money from generous people. from the tail end of the Year of the Inyo will be the perfect place to Please Note: I told the man that I was glad that I kept telling her not to give any discover different personalities and hear Although the Las Vegas Tribune Horse, January 1, 2015 will also go to satisfy a night out with friends the Judge had ruled against him in money to the man because when different opinions, but when it comes to the bring the opening of Las Vegas’ or family, offering a variety tailored is open to all and sundry opin- his case because there was enough people give money to beggars they ions about what we publish, we newest food attraction, the Asian for those that have several cravings. information out there to NOT vote never go away and she told me that facts, you’ll always get the truth from us! wish to inform all those who variety cuisine themed Inyo For more information, visit http:/ for Judge Ochoa; there was no rea- I was too cheap and just didn’t want choose to submit their opinions (www.inyolv.com). /www.inyolv.com. son why Judge Ochoa should have in writing to refrain from threat- ening anyone about whom an ar- been reelected after all the damage ticle is written or the writer of he has done in this community. [email protected] the article. In other words, any opinions containing threats will not be published. We thank you for adhering to this policy. MISSION STATEMENT We search for the truth, em- brace the truth, and print the truth. If we inadvertently print some- thing that is not true, we will let our readers know. We are open to documented information to shed light on any issue of concern to Tuesdays & Thursdays our readers. We are of service to our community, and it is our in- 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. tention to serve our community the best way we can. on RadioTribune.com

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Our 10 most important local stories of 2014 ers asking for a license to be drug- pocket knife. Also, her habeas pe- ried stories for many years about dealers. tition includes unrebutted new evi- families and children the system has From a sitting Judge (Jim Bixler) dence by nine alibi witnesses who victimized, giving credence to that to the son of the Senate Majority were informed by her beginning in assertion, but sadly, it’s nothing Leader (Rory Reid) to a narcotic May 2001 that she used her pocket new. detective and political pundit knife to fend off a would-be rapist One speaker at the public hear- (David Kallas) to a powerful politi- in Las Vegas. ing, Verise Campbell, a grand- cal consultant (Sig Rogich) to a 4) Owens lied that Ms. Lobato’s mother of two young children who newspaper magnate owner of sev- vague comment referring to a con- had a hard fought battle to gain cus- eral newspapers in the area and ca- versation with her father is evidence tody of them, was a key presenter sino owner (Bryan Greenspun), as of a guilty mind to Bailey’s homi- whose story became somewhat cen- well as casino executives and real cide. The truth is her comment re- tral to the day. Her story brought estate tycoons and almost anyone fers to a conversation with her fa- tears and highlighted several of the who is someone in Las Vegas, in- ther in June 2001 — weeks prior to problems others report experienc- 10. Reid wants suburban — on a corner that could very well cluding those who still hide their Bailey’s homicide. ing with the child welfare system. Chinatown on Bundy’s land be called the corner of Happy and names under some of their puppets 5) Owens lied, “But nothing at The courtroom on the 17th floor After one whole week of ten- Healthy (as the commercial for to avoid the publicity: they all want the crime scene is going to help in the Nevada Supreme Court hear- sion, confrontation and threats, the Walgreen drug store states), a piece of the pie, a piece of the them because the jury already knew ing room at the Regional Justice Bureau of Land Management Fremont and 6th Street, in the heart marijuana market fortune. that evidence there pointed away Center was filled to its 70-seat ca- backed up from the idea of taking of Las Vegas. Only those with money and from Kirstin.” The truth is Ms. pacity for the four-hour long ses- rancher Cliven Bundy’s cattle and There has been only a handful clout are allowed to be marijuana Lobato’s unrebutted new exculpa- sion, according the Public Informa- decided to allow Bundy’s cattle to of men in Las Vegas that deserve dealers in order to keep the money tory crime scene evidence estab- tion Officer Michael Sommermeyer graze on public land. to be called legends, and added in within the same elite group. No lishes among other things that of the Administrative Office of the After twenty-one years of rais- between Benny Binion and Sam outsiders are allowed. Bailey’s killer made all the Courts, who directed overflow visi- ing his cattle on what is now fed- Boyd is Jackie Gaughan. No others shoeprints imprinted in blood and tors to an area where they could eral land, the Bureau of Land Man- can claim that title. they don’t match Ms. Lobato; stand. agement decided that it’s time for Jackie Gaughan partnered with Bailey’s cutting and stab wounds Justice Nancy Saitta presided as Bundy to pay — or for his cattle many legendary figures of our were not inflicted by her pocket the chair and lead driving force be- not to graze on federal land. time, including Ben Siegel, but knife; and Bailey was alive when hind the blue ribbon committee she The Bundy’s ranch, located less Jackie always stood by his own his rectum injury occurred, proving convened to look into and report its than a hundred miles from Las Ve- principals and his own rules, she was convicted of a non-existent findings, recommendations and di- gas, has been in Cliven Bundy’s getting the reputation of an honest violation of NRS 201.450. Further- rectives by the end of its four-month family since 1870 and he has owned and straightforward individual. more, two jurors determined after term. The period ends early in 2015 almost three hundred acres of the Last week, with the death of reviewing all the new evidence that prior to Nevada Legislature’s bi- land adjacent to the one of which legendary casino figure Jackie “it could have possibly resulted in annual session. Saitta said the the federal government is claiming Gaughan, Las Vegas saw the end 7. Lawyer lied during Kirstin either a hung jury or Ms. Lobato’s committee’s report will be complete ownership. of an era that, unfortunately, we Lobato’s Nevada Supreme acquittal.” in time for “action” in the upcom- The seized part of Bundy’s cattle never can or will see again. Court arguments 6) Owens lied Bailey’s time of ing session. by the federal government sparked * * * * * A minimum-wage convenience death isn’t “critical.” The truth is What was clear from the first protesters from different parts of the 8. County reveals licensees store clerk who lies under oath in the State’s theory of Ms. Lobato’s public hearing of the planned series nation to come down to support for Marijuana: The new drug court can be convicted of perjury guilt depended on convincing the is that action for change is called Bundy’s rights to have his cattle dealers do not know how to and sentenced to prison. In contrast, jury Bailey died before 7 a.m. for loudly; but will anything ulti- graze on federal land as he and his spread the wealth a highly paid lawyer can fearlessly 7) Owens lied the jury “rejected” mately be done? Some in atten- family have done for over a cen- Not that long ago being a mari- lie his or her head off when pub- Ms. Lobato’s alibi evidence she was dance, such as panel members tury. juana-smoker was not something licly appearing before the Nevada in Panaca the evening of July 8. The Mayor Carolyn Goodman, District Protesters — who all believe in that one bragged about, and being Supreme Court. truth is the State conceded during Judge Deborah Schumacher and the U.S. Constitution — traveled a marijuana dealer carried a stigma We know that because of what its closing argument it is factually Saitta of the blue ribbon commit- from California, Idaho, Las Vegas with it, since that was not accepted occurred during oral arguments be- true she was in Panaca from at least tee vow to bring about change. (NV) and Montana to Bunkerville in the majority of social circles or fore the full Nevada Supreme Court “11:30 a.m. through the night.” to unite with Bundy in his singular communities anywhere. on September 9, 2014 concerning 8) Owens lied in his assertions effort and offer him a show of A long-time Las Vegas high- Kirstin Blaise Lobato’s habeas cor- Ms. Lobato’s unrebutted new expert peaceful support in his stand against roller named Jimmy Chagra — pus appeal. The attorney represent- forensic evidence Bailey died after injustice. whose name isn’t that well known ing the State of Nevada — Clark 8 p.m. isn’t important. The truth is Bundy, a 67-year-old rancher today — was a legend on the fa- County Assistant District Attorney the State conceded at trial she was whose family has operated a ranch mous Las Vegas Strip back in his Steven S. Owens — repeatedly lied in Panaca 165 miles from Las Ve- since the 1870s, does not recognize day. about issues related to Ms. Lobato’s gas at that time, so it is impossible federal ownership of the land where According to gaming experts, case. she committed his homicide. his cattle graze. Nevada, says Jimmy Chagra gambled millions, The Supreme Court’s response 9) Owens lied, “We have here a Bundy, owns the property. handed out $10,000 tips to cocktail has been deafening silence. Owens’ couple statutory remedies that Ms. The federal government dis- waitresses, and sometimes even dishonest assertions include: Lobato could avail herself of. ... and agrees. In 1993, the government paid off the mortgages of certain 1) Owens lied twice that Ms. the other is a motion for DNA test- revoked Bundy’s grazing rights on casino workers. Lobato made a “confession” related ing...” The truth is Ms. Lobato’s the land after he stopped paying Chagra was active as a trafficker to Duran Bailey’s homicide in Las petition for post-conviction DNA grazing fees. He also refused to in marijuana and the money he had Vegas on July 8, 2001. The truth is testing of crime scene evidence — comply with federal orders to re- was the product of his marijuana that during Ms. Lobato’s trial the including semen recovered from move his cattle from the property, business, an enterprise that sent him State didn’t assert in its opening Bailey’s rectum — was vigorously 5. Prosecutors in Las Vegas, which the federal government says to prison despite all the charitable statement, closing argument, or opposed by the Clark County D.A. Clark County, lying to get is home to federally-protected tor- gestures and financial help he of- present trial testimony she made a and denied by Judge Valorie Vega. convictions toise populations. fered to others. “confession” to Bailey’s homicide. The Nevada Supreme Court dis- It is already an accepted saying Several websites reported that According to one observer, he It exists only in Owens’ imagina- missed her appeal, “Because the we hear all the time that Las Vegas the Nevada rancher who forced the was “the undisputed marijuana tion. order is not appealable.” is a city where people come on va- federal Bureau of Land Manage- kingpin of the Western world,” but 2) Owens lied, “She was con- The foregoing is only a partial cation and leave on probation — or, ment to back down last week may many of those people who benefited victed by her own words at the trial, litany of Owens’ gross dishonesty in some cases, they do not get to have been targeted because a Chi- from Chagra’s generosity on many and her own words belie the argu- throughout his argument. It was a leave because they are confined to nese solar company with ties to Sen. occasions denied knowing the per- ment that she is actually innocent.” continuation of Owens’ dishonesty prison for a crime they may not Harry Reid’s son wants the land for son who financially helped so many The truth is there is nothing incrimi- related to Ms. Lobato’s case. have committed or participated in, an energy plant. of them. nating regarding Bailey’s homicide or even known about at all. The late Jasper Spaciale went to in her police Statement or com- And that happens because many a federal prison for loaning money ments attributed to her — none of people who come to Las Vegas do at only 2 percent interest a week to which even include the date, loca- not realize that the city is not as those who needed a quick loan un- tion, or manner of Bailey’s death friendly as it wants visitors to be- til payday because loan-sharking from a head injury. Furthermore, lieve it is. was considered a mob-related busi- Ms. Lobato’s habeas petition details Also, when a tourist gets in ness, and it was an illegal business her conviction was due to Metro trouble, that tourist is under the er- as well. Det. Thomas Thowsen’s extensive roneous assumption that the laws of Today there are legit loan sharks false testimony regarding her State- the United States, which are sup- on almost every corner in Clark ment and comments, and his alleged posed to apply to all, apply to Las County, charging as much as 39 investigations; and more than 275 Vegas, Nevada as well. In reality, percent interest; but because they unrebutted instances of prejudicial there is a different set of rules here are licensed and give a piece of the prosecutor misconduct during her because this is not the United States action to the city or the county, they trial — none of which were objected 6. Clark County’s child of America — this is the “Country 9. End of an Era: are called payday loans. to by her lawyer. welfare system is ‘broken’ of Las Vegas,” under a dictatorial Jackie Gaughan dead at 93 Today, many of our 3) Owens lied, “Shortly thereaf- The public had its first chance regime similar to a police state. If anyone qualifies for several community’s elite — those who ter [Bailey’s homicide], Kirstin Tuesday to go before a newly orga- It seems that “intent sexual as- honorable adjectives at this time, walk around with their nose high Lobato in Panaca, Nevada, started nized panel to speak out in support sault” is the charge in style nowa- that one is Jackie Gaughan, the in the air and are considered the talking about a severed penis.” The of or to recount problems they have days for men, and “child abuse” is gaming pioneer of Las Vegas who “royalty” of our community and of truth is Ms. Lobato mentioned in her encountered with the child welfare the charge for females who do not once owned a part or whole stake a caste that would not have been Statement that prior to June 20, system. There was a unified, undis- bow to the system; these are the in several casinos in the downtown seen with the likes of Chagra of 2001 she had a conversation with a puted message: The child welfare charges prosecutors use to win ev- area, not counting his pet project yesteryear — are proudly appear- woman about the Las Vegas rape system is “broken.” ery case, even if it requires lying. — The El Cortes Hotel and Casino ing before the County Commission- attempt she fended off with her The Las Vegas Tribune has car- (See Top 10 Stories, Page 5) December 31, 2014-January 6, 2015 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / Page 5

Top Ten Stories (Continued from Page 4) fendant is not the only case on He tested positive for his Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Wal-Mart store across the street. There is the case of a young Ma- which the Supreme Court had dis- prescribed medication and returned Tuesday headline showed a recent During an emotional press rine who sat in jail for a month for agreed with the decision of Judge to court on December 6, 2012. development that echoes what the conference on Sunday afternoon, a sexual assault charge that he did Smith; Las Vegas Tribune found Photographs of Ms. Bersell under Las Vegas Tribune has been calling Sheriff Douglas Gillespie said he not know he committed; there was more than thirty cases in which the the influence with a marijuana bud for over the years: “Child Welfare could not confirm the veracity of no DNA, no evidence of any kind, Nevada Supreme Court had not tucked neatly behind one ear were Reform Sought.” The front page the statement at that time. not even an alleged victim — and been in agreement with Judge presented to the court and found to article announced that a “blue At the Wal-Mart store, the two yet he was kept in jail for four Smith, reversing the rulings. be not relevant. The request to test ribbon committee” has been suspects shot a shopper at the door months after bail had been posted. Dagmar Diaz and his mother Ms. Bersell was denied by Judge convened to look into problems and made their way to the back of There is also the case of a Florida Blanca have been in the country Nathan. The court ordered that with the Clark County child the store where allegedly the engineer who refused to agree to the little more than a decade from Keith was to “NEVER EVER drive welfare system and courts. female suspect shot her male prosecutor’s “benevolent” offer of Cuba; just a few months after the minor child anywhere until The system encompasses Child companion and then killed herself. pleading guilty and doing “only” a Dagmar was enrolled in his school, there is a further ORDER of this Haven, the emergency shelter for The citizen shopper who died few years behind bars or else be he was run over by a car in front of court.” There is no evidence that children in protective custody after during the shootout at that Wal- found guilty by a jury — that in that school on Twain and Spencer. Keith cannot care for, or that he is they are removed from situations Mart in northeast Las Vegas has most cases is manipulated by the Dagmar was in a coma for four- a danger to, Aiden; he has not even deemed abusive or neglectful; the been identified by the Clark County prosecutors; he is now facing thirty- teen days and his mother had to quit had a speeding ticket, and has no foster home placement program, Office of the Coroner/Medical five years in the Nevada State working to care for him; he was DUI. and the family court departments Examiner as Joseph Robert Wilcox, Prison. diagnosed with schizophrenia, post Should all medical patients be that oversee cases involving 31, of Las Vegas. traumatic brain damage and atten- prohibited from transporting their children with one or both parents The standoff and the tion deficit disorder (ADD) and children anywhere because in some type of dysfunctional or investigation lasted through a needed continual medical attention. something MIGHT happen, or just unhealthy living condition or substantial part of the evening, * * * * * those who have a Nevada State- embroiled in family custody while officers continued to put 3. Do parental rights extend to issued medical card? battles. pieces together to make sense of medical marijuana patients? An emailed statement about the what had occurred. committee from Public If you appear in Clark County Las Vegas Mayor, Carolyn G. Information Officer Michael S. Family Court Department T, in Goodman, was the first one to Sommemeyer from the front of Judge Gayle Nathan, the comment on the shooting, stating Administrative Office of the answer is NO. Judge Nathan is “This was a senseless and cruel act Supreme Court of Nevada stated: enforcing a zero tolerance policy — killing three innocent people, “[Saitta] has asked a group of for the Defendant, Keith Patton. two who dedicated their lives to Nevada leaders to serve on a blue Judge Nathan is on a mission to protecting all of us in our ribbon committee to look into show this medical patient “how community, and one who was deficiencies in the Clark County miserable it can get” if he follows innocently going about her daily child welfare system and courts. life. At UMC Trauma and his doctor’s recommendation. The panel, which will meet over the Keith Patton suffered a severe thereafter with fellow officers, I next four months, will make saw their pain was evident and head trauma in 2003 and dealt with recommendations for county action migraines, vomiting, and sleepless clear. Their resolve was greater 4. Mother protests with and/or legislation to be passed in nights. All prescribed than ever to serve our community hunger strike in front of the the 2015 state legislative session.” pharmaceutical medications had 2. Child welfare system with loyalty, dedication, and to Regional Justice Center The committee was convened as severe side effects. He now uses reform: Real change honor the memory of their two The mother of a young man with a part of the Court Improvement medical marijuana not only to or more of same? comrades and friends. I several mental illnesses spent all Program for the Protection and alleviate the symptoms but also as All agencies may have problems immediately asked that flags at city last week in front of the Regional Permanency of Dependent preventive medicine. He is a fully of one type or another, but the Clark facilities be lowered to half staff in Justice Center on a hunger strike Children. Saitta is presiding chair. functioning honor student at ITT County agency responsible for remembrance of the officers and protesting against a court decision “Action needs to be taken Technical Institute. protecting the youngest and most the innocent woman also tragically by Judge Douglas Smith after her immediately to address these Keith moved to Las Vegas in vulnerable—the children—has for shot today.” (Previous media son finalized a plea deal where he shortcomings that are jeopardizing 2012 from Northern Virginia, 2,400 too long gone relatively unchecked reports had incorrectly identified would plead guilty to lesser charges the well-being of children in Clark miles across the United States of and uncorrected, according to the civilian victim in this incident in return for a much lower sentence. County,” said Saitta. as a woman.) America, to live closer to his son. countless family advocates, Among those chosen for the Dagmar Diaz was arrested and Former Assistant Sheriff Ted Prior to his first appearance in front families who have been committee are Las Vegas Mayor charged with kidnapping and intent Moody and Sheriff candidate is of Judge Nathan, he received a inexplicably victimized by agency Carolyn Goodman; County of sexual assault; his public de- only candidate that responded for medical recommendation from a malfunctions, and media critics — Commissioner Susan Brager; fender attorney negotiated a lower a comment on this article. Moody qualified physician, and now holds the Las Vegas Tribune at the former Assembly Speaker Barbara sentence if he admits guilt to a lesser said, “The attack yesterday was a valid Nevada State-issued forefront. Buckley, currently the executive charge. another brutal and medical card. The pages of this newspaper and Director of Legal Aid Center of Up to now, everything seemed incomprehensible act of violence to Keith appeared in Clark County programs on RadioTribune.com Southern Nevada; Nevada Health routine and business as usual with be added to a long and rapidly Family Court as the Plaintiff, Erin have been filled for years with and Services Director Amber the prosecutors and defense attor- growing list of tragic incidents Bersell, and mother of his then 3- articles covering the Division of Howell, along with Second Judicial neys playing at law with the lives gripping our nation. The loss of year-old child, Aiden, would not Child and Family Services and District Judge Deborah of the defendants. Officer Alyn Beck and Officer Igor allow him visitation. Ms. Bersell’s exposing major problems and Schumacher. However, everyone agreed to the Soldo is as shocking as it is attorneys, Andrew Kynaston and questionable rulings in several “These children deserve better, plea bargain deal and they were heartbreaking. Our prayers are with Edward Kainen, submitted an cases that came before the family and I get no sense of urgency on ready to be in Department 8 in front the families of these officers, the Instagram photo of a glass bong courts. Accounts of families and the part of the system. This of Judge Douglas Smith to seal the family of Joseph Wilcox, and with Keith had sold to a medical patient children the system not only did not committee will identify the most negotiations, but no one counted on the brave men and women of the as evidence of his “emersion in the protect, but who instead became serious issues in the child welfare the judge’s racial antagonism Las Vegas Metropolitan Police drug culture.” This “evidence” was targets of abuse and torment or system and work with [county] against Latino defendants; he did Department.” not in the pleadings, but Judge neglect, are proof that deeper officials to make sure they are not approve the deal. Las Vegas Tribune columnist Nathan allowed it to be entered and investigation into the county’s corrected quickly,” Saitta further The Public Defender appointed and former Las Vegas Metropolitan ordered Keith to test for drugs. system is warranted. stated. to the case tried to explain to the Police Department Lieutenant Keith was not allowed to speak and This week, the Nevada Supreme * * * * * judge that the young man had sev- Norm Jahn emailed his comment had not entered his prescription Court Justice Nancy Saitta and 1. Las Vegas police eral head injuries and illnesses due and said: “This stunning and into evidence prior to the hearing others have gone on record vowing mourning the death of to being run down under a car in senseless incident will do since listing medications currently to look into and correct the two ambushed officers front of his school, but Judge Smith emotional damage to everyone at in use is not on any court form and “shortcomings” and “deficiencies” Las Vegas police and the did not allow her to finish the ex- Metro and anyone who has worn a this allegation was not in the in the agency and systems community are mourning the death planation and shut her down. badge. It is unlikely that any ‘street pleadings. overseeing children’s welfare. of two of their own when two The Deputy District Attorney, officers were senselessly killed survival’ training would have made who always hides under the name while having lunch at a local pizza a difference, but Metro leadership of the elected District Attorney, was restaurant. can surge forward with support for shocked with the judge’s decision According to reports, the the families of the officers and also and tried to explain to the judge the tragedy started approximately for the larger police family.” plea agreement, but the judge told 11:30 Sunday morning when two The two officers were assigned both attorneys that he didn’t care individuals, a man and a woman, to the Northeast Area Command. and the ultimate decision was up to approached Officers Alyn Beck Beck had been employed with him and... NEXT CASE. and Igor Soldo while having lunch LVMPD since Aug. 2001. He Judge Smith is known for being at CiCi’s Pizza, ambushed them leaves behind a wife and three rude and arrogant on the bench and and took their service guns. children. Soldo had been employed has the tendency to be extremely The two suspects allegedly with LVMPD since April 2006. rude to people who speak with an yelled ‘This is a revolution’ as they He was also married and leaves accent. left the restaurant and headed to the behind both his wife and a baby. Judge Smith most recently was in the spotlight when he locked up a Hispanic man because he thought the defendant displayed an attitude while in court, and then raised the man’s bail from $3,000 to $1 mil- lion. Later the Nevada Supreme Court disagreed with Smith’s order and ordered the defendant’s bail back down to the original $3,000 and the case transferred to another courtroom. The issue with that Hispanic de- Keith Patton with his son at Lone Mountain Officers Alyn Beck (left) and Igor Soldo Page 6 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / December 31, 2014-January 6, 2015 Parent’s Rights (Continued from Page 1) ing regulation 34 CFR ß99.10, in- student “identifiers.” Osgood, in an email, said the data exists in an unreadable format. Education Dale Erquiaga then cluding ß99.10(d), which specifi- Student addresses and ID num- best way for parents to ensure the “Parents don’t know what the sought formal direction from fed- cally provides that if circumstances bers are “Bio Demographic At- accuracy of information ware- codes mean,” Eppolito said. “Who eral officials, asking specifically, in effectively prevent a parent from tribute Elements” used in the gen- housed by the state is to “ensure the knows what else is getting mixed part, if data maintained in the State exercising the right to inspect and eration of a “Unique State Personal data are correct at the district.” up?” Longitudinal Data System were in review a student’s education Identifier” as part of Nevada’s goal “Parents should alwaysremain NDE has updated its practices so fact “education records” and records, the SEA “shall,” in part: to develop a Matching Data Hub to vigilant and involved to ensure the parents have access to student in- whether NDE had to write a com- (1) Provide the parent or eligible assign unique state ID numbers to information housed by the District formation in person, Osgood said. puter program interpreting the data student with a copy of the records individuals “so that students and and therefore the subset of the in- The department will respond to any in order to respond to the parent’s requested. teachers can be followed through- formation contained within the Dis- appropriate parental request to view request to inspect and review his Agencies, King went on to say, out their enrollment in PreK-12 and trict that goes to the state is accu- their student’s data. children’s education records. can charge a fee for copies. If a fee postsecondary education and into rate,” she said. Parents who want to inspect their Dale King, director of the fed- for copies effectively prevents a the workforce,” according to the Eppolito advised differently, re- child’s information maintained in eral compliance office, replied with parent or student from exercising report. (Emphasis added.) minding parents that the informa- the state’s data system may contact a detailed, six-page July 28, 2014 the right to inspect and review edu- Eppolito’s experience, however, tion on his children was correct in Glenn Meyer, the IT Manager for letter that addressed multiple issues cation records, however, then edu- has demonstrated that the informa- the Washoe County School NDE at 775-687-9126. Erquiaga had raised. cational agencies “would be re- tion in these tracking systems may District’s system. The errors, he Karen Gray is a reporter/re- King’s advisory letter noted that quired to provide copies without not be accurate, and thus not reli- stressed, existed within the state’s searcher with Nevada Journal. For the U.S. Congress in 1994 had payment.” King then notes that edu- able. database system. more in-depth reporting, visit amended the FERPA law “so that cational agencies “may not charge When asked how the Eppolito Moreover, he said, the state’s nevadajournal.com and npri.org. parents would have the right to in- a fee for search and retrieval of edu- misinformation got into the state’s spect and review education records cation records.” system, Osgood replied that the James W. Hardesty to maintained by an SEA” — a “state The department would not gen- state does not enter any data into education agency,” in fed-speak. He erally be required to create a new, SAIN and that “all information in then also noted that “FERPA de- interpretive record or document for SAIN is collected by local school become Chief Justice of fines ‘education records’ as infor- a parent, King said. “However,” he districts and transferred to SAIN.” mation directly related to a ‘stu- continued, NDE “would be re- Eppolito said it’s disingenuous dent.’” quired to respond to reasonable re- for Osgood to say NDE doesn’t Nevada Supreme Court That essentially nullified the le- quests for explanations and inter- enter information into SAIN, be- Special to the Las Vegas Tribune gal position the state had been ar- pretations of records.” cause they did. On January 5, 2015, Justice guing — that no “records” exist on Those explanations and interpre- When Eppolito found the inac- James W. Hardesty will become the Eppolito children because tations are required “regardless curacies in his children’s’ records, Chief Justice of the Nevada Su- SAIN’s student data do not consti- whether the data is generated from NDE sent him back to Washoe preme Court. Chief Justice Mark tute “records” under the law — a State assessment or if the data is County School District to verify the Gibbons, who has served as Chief records allegedly being documents generated from education records information there. However, the Justice throughout 2014, will con- — and neither FERPA nor Nevada’s uploaded from constituent records in the school district’s in- clude his term and Justice Hardesty public records laws require the state schools.” formation system were correct. will assume leadership as the ad- to create records. Heather Kays, a research fellow “During the meeting we pulled ministrative head of Nevada’s ju- “Some have argued that FERPA, at the Heartland Institute and man- a few of the erroneous addresses,” dicial branch of government. specifically 34 C.F.R. ß99.10(b), re- aging editor of School Reform WCSD’s Chief Academic Manger Justice Hardesty is a native Ne- quires NDE to create a program to News, told Nevada Journal, “It was Scott Bailey wrote to NDE officials. vadan, having been born and raised enable it to identify and extract in- and is unacceptable for the Nevada “His children did not populate as in Reno. He graduated from the dividual-level data,” wrote former Department of Education officials related to any of the addresses. University of Nevada, Reno and Nevada Deputy Attorney General to think that they had a right to track Other students enrolled in the Dis- practiced law in Reno from 1975 JAMES W. HARDESTY Carrie Parker in a May 14, 2014, student data and not provide access trict were associated to these ad- through 1998, when he was elected reduce the backlog of the Supreme legal memorandum to Erquiaga. “A to the same information to parents. dresses, but not Mr. Eppolito’s chil- to the District Court bench in Court and eventually provide review of FERPA, its correspond- FERPA exists specifically for cases dren. We are unable to find a con- Washoe County. He was elected to quicker resolution of all appeals in ing regulations, and associated case like this to protect student privacy nection between Mr. Eppolito’s the Supreme Court in 2004 and pre- Nevada. I anticipate assigning our law reveals no such requirement. and parental rights.” family and the addresses in ques- viously served as Chief Justice in three new appellate judges their first Additionally, no such requirement Mistakes in records tion.” 2009. 163 cases the first week of Janu- exists in state law.” Given the numerous mistakes Osgood said that NDE is not In 2014, Chief Justice Gibbons ary.” King’s letter to Erquiaga, how- reported regarding Eppolito’s chil- aware of any bug or system issue and Justice Hardesty worked Chief Justice Hardesty will work ever, immediately cut to the heart dren, Nevada Journal asked NDE that would cause data inaccuracy closely with their colleagues on the with Nevada’s lawmakers on bud- of the issue by noting, in its second if it was taking any steps to ensure and that when it becomes aware that Court and Nevada’s legal commu- get and legislation at the 2015 Ne- paragraph, that what Nevada school the accuracy of all student informa- any of its records are incorrect, it nity to explain the need for a Court vada Legislature and will give the districts upload to the state, on a tion in the SAIN system. takes steps to correct that informa- of Appeals, which was approved by State of the Judiciary address to nightly basis, are “each student’s Judy Osgood, NDE’s public in- tion. voters in November. lawmakers early in the session. The current data record.” (Emphasis formation officer, replied that the Eppolito said he has been in- “Justice Hardesty tirelessly trav- Chief Justice is administrative head added.) department has a number of steps formed by NDE — but has not eled the state demonstrating the of the state’s legal system, speak- He continued: to validate data to ensure accuracy physically verified — that the in- need for a Court of Appeals and ing publicly for the Court and rep- ...[P]arents have the right to re- of data fields. The processes, she formation pertaining to his two old- explaining how the court will ben- resenting the Nevada Judiciary na- view education records maintained said, are employed for routine busi- est children has been corrected. He efit Nevadans,” said Chief Justice tionally. by an SEA on their children who ness such as attendance/student still awaits an update on the infor- Gibbons. Establishing the new The Chief Justice presides when are or have been in attendance at counts and assessments. mation regarding his younger chil- court is expected to be one of Chief the Supreme Court sits as the full any educational agency or institu- As for student addresses, dren. Justice Hardesty’s first tasks. court and chairs the Commission on tion that is subject to FERPA. Ac- Osgood explained they “are not “So, it’s inaccurate that NDE “The beginning of the Court of Judicial Selection, which nominates cordingly, records that are directly used by the state except for a step can’t manipulate the SAIN infor- Appeals marks a historic moment candidates for judicial appointment, related to students and maintained in the generation of a unique stu- mation, because they did,” Eppolito in the history of Nevada’s judicial and the Judicial Council of the State by the [Nevada Department of Edu- dent identification, albeit an ancil- said. system and will be one of the most of Nevada. Under the Nevada Con- cation] (or SLDS) are ‘education lary use.” “How did they fix the two older important projects of the Supreme stitution, only justices in the last records’ for purposes of FERPA’s According to the state’s NV children otherwise?” Eppolito Court in the new year,” said Justice two years of their current 6-year inspect and review provisions. 2012 SLDS Project Feasibility asked, noting again that information Hardesty. “The Court of Appeals term of office are eligible to be Federal compliance director Study Report, however, student ad- at WCSD was correct. provides us with the opportunity to Chief Justice. King also cites FERPA implement- dresses are actually key elements in Page 6 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / December 31, 2014-January 6, 2015 December 31, 2014-January 6, 2015 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / Page 7 Parent’s Rights (Continued from Page 1) ing regulation 34 CFR ß99.10, in- student “identifiers.” Osgood, in an email, said the data exists in an unreadable format. LGBT Americans face greater social and economic Education Dale Erquiaga then cluding ß99.10(d), which specifi- Student addresses and ID num- best way for parents to ensure the “Parents don’t know what the sought formal direction from fed- cally provides that if circumstances bers are “Bio Demographic At- accuracy of information ware- codes mean,” Eppolito said. “Who eral officials, asking specifically, in effectively prevent a parent from tribute Elements” used in the gen- housed by the state is to “ensure the knows what else is getting mixed disparities in the South, Midwest, and Mountain states part, if data maintained in the State exercising the right to inspect and eration of a “Unique State Personal data are correct at the district.” up?” Special to the Las Vegas Tribune LGBT Americans in the 29 Same-sex couples raising children regional differences in: some cases the economic disadvan- Longitudinal Data System were in review a student’s education Identifier” as part of Nevada’s goal “Parents should alwaysremain NDE has updated its practices so LOS ANGELES— LGBT states without state laws that pro- have a household income that is —Household Income: LGBT tages that LGBT people have rela- fact “education records” and records, the SEA “shall,” in part: to develop a Matching Data Hub to vigilant and involved to ensure the parents have access to student in- Americans face greater social and hibit discrimination on the basis of nearly $11,000 lower on average individuals in the Mountain states tive to non-LGBT people markedly whether NDE had to write a com- (1) Provide the parent or eligible assign unique state ID numbers to information housed by the District formation in person, Osgood said. economic disparities in the South, sexual orientation (non-state law than their different-sex, married are much more likely to report hav- increase in those regions. In others, puter program interpreting the data student with a copy of the records individuals “so that students and and therefore the subset of the in- The department will respond to any Midwest, and Mountain states, ac- states) consistently see greater dis- parent counterparts who are raising ing a household income below the advantages that you see for in order to respond to the parent’s requested. teachers can be followed through- formation contained within the Dis- appropriate parental request to view cording to a new Williams Institute parities than in the 21 states with children. $24,000 than their non-LGBT LGBT people in other parts of the request to inspect and review his Agencies, King went on to say, out their enrollment in PreK-12 and trict that goes to the state is accu- their student’s data. report sponsored by Credit Suisse, such laws (state law states), includ- —Health: More new HIV infec- counterparts (33 percent v. 22 per- country either disappear or re- children’s education records. can charge a fee for copies. If a fee postsecondary education and into rate,” she said. Parents who want to inspect their a longtime partner of the Williams ing in the following areas: tions among men who have sex cent, respectively). verse.” Dale King, director of the fed- for copies effectively prevents a the workforce,” according to the Eppolito advised differently, re- child’s information maintained in Institute. The report reviews social —Social Climate: An LGB so- with men (MSM) have come from —Health: MSM in the Moun- “While the nation seems on the eral compliance office, replied with parent or student from exercising report. (Emphasis added.) minding parents that the informa- the state’s data system may contact climate, demographic, economic cial climate index, which measures the South than any other region in tain states currently have the high- verge of full marriage equality, a detailed, six-page July 28, 2014 the right to inspect and review edu- Eppolito’s experience, however, tion on his children was correct in Glenn Meyer, the IT Manager for and health indicators, and high- the level of social acceptance of les- the country. Southern LGBT indi- est incidence of HIV in the country most states still have not adopted letter that addressed multiple issues cation records, however, then edu- has demonstrated that the informa- the Washoe County School NDE at 775-687-9126. lights disparities between the 21 bian, gay, and bisexual people, viduals also have the lowest insur- at 61.6 new infections per 100,000 non-discrimination laws protecting Erquiaga had raised. cational agencies “would be re- tion in these tracking systems may District’s system. The errors, he Karen Gray is a reporter/re- states that currently have non-dis- found that the 21 state law states ance rates in the country, with MSM. They also have the greatest LGBT people,” said Brad Sears, King’s advisory letter noted that quired to provide copies without not be accurate, and thus not reli- stressed, existed within the state’s searcher with Nevada Journal. For crimination laws that include sexual have a much warmer climate to- nearly one in four lacking insur- disparity among the regional popu- Executive Director of The Williams the U.S. Congress in 1994 had payment.” King then notes that edu- able. database system. more in-depth reporting, visit orientation and the 29 states with- wards LGB people than the 29 non- ance. In contrast, 16 percent of non- lation as a whole. The new HIV in- Institute. “This report sheds light on amended the FERPA law “so that cational agencies “may not charge When asked how the Eppolito Moreover, he said, the state’s nevadajournal.com and npri.org. out such laws. state law states, with average index LGBT individuals in the South do fection rate among MSM is nearly important differences between parents would have the right to in- a fee for search and retrieval of edu- misinformation got into the state’s “In states where legal climates scores of 70 in the state law states not have health insurance. six times the regional population LGBT people who live in the states spect and review education records cation records.” system, Osgood replied that the James W. Hardesty to are less supportive of LGB people, and 52 in the non-state law states. LGBT people and same-sex rate, and the MSM HIV prevalence that have moved ahead on LGBT maintained by an SEA” — a “state The department would not gen- state does not enter any data into social stigma toward them is also —Economic Vulnerability for couples from the Midwest find is more than 50 times the regional rights — mainly on the coasts — education agency,” in fed-speak. He erally be required to create a new, SAIN and that “all information in higher,” said co-author, and Will- African-Americans: African- themselves facing some of the population prevalence. and those who have not.” then also noted that “FERPA de- interpretive record or document for SAIN is collected by local school become Chief Justice of iams Public Opinion Project Direc- American LGBT individuals live in greatest inequities in: —Adoption: Same-sex couples “This study clearly identifies the fines ‘education records’ as infor- a parent, King said. “However,” he districts and transferred to SAIN.” tor, Andrew Flores. “Social and le- higher concentrations in the 29 non- —Education: LGBT individu- in the Mountain states have the low- financial disparities faced by mem- mation directly related to a ‘stu- continued, NDE “would be re- Eppolito said it’s disingenuous gal climates are generally inter- state law states (18 percent) than in als in the Midwest are less likely to est adoption rates of same-sex bers of the LGBT community,” said dent.’” quired to respond to reasonable re- for Osgood to say NDE doesn’t Nevada Supreme Court twined such that supportive laws the 21 state law states (12 percent), have completed a college degree by couples throughout the country, Pamela Thomas-Graham, Credit That essentially nullified the le- quests for explanations and inter- enter information into SAIN, be- Special to the Las Vegas Tribune and social acceptance run hand in leaving nearly 900,000 African- age 25 than non-LGBT Midwest- even though different-sex married Suisse’s Chief Marketing and Tal- gal position the state had been ar- pretations of records.” cause they did. On January 5, 2015, Justice hand.” American LGBT workers with lim- erners, while LGBT individuals in couples in the same region have the ent Officer and head of the bank’s guing — that no “records” exist on Those explanations and interpre- When Eppolito found the inac- James W. Hardesty will become “While there has been a lot of ited legal options to address expe- other regions of the country tend to highest adoption rate in the coun- New Markets business. “We the Eppolito children because tations are required “regardless curacies in his children’s’ records, Chief Justice of the Nevada Su- focus on the social and legal in- riences of discrimination based on have similar or higher levels of edu- try, among different-sex married partnered with Williams on this re- SAIN’s student data do not consti- whether the data is generated from NDE sent him back to Washoe preme Court. Chief Justice Mark equalities that LGBT people face in sexual orientation and gender iden- cation than their non-LGBT coun- couples. search for the same reason we cre- tute “records” under the law — a State assessment or if the data is County School District to verify the Gibbons, who has served as Chief the South, the inequities for those tity in the workplace. terparts. “It’s not just that LGBT people ated the Credit Suisse LGBT Equal- records allegedly being documents generated from education records information there. However, the Justice throughout 2014, will con- living in the Midwest and Moun- —Household Income: While —Household Income: LGBT in the Midwest and South are poorer ity Index and Portfolio: better in- — and neither FERPA nor Nevada’s uploaded from constituent records in the school district’s in- clude his term and Justice Hardesty tain states are sometimes over- same-sex couple households enjoy individuals in the Midwest are sub- because people in those regions formation and more transparent public records laws require the state schools.” formation system were correct. will assume leadership as the ad- looked,” said Amira Hasenbush, co- a $14,000 income advantage in the stantially more likely to report hav- tend to be poorer overall,” said Gary data leads to smarter decisions for to create records. Heather Kays, a research fellow “During the meeting we pulled ministrative head of Nevada’s ju- author and Jim Kepner Law and 21 state law states, that shrinks to ing a household income below Gates, co-author and Blachford- investors, policy makers, and our “Some have argued that FERPA, at the Heartland Institute and man- a few of the erroneous addresses,” dicial branch of government. Policy Fellow. “These data point to $5,300 in the 29 non-state law $24,000 than their non-LGBT Cooper Distinguished Scholar. “In society.” specifically 34 C.F.R. ß99.10(b), re- aging editor of School Reform WCSD’s Chief Academic Manger Justice Hardesty is a native Ne- severe disparities with respect to states. In contrast, same-sex couple counterparts (35 percent v. 24 per- quires NDE to create a program to News, told Nevada Journal, “It was Scott Bailey wrote to NDE officials. vadan, having been born and raised HIV infection rates in the Mountain households with children face an cent, respectively). Same-sex enable it to identify and extract in- and is unacceptable for the Nevada “His children did not populate as in Reno. He graduated from the states and economic vulnerability in income disadvantage when com- couples have a statistically signifi- dividual-level data,” wrote former Department of Education officials related to any of the addresses. University of Nevada, Reno and the Midwest.” pared to their different-sex married cant income advantage in all re- Nevada Deputy Attorney General to think that they had a right to track Other students enrolled in the Dis- practiced law in Reno from 1975 JAMES W. HARDESTY Key findings include: counterparts with children. That gions of the country, except the Carrie Parker in a May 14, 2014, student data and not provide access trict were associated to these ad- through 1998, when he was elected reduce the backlog of the Supreme income gap widens from $4,300 in Midwest, where the advantage legal memorandum to Erquiaga. “A to the same information to parents. dresses, but not Mr. Eppolito’s chil- to the District Court bench in Court and eventually provide the state law states to $11,000 in the nearly disappears. Among same-sex review of FERPA, its correspond- FERPA exists specifically for cases dren. We are unable to find a con- Washoe County. He was elected to quicker resolution of all appeals in Gonzales non-state law states. couples raising children, Midwest- (Continued from Page 2) ing regulations, and associated case like this to protect student privacy nection between Mr. Eppolito’s the Supreme Court in 2004 and pre- Nevada. I anticipate assigning our LGBT Americans in the South erners have a household income and Elgin does not even know his. law reveals no such requirement. and parental rights.” family and the addresses in ques- viously served as Chief Justice in three new appellate judges their first face increased disparities compared nearly $20,000 less than their dif- One wonders how this situation Additionally, no such requirement Mistakes in records tion.” 2009. 163 cases the first week of Janu- to LGBT people in other regions in ferent-sex couple married parent ever escalated to the point that it exists in state law.” Given the numerous mistakes Osgood said that NDE is not In 2014, Chief Justice Gibbons ary.” the country in the following areas: counterparts. did. Could it be possible that the King’s letter to Erquiaga, how- reported regarding Eppolito’s chil- aware of any bug or system issue and Justice Hardesty worked Chief Justice Hardesty will work —Household Income for LGBT people and same-sex powers that be in Las Vegas, Ne- ever, immediately cut to the heart dren, Nevada Journal asked NDE that would cause data inaccuracy closely with their colleagues on the with Nevada’s lawmakers on bud- parenting same-sex couples: couples in the Mountain states face vada employ such inept humans of the issue by noting, in its second if it was taking any steps to ensure and that when it becomes aware that Court and Nevada’s legal commu- get and legislation at the 2015 Ne- that they cannot even interpret a paragraph, that what Nevada school the accuracy of all student informa- any of its records are incorrect, it nity to explain the need for a Court vada Legislature and will give the medical report correctly? Is it that districts upload to the state, on a tion in the SAIN system. takes steps to correct that informa- of Appeals, which was approved by State of the Judiciary address to they have too much of a case load nightly basis, are “each student’s Judy Osgood, NDE’s public in- tion. voters in November. lawmakers early in the session. The to actually pay attention? Or is this current data record.” (Emphasis formation officer, replied that the Eppolito said he has been in- “Justice Hardesty tirelessly trav- Chief Justice is administrative head simply a case of female bullying, a added.) department has a number of steps formed by NDE — but has not eled the state demonstrating the of the state’s legal system, speak- group of women taking a dislike to He continued: to validate data to ensure accuracy physically verified — that the in- need for a Court of Appeals and ing publicly for the Court and rep- another woman? — although it is ...[P]arents have the right to re- of data fields. The processes, she formation pertaining to his two old- explaining how the court will ben- resenting the Nevada Judiciary na- appalling to think that anyone, es- view education records maintained said, are employed for routine busi- est children has been corrected. He efit Nevadans,” said Chief Justice tionally. pecially in a professional capacity, by an SEA on their children who ness such as attendance/student still awaits an update on the infor- Gibbons. Establishing the new The Chief Justice presides when could be so malicious. are or have been in attendance at counts and assessments. mation regarding his younger chil- court is expected to be one of Chief the Supreme Court sits as the full Chief Deputy District Attorney any educational agency or institu- As for student addresses, dren. Justice Hardesty’s first tasks. court and chairs the Commission on Dena Rinetti, who will apparently tion that is subject to FERPA. Ac- Osgood explained they “are not “So, it’s inaccurate that NDE “The beginning of the Court of Judicial Selection, which nominates stop at nothing to build her career cordingly, records that are directly used by the state except for a step can’t manipulate the SAIN infor- Appeals marks a historic moment candidates for judicial appointment, stats, is the epitome of the prover- related to students and maintained in the generation of a unique stu- mation, because they did,” Eppolito in the history of Nevada’s judicial and the Judicial Council of the State bial saying “If she had brains she by the [Nevada Department of Edu- dent identification, albeit an ancil- said. system and will be one of the most of Nevada. Under the Nevada Con- would be dangerous.” Rinetti has cation] (or SLDS) are ‘education lary use.” “How did they fix the two older important projects of the Supreme stitution, only justices in the last been awarded enormous power records’ for purposes of FERPA’s According to the state’s NV children otherwise?” Eppolito Court in the new year,” said Justice two years of their current 6-year with no accountability. She has inspect and review provisions. 2012 SLDS Project Feasibility asked, noting again that information Hardesty. “The Court of Appeals term of office are eligible to be demonstrated how much disregard Federal compliance director Study Report, however, student ad- at WCSD was correct. provides us with the opportunity to Chief Justice. she has for the state’s resources by King also cites FERPA implement- dresses are actually key elements in all that was wasted on this case. But let’s face it: the judicial and prison systems are big money-making businesses. Because the CPS workers in- volved in this case were not li- censed, the family was not able to file any formal complaints against them. One wonders what exactly was going on in the mind of Child Development Specialist Violeta Menjivar, as there were no previ- ous calls made against Gonzales, and her children displayed none of the behavior signs usually associ- ated with abused children. Quite the contrary; in fact, could it be as simple as the fact that even though Gonzales is Latina, she does not speak Spanish? Or the fact that her children are half Black? Several attempts were made to contact Lisa Ruiz-Lee, Department of Family Services Director, for comment, but all were ignored. It should be noted that Lisa Ruiz-Lee, an advocate for the department’s use of psychotropic medications, was instrumental in bringing about the implementation of an Enterprise Resource Planning System between the Clark County Judicial System, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police De- partment, Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada and University Medical Center — which includes Children’s Hospital Nevada. This seemingly logical implementation of resources would be the impetus that created the po- lice state that brought the burden to bear for Gonzales and her two chil- dren. If there is one thing to be learned from this, it is this: Never believe that something like this cannot hap- pen to you. This was the last thing that this family would have ever imagined having to live through. Gonzales’ life plans were that of her protecting needy children, not of serving time in prison for child abuse. Page 8 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / December 31, 2014-January 6, 2015 Ghosts of the Desert From The Desk (Continued from Page 1) By Jerry Schafer AGVA or the AFM (American Fed- enda, The Thunderbird, The Silver vehicle and extract him from the driver’s position. The plan consisted Back in the 1950s, Stan Irwin eration of Musicians), or of AFTRA Slipper, The Castaways and the list of breaking out the right rear passenger window and inserting pepper was the Entertainment Director of (American Federation of Television goes on and on. spray or tear gas, thus forcing Gibson to evacuate the vehicle. This the Sahara Hotel, bringing un- and Radio Artists). Along with the implosions of the plan was formulated after about 32 minutes, after removing innocents known talent like Don Rickles and Of course all members of all great hotels that were responsible from the immediate area and deploying police officers that were then Shecky Greene into the Lounge and unions (guilds or federations) paid for making this city known as the properly briefed to guard the perimeter around the vehicle. The plan producing big name stars in the dues to their respective organiza- Entertainment Capital of the World, was sound and practical, as I have personally observed when I was main showroom. At that time, the tions, keeping in tune with the good the Gaming Capital, The Marriage part of a similar situation in years past, when I was part of a SWAT Stardust Hotel was presenting the old American way of doing busi- Capital, the Divorce Capital, the unit that deployed such tactics. This was not a difficult task to accom- Lido de Paris, and the Dunes pre- ness. In other words, as they say; if Number One Tourist Destination in plish without anyone getting injured or killed and even taking the sus- sented Fred Apcar’s Casino de you want to hear the music, you’ve the World, the Number One Con- pect safely into custody. Paris. At the same time, the got to pay the fiddler! vention Destination, and more, Unfortunately, a patrol lieutenant (Dockendorf) arrived at the scene Tropicana Hotel presented the Fol- Back in those days, from time came the demise of the Musicians after the original plan was just about to be initiated, and immediately lies Bergere, and Del Webb’s to time, there were strikes by one Union, the American Guild of Va- informed personnel at the command post that he was now taking charge, Thunderbird Hotel was presenting union or the other, holdouts to in- riety Artists, and then it was and thus proceeded to alter the original plan. This alteration consisted the Ziegfeld Follies. crease the pay scales or to change goodbye to live music, goodbye to of using a Bean Bag Shotgun to knock out the rear window of the Caesars Palace didn’t open un- the rules and regulations regarding lounge shows, goodbye to dinner Gibson vehicle before deploying pepper spray or tear gas. This new til 1962, but the hotel had a “Star” the time element related to rehears- shows, and goodbye to the Star plan was still feasible and workable, except for one tiny little factor. policy. als of a musical variety show or Policy in most hotels. That little factor was that not all police personnel were informed or re- Dave Victorson was their Enter- such. The goodbyes didn’t end there. briefed of this little last minute alteration of using a Bean Bag Shot- tainment Director. The Sands Ho- The entertainment directors held Just like the names of the hotels that gun to knock out the window. By using a Bean Bag Shotgun to knock tel also had a Star policy for its en- meetings on a monthly basis to dis- are no longer here, hotels I refer to out the rear window instead of a blunt object, the sound of a gunshot tertainment presentations. Jack cuss the trials and tribulations of the as “Ghosts of the Desert,” the city was now introduced into the plan, and the shattering of a rear window Entratter was their Entertainment union involvement. They would also said its goodbyes to the tal- glass without any apparent reason other than from a gunshot. Director, booking names like: Frank also discuss entertainment in the ented entertainment directors Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean city. I can attest to the fact that for whose place has been taken by ho- So now you have a police perimeter guard that is not made aware Martin, Nat King Cole and the like. the most part, they worked together tel executives who are moved up that others are going to use a Bean Bag Shotgun to break out the win- I was Entertainment Director at in harmony trying to achieve the from working in other job descrip- dow, and that a gunshot will be heard and not to react, and that the rear the Thunderbird beginning in 1962, same goal... to turn Las Vegas into tions inside the new hotels. window will be broken out without anyone near it. When this occurs, booking such stars as: Judy Gar- a respected destination for tourists The so-called entertainment di- about the only conclusion that could be drawn is that someone inside land, Jack Benny, Robert Goulet, all over the world. rectors of today for the most part the vehicle is shooting from the inside vehicle to the outside of the Steve Allen and Jayne Meadows, Most hotels used the same tricks have virtually no production expe- vehicle and thus, is placing everyone on the perimeter in danger. Of- and more. of the trade in their advertising and rience, yet they work in the enter- ficer Arevelo felt that this was the case and proceeded to neutralize the Beginning in 1989, when the publicity. tainment department as entertain- threat, and shot and killed Stanley Gibson, who had sat up in the driver’s Mirage Hotel opened on the Las The shows were essentially the ment directors nonetheless. Fortu- seat of his vehicle. Vegas Strip, the title Entertainment drawing power for the casinos... nately, these new types of entertain- The rest of the story is just another immoral act that the LVMPD Director took on a different mean- Bigger more famous stars meant ment directors cannot make a deci- police administration is empowered to commit. The LVMPD admin- ing as new Entertainment Directors bigger casino drops (winnings in sion on their own. Today, most istration directly blamed Officer Arevelo for the death of Stanley were appointed in the new hotel the casino). things in most hotels are decided by Gibson. This type of condemnation is akin to blaming soldiers on the properties. Topless showgirls, glitz and a committee, unless of course, an field of battle with murder. This just isn’t done; the real culprits in this As far as I’m concerned, the glamour was the order of the day owner like Steve Wynn comes preventable “accident” are the persons at the top of the food chain. great hotels that made up the back- with feathers and rhinestones glit- along. The fact of the matter is, Immorality is again employed by the LVMPD police administra- bone of this city were responsible tering up the stages where musical Steve Wynn has the talent to find tion. First off, they immediately drop the hammer on Officer Arevelo; for causing this city to become the variety shows took the place of Star and present world-class entertain- without proper investigation, without proper due process, sacrifice the Entertainment Capital of the world. policy presentations. The compe- ment without the need of assigning lowly patrol officer as he is always expendable. Second, levy minor No individual person, Entertain- tition therein was fantastic, and the any entertainment director. discipline to intermediate supervisors, which will later be redacted ment Director or group of entertain- bottom line was... it was great for Today Las Vegas hotels do not and unnoticed, for their part in this incident, so as to appear to be fair ment directors made this town; but business. rely on their showrooms or show and impartial, and attempt to appease the masses. Third, pay off, as rather the hotels themselves and Big Las Vegas Orchestras were presentations to bring customers soon as possible, the survivors of Stanley Gibson; after all, the money their creative owners who financed also the order of the day in almost into their properties. Today, the ad- is not really coming out of the LVMPD police administrator’s pock- everything that took place inside every hotel. ditions of nightclubs, along with the ets. This will essentially close the case and prevent any further exami- their hotel properties were the ones Nat Brandywine had the orches- addition of shopping malls, attract nation of this unfortunate accident. Fourth, make sure that local bought- who caused this city to become tra at Caesars Palace, and on their tourists; and most important of all, off political activists keep repeating the same official scenario over what it is today. day off, the relief orchestra of Cee it attracts purveyors of all kinds to and over, to convince the masses that their explanation is the right one The entertainment directors of Davidson took their place. their properties. Those are the main the 1960s were talented fellows Up and down the Las Vegas attractions today! and any other explanations are mere conspirator theories. who had a list of production credits Strip show business was alive and In reality, nightclubs have, for So folks, there you have it. And just one more point. All of the to their names that gave them the kicking in both the showrooms and the most part, taken the place of the official conclusions so far have come from the LVMPD police admin- stature they deserved in that capac- in the lounges that presented fa- Las Vegas lounges of the past. To- istration and supported by political hacks. These conclusions have been ity. In addition to that, they also had mous musical show groups such as day hotel nightclubs account for a accepted without even getting Officer Arevelo’s side of the story. I experience in the entertainment in- Louie Prima and Keely Smith, The major part of the hotel’s profits. personally spoke with Officer Arevelo for over two hours to get his dustry that gave them the ability to Treniers, The Back Porch Majority, As indicated above, together side of the story; it was quite a revelation to say the least. know exactly what they were do- and individual artists including fa- with the nightclubs, the shops and How many of you, who believe in the LVMPD police administra- ing when they booked acts into the mous comedians. stores and restaurants that pay rent, tors version of what happened, have spoken directly to Officer Arevelo, hotel showrooms and lounges — or, In the early 1960s, the first af- and in some cases pay a piece of and then formulated your own righteous conclusion? Get all the facts for that matter, when they them- ternoon show to ever take place on the action too, are the things that in first and then point the finger. selves produced a show. the Las Vegas Strip was presented reality, have taken the place of what IN GOD WE TRUST Back in the 1960s there were in the Thunderbird Hotel’s lounge. the hotels used to rely on as far as Gordon Martines is a former LVMPD detective who has served in several unions that governed most The show was called; Speaking earning profits were concerned. many capacities over his 39-year career in law enforcement. He has of what happened in the showrooms of Girls, and was the forerunner of Las Vegas casino action is no been a candidate for sheriff in 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014, with the of Las Vegas as far as the perform- countless afternoon shows that soon longer the mainstay for any Las intention of bringing integrity and accountability back to the depart- ers and musicians were concerned. followed. Vegas hotel. ment, and filed a federal lawsuit against LVMPD in 2011. Martines There was the AGVA (American Over the years the face of the Certainly gaming revenues ac- now contributes his opinions and ideas to the Las Vegas Tribune to Guild of Variety Artists) and the Las Vegas Strip has continually count for a percentage of the ho- keep the public informed and help improve policing in Las Vegas. He Musicians Union that oversaw all changed, and so has the skyline as tels’ profits; but today, unlike days has also appeared on the Face the Tribune radio program several that took place in the orchestra pits, many of the famous hotels that were gone by, the casinos are not the at- times to share his plan for a better LVMPD. or anywhere else any musician the backbone of Las Vegas were traction they used to be. would perform. These unions set imploded, making way for newer not only the standards by which and more modern properties. their members operated; they also Those of us who have lived and set the fee scales. worked in Las Vegas since the Producers found themselves in 1950s are known today as the old- a position that led them to cooper- timers. Sadly for most of us old-tim- ate with the union scales in all re- ers, we saw the demise of such great spects. After all, back in the 1960s, hotel properties as The Dunes, The most of the musicians and perform- Sands, The Desert Inn, The ers were members of either the Stardust, The Frontier, The Haci- Page 8 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / December 31, 2014-January 6, 2015 December 31, 2014-January 6, 2015 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / Page 9 Ghosts of the Desert From The Desk (Continued from Page 1) By Jerry Schafer AGVA or the AFM (American Fed- enda, The Thunderbird, The Silver vehicle and extract him from the driver’s position. The plan consisted Back in the 1950s, Stan Irwin eration of Musicians), or of AFTRA Slipper, The Castaways and the list of breaking out the right rear passenger window and inserting pepper was the Entertainment Director of (American Federation of Television goes on and on. spray or tear gas, thus forcing Gibson to evacuate the vehicle. This the Sahara Hotel, bringing un- and Radio Artists). Along with the implosions of the plan was formulated after about 32 minutes, after removing innocents known talent like Don Rickles and Of course all members of all great hotels that were responsible from the immediate area and deploying police officers that were then Shecky Greene into the Lounge and unions (guilds or federations) paid for making this city known as the properly briefed to guard the perimeter around the vehicle. The plan A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have. — Thomas Jefferson producing big name stars in the dues to their respective organiza- Entertainment Capital of the World, was sound and practical, as I have personally observed when I was DITORIALS main showroom. At that time, the tions, keeping in tune with the good the Gaming Capital, The Marriage part of a similar situation in years past, when I was part of a SWAT E Stardust Hotel was presenting the old American way of doing busi- Capital, the Divorce Capital, the unit that deployed such tactics. This was not a difficult task to accom- Lido de Paris, and the Dunes pre- ness. In other words, as they say; if Number One Tourist Destination in plish without anyone getting injured or killed and even taking the sus- Our Point of View sented Fred Apcar’s Casino de you want to hear the music, you’ve the World, the Number One Con- pect safely into custody. Paris. At the same time, the got to pay the fiddler! vention Destination, and more, Unfortunately, a patrol lieutenant (Dockendorf) arrived at the scene Tropicana Hotel presented the Fol- Back in those days, from time came the demise of the Musicians after the original plan was just about to be initiated, and immediately Let’s keep this year’s lies Bergere, and Del Webb’s to time, there were strikes by one Union, the American Guild of Va- informed personnel at the command post that he was now taking charge, Thunderbird Hotel was presenting union or the other, holdouts to in- riety Artists, and then it was and thus proceeded to alter the original plan. This alteration consisted the Ziegfeld Follies. crease the pay scales or to change goodbye to live music, goodbye to of using a Bean Bag Shotgun to knock out the rear window of the resolutions alive! Caesars Palace didn’t open un- the rules and regulations regarding lounge shows, goodbye to dinner Gibson vehicle before deploying pepper spray or tear gas. This new til 1962, but the hotel had a “Star” the time element related to rehears- shows, and goodbye to the Star plan was still feasible and workable, except for one tiny little factor. It is no secret that the year that ends today has been a policy. als of a musical variety show or Policy in most hotels. That little factor was that not all police personnel were informed or re- tumultuous one in many ways, showing us that people ev- Dave Victorson was their Enter- such. The goodbyes didn’t end there. briefed of this little last minute alteration of using a Bean Bag Shot- erywhere are carrying a grudge of one kind or another and tainment Director. The Sands Ho- The entertainment directors held Just like the names of the hotels that gun to knock out the window. By using a Bean Bag Shotgun to knock tel also had a Star policy for its en- meetings on a monthly basis to dis- are no longer here, hotels I refer to showing their own frustration at having innocent people out the rear window instead of a blunt object, the sound of a gunshot tertainment presentations. Jack cuss the trials and tribulations of the as “Ghosts of the Desert,” the city suffer the consequences of the guilty people’s behavior. was now introduced into the plan, and the shattering of a rear window Entratter was their Entertainment union involvement. They would also said its goodbyes to the tal- glass without any apparent reason other than from a gunshot. Unarmed young people being killed by what some see Director, booking names like: Frank also discuss entertainment in the ented entertainment directors feel are assassins in uniform; good, honest, dedicated po- Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean city. I can attest to the fact that for whose place has been taken by ho- So now you have a police perimeter guard that is not made aware Martin, Nat King Cole and the like. the most part, they worked together tel executives who are moved up that others are going to use a Bean Bag Shotgun to break out the win- lice officers getting ambushed and killed for the behavior of I was Entertainment Director at in harmony trying to achieve the from working in other job descrip- dow, and that a gunshot will be heard and not to react, and that the rear some of their heartless counterparts, and bad police officers the Thunderbird beginning in 1962, same goal... to turn Las Vegas into tions inside the new hotels. window will be broken out without anyone near it. When this occurs, getting commendations and promotions. So unfair! booking such stars as: Judy Gar- a respected destination for tourists The so-called entertainment di- about the only conclusion that could be drawn is that someone inside the vehicle is shooting from the inside vehicle to the outside of the Bad judges get reelected while good judges are taken land, Jack Benny, Robert Goulet, all over the world. rectors of today for the most part down because they are not controllable, bought by unethi- Steve Allen and Jayne Meadows, Most hotels used the same tricks have virtually no production expe- vehicle and thus, is placing everyone on the perimeter in danger. Of- and more. of the trade in their advertising and rience, yet they work in the enter- ficer Arevelo felt that this was the case and proceeded to neutralize the cal useless attorneys with a few dollars to spread around to Beginning in 1989, when the publicity. tainment department as entertain- threat, and shot and killed Stanley Gibson, who had sat up in the driver’s be able to control the judges they just bought and paid for Mirage Hotel opened on the Las The shows were essentially the ment directors nonetheless. Fortu- seat of his vehicle. during the election. And my New Year’s Wish Vegas Strip, the title Entertainment drawing power for the casinos... nately, these new types of entertain- The rest of the story is just another immoral act that the LVMPD Elected officials believe in their self-serving mistaken Director took on a different mean- Bigger more famous stars meant ment directors cannot make a deci- police administration is empowered to commit. The LVMPD admin- dreams that they are Kings and Queens, reigning above all ing as new Entertainment Directors bigger casino drops (winnings in sion on their own. Today, most istration directly blamed Officer Arevelo for the death of Stanley to President Obama... were appointed in the new hotel the casino). things in most hotels are decided by Gibson. This type of condemnation is akin to blaming soldiers on the those who helped them to win their “royal” office, while the properties. Topless showgirls, glitz and a committee, unless of course, an field of battle with murder. This just isn’t done; the real culprits in this “lowly” voters suffer for their poor choice of candidates for By Perly Viasmensky not up to teachers to ignore the fact and then have to As far as I’m concerned, the glamour was the order of the day owner like Steve Wynn comes preventable “accident” are the persons at the top of the food chain. the next four years. Wishing friends and even strangers a “Happy New deal with the death of a child on their conscience. great hotels that made up the back- with feathers and rhinestones glit- along. The fact of the matter is, Immorality is again employed by the LVMPD police administra- Elected officials seem to be under the impression that Year” is a common phrase we normally use, but do For everyone else, I wish 2015 will bring happi- bone of this city were responsible tering up the stages where musical Steve Wynn has the talent to find tion. First off, they immediately drop the hammer on Officer Arevelo; those very people that elected them are brainless and they we really mean what we are saying? ness, health, love and prosperity. for causing this city to become the variety shows took the place of Star and present world-class entertain- without proper investigation, without proper due process, sacrifice the Sometimes with the beginning of a new year we Now I want to thank President Obama for his New Entertainment Capital of the world. policy presentations. The compe- ment without the need of assigning lowly patrol officer as he is always expendable. Second, levy minor can just change their mind, opinion or actions whenever it need to wish others more than a simple phrase, hop- Year’s gift. Honestly, I was expecting something more No individual person, Entertain- tition therein was fantastic, and the any entertainment director. discipline to intermediate supervisors, which will later be redacted suits them and the electoral will never find out — which ing they learn things they were supposed to know all useful and less painful than his acknowledgment of a ment Director or group of entertain- bottom line was... it was great for Today Las Vegas hotels do not and unnoticed, for their part in this incident, so as to appear to be fair shows a great deal of disrespect for the people they are sup- year long. new relationship with Cuba. ment directors made this town; but business. rely on their showrooms or show and impartial, and attempt to appease the masses. Third, pay off, as I do wish a very happy and prosperous new year to President Obama has no idea how painful it is for rather the hotels themselves and Big Las Vegas Orchestras were presentations to bring customers posed to be serving. soon as possible, the survivors of Stanley Gibson; after all, the money my friends of many years: Don, Maramis and Parker. Cuban-Americans to see him shaking the bloody hands their creative owners who financed also the order of the day in almost into their properties. Today, the ad- People become indifferent to all the mistakes those elected is not really coming out of the LVMPD police administrator’s pock- I wish my friend, Maria Ureña, who is going of Raul Castro, a man who directed the execution of everything that took place inside every hotel. ditions of nightclubs, along with the officials make when they are recognized by such “an im- ets. This will essentially close the case and prevent any further exami- through very difficult trying times, all blessings from more than seventy of Batista’s prisoners of war. their hotel properties were the ones Nat Brandywine had the orches- addition of shopping malls, attract nation of this unfortunate accident. Fourth, make sure that local bought- portant public figure” who says hello to everyone in the who caused this city to become tra at Caesars Palace, and on their tourists; and most important of all, our Good Lord Jesus Christ. Many call former president of Cuba, Fulgencio off political activists keep repeating the same official scenario over place, obviously hoping for that extra new vote in the next what it is today. day off, the relief orchestra of Cee it attracts purveyors of all kinds to I wish Jason and Jennifer Lamberth, who lost their Batista, a dictator, but how many know the definition and over, to convince the masses that their explanation is the right one The entertainment directors of Davidson took their place. their properties. Those are the main election and not because he/she is part of the community beautiful little girl, Hailee, a year ago because of the of the word “dictator”? A dictator is a ruler with total the 1960s were talented fellows Up and down the Las Vegas attractions today! and any other explanations are mere conspirator theories. and looking for ways to help those who believe in them. actions of two insensitive bullies, peace, much peace power over a country, typically one who has obtained who had a list of production credits Strip show business was alive and In reality, nightclubs have, for So folks, there you have it. And just one more point. All of the It is time to take our future, our life and our community to their heart. power by force. official conclusions so far have come from the LVMPD police admin- to their names that gave them the kicking in both the showrooms and the most part, taken the place of the seriously, and to make time for paying attention to the life I wish the two bullies, CH and JJ, understanding Apparently, President Obama doesn’t realize or istration and supported by political hacks. These conclusions have been of the horrible things bullying can do to others and doesn’t know that President Batista was elected presi- stature they deserved in that capac- in the lounges that presented fa- Las Vegas lounges of the past. To- and well-being of our children. ity. In addition to that, they also had mous musical show groups such as day hotel nightclubs account for a accepted without even getting Officer Arevelo’s side of the story. I acceptance of their criminal acts. dent of Cuba. Batista was president of Cuba for just experience in the entertainment in- Louie Prima and Keely Smith, The major part of the hotel’s profits. personally spoke with Officer Arevelo for over two hours to get his Police officers should start trusting the community they I wish wisdom for the parents of those two bullies, six years, two years less then Mr. Obama’s term in the dustry that gave them the ability to Treniers, The Back Porch Majority, As indicated above, together side of the story; it was quite a revelation to say the least. swear to serve and protect so they can get the trust and re- so they have the common sense to provide professional White House. Fidel Castro obtained power by force. know exactly what they were do- and individual artists including fa- with the nightclubs, the shops and How many of you, who believe in the LVMPD police administra- spect that the majority of them deserve. psychological help for their children, so they don’t The Castro brothers are dictators and have had to- ing when they booked acts into the mous comedians. stores and restaurants that pay rent, tors version of what happened, have spoken directly to Officer Arevelo, The community needs to give an opportunity to police ever have to be responsible for the death of another tal power over Cuba and the Cuban people for the last hotel showrooms and lounges — or, In the early 1960s, the first af- and in some cases pay a piece of and then formulated your own righteous conclusion? Get all the facts officers to act human, and respect those officers that put child and the suffering of other parents. 56 years this coming January 1. for that matter, when they them- ternoon show to ever take place on the action too, are the things that in first and then point the finger. I wish Governor Brian Sandoval to have the com- Thousands of Cubans have died in front of Castro’s selves produced a show. the Las Vegas Strip was presented reality, have taken the place of what IN GOD WE TRUST their life on the line to protect and serve them on a daily mon sense, since he is so concerned with education in infamous firing squad. There was no discrimination Back in the 1960s there were in the Thunderbird Hotel’s lounge. the hotels used to rely on as far as Gordon Martines is a former LVMPD detective who has served in basis. Nevada, to consider instructing the School District that as far as the firing squad was concerned. Young and several unions that governed most The show was called; Speaking earning profits were concerned. many capacities over his 39-year career in law enforcement. He has Perhaps this year will be the year for us not to be hypo- their priority is the safety of our children, more than old, black and white, rich and poor were sent to “el of what happened in the showrooms of Girls, and was the forerunner of Las Vegas casino action is no been a candidate for sheriff in 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014, with the crites but to start respecting each other and respecting all money for schools or teachers, and that bullying is an paredon” (the wall). of Las Vegas as far as the perform- countless afternoon shows that soon longer the mainstay for any Las intention of bringing integrity and accountability back to the depart- our human, civil and constitutional rights, working hard to issue that cannot and should not be tolerated in our Thousands of others have died in the shark-infested ers and musicians were concerned. followed. Vegas hotel. ment, and filed a federal lawsuit against LVMPD in 2011. Martines schools. (I can bet, and I am not a gambler, that Gov. waters between Cuba and Florida looking for freedom. There was the AGVA (American Over the years the face of the Certainly gaming revenues ac- make this nation the example we believe it once was — an now contributes his opinions and ideas to the Las Vegas Tribune to Sandoval would not take it easy if his little girl be- They were all human beings trying to escape the iron Guild of Variety Artists) and the Las Vegas Strip has continually count for a percentage of the ho- keep the public informed and help improve policing in Las Vegas. He example that everyone would like to think it is, but is not — came a victim of bullies at her school). hand of the Castro brothers and the criminals behind Musicians Union that oversaw all changed, and so has the skyline as tels’ profits; but today, unlike days has also appeared on the Face the Tribune radio program several and an example of which we can genuinely be proud, as My wish for White Middle School Principal An- them. that took place in the orchestra pits, many of the famous hotels that were gone by, the casinos are not the at- times to share his plan for a better LVMPD. or anywhere else any musician the backbone of Las Vegas were traction they used to be. people around the world look at us to see if it is true. drea Katona; Dean Ron Kamman; Dean April Barr; Many of those who helped Castro gain power and would perform. These unions set imploded, making way for newer This new year is the year that we should work harder counselor Sabreena Adams; and physical education were involved in the killing of many Cubans, like Sori not only the standards by which and more modern properties. than ever to keep our new year’s resolutions all year ‘round. teacher Kim Jefferson is that they will all learn from Marin, were among the thousands who were shot at their members operated; they also Those of us who have lived and We are not talking about those “smaller” resolutions, such Hailee’s case that they are in the education business the “paredon.” for the benefit of the children, and the next time they In fact, I have an anecdote regarding my own fa- set the fee scales. worked in Las Vegas since the as going to the gym more often, eating better or getting more Producers found themselves in 1950s are known today as the old- learn of a child who is being bullied they will know it ther who was well aware of who Sori Marin was and a position that led them to cooper- timers. Sadly for most of us old-tim- sleep, or any other of those other resolutions that we know is their duty to notify the parents immediately. It is (See Viasmensky, Page 11) ate with the union scales in all re- ers, we saw the demise of such great we won’t keep even before we start. We are talking about spects. After all, back in the 1960s, hotel properties as The Dunes, The our quality of life at the hands of our politicians and lead- ON A PERSONAL NOTE most of the musicians and perform- Sands, The Desert Inn, The ers. ers were members of either the Stardust, The Frontier, The Haci- In this new year, we need to get more involved, more educated, and really learn about those who we have chosen Modern Prometheus to represent us; and above all, we must not allow those we elect to treat us like mentally-challenged voters who can Heading into 2015 easily be led astray. By Maramis that if we didn’t KNOW we were of What the people in Clark County, and even all of Ne- As we greet the new year, 2015, different races (if one considers the vada, need to do as this year gets under way is to think about we are all probably looking for Black race and the White race two the community and not just ourselves. It is time that the something at least a tad better than separate races), there wouldn’t be any people we’re elected to represent us, the community, in all what we had in 2014. Hopefully, it RACIAL disharmony! We would all their different positions, be reminded that they are not the will rise above that “tad” and be a be free to like or dislike each other whole lot better. based on how we perceived each ones in charge. WE THE PEOPLE are in charge, and they Can we believe we’re already 15 other to be. Yet, as we well know, if should keep that in mind. If we know someone is being years into this new century? That’s we harbor any automatic racial feel- fooled, let’s step up to that person and speak up! quite a chunk of time. Fifteen years ings, we never give certain people a Look at all the drama created by a few Republicans that here and fifteen years there, and a chance; they never become real are under the impression that they are manipulating all the few of those additions add up to a friends or even pleasant acquaintan- others when they are the ones being manipulated by the Gov- person’s whole lifetime. ces of ours — we simply can’t or How will we face Father Time — MARAMIS CHOUFANI won’t stretch our mental limitations ernor himself. or whoever is there monitoring those remaining sec- to sincerely accommodate anyone of “that race.” Governor Brian Sandoval has a plan to raise taxes — onds — when we come to the last tick and the last So, as time goes by, if we carry those limiting ra- something that he assured us he was not going to do — but tock of our clock? What kind of an accounting can we cial feelings with us, we always expect the worst from by having a person like Michelle Fiore as Chairman of the offer for what we did with our hours, our years? “them,” are suspicious if “they” act aloof — or even taxation committee and as a Majority Leader, she can stop If we had to write a headline to represent a year or friendly — toward us, and are quick to think the worst the governor’s plan to raise taxes. a period in our life, or even our whole life, one that of “them” in a situation where it is “them” (the other represents something significant or especially note- race) against “us” (the race in which we find ourselves). So what should be done? Have the current Assembly- worthy along our journey, what would we write? And if we never upgrade those automatic feelings, we woman removed as chairman and as the majority leader, Would we start with something like, “My wedding will go meet our Maker on that note, without a happy discrediting her along in the way. day — the happiest day of my life,” or “I still miss my song in our heart. It has nothing to do with my genetics or owing money to mother,” or would it be more like, “A turn for the Although this is a somewhat far-fetched example the government; almost everyone in the nation has had prob- worse: Arrested for DUI (or Drugs, or Murder)”? Or to use, I remember that in the story “Frankenstein,” or lems, disagreements or confusion over their taxes. would it even possibly be something like, “Racial The Modern Prometheus, by Mary Shelley, the “mon- prejudice led to my downfall”? ster” (who was just getting to understand his own na- Who would be better to deal with taxes than those who Several of those chunks of time ago, when I was in ture, which was quite different from the humans he have lived, dealt with and experienced tax problems? Only the Army, I worked alongside a male coworker who encountered) wanted desperately to be like the kind those who have faced that dilemma and are still able to sit was my senior. We got along great and I liked him. I and loving family he had been secretly observing. down and reason with their accusers and keep their busi- believe it was mutual, and it was all in the line of duty, Upon meeting him rather suddenly and without any ness open, employing people that otherwise would be join- since we never mingled outside of work. It wasn’t until softening commentary to explain his presence or his ing the long list of unemployment collectors. years later, long after I left that assignment, that I past deeds of kindness to them (he had been gathering learned he was Black. It wasn’t obvious to me, and their firewood for them daily, as a gesture of anony- Let’s keep our New Year’s resolution this time. Happy the subject of race never came up, and I therefore never mous love), this first human family that the creature New Year!!! gave it any thought. That’s when it dawned on me (See Maramis, Page 12) Page 10 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / December 31, 2014-January 6, 2015

VEditors note:IEW The views expressed are entirely those of the writersP and do not necessarilyOINTS reflect the opinions of the Las Vegas Tribune. The Conservative Case Accepting liars to testify By Mace Yampolsky When I represent some- St. Louis County Pros- one, I am really careful against Keystone Corp ecutor Bob McCulloch when we are about to dis- told radio station KTRS cuss the facts of the case. I By Chuck Muth The Vice President of that he allowed witnesses ask “Why do you think you Republican Assembly Keystone is Bob List. he knew were lying to tes- are being charged with this Majority Leader Michele List is the former Ne- tify to the grand jury about crime?” It gives them some Fiore recently called out vada Republican Na- what happened in wiggle room. I specifically donor and mining tax-hike tional Committeeman Ferguson. This article is do NOT ask what hap- advocate Monte Miller — who is so in the tank for largely adapted from that pened. I then tell them that Treasurer of the Keystone the GOP establishment interview, with my obser- they have an obligation to Corporation — by name that he was actually vations added, of course. tell the truth. Whatever and suggested he was part ousted from his leader- Why did he allow they tell me, I will believe. of efforts to elect moder- ship position by the con- people to testify in front of MACE YAMPOLSKY But if they tell me some- ate candidates who are fa- servative delegates to the the grand jury in which he knew their in- thing different later, I have a problem. I vorable to raising taxes — Nevada Republican State formation was either flat-out wrong, or flat- can’t put them on the stand. as long as they weren’t Convention in 2012. out lying, or just weren’t telling the truth? However, it is their decision. If they in- Miller’s taxes being CHUCK MUTH So as you can see, the He said “Well, early on, I decided that any- sist on testifying, there are a couple of raised! current leadership of Keystone is anything one who claimed to have witnessed any- things that I must do. First, try to withdraw. And Fiore’s “king has no clothes” dec- but a bastion of movement conservatism. thing was going to be presented to the grand On the eve of trial, it will not happen. The laration against Miller is one of the smoke- But did Miller and Keystone actually jury. And I knew that no matter how I court may ask why. I will say that I can’t screen excuses Speaker-of-the-Weak John work against conservatives by supporting handled it, there would be criticism of it. reveal why. This informs the judge that the Hambrick used just before Christmas to moderate candidates in Republican prima- So if I didn’t put those witnesses on, then client is going to perjure himself on the justify his unauthorized attempt to remove ries? Well, let’s take a look. we’d be discussing now why I didn’t put stand. Then if the client testifies, I cannot Fiore from her elected position as Majority Here are some of the contributions Key- those witnesses on. Even though their state- ask individual questions. I have the client Leader of the Republican Assembly Cau- stone made during primary election season ments were not accurate. do a narrative (which is normally not al- cus (RAC), claiming in a “for internal com- this year, as per the Secretary of State’s “So my determination was to put every- lowed). Finally, I can’t refer to anything munications only” memo that Fiore “put at website... body on and let the grand jurors assess their that I believe is false in my final argument. risk long standing relationships with Key- 2/14/14: $5,000 to One Nevada PAC, a credibility, which they did. This grand jury Later in the interview, McCulloch said stone.” political action committee set up by mod- poured their hearts and souls into this. It he would not charge any of the witnesses Maybe yes; probably not. erate, tax-hiking Republican State Sen. was a very emotional few months for them. he said “absolutely lied under oath” with But from a conservative standpoint, Greg Brower It took a lot of them. I wanted to put every- perjury. Is there anybody you’re thinking Miller’s Keystone was absolutely an estab- 2/14/14: $5,000 to Becky Harris, the thing on there. I thought it was much more about charging with perjury? For going in lishment GOP support organization that moderate GOP candidate running against important to present everything and every- front of the grand jury, calling you up, giv- worked against conservatives in the 2014 a conservative candidate in the Senate Dis- body, and some that, yes, clearly were not ing you false information... election cycle. Here, let’s take a look... trict 9 primary telling the truth. No question about it.” McCulloch: That issue has been raised, The first thing you’ll notice about Key- 2/14/14: $5,000 to Patricia Farley, the This really offends my sense of fair play. and it’s a legitimate issue. But, in the situ- stone is that their new Registered Agent as moderate GOP candidate running against Lawyers, especially prosecutors, have an ation again, in the manner in which we did of January 2, 2014 is now Kolesar & two conservative candidates in the Senate obligation not to put on false testimony. He it, we’re not going to file perjury charges Leatham, Chtd. District 8 primary knew it and he put them up anyway. He against anyone. There were people who And guess who works at Kolesar & 3/17/14: $5,000 to Assembly Republi- said he would be criticized anyway. So why came in and, yes, absolutely lied under Leatham? can Caucus, which under the misdirection didn’t he do what was right? As a defense oath. Some lied to the FBI. Even though Senate Majority Leader Moderate Mike of then-Minority Leader Pat “The Ap- lawyer, it becomes more complicated. The they’re not under oath, that’s another po- Roberson. peaser” Hickey and then-Assistant Minor- defendant decides whether he testifies or tential offense — a federal offense (a And as you may recall, it was Miller and ity Leader Paul Anderson actively, though not. (See Mace, Page 11) Roberson who teamed up to screw largely clandestinely, supported moderate Nevada’s mining industry with a proposed assembly candidates against conservative $600 million tax hike last session. assembly candidates in the GOP primaries The president of Keystone is John 4/10/14: $2,500 to P.K. O’Neill, who BEHIND THE MIKE Gibson. was running against a conservative can- Gibson was a member of Republicans didate in the Assembly District 40 GOP You won’t find for Harry Reid in 2010. (See Chuck Muth, Page 11) Christmas under a tree! By Michael A. Aun Companies have parties. Put on your “Yes Face” in 2015 The simple fact is... I It’s like a huge hurricane would make an excellent is coming through. You By Doug Dickerson alities. Are you where you Scrooge. I’m usually just go with it and hope Perpetual optimism is a thought you’d be? Perhaps grumpy. I’m tighter than to survive. And to add force multiplier. — Colin not. But 2015 is your year Dick’s hatband and am insult to injury, the Visa Powell to embrace a new attitude generally in a lousy mood bill arrives the first week During his days as and to right the course. around the holiday season. in January. Happy New president, Thomas Don’t be discouraged Why do some people do Year! Jefferson and a group of where you are — it’s only Christmas holidays better I do love the music companions were traveling temporary. It’s your start- than others? Perhaps the and the lyrics of across the country on ing point. holidays remind them of Longfellow that we enjoy horseback. They came to a It’s now time for some the loss of loved ones. I’m over the Christmas holi- river which had left its honest appraisals of where one of those guys. I lost my days, some of which is banks because of a recent you are in order to chart father over Christmas and MICHAEL A. AUN remarkably revealing. downpour. The swollen the course to where you New Years. “And in despair I bowed my head; river had washed the want to go. Don’t turn a Another thing I can’t wrap my head “There is no peace on earth,” I said; bridge away. Each rider DOUG DICKERSON blind eye to your current around is why we tend to go overboard on “For hate is strong, was forced to ford the river on horseback, realities. See them for the whole gift thing. Let’s be fair... mer- “And mocks the song fighting for his life against the rapid cur- what they are — benchmarks to where you chandisers have us hooked. My wife never “Of peace on earth, good-will to men!” rents. The very real possibility of death want to be by the end of 2015. met a Mall she didn’t like. I’m yet to go to So, like it or not, we plow ahead to en- threatened each rider, which caused a trav- Say yes to new successes one I do like. dure the season if you’re a Grinch like many eler who was not part of their group to step As you embrace a new attitude and new I’m convinced that Santa is always in a are. If you’re like my wife, who has never aside and watch. After several had plunged realities you can then move forward with a happy mood because he knows where all grown up, she celebrates Christmas all year in and made it to the other side, the stranger new game plan to achieve new successes. the bad girls live... but I digress. long, including playing Christmas CD’s in asked President Jefferson if he would ferry 2015 may be your year to bring on that We go to all this trouble to celebrate July. him across the river. The president agreed coach you’ve been thinking about. It could Christ’s birthday but we make no efforts to In truth, Christmas is really a necessity. without hesitation. The man climbed on, be time to join up in a Master Mind group practice what Christ preached. In fact, it There has to be at least one day a year that and shortly thereafter the two of them made that can help you achieve your goals and has become politically correct to say Merry brings us to the reality that we’re here for it safely to the other side. help keep you accountable. X-mas or Seasons Greetings so we don’t something else beside ourselves. Indeed, As the stranger slid off the back of the Abraham Lincoln said, “Always bear in offend those who don’t share your beliefs. the meaning of Christmas is really about saddle onto dry ground, one in the group mind that your own resolution to succeed Go figure. love in action. asked him, “Tell me, why did you select is more important than any other.” This Do you really want to celebrate Christ- The uncomfortable irony of Christmas the president to ask this favor of?” philosophy is essential to your success. mas? Use the thousands of dollars you blow is that millions upon millions have fought, The man was shocked, admitting he had 2015 is your year to say yes to new suc- on gifts to feed the hungry, clothe the na- bled and died because of their religious no idea it was the president who had helped cesses and new opportunities you’ve only ked, to welcome the unwanted, to care for beliefs. Perhaps more humans have been him. “All I know,” he said, “Is that on some dreamed about. the ill, to love your enemies and to do unto sacrificed over the centuries in the name of of your faces was written the answer ‘No,’ Say yes to yourself others as others would have you do unto religion than any holocaust or hurricane or and on some of them was the answer ‘yes.’ 2015 is your year to square your shoul- them. Do not do unto me what you’d do to so-called “act of God.” His was a ‘Yes’ face.” ders, hold your head high, and to embrace yourself. Most people aren’t very kind to Bottom line, it’s easier to be more spiri- Whether or not you wear a “yes face” is and believe in the God-given abilities you themselves. tual and more giving when you have a few a choice you make each day. Along with it have as a leader. 2015 is the year to tune We used to wish each other a Merry bucks in your pocket. It makes you won- are the consequences of that choice. As we out the people who would hold you back Christmas, now everybody says Happy der, what kind of gift would Jesus ask Santa enter into a new year let’s explore a few by their negative talk and influence. It’s Holidays. We Christians call it Christmas for? I wonder if you’ll find it in a Mall. ways in which a “yes face” can be a differ- time to cut loose from those who refuse to and we go to church where the Priests beg Don’t think so. ence maker in 2015. Here are four ways. see your potential and those who desire to us to increase our donations. The Jews call It’s almost a paradox that the Christmas Say yes to a new attitude hold you back. it Hanukkah and they go to the synagogue story is built upon a narrative about the Your attitude is the deal breaker of all 2015 is your year to say yes to what you where the Rabbi wants guess what... more homeless... and that it should be celebrated deal breakers. 2015 will be no different for already know in your heart to be true about money. The atheists simply go to parties guess where... in every home! you if you do not learn to master your atti- yourself as a leader so you can run your and get loaded and when you pass them on One of the kindest and most symbolic tude. race with confidence and faith. Where other the street, you say “Hey... look out for the Christmas gifts is a lovely candle. It makes As a leader your attitude is contagious people have doubted you and have said no wall!” no noise at all but softly gives while grow- and sets the tone for your leadership style to your dreams it’s now time to say yes! The most glorious mess we make every ing small in a humble, unselfish way. and effectiveness. John Maxwell was right 2015 is your year to soar! year happens on Christmas morning when The bottom line, if Christmas isn’t found when he said, “People may hear your Say yes! kids are opening gifts and tossing the pa- in your heart, you won’t find it under some words, but they feel your attitude.” In 2015 Doug Dickerson is a syndicated colum- per everywhere. I can’t tell you how many tree. It’s just not there. say yes to a renewed attitude that is posi- nist. He writes a weekly column for this gift cards and how much cash we’ve thrown Michael Aun is a syndicated columnist tive and empowering. newspaper. To contact Doug Dickerson, out over the years with the trash. and writes a weekly column for this news- Say yes to new realities email him at ddickerson@ Like it or not, Christmas is compulsory. paper. To contact Michael Aun, email him Each New Year brings a new set of re- lasvegastribune.com. Schools are dismissed. Work stops early. at [email protected]. December 31, 2014-January 6, 2015 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / Page 11

COMMENTARIESEditors note: The views expressed are entirely those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Las Vegas Tribune. The Hazards of Overplaying Police Events By Norman Jahn Sharpton incite the crowds, but it So why did thousands of police is true... there are also four black mourners turn their backs on the men dead (all involving THE PO- major of New York over the week- LICE) and there will be NO pros- end? Did officers from any other ecutions for murder. agency who attended the funeral of In comparison, there are two Officer Rafael Ramos also turn their police officers dead (one Hispanic backs? More importantly, what and one Asian) and, had the suspect point are they trying to make and not killed himself, he would have did they make it? been charged with murder. Too Some members of the LVMPD many members of the public lack were also scheduled to attend the an understanding of our criminal Ramos funeral and if they turned justice and judicial systems. This their backs on the NY mayor in should be considered to be an em- ‘solidarity’ with the locals, would barrassment to our country. Many this have been considered appropri- people overreact because they are ate? The LVMPD doesn’t have a just uninformed or ignorant. Oth- ‘beef’ with the mayor of New York, NORMAN JAHN ers just have nothing better to do thinking about a ‘better way’ to ac- refuse to COMMUNICATE re- does it? I’m actually quite confident announced on 11/25/14 and resulted but to get rowdy and try to achieve complish the objective, which was spectfully, persuasively, and pa- that members of the LVMPD who in rioting that I watched late into anarchy and they don’t even under- control and custody? I sure hope so. tiently. Eric Garner may have died attended would have acted profes- the evening. The non-indictment of stand the ‘cause’ for which they are Corrections and improvements from exertion just from running a sionally. I hope nobody proves me Daniel Pantaleo for Eric Garner’s acting foolish. In my opinion, pro- should be made continuously — block. He did not die of a choke- wrong. death was announced only one week testers are distinguished from riot- NOT only after a death. There will hold, but what is the narrative that So what was going on BEFORE later, on 12/3/14, and things boiled ers, and the police must tolerate always be cops who don’t think has been painted for the public? the executions of two NYPD offic- over because of the media hype and peaceful protests. anyone should say negative things Shortly after all of the contro- ers by a man with mental health is- the ‘promoters’ of one cause or an- So after the non-indictment re- about the police or a particular po- versy started brewing over Garner’s sues, and is the ‘overplaying’ of all other. All of these ingredients came sulting from the Garner death, Bill lice incident (like Garner’s death), death and the non-indictment, I saw of these deaths going to result in any together and exploded. de Blasio didn’t show enough ‘love’ but one day they may reach a turn- a post on Facebook from a police improvements? Garner’s incident was on video to the police officers (more accu- ing point. Maybe it will be when officer that I know in Las Vegas. Here is a brief timeline: and the ‘optics’ were not good — rately to the PBA). He was outspo- their teenage son gets bounced off (https://www.youtube.com/ 7/17/14: Eric Garner dies after meaning it did not look good on the ken about his opinion and his al- the hood of a police car before he watch?v=Nql1xRtWKOU) I imme- an altercation with the police in video. Officer Daniel Pantaleo had leged experiences and THE TALK can identify himself. diately viewed it and found it to be New York; 8/9/14: Michael Brown reached up to Garner and tried to he had to have with his son. That de Blasio (and others) believe one of the best training experiences dies after an altercation with the control his head but it looked like, ‘talk’ is a good idea because it the Garner incident was a tragic that I’d ever had on techniques to police in Ferguson, Missouri; 11/ and at times was, a choke-hold. should include the importance of death, but it was also a ‘monkey control an uncooperative person. It 20/14: Akai Gurley dies after being Even while on the ground, one of- COMPLYING WITH THE COM- pile’ — which is a term I recently was made by the Gracie brothers shot by a rookie police officer in ficer still had his arm around MANDS OF THE POLICE. You read in a police magazine. It has and it was very sensitive to the con- New York in what Commissioner Garner’s neck. Garner was saying, are certainly less likely to be killed nothing to do with ‘race’ or cerns of the Garner family, the pub- Bill Bratton called a ‘bizzare mis- “I can’t breathe” and died an hour or injured (no matter what color you ‘ethnicity’; it means piling on when lic, and the police officers who take’; 11/22/14: Tamir Rice (a 12- later at the hospital. The cause of are) if you follow directions given usually one person is on the bottom. should be required to view it and year-old) dies after handling what death was ruled ‘homicide’ ...so to you by someone who has a badge Think of it as a goal line stand on practice the techniques in their de- turns out to be a toy gun in a park were the deaths of Michael Brown, and a firearm. This would be true the football field. Everyone is try- partments. Make no mistake in Cleveland, Ohio; and 12/19/14: Tamir Rice, and Akai Gurley. The anywhere on the ‘streets’ because ing to do something but it turns into people... Garner did not comply Two NYPD officers (Rafael Ramos deaths of the NYPD officers are the person with the gun is likely to a mess and a mass of humanity. with the officers but he also did not and Wenjian Liu) are gunned down also considered homicides. But be in charge of the situation. Police sometimes get involved in a fight with them, strike at them, or while sitting in their car in New guess what? The only deaths that Police don’t take criticism very struggle during an attempted make any overt attempts to harm York. will be considered MURDERS are well. They don’t like to be criticized takedown, which looks ugly and IS them. The death of Eric Garner after the deaths of the two police offic- by the public or their supervisors. ugly because it is unplanned, unco- Based on their public comments, an altercation with police officers ers. Any reasonable person should They don’t like to be critiqued by ordinated, unpracticed, and ineffec- de Blasio (and others) were viewed caused an uproar — not so much at pause for a moment and try to un- their peers. I learned this during a tive. Many police officers are not with contempt by the Police Be- the time that it happened, but after derstand the perception of the 25-year career and I also didn’t take highly skilled in defensive tactics; nevolent Association head who the officers were NOT indicted by people concerned about the Garner, criticism very well — especially that is just a fact! They have to re- said, “We need a mayor to stand up the grand jury. Garner died in July, Brown, Rice, and Gurley deaths. when I thought I was doing right! sort to unnecessary levels of force with and for us.” Pat Lynch said his but there were a series of other It isn’t hard to figure out where Police don’t take unjustified because of their lack of skills or members feel as if de Blasio is highly publicized incidents after his the phrase, “Black Lives Matter” criticism very well either — actu- even their lack of physical fitness... “throwing them under the bus.” He death which added to the pressure- comes from when you are spoon- ally they take it worse! If we were and because they either can’t or (See Norm Jahn, Page 12) cooker. The grand jury in Ferguson fed just one side of a story. Nobody able to watch video of a half-dozen also did NOT indict Officer Darren is going to jail for the deaths of four incidents like that involving Eric Wilson. The non-indictment of Wil- black men and they were not even Garner where nobody died or was Mace son for Michael Brown’s death was called murders. Promoters like Al injured, would we possibly start (Continued from Page 10) felony, ask Martha Stewart!). He said “I thought it was much more important to present the entire Chuck Muth picture.” Even if it was distorted? (Continued from Page 10) funds (from the Keystone Corpo- servative GOP candidates in prima- There’s talk of one witness now, and some of the media is doing ex- primary ration) given to the Growth and ries in 2014? actly what I said they would do; they pull out one witness and just latch 4/10/14: $2,500 to Robin Reedy, Opportunity PAC were misappro- Absolutely. on to that, and this lady clearly wasn’t present when this occurred. She the GOP establishment’s candidate priated or misused. I would like to The prosecution rests. recounted a statement that was right out of the newspaper about Wilson’s who ran against conservative IN- address these rumors directly. HAMBRICK’S “BY AND actions, and right down the line with Wilson’s actions. Even though I’m CUMBENT Assemblyman Jim Funds were specifically invested in LARGE” INTERVIEW sure she was nowhere near the place. Wheeler in the Assembly District the Growth and Opportunity PAC After sacking conservative Ne- McCulloch’s description of the woman who “clearly wasn’t present” 39 GOP primary because of the strategic plan to vada Republican Assemblywoman and parroted Wilson’s statement from a newspaper aligns with the ac- 4/10/14: $2,500 to Ron Schmitt, grow the caucus — developed to Michele Fiore as Chairman of count of “Witness 40,” Sandra McElroy. The Smoking Gun (a website the moderate establishment candi- pick up and maintain seats over the Assembly Taxation Committee that publishes controversial stories) reported that McElroy lied to the grand date recruited to run against con- multiple cycles. These funds were and announcing that he was unilat- jury, telling them she watched while smoking a cigarette on the sidewalk servative Jill Dickman in the As- given directly to Assemblyman erally removing her from her as Brown got shot and he never had his hands up. McElroy’s version sembly District 31 GOP primary (Paul) Anderson’s Growth & Op- elected leadership position as As- matched Wilson’s account, which had already been reported by the time 4/10/14: $2,500 to Laura portunity PAC instead of the Cau- sembly Majority Leader, Speaker- she spoke to investigators on Sept. 11, four weeks after the incident. Bledsoe, the moderate establish- cus for the purpose of executing a of-the-Weak John Hambrick ap- Well, there is not much the public can do. The DA controls the grand ment candidate in the GOP primary plan presented to us through mul- peared last a week ago on KDWN jury and this is how it happened. The bottom line is this .if the DA does in Assembly District 19 tiple meetings. They were not in- 720 AM Alan Stock’s radio pro- not want to indict someone, it doesn’t happen. 5/13/14: $2,500 to Melissa tended for general Caucus use but gram to ‘splain hisself. Mace J. Yampolsky is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist, 625 Woodbury, an incumbent moderate to execute the Growth and Oppor- It was during this interview that South Sixth St., Las Vegas, NV 89101; He can be reached at: Phone 702- Republican who didn’t even have tunity project.” Hambrick declared that he would 385-9777 or fax 702-385-300. His website is located at: a primary! This bears repeating... only honor his signed Taxpayer Pro- www.macelaw.com. 5/13/14: $5,000 to Moderate The Republican Assembly Cau- tection Pledge — in which he prom- Mike Roberson, the infamous Sen- cus is the official organization re- ised the constituents of his district Viamensky ate serial tax-hiker who was being sponsible for “picking up and main- and the people of Nevada that he (Continued from Page 9) challenged by conservative taining” Republican seats in the would oppose and vote against any what he had done to others in Cuba. grassroots activist Carl Bunce Assembly. Not conservative seats. and all efforts to increase taxes — My father encountered a lady who told him that he looked familiar 5/14/14: $2,500 to Stephen Not moderate seats. Republican “by and large.” and wanted to know if he was an officer of the Castro regime. My father, Silberkraus, the moderate establish- seats. I wonder if that same caveat was who always had the quality of being cynical, told the lady: “Yes, I was ment carpet-bagging candidate who But rather than direct Keystone’s included after-the-fact in his mar- with the Castro brothers.” The woman continued speaking to him and ran against conservative business- money to the RAC — where it riage vows? told him, “I am the mother of Sori Marin.” woman Amy Groves in the Assem- would be used to support both con- This is also the interview where My father asked, “Why are you dressed all in black?” And she re- bly District 29 GOP primary servative and moderate GOP can- Hambrick stunned listeners with the sponded, “Oh... they have just killed my son.” But perhaps the strongest indict- didates — Miller diverted that revelation that he had been black- The image of the many Cubans that had been killed because of her son ment against Keystone in this re- money to Anderson’s personal PAC mailed into removing Fiore by one came across my father’s mind and he told the lady, “You have no idea the gard comes from an email Miller where only moderate candidates of two unidentified political con- morbid pleasure I have to see you dressed all in black, so you can feel in sent to every member of the RAC loyal to Anderson would be sup- sultants — Cory Christensen or your own flesh the pain of all Cuban mothers, wives and daughters who just hours before a caucus meeting ported. Nathan Emens. have lost loved ones because of your son.” in early December where Paul And he did this while Anderson FAMOUS LAST WORDS The woman had an attack of hysteria and the police were called. My Anderson was running against John was in the #2 leadership position “Republicans champion policies father explained the situation, thinking he was going to be arrested. The Hambrick for Speaker-designee. with the RAC! that built Texas. Democrats favor police officer said: “Good for you. Have a wonderful day.” In that email, Miller admitted Here’s the bottom line... policies that built Detroit. Every President Obama wasn’t even born in 1959 or 1960 when Cubans that he directed, I believe, some Has Keystone been a generous city and state is free to choose.” — started to arrive in Florida. It was the Cubans who worked hard and built $25,000 to a PAC 100 percent financial supporter of Republicans Grover Norquist, president, Ameri- Miami into a cosmopolitan city and made it an international port. owned and controlled by Anderson in the past — including plenty of cans for Tax Reform Thank you, Mr. President, for your support to the criminal communist rather than donate that money to the conservative Republicans? * * * * * regime of Cuba, while the general Cuban population will continue being RAC — for which Anderson was, Yes. Chuck Muth is president of Citi- hungry and oppressed. Oh, should I thank Pope Francisco also? at the time, the Assistant Minority But did Keystone, under Miller’s zen Outreach, a non-profit public Happy New Year, Mr. President. Happy New Year to you and your Leader! direction as Fiore suggested, work policy grassroots advocacy organi- family. Here’s an excerpt from Miller’s hand-in-glove with moderate estab- zation. Chuck Muth may be reached Perly Viasmensky is the General Manager of the Las Vegas Tribune. email to prove it... lishment Republicans who aided by email at the following address: She writes a weekly column in this newspaper. To contact Perly Viasmensky, “There have been rumors that moderate GOP candidates over con- [email protected]. email her at pviasmensky@lasvegas tribune.com. Page 12 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / December 31, 2014-January 6, 2015 Three people who are still alive because this cause for justice commenced By Thomas A. Nagy been writing about our need for this made a commitment. As the weather cooled in Octo- ceive grants. Higher management Part 26 of a Series knowledge, and advocated for use During the next fifteen weeks, I ber and days shortened, I was asked within the Florida Department of Three people in Clark County, of organic methods in urban gar- worked every day without a single to remain after Thanksgiving to Community Affairs had taken ex- Nevada are alive today as an indi- dens. Research had taught me that day off. My average held at four- help Farmer Tom develop a non- ceptions to memoranda I wrote de- rect result of this writer taking on global soil nutrient and water sup- teen hours each day. By the end of profit organization to teach organic scribing corruption within the Mi- this cause for justice. Before reveal- plies are diminishing quickly, and October, I had supplied the owners farming methods there. To stay ami-Dade County School Board in ing their names, I want to provide that renewal is essential to our col- with more than $900 in groceries; through the winter I’d have to com- relation to hurricane recovery some background. lective survival. Over the previous so much for “room and board pro- pletely gut a 1975 “Presidential” grants, so I was labeled a “whistle- When I first became superfi- three or four years I had collected vided.” That promise of laundry travel trailer that had gone to ruin. blower” and forced out of a career cially aware of the story, I was liv- hundreds of related magazine and once per week? By the third week Then, I’d have to make it livable, in Florida State bureaucracy. ing on a farm in Clark County, books on organic foods and farm- I was washing my own clothes in with a new floor and ceiling, using Farmer Tom did nothing at all Washington. I had moved to the ing, and I began to write a blog to buckets, soaking them overnight in only recycled materials from the with the information I provided Lucky Bunch Farm owned by encourage others to become inter- soapy water then rinsing them in Lucky Bunch Farm. That accom- him. He had been running his farm “Farmer Tom” and Paula, at the ested in self-sufficiency. My blog well water in the morning, hang- plished, I moved into the space near “off the books” and intended to con- beginning of August 2012. That “ReGeneration” is found at: http:// ing them to dry in my tent, in front the beginning of October. Within tinue doing so. Rather than develop move occurred three weeks after I thomasanagy.blogspot.com/ of a blowing fan. This became nec- weeks I had developed a plan for a legitimate operation or organiza- had been held at gunpoint for more In exchange for forty-eight essary because Paula had berated Farmer Tom to follow, explaining tion he came up with a new scheme than four minutes in a gang-moti- hours of work on the Lucky Bunch me as a “sexist woman-hating male the benefits of a non-profit organi- just one day before Thanksgiving. vated robbery in a convenience Farm, I was to receive “room and chauvinist” for expecting women to zation and how that would help him He decided that he would create a store, a Plaid Pantry. It was barely board” from Tom and Paula. It was do laundry for us. I had offered to attain his stated goals, and his website that would make him “rich 2:00 a.m. and I was the only per- to be an eight-hour a day, six-day do it myself. After all, I had been dream of “outreach.” I had been and famous, the king of my own son present. When two of the armed week, with Mondays off. Three an expert dry-cleaner in Texas, and managing hundreds of millions of empire.” He would call his website robbers spread a blanket at my feet, days each week - Wednesday, Fri- ran a commercial laundry during dollars in federal grants following Cannabis Consumer Guide.” He I thought this was the end of me; day and Sunday - we would har- the 1980s. I had washed and Hurricane Andrew in Florida dur- raved for three continuous days the scene was captured on surveil- vest crops for Community Sup- pressed more clothes than Tom and ing the 1990s, and helped many about his ingenious idea and how lance video. Plaid Pantry offered a ported Agriculture (CSA) clients. Paula would wear in their lifetimes. non-profit organizations meet and this website would make him world reward for information; thousands My hosts would provide meals, More than three times, I was told stay within eligibility criteria to re- (See Nagy, Page 13) of dollars were paid to a family laundry once per week, and a place at the end of a long day during member of one of the four young to sleep and shower. These were the which temperatures topped 100 men involved in the robbery. As the terms I accepted. degrees, “no shower tonight ... Maramis (Continued from Page 9) only witness, I had every reason to “Room” meant a tent to sleep in, Paula is taking a bath, and that can reached out to, swiftly departed their cottage in fear (because of how he believe that I was a target of other amidst a grove of trees toward the take hours”; hence, more than a few looked). He then wandered the wood in search of something else... not gang members who objected to back center of the five-acre farm. times, more times than I care to re- knowing what that would be, until he found another human. some of their “family” being ar- Although it was loosely wired for call, I ended my day by cleaning As Shelley wrote from the “monster’s” mind, rested to stand trial. electricity, there would be no myself with well water, a washcloth “I was scarcely hid, when a young girl came running towards the spot I was directed to a counselor for Internet connection possible for the and soap. No part of their agree- where I was concealed, laughing, as if she ran from one in sport. She my nightmare and insomnia that first two months. I was cut off from ment would be fulfilled by Farmer continued her course along the precipitous sides of the river, when sud- followed, before and after I gave my primary way of communicating Tom and Paula. denly her foot slipped, and she fell into the rapid stream. I rushed from testimony to a grand jury. After an with the world. I set up my com- Long hours of hard work had its my hiding place; and, with extreme labour from the force of the current, hour of answering a psychologist’s puter and began to keep notes on benefits and a positive effect on my saved her, and dragged her to shore. She was senseless; and I endeav- questions, I was given a list of my experiences on the farm. health. Persistence strengthened my ored, by every means in my power, to restore animation, when I was sud- symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress After working fourteen hours will. That was the only payment de- denly interrupted by the approach of a rustic, who was probably the per- Disorder, PTSD. “That explains it, each day for the first five days, I rived; knowledge and experience to son from whom she had playfully fled. On seeing me, he darted towards then,” I said. Yes, I Had nearly all realized that something wasn’t add to my list of skills. Later, in cal- me, and tearing the girl from my arms, hastened towards the deeper parts the symptoms of PTSD. Returning quite right at the Lucky Bunch culating hours worked and the re- of the wood. I followed speedily; I hardly knew why; but when the man to work was impossible. I looked Farm. Fourteen hours of labor with quired base pay under Washington saw me draw near, he aimed a gun, which he carried, at my body, and for an alternative. occasional periods of rest was an State laws, I found that I had given fired. I sunk to the ground, and my injurer, with increased swiftness, es- For the previous three years I effective means of de-stressing more than $12,000 in unpaid labor caped into the wood. had been looking for an opportu- from PTSD, however. The alterna- to the Lucky Bunch Farm in ex- “This was then the reward of my benevolence! I had saved a human nity to get hands-on experience at tive was to go back to Portland and change for broken promises, all being from destruction, and, as a recompense, I now writhed under the growing food, organically. I had greater stress. I chose to stay; I had within four months. pain of a wound, which shattered the flesh and the bone.The feelings of kindness and gentleness, which I had entertained but a few moments be- fore, gave place to hellish rage and gnashing of teeth. Inflamed by pain, Norm Jahn I vowed eternal hatred and vengeance to all mankind...” (Continued from Page 11) Is this possibly what has happened to some members of the human said (BEFORE the assassinations of race? Faced with a situation that involves some member of that “other” the two officers) that if there were race, a situation in which something “bad” happens, and at that moment a police funeral, they would not in- all the facts are not known and therefore cannot be considered for evalu- vite de Blasio. Nobody could have ating the full meaning of that situation, the event gives rise to “hellish expected two funerals so soon. rage and gnashing of teeth”? And that person then vows “eternal hatred Was Lynch playing “Al and vengeance to all... (members of that so-perceived offending race)”? Sharpton” by capitalizing the pub- The “monster” continued to muse over his condition: licity platform after the shootings to “My sufferings were augmented also by the oppressive sense of the PROMOTE his cause and attack the injustice and ingratitude of their infliction. My daily vows rose for re- mayor? Is this tragedy being over- venge — a deep and deadly revenge, such as would alone compensate for played to swing the pendulum back the outrages and anguish I had endured.” in the other direction and get some Is it not in reconsidering one’s wounds, over and over again, and the of that pro-police sentiment back? supposed reason for those wounds, that one magnifies the offense and I wonder what Police Commis- strengthens one’s resolve to take revenge not only upon the inflicter of sioner Bill Bratton thinks of the those wounds, but upon all who “represent” that person or persons? So it loudmouth Lynch? Better yet, I might seem and so it might be. wonder what Lynch would look like At the end of that story, the being created by Frankenstein felt he could if he was in the shoes of Pantaelo not live in a world of humans. They were not like him; he was not like and tried applying takedown tech- them. The differences between himself and all others was apparently his sad undoing. But in his case, he really WAS different, while all those we niques from his era of policing? encounter are merely different versions of human beings, each one with Bratton has provided a sense of his own personality, and his own charm... or lack thereof. calm and reason in between the two I’m looking forward to a year in which we can all put hatred and rage factions. Bratton may be the only aside and consider that we’re all just members of the human family, no person displaying true leadership in matter our color or race or anything else, even while we’re still perfectly the entire situation. He was on na- free to dislike and not socialize with those who might present themselves tional TV speaking about people with nasty, mean-spirited personalities and/or horrible behaviors and des- and how their perception is their picable deeds in the offing. reality. This would refer to how So (depending on one’s job and situation of course) taking on every- blacks may feel about the police. Do one as a potential friend or amicable acquaintance can be something to the police want to understand or consider this year, even while exercising one’s normal and cautionary accept this fact? Well, they sure do (not automatic) discernment to not let certain people “in.” Remembering want the public to accept their get what they want they throw their were chanting, “What do we want?” Dr. Frankenstein’s creation (perhaps from the original story by Shelley, ‘threat perception’ as their ‘reality’ police chief under the bus, which “DEAD COPS!” “When do we not necessarily the movie versions) and how he was treated might help after a deadly force incident, don’t is what recently happened in Phoe- want it?” “NOW!”? humans understand the need for friendship and acceptance between those they? nix and frequently happens else- Did the MENTAL ILLNESS of who seem, or appear to be, different, if only by color of skin. I really don’t think most munici- where. When Officer Pantaleo was the shooter in New Town, Connecti- So while we all might wish for goodwill and brotherly love with no pal police officers (street cops) questioned, he said he used a tech- cut or the GUN cause the deaths of walls between us, no one ought to actually expect anyone to bring “evil” worry too much about their mayor. nique that he learned in the police dozens of school children? and possible-to-likely trouble into one’s heart or home in the name of that They are accountable to their police academy... that can be construed as The pendulum has swung from “brotherly love.” chief and much of the rest of it is ‘throwing the police trainers under anti-police (after Ferguson, New Good health, much happiness, and genuine goodwill to all in the new just ‘politics.’ I don’t like seeing the the bus’ for the purpose of assign- York, and Cleveland, etc.) to pro- year! Maramis Choufani is the Managing Editor of the Las Vegas Tribune. protesters and rioters take advantage ing blame and possibly civil liabil- police after the NYPD officers were She writes a weekly column in this newspaper. To contact Maramis, email of any illegitimate SYMBOL and I ity. killed. Chest-thumping union her at [email protected]. also don’t like the idea that police What is likely to be true is that mouthpieces claiming that de all over America should now have Pantaleo was not taught a ‘choke- Blasio has blood on his hands (af- a chip on their shoulders because of hold’ or an ‘arm bar’ technique that ter the shooting) and ‘social issue’ the problems between Lynch’s PBA would restrict airflow. What is pimps like Al Sharpton, at the other and their mayor. likely to be true is that NYPD de- extreme, are not getting us any- Unfortunately, many police of- fensive tactics trainers may be em- where. The media has reported that ficers have been killed under cir- barrassed by the ‘monkey pile’ that race relations in America are worse cumstances that just cannot be ex- they saw on video and they may be now than in the recent past. plained (Beck and Soldo in Las Ve- privately saying that the group of We need a true direction and a gas) and tragically many others — officers handled the contact poorly. steady progress and improvement including four who were gunned The Gracie brothers would be say- of the police in the future to pro- down in a coffee shop in Lakewood, ing that their officers needed ‘skills’ mote order, trust, and respect... not DDOO YYOUOU NNEEDEED AANN EEDITOR?DITOR? Washington in 2009. Most of the and practice. That is a fact... not a a WRECKING BALL swinging Have you been embarrassed lately when someone pointed shooters acted alone and were al- judgment! Criminals may be more back and forth doing any more de- out to you that you misspelled a word in your report or maybe ready known to be convicted crimi- defiant and dangerous these days, struction. had a whole sentence all messed up? Have you personally nals or mentally unstable. I don’t but I see a whole lot of DEFIANT * * * * * felt that you could’ve done a much better job on that manuscript recall reading that any of these types attitudes coming from the police Norm Jahn is a former LVMPD but just didn’t have the time? of cop-killers acted to promote a these days as well. If they think they lieutenant, who has also served as cause or make a political statement. can keep doing what they have been a police chief in Shawano, Wiscon- Why put off doing what you know you should have done before: I also don’t recall any of these types doing, there will be a lot of job sin, and has nearly 25 years of po- call in an editor! As a word-, sentence-, and document-doctor, of incidents leading the way to openings for new police officers. lice experience. Jahn now contrib- she will fix what needs fixing by adding a little of this or that, change the flagging public percep- In conclusion, did the ambush of utes his opinions and ideas to help and taking out what shouldn’t have been there in the first place. tion of the police. the two NYPD officers at 3 p.m. on improve policing in general, and in Do Lynch and the PBA forget December 19 have anything to do Las Vegas in particular, through his Give yourself the luxury of looking your best in print! what police unions often do with with the anti-police protests across weekly column in the Las Vegas [email protected]. 702-706-6875. their police chiefs? When they don’t the country and the protesters who Tribune. Page 12 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / December 31, 2014-January 6, 2015 December 31, 2014-January 6, 2015 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / Page 13 Three people who are still alive because Nagy (Continued from Page 12) extensive library on organic farm- cheat me out of fair profits in some I could see little or no personal ben- Lee and probably Cynthia Turner famous. After the end of the third ing and marketing for urban areas. way or another. That proved to be efit in doing so. Everything was would not be alive today. For the this cause for justice commenced day I told him that he needed a hook That was very important to me at an accurate assessment of the man ambiguous, including the start date first two, plans were well under way to bring people into his sphere. the time, to develop practices that and his intentions. I never made a for this project, and where it would at the time I agreed to write the book By Thomas A. Nagy been writing about our need for this made a commitment. As the weather cooled in Octo- ceive grants. Higher management “You need a book,” I told Farmer helped people become self-suffi- dime for my work in creating the lead. All I had to go on was a for Cynthia Turner to have Octo- Part 26 of a Series knowledge, and advocated for use During the next fifteen weeks, I ber and days shortened, I was asked within the Florida Department of Tom. He flat out said, “I don’t do cient, and to demonstrate that if this book, as it was first incarnated, Shenker name, and deep corruption ber 31, 2013 be the last day that Three people in Clark County, of organic methods in urban gar- worked every day without a single to remain after Thanksgiving to Community Affairs had taken ex- books.” It took me ten minutes to city boy could do it, anyone can. while Farmer Tom and Paula took in Las Vegas and the State of Ne- Artie Shenker and Jennifer Lee Nevada are alive today as an indi- dens. Research had taught me that day off. My average held at four- help Farmer Tom develop a non- ceptions to memoranda I wrote de- convince him that I could create the Within a few days of starting the thousands in profits. As soon as I vada. Already I had worked for would be alive. The end of Cynthia rect result of this writer taking on global soil nutrient and water sup- teen hours each day. By the end of profit organization to teach organic scribing corruption within the Mi- book, and that we would share prof- book, and barely after we went over made arrangements to leave the more than a year without being paid Turner might well have followed this cause for justice. Before reveal- plies are diminishing quickly, and October, I had supplied the owners farming methods there. To stay ami-Dade County School Board in its evenly “to save his farm” and the outline of topics to be covered, farm, I put an end to that. a dime, and even had expended soon after. ing their names, I want to provide that renewal is essential to our col- with more than $900 in groceries; through the winter I’d have to com- relation to hurricane recovery manage his future. He finally I realized that Farmer Tom would By that point in time it was Sep- money that benefitted those I’d In the next segment, I will pro- not honor his side of this deal ei- tember 2013, and I was contacted worked for rather than myself. I was vide details of how I know this was some background. lective survival. Over the previous so much for “room and board pro- pletely gut a 1975 “Presidential” grants, so I was labeled a “whistle- agreed. He offered me, again, a po- ther. Nevertheless I had made a by Cynthia Turner to write a book close to being “broke.” Yet, know- to happen, and what exactly was When I first became superfi- three or four years I had collected vided.” That promise of laundry travel trailer that had gone to ruin. blower” and forced out of a career sition of managing his farm while he marketed his website and the commitment to do this project, and about the death of her son, Jason ing that this would eventually scheduled to take place that day. cially aware of the story, I was liv- hundreds of related magazine and once per week? By the third week Then, I’d have to make it livable, in Florida State bureaucracy. book, once it was complete. I try to keep my word. I did com- Ryan Turner-Shenker. After a few change, I agreed to take on the Las * * * * * ing on a farm in Clark County, books on organic foods and farm- I was washing my own clothes in with a new floor and ceiling, using Farmer Tom did nothing at all I saw in this an opportunity to plete that book within about ten lengthy telephone conversations, I Vegas Shenker project. Thomas A. Nagy is the author of Washington. I had moved to the ing, and I began to write a blog to buckets, soaking them overnight in only recycled materials from the with the information I provided apply hundreds of proven tech- weeks, knowing all along that agreed to do the book for Cynthia. Because I did so, I know that Cannabis Consumer Handbook Lucky Bunch Farm owned by encourage others to become inter- soapy water then rinsing them in Lucky Bunch Farm. That accom- him. He had been running his farm niques that I had learned from an Farmer Tom would do his best to My decision was a sound one at the three people are still alive today. available at Amazon.com, and the “Farmer Tom” and Paula, at the ested in self-sufficiency. My blog well water in the morning, hang- plished, I moved into the space near “off the books” and intended to con- time, because her story was com- Had I not done so, I have solid rea- blog ReGeneration at beginning of August 2012. That “ReGeneration” is found at: http:// ing them to dry in my tent, in front the beginning of October. Within tinue doing so. Rather than develop pelling. Something told me that I son to believe that Morris Arthur blogspot.com. Email direct at: move occurred three weeks after I thomasanagy.blogspot.com/ of a blowing fan. This became nec- weeks I had developed a plan for a legitimate operation or organiza- should do this project, even though “Artie” Shenker Jr., Jennifer Marie [email protected]. had been held at gunpoint for more In exchange for forty-eight essary because Paula had berated Farmer Tom to follow, explaining tion he came up with a new scheme RadioTribune Lineup than four minutes in a gang-moti- hours of work on the Lucky Bunch me as a “sexist woman-hating male the benefits of a non-profit organi- just one day before Thanksgiving. vated robbery in a convenience Farm, I was to receive “room and chauvinist” for expecting women to zation and how that would help him He decided that he would create a store, a Plaid Pantry. It was barely board” from Tom and Paula. It was do laundry for us. I had offered to attain his stated goals, and his website that would make him “rich Face The Tribune 2:00 a.m. and I was the only per- to be an eight-hour a day, six-day do it myself. After all, I had been dream of “outreach.” I had been and famous, the king of my own son present. When two of the armed week, with Mondays off. Three an expert dry-cleaner in Texas, and managing hundreds of millions of empire.” He would call his website Face the Tribune is heard every Monday through Friday at 12 noon, hosted by Rolando Larraz. Open Mic robbers spread a blanket at my feet, days each week - Wednesday, Fri- ran a commercial laundry during dollars in federal grants following Cannabis Consumer Guide.” He I thought this was the end of me; day and Sunday - we would har- the 1980s. I had washed and Hurricane Andrew in Florida dur- raved for three continuous days For the last five years “Face The Tribune” has been the premier show the scene was captured on surveil- vest crops for Community Sup- pressed more clothes than Tom and ing the 1990s, and helped many about his ingenious idea and how for interviews with politicians, civil service workers, government offi- with Gordon Martines lance video. Plaid Pantry offered a ported Agriculture (CSA) clients. Paula would wear in their lifetimes. non-profit organizations meet and this website would make him world cials and activists, and a voice for those everyday citizens who needed to reward for information; thousands My hosts would provide meals, More than three times, I was told stay within eligibility criteria to re- (See Nagy, Page 13) air their legal grievances. The Las Vegas Tribune newspaper has been a of dollars were paid to a family laundry once per week, and a place at the end of a long day during part of the Las Vegas community for over 18 years and is the only inde- member of one of the four young to sleep and shower. These were the which temperatures topped 100 pendent newspaper in Clark County. men involved in the robbery. As the terms I accepted. degrees, “no shower tonight ... Maramis “Face The Tribune” was established as a voice for the people of Las (Continued from Page 9) only witness, I had every reason to “Room” meant a tent to sleep in, Paula is taking a bath, and that can Vegas and is the only news platform where judges, city councilmen, local reached out to, swiftly departed their cottage in fear (because of how he 11:00 a.m. believe that I was a target of other amidst a grove of trees toward the take hours”; hence, more than a few businessmen and women, as well as Mr. or Ms. Local Citizen, can voice looked). He then wandered the wood in search of something else... not gang members who objected to back center of the five-acre farm. times, more times than I care to re- their opinions and share the issues that pertain to Las Vegas. Tuesday and knowing what that would be, until he found another human. some of their “family” being ar- Although it was loosely wired for call, I ended my day by cleaning The show’s host, Rolando Larraz, has been a journalist in Clark County As Shelley wrote from the “monster’s” mind, for over 50 years. He has been a fixture in the community and a highly Thursdays rested to stand trial. electricity, there would be no myself with well water, a washcloth “I was scarcely hid, when a young girl came running towards the spot I was directed to a counselor for Internet connection possible for the and soap. No part of their agree- respected publisher who has covered local news and events in Las Vegas where I was concealed, laughing, as if she ran from one in sport. She since the mid-’60s. on my nightmare and insomnia that first two months. I was cut off from ment would be fulfilled by Farmer continued her course along the precipitous sides of the river, when sud- followed, before and after I gave my primary way of communicating Tom and Paula. For stories and information not available anywhere else in Las Vegas, RadioTribune.com denly her foot slipped, and she fell into the rapid stream. I rushed from tune into “Face The Tribune” Monday through Friday at 12:00 noon. testimony to a grand jury. After an with the world. I set up my com- Long hours of hard work had its my hiding place; and, with extreme labour from the force of the current, hour of answering a psychologist’s puter and began to keep notes on benefits and a positive effect on my saved her, and dragged her to shore. She was senseless; and I endeav- questions, I was given a list of my experiences on the farm. health. Persistence strengthened my ored, by every means in my power, to restore animation, when I was sud- Open Mic symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress After working fourteen hours will. That was the only payment de- denly interrupted by the approach of a rustic, who was probably the per- Disorder, PTSD. “That explains it, each day for the first five days, I rived; knowledge and experience to son from whom she had playfully fled. On seeing me, he darted towards Every Tuesday and Thursday at 11:00 a.m., Gordon Martines hosts then,” I said. Yes, I Had nearly all realized that something wasn’t add to my list of skills. Later, in cal- me, and tearing the girl from my arms, hastened towards the deeper parts “Open Mic,” a popular RadioTribune show. The Anti-Corruption Coali- the symptoms of PTSD. Returning quite right at the Lucky Bunch culating hours worked and the re- of the wood. I followed speedily; I hardly knew why; but when the man tion of Nevada is the base for and theme of “Open Mic.” to work was impossible. I looked Farm. Fourteen hours of labor with quired base pay under Washington saw me draw near, he aimed a gun, which he carried, at my body, and Gordon Martines was a career police officer with 39 years of on-the- for an alternative. occasional periods of rest was an State laws, I found that I had given fired. I sunk to the ground, and my injurer, with increased swiftness, es- job experience. Past cases involving Kevin Daley, Trayvon Cole and a For the previous three years I effective means of de-stressing more than $12,000 in unpaid labor caped into the wood. billion dollars worth of missing taxpayer money are discussed in depth had been looking for an opportu- from PTSD, however. The alterna- to the Lucky Bunch Farm in ex- “This was then the reward of my benevolence! I had saved a human and at length on the show. nity to get hands-on experience at tive was to go back to Portland and change for broken promises, all being from destruction, and, as a recompense, I now writhed under the Martines spent 12 years as a Los Angeles police officer before moving growing food, organically. I had greater stress. I chose to stay; I had within four months. pain of a wound, which shattered the flesh and the bone.The feelings of here and resuming his police career in Las Vegas, retiring from the Las kindness and gentleness, which I had entertained but a few moments be- Vegas Metropolitan Police Department after 27 years of service. The fore, gave place to hellish rage and gnashing of teeth. Inflamed by pain, amount of corruption and cover-ups by executive officers witnessed by Norm Jahn I vowed eternal hatred and vengeance to all mankind...” Martines inside the department led to his decision to contest the good ol’ (Continued from Page 11) Is this possibly what has happened to some members of the human boy’s club and run for Clark County Sheriff three times against what he said (BEFORE the assassinations of race? Faced with a situation that involves some member of that “other” knew were almost insurmountable odds. the two officers) that if there were race, a situation in which something “bad” happens, and at that moment “Open Mic” carries the voice the LVMPD does not want you to hear, a police funeral, they would not in- all the facts are not known and therefore cannot be considered for evalu- yet it is always there, every Tuesday and Thursday at 11:00 a.m. on vite de Blasio. Nobody could have ating the full meaning of that situation, the event gives rise to “hellish www.radiotribune.com. Tune in! expected two funerals so soon. rage and gnashing of teeth”? And that person then vows “eternal hatred Was Lynch playing “Al and vengeance to all... (members of that so-perceived offending race)”? Sharpton” by capitalizing the pub- The “monster” continued to muse over his condition: Talking While Black licity platform after the shootings to “My sufferings were augmented also by the oppressive sense of the Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8:00 a.m. A’esha Goins and PROMOTE his cause and attack the injustice and ingratitude of their infliction. My daily vows rose for re- Derek Washington cover the local issues in Las Vegas’ Black community, mayor? Is this tragedy being over- venge — a deep and deadly revenge, such as would alone compensate for as well as the importance of family and education. “Talking While Black’s” played to swing the pendulum back the outrages and anguish I had endured.” hosts focus on Black people and the necessity of keeping Black dollars in in the other direction and get some Is it not in reconsidering one’s wounds, over and over again, and the the Black community. Topics cover race relations between Blacks, His- of that pro-police sentiment back? supposed reason for those wounds, that one magnifies the offense and panics and Whites, as well as jobs and Black business. I wonder what Police Commis- strengthens one’s resolve to take revenge not only upon the inflicter of “Talking While Black” discusses local Las Vegas news, events, reli- sioner Bill Bratton thinks of the those wounds, but upon all who “represent” that person or persons? So it gion, finance and the latest happenings in predominantly Black areas of loudmouth Lynch? Better yet, I might seem and so it might be. Las Vegas. And you don’t have to be Black to tune in! wonder what Lynch would look like At the end of that story, the being created by Frankenstein felt he could if he was in the shoes of Pantaelo not live in a world of humans. They were not like him; he was not like and tried applying takedown tech- them. The differences between himself and all others was apparently his sad undoing. But in his case, he really WAS different, while all those we niques from his era of policing? Be heard anywhere encounter are merely different versions of human beings, each one with Bratton has provided a sense of his own personality, and his own charm... or lack thereof. calm and reason in between the two Face the I’m looking forward to a year in which we can all put hatred and rage factions. Bratton may be the only aside and consider that we’re all just members of the human family, no person displaying true leadership in matter our color or race or anything else, even while we’re still perfectly in the world the entire situation. He was on na- free to dislike and not socialize with those who might present themselves tional TV speaking about people with nasty, mean-spirited personalities and/or horrible behaviors and des- and how their perception is their Tribune picable deeds in the offing. (only $50 per hour) reality. This would refer to how So (depending on one’s job and situation of course) taking on every- blacks may feel about the police. Do one as a potential friend or amicable acquaintance can be something to the police want to understand or consider this year, even while exercising one’s normal and cautionary Face the Tribune is heard accept this fact? Well, they sure do (not automatic) discernment to not let certain people “in.” Remembering want the public to accept their get what they want they throw their were chanting, “What do we want?” Dr. Frankenstein’s creation (perhaps from the original story by Shelley, every Monday thru Friday RadioTribune Special ‘threat perception’ as their ‘reality’ police chief under the bus, which “DEAD COPS!” “When do we not necessarily the movie versions) and how he was treated might help after a deadly force incident, don’t is what recently happened in Phoe- want it?” “NOW!”? humans understand the need for friendship and acceptance between those at 12 noon they? nix and frequently happens else- Did the MENTAL ILLNESS of who seem, or appear to be, different, if only by color of skin. I really don’t think most munici- where. When Officer Pantaleo was the shooter in New Town, Connecti- So while we all might wish for goodwill and brotherly love with no Face the Tribune is hosted 12 hours only $400 pal police officers (street cops) questioned, he said he used a tech- cut or the GUN cause the deaths of walls between us, no one ought to actually expect anyone to bring “evil” worry too much about their mayor. nique that he learned in the police dozens of school children? and possible-to-likely trouble into one’s heart or home in the name of that by Rolando Larraz. They are accountable to their police academy... that can be construed as The pendulum has swung from “brotherly love.” Good health, much happiness, and genuine goodwill to all in the new 20 hours only $600 chief and much of the rest of it is ‘throwing the police trainers under anti-police (after Ferguson, New just ‘politics.’ I don’t like seeing the the bus’ for the purpose of assign- York, and Cleveland, etc.) to pro- year! Maramis Choufani is the Managing Editor of the Las Vegas Tribune. protesters and rioters take advantage ing blame and possibly civil liabil- police after the NYPD officers were (Payment due upon contract signing) She writes a weekly column in this newspaper. To contact Maramis, email of any illegitimate SYMBOL and I ity. killed. Chest-thumping union her at [email protected]. also don’t like the idea that police What is likely to be true is that mouthpieces claiming that de all over America should now have Pantaleo was not taught a ‘choke- Blasio has blood on his hands (af- • Talk Shows • Infomercials • a chip on their shoulders because of hold’ or an ‘arm bar’ technique that ter the shooting) and ‘social issue’ the problems between Lynch’s PBA would restrict airflow. What is pimps like Al Sharpton, at the other and their mayor. likely to be true is that NYPD de- extreme, are not getting us any- • Community Involvement • Unfortunately, many police of- fensive tactics trainers may be em- where. The media has reported that ficers have been killed under cir- barrassed by the ‘monkey pile’ that race relations in America are worse cumstances that just cannot be ex- they saw on video and they may be now than in the recent past. • Business Promotions • plained (Beck and Soldo in Las Ve- privately saying that the group of We need a true direction and a gas) and tragically many others — officers handled the contact poorly. steady progress and improvement including four who were gunned The Gracie brothers would be say- of the police in the future to pro- • Political Agendas • down in a coffee shop in Lakewood, ing that their officers needed ‘skills’ mote order, trust, and respect... not DDOO YYOUOU NNEEDEED AANN EEDITOR?DITOR? Washington in 2009. Most of the and practice. That is a fact... not a a WRECKING BALL swinging Have you been embarrassed lately when someone pointed shooters acted alone and were al- judgment! Criminals may be more back and forth doing any more de- out to you that you misspelled a word in your report or maybe • Marketing Promotions • ready known to be convicted crimi- defiant and dangerous these days, struction. had a whole sentence all messed up? Have you personally M-W-F at 8:00 a.m. nals or mentally unstable. I don’t but I see a whole lot of DEFIANT * * * * * felt that you could’ve done a much better job on that manuscript with A’Esha Goins and recall reading that any of these types attitudes coming from the police Norm Jahn is a former LVMPD but just didn’t have the time? of cop-killers acted to promote a these days as well. If they think they lieutenant, who has also served as Derek Washington www.RadioTribune.com cause or make a political statement. can keep doing what they have been a police chief in Shawano, Wiscon- Why put off doing what you know you should have done before: I also don’t recall any of these types doing, there will be a lot of job sin, and has nearly 25 years of po- call in an editor! As a word-, sentence-, and document-doctor, Covering what’s happening in the 820 S. 7th Street • Las Vegas, NV 89101 of incidents leading the way to openings for new police officers. lice experience. Jahn now contrib- she will fix what needs fixing by adding a little of this or that, change the flagging public percep- In conclusion, did the ambush of utes his opinions and ideas to help and taking out what shouldn’t have been there in the first place. Las Vegas Black Communities For additional information tion of the police. the two NYPD officers at 3 p.m. on improve policing in general, and in Do Lynch and the PBA forget December 19 have anything to do Las Vegas in particular, through his Give yourself the luxury of looking your best in print! Call John at (702) 699-8111 what police unions often do with with the anti-police protests across weekly column in the Las Vegas RadioTribune.com [email protected]. 702-706-6875. their police chiefs? When they don’t the country and the protesters who Tribune. Page 14 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / December 31, 2014-January 6, 2015 ENTERTAINMENT Dirk Arthur’s Wild Illusions By Sandy Zimmerman Las Vegas Tribune Photos by MediaEdison Graff/ Stardust Fallout and others submitted by Dirk Arthur as indicated There is close-up magic and THEN THERE IS THE DANGER- OUS ‘XTREME MAGIC! Dirk Arthur lives dangerously every night as he performs his “Wild Il- lusions” with his wild animals. Dirk is one of the few illusion- ists who still uses wild animals in his act. I enjoyed Dirk’s previous shows in Las Vegas five years ago and now he returned with even more amaz- ing illusions. There is a thrill seeing his wild animals on the stage which we usu- ally see kept in cages. Dirk owns a Bengal Tiger, White Bengal Tiger, Panther, Snow Leopard and Bob- cat. I wonder if he keeps them in his home as Siegfried and Roy did. Their white tigers roamed around the rooms. Dirk smoothly makes the tran- sition from announcing his next il- lusion to calmly and quickly per- forming the seemingly impossible feats. His fans will be happy to hear about Dirk’s new illusions, includ- ing the “Laser Cannon”, and there is even a helicopter, flames and other surprises. He does work closely with the Photo courtesy of Dirk Arthur animals and allows them on the and discussed the feast on their buf- give a soft texture. Thursday at 7 p.m. (dark Fridays). views, travel, health, luxury and stage. Those are the moments that fet table. The Desserts are Fruit Tarts, The Riviera Hotel is located at 2901 more. Sandy is talk show host of the the audience came to see. Chef Carl explained, “Our selec- Danish, Brownies, Eclairs, Cup Las Vegas Boulevard South. Las Vegas Today Show programs You will see bigger illusions and tion includes Beef Meat Balls with Cakes, Macaroons, Bacon and Visit the websites and Discover the Ultimate Vacation with the thrills of using wild ani- sweet Thai chili sauce, Beef Cheddar cheese puffs and six types www.rivieracasinocom and travel specials. If you want to sug- mals adds even more to Dirk’s Teriyaki Satay with Teriyaki sauce of cheese. www.DirkArthur.com. gest topics for articles, request for “Wild Illusions” show. and an alternative for meat, chicken This is a show for the whole Award winning Sandy a review, for information or to ask Dirk should be commended that Satay with peanut sauce. There is a family. Dirk Arthur’s Wild Illu- Zimmerman is a syndicated colum- any questions about Sandy’s ar- he actively participates in promot- nice selection of different sauces for sions! will run Saturday through nist featuring Show and Dining re- ticles, call (702)-731-6491. ing the preservation of wild life. each dish.” His national television appear- The crab cakes were lightly fried ances include NBC’s “World Great- then cooked in the oven and they est Magic,” “The Late Show with add Truffles to the Mac n’ Cheese David Letterman” and his own for more flavor. widely acclaimed primetime special For their Poached Pear and Blue “Big Cat Magic” on Animal Planet. Cheese Tarts, the pears are dipped During the opening night VIP in red wine, anise (herbs) and cin- party, I met the Riviera Hotel’s Ban- namon. They place them in the quet/Catering Chef Carl Mc Gilton oven with the blue cheese to

Photo by Edison Graff/Stardust Fallout Media Photo courtesy of Dirk Arthur

Photo courtesy of Dirk Arthur Photo by Edison Graff/Stardust Fallout Media December 31, 2014-January 6, 2015 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / Page 15 Mary Wilson of the Supremes to perform at the Suncoast Showroom

284-7777 or by visiting www.orleansarena.com. A special “Magic Pass” is avail- This Week able for an additional charge of $22. The Magic Pass is admission to a 30-minute interactive event on the in Las Vegas court with the Harlem Globetrotters from 5:30 p.m. — 6 p.m., prior to general ticket entry. A ticket to the main event is also required for en- By Mike Kermani try. * * * * * ZOLA JESUS AT Box Office, by calling BUNKHOUSE SALON 702.365.7075 or visiting IN FEBRUARY www.orleanscasino.com. 2014 has been an incredible year * * * * * for American artist Zola Jesus. She HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS signed to legendary record label RETURN TO ORLEANS Mute, released her fifth studio al- ARENA FEBRUARY 5, 2015 bum “TAIGA,” and received sup- Hilarious antics and amazing port across the airwaves from basketball skills will entertain the KROQ, KEXP, KCRW’s “Morning whole family. Becomes Eclectic,” NPR’s “All The iconic Harlem Globetrotters Songs Considered,” WNYC’s “Stu- are bringing their unrivaled family dio 360,” SIRIUS/XM, and critical show, featuring some of the great- acclaim from BILLBOARD Maga- est athletes on the planet, to Orleans zine, Rolling Stone Magazine, Arena. The show features incred- VOGUE, Pitchfork, Marie Claire, ible ball handling wizardry, amaz- ELLE Magazine, GQ, The New dic storytelling and wit January 30 ing rim-rattling dunks and trick York Times, SPIN, RELIX, and and 31. shots, side-splitting comedy and Under The Radar Magazine to Sinbad is best known for vari- unequaled on-court fan interaction. name a few. “TAIGA” peaked at #4 ous television and movie appear- Attendees will watch as the on the iTunes Alternative New Al- ances throughout the 1980s and Globetrotters face a great challenge bum Charts, #9 on the Top New 1990s, including several HBO - the infamous Washington Gener- Artist Charts, and #7 on the CMJ comedy specials. als are more determined than ever Radio 200 Charts. By Mike Kermani Woman,” and “Delta Dawn” have Sinbad’s comedy is built more to beat the Globetrotters this year. Zola will appear February 7 at Las Vegas Tribune been a part of numerous television on stories than jokes, based on ev- The Generals were the last team to the Bunkhouse Saloon. Singer, writer, entertainer and and film soundtracks: “Sex and the eryone he meets, everything he’s beat the Globetrotters and are now Wrapping things up nicely after founder of The Supremes Mary City 2,” “Cold Case,” “My Best seen and everything he does. As the coached by a former member of the an impressive year, Zola Jesus has Wilson comes to the Suncoast Friend’s Wedding” and “The son of a preacher man, he is com- 1971 team. They are on a mission been featured in dozens of “Best Of Showroom January 17 and 18. Simpsons,” among others. mitted to making his comedy side- and will do whatever it takes to win, 2014” lists, including Cosmopoli- While growing up in Detroit’s On television, Reddy was the splitting but not profane. He also with a new strategy that’s sure to tan Magazine’s “Best Songs of Brewster Projects, Wilson be- first Australian to host her own takes the trials and tribulations of give the Globetrotters a run for their 2014,” CMJ’s “Best of 2014,” friended Florence Ballard, Betty hour-long weekly primetime vari- audience members and throws it money. “Hype Machine’s Most Blogged,” McGlown and Diana Ross at age ety show on an American network, back in their faces, creating a The Globetrotters appear Thurs- and Under The Radar Magazine’s 13. The quartet later formed a sing- along with several specials that unique comedy experience. day, February 5 at 7 p.m., at the Or- “Top Albums of 2014.” ing group, The Primettes. Wilson, were seen in more than forty coun- Sinbad began his career as a leans Arena, 4500 West Tropicana Mike Kermani is an entertain- Ballard and Ross were signed to tries. She has also acted on the large seven-time contestant on “Star Avenue. ment writer for the Las Vegas Tri- Motown Records and became and small screens with roles in “Air- Search.” He spent four years on the Reserved seats available for bune newspaper. He writes a weekly known as The Supremes. port 1975,” “Pete’s Dragon,” “Sgt. television show “A Different $121, $63, $41, $33, $28 and $24, column in this newspaper. To con- The Supremes were nominated Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club World” and starred in his own se- and can be purchased by calling the tact Mike Kermani, email for a Grammy Award in 1965 and Band,” “The Love Boat,” “Fantasy ries, “The Sinbad Show.” Sinbad Orleans Arena Box Office at 702- mkermani@ lasvegas tribune.com 1966, garnering an unprecedented Island” and “Diagnosis Murder.” made his film debut in “Necessary 12 #1 hits, including four in a row In theater, Helen starred in the Roughness” and also had leading — “Where Did Our Love Go,” musical “Blood Brothers” on roles in “Jingle All the Way,” “Baby Love,” “Stop, In The Name London’s West End and on Broad- “Houseguest” and “First Kid.” His Of Love” and “Back in My Arms way. As a solo concert artist, she has appearance on the series “It’s Al- Again.” In 1977, Wilson released played at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln ways Sunny in Philadelphia,” re- her first solo album, “Mary Wil- Center in New York, as well as the ceived critical acclaim. son,” which yielded the dance hit Royal Albert Hall and the Palladium Sinbad was named one of Com- “Red Hot.” In 1992, Wilson re- in London. edy Central’s top 100 comedians leased her first album in 13 years, In 2006, Reddy released what and was featured in a special pro- “Walk the Line,” which included became a best-selling memoir “The gram on the network in 2010. He the single “One Night With You.” Woman I Am.” “The Woman I Am: received a NCAAP Image Award Wilson became a best-selling The Definitive Collection” and two years in a row for his annual author with her autobiography, many of her early recordings con- HBO special “Sinbad’s ‘70s Soul “Dreamgirl... My Life As A Su- tinue to be downloaded worldwide. Music Festival.” Sinbad has also preme.” The book has sold more Showtime each evening is 8 p.m. participated in several USO tours. than 250,000 copies in hardback, Tickets start at $39.95, plus tax and Recently, Sinbad released a new becoming one of the most success- convenience fees, and can be pur- one-hour special that debuted on ful rock and roll autobiographies of chased at any Boyd Gaming Box Comedy Central. “Sinbad: Make all time. Office, by calling 702.365.7075, or Me Wanna Holla” is a stand-up spe- Wilson created a traveling ex- visiting www.orleanscasino.com. cial featuring a riotous original per- hibit of 70 gowns worn by The * * * * * formance that took place in Detroit. Supremes throughout the years and Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are can be seen on tour at countless cit- available starting from $49.95, plus ies across the United States. The tax and convenience fees, and can exhibit is currently being housed at be purchased at any Boyd Gaming the African American Museum in Philadelphia. Showtime each evening is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available from $15.95, plus tax and fees. Tickets can be purchased at any Boyd Gam- ing box office, by calling 702.636.7075, or visiting www.suncoastcasino.com. * * * * *

BOULDER BLUES—$5 FEATURING KIM SIMMONDS & SAVOY BROWN Venue: The Railhead Genre: Blues Date: Thursday, January 15, 2015 at 7 p.m. Ticket Prices: $5 cover at the door Formed by 19-year-old Kim Simmonds, Savoy Brown is consid- ered one of the architects of British “QUEEN OF ‘70s POP” blues. The band’s debut album, HELEN REDDY titled Shake Down, was released in RETURNS TO THE 1967 and featured a collection of ORLEANS SHOWROOM blues covers. Following lineup “I Am Woman” songstress changes, the band soon released the Helen Reddy is set to perform at albums Getting to the Point, Blue The Orleans Showroom January 24 Matter and A Step Further, the lat- and 25. ter of which helped develop a loyal Best known as a recording art- fan base in the United States. The ist, Helen Reddy had more fifteen band’s most successful album came singles on the Top 40 Billboard Hot with the release of Hellbound Train, 100 — six of which hit the Top 10, which peaked at number 34 on the with three reaching No. 1 — includ- Billboard charts. Must be 21 years ing her signature hit, “I Am or older. Woman.” In addition to Billboard * * * * * chart success, Reddy was the first SINBAD BRINGS HIS recording artist to win a “Favorite SIGNATURE COMEDIC Pop/Rock Female” American Mu- STORYTELLING BACK sic Award, the first Australian to TO THE ORLEANS win a Grammy Award and to have Stand-up comedian and actor three No. 1 hits in the same year. Sinbad returns to The Orleans Reddy’s hit songs “I Am Showroom with his unique come- Page 16 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / December 31, 2014-January 6, 2015 Donny & Marie extend residency at Flamingo Las Vegas ated from Southern Illinois Univer- sity with a degree in radio and tele- vision. Dwyer previously appeared on “The Late Show with Craig Kilborn,” “The Martin Short Show,” “Late Friday” and “Evening at the Improve.” Dwyer has also been credited in “The Test,” “Ex- treme Dodgeball,” and The 70’s House.” Rick D’Elia: Rick D’Elia has been a recurring sketch performer Walsh of “The Hunt with John at $33, plus any additional service on “The Tonight Show with Jay Walsh,” a weekly investigative/ fees. Leno.” His keen observational hu- documentary TV series airing on Styx — Tommy Shaw, James mor and quick wit lead him to the CNN. “JY” Young, Lawrence Gowan, finals in the prestigious San Fran- Also attending are more than 50 Todd Sucherman and Ricky cisco Comedy Competition. D’Elia celebrities, including the music Phillips, along with the occasional has appeared on television shows icon Alice Cooper; actor Patrick surprise appearance by original such as Comedy Central’s “Stand- Warburton (Rules of Engagement); bassist Chuck Panozzo, have per- up Standing-up,” “Comedians Un- actor Michael Pena (Gangster formed more live since ’99 than all leashed” and UPN’s “Grand Slam Squad, American Hustle and Fury); of the previous years of its career Comedy Jam.” He has headlined actor John O’Hurley (Seinfeld, combined. Two Super-Bowl ap- numerous clubs all across the coun- Family Feud); baseball star Roger pearances and Pollstar Box Office try and entertained our troops in Clemens, known as “The Rocket” chart-topping tours with Def Japan, Korea, Bahrain, and Ger- (MLB Baseball All-Star and World Leppard, Journey, Boston, REO many. Series Champion); and many more. Speedwagon, Bad Company, to Andy Ostroff: Growing up in WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 7, name just a few, two more studio Natick, Massachusetts, Andy 2015 — Canon Customer Appre- albums and no end in sight, STYX Ostroff was pulled between two ciation Reception/NCMEC Benefit continues to conquer the planet, one choices: follow his father’s foot- Fundraiser, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. venue at a time. steps and go to law school or move By Jerry Fink For the second course, Triple Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015 — NCMEC Doors at the Pearl will open at 7 to Los Angeles and pursue a career Las Vegas Tribune George will offer lobster bisque Celebrity Golf Tournament , 7:30 p.m. and show time is 8 p.m. The in entertainment. Since then he has One of the most popular acts on served with lemon créme or a a.m. breakfast; tee off at 9 a.m. Pearl Box Office is open daily from filled his rÈsumÈ with many lead- the Las Vegas Strip, Donny & roasted beet salad with arugula, WHERE: Benefit Fundraiser at noon until 7 p.m. with extended ing film roles, television guest ap- Marie, who recently celebrated goat cheese and tangerine the Bellagio Hotel, Bellagio Grand hours on select event days. Follow pearances and theatre work as a their six year anniversary at Fla- vinaigrette. The main course fea- Ballroom; Celebrity Golf Tourna- The Pearl on Twitter at sketch comedy participant. Ostroff mingo Las Vegas, signed an exten- tures either a 9-ounce filet mignon ment at Tournament Players Club @PearlatPalms for concert an- is best known for his work in sion to entertain sold-out audiences and a lobster tail stuffed with truffle (TPC) Las Vegas. nouncements and event informa- “Roommate,” “Chicks Who Click” through the end of 2015. Addition- mashed potato, sautéed mush- Since 1997, Canon U.S.A. and tion. and “Panman.” ally, a new building wrap of rooms, red wine demi-glace, NCMEC have collaborated to edu- * * * * * Shows are at 8:30 p.m. and 10 America’s most-loved brother-sis- Dungeness crab and lemon butter cate the public about the growing THE IMPROV AT HARRAH’S: p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. ter duo has been installed on the sauce; Dover sole with potato pu- issue of child abduction. The DEC. 30–JAN. 4 Tickets are $29.05 or $44.95 (plus front of the property. ree, caper butter sauce, sautéed Canon4Kids program, a partner- The world-famous Improv at applicable taxes and fees) for VIP Donny & Marie opened at Fla- green beans and watercress; or ship between Canon U.S.A. and Harrah’s Las Vegas is the longest- tickets that include special seating, mingo Las Vegas on Sept. 9, 2008 roasted herb chicken with butter- NCMEC, donates product to help running comedy club on the Las an Improv T-shirt and post-show and the worldwide response was so scotch carrot purée, frisée salad, law enforcement quickly dissemi- Vegas Strip. The Improv’s ability to meet-and-greet with the comics. instantaneous and overwhelming sundried tomatoes and chicken jus. nate photos and information about showcase young comedians, as well Special two-for-one tickets are also that their original six-week contract For dessert, select either a refresh- missing children, produces PSAs as bring in big names, has attrib- available for locals for the 10 p.m. was extended soon after the show ing bowl of fresh raspberries, blue- with missing children’s photos and uted to its longevity and success. show. Tickets are available at opened. Now, over six years later, berries, blackberries and strawber- educates parents about tips for tak- Each week, The Improv show- Harrah’s Box Office (702-369- they are ecstatic to continue to call ries served with whipped cream or ing and maintaining updated pho- cases some of the funniest and 5223) and online at Flamingo Las Vegas home of their vanilla créme brulée served with tos of their children. freshest faces in comedy, creating www.harrahslasvegas.com. lively 90-minute variety show. whipped cream, strawberry and * * * * * a show that is always unique and * * * * * Throughout their time at the Fla- mint. STYX RETURNS definitely funny. The comedians Jerry Fink is an entertainment mingo, Donny & Marie have been New Year’s Eve dinner hours at TO THE PEARL who will perform Dec. 30- Jan 4 columnist for the Las Vegas Tribune the recipients of accolades from Triple George will be 4 to 10 p.m. Rockers Styx return to The Pearl are: newspaper and writes a weekly col- critics and fans alike. They have on Wednesday, Dec. 31. To make a inside Palms Casino Resort on Bil Dwyer: Bil Dwyer was born umn. To contact Jerry Fink, email been voted by readers of the Las reservation, call (702) 384-2761. Jan.18, 2015 at 8 p.m. Tickets start and raised in Chicago. He gradu- him at jfink@ lasvegastribune.com. Vegas Review-Journal as the Best * * * * * Overall Show, Best Performers and DAVID PERRICO, Best Singers in Las Vegas, and in POP STRINGS ORCHESTRA Oct. 2013, Flamingo renamed its COMING TO iconic showroom the Donny & RED ROCK RESORT Marie Showroom. Award-winning composer and Donny & Marie perform at 7:30 arranger David Perrico is bringing p.m. Tuesday — Saturday in the his newest musical creation, David Donny & Marie Showroom at Fla- Perrico — Pop Strings Orchestra , mingo Las Vegas. Tickets range in to Red Rock Resort. The 15-piece price from $95-$260 (plus taxes and pop orchestra will feature energetic fees) and are available at the Fla- performances of club favorites with mingo Box Office, by phone at modern orchestrations by Perrico (702) 733-3333 or (800) 221-7299 every Saturday, beginning Jan. 10, or by visiting the website 2015. www.flamingolasvegas.com. A celebrated trumpeter, Perrico * * * * * leads the impressive 15-piece en- NEW YEAR’S EVE semble of strings, horns and rhythm ACTIVITIES AT GRAND LAS section, featuring Naomi Mauro VEGAS, TRIPLE GEORGE and Eric Sean’s powerful vocals. Ring in 2015 at Downtown Like Perrico’s other musical ven- Grand Hotel and Casino, starting ture, Pop Evolution, the Pop Strings with an elegant dinner at Triple Orchestra is comprised of the lead- George Grill followed by an excit- ing musicians from the city’s ma- ing evening of drinks, gaming and jor productions shows and bands, entertainment in the casino. including Rod Stewart, Shania Downtown Grand will offer an Twain, Donny & Marie and Terry all-you-can-drink special for $29 at Fator, among others. Performances Art Bar, The Commissary, Furnace will feature Perrico’s arrangements and Ninth Island from 9 p.m. to 12 of songs by Bruno Mars, Justin a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31. Wrist- Timberlake, Rihanna, Maroon 5, bands may be purchased in Art Bar Madonna, India.Arie and many from 12 to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. more. 30, and beginning at 3 p.m. on David Perrico — Pop Strings Wednesday, Dec. 31. Live enter- Orchestra will perform at Rocks tainment by DJ Two Fist Tommy Lounge inside Red Rock Resort ev- will be provided throughout the ery Saturday, beginning Jan. 10, evening on the casino stage. At 8 2015. Doors open at 10 p.m. There p.m., the drawing for the Electronic is no cover charge and guests must Extravaganza Giveaway will take be 21 years or older. Entry is first- place. Prizes range from $50 to come, first-served and based upon $500 in Free Slot Play to a selec- venue capacity. For more informa- tion of electronics, including a 60- tion, please visit www.sclv.com/ inch LED Smart TV, Blue Ray Disc concerts. Players, iPAD Air, Samsung Gal- * * * * * axy Tab 4 and a 8.9” Kindle fire CANON U.S.A. HDX. CELEBRATES THE 15th At midnight, there will be the ANNUAL RED CARPET Champagne toast and lavish bal- FUNDRAISER loon drop on the casino floor, where The 15th Annual Canon Cus- guests will also receive complimen- tomer Appreciation Reception/Na- tary party favors and hats. tional Center for Missing & Ex- At Triple George, guests may ploited Children Benefit Fundraiser begin their New Year’s Eve festivi- and NCMEC Celebrity Golf Tour- ties early with a four-course dinner nament will be held in Las Vegas priced at $60 per person. Start with to raise funds and awareness for a choice of either seared foie gras child safety. with truffle honey, Granny Smith This year, actor Richard Burgi apples and French toast; beef tartare will emcee the Canon U.S.A., Inc. with capers, chive, red onion, Dijon and NCMEC Benefit Fundraiser. mustard and egg yolk; or jumbo Celebrities, elected officials and pa- shrimp cocktail with Bloody Mary trons of NCMEC are anticipated to cocktail sauce and mango chutney. attend, including special guest John December 31, 2014-January 6, 2015 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / Page 17 HEALTH LIFESTYLES Seinfeld’s Steve& Hytner at the Downtown Grand Laughs Christmas Comedy Show By Sandy Zimmerman comedian and its for charity so this Las Vegas Tribune is a big night?” Photos of Steve Hytner’s (SH) “We call that a win, win, appearances in films unless right? We get people laughing and otherwise indicated to open their wallets and at the same Most Seinfeld fans know Steve time give to the kids because that Hytner as the stand-up comedian is what it is all about.” Kenny Bania who was always ver- (SZ) “The Downtown Grand bally sparing with Jerry Seinfeld. Hotel recently opened, a benefit to As XFINITY Entertainment our community to have a new hotel Staff said, “Kenny Bania is a cheesy downtown.” and obnoxious stand-up comedian (SH) “I call it “spiffy”, I think who often finds success by follow- the only word is “spiffy”, I‘m go- ing in Jerry’s footsteps. The word ing with “spiffy.” “modest” is not in Kenny’s vocabu- Steve Hytner is an actor, stand- lary.” up comedian and a producer who It was great seeing one of the appeared in Face/OFF (1997), In character actors from the hit com- the Line of Fire (1993), The Proph- edy Seinfeld TV program in person. ecy (1995) and other programs. I interviewed Steve Hytner Comedian host Paul Scally’s along the red carpet at the party Downtown Grand Laughs Comedy before the show. “I’ve seen you so Show appears every Thursday, free many times on Seinfeld but didn’t to the public. realize you had a career as a come- For information about the Grand dian.” Laughs Comedy Show or the (SH) “On television I play a bad Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino, comedian, ha, ha, so we hope that call (702)-529-3573. The Down- doesn’t cross over. It’s been great. town Grand Las Vegas Hotel & I love being able to do both. Some- Casino is located at 206 North 3rd times it is a lot easier to feel like a Street, near the Fremont Street Ex- rock star when you are doing stand- perience. up.” * * * * * (SZ) “Isn’t it difficult, you have Award winning Sandy to please the audience?” Zimmerman is a syndicated colum- (SH) “Nothing worth while is nist featuring Show and Dining re- easy and believe me, I tried some views, travel, health, luxury and things that were very un-worth- more. Sandy is talk show host of the while. Stand-up is a risk- reward, Las Vegas Today Show programs the risk is huge but the reward is and Discover the Ultimate Vacation awesome.” travel specials. If you want to sug- (SZ) “How long were you in gest topics for articles, request for Seinfeld, that ran forever?” a review, for information or to ask (SH) “I did the last five years, any questions about Sandy’s ar- the last five seasons. I think I have ticles, call (702)-731-6491. been blessed to do so many differ- SUGGESTIONS: Do you have a ent shows but Seinfeld is kinda’ the favorite singer, comedian, hypno- 800 pound gorilla. It’s all encom- tist, vocal group, specialty act, passing and that is a good thing. The spectacular production show or success of that show and really the other entertainer in Las Vegas? way the show has lasted has been Please let us know and you may win staggering so I am lucky and free show tickets or other prizes. blessed to be a part of that.” Send the name of the entertainer, the (SZ) “Tonight we see Paul reasons for your choice and your Scally’s Downtown Grand Laughs telephone number. Information is in Comedy Show, you are the guest Photo by Sandy Zimmerman the paragraph above.

Photo by Sandy Zimmerman Page 18 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / December 31, 2014-January 6, 2015

EarthTalk is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of E - The Environmental Maga- zine (www.emagazine.com). Send questions to: [email protected]. Subscribe: www.emagazine.com/ subscribe; Free Trial Issue: www.emagazine.com/trial. Dear EarthTalk: Are there still along with the continued develop- outspoken global warming deniers ment of hybrid, natural gas and all- in Congress or the mainstream electric vehicles. media? If so, what do they say Another outspoken climate when presented with scientific naysayer in Congress is House Sci- facts and anecdotal evidence ence, Space & Technology Com- pointing to an increasingly warm- mittee chair Lamar Smith, another ing atmosphere? — Ben Charles, Texas Republican, who calls the Cary, NC Obama administration’s 2014 Na- Given the preponderance of data tional Climate Assessment (which showing rising temperatures around squarely pins the blame for global the globe in recent decades — along warming on human emissions) “a with the increasing frequency of political document intended to extreme weather events — it’s hard frighten Americans into believing to believe there are still any climate that any abnormal weather we ex- change deniers. But a recent survey perience is the direct result of hu- by the non-profit Center for Ameri- man CO2 emissions.” He adds that can Progress found that some 58 “the Obama administration feels percent of Republicans in the U.S. compelled to stretch the truth in Congress still “refuse to accept cli- order to drum up support for more mate change.” Meanwhile, still oth- costly and unnecessary regulations ers acknowledge the existence of and subsidies.” global warming but cling to the sci- Of course, the right side of the entifically debunked notion that the aisle in Congress isn’t the only cause is natural forces, not green- place you’ll find climate change house gas pollution by humans. deniers. In a recent op-ed article that One of the chief doubters in the appeared on FoxNews.com, scien- U.S. House of Representatives is tist and author Daniel Botkin com- Texas Republican John Carter, who ments that the 2014 National Cli- The Women’s Earth Alliance helps women around the world secure their rights and safety and remove reports on his website that the mate Assessment “ignores...the real barriers to full participation in society by supporting them in addressing the environmental issues impacting United Nations’ Intergovernmental history of life itself: endlessly their lives. Pictured: A female farmer in India. Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) changing, highly adaptable, and atmospheric conditions unprec- The Women’s Earth Alliance climate change, says WEA: and the East Anglia Climatic Re- never subject to the kind of stasis edented in at least the last 800,000 (WEA) supports community groups “Women in underserved communi- search Unit in Great Britain — two that the climate change consensus years. IPCC adds that greenhouse around the world that work at the ties find themselves on the front of the world’s foremost authorities imagines, wrongly, to be Nature’s gas emissions are “extremely likely intersection of women’s rights and lines of climate impacts, often wit- on the extent and severity of global ideal state.” Plenty of other conser- to have been the dominant cause of the environment. A project of the nessing their water sources and tra- warming — hid their own research vative media voices on Fox News the observed warming since the Berkeley, California-based David ditional land bases shift or disap- results showing that world tempera- and elsewhere are vocal in their mid-20th century” and that warm- Brower Center, WEA partners with pear because of a dangerous mix of tures have not actually been rising, skepticism about humans’ (leading) ing will be a “very likely” catalyst local women-led community changing temperatures and struc- but in fact have been falling, over role in climate change. for increased heat waves, extreme groups engaged in finding solutions tural inequalities.” the past several years. But regardless of how persua- precipitation events, warmer oceans to vexing environmental problems. Currently WEA focuses on three “We may or may not even be in sive some of these pundits might and higher sea levels. WEA helps women secure their geographic areas: India, North a warming cycle,” says Carter. sound, the facts speak for them- * * * * * rights and safety and remove barri- America and Africa. Its India Pro- “Even if we are, scientific evidence selves. IPCC reports that human Dear EarthTalk: I heard about ers to full participation in society gram supports small and emerging does not conclude that activity by influence on the climate system is a group called the Women’s Earth by supporting them in addressing women’s groups that are promoting man plays any significant role.” “clear,” with greenhouse gas emis- Alliance that works on environ- the environmental issues impacting food sovereignty, traditional knowl- Regardless, Carter supports more sions driven largely by economic mental projects in many parts of their lives. By bringing women’s edge and advocating for the rights research and development of solar, and population growth skyrocket- the world. What kinds of projects? leadership to these critical environ- of women farmers. The group’s wind, tidal and geothermal energy, ing to record levels and leading to — Judy Stack, Barre, VT mental issues, WEA helps bring trainings, advocacy and movement vital voices, perspectives and par- building have enabled thousands of ticipation to addressing the great- poor Indian women to become en- est and most basic challenges of our vironmental leaders in their com- time. munities. The idea for WEA emerged from In North America, WEA links a meeting in Mexico City where 30 pro bono legal, policy and business women leaders from 26 countries advocates across the continent with gathered to address how women can Indigenous women leading envi- do more to address today’s environ- ronmental campaigns. “Through mental challenges. WEA offers rapid response advocacy, long-term training and resources around issues policy working groups, trainings of water, land, food and climate and delegations, WEA’s innovative change, operating on the guiding advocacy partnerships protect sa- principle that “when women thrive, cred sites, promote energy justice, communities, the environment and and ensure environmental health on future generations thrive.” Indigenous lands,” the group re- Of utmost importance to WEA ports. is securing women’s access to ba- And in Africa, WEA partnered sic resources (food, land and wa- with Crabgrass, a California-based ter) so they can enjoy economic, human rights group, to create the social and political security. Since Global Women’s Water Initiative women in many societies are re- (GWWI) that provides training to sponsible for the management of help people implement water re- food and water, the group reports, lated strategies to improve their they can “experience both the un- communities’ health, self reliance equal burden of work to secure and and resilience to climate change. prepare the family’s food and wa- With GWWI, WEA and Crabgrass ter as well as the vulnerability are building a cadre of advanced Congressman Lamar Smith (R-TX), chair of the House Science, Space & Technology Committee, calls the which results from traditional gen- female trainers skilled in applying Obama administration’s 2014 National Climate Assessment — which squarely pins the blame for global der roles at home and gender dis- holistic solutions with appropriate warming on human industrial activity — “a political document intended to frighten Americans into believing crimination in society.” technology to environmental prob- that any abnormal weather we experience is the direct result of human CO2 emissions.” Women also tend to be particu- lems regarding water, sanitation and larly vulnerable to the impacts of hygiene. Executive Office For Rent Includes conference room, utilities and Internet. Furnished or unfurnished. $600 per month. For more information, call (702) 699-8100. December 31, 2014-January 6, 2015 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / Page 19 What You Need Three Surprising Ways to Get To Know More Out of Your Workout By Dr Nina Radcliff By Sidney Wilson If you’re looking to get a lean, toned physique it’s not enough to Food and Depression just focus on reps, sets, exercises, By Nina Radcliff, MD or the type of workout you’ll be “The food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful form of doing. medicine or the slowest form of poison.” — Ann Wigmore. While all these are important to The link between food and our physical health is well known. What achieve your fitness goals, it’s also we put into our mouths can either help protect us from, or increase our important to take care of your body risk for, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and stroke—the number one, two, in other ways to increase perfor- and three killers in America. But did you know that what we eat and drink mance, reduce injury, and prevent can affect our mental health? Studies have proven that a healthy diet can overtraining. help decrease our risk for depression as well as become an important part These include warming-up be- of a holistic approach to treat it. In our desire to be healthy, both physi- fore your workouts, foam rolling, cally and mentally, let’s revisit the saying “we are what we eat.” And let’s and allowing for proper rest. opt for healthy! Don’t Skimp On Back to basics Your Warm-Up Studies have shown that people who enjoy diets rich in fruit, veggies, Warming-up may not seem all beans, nuts, legumes, olive oil, and lean meats (aka the Mediterranean that important, but skimping on a diet) have lower rates of depression. There are a number of reasons for warm up can lead to injury and poor this. The body requires nutrients, or building blocks, to manufacture many performance. of the “happy” chemicals in our brain; and these foods are nutrient pow- It should be a part of every erhouses. In fact, the term “junk food” implies that the food item has workout. Sidney Wilson minimal nutritional value. Filling our tummies up with nutrient-poor foods, Warming-up heats up and loos- Foam-rolling, which is also It’s important to take regular or empty calories, often prevents us from consuming nutrient-rich foods ens the body so it’s ready for your known as self-myofascial release, breaks from hard training to allow and can cause a nutrient-deficit. upcoming workout. is a form of self-massage. your body time to repair, recover, Eating healthy can also decrease our risk for cardiovascular disease, It can increase range of motion It can be done with a foam roller, and to avoid overtraining. stroke, diabetes, and cancer. These illnesses have been linked to higher and can improve muscular perfor- which is a cylindrical shaped piece When you rest, your body uses rates of depression. mance and power. of foam. that time to rebuild and grow stron- Inflammation These are all things that will kick Foam-rolling can be used as a ger. Our body’s immune system responds to foreign invaders to keep us your workout into high gear. warm-up, post workout, or on its Now this doesn’t necessarily safe. However, there are triggers that can cause our immune system to Now, I’m not talking about just own. Sometimes, I’ll do it while mean you have to sit around all day run amok and result in inflammation, an abnormal state. Studies have hoping on a cardio machine for 10 watching TV so it doesn’t take up on your day off. shown that inflammation not only can disrupt circuitry and the transmis- minutes followed by some static any extra time. You can if you choose, but do- sion of signals within our brain, it can also kill brain cells, leading to stretching, but instead completing Start by lying on the foam roller ing some light active recovery ex- depression. The “3 P’s”— Processed, Packaged, and Prepared foods — a dynamic warm-up that’ll heat up and applying moderate pressure to ercises such as stretching, going for are rich in harmful oils, sugar, artificial sweeteners, and additives (colors, the muscles you’ll be using. a specific muscle. a walk, or doing some gentle yoga flavor enhancers, preservatives) that can trigger inflammation. Consum- A dynamic warm-up is one that Roll slowly until you find an can be very beneficial to recovery. ing these items every now and then is unlikely to cause harm; but because utilizes stretches, but while mov- area that feels tight or painful. The key is to keep it light. they are cheap, fast, and convenient, consumer research shows it has be- ing. Hold the roller there for 15-30 This isn’t meant to be another come easier and easier to reach for them. These include exercises like leg seconds until you feel the muscle strenuous workout. Antioxidants swings, arm swings, shoulder rolls, relax and release. In addition to taking rest days, Our bodies produce a waste product called free radicals that can con- bodyweight squats, walking lunges, They key is to gradually loosen it’s very important to get enough tribute to aging and a number of disease states including cancer, cardio- high skips, or high kicks. the area. sleep on a daily basis. vascular disease, Alzheimer’s dementia, arthritis, and diabetes. Fortunately, These movements should be If you’re just starting out this Sleep is important for muscle antioxidants can seize and disarm these harmful molecules. Beta-caro- progressive by starting single joint may be very painful at first. recovery, hormone balance, and tene (broccoli, carrots, peaches), vitamin C (blueberries, oranges, toma- movements and working into more You can always ease up the pres- peak performance. toes), and vitamin E (nuts and spinach) are some well-known antioxi- complicated multi-joint move- sure a bit if you need to. So on top of taking it easy at dants. Let’s incorporate them into snacks and meals. ments. The pain should ease up over least one day a week, be sure to get Carbohydrates So give it a try. time, especially when you stay con- your 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Consuming carbohydrates can boost an important “feel good” chemi- You’ll be surprised at how ready sistent with regular foam-rolling Sidney Wilson is a Las Vegas- cal called serotonin. Unfortunately, it can also expand our waistlines and your body will feel for your next sessions. based celebrity fitness trainer and pack on the pounds. A good balance is to choose complex carbs (whole workout session. Foam-rolling works best on the lifestyle coach dedicated to provid- grains) and healthy carbs (fruit, veggies, legumes) over simple carbs Roll It Out lower body, especially the glutes, ing his clients with the tools needed (cakes, cookies). Like stretching, foam rolling is quads, hamstrings, calves, and ad- to “Get Vicious.” Through rigorous Can we eat our way out of depression? often one of those things you know ductors, but can also be used on the workouts and extensive nutrition No; a new, healthy diet cannot replace other treatments. Additionally, you should do, but never quite find pecs, lats, and rotator cuffs. coaching, Sidney trains clients at a healthy diet does not provide a bullet-proof vest when it comes to pre- the time for. It can safely be done on a daily The Get Vicious Training Center venting depression or other illnesses. However, eating healthy should be However, it should not be ne- basis and is a great habit to add to located at 5693 South Jones Blvd. incorporated into a holistic treatment plan against depression which in- glected! your routine. Suite 103, Las Vegas, NV 89118, or cludes exercise, improved sleep, counseling, decreasing and dealing with Maintaining flexibility and mo- Make Time For Rest remotely around the world through stressors, yearly physicals and, if appropriate, medications. bility of those hard-earned muscles Kudos to you for maintaining a his website www.sidneywilson.com. Reduce alcohol is important to prevent injury, in- regular exercise routine. But just Sidney can be contacted at: Similar to the age-old question of what came first, the chicken or the crease performance, and speed up like anything, too much of a good [email protected] or 646- egg, the same can be asked about depression and alcohol. People who recovery. thing isn’t always a good thing. 226-6359. drink heavily and regularly increase their risk for depression. This may be because alcohol is a depressant, increases inflammation, decreases SOCIAL SECURITY AWARENESS “happy” chemicals in the brain, or can cause chronic illnesses. Conversely, those who suffer from depression are twice as likely to drink away their sorrows and develop a drinking problem. Help Social Security help the homeless Dietary changes cannot cure or completely prevent depression. But because we are what we eat, healthy food choices can help keep us in our By Steven Zuelsdorf best physical and mental health. Every time we put something in our Social Security Operations mouth is an opportunity to nourish our body. Food is fuel. And just as we Supervisor in North Las Vegas would not expect our cars to run smoothly or efficiently if we were to December 21 is National Home- pump low quality fuel into it, we must apply the same reasoning to our less Persons’ Memorial Day. Since bodies. I want to encourage you to think about what you are consuming 1990, on or near the first day of and make good choices with what fuels you. winter and the longest night of the Dr. Nina Radcliff is dedicated to her profession, her patients and her year, the National Coalition for the community, at large. She is passionate about sharing truths for healthy, Homeless brings attention to and balanced living as well as wise preventive health measures. She com- seeks compassion for the homeless pleted medical school and residency training at UCLA and has served on who have died because they didn’t the medical faculty at The University of Pennsylvania. She is a Board have a warm, safe place to sleep. Certified Anesthesiologist and a member of the American Society of An- Even as the recovery works its way esthesiologists where she serves on committees for Young Physicians and through the entire economy, no one Communications. Author of more than 200 textbook chapters, research is immune to potentially being articles, medical opinions and reviews; she is often called upon by media homeless. People in our community to speak on medical, fitness, nutrition, and healthy lifestyle topics im- — colleagues and family members, pacting our lives, today. military veterans, and our friends — might be too proud to ask for help. Too often, homelessness ends in tragedy. cal public and non-profit private Every day, and especially on Social Security provides ser- organizations. Social Security also December 21, remember those liv- vices to the homeless and you can participates in the Federal Inter- ing without a place to call home. find these services at agency Reentry Council, as well as Homelessness is a complicated and www.socialsecurity.gov/ the Projects for Assistance in Tran- emotional issue, but we can help homelessness. Those who are sition from Homelessness (PATH) our brothers and sisters — friends homeless can apply for benefits program. PATH helps people with and family — access the safety net and, if they are eligible, their ben- serious mental health issues or that Social Security provides. Visit efits can be deposited directly into people who are homeless or at risk www.socialsecurity.gov/ a personal banking account, a Di- of homelessness. homelessness to learn more. rect Express debit bank card, or another electronic account. They can also have benefits mailed to a third party, or if necessary, a repre- sentative payee can receive their funds. Social Security also collaborates with other agencies to help the homeless. At www.socialsecurity.gov/ homelessness/collaborations.htm, you can read more about the Health Care for the Homeless program that provides grants to a network of lo- Page 20 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / December 31, 2014-January 6, 2015 PLACES TO GO QUICK GETAWAYS The Atlantis is not your typical Swiss restaurant By Sandy Zimmerman Las Vegas Tribune Photos by Sandy Zimmerman Walking around the ancient buildings in Basel’s Old Town transports you back to the past. Af- ter the walking tour, it is time to stop for dinner and the Atlantis Restau- rant became a perfect modern con- trast to Old Town. Their lounge attracts attention the minute you enter the building. The purple lights and low tables creates a festive feeling. The extremely large Moroccan chandelier hangs from the ceiling looking almost too big for the din- ing room. The Atlantis is also a club on Fridays and Saturdays this is a party setting with live music after 11 pm. Dinner guests can stay for the night club at no additional charge. The Atlantis Restaurant’s brightly colored cuisine look like works of art. Claudia Danuser, the Manager, explained, “We prepare food from every part of Europe and with some Asian influences. Since Switzer- land is near the Italian border, we serve many Italian dishes. Everything is bright, beautiful and artistic, the chef checks every dish first before it leaves the Atlantis Restaurant, Basel, Switzerland kitchen.” Roasted Foie gras on ginger bread For steak lovers, there’s Filet of In 1947 the Africa explorer Paul more. Sandy is talk show host of the Their menu offers a wide vari- with a orange — cointrau shake and Beef with a cassis crust on a white Seiler along with his younger Las Vegas Today Show programs ety of choices like the bright pink raw Beef tartar “classic” served wine butter sauce and Bramata brother Kurt founded the Atlantis and Discover the Ultimate Vacation Beef Carpaccio, thinly sliced raw with toast and butter. Polenta. Basel, exhibiting African art along- travel specials. If you want to sug- beef with olive oil and parmesan A touch of India, fried Scallops The Venison medallions are side living alligators. However, gest topics for articles, request for shavings in balsamic vinegar. Tandoori marinated on a lemon served with a cognac cream sauce Atlantis Basel only became really a review, for information or to ask Two Basel favorite starters are grass skewer and lemon salad. and Lingonberry apple along with successful when a pianist was hired. any questions about Sandy’s ar- e another interesting selection Veal This made the Atlantis into a popu- ticles, call (702)-731-6491. medallions with morel cream sauce lar music bar. SUGGESTIONS: Do you have a and Schupfnudeln. The years brought changes and favorite singer, comedian, hypno- Pair your food with wines from different owners until the present tist, vocal group, specialty act, Italy, the United States, Argentina owners who are now celebrating spectacular production show or and Spain. their 70th year. Visit www.atlan- other entertainer in Las Vegas? Summer is the time for dining tis.ch. Please let us know and you may win on the Mediterranean Sun Terrace * * * * * free show tickets or other prizes. and if you are celebrating a birth- Award winning Sandy Send the name of the entertainer, the day, anniversary or a wedding, Zimmerman is a syndicated colum- reasons for your choice and your Hector’s Room (Rittersaal-Great nist featuring Show and Dining re- telephone number. Information is in Hall) is the best choice. views, travel, health, luxury and the paragraph above.

Beef Carpaccio (CH) with olive oil and parmesan shavings.

Moroccan Chandelier

Lounge