Exploring Nature: Top 5 Las Vegas Trails Rated by Hikers

Issue #020 - December 27, 2023

Author

John Wu
27 Dec

❤️ Inside this issue of SummerSouth Insider..

🔍Spotlight Feature: The Las Vegas Rescue Mission 🔍

📆 Local Events in December 2023 (includes 2024 New Year’s Eve Parties)

🌞Summerlin South Las Vegas Weather

⛰️🚶Exploring Nature: Top 5 Las Vegas Trails Rated by Hikers

💒Las Vegas to Host Unprecedented Number of Weddings on 12/31/23

🎁💳The $30 Billion Gift Card Market: What Consumers Should Know

🎀📦Returning Gifts? Beware of New Fees at Popular Retail Stores

🏒Vegas Golden Knights Look to Bounce Back from Road Trip Losses Post-Break

🏠Summerlin South Housing Market Report

👮‍♂️LVMPD Weekly Statistical Crime Briefing Report (week ending 12-22-23)

👮‍♂️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

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 Parties💃🍾🥂 

Exploring Nature: Top 5 Las Vegas Trails Rated by Hikers

Las Vegas is renowned for its vibrant city life, but it also boasts an array of stunning outdoor recreation opportunities, particularly in hiking. Here are the top five rated hiking trails in the Las Vegas Valley, as per AllTrails app data and user feedback:

  1. Calico Tanks Trail: This 2.3-mile trail in Red Rock Canyon, rated 4.8 stars by 6,049 users, offers a 400-foot elevation through ancient red sandstone cliffs. It's moderately difficult due to uneven terrain and rock scrambling, and may lead to a hidden pool of water. The trail offers breathtaking views of the Las Vegas Valley.

  2. First Creek Canyon Trail: With a 4.5-star rating from 3,221 users, this 3.4-mile trail is outside Red Rock Canyon and is known for its scenic beauty, kid-friendly and dog-friendly nature. It provides close views of Mount Wilson and occasional sightings of burros and wildflowers.

  3. Ice Box Canyon: This 2.2-mile trail, rated 4.5 stars by 2,857 users, is known for its cooler temperatures and potential waterfall, depending on rainfall. It requires maneuvering over slippery boulders and rock scrambling, and is best visited in fall and winter.

  4. White Rock Mountain Loop Trail: A 6.2-mile trail rated 4.7 stars by 1,788 users, it is recognized for its great views and interesting sandstone formations. The trail gains over 1,100 feet in elevation and offers diverse activities such as walking, hiking, running, and dog-walking.

  5. Lone Mountain Summit and Loop: This trail at Lone Mountain Park has a 4.6-star rating from 2,357 users. It is a loop trail that takes hikers to the summit 731 feet up, offering views of the Las Vegas Strip. The trail, which takes under two hours to complete, is known for its steep incline and lack of shade.

These trails showcase the unexpected natural beauty of Las Vegas and provide an opportunity for both residents and visitors to explore the great outdoors.

Las Vegas to Host Unprecedented Number of Weddings on 12/31/23

The Las Vegas wedding industry is preparing for what could be one of the busiest New Year's Eves in years, thanks to the unique date pattern of 12/31/23. Clark County Clerk Lynn Marie Goya anticipates it could be one of the biggest days for weddings in years.

Vegas Weddings, a major wedding company, is expecting double to triple its typical demand, with full bookings at midnight. They are offering a specialty wedding package priced at $2,024 for New Year's Eve, which is already generating significant interest.

To handle the increased demand, Vegas Weddings is focusing heavily on scheduling, ensuring that photographers, limo drivers, and staff are efficiently coordinated. The company, which will conduct weddings across its three properties, is preparing its large team of officiants, wedding planners, florists, and more for the eventful day.

Special dates have always attracted couples to Las Vegas for weddings. Past popular dates include 07/07/07 and 11/11/11, with significant numbers of marriages. Last year’s "Twosday" (02/22/22) also saw a high number of weddings. Generally, New Year’s Eve attracts around 450 to 550 couples annually, but 2023 is expected to see a much larger turnout.

The Clark County Marriage Bureau is opening a satellite office at Harry Reid International Airport for the first time during the holiday to accommodate the influx of couples. This approach follows their successful pop-up licensing office during Valentine’s Day season.

Couples find these "magic dates" appealing for their auspiciousness and ease of remembrance. Goya notes that the collective excitement of many couples getting married on the same day enhances the overall experience.

The $30 Billion Gift Card Market: What Consumers Should Know

Gift cards, expected to account for nearly $30 billion in holiday sales according to the National Retail Federation, are a staple of the season. While restaurant gift cards top the popularity charts, a significant portion of these cards, unfortunately, end up unused or forgotten. This lack of use leads to complications due to expiration dates and varying inactivity fees.

A critical piece of information for both givers and receivers of gift cards is the federal law from 2010, which mandates that gift cards cannot expire for five years from purchase or the last recharge. Some states, like New York, extend this period to nine years. However, it's wise to use these cards promptly, as some, particularly cash cards from Visa or MasterCard, may start accruing inactivity fees after a year. Moreover, the risk of the card losing value due to inflation or becoming worthless if the retailer goes out of business is ever-present.

A startling revelation from a Bankrate survey in July showed that 47% of U.S. adults possess at least one unspent gift card, voucher, or similar, amounting to an average of $187 per person in unused value. This collective $23 billion in unspent gift cards often stems from cards being lost, forgotten, or saved for a special occasion that never arrives.

For those with gift cards they don’t plan to use, selling them on websites like CardCash or Raise is a viable option. While these sites typically offer 70 to 80 cents per dollar of the card's value, it's a way to recoup some of the card's worth.

When a gift card is sold, the retailer can immediately use the funds, but they also incur a liability to provide goods or services in the future. Each year, companies calculate "breakage," an estimate of gift cards that won’t be redeemed. For companies like Starbucks, breakage can be a significant revenue source, exemplified by their reported $212 million from it in 2022.

In several states, like Delaware, retailers must work with state unclaimed property programs to return money from unused gift cards to consumers. This process ensures that money from unused cards contributes to public service initiatives instead of remaining with the companies.

Consumers can potentially reclaim funds from unused gift cards through state unclaimed property programs. Sites like MissingMoney.com allow individuals to search for any unclaimed property, including cash from gift cards, ensuring that these funds are returned to their rightful owners.

Gift cards are more than just convenient presents; they encompass a complex financial ecosystem with various rules and potential pitfalls. Understanding these nuances can help consumers and retailers alike navigate this popular but often misunderstood market.

Returning Gifts? Beware of New Fees at Popular Retail Stores

The holiday season has brought a new trend in retail: charging fees for product returns. A study by Happy Returns, a PayPal company, reveals that about 81% of retailers have started charging for at least one return method in the past year. These fees can include return shipping costs or restocking fees deducted from refunds.

As we delve deeper into this shift in return policies, it's essential to understand the various reasons behind the introduction of these fees and the potential implications for both retailers and consumers.

One significant factor contributing to the rise of return fees is the increasing cost of shipping. Online shopping has grown exponentially in recent years, and as a result, so have the number of returns. This has put a strain on retailers, who must now find ways to manage these expenses. According to Trae Bodge, a smart shopping expert, for every return order of about $100, a retailer incurs an approximate cost of $11.

In an effort to balance their financial books, retailers are shifting the burden of return costs back to consumers. This move is a strategic one, as it not only helps to offset the costs of shipping and handling but also encourages shoppers to be more mindful of their purchases. By making returns less convenient and more expensive, retailers hope to reduce the number of unnecessary returns, ultimately saving both time and money.

The range of return fees varies among retailers. Some notable stores with return fees include Zara ($3.95), DSW ($8.50), J. Crew ($7.50), Urban Outfitters ($5), Lands End ($6.95), J.C. Penney ($8), Abercrombie ($7), L.L. Bean ($6.50), and T.J. Maxx ($11.99). These fees serve as a reminder to consumers that the convenience of online shopping and easy returns comes at a cost, and they must now consider this added expense when making purchases.

While this shift in return policies may seem inconvenient for consumers, it also has the potential to encourage more responsible shopping habits. Shoppers may be more likely to carefully consider their purchases, making sure they really need the item and that it is the right size and color before clicking the "buy" button. This could lead to a reduction in the number of impulse purchases and, in turn, decrease the overall volume of returns.

The introduction of return fees in the retail industry is a significant change that reflects the growing costs of shipping and the need for retailers to adapt to the changing landscape of online shopping. As consumers, we must now be more mindful of our purchases and take the additional cost of returns into account when making shopping decisions.

Vegas Golden Knights Look to Bounce Back from Road Trip Losses Post-Break

The Vegas Golden Knights are looking to bounce back as they face the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday at Honda Center. Prior to the NHL's Christmas break, the team suffered three consecutive losses on their southeastern road trip against Carolina, Tampa Bay, and Florida, giving up a total of 15 goals.

Their recent defensive struggles were further exacerbated by the absence of injured goaltenders Logan Thompson and Adin Hill. In six of their last seven games, the Knights have allowed at least four goals, with a 6-3 win over Ottawa being the only exception.

Coach Bruce Cassidy believes the break will provide the team with a chance to regroup, taking into account the intensity of their schedule, which included more road games than home games. Cassidy acknowledges the need to address on-ice issues, particularly their special teams performance, which has seen a decline in defending against power-plays.

Defenseman Alec Martinez and Captain Mark Stone have stressed the importance of using the break to reflect and work on the team's weaknesses. They highlighted the necessity of playing a full 60 minutes and winning one-on-one battles, areas where the team has faltered recently.

Despite the challenges, the team is optimistic about returning stronger after the break, drawing inspiration from last season's post-All-Star break surge that led them to a Stanley Cup championship.

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: 2023-12-22

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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