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Summerlin Area Command Launches Annual 'Excellence in Policing' Award at Wonderland Event

Issue #015 - December 22, 2023

Author

John Wu
22 Dec

❤️ Inside this issue of SummerSouth Insider..

🔍Spotlight Feature: The Las Vegas Rescue Mission 🔍

📆 Local Events in December 2023

🌞Summerlin South Las Vegas Weather

❗👮‍♂️Summerlin Area Command Launches Annual 'Excellence in Policing' Award at Wonderland Event

👮‍♂️Las Vegas Police Release Body-Cam Footage of UNLV Shooting Tragedy

🛒Kroger-Albertsons Deal Under Scrutiny by Senator Over Price Hike Fears

🏒Winter Classic 2024: Golden Knights, Kraken to Skate in Sea-Themed Spectacle

🏠Nevada Approves Over $2 Billion in Bonds for Affordable Housing

🏠Summerlin South Housing Market Report

👮‍♂️LVMPD Statistical Crime Briefing Report

👮‍♂️Holiday Crime Prevention Tips

✅ We Want To Spotlight Your Business!

A Beacon of Hope in the Heart of Las Vegas

In the bustling city of Las Vegas, known for its glittering lights and endless entertainment, lies a haven of compassion and support - the Las Vegas Rescue Mission. This December, the mission shines even brighter as it embarks on a heartwarming initiative to gather donations for those in need, proving that the spirit of giving is alive and well in the city of neon lights.

A Mission of Giving

The Las Vegas Rescue Mission is not just a charity; it is a lifeline for many. This December, the mission is accepting donations at the Gardens, Trails, Vistas, and Willows Community Centers, inviting the community to share in the joy of giving. The items sought include blankets, winter coats, bath towels, underwear, and essential hygiene products, along with child and baby items like diapers and pajamas. These donations are more than just goods; they are gestures of hope and care for those facing challenging times.

More Than Just a Hand-Out

What sets the Las Vegas Rescue Mission apart is its philosophy of offering a 'hand-up, not just a hand-out.' This approach goes beyond mere charity; it's about empowering individuals. The mission provides meals, clothing, household items, and crucial life-skills counseling, all designed to help people regain their footing in life. It's a testament to the mission's belief in the potential of every individual to overcome adversity with the right support.

A Community United

The Las Vegas Rescue Mission's initiative is a reflection of the community's spirit. It's a reminder that amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, there's a community ready to support its most vulnerable members. The mission's efforts in December are not just about collecting items; they're about bringing people together, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.

Join the Mission

As the holiday season approaches, the Las Vegas Rescue Mission invites everyone to be part of this noble cause. Whether it's through donating goods or volunteering time, every contribution makes a difference. It's an opportunity for the residents of Las Vegas to show that their city is not just about bright lights and entertainment, but also about warmth, generosity, and community spirit. Learn More.

December 2023

Friday, December 22, 2023

Saturday, December 23, 2023

Sunday, December 24, 2023 - Christmas Eve

Monday, December 25, 2023 - Christmas Day

Tuesday, December 26, 2023

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Thursday, December 28, 2023

 Ice Skating at the Rock Rink: 10 AM - 10 PM 

Friday, December 29, 2023

Saturday, December 30, 2023

 Ice Skating at the Rock Rink: 10 AM - 10 PM 

Sunday, December 31, 2023 - New Year’s Eve

Summerlin Area Command Launches Annual 'Excellence in Policing' Award at Wonderland Event

The Summerlin Area Command recently introduced a new tradition at their annual Summerlin Wonderland event by presenting the "Excellence in Policing" Award. This award is a prestigious accolade that recognizes the outstanding work and dedication of law enforcement officers in the area.

In its inaugural year, the award was bestowed upon an officer from the graveyard shift, who demonstrated exceptional performance and commitment to their duties. The recipient was honored with a trophy and a television set as part of the accolade.

The Summerlin Area Command's introduction of this annual award highlights their dedication to celebrating the hard work and achievements of their officers. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering strong relationships between law enforcement and the community they serve.

This new tradition has been met with enthusiasm and support from both the officers and the community. It is a testament to the Summerlin Area Command's commitment to recognizing and celebrating the efforts of their officers, and it serves as an inspiration for others to strive for excellence in their own roles.

As the Summerlin Area Command continues to build on this new tradition, it is expected that the "Excellence in Policing" Award will become a cherished and highly sought-after honor for the officers in the area. The recognition of exceptional work and dedication not only serves to boost morale among the officers but also helps to strengthen the bond between law enforcement and the community they serve.

Las Vegas Police Release Body-Cam Footage of UNLV Shooting Tragedy

In a somber development, the Las Vegas Metro Police Department has begun releasing body-camera footage from the tragic mass shooting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The incident, which occurred on December 6, resulted in the deaths of three professors: 64-year-old Professor Cha Jan “Jerry” Chang from Henderson, 69-year-old Associate Professor Naoko Takemaru, and 39-year-old Assistant Professor Patricia Navarro Velez, both from Las Vegas.

The released footage, including an hour-long video, depicts officers' urgent response at the scene outside Beam Hall. The video shows officers navigating through the university, forcefully entering offices and classrooms in search of the shooter. Confusion about a possible second assailant is evident in the footage.

The police identified the suspect as Anthony Polito, a former professor who had been rejected for a position at the university. Polito, who lived in Henderson, had authored a thesis claiming to have decoded messages from the infamous Zodiac Killer. Despite his scholarly online persona, with achievements like an MBA from Duke University and a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia, Polito faced financial struggles, evidenced by an eviction notice found by police.

Further investigation revealed Polito's list of intended targets on campus and 22 letters sent to university personnel nationwide, one containing an unknown white powder substance. Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metro Police Department confirmed these findings.

The release of these videos, marked with necessary redactions, is in response to public records requests from various media outlets, including 8 News Now. Additional footage is expected to be released soon.

In light of this tragic event, the Las Vegas Metro Police Department has been working diligently to ensure the safety of the community and prevent such incidents from happening in the future. This has led to the implementation of new safety measures on campus, including increased security personnel, enhanced surveillance systems, and regular active shooter training for faculty and staff.

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, has also taken steps to provide support for students and staff affected by the tragedy. Counseling services and support groups have been made available to help individuals cope with the emotional impact of the shooting. Additionally, the university has created a memorial fund in honor of the victims to support their families and honor their memory.

The Las Vegas Metro Police Department has also emphasized the importance of community involvement in preventing such incidents. They encourage the public to report any suspicious activity and to be aware of warning signs that may indicate potential threats. By working together, the community can help ensure the safety and well-being of all its members.

As the investigation continues, the Las Vegas Metro Police Department remains committed to providing updates and further information to the public. They hope that the release of this body-camera footage will provide valuable insight into the incident and help prevent similar events from occurring in the future.

View Body camera footage - Courtesy of 8NewsNow and LVMPD

Kroger-Albertsons Deal Under Scrutiny by Senator Over Price Hike Fears

In a significant development in the retail sector, Senator Jacky Rosen is actively opposing a proposed merger between two of the nation's largest grocery chains, Kroger and Albertsons. Kroger, owner of Smith’s, and Albertsons, owner of Vons, are aiming to unite in a nearly $25 billion deal. However, the merger requires the green light from federal regulators.

In her efforts to thwart the merger, Senator Rosen sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on Tuesday. She argues that the consolidation of these major players in the grocery industry would disproportionately harm Nevadans. Rosen emphasizes the adverse effects on competition and potential store consolidations, which she believes could lead to higher prices and less choice for consumers in Nevada. This concern is particularly poignant against the backdrop of her ongoing battle against inflation and high living costs.

Albertsons, in response, asserts that the merger would, in fact, increase competition, lower prices, safeguard union jobs, and improve the shopping experience. They argue that blocking the deal would benefit large, non-union retailers like Amazon and Walmart, which continue to dominate the grocery space.

The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, representing about 350,000 workers at both chains, has expressed opposition to the deal. The completion of the merger is targeted for early next year.

Winter Classic 2024: Golden Knights, Kraken to Skate in Sea-Themed Spectacle

The NHL's annual outdoor game, the 2024 Winter Classic, is set to be a stunning event as the league, in collaboration with Hotopp Creative Studio, unveiled an innovative design for the rink where the Golden Knights will face off against the Seattle Kraken. The game, scheduled for New Year's Day at the Seattle Mariners' T-Mobile Park and broadcasted on TNT, draws inspiration from Seattle's renowned seaport and marinas, as well as the mythical Kraken.

The rink will be positioned in the center of T-Mobile Park, featuring oceanic topographic maps that mimic the waters of Puget Sound. Docks and piers will provide access to the field, while elements of the sea, including a shipwreck and auxiliary rink, enhance the nautical theme. An iceberg with an NHL compass will be floating behind the team benches, further contributing to the Pacific Northwest ambiance.

Entertainment will be a major highlight of the game, with Seattle native Sir Mix-A-Lot performing during player introductions and the band Heart taking the stage during the first intermission. The second break will honor Seattle sports legends.

A free two-day fanfest will take place at the Lumen Field North Lot prior to the game, offering interactive experiences, giveaways, and food, as well as a showcase of the Stanley Cup.

This event marks the Golden Knights' second outdoor game, following their 2021 match against the Colorado Avalanche at the "NHL Outdoors at Lake Tahoe" event.

Nevada Approves Over $2 Billion in Bonds for Affordable Housing

Nevada State Treasurer Zach Conine recently announced a major step forward in the state's mission to tackle the issue of affordable housing. Over $2 billion in tax-exempt bonds have been given the green light to support the development of affordable housing projects across the state. This funding mechanism is designed to help cities and counties provide top-notch, affordable housing options to underserved communities, with the expectation that these projects will maintain affordable prices for years to come.

Treasurer Conine underscored the state government's ongoing dedication to making housing more affordable and accessible. Despite these efforts, the need for affordable housing remains high in Nevada. A 2022 report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition revealed a significant shortage of nearly 84,000 affordable rental homes in the state. Moreover, the report found that 86% of low-income tenants in Nevada are struggling to pay their rent.

Since 2019, the State Board of Finance has approved funding for nearly 9,500 affordable housing units. However, the housing crisis is still a pressing issue that the state is committed to addressing.

Summerlin South Housing Market Report

*Median Sold Price By Bedroom Count

This is the middle price for which all homes in the area were sold based on the number of bedrooms. Half of all the homes sold were below this price, and half were above.

Visit here to see the entire report.

Statistical Crime Briefing

Summerlin Area Command - Week Ending: 2023-12-08

Courtesy of The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. The entire report for all Area Commands may be viewed here.

Courtesy of @LVMPD_Summerlin

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