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🏞🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️ Southern Nevada's Parks Offer Scenic Routes for Fitness Enthusiasts

Issue #037 - January 13, 2024

Author

John Wu
13 Jan

Dear SummerSouth Insiders!

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❤️ Inside this issue of SummerSouth Insider..

📌❓🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️ Trivia Question of the Day

📌📆 Local Events in January 2024 (Jan 13 - Jan 20)

📌🌤 Summerlin South, Las Vegas Weather

📌😜 Joke of the Day

🏞🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️ Southern Nevada's Parks Offer Scenic Routes for Fitness Enthusiasts

🏫💲🙏 Early Start for Loan Cancellation: Biden's SAVE Plan Takes Effect in February

⛷🏂 Lee Canyon Ski Resort Unveils New Ponderosa Quad Chairlift

😋🍴 Rio's New Dining Experience: Canteen Food Hall Opens Its Doors

💲↗ Big Banks Report Strong Profits in 2023 Despite Last Year's Banking Crisis

🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️ Nevada Enhances Election Safety and Security for 2024

🏈 Golden Knights Coach Bruce Cassidy Suggests Bill Belichick for Raiders Coach

 📌⛽ What Are You Paying at the Pump? (January 12, 2024)

📌👮‍♂️ LVMPD Weekly Statistical Crime Briefing Report (week ending 1-5-24)

📌🏠 Summerlin South Housing Market Report - December 2023

📌✅ We Want To Spotlight Your Business!

❓🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️ Trivia Question of the Day

📆 Local Events in January 2024 (Jan 13 - Jan 20)

Saturday, January 13, 2024

 Vino Las Vegas Wine & Yacht Club Brunch: 9 AM - 2 PM (Every Saturday and Sunday in January and February)

 Vegas Hikers - Ike’s Peak 4.3 Mile (southwest) 2 groups: 12:30 - 3:30 PM (Every week on Saturday until March 29, 2024)

Sunday, January 14, 2024

 Vino Las Vegas Wine & Yacht Club Brunch: 9 AM - 2 PM (Every Saturday and Sunday in January and February)

Monday, January 15, 2024 (Federal Holiday - Martin Luther King Jr. Day)

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

  Speakers & Leaders of Summerlin Toastmasters Meeting: 12 - 1:30 PM (Every week on Wednesday)

Thursday, January 18, 2024

 Summerlin Bitcoin Happy Hour: 7 - 9 PM (Every week on Thursday)

Friday, January 19, 2024

 Find Your Yoga Las Vegas - Flow & Yin W / Noé Hilyard: 6 - 7:15 PM (Every week on Friday)

Saturday, January 20, 2024

 Vino Las Vegas Wine & Yacht Club Brunch: 9 AM - 2 PM (Every Saturday and Sunday in January and February)

 Vegas Hikers - Ike’s Peak 4.3 Mile (southwest) 2 groups: 12:30 - 3:30 PM (Every week on Saturday until March 29, 2024)

🌤 Summerlin South, Las Vegas Weather

😜 What do you get when you cross a snowman and a vampire?

Scroll all the way to the bottom of the newsletter for the answer 👇

🏞🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️ Southern Nevada's Parks Offer Scenic Routes for Fitness Enthusiasts

Southern Nevada offers a network of parks with paved walking paths, ideal for those embracing the 'move more' mantra in January. These parks not only provide opportunities for exercise but also stunning views and encounters with wildlife. Key highlights include:

  1. Aliante Nature Discovery Park (North Las Vegas): Features views of the Sheep Mountains, a dinosaur-themed playground, and a man-made lake surrounded by storybook pages.

  2. Craig Ranch Regional Park (North Las Vegas): A 170-acre park with man-made lakes, shaded paths, and playground equipment, set in a pioneer ranching theme.

  3. Cottonwood Canyon (Las Vegas): Offers trails through a scenic canyon with views of Turtlehead Peak and local flora and fauna.

  4. Clark County Wetlands Park (Las Vegas): A nature preserve with miles of trails, abundant wildlife, and placid ponds, offering a serene walking experience.

  5. Sunset Park (Las Vegas): A diverse park catering to various sports, with a man-made lake and the Dunes Discovery Area showcasing natural sand dunes.

  6. Seven Hills circuit (Henderson): A 3½-mile walking circuit through parks and neighborhoods, offering beautiful views and encounters with local wildlife.

These parks provide a blend of natural beauty, recreational facilities, and a chance to connect with the local community, making them perfect for enhancing one's exercise routine.

🏫💲🙏 Early Start for Loan Cancellation: Biden's SAVE Plan Takes Effect in February

The Biden administration is set to commence the cancellation of student loans for eligible borrowers in February, almost six months earlier than initially planned. This accelerated action is part of the new Student Aid Valuation and Education (SAVE) repayment plan, announced by President Joe Biden. Designed to provide immediate relief, this plan targets borrowers who took out $12,000 or less for college and have made at least ten years of payments.

The Education Department is yet to determine the exact number of beneficiaries in February. This move comes as part of Biden's broader strategy to alleviate student debt, which included a separate, though legally challenged, initiative to cancel up to $20,000 in loans for millions of Americans.

The SAVE plan, escaping the legal scrutiny that halted the widespread forgiveness program, offers more favorable terms compared to previous income-driven repayment plans. It promises loan cancellation after 10 years of payments, a significant reduction from the 20 or 25 years required in older plans. Monthly payments for millions of borrowers will also decrease under this new plan. Borrowers with more than $12,000 in loans are eligible too, but with an extended repayment period.

Critics, particularly Republicans, argue that this accelerated forgiveness is a ploy to attract voters ahead of the 2024 presidential election. They express concerns about its impact on the student debt crisis and taxpayers. The Biden administration counters these criticisms by highlighting the plan's benefits, especially for community college students, and is working on a revised proposal for broader debt relief.

The plan's other features, like capping payments at 5% of discretionary income and preventing interest from accumulating, are slated to take effect in July. The Education Department will automatically clear balances for qualified borrowers enrolled in the SAVE plan and will notify those who might be eligible.

For More Information and Apply here.

⛷🏂 Lee Canyon Ski Resort Unveils New Ponderosa Quad Chairlift

Lee Canyon Ski Resort is celebrating a significant milestone with the inauguration of its new Ponderosa quad chairlift, marking the first major chairlift project at the resort in almost a decade. The 1,500-foot lift officially starts operating at 11 a.m. on Friday, accompanied by a grand opening celebration. The first group of skiers and snowboarders to use the Ponderosa lift will be part of a special moment, riding through a breakaway banner and receiving a commemorative “first-chair” plaque.

The Ponderosa lift is a notable addition to Lee Canyon's facilities, which has been serving the skiing community since 1968 when its first double chairlift, Chair 1, was installed. This new lift is part of a broader initiative to enhance guest experiences, particularly in response to the growing community of season passholders and the general expansion of Las Vegas.

In addition to the Ponderosa lift, Lee Canyon has made several other investments in recent years. These include the Hillside Lodge, a 10,000 square-foot modern facility opened in the 2019/20 winter season, featuring amenities like the Bristlecone Bar and Brewin’ Burro coffeehouse. The resort also opened a lift-served downhill mountain park in August 2022 and expanded its parking with the addition of the Ponderosa parking area in December 2023, which provided an extra 450 parking stalls.

Lee Canyon's commitment to year-round operation is evident in its diverse range of activities, including a lift-served mountain bike park, yoga classes, archery, axe-throwing, and disc golf. The new quad chairlift, capable of moving 1,800 users per hour, is part of a $7 million capital improvement project and represents the resort's efforts to keep pace with technological advancements and the growing demands of the Las Vegas area. For Directions, go here.

😋🍴 Rio's New Dining Experience: Canteen Food Hall Opens Its Doors

Rio’s Canteen Food Hall

Las Vegas continues its trend of transforming traditional casino buffets into modern food halls with the opening of Canteen Food Hall on January 19th. Located in the Rio, this new dining venue replaces the former Carnival World Buffet, adding to the city's growing list of casino-based and independent food halls.

Canteen Food Hall joins the likes of Proper Eats Food Hall in Aria, Promenade in the Fontainebleau tower, Eat Your Heart Out at Durango, The Sundry in UnCommons, Fremont Food Hall at Fremont, Famous Food Street Eats in Resorts World, Eataly in Park MGM, and Block 16 Urban Food Hall in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

The new food hall at the Rio features six unique vendors, each offering a specialized culinary experience:

  • Attaboy Burger: Led by chef Alex Resnick, this burger spot offers three types of burgers, including a double patty option, and classic sides like onion rings and an ice cream sandwich.

  • Nama Nama Sushi & Sake: From the creators of Tekka Bar in The Cosmopolitan, this venue brings the essence of Japanese street food with a menu that includes sashimi, rolls, poke bowls, and sakes.

  • Shogun Ramen: A collaboration between ramen master Foo Kanegae and restaurateur Takashi Segawa, offering traditional and innovative ramen dishes, as well as steamed buns.

  • Southland Burrito Co.: Specializes in Sonoran-style burritos with a selection of six burritos, salads, and bowls, curated by Chef Marco Herrera.

  • Tender Crush: A concept by the founders of Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer, focusing on fried chicken tenders inspired by New York City boroughs, along with chicken sandwiches and sides.

  • Tony Luke’s: The renowned South Philadelphia cheesesteak chain makes its West Coast debut with a variety of cheesesteaks, hoagies, and other sandwiches.

Canteen Food Hall is a part of a $350 million renovation initiative by the new owner of the Rio, signaling a significant upgrade in the culinary landscape of Las Vegas.

💲↗ Big Banks Report Strong Profits in 2023 Despite Last Year's Banking Crisis

In 2023, major U.S. banks reported strong profits despite facing the residual effects of last year's banking crisis, which included the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank. The robust performance was largely driven by higher interest rates and a resilient economy.

JPMorgan Chase experienced a 15% drop in fourth-quarter profits due to a $2.9 billion payment to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC). This payment was part of an industry-wide assessment to cover costs related to the banking crisis. However, JPMorgan still posted a record annual profit of $50 billion.

Citigroup faced a fourth-quarter loss, impacted by the FDIC assessment and costs associated with a company-wide restructuring, including a 10% workforce reduction. Citigroup is also undergoing significant changes, including the sale of its Mexico affiliate Banamex and the winding down of its Russian operations.

Bank of America's profits decreased by 50% from the previous year, partially due to lower value securities bought during the pandemic and the rapid rise in interest rates.

Conversely, Wells Fargo reported a profit that met Wall Street expectations, with a full-year revenue increase of 11% over 2022. The bank benefited from a 16% increase in net interest income.

In a related development, a second Wells Fargo branch in Daytona Beach, Florida, voted to unionize, following a similar move by a branch in New Mexico.

🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️ Nevada Enhances Election Safety and Security for 2024

Nevada is preparing for its 2024 elections, including the presidential preference primary, state primary, and general election. Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar and Attorney General Aaron Ford announced measures to ensure integrity and safety in these elections. They emphasized that despite the increase in election integrity violation reports, with 700 received in 2022, there's no evidence of widespread voter fraud. The state has prosecuted a few cases of attempted voter fraud.

New steps include:

  1. Vigilant Investigation and Prosecution: Handling increased reports of election integrity violations, with a focus on investigating and prosecuting valid complaints.

  2. Enhanced Investigative Capacity: Additional funding has enabled hiring more investigators to address election integrity issues.

  3. Recruiting Legal Experts: Encouraging lawyers to serve as poll workers by offering Continuing Legal Education credit.

  4. Training for Election Officials: Providing resources and training, especially given the high turnover of staff since 2020.

  5. Improved Safety and Security: Establishing the Election Integrity Task Force and enhancing cybersecurity measures to protect voters and election data.

Governor Joe Lombardo's spokesperson expressed optimism about these bipartisan efforts to ensure election security, despite disagreements over election reform proposals.

🏈 Golden Knights Coach Bruce Cassidy Suggests Bill Belichick for Raiders Coach

Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy, following a 2-1 overtime victory against Boston, opened his postgame conference by acknowledging Bill Belichick's remarkable tenure with the New England Patriots. He then playfully suggested that Belichick, his personal friend, could consider the coaching vacancy at the Las Vegas Raiders.

Cassidy's comments came amidst news of Belichick ending his legendary run as coach of the New England Patriots. While expressing admiration for Belichick’s achievements, Cassidy shared insights from their conversations, particularly about coaching strategies and the importance of details in the game. He recalled discussing not just individual players but the broader aspects of coaching, emphasizing the significance of not beating oneself in sports.

Belichick, who confirmed his intention to continue coaching, has an impressive record of 302 regular-season wins and is the winningest postseason coach in history with 31 victories. This background makes him a potential candidate for various coaching roles, including the current vacancy with the Raiders. Cassidy's proposition, though informal, reflects his respect and fondness for Belichick. However, a potential move to the Raiders could be complicated by Belichick’s association with Josh McDaniels, who was recently fired by the organization.

The Raiders are actively searching for a new coach, with interim coach Antonio Pierce being a strong contender. Cassidy, while acknowledging Pierce's good work, humorously pitched the idea of Belichick joining the Las Vegas sports scene.

⛽ What Are You Paying at the Pump? (January 12, 2024)

📌👮‍♂️ Statistical Crime Briefing

Summerlin Area Command - Week Ending: 2024-1-5

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

📌🏠 Summerlin South Housing Market Report - December 2023

*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.

📌✅ We Want To Spotlight Your Business!

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We ❤️ Local Businesses!
We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you're a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! "SummerSouth Insider" is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town. Let's collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special. Send us a message, and let's celebrate the spirit of Summerlin South together!

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Joke of the Day Answer: Frostbite!