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THE Neighborhoods ISSUE LAS VEGAS THEN & NOW A look at our historic neighborhoods
VEGAS CREATES Art and design from the people that call Las Vegas home
BRINGING CLASSES TO THE MASSES Schools find unique homes for continuing education
ALL GREEK TO ME Inside Chef Girair Goumroain’s The Great Greek
As a community, we’re working hard to make sure that Southern Nevada has a reliable water supply so that our businesses, families and neighborhoods can continue to thrive. Because life here just wouldn’t be the same without it. Let’s stay water smart, Southern Nevada. Learn more at snwa.com. The Southern Nevada Water Authority is a not-for-profit agency.
“My Odyssey takes me to places further than the classroom.” – Samuel, Odyssey Charter Schools Student
We’ve created a learning culture where students aren’t just being taught, they’re also being inspired. It happens through blended education – a combination of online and classroom instruction the Department of Education has found to be most effective. This means more flexibility and more parental involvement. Talk to us. After all, we believe middle school is more than a time of transition. It’s a time for inspiration. Tuition Free • K-12 • Online and In-class Learning Model
In-class * School Online and e l d d i M *
We teach. We lead. We believe. odysseyk12.org | 702.257.0578 2251 South Jones | Las Vegas, NV 89146
PUBLISHER’S LETTER The word “neighborhood” conjures up in your mind a happy, safe place, full of friends and families that make up our worlds. I love my neighborhood; it is has wide tree-lined streets that offer oodles of delicious shade to people walking, riding bikes, and roller skating. The latest thing in my neighborhood is the hanging of the old-fashioned wooden swings from the trees, so the kids can play and swing with friends in the front yard. In this issue of BLVDS we will visit all kinds of neighborhoods — old and new — and let you explore some of the fabulous neighborhoods that Las Vegas has to offer. We have some exciting news here at BLVDS — a new editor. I would like to introduce you to Stephanie LaBorde Pierotti, who has been a part of BLVDS as a writer and board member and has stepped up to be our new managing editor. Stephanie is a person of many talents and interests. Besides being a wordy, she loves food, fashion, travel, and wine! She is joined by our new copy editor, Chris Cutler, also a previous writer and board member. Like Stephanie, Chris loves food, photography, and travel, so be prepared for some great adventures!
EDITOR’S LETTER During my first “scouting trip” to Vegas to research homes and neighborhoods in 2007, I began my standard new city exploratory process by picking up all of the local publications I could find. I used Yelp to find a locally owned coffee shop and thumbed through a weekly paper looking for hints of the flavor of Copyright 2014 by BLVDS, Inc., all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission from BLVDS, Inc. Every effort was made to ensure the accuracy of
the local culture. I distinctly remember reading an article in which WalMart was named as the local’s favorite place to buy holiday gifts, Olive Garden was listed as the local’s favorite Italian restaurant, and Outback received the honors of the local’s favorite steakhouse. At the time, I was living in Los Angeles which is overflowing with locally owned businesses that are passionately supported by the community. I grew up in Louisiana and Texas where local flavor is an essential component of the culture. I was discouraged and alarmed, to say the least. The last item in my stack of publications was BLVDS. After flipping through only a few pages, I knew I had found my tribe. Everything I had been searching for — art galleries, indie boutiques, intriguing people, interesting events — were all encapsulated in one little square magazine. Four years would go by before I finally met Jan who has continued to amaze me, inspire me, and make me cathartically laugh out loud on a daily basis. Through BLVDS, I hope to bring you an insightful glimpse on all of the things that we find fascinating and inspiring about Las Vegas and encourage you to explore new elements of the diverse and evolving community that we call home.
The Cover Painting: Joseph Watson
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Jan Craddock | President & Publisher Stephanie Pierotti | Editor In Chief Chris Cutler | Copy Editor Victoria Hart | Creative Director Editorial Board Brian Paco Alvarez Mauricia Baca Durette Candito Lisa Chasteen Chris Cutler Kendall Hardin Nancy Higgins LuAnn Kutch Dawn Labonte Rob McCoy Julie Murray
Jillian Plaster Willie Robinson Jason Roth Karen Rubel Dana Satterwhite Rick Sellers Eric Strain Kimberly Trueba Mark Vranesh Rachael Wadley Stephanie Youngblood
Contributing Writers Joy Bellis Andrea Bricca Chris Cutler Jenessa Kenway Temple Kenyan Jillian Plaster Dana Satterwhite Erika Washington Contributing Photographers Nathan Douglas Talbot Snow Kira Weisz Analyst and Archivist Nancy Lee Craddock Interns Gregory Simpson Nicole Cauilan Christianne Alquilos
Scan with your smart phone using a QR Code reader app
BLVDS fans: Let us know what you think! facebook.com/blvdslv twitter.com/blvdslv
the information in this publication, however, BLVDS, Inc. assumes no responsibility for errors, changes, or omissions. BLVDS, Inc. accepts editorial and photography submissions. Send all submissions to: editor@blvdslv.com.
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email editor@blvdslv.com call 702.386.6065 go to blvdslv.com mail 509 S. 7th Street Las Vegas, NV 89101
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The Neighborhood Issue | May - June 2014 | 3
CONTRIBUTORS
Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else. — Margaret Mead
Stephanie Pierotti is the proprietor of Avondale Shirt Co. and an instructor at The Art Institute of Las Vegas. As a foodie and wine lover, she holds certifications from the Court of Master Sommeliers and the International Wine Guild. A seven year resident of Las Vegas, Stephanie currently lives in Summerlin with her husband Michael.
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Erika Washington has spent the past 6 years discovering what’s behind the neon lights of Vegas. Whether interviewing celebrities, covering political events or playing dress up with her daughters, she loves every minute of it. Follow her shenanigans on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as the ‘Vegas Soulcialite’.
Jillian Plaster is a foodie. She loves to cook, but she loves to eat even more. While attending Le Cordon Bleu in her hometown of Las Vegas, her passion for food lead to writing reviews of local restaurants. Plaster also developed her own line of fresh dog food which she sells at her unique pooch boutique, The Dog House, located at Town Square.
Joy Bellis is a native Philadelphian who came to Las Vegas in 2002 after spending15 years in Florida. An account executive in advertising and public relations, she has a penchant for the game of golf (and several championships under her belt). Although she’s a late bloomer in the field, she wants to be a writer when she grows up.
Temple Kinyon moved to Las Vegas 11 years ago after enjoying life in rural Idaho. Embracing the diverse setting Las Vegas offered, she settled into her freelance writing life, pursuing both fiction and non-fiction. When she’s not writing, Temple creates with paper, paint, fabric and ink, and adores adventures with her husband and two ferociously funny bulldogs.
Dana Satterwhite National brand advertising creative for 20 years, Dana currently freelances and runs TastySpace gallery in the Emergency Arts building. He has written for several local magazines and serves on a number of boards. His greatest loves are his wife, daughter, family, words, visuals, racquetball, chess, food, gardening, and freedom.
Chris Cutler holds an MFA in creative writing from Murray State University (KY). She believes everyone has a story to tell and founded The Las Vegas Memoir Project to help people write their stories. When she’s not traveling, Chris teaches at IADT and through DEO at UNLV, writes, and tries to keep her Welsh Terrier from updating his Facebook status on her iPad.
Never make your home in a place. Make a home for yourself inside your own head. You’ll find what you need to furnish it - memory, friends you can trust, love of learning, and other such things. That way it will go with you wherever you journey. — Tad Williams
C O N T E N T S | BLVDS LAS VEGAS | NO. 44 | May - June 2014
THE Neighborhoods ISSUE 8
COMMUNITY
Las Vegas Then and Now In the shadows of the city’s flashy casinos historic neighborhoods continue to flourish.
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Oasis in the Sun Lush landscapes and a close-knit community provide residents with a quiet paradise in the city.
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Summerlin Sanctuary Siena combines tranquility and activities to give young-at-heart seniors a unique place to call home.
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Going Up? Hotels are not the only high-rises scraping the Las Vegas skyline.
ARTS
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Artistic Optimism At the time when most kids were into hip-hop and looking cool, Joseph Watson was creating art.
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Pickleball Anyone? This sport with a funny name is the fastest-growing sport across all age groups. Local Escapes Kick off your shoes and have a “picnic” on a rooftop overlooking 3rd Street.
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Practice Makes Perfect Las Vegas Academy junior Matt Lazeroff finds cello and music are a full time job.
Every Dog Has Its Clay Hilarie Grey creates lasting keepsakes for dog-lovers while helping SPCA.
F lav or
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Wine Lovers Support Local Despite facing legal and climate challenges, local wineries produce award-winning wines.
The Lost Art of Butchery Chef Sam Marvin works to ensure butchery is not dead.
Bringing Classes to the Masses Educational opportunities abound.
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Mid-Mod Getaway A mere five-hour drive from Las Vegas, Hotel Valley Ho offers a relaxing getaway in the middle of the Arizona desert.
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There’s a Bon in the Oven Carlos Pereira has more than 800 bread recipes to offer local restaurants and bread lovers.
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Quietly Historical Berkley Square Better-known for designing the Neon Museum, Architect Paul Revere Williams also designed the modest homes of Berkley Square. Vegas Creates From architecture and fashion to literature and performance — we’re showcasing the talented people who call Las Vegas home.
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Herbs with “WOW” Factor Boulder City gardening company offers fresh herbs and vegetables at farmers markets around town.
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Stellar Food + Sensible Price = Great Greek Chef Girair Goumroian is the secret to Great Greek food.
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IMHO Richard Plaster is concerned about the state of traffic in Nevada.
The Neighborhoods Issue | May - June 2014 | 5
Community
COMMUNITY
1911
incorporated
las vegas THEN AND NOW A look into the historic neighbothoods that make Las Vegas unique.
Written by Joy Bellis Photography by Nathan Douglas
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ther cities in the United States may be older, may have more auspicious founding fathers, may even have more beautiful natural terrain, but none has a more unique history, rising from an oasis in the desert to the glittering entertainment capital of the world. A land auction in 1905 led to the incorporation of Las Vegas in 1911. Fremont Street was the center of all activity in those early years, and homes and businesses centered around it since everything was within easy walking distance.
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Las Vegas started growing after World War I with the development of the aviation industry and the promise of work on the proposed Hoover Dam. In 1926, the city dedicated its first airport, Rockwell Field, at the corner of Paradise Road and Sahara, and that served the city’s needs until the rapid development of The Strip in the 1940s. McCarran Airport was able to accommodate the ever-increasing number of visitors drawn to this exciting new city in the desert. Tourism developed as a major industry and source of revenue for Clark County, but the Las Vegas area had another major growth spurt in the 1990s as one of the fastest growing areas of the country. Newly planned communities
and sub-divisions flourished away from the center of the city, and with them, the need for roads and highways grew. But there remained a nucleus of older homes built in the 1920s, ‘30s and ‘40s. Residents who were committed urban dwellers valued the style and maturity of these communities, and they wanted to retain the aura of the old Las Vegas. The original Las Vegas High School was built in 1931 at 7th and Bridger Streets and is a beautiful example of the art deco architecture. The building is designated on the Las Vegas Historic Property Register and the National Register of Historic Places. Also designated on both registers, The John S. Park Historic District was the first area neighborhood to embrace the 19th century garden-city philosophy of tree-lined streets and park-like settings. Residents created a The John S. Park Neighborhood Association in the early ‘90s when Bob Stupak announced plans to build a Titanic-themed hotel/casino. Today, the residents work to preserve this lush retreat with its curved, treelined streets and park-like settings. The Beverly Green and Southridge neighborhoods are adjacent to one another and very close to Las Vegas
Boulevard and Fremont Street. The homeowners associations maintain the aesthetic appeal of the area and assure the retention of quality services in the area. Their mission statements declare that they want to keep their communities free of “boomtown development and gaming properties.” The Berkley Square neighborhood is unique and truly historic by any standard. Financed primarily by African-American bankers and designed by famed architect Paul Revere Williams, the neighborhood served a community sorely in need of housing in Las Vegas in the 1950s. The Scotch 80’s neighborhood is comprised of beautiful southwest modern and retro 1950s homes, all landscaped and maintained by a caring and attentive community of homeowners. By virtue of the community’s age, the grounds are lush, and the look sets them apart from all of the concrete threatening to rise everywhere. These communities are unique and distinctive residential neighborhoods, worthy of preservation and protection. Their continued evolution confirms that Las Vegas is more than just glitz and glitter.
The Neighborhoods Issue | May - June 2014 | 9
COMMUNITY
1975 An Oasis developed
in the sun Lush landscapes and a true sense of community offer residents at Spanish Oaks paradise nestled in the heart of the city.
n the heart of Las Vegas lies a quiet neighborhood nestled among towering trees and boasting well-built homes and award-winning landscapes. Collins Brothers Development began constructing the Spanish Oaks community in the heart of Las Vegas off Sahara and Valley View in 1975. Their focus was on longevity, beauty, and comfort.
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Now, almost 40 years later, the hamlet still boasts beautiful homes, lush greenbelts, walking paths, pools, and tennis courts. There’s even a picturesque
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Written by Temple Kinyon Photography by Nathan Douglas
club house nestled on grassy green surroundings, providing an excellent setting for community get-togethers organized by the Social Committee. Well-attended monthly breakfasts and family oriented events solidify the tight-knit community environment. Cheryl Purdue, 27-year resident, and Joi Moffet, 35-year resident, explain how both the long-time and new residents organized an initiative for revitalization and maintenance of the beautiful grounds using water-smart techniques. That cooperative spirit paid off with a 2013 Southern Nevada Water Authority
Landscape Award. “Coming through the gate, you immediately feel how quiet and serene it is,” Moffet touts. With its tranquil surroundings and strong sense of community, Spanish Oaks is truly an oasis in the sun.
“My husband, Colonel, used to say driving through the gates is like a total refreshment, leaving everything outside. This is home.” ~ Loanne Parker, Resident since 1989
Sip The fineST margariTa
Experience the modern side of Mexican cuisine
CASEY SMITH
BETH FISHER
JESSICA JANNER
Taste guacamole made fresh at your table Savor fresh seafood and steaks with authentic sauces
Tivoli village
430 South rampart blvd. 702.202.4511 follow on facebook cantinalaredo.com TOGETHER MAKING LAS VEGAS A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE
CelebraTe CinCo de mayo!
COMMUNITY
2001 homes
SUMMERLIN
SANCTUARY Written & Photographed by Chris Cutler
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Siena combines tranquility and diverse activities to give young-atheart seniors a unique place to call home.
on’t call them retirement communities! Once clichéd communities filled with senior citizens who padded from bingo game to shuffleboard to home, today’s 55+ communities offer a more varied list of activities and events that include everything from Pilates and yoga classes to monthly social gatherings to pickleball.
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Located in the southwest corner of Summerlin, Siena is one of Las Vegas’s most active age-restricted communities. The 2,001 homes surround an 18-hole public golf course, and public spaces within the gated community include park-like areas and a village center that is home to both a community and fitness center. The community center houses card and
game rooms, a computer lab, a library, ballroom, ceramics lab, and more. In addition to both an indoor and outdoor pool, the fitness center offers a full gym, saunas, and tennis, pickleball and bocce ball courts. Eva Meder moved to Siena during the early phases. She was researching retirement places in Arizona, California, and Nevada when she dropped into a Las Vegas realtor’s office as she was on her way out of town. “The rest is history,” says her fiancé, Peter Noonan. Peter says that Siena’s location and proximity to the airport was important for the two world travelers. “It is convenient to everything.” Chicago natives Gregg and Andrea Turley spent more than two years
researching the non-Strip side of town. “We visited about 12 times over two year. We did no gambling, saw no shows,” Andrea laughs. “We just drove around and checked out neighborhoods.” They happened upon Siena and, Andrea says, “that was that.” Gregg agrees. “Siena clearly was the best choice, modern, a younger population, quality community buildings and amenities, quiet surroundings, and beautiful landscaping.” Siena residents for more than eight years now, the Turleys have found that Siena is more than just a beautiful place to live. “The very best part of Siena is the wealth of friendships we have nurtured. Other people with similar values, interests and diversity.”
The Neighborhoods Issue | May - June 2014 | 13
COMMUNITY
20 GOING UP? stories
Executives, families and single ladies are finding their home sweet home in high-rise living.
Written by Erika Washington Photography by Nathan Douglas
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feel safer in a high rise. And, I have more privacy,” said Roselli, co-host of Las Vegas Morning News on CBS 100.5 FM.
f you were to scan American city skylines from New York, Chicago, Miami, and Los Angeles, you would find an abundance of apartment and penthouse residences. However, the Las Vegas skyline is known more for high-rise hotels. Until now.
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The last few years have brought many people downtown to one of the four mid- and high-rise residential buildings.
Unlike most locals, Roselli says she loves the Strip and living near it. “I like living close to the Strip. I’m always there to attend events and to meet people. I love Las Vegas because of the Strip.”
Dayna Roselli at Turnberry Towers
Melvin and Tracie Green have been married for 13 years and have traveled extensively around the world, but they have chosen to call Las Vegas their home. Even before the recent surge of activity in the area, the couple had their heart set on the idea of living in downtown Las Vegas. “We owned a lot to build our own loft on Casino Center and sold it before the crash of 2008,” said Melvin who is the principal partner in KME Architecture firm. “We were already in One, which is located at the far south end of the Strip, so when Juhl opened up . . .” they jumped at the opportunity to try out the downtown lifestyle as a sort of ‘dress rehearsal’ before making it a more permanent move. Now that the two have made their 1,800-square-foot apartment home for more than a year and a half, they’ve begun designing their dream loft. “We hope to purchase and build our own downtown loft in the near future,” said Tracie. After living in high rises in New York and Macau, it may just be in their blood. “We’re hooked,” added Melvin. Kevin Hooks moved to Las Vegas just over a year ago from Los Angeles after
Tracie and Melvin Green with grandson Jandel
being named President and CEO of the Las Vegas Urban League. He knew the job would keep him busy with travel and long hours, so he felt he needed something conducive to that lifestyle. “I like being close to everything, and I love having great restaurants just minutes from my doorstep. Juhl was it for me. Besides, you can’t beat the view.” Juhl’s 24-hour concierge desk ensures that all delivered packages are secure, screens visitors (a major benefit especially for single women who may live alone), and even handles residents’ dry cleaning. On-air personality Dayna Roselli recently made the switch from television to radio and also from the Strip to the Turnberry Towers. “I’ve lived in homes and apartments, but I
Though Las Vegas isn’t known for expansive grassy lawns and flowerbeds, even a small amount of yard maintenance can overwhelm busy professionals. There’s simplicity to living in a space with everything you need. The pool, fitness rooms, community-recreation spaces, and fresh coffee in the lobby can make a busy life just a little easier. Groceries, however, can be a challenge when you live more than 20 stories up. “People always ask me how I handle the groceries,” says Roselli, but she tries to only buy what she needs and can carry in one trip. One Queensridge Place offers so-called “custom homes in the sky.” The two, 18-story residential towers overlook the Las Vegas Valley 15 miles west of the Strip in Summerlin. Suburban, single-family residences surround the Towers and give those who enjoy highrise living the solitude of the suburbs as well as the unique, luxury amenities of a city tower. The choices in Las Vegas are abundant. Whether it’s downtown, on the Strip, or closer to Red Rock, Las Vegans looking for a something different to call home may just find their ‘sweet spot’ up in the sky.
The Neighborhoods Issue | May - June 2014 | 15
EVENTS
DO SOMETHING
DIFFERENT Explore the sights and sounds of our great city!
May 2014 The Downtown3rd Farmers Market Every Friday 9AM - 3PM downtown3rdfarmersmarket.com
fresh52 Farmers & Artisan Market at Tivoli Village
Grease NOW - MAY 11 Judy Bayley theatre at UNLV Pac.unlv.edu
Reflecting Canvas NOW - JUNE 2 Peace’N’Art Studio 18b.org
Other Desert Cities NOW - MAY 18 Las Vegas Little Theater lvlt.org
25TH Anniversary Sin City Showcase Series MAY 9 Tommy Rockers SinCityShowcase. SinCityPresents.com
MAY 9 - AUGUST 16 UNLV Marjorie Barrick Museum 895.3381 unlv.edu/barrickmuseum
World Street Festival MAY 9 - 11 The World Market Center 599.9621 lasvegasmarket.com
fresh52 Farmers & Artisan Market at Sansone Park Place
Art Fest of Henderson
Every Sunday 8:30AM - 1:00 PM
MAY 10 Henderson Events Plaza hendersononlive.com
Izaac Zevalking Recycled Propaganda
Ohana Festival DISCOVERY Children’s Museum Asian Pacific Heritage Month NOW - JUNE 6 DiscoveryKidsLV.org
Vegas Uncork’d MAY 8 - 11 vegasuncorkd.com
San Gennaro Feast MAY 7 - 11 sangennarofeast.com/events
MAY 10 Springs Preserve springspreserve.org
Nevada High School Musical Theater Awards MAY 12 The Smith Center thesmithcenter.com
May Spring Gifts and Craft Show MAY 13 - 15 Boulder Station
Coppélia The Girl with the Enamel Eyes Dylan Mortimer Marquee Theology NOW - MAY 23 Trifecta Gallery trifectagallery.com
Elizabeth Blau Changing Landscapes NOW - MAY 23 Brett Wesley Gallery BrettWesleyGallery.com
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MAY 9 Lowden Theater for the Performing Arts 799.7800 X5107 lvacademytheatre.org
Photo by Night Vissions
New Vista Wine Walk MAY 17 Town Square winewalklv.com
Jazz in the Park - Jimmy Cobb Trio, Featuring the Las Vegas Academy Jazz Combo MAY 17 Clark County Amphitheater clarkcountynv.gov/parks
May Film Event: Disney’s Frozen MAY 18 Huntridge Circle Park 18b.org
Las Vegas Spring Gift and Craft Show MAY 18th -20th Sam’s Town and Gambling Hall
Tony Award Musical Once MAY 20 - 25 The Smith Center thesmithcenter.com
MAY 9 - 10 Smiths Center nevadaballet.com
Copa Connection Program Series
MAY 17 The Smith Center thesmithcenter.com
Jerry Lewis: Painted Pictures
Every Saturday 9AM - 2PM
NOW - MAY 22 Amanda Harris Gallery of Contemporary Art amandaharrisgallery.com
Las Vegas Philharmonic
Las Vegas Helldorado Days
Trashed Presented by Mad Girl Productions
MAY 14 - 18 elkshelldorado.com
MAY 23 Artistic Armory 18b.org
The Poets’ Corner Hosted by Keith Brantley
Memorial Day Weekend Jam
MAY 16 West Las Vegas Arts Center Community Gallery 229.4800
MAY 22 The Orleans Hotel and Casino orleanscasino.com
Memorial Weekend Concert MAY 23 Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall pac.unlv.edu
Jazz in the Park - The Sax Pack, Featuring The Las Vegas Academy Jazz Combo MAY 24 Clark County Amphitheater clarkcountynv.gov/parks
June 2014 Cinderella JUNE 1 Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall pac.unlv.edu
Rock The Lake A Fundraiser for the Veterans Care Foundation May 25 The Village Lake Las Vegas, Henderson
Best Dam Barbecue Challenge MAY 23 Boulder City, Bicentennial Park Gazebo Stage
International Jazz Art, Craft, and Vendor Fair MAY 24 Sahara West Library lvccld.org
6th Annual Fiesta Filipino
JUNE 7 Henderson Pavilion hendersonlive.com
MAY 25 Sammy Davis, Jr. Festival Plaza artslasvegas.org
Panorama Hosted by Raw Artist
The Composers Showcase of Las Vegas MAY 28 The Smith Center thesmithcenter.com
DISCOVERY Golf Classic JUNE 2 DISCOVERY Children’s Museum DiscoveryKidsLV.org
JUNE 12 Fremont Country Club rawartists.org
Friday Nite Live JUNE 6 Trails Park summerlink.com
Las Vegas Mother’s Day Gun Show May 24 Sports Center of Las Vegas sportcenteroflasvegas.com
Charli Chaplin The Circus
Mary Poppins The Broadway Musical MAY 29 The Smith Center thesmithcenter.com
Tribute to Bournonville MAY 31 Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall pac.unlv.edu
Centennial Hills Children’s Arts Festival MAY 31 Centennial Hills Park artslasvegas.org
Tahiti Taurua Nui I Las Vegas MAY 24 -25 Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino samstownlv.com tamaevaarii.org
Jazz in the Park - Randy Becker, featuring the Las Vegas Academy Jazz Combo MAY 31 Clark County Amphitheater clarkcountynv.gov/parks
First Friday Summer Fest
Raggae in the Desert
JUNE 6 Downtown Las Vegas firstfridaylasvegas.com
JUNE 14 Clark County Ampihtheater reggaeinthedesert.com
50 Shades the Musical
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents Legends
JUNE 7 The Smith Center thesmithcenter.com
JUNE 19 - 22 Thomas & Mack Center unlvtickets.com
Jazz in the Park - Featuring David Benoit JUNE 7 Clark County Amphitheater clarkcountynv.gov/parks
DjangoVegas! Gypsy Jazz Concert JUNE 21 Downtown Las Vegas artslasvegas.org
The Neighborhoods Issue | May - June 2014 | 17
MAY 30 – OCT 18
JUN 5 – OCT 17
AUG 1 – OCT 16
LOVE, DEATH, & Everything
In Between
L O C AT E D J U S T 9 0 M I N U T E S F R O M V E G A S IN SOUTHERN UTAH.
O U R 2 0 1 4 S E A S O N J UN 2 3 – O C T 1 8 MEASURE FOR MEASURE HENRY IV PART ONE BOEING BOEING TWELFTH NIGHT INTO THE WOODS
TUACAHN.ORG | (866) 321-5065
THE COMEDY OF ERRORS SENSE AND SENSIBILITY SHERLOCK HERLOCK HOLMES: THE FINAL ADVENTURE
Š Credit: Erik Kabik/Retna, erikkabik.com
Arts
ARTS
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ARTISTIC talented individual
OPTIMISM Multi-talented artist Joseph Watson believes persistence is critical. Written by Dana Satterwhite
Walk Up Walk Out
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o call Joseph Watson a “painter” is practically an insult considering all of his other talents. He’s part animator, illustrator, graphic designer, gallery owner, and all entrepreneur.
The scary thing is that he does all of these things really well. Beyond his daily creative pursuits, this father and husband manages to find time to give back, fly radio-controlled planes, deliver 24-30 new exhibit paintings at a time, and makes it look breezy. He credits the prestigious Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, for his inexhaustible drive.
you’re into books, tropical fish, remote-controlled cars, gadgets, and art while all of the other kids are into fighting, hip hop, and looking cool, you naturally are forced to create your own world,” he remembers. Create that world, he did. “I truly believe that persistence is more critical than talent. I am living proof,” he says. Having his creative hopes dashed repeatedly all through elementary school and college, Watson pressed on and, by now, has likely converted an army of naysayers. Never one to gloat, he allows his work to speak for itself. He’s happy, however, to explain why he does what he loves. “Art tells us who we are
Watson has many styles and wields each with great proficiency, though his work may be best described as urban contemporary. His visual narratives often convey messages of hope, prosperity, achievement, and perseverance. He prefers to bring some level of optimism to the surface, despite perceived insurmountable odds or adverse circumstances. “At the age of six, I realized that art was the thing that I wanted to do. When you are that kid who doesn’t quite fit in because Neighborhood
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OC Tanner amphiTheaTer 2014 Summer Concert Series 350 West Lion Blvd, Springdale, Utah Zion National Park
Sunday
as creatures of this planet. It documents current events, sets trends, and showcases the internal dynamics of society,” he offers. “The thing that I find most incredible about art is its ability to curve one’s outlook on who they are, where they live, and their purpose in life.” See more of Joseph Watson’s work at josephwatsoncollection.com. Scan the QR code with your mobile device to watch a video about Joseph Watson.
May 17 Southwest Symphony Orchestra
June 28 Arvel Bird
May 24 Red Desert Ramblers
July 12 Most Wanted
May 31 Eric Dodge & the John Houston Gospel Choir *Concert starts at 7:30 pm*
July 26 Trevor Green
June 7 Spanish Brass Thursday, June 12 Phoenix Boys Choir June 14 Lawn Darts June 21 David Correa & Cascada
Aug. 2 Randy Anderson Band *Concert starts at 7:30pm* Aug. 16 Utah Symphony Orchestra Aug. 23 Brodie Perry – Voce & Co. Aug. 30 Classic Country Band *Programming subject to change
Tickets available at the door – CASH ONLY $12 Adult $6 Youth $35 Family Advance tickets available from the DSU Box Office 435.652.7800 Concerts begin at 8pm unless noted.
www.dixie.edu/tanner • 435-652-7994
ARTS
Artist Spotlight Architect Paul Revere Williams
QUIETLY HISTORICAL BERKLEY SQUARE
Poster from Office of War Information. Domestic Operations Branch. News Bureau, 1943
he turn-by-turn GPS directions to Berkley Square dropped me unceremoniously in front of a bright, mint green house sitting on the edge of the historic neighborhood in Las Vegas. The development’s quietly aging beige, pink, and green ranchettes — some with quirky cobbled stone siding and lined up on the modest 40-acre parcel — have a casual, unassuming air that belies the rich heritage and architectural history that went into their making.
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“[Berkley Square] does not wear its historical significance on its sleeve,” explains Courtney Mooney, Historic Preservation Officer for the City of Las Vegas. Streetlamp banners designed by Artist Joseph
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Watson and put in place a year ago give the neighborhood away with fluttering emblems honoring the African-American history of Berkeley Square. One shows the face of Thomas L. Berkley, civil rights activist and primary investor in the development of the Berkley Square housing project that was aimed at providing much needed single-family housing for black families in Las Vegas, that during 1949, were still restricted by segregation laws. Another banner displays the visage of celebrated African-American Architect Paul Revere Williams who was tapped to design the affordable family friendly two-bedroom with carport homes. The Wild West history of Nevada, as well as the popular ranch home
designs of Architect Cliff May in California, inspired him to design the petit ranch-styled houses. Williams is well-known for his architectural designs of celebrity homes as well as eclectic concrete Googie-era structures (such as the La Concha visitor center at the Neon Museum), but he also had long-standing and abiding interest in small homes for average families. At the conclusion of World War II, housing for the returning veterans and their families became a major concern across the United States. Williams did his part to address the need by designing numerous small home projects and by publishing two books on the subject — The Small Home of Tomorrow (1945) and New Homes for Today (1946). The homes of Berkley Square are a prime example of his efforts and a reminder of the way history sits quietly around us waiting to be noticed. Founded in 2006 by the Memphis chapter of the American Institute of Architects, the Paul Revere Williams Project celebrates its namesake and provides online resources about Williams and his social and architectural contributions. Learn more at the Paul Revere Williams Project online.
Photos courtesy of the Paul R. Williams Project, Art Museum of the University of Memphis. Photograph by David Horan, 2011.
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ARTS
VEGAS CREATES
PRINT MAK ING
Showcasing every aspect of art and design from the talented and eclectic mix of people who make Las Vegas home.
ARCH ITEC TURE
Somersault Letterpress, a locally-owned and operated letterpress printing and creative studio, designs and produces unique custom pieces with vintage charm. Owners Amy Pienta and Mitch Hansen use vintage Chandler & Price platen presses as well as a Heidelberg. | SomersaultLetterpress.com
FASH ION Photo courtesy of the Paul R. Williams Project, Art Museum of the University of Memphis. Photograph by David Horan, 2011.
Photo courtesy of Talbot Snow The Paul R. Williams Project is dedicated to expanding public knowledge about this American architect, whose extraordinary accomplishment was achieved against a background of pervasive racism in a particularly exclusionary profession. In 1961 Mr. Williams designed the Guardian Angel Cathedral and the La Concha Motel now home to The Neon Museum | paulrwilliamsproject.org
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Students from The Art Institute of Las Vegas and UNLV partnered with 28 store owners at Downtown Container Park to design dresses that represented each store’s brand. The students showcased their designs on Container Park’s main stage at a public fashion show on Saturday, April 5th.
PAIN TING
LIGHT ING
Elizabeth Blau is a painter working and living in Las Vegas. Each series of paintings by Elizabeth explores different ways our landscapes transform and how they are remembered. See her exhibition at Brett Wesley Gallery May 1 – 31, 2014. | BrettWesleyGallery.com.
SCULP TURE
Alios, a specialized lighting agency, does not simply see lighting products as providing illumination; but as one of the materials in the creation of the art of light and in the promotion of good design. | Alios.com
PER FORM ANCE Photos ©Ed Gregory
Barbara and Larry Domsky are self-taught in the medium of hot glass and fusion. Domsky Glass creates custom glass solutions for both residential and hospitality design. Show here is a stunning bowl from Barbara’s Prana Series. Visit their showroom gallery to see a variety of glass art pieces. | ArtisticLifestyles.com
Signature Productions is excited to announce that casting is complete for their upcoming, full stage production of “Les Misérables” which will play at the Summerlin Library & Performing Arts Center from March 31 through April 26, 2014. | SignatureProductions.net
The Neighborhoods Issue | May - June 2014 | 25
ARTS
FILM
CURA TION
Wes and Chuck have produced feature films, documentaries, commercials, PSA’s, music videos, branded content and animations. Basically, any medium you can tell a story in, oogoog tells it. | oogoog.com
LAND SCAPE SCULP DES TURE IGN
Shannon McMackin is a facilitator. A connector of people, things and opportunity. To her, this is just being a good citizen and friend - even to strangers. Shannon states, “What is a curator but a person who can see and make interesting, thought-provoking connections? To curate means you must understand history in order to make new discoveries. It’s not about “taste” or “class”. A curator thoughtfully discerns “what’s new” not based on fad but rather on what they deem will have the most significant, lasting impact on the future. A curator suggests ideas that can seem revolutionary at the time in their vision. They precede a “zeitgeist”.” | ThePopupArtHouse.com
CULA NARY ARTS
Jonathan Spears and his team at Sage Design Studios, Inc. produce high quality, innovative landscaping architectural designs and services. Established in 2001, Sage Design Studios uses responsible, appropriate materials and responsive plant palettes that thrive in each microclimate throughout the Vegas Valley. Spears is also a member of Nevada Wilderness Coalition and teaches classes at the Las Vegas Springs Preserve. | SageDesignStudiosInc.com
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Kabuki Japanese Restaurant at Tivoli Village follows the traditional style of Japanese food presentation with their Albacore Crunch Roll. One of the most distinct styles of plating is seen in Japanese cuisine, which is based on a tradition of minimalist style. Portions are individually separated and pieces of meat and vegetables are sliced small for ease of use with chopsticks. Japanese cuisine follows seven methods of food arrangement – the use of which depends on the ingredients and chinaware. Here we see yamamori (the mound-like presentation in the middle of the plate) and chirashimori, where the food is gathered but with space between the ingredients. | KabukiRestaurants.com
LITE RAT URE
PHOT OGRA PHY
The Las Vegas Memoir Project offers a number of writing classes to teach you the basics of storytelling and help you shape your experiences into a memoir that will not only recount your story but also preserve it for your family. | lasvegasmemoirproject.com
AUDIO MUSIC
Nathan Douglas creates visually captivating images that tell a story and convey feelings of curiosity, majestic wonder and with a bit of quirky to top it off. Lately Nathan has been working on a new series of photographs that take on surreal aspects while incorporating real life scenarios. | NathanDouglas.4ormat.com.
PROD UCT DES IGN
O.A.R. at Brooklyn Bowl Vegas 4/14/2014 - Š Credit: Erik Kabik/Retna, erikkabik.com - Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas features live concerts, 32 lanes of bowling and food by celebrated restauranteurs, Blue Ribbon. With three levels spanning nearly 80,000 square feet, it is one of the largest music venues in America, and offers programming throughout the day and late into the night. | Vegas.BrooklynBowl.com.
Angela Boykin Creative Designs on Etsy offers hand-turned items such as pens, wine bottle stoppers, key rings, fan pulls, and much more. All items are made by Las Vegas resident Angela, on her lathe, using materials such as wood, acrylics, and even such things as pinecones, cactus skeletons and dried owers. | etsy.com/shop/angelaboykincreative
The Neighborhoods Issue | May - June 2014 | 27
ARTS
ART GALLERIES DOWNTOWN
Jaikowski Studios Suite 115 jaikowskistudios.com
Clay Arts Vegas 1511 South Main St. 375.4147 | clayartsvegas.com
Amanda Harris Gallery Of Contemporary Art 900 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 769.6036 amandaharrisgallery.com
Jana’s RedRoom Suite 160 janasredroom.com
Cob4lt Blu3 Studio Gallery 1400 S. 3rd St. 771.0032 | cob4ltblu3.com
Gainsburg Studio 1533 W. Oakey Blvd 249.3200 gainsburgstudio.com
Cornerstone Art Gallery 201 East Colorado St. 238.5894
THE HIGH POINTS 707 Fremont St. #2240 thehighpoints.com
Art Square 1017-1025 First Street 808.300.7500 artsquarelv.com Galleries include: Brett Wesley Gallery Suite 150 | 433.4433 brettwesleygallery.com Nevada Humanities Suite 190 nevadahumanities.org Ryan Williams Fine Art Gallery Suite 135 ryanwilliamsfineart.com The MODERN CONTEMPORY ART MUSEUM PROJECT Suite 140 Arts Factory 107 East Charleston Blvd. 383.3133 | theartsfactory.com Galleries include: 8 Martinis Gallery Suite 205 | 8martinis.com 303 North Studio Suite 115 | facebook. com/303NorthStudio Cricket Studio Suite 210 | cricketstudio.com Happy Panda Toys Suite 105A happypandatoys.com Hiptazmic Studio Suite 105C facebook.com/Hiptazmic
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Joseph Watson Collection Suite 115 josephwatsoncollection.com PeaceNArt Studio Suite 230 Perception Gallery Suite 110 perceptiongallery.com R Space Suite 125 Sin City Gallery Suite 100 sincitygallery.com Trifecta Gallery Suite 135 | 366.7001 trifectagallery.com Blackbird Studios 1551 S. Commerce St. 782.0319 blackbirdstudioslv.com B SIDE GALLERY BLVDS HOUSE 509 S. 7th Street 386.6065 | blvdslv.com City of the World Gallery 1229 Casino Center Blvd. 523.5306 | cityoftheworld.org Clark County Government Center Rotunda 500 Grand Central Pkwy. 455.7030
Emergency Arts 520 Fremont St. 686.3164 emergencyartslv.com Galleries include: 5th Wall Gallery Suite 162 5thwallgallery.com B AND N PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO Suite 222 Different Strokes Gallery Suite 212 DOBEZ DESIGNZ facebook.com/dobezdesignz Lil’ Art Bodega Suite 219 | lilartbodega.com METRO ARTS COUNCIL metroartsnevada.com OUR LAS VEGAS Suite 222 | 217.7518 facebook.com/ourlasvegas SPORADICA DESIGNS sporadicadesigns.com TastySpace Gallery Suite 150 | tastyspacelv.com 617.513.7336 The 80’s Kids Suite 180 | facebook.com/ theeightieskids
V3 Arts Suite 166 vivavegasventures.com
Left of Center Gallery 2207 West Gowan Rd. 712.1708 | leftofcenterart.org LIL’ ART BODEGA 707 Fremont St. #2230 647.7378 | lilartbodega.com Michelle C. Quinn Fine Art Advisory 620 South 7th St. 366.9339 | mcqfineart.com Photo Bang Bang 224 E. Imperial Ave 527.2264 photobangbang.com porary Art 900 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 769.6036 Southern Nevada Center for the Arts 1310 South 3rd St. 888.3400 Southern Nevada MUSEUM OF FINE Art 450 Fremont St., Suite 280 382.2926 | snmfa.com Wasteland Gallery 1800 Industrial Rd. #104A wastelandgallery.com
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Lifestyle
LIFESTYLE
25+ interesting classes
bringing classes
to the masses Written by Chris Cutler Photography by Kira Weisz: Neonopolis
admit it. I’m addicted to education. I love to learn, and I love to teach. Nothing thrills me more than seeing the lights go on in students’ eyes when they finally understand a concept or idea I’m leading. Currently, I teach through UNLV’s Department of Educational Outreach (business writing and grammar), Sanford-Brown College (composition), the Las Vegas Memoir Project (creative writing), and Brandeis University’s local program (travel writing). With the exception of my Sanford-Brown class, I teach all of the others in varying venues across Las Vegas.
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Last fall, UNLV invited me to teach both of my spring classes at Neonopolis, an urban retail shopping center in downtown Las Vegas. By offering classes in a former retail shop at the facility, the DEO is bringing business-related classes to a more convenient location for those who work in businesses and offices downtown and in the north part of the valley. Students can choose from both professional and personal development courses, some of which offer CEU credits. OLLI at UNLV, a program that offers classes for retired individuals, also holds classes off-campus locations. According to Rich Easter, Assistant Director of OLLI at UNLV, the program has seven satellite campuses (including Aliante, Sun City, Henderson) and offers between 20 and 25 classes between them each semester. OLLI members volunteer and teach the classes which cover everything from current events to physics to foreign languages. Similar in scope to OLLI at UNLV, the Las Vegas Chapter of the Brandeis (University) National Committee offers many classes and events in the Las Vegas and Henderson communities. Held
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monthly in a variety of locations, the study groups include specialized book groups, lunch and dinner groups, lecture series, and discussion groups. While I enjoy teaching all of those classes, my heart is in guiding others to write their own stories. I conduct Las Vegas Memoir Project classes at the BLVDS House, and my students prefer the warm, relaxed setting to a sterile classroom. Having a Keurig in the kitchen isn’t so bad, either.
5
hour drive
REGIONAL TRAVEL
Mid-Mod
Getaway
Mid-century mod resort offers R&R in Scottsdale.
ooking for a weekend getaway with a vintage flare? Hotel Valley Ho is the mid-century-modern icon in Downtown Scottsdale, Arizona. Originally opened in 1956 and since fully restored, the hotel was designed by architect Edward Varney, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright. Southwestern and modern design elements are combined to give the place a truly one-of-a-kind feel, with rooms ranging from sunny cabanas and spacious studios all the way to chic tower and loft suites with full kitchens, washer/dryers, and walk-in closets.
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Hotel Valley Ho is a member of Local First Arizona, a non-profit collective of locally owned businesses, and has found an impressive variety of unique ways to support their community. Art by different local artists is displayed throughout the hotel, all of the mattresses are made in Arizona, and their spa features locally-made products from Lotus Wei. They also donate gently worn linens to a local domestic violence shelter, and the more heavily worn linens go to a local animal shelter. Hotel Valley Ho’s restaurant, ZuZu Lounge, features produce and foods from local vendors. The ZuZu Lounge is the perfect place for checking out the scene and savoring handcrafted cocktails. Rent a classic cruiser from the
Written by Stephanie Pierotti Photography Courtesy of Hotel Valley Ho
hotel and enjoy a bicycle ride around Downtown Scottsdale. Be sure to stop by Fashion by Robert Black for vintage apparel and accessories, Hula’s Modern Tiki for Polynesian food and cocktails in a modern setting, and enjoy free admission for two to the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) with your hotel room key. Head back to the hotel’s VH Spa for ultimate relaxation with favorites like the LomiLomi Massage and HydroPeptide Facial. Take a dip at the serene OHasis Pool, or head to the hip OH Pool for live music from “Elvis Before Noon” on Friday afternoons through July 4 and DJ Mr. P-Body on Saturday afternoons through September. Weekend brunch is served inside and on the shaded patio at ZuZu, with local favorites like the Red Velvet Waffle, California Eggs Benedict, and Bloody Mary + Mimosa Bar with $5 build-your-own drinks. Hotel Valley Ho feels like a true hideaway in the middle of it all. DISTANCE: 307 miles from Las Vegas (5 hour drive or 1 hour flight) CLOSEST AIRPORT: Phoenix Sky Harbor International or PhoenixMesa Gateway | hotelvalleyho.com.
The Neighborhoods Issue | May - June 2014 | 33
LIFESTYLE
PICKLEBALL
ANYONE?
Old dog teaches local seniors a new trick.
Written by Joy Bellis
A
friend recently asked me to play pickleball assuring
me I didn’t need any equipment or special skills to play the strangely named game. She insisted that I’d love it because even an uncoordinated klutz like me could beat her. I was interested. I had already given up on golf — it’s too expensive and takes too long; tennis — the running left me breathless and usually on the wrong side of the court; and bowling — the alleys are too noisy and smoky. Pickleball, named for the inventor’s dog and not the brined cucumbers, is the fastest-growing sport in the country. Played on a 22X48-foot court, pickleball uses a whiffle-like ball, paddles, and a net lower than the one used in tennis. Players serve the ball underhand, and the serving team is the only one that can score. The 11-point game takes about 15 minutes to play. Pickleball’s popularity has grown because anyone can play regardless of athletic ability. In 2003, there were 39 courts in the country. Today, there are over 2,000. Last year, Las Vegas opened four courts at Police Memorial Park. My friend was right. This klutz could play it. I can’t wait to beat her again.
Pickleball Courts in Clark County (Some courts are private)
MESQUITE LAS VEGAS Sun City Mesquite Bob Price Recreation Center Mirabella Community Center Dula Gym NORTH LAS VEGAS Paradise Recreation Center Ardiente Police Memorial Park NLV Neighborhood Siena Community Association Recreation Center West Flamingo Active Adult Center Sun City Aliante Veterans Memorial Leisure Services Center HENDERSON Downtown Rec Center Mission Hills Park Siena Heights Sun City Anthem
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LOCAL ESCAPES Written by Stephanie Pierotti
Take a minute to kick off your shoes, sit in the “grass,” and sip a 3rd St. Mojito at PICNIC.
Photography Courtesy of Downtown Grand
eed a break from the daily grind and don’t feel like going to your usual suburban spot? If you find yourself close to downtown – or need an excuse to go exploring – set your sights on PICNIC. The cozy urban rooftop pool experience is a nod to the 1950s pool oasis vibe of classic Las Vegas. On a spot that was formerly home to Lady Luck Hotel & Casino (1964 – 2006), the Downtown Grand has set aside a sunny 35,000 square foot spot for a rooftop getaway.
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If it’s not within walking distance, there’s no need to scout for street parking or hike from a nearby garage. The valet is accessible on 4th Street, and – unlike traditional casinos - offers a quick path to elevators or escalators that will whisk you away to the third floor of the Casino Tower. PICNIC is open to hotel guests, of course, but locals who can produce a Nevada ID and $15 ($25 on weekends) can join in. The entry fee covers the cost of your first drink. The first thing you’ll notice is welcome site of bright green grass (even if it is of the faux variety) and manicured hedges. Before you find a spot to relax, take a stroll around the rooftop and check out the cabanas, infinity pool, and comfy lime-green poolside chairs. Fire pits are available for chilly morning and evenings, a stage is ready for live entertainment, and there’s even a spot for movie screenings.
After you have your bearings, you can belly up to the al fresco bar, pick a spot at one of the 12 eight-seater communal picnic tables, or kick off your shoes and wrap your toes around the “grass” at a six-seater lawn table. You can escape on your own or invite your friends to join you in a cabana. The smaller cabanas hold up to 12 people, while the Grand Cabanas hold up to 20. Rather than charging a flat fee, PICNIC’s pricing starts at a $150 food and beverage minimum, which isn’t tough to hit with a few friends, a few snacks, and a couple of rounds of drinks. If you can secure a cabana on the west side, you’ll get a prime people-watching vantage point with a clear view of 3rd Street. If a quick lunch and a cocktail are more your speed, PICNIC’s lunch menu offers reasonably priced, healthy bites like hummus and fruit salad, or comfort food like the OMG PICNIC Burger and the Fried Shrimp Po’ boy Sandwich. If your cathartic afternoon escape has left you feeling indulgent, try a giant scoop of Aztec Chocolate and Caramel home-spun ice cream. PICNIC is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Located on the 3rd floor of Downtown Grand’s Casino Tower 206 N. 3rd St. 702.719.5100 | DowntownGrand.com Executive Chef: Charles Wilson
The Neighborhoods Issue | May - June 2014 | 35
Everybody has a story. Let us show you how to tell it.
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Y
For more information on our classes, please visit lasvegasmemoirproject.com or email us at chris@lasvegasmemoirproject.com
RYG_small_v2.pdf 1 5/6/2014 9:45:20 AM
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Have a story idea? Email it to editor@blvdslv.com www.BLVDSLV.com • 702.386.6065
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17 years young
PracTice MaKes
PerFect Award-winning teenage cellist prepares for a bright future.
Written by Chris Cutler Photography Kira Weisz
e’s only 17-years old, but Matt Lazeroff is already an award-winning cellist. In addition to twice being named Orchestra Student of the Year at The Las Vegas Academy where he is a junior, he’s also won the Silver State Competition and the Henderson Symphony Concerto Competition. His quartet from Nevada School of the Arts won a national competition and recently headed to New York to perform.
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Matt admits that he spends most of his life practicing and studying. “Cello and music are essentially a fulltime job,” he laughs, “and I find myself at rehearsals and performances more than at home.” He attends not only the Academy and NSA but also a number of music-themed camps. He is principal cellist in the Las Vegas Youth Orchestra’s top group, the Philharmonic Orchestra, and he is the cellist for the Nevada School of the Arts Honors Quartet. As he faces his last year in high school, Matt is considering his college options and admits that he’s trying to decide whether to major in music or business. “I believe that life is a wild ride,” he says. “I can’t predict what I’ll end up doing, but I know I’ll be happy wherever life takes me.”
The neighborhoods issue | May - June 2014 | 39
LIFESTYLE
Every dog HAS ITS CLAY Local artist creates custom clay canines to support SPCA.
Written by Temple Kinyon Photography Courtesy of Hilarie Grey
nspiration sparked when Hilarie Grey assisted with Bottles of Hope (BOH) in Nevada, a program for cancer patients. “I’ve always doodled and loved dogs,” Hilarie laughs. Hounds of Hope was born out of her experimentation in sculpting various dog breeds out of clay, forming the canine bodies around cancer medicine bottles to keep with BOH tradition. Dog breed figurines sold well on Hilarie’s etsy.com store, but when the requests for custom work started pouring in, she knew she’d found her niche. “Hounds of Hope gives dog lovers a cartoon-like figurine of their pet. People like to be reminded of their pal,” she says.
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From an adopted Labrador Retriever/St. Bernard mix lost in 9/11, to a service dog in training black Labrador Retriever, to a US soldier’s faithful German Shepherd, Hilarie’s sculptures capture the uniqueness of our furry best friends and create lasting keepsakes for dog lovers worldwide. For each figurine sold, Hounds of Hope donates $5 to Nevada SPCA for rescue dog veterinary care. Etsy.com/shop/houndsofhope.
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I can’t wait to Be the one that makes everybody giggle Be the star of my own story Be an explorer on a real-life adventure Be a superhero with powers I choose
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Keeping its promises since 1848
Flavor
F L AV O R
5
Nevada wineries
Wine lovers
support local Written by Stephanie LaBorde-Pierotti
t’s easy for local wine lovers to default to our neighbors to the west when we’re feeling like trying something new. California produces wines with deep history that are praised around the world, and we’re fortunate to live in a vino-loving town that’s home to wine shops ranging from locally owned boutiques with carefully curated wine selections to wine warehouses with selections from around the world. Factor into the equation that Las Vegas is home to 12 of North America’s 129 Master Sommeliers to help us navigate the wine-filled trenches when we’re dining out, and our choices at every turn are seemingly limitless.
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Consider trying something a little closer to home. Just an hour to our west, two wineries have spent the last two decades developing wine programs that may surprise even the most jaded oenophiles. Further north, a cooler climate invites winemakers to experiment with a different array of grape varietals. The results have brought acknowledgement and accolades from around the world in the form of gold, silver and bronze medals. Producing wine in Nevada is tricky business. State law restricts commercial wineries to counties with fewer than 100,000 residents. For those who want to dabble in the vinicultural arts and share their discoveries, instructional wine-making facilities — like as University of Nevada Reno’s Valley Road Vineyard — can operate in any county. They do, however, have to meet special license requirements and may not sell or distribute more than 60 gallons (one barrel, or 300 bottles) of wine in any 12-month period. Fortunately, four wineries have braved the maze of Nevada wine laws, tricky soil, hard water, and challenging weather to create a surprising array of juice. From Southern Nevada’s Nevada Ridge Barbera — the first wine produced from that varietal in the state — to Northern Nevada’s Churchill Vineyards Gewurztraminer, there’s enough variety from Silver State’s wines to keep local wine lovers intrigued. 44 | blvdslv.com
SOUTHERN NEVADA Pahrump Winery & Symphony’s Restaurant 3810 Winery Rd, Pahrump, NV 89048 (1 hour from Las Vegas) 775.751.7800 | pahrumpwinery.com Tasting room & winery open 7 days a week at 10:30am Where to find it / Tasting room samples and sells two labels: the “Pahrump Winery” line, blended with grapes from various states, and the “Nevada Ridge” label, made exclusively from grapes grown in Nevada. / Pahrump Winery’s Burgundy, Symphony, and Blush (grown in Arizona), available at Total Wine Nevada-grown wines / Nevada Ridge 2011 “Nevada Tempranillo,” Nevada Ridge 2011 “Nevada Barbera,” Nevada Ridge 2011 “Nevada Zinfandel,” Nevada Ridge 2011 “Nevada Silver State” (blend of Cabernet, Ruby Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah, Mouvedre, and Tempranillo) Don’t miss / 2011 Nevada Tempranillo. This is a new release; the 2010 vintage won a gold medal at Indy International Wine Competition and a silver medal at Tasters Guild International Sanders Family Winery 3780 Kellogg Rd, Pahrump, NV 89061 (1 hour from Las Vegas) 775.727.1776 | sanderswinery.com Free wine tasting and tours 7 days a week from 10am to 5pm Where to find it / At the winery Nevada-grown wines / 2010 Zinfandel, 2010 Petite Sirah Don’t miss / 2010 Petite Sirah. Historic first vintage from their West Vineyard in Nye County. Limited production NORTHERN NEVADA Churchill Vineyards Retail Shop at 1045 Dodge Ln., Fallon, NV 89406 (6 hours from Las Vegas, 90 minutes from Carson City, 1 hour from Reno) 775.423.4000 | churchillvineyards.com Open by appointment only Where to find it / Whole Foods Market Nevada-grown wines / 2011 Riesling, 2011 Gewurztraminer, 2009 Semillon-Chardonnay
Don’t miss / 2011 Gewurztraminer. Very rare Nevada estate wine, only 126 cases produced. Tahoe Ridge Winery, Bistro & Marketplace 1644 Highway 395, Minden, NV 89423 (7 hours from Las Vegas, 1 hour from Reno, 20 minutes from Carson City) 775.783-1566 | tahoeridgewinery.com Tasting Room and Olive Oil Market open daily. Bistro closed Mondays Where to find it / At the winery Nevada-grown wines / 2010 LaCrosse (white), 2010 Minden Rose (rosé of Cabernet), 2012 Frontenac Don’t miss / 2012 Frontenac. Winner of gold medal for locally grown and vinted wines, made from grapes grown at their Buffalo Creek Ranch vineyards, judged by 75 judges from around the world against 3,756 wines from 20 countries
800 recipes
There’s A BON
IN THE OVEN
Written by Andi Breesha Photography by Nathan Douglas
eet Carlos Pereira and you just might be willing to postpone your quest for a low-carb or gluten free diet to savor artisan bread at its finest. Pereira, Owner and Master Baker of Bon Breads, launched his enterprise 15 years ago. On April 1, 1999 he started with “one oven, one mixer and two hands” as he describes it. Today, he occupies 50,000 square feet of space which he expects his company to fill completely in a few years.
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Pereira and Bon Breads are synonymous with artisan breads in the Las Vegas Valley. He was instilled with a passion for baking by his French instructors at the San Francisco Baking Institute. He chose “Bon” for his company name as a nod to his French mentors. “My favorite part is when someone tries my bread and I can see the happiness on their face,” explains Pereira. “Those reactions make all the hard work worth it.” In his bread “lab” on premises, he creates new formulations. Pereira loves the idea of creating a “living thing”. “To start with something as simple as water, salt, wild yeast and flour and develop it into something with character and flavor is amazing because you are dealing with something that is alive.” Pereira has created around 800 recipes over the years to appease the Vegas chefs that require different breads for new menus on a regular basis. Bon Breads can be found at almost 100 local restaurants ranging from neighborhood restaurants like DW Bistro and Marche Bacchus to gourmet Strip destinations like Aureole and Picasso.
Churchill Vineyards
Bon Breads is sold at four local Whole Foods locations. See which restaurants serve Bon and read more about Carlos and Bon Breads at bonbreads.com.
The Neighborhoods Issue | May - June 2014 | 45
F L AV O R
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chopping block
THE LOST ART OF BUTCHERY
Written by Stephanie Pierotti Photography by Talbot Snow
ating back to medieval times, butchering is one of civilization’s oldest professions. As far back as 975 AD, organizations with flowery names like “The Worshipful Company of Butchers Guild” established and shared standards with fellow butchers by. A stop at the local butcher shop was part of most American’s daily routine for many generations. The convenience of going to large supermarkets phased out the personal services of friendly neighborhood butchers who would recommend not only cuts of meats but also recipes.
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Thanks to Echo & Rig’s Chef Sam Marvin, who passionately promotes purchasing meat “without a bar code,” Las Vegans can enjoy a free series of classes to reintroduce the old school method of food preparation with a modern twist. Chef Marvin’s hybrid restaurant and butcher shop offer diners the opportunity take home packages — beautifully wrapped in their branded crisp blue butcherpaper with twine and a wax seal — for tomorrow’s dinner from the butcher shop. During fresh52 Farmers & Artisan Market’s Spring Festival on April 19th, Chef Marvin and his team welcomed a group of curious spectators to the butcher shop area of their steakhouse for their latest free butchering and cooking demonstration. The meat of the day was lamb, which Chef Marvin’s team prepared using a variety of methods while Marvin walked the onlookers through each step of the process. The entire downstairs area was filled with the enticing aromas of all of the dishes they prepared. Future classes will include outdoor cooking sessions, and private events are available for those seeking a more intimate experience. Keep an eye on Echo & Rig’s website for announcements of upcoming events. Restaurant & Butcher Shop Hours: Monday – Sunday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. 440 S. Rampart Blvd., Suite #120 702.489.3525 | echoandrig.com
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Chef Sam Martin’s butcher shop team reintroduces the old school method of food preparation with a modern twist.
One Person Does Make a Difference Mitchell Forman, DO, FACOI, FACR, MACP
Dean and Professor, College of Osteopathic Medicine
Congratulations on the Mastership honor, the Presidency of Nevada State Medical Association and the Lifetime Achievement recognition! We are proud and honored to call you a friend, teacher, colleague, mentor, and inspiration.
Specializing in baked goods since 2005!
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Dr. Mitchell Forman is the founding dean of Touro’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nevada’s largest medical school. He is an educator who takes great pride and responsibility for preparing the next generation of healthcare providers. One of the leading Rheumatology physicians in Southern Nevada, Dr. Forman maintains an active medical practice at the Touro Health Center. He has diligently worked to enhance medical education for not only students but also for peer professionals – all while providing the highest quality of care to his patients. And Dr. Forman is a leader in a variety of local and national organizations where he advocates and establishes meaningful connections within the the medical community. Dr. Forman recently became the first practicing physician in the State of Nevada to be awarded Mastership by the American College of Physicians. Mastership is conferred only on a very select number of candidates around the country who are deemed distinguished through the practice of internal medicine.
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Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Licensed in Nevada by the Commission on Post-Secondary Education. Touro University Nevada is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
F L AV O R
30
year gardner
HERBS with
“wow” factor
Written by Jillian Plaster Photography by Talbot Snow
Pineapple Sage Salsa
erbs by Diane is a small gardening company growing organic herbs and vegetables in Boulder City. Diane grows everything without the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, opting instead to use her own compost to feed the plants. Diane has been practicing organic gardening methods for over 30 years, and her experience comes through in the quality of her herbs and vegetables.
1 Cup Fresh Pineapple Chunks 1/4 Cup Yellow Banana Pepper 1/4 Cup Onion (Vidalia or Red) 2 Medium Small Onions 1/4 Cup (or Less) Fresh Pineapple Sage Leaves 1 T Fresh Sage Leaves 1 1/2 T Toasted Sesame Seeds
Diane also sells edible flowers that can brighten an ordinary salad or make a sophisticated cupcake topper giving any dish they are applied to the ‘wow’ factor. She has also recently started making herbal soaps with Vegas-appropriate scents such as Desert Rain.
1. Cut ripe pineapple chunks into 1/4” pieces 2. Chop peppers into small bits-discard seeds 3. Chop both types of onions into small bits 4. Snip both types of sage into small strips 5. Toast sesame seeds in small pan on stove top over med heat - shaking or stirring until all are browned 6. Toss all ingredients together in bowl. Let salsa marinate for at least an hour before serving. You may eat this dish chilled or at room temp. Pair it with lime tortilla chips. Serves 4
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Herbs by Diane sells to many local restaurants, including Carnevino and RM Seafood, but the public can find Diane’s herbs at several farmers markets around town. These include fresh52 at Tivoli on Saturdays and the Boulder City Farmers Market on Fridays.
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FRESH OFF THE FARM Country Fresh Farmers Market Thursdays 9:00am - 4:00pm 240 Water Street, Henderson Downtown 3rd Farmers Market Fridays 9:00am - 3:00pm 300 N. Casino Center Blvd., Las Vegas Country Fresh Farmers Market Fridays 10:00am - 4:00pm 200 S. Green Valley Pkwy., Henderson fresh52 Farmers & Artisan Market Saturdays 9:00am - 2:00pm Tivoli Village 302 S. Rampart, Las Vegas fresh52 Farmers & Artisan Market Sundays 8:30am - 1:00 pm Sansone Park Place 9480 S. Eastern, Las Vegas
WE BRING THE ZOO TO YOU! Do something unique for your next event! Book a private tour at the zoo. Each tour is 2 hours of fun hands-on, educational experiences. Or Roos-N-More can bring the zoo to you! Birthday parties, church groups, scouting events, field trips, family reunions, and more.
Visit www.Roosnmore.org, CALL 702 467-3585, or EMAIL Friends@Roosnmore.org For more Information.
F L AV O R
1
delicious meal
STELLAR FOOD + SENSIBLE PRICE = GREAT GREEK
Written by Jillian Plaster Photography by Talbot Snow
n an unassuming strip mall off Eastern and Stephanie resides The Great Greek, a quaint restaurant serving exceptional Greek specialties that are worth a special trip to the East side (even if you live in Summerlin). It is owned by classically trained chef Girair Goumroian, son of Yannis Goumroian, original proprietor of the highly successful Fat Greek on Decatur and Flamingo. Sadly, Yannis passed away after selling his restaurant five years ago, but not before he pushed Girair to continue the family legacy by opening his own place. While both restaurants adapted many recipes of Girair’s grandmother, Girair’s education at The Culinary Institute of America in New York allowed him to take a bit more sophisticated approach to his food.
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Girair never imagined he would follow in his father’s footsteps by having a casual Greek restaurant because he dreamed of owning something more upscale (where one doesn’t order from a counter). He cut his teeth at fine dining Strip restaurants such as Guy Savoy, Bartolotta, and RM Seafood. When his father became ill, however, Girair felt the need to take care of his family and decided it was time to start his own venture by replicating his father’s concept. He was fortunate enough to have some of his father’s cooks join him, and in just a few years, he has built his little restaurant into a booming business. By providing stellar food at a reasonable price, an often attempted but rarely successful approach, Girair keeps his customers happy and his restaurant full. He makes everything from scratch and uses only high quality ingredients encompassing the Mediterranean culinary philosophy that the more you put on the plate, the more you take away. He purchases from small and local food vendors as much as possible because he wants to support artisan producers as well as the community. No wonder some regulars show up four or five times a week. Crowd menu favorites run across the board but include avgolemono soup, falafel, dolmades, and anything made with gyro. And, when Girair’s mama comes in to make it, the rice pudding sells out fast!
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Chef Girair Goumroian’s Recipe
Greek Style Roasted Leg of Lamb with Lemon Potatoes Ingredients: 1 Leg of Spring or Baby Lamb (bone in) 10 Cloves Garlic (Pureed with Olive Oil) Salt and Pepper Oregano Thyme Olive Oil 1/4 Cup Butter Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Wash lamb under cold water and dry well with paper towels. Season the lamb liberally with the salt, fresh cracked pepper, and oregano and massage with olive oil. Place on a rack and put in the hot oven until it develops a nicely caramelized exterior. Take out lamb and drop oven temperature to 300 degrees. Place lamb in the middle of a large sheet of aluminum foil and place cubes of butter over lamb with the thyme and crushed garlic. Wrap the lamb tightly with foil and place on cooling rack over a pan holding a cup of water. Return lamb to the oven. Wash and peel about 5 russet potatoes and cut into quarters. Place in a large oven safe dish and season very well with salt, pepper, oregano and olive oil. Take 2 lemons cut in quarters as well and put them in with the potatoes. After the lamb has been cooking for about two hours, unwrap and place on top of the potatoes, including all juices. Cover with foil and cook until lamb and potatoes are done (about an hour to hour and half). You will know when the lamb is cooked when it is very tender and a fork can easily pull the meat off the bone. Let the lamb and potatoes hang out on the counter for 30 minutes before you start carving. Enjoy. Serves 4
Our 8 Favorite Greek Restaurants Westside Yassou 7871 W. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas 798.8989
REVIEWS
Fat Greek 4001 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas thefatgreeklv.com | 222.0666
Northwest Baladie Café 4872 W. Lone Mountain Rd., Las Vegas baladiecafe.info | 658.0024
University Stephano’s Greek & Mediterranean Grill 4632 S. Maryland Pkwy., Las Vegas stephanoslv.com | 795.8444
Melanie C. review on Paymon’s: “My current favorite thing on the menu is a big bowl of lentil soup served with a few slices of pita on the side.”
Paymon’s Mediterranean Cafe & Lounge 4147 S. Maryland Pkwy., Las Vegas paymons.com | 731.6030
Southeast Yanni’s Greek Grill 9620 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas yannisgreekgrilllv.com | 754.4898 Pita House 1310 E. Silverado Ranch Blvd., Las Vegas facebook.com/pitahouselv | 778.7100
Henderson ZiKiz 1500 N. Green Valley Pkwy., Henderson zikizwraps.com | 565.9727 The Great Greek 1275 W. Warm Springs Rd., Henderson thegreatgreekgrill.com | 547.2377
Joshua S. review on Yassou: “Even though I have never traveled to Greece, I feel that every opportunity I have to indulge in Yassou I get a little taste.”
The Neighborhoods Issue | May - June 2014 | 51
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In M y H u m ble O p i n i on Written by
Richard Plaster H
ome is where those you love live, so Las Vegas is my home.
But one can be objective and say that there are things that make your home better than many places. One of the things I love about Las Vegas is how easy it is for me to get around. Compared to the really big cities, the LAs, the New Yorks, and the Beijings of the world, Las Vegas is a breeze to drive in and generally to get around. For that reason, I think the Las Vegas Valley is more of a cohesive community than other large cities. Really big cities usually get cut up into little villages that are almost isolated from each other. I grew up in Santa Monica, one of the villages of the Los Angeles megalopolis, and I know my parents rarely left its 16-square miles. For the past 20 years, I’ve lived in Summerlin. I love that I can be in my office in downtown Las Vegas in fewer than 15 minutes. I also love that 15 minutes in the other direction takes me Red Rock Conservation Area. Combining that drive with a five-minute walk isolates me from almost all of human “creativity,” and I’m alone in the desert. I also often have to be on the Strip, in Henderson, and North Las Vegas regularly, and those are easy trips. (Fortunately, I rarely have to fight rush hour traffic.)
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Traffic in Las Vegas
I am fortunate to live in a part of the relatively early Summerlin development that the private planners conceived. My 1.2-mile drive to the nearest freeway only hits one traffic light. The two other major intersections are roundabouts where I rarely have to stop, and if I do, it’s only for a moment. Regrettably, because there’s a learning curve on roundabouts and politics got involved, Summerlin largely had to abandon this safe and efficient bit of traffic planning in its later development.
I love that I can be in my office in downtown Las Vegas in fewer than 15 minutes. As a community, Las Vegas has often put transportation at the top of its priority list, and we’ve been willing to tax ourselves to do it. The magnificent 215 Freeway was largely funded with local dollars and happened because we were willing to tax ourselves. That’s not all we’ve done as a community. In 1990, Nevada had the highest rate of traffic fatalities among all US states. In the first decade after that, we improved to move up to the middle of the states. I don’t know how that happened, but a good number of Nevadans made that happen. Now we need to renew our efforts. Our fatality rate has stagnated. Our streets are
Photography by Talbot Snow
looking very tired. Letters are falling off of street signs, and the signs are showing their age. The wear and tear of crosswalk designations have almost eliminated them. Road surfaces are eroding, and the required resurfacing doesn’t seem to be happening. Even the aesthetics of major roads need to be addressed. We’ve got some real ugliness visible from the streets, and it’s not just the Fontainebleau. We’re beginning to see traffic jams. By utilizing modern technology and creative regulation, we can eliminate these, but we seem not to be doing that. We’re going to have to use some form of road value pricing to allow for more traffic throughput and less congestion. We should be trying to take Las Vegas to the next step of making high quality, speedy movement and minimal traffic jams one of the better features of this town. In my opinion, enhancing good, quality transportation is a critical part of making Las Vegas a good place to live. I even believe there is consensus on this point but, regrettably, not a lot of action. Those who can make a real difference largely sit on the city council, the county commission, and the state legislature. When they’re out campaigning, let them know that you want safe streets and efficient transportation so that Las Vegas and Nevada can again be a proud leader when it comes to traffic and roadways.
The Neighborhoods Issue | May - June 2014 | 55
10 New & Interesting Places to Explore Downtown
BAR & LOUNGE
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film. video. production. fun.
FINE ART & FURNISHINGS
Art Square offers you cool shops, galleries, lounges, a playhouse theatre, and an award winning salon. OPEN Tue. - Sat. noon til close.
1025 S. First Street Las Vegas, NV 89104 | (702) 483-8844 | www.ArtSquareLV.com
LAND ROVER LR4
BEEN ANYWHERE INTERESTING LATELY? Heading away from the city towards the great outdoors should be a pleasure. The striking new styling gives the LR4 a more contemporary look. While at the rear, the split tailgate has been designed for maximum reach and flexibility to make loading objects even easier. To experience the 2014 Land Rover LR4 for yourself, visit Land Rover Las Vegas for a test drive today.
Land Rover Las Vegas
5255 West Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89146 702.579.0400 www.LRLV.com