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- 🐶 Fireworks Send Pets Running, Local Shelters and Rescuers Step In to Help
🐶 Fireworks Send Pets Running, Local Shelters and Rescuers Step In to Help
Issue #212 - July 6, 2024
John Wu
06 Jul
Dear SummerSouth Insiders!
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📆 Weekly Local Events for July 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
🐶 Fireworks Send Pets Running, Local Shelters and Rescuers Step In to Help
While Fourth of July fireworks lit up the sky, they also sent many anxious pets running and hiding. In response, local shelters and volunteer search and rescue organizations spent the holiday keeping these frightened animals calm, getting them to safety, and reuniting them with their rightful owners.
Overwhelmed Shelters
The Animal Foundation, Clark County’s animal shelter, took in over 100 dogs on Thursday and Friday. Paws Patrol, an animal search-and-rescue organization, rounded up another 25 dogs on Friday alone.
“Last night, towards the late night, it started picking up. We recovered a handful of dogs,” said Joey Simpson, a field patrol volunteer for Paws Patrol, a nonprofit focused on searching for, rescuing, and securing lost animals.
Rescue Efforts
Paws Patrol works tirelessly to recover lost animals by seeking them out, scanning them for microchips, and attempting to reunite them with their families. Unfortunately, some dogs are found deceased, but even then, volunteers scan for microchips to provide closure to the owners.
Simpson noted that Paws Patrol typically receives 10 to 15 calls daily about lost dogs, but this number increased due to the holiday. Dogs tend to hide from the loud noises and heat, making them more challenging to find.
“We’re not going to give up until we either find a dog breathing, or we find, unfortunately, a dog deceased,” Simpson stated. On Friday, the patrol team was working on 20 to 25 cases of missing dogs.
Shelter Support
The Animal Foundation reported taking in 63 dogs on Thursday and 67 more by 4 p.m. on Friday. During the fireworks on Thursday night, staff members stayed with the dogs and other shelter animals to help keep them calm.
“Every shelter dog got a toy with Adaptil Calming Spray, a KONG filled with peanut butter, and a paper bag with kibble. Extra stressed and anxious dogs received a Kong Wobbler. Cats received a toy with Feliway Calming Spray, and small mammals got a paper bag with hay,” said Kelsey Pizzi, the foundation’s communications manager.
Other Shelters
City of Henderson Animal Care and Control did not have an exact number of how many dogs were surrendered during the celebrations. The Nevada SPCA received six or seven dogs but referred them to The Animal Foundation due to capacity limits.
Ongoing Efforts
As the community continues to celebrate, local shelters and organizations remain vigilant, working to ensure that every lost pet finds its way back home. The dedication of volunteers and staff highlights the ongoing need for support and awareness, especially during events that cause distress to animals.
🏀 Aces Fall to Sparks in Overtime Despite Wilson’s Stellar Performance
The Las Vegas Aces came into Friday’s game at Crypto.com Arena riding a six-game winning streak, while the Los Angeles Sparks were mired in an eight-game losing streak. Despite these contrasting runs, the game was fiercely competitive and ultimately couldn't be decided in regulation. The Sparks prevailed in a 98-93 overtime victory.
Key Performances
Former Ace Dearica Hamby led the Sparks (5-15) with an impressive 28 points, 13 rebounds, and four assists. Aari McDonald also caused problems for the Aces, scoring a career-high 23 points.
For the Aces (12-7), A’ja Wilson put up a standout performance with 35 points, 12 rebounds, and six blocks. Kelsey Plum added 21 points to the tally.
Rivalry and Personal Connections
“There’s always been a rivalry between the Aces and Sparks,” Aces coach Becky Hammon said before the game, citing Chelsea Gray’s five-season stint with the Sparks and Hamby’s history with the Aces. Hammon also has a personal connection with Sparks coach Curt Miller, who was an assistant coach at Colorado State during her senior year.
“I think there’s just personal feelings involved,” Hammon added. “At the end of the day, you have two really big cities that are very competitive with each other. So I just think it’s a kind of a perfect storm for a good, competitive match.”
Game Dynamics
The game lived up to Hammon's description, featuring 15 ties and 17 lead changes. Late in the fourth quarter, Aces fans made their presence known with “MVP” chants for Wilson, but Hamby quickly silenced them with a layup, reminding everyone that the Aces were on the road.
Hammon had emphasized the importance of taking control early, knowing “crazy things” could happen at the end—a lesson from their previous meeting, which ended with her ejection in the final 30 seconds. Although Hammon avoided technical fouls this time, Miller received one in the fourth quarter. Notably, Los Angeles is the only team to have beaten the Aces twice this season.
Game Highlights
The Aces started strong with a 7-0 run, their largest lead, quickly matched by the Sparks. By the end of the first quarter, the Aces led 24-21. The Sparks ended the second quarter on a 10-3 run, leading 46-36 at halftime, with Wilson and Hamby each scoring 13 points.
Los Angeles’ largest lead was 15 points in the third quarter. Disappointed with her starters' effort, Hammon benched them three minutes into the period. “I didn’t see the intensity that I wanted to see. It was lackadaisical with the ball, lackadaisical on defense. I’m just not gonna watch it. So I sent a message with them,” she said. The bench players, including rookie Kate Martin and Alysha Clark, stepped up and narrowed the gap.
The Aces entered the fourth quarter down by 10 but went on a 10-2 run to take a 75-74 lead midway through the quarter. Stephanie Talbot's layup and jumper tied the game at 84, sending it to overtime after Plum missed a potential game-winning jumper at the buzzer.
Overtime Struggles
In overtime, Jackie Young, who had returned from a second-quarter hand injury, scored nine points. However, she was the only Ace to score in the extra period. The Sparks outlasted the Aces, securing the victory. “They just came out and wanted it more than us essentially,” Wilson said. “And we just didn’t get the job done.”
Looking Ahead
Hammon noted the quick turnaround, as the Aces have little time to dwell on the loss. They return home to face the Dallas Wings (5-16) at 12:30 p.m. Sunday at Michelob Ultra Arena.
❎ Nevada Republicans Embrace Mail Ballots for 2024 Elections
For the first time in 20 years, Nevada Republicans are aggressively working to reclaim the state in a presidential election. Despite their past criticism of vote-by-mail laws, GOP leaders now recognize the necessity of embracing these voting methods to secure victories in the 2024 elections.
The Strategy
Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley recently outlined the party’s strategy at a “protect the vote” event held at the Clark County Republican Party headquarters in Henderson. Addressing a group of volunteers, Whatley emphasized the critical role Nevada plays in the upcoming election.
“We know what to do, and we know that Nevada is really pivotal. But how are we going to win? How are we going to get it done?” he asked. The event began with a prayer from Howell Shaw, aiming to prevent any election interference.
Key Objectives
Whatley highlighted two primary missions for the election cycle:
Get-Out-The-Vote Efforts: This includes reaching out to low-propensity voters and communities of color, and encouraging early voting and mail-in voting in states where these options are available.
Protect the Ballot: Ensuring states adhere to their election laws, pursuing litigation if necessary, and deploying poll watchers and workers to safeguard the voting process. The RNC has already filed over 90 lawsuits in more than 20 states, including Nevada.
Embracing Mail Ballots
Despite previous accusations of election fraud centered around mail ballots, Whatley expressed strong support for their use. “That’s the law, and we’ve got mail voting going on here,” he said. “What we want to ensure is a secure process. We’re going to be paying very close attention to the processes in place and making sure they are followed correctly.”
Nevada, a battleground state that former President Donald Trump lost to Joe Biden in 2020, saw nearly 65% of voters cast their ballots by mail in the recent June primary, up by more than 10 percentage points from the 2022 midterms.
Shifting Focus
After losing key races in 2022, Republicans have shifted their focus from claims of a stolen election to measures that ensure election integrity if they are elected. Many GOP members aim to eliminate Nevada’s automatic mail ballot system, restrict third-party ballot delivery, and implement voter ID requirements.
Mixed Messaging
Despite the new strategy, some Nevada Republicans continue to claim the 2020 election was stolen. Lt. Gov. Stavros Anthony, who lost a Clark County Commissioner race by 15 votes in 2020, blamed mail ballots for his defeat. “The Democrat Party decided that the only way they could win the election is to change the election process in order to cheat,” he said.
However, investigations by the Nevada Secretary of State’s office found no evidence of widespread fraud, and courts dismissed related lawsuits.
Reconciling Approaches
In a recent press gaggle, Lt. Gov. Anthony seemed initially out of sync with Whatley’s mail ballot strategy. Anthony said he did not think Whatley was embracing mail ballots, but upon clarification, he agreed, “We do have to embrace it, but we have to make sure that it is done legally and with integrity.”
Mark Robertson, a Republican candidate running against incumbent Dina Titus, argued that criticizing the vote-by-mail system while encouraging its use is not inconsistent. “Those are the laws in Nevada, and until we change those laws, we have to embrace them and use them to the advantage of our candidates,” Robertson said.
As Republicans gear up for the 2024 elections, their evolving strategies reflect a pragmatic approach to navigating existing voting laws while working towards long-term changes.
🤵👰 Las Vegas Targets Luxury Market to Expand Wedding Tourism
As destination weddings gain popularity globally, Las Vegas industry members are strategizing ways to capture this expanding market. In 2023, the Vegas area welcomed 1.6 million wedding visitors, generating $2.2 billion in economic activity, according to new trends released by the Vegas Wedding Chamber. The Clark County Marriage License Bureau issued 74,275 marriage licenses last year, up from 73,143 in 2019.
Post-Pandemic Recovery
Despite the increase, the local industry is still working to regain the attention of top out-of-state markets, particularly California and Europe, after the pandemic altered travel patterns. Clark County Clerk Lynn Marie Goya noted that while there are slow returns to pre-pandemic levels, international couples comprised about 16.5 percent of marriage licenses issued in 2023, up from approximately 15 percent in 2022. The top home countries for these couples were the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and France.
Market Segmentation
The industry’s chamber of commerce is focusing on strategies to improve its share in the destination wedding market. Las Vegas has long been known for quick, value-driven ceremonies, but Goya believes there is significant growth potential in the luxury market.
“There are almost two markets — one that wants to go to the castle and invite a hundred of their friends and it’s as luxurious as you can imagine,” Goya said. “We don’t do a lot of those yet. I think we could do more.”
Global Growth and Competition
Destination weddings are projected to increase by 13.1 percent globally over the next decade, with market value expected to surge from $30 billion in 2023 to $103.5 billion in 2033, according to research firm Future Market Insights. Couples typically choose destination weddings for a celebratory vacation and smaller yet lavish ceremonies.
In the U.S., Las Vegas competes with Miami, New York, Nashville, and Maui for destination wedding travelers. Internationally, the competition includes Mexico and the Caribbean, where resorts and travel agents often provide more all-inclusive packages.
Creating Competitive Packages
To stay competitive, Goya suggests that Las Vegas industry members could collaborate to offer comprehensive packages.
“What we’re seeing in other destinations is a lot more packages,” she said. “So it’s easier for couples to say, ‘OK, I have $10,000 or $20,000. And here’s what I can get for that.’ It’s a little bit harder in Las Vegas to do that. We absolutely have packages for the wedding itself, but we need to work a little harder in creating that entire package so it’s easier for couples to compare apples to apples rather than apples to oranges.”
With the global destination wedding market poised for significant growth, Las Vegas has the opportunity to expand its offerings and attract more couples looking for both value and luxury in their wedding celebrations.
🌎 James Dolan and Dana White Gear Up for Groundbreaking UFC 306 at the Sphere
James Dolan, the executive chairman and CEO of Sphere Entertainment, is preparing for the highly anticipated UFC 306 event at the Sphere. While Dolan appreciates the excitement surrounding the event, he admits that Dana White’s fervent promotion is adding to the pressure.
The Hype Around UFC 306
UFC 306, set to take place on September 14, has been touted by UFC President Dana White as a groundbreaking event. White's bold claim that it will be "the greatest sporting event of all time" has set high expectations. “Dana’s making it harder, just being Dana,” Dolan remarked. “He’s already said we’re going to be the greatest thing ever. I’m like, ‘Oh, my God.’”
Unique Challenges of the Sphere
The Sphere, known for its state-of-the-art immersive technology, presents unique opportunities and challenges for hosting a live sporting event. “We did the NHL Draft, which was live, but there was no live action,” Dolan explained. “The real challenge is taking the whole inside of the Sphere and making it immersive and experiential. You’re not just watching guys in the octagon and on the screen. That is what Dana’s going after.”
Immersive Experience
One of the key features that will differentiate UFC 306 from other events is the use of the Sphere's haptic technology. This multi-sensory system, developed by Powersoft, will make the audience feel the impacts within the octagon. “When the big guy falls, you’re gonna feel it,” Dolan said, referring to the vibrating chairs that will enhance the viewing experience.
Setting a New Standard
UFC 306 aims to set a new standard for live sporting events, combining the thrill of mixed martial arts with cutting-edge immersive technology. The Sphere’s 16K LED screen, 160,000 speakers, and advanced haptic systems will create an unparalleled sensory experience for attendees. The integration of these technologies is designed to make the audience feel like they are part of the action.
Economic Impact and Anticipation
The event is expected to draw a massive audience, contributing significantly to the local economy. With UFC events already known for their high ticket sales and viewership, UFC 306 is poised to break records. White has projected that the event will generate the largest gate in UFC history, surpassing previous records set at venues like T-Mobile Arena.
Beyond UFC 306
Looking ahead, Dolan envisions the Sphere hosting a variety of immersive sporting events, leveraging its advanced technology to attract major leagues and sports franchises. “This is just the beginning,” Dolan said. “We’re looking to redefine what’s possible in live sports entertainment.”
Community and Cultural Impact
In addition to the economic boost, UFC 306 is expected to enhance Las Vegas's reputation as a premier destination for world-class events. The city's rich history with combat sports and its vibrant entertainment scene make it the perfect location for such a landmark event.
Conclusion
As the countdown to September 14 continues, the excitement for UFC 306 at the Sphere is palpable. With Dana White’s high expectations and James Dolan’s vision for an immersive experience, fans can anticipate an event that will not only be a highlight of the year but also a game-changer in the world of live sports entertainment.
Summerlin Area Command - Week Ending: June 28, 2024
Courtesy of The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
📌🏠 Summerlin South - June 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.