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- 🦟 SNHD Warns of Severe West Nile Season as Mosquito Activity Hits Record Levels
🦟 SNHD Warns of Severe West Nile Season as Mosquito Activity Hits Record Levels
Issue #246 - August 9, 2024
John Wu
09 Aug
Dear SummerSouth Insiders!
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📆 Weekly Local Events for August 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
🦟 SNHD Warns of Severe West Nile Season as Mosquito Activity Hits Record Levels
This summer, mosquitoes are plaguing Southern Nevada neighborhoods at an alarming rate, leading to a significant increase in West Nile virus cases across the region. The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) has reported the presence of West Nile virus in 46 zip codes, signaling one of the most active mosquito seasons in recent memory.
West Nile Virus on the Rise
Vivek Raman, Environmental Health Supervisor at SNHD, expressed concern over the escalating situation. "We have seen a very active mosquito disease surveillance season," Raman stated, revealing that human cases of West Nile virus have spiked dramatically. To date, 20 people have tested positive for the virus this year, a stark increase compared to just two cases in 2022 and none in the previous two years.
The West Nile virus, first detected in Southern Nevada in 2004, emerged early in this year’s mosquito season, with the first cases reported as early as May. As the summer progresses, SNHD warns that this could become one of the worst West Nile seasons on record, potentially surpassing the 2019 outbreak when 43 human cases were reported, most of which occurred later in the summer.
Inside the SNHD Lab: Monitoring the Threat
On Thursday, FOX5 gained exclusive access to an SNHD lab, where the relentless work of tracking and testing mosquitoes is underway. Technicians meticulously analyze each captured mosquito by hand, counting them and placing them into vials for testing at the Southern Nevada Public Health lab. This year, the lab has processed 38,000 mosquitoes, a staggering increase of 20,000 from the previous year.
The sheer volume of mosquitoes being captured and tested reflects the broader public health concern. "Mosquitoes are actually the deadliest creature on the planet," Raman emphasized, noting their role in spreading life-threatening viruses worldwide. In Southern Nevada, mosquitoes are known carriers of both West Nile virus and St. Louis Encephalitis, making their control crucial for public health.
Unprecedented Mosquito Activity
The surge in mosquito numbers has been felt across Southern Nevada, from Mesquite down to Laughlin. Since April, a dedicated team of six SNHD workers has set up 2,000 mosquito traps throughout the region. Public concern is high, with over 450 mosquito activity complaints filed by residents this season alone.
The SNHD's proactive trapping and testing efforts are essential in monitoring and controlling the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. However, the rising number of positive cases in mosquitoes is mirrored by the increase in human cases, highlighting the urgency of addressing this public health threat.
Preventive Measures: Community Action Required
As Southern Nevada braces for what could be a record-breaking West Nile season, SNHD is urging the public to take preventive measures to curb the spread of the virus. "We are just getting into August, so this year has the potential to be one of the worst West Nile activity seasons that we have seen in Southern Nevada," Raman warned.
The health district recommends several key actions for residents:
Eliminate Standing Water: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Residents are urged to check their properties for standing water in items like flower pots, gutters, and bird baths, and to remove or treat these sources.
Secure Your Home: Ensure that doors and windows have intact screens to keep mosquitoes out, especially during peak activity times at dusk and dawn.
Use Mosquito Repellent: Apply insect repellent when spending time outdoors, particularly in the early morning or evening hours when mosquitoes are most active.
Looking Ahead
As the season continues, SNHD remains vigilant in its efforts to monitor and control the mosquito population. The health district’s work, combined with community cooperation, will be critical in managing the risks associated with West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases in Southern Nevada.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed and proactive in protecting themselves and their communities from this growing public health threat.
⚾ Henderson’s Paseo Verde One Win Away from Little League World Series
With elimination on the line, pitcher Gunnar Gaudin delivered a masterful performance to propel the Paseo Verde Little League team to a 4-0 victory over North Boulder (Colorado) in the Mountain Region semifinals on Thursday. The win in San Bernardino, California, ensures Paseo Verde (3-1) a spot in the championship game against Dixie (Utah) on Friday at 2 p.m., with the winner advancing to the prestigious Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Gaudin’s Dominant Outing
Gaudin was nearly untouchable on the mound, throwing a complete-game shutout and allowing just two hits while striking out five. His command and poise were evident throughout the game as he kept North Boulder’s hitters off-balance, never allowing them to mount a serious scoring threat. Gaudin’s performance was especially critical as it gave Paseo Verde the momentum and confidence needed to secure their place in the championship.
Early Offensive Support
Paseo Verde’s offense set the tone early, thanks to Caleb Gomez’s leadoff triple in the first inning. Gomez’s aggressive baserunning paid off when he scored on a fielder’s choice groundout by Russell McGee, giving the Henderson team a quick 1-0 lead. This early run provided Gaudin with the support he needed to focus on shutting down the opposition.
Adding Insurance Runs
The team extended their lead in the fourth inning when Oliver Johnson, who had a strong day at the plate going 2-for-3, crossed home plate on a wild pitch, making it 2-0. Paseo Verde capitalized on North Boulder’s defensive miscues in the fifth inning, scoring two more runs with the help of two errors, which widened the lead to 4-0 and put the game out of reach.
Securing the Victory
Gaudin’s composure was on full display as he entered the final inning. He induced his second double play of the game to face just three batters in the sixth inning, closing out the game in dominant fashion. His performance not only secured the win but also highlighted the depth and resilience of the Paseo Verde team as they continue their quest for a Little League World Series berth.
Looking Ahead
Paseo Verde will now face Dixie (Utah) in the Mountain Region championship game on Friday, with the stakes higher than ever. The game, which will be televised on ESPN, offers Paseo Verde the chance to advance to the Little League World Series, a dream for any young baseball player. The winner of this high-stakes matchup will earn the right to represent the Mountain Region on the national stage in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, starting Wednesday.
The team's impressive journey through the regionals, coupled with Gaudin's standout performance, has galvanized the Henderson community, with local support building as the young athletes edge closer to their ultimate goal.
🎰 The Evolution of Sports Gambling: BetBash Leads the Charge for Bettor Rights
The world of sports gambling in the United States is undergoing a rapid transformation, and the millions of Americans who now participate in this regulated market are scrambling to keep up. For seasoned bettors, these changes are not always welcome, as the industry shifts from its traditional roots to a more corporate-driven model.
A Changing Industry
Sports wagering was once the domain of Las Vegas casinos, neighborhood bookies, or offshore gambling operations of dubious legality. In 2024, however, sports betting is legal in 38 states and the District of Columbia, with residents in 30 of those states (and D.C.) able to place bets from their phones. This dramatic shift has created a multibillion-dollar industry where profits flow directly to corporations and government coffers, reducing any incentive to alter the current system.
The influx of new bettors has not only reshaped the market but also brought to light significant concerns about fairness and consumer protection. Many state regulators, tasked with ensuring a level playing field, often have a limited understanding of the intricacies of sports gambling. This leaves average bettors wondering where they stand in an industry that seems increasingly stacked against them.
The Voice of the Bettor: Gadoon “Spanky” Kyrollos
One of the most vocal critics of the evolving landscape is Gadoon “Spanky” Kyrollos, a seasoned professional sports gambler with a substantial social media following. With a background in the pre-regulation gambling world, where he had multiple run-ins with the law, Kyrollos has become an advocate for the average bettor navigating this unfamiliar terrain.
Frustrated by the lack of transparency and fairness in the new generation of sportsbooks, Kyrollos founded BetBash, an annual gathering designed to bring together "like-minded individuals" to share knowledge and strategies. The event, as Kyrollos describes it, aims to help bettors "trim down the bookmaker’s edge" and, in some cases, "flip that edge to the players’ advantage."
BetBash: A Growing Movement
What began as a one-night party at a Jersey City rooftop bar in 2021 has grown into a multi-day convention held at Circa hotel-casino in downtown Las Vegas, known for its "bettor-friendly" sportsbook. BetBash features breakout sessions on various topics, from legal issues in sports gambling to strategies for college football betting, and discussions on avoiding the pitfalls of chasing losses.
Kyrollos emphasizes the importance of hosting BetBash at a venue that accepts all types of action, including smart players. "If I ran BetBash at a sportsbook that winds up kicking out smart players, then what’s the point?" he said.
The Problem of Limiting Winning Gamblers
A central issue that BetBash addresses is the practice of limiting or banning gamblers who consistently win—a problem that has become more prominent in the regulated market. Since the U.S. Supreme Court's 2018 decision to strike down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, paving the way for states to legalize sports betting, the practice of cutting off winning players has shifted from an underground rumor to a hotly debated topic at regulatory and legislative meetings.
For Kyrollos and others in the industry, this practice is a betrayal of the customer. Alongside industry veterans Richard Schuetz, a former Las Vegas casino executive and gaming regulator, and Billy Walters, one of the most successful sports bettors in history, Kyrollos co-founded the American Bettors' Voice (ABV). This nonprofit advocacy group aims to represent the interests of the average sports gambler.
Advocating for the Bettor
The ABV quickly became a voice for sports gamblers, speaking in front of policymakers on issues like the banning and limiting of players. They have presented their case to influential bodies such as the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States, the North American Gaming Regulators Association, and the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
Schuetz, known for his candid criticism of lax regulatory oversight, is particularly frustrated by the notion that limiting players is a long-standing practice in Las Vegas. Drawing from his experience running the sportsbook at the Stardust casino-hotel, Schuetz recalls how the casino benefited from allowing even the most successful bettors, like Billy Walters, to place large bets. Walters’ action provided the sportsbook with invaluable information that helped them manage risk more effectively.
A Call for Better Risk Management
Schuetz argues that today's sportsbooks are missing out on this kind of valuable insight by avoiding risk altogether. "When we saw Billy’s action, we had probably better information than anybody on the planet, and then we could manage risk," Schuetz explained. "What they’re doing now is they’re just simply avoiding risk."
Kyrollos shares this concern, noting that the "ban or bankrupt" strategy employed by some sportsbooks is short-sighted and unsustainable. This approach is common overseas, where international bookmakers are now facing regulatory crackdowns that could force them to change their business models.
Bridging the Gap Between Industry and Bettors
BetBash and the ABV are working to educate everyone involved in the sports gambling industry—legislators, regulators, sportsbooks, and bettors—on the importance of fair practices. The goal is to ensure that the industry remains sustainable and that the interests of the bettors are not overlooked in the rush to maximize profits.
The success of BetBash in drawing attention to these issues has not gone unnoticed. The event now attracts industry insiders, including lawmakers and operators who are eager to engage with the betting community. Shawn Fluharty, a West Virginia delegate and president of the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States, and Thomas Gable, director of race and sportsbook at the Borgata hotel-casino in Atlantic City, were among the attendees at this year’s BetBash.
Gable emphasized the importance of maintaining a direct dialogue with bettors to ensure they have the best possible experience. "The bottom line is this industry doesn’t exist without [the customer], and we need to be cognizant of that, and give them the best experience possible," Gable said.
As sports gambling continues to evolve, the voices of bettors like those at BetBash and the American Bettors’ Voice will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the industry.
❎ Trump and Harris Set for High-Stakes Debate on September 10
ABC News announced that both Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris have agreed to a debate on September 10. This comes after Trump revealed he would participate in three debates with Harris across different networks in September, despite earlier stating he would not appear on ABC due to a lawsuit.
Debate Details and Context
The September 10 debate, moderated by David Muir and Linsey Davis, was initially slated as the second and final debate between Trump and President Joe Biden. However, Biden's decision to end his reelection bid and endorse Harris has shifted the focus entirely onto Harris and Trump. This debate is expected to be a crucial moment in a tight race, with polls showing a close contest between the two.
Additional Debates and Vice Presidential Matchup
Fox News has proposed another debate on September 4, and NBC News is planning one for September 25. Trump has also expressed interest in having his vice-presidential candidate, JD Vance, debate Harris' running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, on CBS. The network is currently discussing potential dates for this matchup.
Campaign Reactions
Trump emphasized the importance of debates to set the record straight, while Doug Emhoff, Harris' husband, expressed excitement for the upcoming face-off. Republicans, including Vance, have criticized Harris for not engaging with the media since Biden's endorsement, accusing her of relying on a TelePrompter and avoiding tough questions.
Summerlin South, NV Demographics
What is the population of Summerlin South?
What are the employment statistics in Summerlin South?
How many households are there in Summerlin South?
What are the median and average incomes in Summerlin South?
How many homeowners and renters are there in Summerlin South?
What is the level of education in Summerlin South?
What is the marital status of Summerlin South residents?
What are the most common means of transportation in Summerlin South?
Methodology & Disclaimers
Demographic data shown in this section was gathered from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release, the 2022 American Community Survey. The information is updated yearly, as soon as new data is made available by the US Census Bureau.
No representation, guarantee or warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information modified or aggregated for specific neighborhoods and/or zip codes.
Zip codes included in this demographic data: 89135
Summerlin Area Command - Week Ending: August 2, 2024
Courtesy of The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
📌 🏠 Summerlin South - July 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.