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- 🎬 Sony CEO Advocates for Film Tax Credits as Key to Boosting Nevada's Film Industry
🎬 Sony CEO Advocates for Film Tax Credits as Key to Boosting Nevada's Film Industry
Issue #261 - August 24, 2024
John Wu
24 Aug
san
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
🎬 Sony CEO Advocates for Film Tax Credits as Key to Boosting Nevada's Film Industry
Sony Pictures Entertainment President and CEO Tony Vinciquerra highlighted the critical role of proposed film tax credits in the development of a thriving film and television industry in Southern Nevada. Speaking at the Las Vegas Perspective, the 44th annual economic forum hosted by the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance, Vinciquerra emphasized that these tax incentives are the final piece needed to launch a major new production campus in the region.
Sony Pictures, in partnership with Howard Hughes Corporation, has proposed a 31-acre production campus located on Town Center Drive near the 215 Beltway. The project, which has already received zoning approval from Clark County officials, is poised to move forward as soon as the Nevada Legislature approves the necessary tax credits.
“We’re, for lack of a better term, shovel ready,” Vinciquerra said during his address. “As soon as we have the agreement from the Legislature to provide incentives, we’ll start digging and we’ll be up and running within a year.”
The proposed Sony studio is expected to be a significant economic driver for the area, with plans to invest $500 million into the construction of the facility, which will include 10 sound stages, supporting workshops, a cafeteria, and office space. The development is projected to create 19,000 construction jobs during its build-out and 15,000 ongoing studio and ancillary jobs once operational.
Vinciquerra's remarks came during a week when another major studio, Warner Bros. Discovery, announced its own plans to build a 34-acre campus in Southwest Las Vegas. Warner Bros.’ proposal includes a staggering $8.5 billion investment over 17 years, contingent on the approval of similar tax credits.
Legislative Approval Needed for Film Incentives
Both the Sony and Warner Bros. projects are dependent on the passage of a state legislative proposal that would expand film tax credits in Nevada. This proposal, championed by Sen. Roberta Lange, D-Las Vegas, is set to be considered in the 2025 legislative session. The proposed legislation could create up to $95 million in annual film tax credits, providing a significant incentive for studios to invest in long-term infrastructure in the state.
The requirement for studios to build infrastructure before becoming eligible for these credits is a strategic move designed to encourage a lasting commitment from the film industry, rather than short-term projects that only bring temporary benefits to the local economy.
David O’Reilly, CEO of Howard Hughes Corporation, echoed Vinciquerra’s sentiments, noting that the involvement of major industry players like Warner Bros. is a strong validation of Las Vegas' potential as a future film industry hub. “I think more than anything else, seeing other production companies like Warner Brothers and the others that have called Tony and myself are a validation of the opportunity we have here in Las Vegas to become the next film capital of the world,” O’Reilly said.
Diversifying Southern Nevada’s Economy
The discussions at the Las Vegas Perspective event also focused on broader strategies for economic diversification in Southern Nevada. In addition to the film industry, speakers highlighted the medical sector as a key area for growth. Clark Otley, Chief Medical Officer of Mayo Clinic Platform, discussed lessons from Rochester, Minnesota, where the Mayo Clinic has played a central role in the city’s economic development. He advised Las Vegas to focus on building a future-oriented healthcare system rather than one based on current standards.
“Don’t build the health care of today,” Otley urged. “Leapfrog and build the health care of tomorrow. Think about what amazing things you do, where you have real content expertise and try to win in those regards.”
Jeremy Aguero of Applied Analysis pointed out several challenges that the Las Vegas area must address as it seeks to diversify its economy, including slowing population growth, high unemployment rates, limited land availability, and rising housing costs. He emphasized the need for intentional planning to ensure that growth enhances the region's strengths rather than undermines them.
“We need to be intentional about how we grow and what it means in terms of housing, in terms of transportation, in terms of the industries that we focus on,” Aguero said. “Because if we just let it happen to us, it’s going to break the thing that has worked so well for all of us.”
As the Nevada Legislature prepares to consider the proposed film tax credits, the stakes are high for the future of Southern Nevada’s economy. The success of the Sony and Warner Bros. projects could position Las Vegas as a new epicenter for film and television production, diversifying the region’s economy and creating thousands of new jobs in the process.
🏈 Raiders Tie 49ers 24-24 in Preseason Finale as Roster Battles Intensify
The Las Vegas Raiders concluded their preseason with a 24-24 tie against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium on Friday night. With the regular season just around the corner, the Raiders, who finished the preseason with a 0-2-1 record, chose to sit their starters and most key backups, giving players on the roster bubble a final chance to impress the coaching staff.
Kicker Daniel Carlson nailed a 43-yard field goal with 21 seconds remaining to secure the tie. However, the real story of the night was the performance of several young players and hopefuls fighting for roster spots.
1. Tyreik McAllister Shines in Roster Push
Wide receiver and special teams standout Tyreik McAllister made a compelling case for a roster spot with an electrifying performance. McAllister, who played college football at the University of Charleston and spent time in the Canadian Football League, showcased his playmaking ability with an 81-yard punt return for a touchdown and a 35-yard touchdown reception.
McAllister’s versatility, especially his prowess on special teams, could earn him a spot on the practice squad if not the 53-man roster. “It felt good to go out there and make plays,” McAllister said. “Everyone knew this was going to be a big game for the guys playing, so you wanted to leave your best impression in the last game.” Raiders coach Antonio Pierce praised McAllister’s performance, stating, “We’ve been seeing it in practice, but today, he took it to another level.”
2. Defensive Line Shows Flashes but Needs Improvement
The Raiders’ young defensive line had a mixed night against the 49ers. While several players delivered highlight moments, including first-half sacks from Matthew Butler, Byron Young, and Charles Snowden, the unit struggled with consistency, particularly against the run. San Francisco rushed for 77 yards in the first half, exposing ongoing issues with the Raiders’ run defense.
Raiders coach Antonio Pierce acknowledged the problem, saying, “I don’t think it’s good enough. That’s not our standard. We don’t want anybody just creasing us down the middle of the field.” Despite the challenges, the performance of the young defensive linemen in applying pressure was a positive takeaway as the team looks to solidify its depth.
3. Dylan Laube’s Night Ends in Disappointment
Rookie running back Dylan Laube, who had shown promise earlier in training camp, experienced a rollercoaster of a game. After starting strong with an 11-yard gain on back-to-back carries, Laube’s night took a turn for the worse when he fumbled after a big hit following a catch. The turnover led to his benching for the remainder of the game, a disappointing outcome for a player who was on the cusp of securing a roster spot.
Laube's performance may have cast doubt on his chances of making the final roster. While he had previously seemed like a strong candidate, especially with his speed and athleticism, Friday’s fumble could weigh heavily in the coaching staff’s final decisions.
Final Thoughts and What’s Next
As the Raiders prepare to trim their roster to 53 players by Tuesday’s deadline, the performances in this preseason finale will be closely analyzed. McAllister’s dynamic showing likely boosted his chances of sticking with the team in some capacity, while the defensive line’s mixed results suggest further evaluation is needed to shore up the unit.
With the regular season opener approaching, the Raiders will look to address these final roster decisions and iron out any remaining issues as they aim to start strong in the 2023 season.
❎ RFK Jr. Suspends Independent Campaign, Endorses Trump in Surprise Move
In a dramatic twist in the 2024 presidential race, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suspended his independent campaign for the White House and endorsed former President Donald Trump on Friday. The move, which could significantly alter the dynamics of the race, was marked by Kennedy joining Trump onstage at a rally in Arizona, where he was met with enthusiastic cheers of “Bobby!” from the crowd.
Kennedy explained that his internal polling indicated his continued candidacy would likely hurt Trump’s chances and benefit the Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, though public polls have not consistently shown this impact. Citing key issues like free speech, the war in Ukraine, and what he described as "a war on our children," Kennedy stated these were the reasons that initially drove him to leave the Democratic Party and run as an independent, and now to support Trump.
“These are the principal causes that persuaded me to leave the Democratic Party and run as an independent, and now to throw my support to President Trump,” Kennedy said during his Phoenix event. Despite endorsing Trump, Kennedy clarified that he is not formally ending his bid for the presidency and that his supporters can continue backing him in states where his name remains on the ballot.
Kennedy has already taken steps to withdraw from the race in key battleground states like Arizona and Pennsylvania. However, in states like Nevada, Michigan, and Wisconsin, it is too late for him to remove his name from the ballot, meaning his candidacy could still influence the election outcome in those regions.
A New Alliance
Kennedy's endorsement of Trump followed weeks of private conversations between the two, with Kennedy framing their partnership as a “unity party.” He hinted that Trump had offered him a position in a future administration, possibly as Secretary of Health and Human Services, though no specific details were provided.
The announcement ended days of speculation after a Pennsylvania court filing from Kennedy’s campaign indicated he would be endorsing Trump, though a spokesperson later claimed the filing was made in error. Despite the confusion, Kennedy confirmed his endorsement in a speech where he criticized the Democratic Party, the media, and political institutions before praising Trump.
Trump, who was in Las Vegas promoting his “no tax on tips” plan, celebrated Kennedy’s endorsement, stating, “We just had a very nice endorsement... I want to thank Bobby — It was very nice.” Later that evening, Kennedy joined Trump onstage at a rally in Glendale, Arizona, where the former president introduced him as “a man who has been an incredible champion for so many of these values that we all share.”
During the rally, Trump referenced Kennedy’s famous family, suggesting that his slain uncle, President John F. Kennedy, and father, Robert F. Kennedy, would be proud of him. Trump also pledged to create a commission to release all remaining documents related to JFK’s assassination and proposed working with Kennedy to investigate the rise in chronic health conditions among children.
A Shocking Shift
Kennedy’s endorsement of Trump marks a surprising shift in the political landscape, given his storied family’s deep roots in Democratic politics. Just a year ago, it would have been inconceivable for a Kennedy to align with Trump, but recent months have seen growing tensions between Kennedy and his family, who have remained staunch supporters of the Democratic Party. Five of Kennedy’s siblings issued a statement condemning his decision, calling it “a sad ending to a sad story.”
Kennedy acknowledged the personal cost of his decision, admitting it has caused strain within his family. His wife, actor Cheryl Hines, expressed her respect for his decision to suspend his campaign but did not comment on his endorsement of Trump.
The Harris campaign responded by reaching out to Kennedy’s supporters, with campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon appealing to those “tired of Donald Trump and looking for a new way forward.” She emphasized that Harris wanted to earn their support.
At Kennedy’s Phoenix event, his supporters appeared divided. Some, like 38-year-old Casey Westerman, said they trusted Kennedy’s judgment and would now support Trump, while others were disappointed by the endorsement.
Kennedy’s Campaign Falters
Kennedy initially entered the 2024 race as a Democrat but shifted to an independent bid last fall. He garnered a strong base of support, particularly among anti-establishment voters and vaccine skeptics, but his campaign has struggled with financial and legal challenges. Recent polls place Kennedy’s support in the mid-single digits, raising questions about his potential impact on the general election.
Despite these challenges, Kennedy’s decision to endorse Trump could have significant implications for the election, especially in battleground states where his continued presence on the ballot may influence the outcome. As the race heats up, the unexpected alliance between Trump and Kennedy adds a new layer of complexity to an already unpredictable election season.
🎰 Aristocrat Gaming Opens Major Slot Machine Production Facility in Henderson
Aristocrat Gaming, a subsidiary of the Australia-based Aristocrat Leisure Ltd., has officially opened a state-of-the-art slot machine production facility in Henderson, Nevada. The new facility, which spans approximately 265,000 square feet, is set to become the company's primary hub for manufacturing and distribution across North and Latin America.
The facility marks a significant expansion for Aristocrat Gaming, known for producing popular slot machine titles such as Buffalo, Dollar Storm, Dragon Link, and Lightning Link, as well as licensed games based on high-profile franchises like the NFL, "Dune," "Game of Thrones," and the upcoming "House of the Dragon."
Deanne McKissick, Chief Supply Chain Officer for Aristocrat Gaming, highlighted the long journey leading to the facility’s opening, which took about seven years of planning and development. Construction crews broke ground in April 2022, and operations at the site began in July 2023.
“This team has been waiting for this for a long time, and we’re happy that we’re finally here and we have the ability to grow into our future,” McKissick said during the opening ceremony.
The new facility significantly increases Aristocrat Gaming's production capacity, addressing the rising demand for its products. The factory now boasts 12 production lines, up from eight at the previous location, and has doubled the number of dock doors to 22. Additionally, the site offers 100,000 square feet of storage space and includes 25,000 square feet dedicated to office space. The company also has plans to expand further into another building on the campus by 2025, where it will house its tech services, design and development teams, and other support functions.
Located off Volunteer Boulevard at Pollack Street, near the M Resort and the Las Vegas Raiders headquarters, this new manufacturing center positions Aristocrat Gaming closer to key partners and markets. The company’s North American headquarters, situated near Flamingo Road and Town Center Drive, will continue to operate, complementing the new Henderson facility.
The opening of this production facility represents a strategic move for Aristocrat Gaming, enabling the company to scale its operations and better meet the growing demands of the gaming industry across the Americas.
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 9, 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.