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- 🐍 Wildlife Cops Keep Las Vegas Safe for Both People and Animals
🐍 Wildlife Cops Keep Las Vegas Safe for Both People and Animals
Issue #203 - June 27, 2024
John Wu
27 Jun
Dear SummerSouth Insiders!
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📆 Weekly Local Events for June 2024
Regular weekly events in or near Summerlin, Las Vegas are listed below.
Visit here to lookup specific venue information or for upcoming and/or non-weekly events on Meetup.
Monday
Monday Classes At Latin Blendz: (Every week on Monday @ 10AM)
Socially Vegas - Monday Night Bowling @ The Orleans Bowling Center: Must arrive/check-in before 7pm; 7 - 10pm (Every week on Monday); COST (CASH Only) $10 for 2 games (includes shoes) COST: $12 for 3 games (includes shoes)
Monday Night TRIVIA at ReBAR, 1225 S Main St, Las Vegas: (Every week on Monday @ 7PM)
Tuesday
Terrific Tuesday Fun Pickleball @ Police Memorial, Bring a Chair: (Every week on Tuesday @ 2PM)
Sand Volleyball Intermediate, Rusty and Old Time Players @ Aloha Shores Park (NW), Cheyenne & Buffalo, 7550 Sauer St, Las Vegas: (Every week on Tuesday @ 6 - 8 PM)
Run Drink Las Vegas - Weekly Tuesday Run @ Frankie’s Uptown patio: 6:30 - 8:30 PM (Every week on Tuesday), FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @rundrinklv FOR THE LATEST WEATHER/TIMING UPDATES
Coed Soccer - Summerlin: Crossings Park, 1111 Crestdale Ln, Las Vegas: 7:30 - 9:45 PM (Every week on Tuesday/Thursday)
Wednesday
Business Leads Group - Networking Breakfast @ Summit Restaurant, Eagle Crest Golf Course, 2215 Thomas W Ryan Blvd, Las Vegas: Cost $20 cash, 7 - 8:30 AM (Every week on Wednesday)
Early Risers Toastmasters Meeting (In-Person - Summerlin Egg Works / Online Event: 7 - 8 AM (Every week on Wednesday)
Las Vegas Valley Bicycle Club - Wednesday Morning Ride @ Einstein Bagels: 9 - 11:30 AM (Every week on Wednesday)
Speakers & Leaders of Summerlin Toastmasters Meeting, Summerlin Egg Works, 2025 Village Center Cir, Las Vegas: 12 - 1:30 PM (Every week on Wednesday)
Live Music Yoga w/ Cheryl Slader @ Blue Sky Yoga: (Suggested Donation $12); 5:30 - 6:45 PM (Every week on Wednesday)
Country Crossroads Dance, Rhythms Dance Studio & Event Center, 4545 W Sahara Ave, Las Vegas: $15 Drop-in Rate / $50 for the whole month: 8 - 9 PM (Every week on Wednesday)
Thursday
Abundance Business Networking Group Online Event: 7 - 8:30 AM (Every week on Thursday). Please arrive 10-15 minutes early for networking. Steps to access our BNI Online™ Virtual Chapter Meeting, visit website.
Las Vegas Real Estate Investors Association - Weekly Power Lunch For Real Estate Investors: 11 AM - 1 PM (Every week on Thursday). Request to join here.
Free Salsa Classes @ Feel The Music Dance Studio: 7 - 8 PM (Every week on Thursday). Visit the website to register online.
Summerlin Bitcoin Happy Hour, SG Bar, 9580 W Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas: 6:30 PM (Every week on Thursday)
Coed Soccer - Summerlin: Crossings Park, 1111 Crestdale Ln, Las Vegas: 7:30 - 9:45 PM (Every week on Tuesday/Thursday)
Friday
Find Your Yoga Las Vegas - Flow & Yin W / Noé Hilyard @ Yoga Sanctuary: 6 - 7:15 PM (Every week on Friday) View Yoga Sanctuary's full schedule.
Swing Dancing in Las Vegas Vintage and Modern Swing Dances @ The Mint Tavern: 7:30 - 8:30 PM (Every week on Friday)
Saturday
Vino Las Vegas Wine & Yacht Club Brunch: 9 AM - 2 PM (Every Saturday and Sunday)
Find Your Yoga Las Vegas - Saturday Morning Meditation with Practitioner Selina Kelly @ Yoga Kandy, LLC. Cost: Love Donation $5-$10 suggested. 11 - 11:45 AM (Every week on Saturday)
Sunday
Las Vegas Valley Bicycle Club - Sunday Morning Ride @ Einstein Bagels: 9 - 11:30 AM (Every week on Sunday)
Vino Las Vegas Wine & Yacht Club Brunch: 9 AM - 2 PM (Every Saturday and Sunday)
Level 1 West Coast Swing @ 2580 N Rancho Dr, North Las Vegas: 7 - 8 PM (Every week on Tuesday); Drop in Rate is $15, Monthly pass is $50; Register online.
⛽ Las Vegas Gas Prices
🐍 Wildlife Cops Keep Las Vegas Safe for Both People and Animals
For many, Las Vegas might evoke images of neon lights and bustling casinos rather than coyotes, birds, and snakes. However, this vibrant city is nestled in the Mojave Desert near Lake Mead, making encounters with wildlife a common occurrence. This proximity to nature necessitates the presence of game wardens, or wildlife cops, who work diligently to protect both people and animals.
The Role of Game Wardens
Game wardens in Southern Nevada, part of the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), are the primary responders to wildlife-related concerns. They work closely with local law enforcement agencies, such as the Metropolitan Police Department and the Henderson Police Department, to handle various situations.
Christopher Walther, chief game warden for Southern Nevada, explains that their responsibilities vary daily. Game wardens undergo the same rigorous training as other police officers but also acquire extensive knowledge of state wildlife statutes. This dual expertise is crucial in managing incidents like the recent coyote bites at Lake Las Vegas, where game wardens had to take action against aggressive coyotes.
Diverse Responsibilities
The duties of game wardens extend beyond wildlife management. They respond to calls about coyotes, snakes, and other animals but also engage in activities like directing traffic, issuing boating citations, and assisting in emergency situations. Recently, game wardens attempted to save a drowning victim at Lake Mead, highlighting the diverse and critical nature of their role.
Despite the challenges, Walther finds fulfillment in helping Nevadans enjoy the outdoors responsibly. "It’s a pure passion for being out and serving constituents in the state of Nevada," he says. Whether braving 115-degree heat or handling emergencies, game wardens are dedicated to their cause.
Reporting Wildlife Concerns
When encountering wildlife issues in Las Vegas, residents should contact the NDOW. The department prioritizes calls based on urgency, often resolving issues over the phone. In urban areas, incidents can range from rattlesnakes in living rooms to scorpions in bathrooms. While not all situations pose a public safety threat, NDOW is equipped to handle any wildlife-related concerns.
During spring, the department receives numerous calls about baby birds falling from nests. "That’s not necessarily a law enforcement issue, but we’re prepared to deal with anything involving wildlife," Walther notes.
Residents can report wildlife concerns by calling the NDOW tip line at 800-992-3030 or using the free NDOW Tip app.
Game wardens play an essential role in maintaining the delicate balance between Las Vegas's urban environment and its surrounding wildlife. Their diverse duties ensure the safety of both residents and animals, reflecting their commitment to serving the community. By reporting wildlife concerns promptly, Nevadans can contribute to this ongoing effort to coexist peacefully with nature.
🌐 NHL Draft Comes to Sphere as Las Vegas Marks Eight Years of Hockey
On Saturday, the NHL marked eight years since Commissioner Gary Bettman awarded Las Vegas its 31st franchise, the Vegas Golden Knights. Since then, the city has embraced hockey, hosting numerous major NHL events and establishing itself as a vibrant hockey town. The latest addition to this impressive list is the NHL draft, set to take place at the cutting-edge Sphere on Friday and Saturday.
The Evolution of Las Vegas as a Hockey Town
When Bettman announced the expansion on June 22, 2016, few could have predicted how integral Las Vegas would become to the NHL. The Golden Knights have participated in two Stanley Cup Finals, hosted an expansion draft and an All-Star Weekend, and played in their first outdoor Winter Classic this year.
The upcoming draft at Sphere represents another significant milestone for the Golden Knights. "Our hockey group is excited because it’s another opportunity for us as an organization to show off Las Vegas and what a great hockey town it’s become," said Knights president Kerry Bubolz.
Hosting the NHL Draft at Sphere
This will be the second time in three years that Las Vegas hosts a draft for one of the four major men's professional sports leagues. The NFL draft in April 2022 attracted over 300,000 fans. While the NHL draft might not draw as large a crowd, it promises a unique and memorable experience, being Sphere's first televised event since its opening on September 29.
NHL chief content officer Steve Mayer described the event as both daunting and exciting. "It’s such a different venue," Mayer said, emphasizing the innovative production capabilities of the Sphere, including its massive 160,000-square-foot LED video board.
Historical Context and Modern Innovations
The first NHL entry draft was held in 1963 at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal, without television coverage or fanfare. Over the past 60 years, the draft has evolved into a major event, with live television broadcasts and fan attendance. This year, the Sphere will provide a spectacular setting, with all 32 NHL clubs having tables on the draft floor and decision-makers announcing their picks live.
The Sphere's LED video board will highlight each player drafted, making them feel "larger than life," according to Bubolz. The draft's TV broadcast will also be displayed on the Sphere's exterior, offering fans an unprecedented viewing experience from Sands Avenue and Koval Lane.
The Future of the NHL Draft
This year's draft might be the last of its kind, as a majority of NHL teams voted in favor of decentralizing the draft in October. This would eliminate draft tables and live announcements, moving to a format where teams call in their picks from separate locations. However, Mayer and Bubolz hope that the success of this event at Sphere might prompt the NHL to reconsider this decision.
Las Vegas: A Hockey and Sports Capital
The NHL awards show will also take place in Las Vegas this week at the BleauLive Theater inside Fontainebleau. This will be the 11th time since 2009 that the awards show is held in Las Vegas but the first time since 2019.
The packed schedule of NHL events in Las Vegas underscores the city's growth as a hockey hub. "Truly, I think we’ve become a real hockey town, and that’s been fun to watch develop," Bubolz said. The Knights' rapid success on the ice has contributed to Las Vegas becoming a desirable destination for NHL fans and events.
Mayer noted that Las Vegas is evolving from being solely the entertainment capital of the world to also becoming a sports capital. The city's diverse venues and robust infrastructure make it an ideal location for major sports events, and the Golden Knights' achievements have solidified its status in the hockey world.
The NHL draft at Sphere is another testament to Las Vegas's burgeoning status as a major sports city. As the Golden Knights continue to thrive and the city hosts more high-profile events, Las Vegas is establishing itself not just as a place of entertainment but also as a formidable sports capital.
👨👨👧👦 Clark County Population to Reach 3 Million by 2042
Clark County's population is projected to hit 3 million by 2042, according to a new report from UNLV's Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER). The annual 2024-2060 Population Forecasts report, released on Wednesday, provides detailed estimates and demographic outlooks for the region.
Steady Population Growth
The report forecasts a steady population increase for Clark County, beginning with an addition of approximately 38,414 residents in 2024. The county's population is expected to grow at a rate exceeding 1% annually until 2039, when it will reach 2.9 million residents. By 2060, the population is projected to be nearly 3.3 million.
Andrew Woods, director of CBER, highlighted the ongoing and significant growth of the leisure and hospitality sector, which includes food and accommodations, as a primary driver of employment. However, he noted that health care is rapidly emerging as a major employment sector in the valley.
Health Care: A Growing Employment Sector
Health care is anticipated to become the second-largest employment sector in Clark County by 2028, driven largely by the aging baby boomer population. Woods emphasized the need for the valley to focus on expanding its health care workforce to keep pace with peer cities like Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and San Diego.
"What makes me worried is the proportion of people working in health care here is far less than our peers," Woods said. "So even though it’s going to be a large driver of our workforce, we should have more people working in the industry given the size of our population."
Population Growth Above National Average
Clark County's population growth rate has consistently outpaced the national average for the past 50 years and is expected to continue doing so. The county currently has 2.41 million residents. Growth rates are projected to be 1.6% in 2024 and 1.4% in 2025, rising to 2% in 2026 before gradually declining through 2060.
The report indicates that while Clark County will continue to grow faster than the national average, the gap will narrow over time due to lower birth rates and an increasing ratio of retired migration to net migration.
Infrastructure and Development
The report estimates significant federal and private investments in transportation infrastructure, totaling approximately $12.8 billion from now until 2050. These investments include the Brightline high-speed rail project, expected to be completed by the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympic Games, which will boost employment during construction.
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority projects an addition of approximately 1,109 hotel/motel rooms to the region’s inventory by 2025. This includes new openings such as AC Hotel by Marriott, Element Las Vegas, and Delta Hotels by Marriott, as well as room expansions at M Resort Spa & Casino.
City Growth Highlights
The U.S. Census Bureau statistics reveal that Mesquite is the fastest-growing city in Nevada by percentage growth. In contrast, Carson City’s population has declined, and North Las Vegas has surpassed Reno to become the third-largest municipality in the state, following Las Vegas and Henderson.
Clark County's robust population growth and the expansion of key sectors like health care and hospitality indicate a dynamic future for the region. With significant infrastructure investments and ongoing development projects, the county is well-positioned to meet the needs of its growing population.
🎰 Boulder Highway Casinos See Revenue Dip Amid Rising Competition
While the Las Vegas Strip often captures the spotlight for its frequent revenue growth, industry watchers are turning their attention to the east side of the Las Vegas Valley to understand how local casino customers are spending and what this might indicate for future gaming growth in the area.
Revenue Trends and Challenges
The Boulder Highway subregion, which encompasses southeast Las Vegas and Henderson, is experiencing tougher year-to-year comparisons in gross gaming revenue. According to the Nevada Gaming Control Board, gross gaming revenue for the 30 non-restricted casinos in this submarket is down about 1 percent year-to-date compared to the same period last year. Analysts attribute this trend to weaker visitation and spending among lower-end customers.
Chad Beynon, a senior analyst at Macquarie Capital, noted that while the Boulder Strip's gross gaming revenue was flat compared to the previous year and up 12 percent from 2019, the broader Las Vegas locals market saw a 2 percent increase year-over-year and a 22 percent rise from 2019. However, new competition from the Durango resort-casino, which opened in the southwest valley in December, has impacted the east side. The Boulder Strip's revenue decline contrasts with a 6 percent increase in the overall locals market.
Impact of Economic Factors
The trend reflects broader economic conditions, including the effects of inflation and shifts in consumer spending post-COVID-19 pandemic. Stimulus checks had temporarily boosted the market, but as inflation ramped up, spending patterns shifted.
Golden Entertainment, operators of the Strat, Arizona Charlie’s, and PT’s brands, reported a 5 percent decline in revenue for its locals casino segment during the first quarter, attributing this to decreased visitation and spending among low- and mid-tier players. Notably, Arizona Charlie’s Boulder, the company’s "most value-oriented casino," saw the largest declines.
Boyd Gaming has kept its Eastside Cannery casino closed since the pandemic shutdowns in March 2020, diverting customers to nearby Sam’s Town. The closure highlights the ongoing adjustments operators are making in response to changing demand.
Adapting to New Spending Patterns
Joe DeSimone, owner of The Pass in Henderson’s Water Street District and Railroad Pass near Boulder City, has observed changes in customer spending habits. "Instead of coming three nights a week, they might come two nights a week," DeSimone said. To adapt, he has focused on finding efficiencies on the casino floor, such as removing underperforming table game pits.
Future Development and Upscaling
DeSimone is optimistic about the future and is investing in upscaling his properties. His company, First Federal Realty DeSimone, is developing Atwell Suites at The Pass, a project set to open in October with 90 rooms and a street-level wine bar. This new development aims to attract not only locals but also visitors for events at the neighboring America First Center ice rink. With the closure and demolition of Fiesta Henderson in 2022, there are fewer hotel competitors in the area, presenting an opportunity for growth.
Red Rock Resorts' Expansion Plans
Red Rock Resorts, the parent company of Station Casinos, plans to develop a resort with 201 rooms and 58,000 square feet of casino space in Henderson’s Inspirada community. While no construction timeline has been announced, this project could further reshape the region’s gaming landscape.
Demographic Trends and Market Outlook
Beynon pointed out that demographic trends are favorable for the locals market, particularly with high population growth in the older age group, increasing household incomes, and a strong labor market. The Boulder Highway subregion, where about 90 percent of gaming revenue comes from slots, stands to benefit from these trends.
Summary
The east side of the Las Vegas Valley is a key area for understanding the dynamics of the local casino market. While facing challenges from economic conditions and new competition, the region shows potential for growth through strategic developments and demographic trends. Operators like Joe DeSimone are adapting to changing customer behaviors and investing in new projects to attract a broader audience and enhance the local gaming experience.
🎶 Eagles' Sphere Residency Grows with Additional December Dates
The Eagles are proving they are truly "in it for the long run." The iconic rock band, which released an album by that name 45 years ago, has announced an extension of their highly anticipated series at the Sphere in Las Vegas. Initially scheduled for a series of dates, the band has now added four more performances, making it a total of 16 dates over eight weekends.
New Dates and Ticket Information
The newly added dates for the Eagles' performances are set for December 6-7 and December 13-14. Tickets will be available for purchase starting at 10 a.m. Pacific time on July 12. For fans eager to secure their spots early, an advance presale registration is available now at the band's official website, eagles.com, with the presale commencing at 10 a.m. on July 11. Ticket prices start at $175 under the all-in pricing policy, which includes taxes and fees. For those looking for premium seating, Ticketmaster is offering Verified Resale tickets ranging from $400 to $5,700 for earlier shows, including the originally final show on November 9.
Current Lineup and Performances
The Eagles' current lineup consists of longtime members Don Henley, Joe Walsh, and Timothy B. Schmit, along with newer additions Vince Gill and Deacon Frey. Deacon Frey, a guitarist and vocalist, is the son of the late Glenn Frey, one of the band’s original members. The residency at the Sphere kicks off on September 20-21, promising fans an unforgettable live concert experience.
The Eagles follow in the footsteps of other major rock acts like U2, Phish, and Dead & Company, who have also headlined at the Sphere. Additionally, the Zac Brown Band has announced its residency at the venue, set to begin in 2025.
With the addition of new dates to their residency at the Sphere, The Eagles continue to captivate audiences and affirm their status as one of America's best-selling rock bands. Fans old and new have multiple opportunities to catch these legendary performers live in Las Vegas, ensuring that their timeless music remains in the spotlight. As the city continues to host world-class entertainment, residents and visitors alike have a wealth of options to enjoy unforgettable live performances.
Summerlin Area Command - Week Ending: June 21, 2024
Courtesy of The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
📌🏠 Summerlin South - May 2024
*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.
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Until next time, John Wu.