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- ☀ Las Vegas Valley Braces for 105-Degree Heat; Cooling Stations Open Through Sunday
☀ Las Vegas Valley Braces for 105-Degree Heat; Cooling Stations Open Through Sunday
Issue #295 - September 27, 2024
John Wu
27 Sep
Dear SummerSouth Insiders!
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📌✅ Classifieds
🚄 Brightline West Secures $3 Billion Federal Grant, Construction on Vegas-to-California Rail to Begin Early 2024
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📆 Weekly Local Events for September 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
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: 7PM (Every week on Tuesday), FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @rundrinklv FOR THE LATEST WEATHER/TIMING UPDATES
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)
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
☀ Las Vegas Valley Braces for 105-Degree Heat; Cooling Stations Open Through Sunday
The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for the Las Vegas Valley and northeast Clark County as temperatures are set to soar once again, reaching dangerously high levels. From Friday through Sunday, temperatures are forecasted to reach between 102 and 105 degrees, prompting officials to activate cooling stations across the area. The warning is in effect from 10 a.m. Friday to 8 p.m. Sunday.
This heat wave comes after an already record-breaking summer, with Thursday’s temperature at Harry Reid International Airport hitting 100 degrees, marking the 102nd day in 2024 where Las Vegas has recorded a high of 100 degrees or more. This breaks previous records, reinforcing concerns about the ongoing extreme heat’s toll on public health and safety.
Clark County Cooling Stations Activated
In response to the heat warning, Clark County officials are reopening cooling stations to provide relief for those vulnerable to the intense conditions. The cooling centers are available to anyone seeking shelter from the heat, including people experiencing homelessness and those without access to air conditioning. A list of these cooling centers, which include community centers and libraries, can be found at HelpHopeHome.org.
Cooling stations will be open during daytime hours throughout the heat warning, providing a much-needed respite as temperatures climb. These locations offer air-conditioned spaces, hydration, and shelter to prevent heat-related illnesses, which tend to spike during extreme weather events like this.
The National Weather Service underscored the dangers of excessive heat, warning that heat-related illnesses can increase dramatically during these extreme conditions. In their statement, the agency urged residents to take precautions, such as drinking plenty of fluids, staying indoors in air-conditioned spaces, avoiding sun exposure, and checking on neighbors and relatives, especially those who are elderly or vulnerable.
Heat-Related Deaths and Public Safety Concerns
The heat has been a significant factor in public health throughout the year. According to the Clark County coroner’s office, at least 342 deaths in the county have been linked to heat so far in 2024, setting a new record. This number is expected to grow as more cases are still under review to determine if heat was a contributing factor.
The coroner’s office has been overwhelmed by the impact of the ongoing heat wave. Many of those affected are part of vulnerable populations, including the homeless, elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions, who are particularly susceptible to heat-related complications. Public health experts have continued to warn about the dangerous combination of sustained high temperatures and limited access to cooling resources.
Wider Regional Impact
Beyond the Las Vegas Valley, other areas in the region are also facing extreme heat. The lower Colorado River Valley and the Lake Mead National Recreation Area are expected to experience even hotter conditions, with temperatures forecasted to reach between 108 and 110 degrees through the weekend. These areas, popular with tourists and outdoor enthusiasts, pose additional risks as heat illness can set in quickly without proper precautions. Officials are urging anyone visiting these areas to take extra measures to stay cool and hydrated.
Community Preparedness
Clark County officials and community partners have been working to ensure that resources are available for those most at risk during the heat wave. The cooling centers are part of a broader effort to prevent heat-related illnesses and deaths, providing safe havens for those who need them. Emergency services are also on alert, prepared to respond to heat-related emergencies as they arise.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed and take the heat warning seriously. The National Weather Service and Clark County are urging everyone to plan accordingly and limit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day. The public is also reminded to be mindful of signs of heat-related illness, such as dizziness, nausea, excessive sweating, and confusion, and to seek medical attention if necessary.
This latest heat wave is yet another reminder of the growing challenge of extreme weather conditions in the Las Vegas area, which continues to break temperature records year after year. As temperatures rise and the frequency of heat waves increases, the importance of community preparedness and public awareness cannot be overstated.
🏈 Raiders Safety Isaiah Pola-Mao on Overcoming Challenges and His Excitement for Sunday’s Start
Isaiah Pola-Mao, now in his third year with the Las Vegas Raiders, is stepping into the spotlight as the team’s starting safety after Marcus Epps suffered a season-ending knee injury. The former USC star and nephew of Hall of Fame safety Troy Polamalu has had a journey marked by perseverance, mental toughness, and a deep love for football, all of which will be on display when he makes his first NFL start this Sunday against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Pola-Mao, who went undrafted out of USC, has been preparing for this moment all season. Despite not starting, he’s taken every opportunity to train as though he’d be called upon, knowing how quickly the physical nature of football can lead to changes in the lineup. “I’ve been preparing this whole season,” he said. “Even when I’m a backup, I’m still preparing like I’m going to play. It’s a violent game we play. Injuries are part of it.”
The Raiders’ coaching staff has placed their trust in Pola-Mao to fill the void left by Epps, a crucial leader in the Raiders' secondary. Pola-Mao understands the weight of the responsibility and is determined not to let his teammates down. “I just don’t want to let the guys down, especially after losing a guy like Epps. He’s a leader, our voice in the back end. It’s really on me and Tre’von [Moehrig] to make that presence felt like there’s no void there. We have to just keep going.”
Learning from a Legend
Pola-Mao carries with him the wisdom imparted by his uncle, Troy Polamalu, whose legacy as one of the greatest safeties in NFL history casts a long shadow. Despite this, Pola-Mao has found his own path. When asked about the best advice he’s received from his uncle, he shared, “Just sticking to your path. There’s a bunch of things that can get you off course, but as long as you stay humble and focused, keep your circle tight, trust your family, you should be OK.”
This philosophy has guided Pola-Mao through difficult times, including a period after his senior season at USC when he considered stepping away from football. His confidence had hit a low point, and the weight of expectations took its toll. “It is, honestly,” he admitted when asked if he had almost quit the sport. “My confidence was low, a lot of stuff was going on, and I wasn’t really feeling it. I was down on myself. I had people in my corner, my wife and family, and I just stuck to it. Just trusting the process.”
That experience taught him the importance of mental health, something he hopes more people become aware of. “It showed me that mental health is real. It’s a serious topic that people should be aware of and how to understand themselves. Football is my safe place. It’s my safe haven.”
From Undrafted to the NFL
Going undrafted was a humbling moment for Pola-Mao, but it also reignited his passion for the game. “It was everything,” he said of proving himself after not being selected. “I went back home and back to the basics, working out in someone’s backyard. I’m not at a big facility. Just back to the basics and finding the love for the game again.”
Now, as he prepares for his first start, Pola-Mao is filled with excitement and a bit of nervous energy. “I couldn’t sleep these past couple days. It’s hard to sleep. There’s a lot of stuff on my mind. First time starting.” His main goal? To ensure there’s no drop in performance, especially in a secondary already dealing with the loss of a key player. “We have to just keep going,” he emphasized.
New Beginnings
Pola-Mao’s journey to this point has been anything but smooth, but he’s emerged stronger. Surrounded by veterans like Maxx Crosby, Tre’von Moehrig, and Robert Spillane, Pola-Mao is learning to relax and enjoy the game again. “They all have fun playing the game. That’s what I’m trying to get to.”
As he looks forward to Sunday’s matchup against the Browns, Pola-Mao also reflects on his new home in Las Vegas. “I love that you can do a little bit of everything here. If you want to go have fun, you can go down to the Strip or the Fremont [Street] Experience. But you can also get away, and it’s peaceful and quiet.”
For Pola-Mao, this weekend represents the next step in a football career that almost ended prematurely. Now, with the support of his family and teammates, and carrying the lessons of his legendary uncle, he’s ready to make the most of his opportunity.
🚄 Brightline West Secures $3 Billion Federal Grant, Construction on Vegas-to-California Rail to Begin Early 2024
The high-speed rail project connecting Las Vegas to Southern California took a significant step forward with the signing of a $3 billion grant from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to Brightline West and the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT). This grant, part of the $12 billion project, was first announced by President Joe Biden in December 2022 and is a key piece in what Brightline West CEO Michael Reininger called a "historic commitment" to revitalizing high-speed rail in the United States.
“This is a historic commitment that will jump-start the high-speed rail industry in America, creating thousands of jobs all across the country,” Reininger said. He emphasized that Brightline West would be both "American made and American built," positioning it as a blueprint for connecting cities that are too close for air travel but too far to drive.
The project, which aims to revolutionize transportation between Las Vegas and Southern California, received additional financial backing from the U.S. Department of Transportation, which authorized $3.5 billion in private activity bonding authority. These bonds allow private entities involved in public infrastructure projects to benefit from tax-exempt municipal bonds, making the project more financially feasible. Brightline plans to cover the remaining costs through a mix of debt and equity financing.
Project Timeline and Construction
Crews have already begun preparatory work over the past year by drilling geotechnical borings along Interstate 15 (I-15), which will serve as the main corridor for the high-speed rail system. With the FRA grant now finalized, heavy construction is expected to begin in early 2024 on the 218-mile rail line that will stretch from Las Vegas to Rancho Cucamonga, California.
The rail line will have multiple stations along the route, including stops in California at Hesperia and the Victor Valley. In Nevada, the main station will be constructed on Las Vegas Boulevard between Blue Diamond and Warm Springs roads, south of the Las Vegas Strip. A major maintenance facility is also planned for Sloan, just outside of Las Vegas, ensuring operational efficiency for the long term.
Economic and Employment Impact
The project is poised to bring substantial economic benefits to Nevada and California. Brightline expects to create over 35,000 jobs throughout the construction and operational phases, including 10,000 union construction jobs and 1,000 permanent jobs once the rail line is up and running.
“This project will stimulate economic growth and create jobs, providing lasting benefits for both our state and the region,” said NDOT Director Tracy Larkin Thomason. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo echoed these sentiments, stating, “Brightline West represents a historic public-private partnership opportunity, and the State of Nevada looks forward to its ongoing progress.”
Future Connectivity and Travel Experience
Once completed, the high-speed rail will significantly cut travel time between Southern California and Las Vegas, with the trip from Las Vegas to Rancho Cucamonga expected to take just two hours. The convenience and speed of the rail system will provide an attractive alternative to the notoriously congested I-15 corridor, which connects these two major regions.
The train system promises a luxurious travel experience, with various seating options catering to different passenger needs. Notably, the service will feature "party cars," equipped with on-board bars and upscale seating, creating a unique atmosphere for travelers heading to and from Las Vegas. Other amenities will include premium food and beverage options, Wi-Fi on board, and at the Brightline stations.
The majority of the rail line will run along the median of I-15, minimizing the environmental and infrastructural impact while ensuring direct and efficient service. However, a portion of the rail line will veer to the east side of the interstate as it approaches Las Vegas, allowing for optimal integration into the city’s transportation network.
Public-Private Partnership and Labor Agreements
The project represents a significant public-private partnership, with Brightline having secured labor agreements to ensure the rail system's construction, operation, and maintenance. Brightline has signed agreements with both the California and Southern Nevada Building Trades for the construction phase and the High-Speed Rail Labor Coalition for the ongoing operation and maintenance of the rail line.
Target Completion Date
The goal is for the high-speed rail system to be fully operational in time for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, offering a fast, reliable, and eco-friendly way for travelers to reach Las Vegas and vice versa. With construction set to ramp up next year and significant federal funding secured, Brightline West is well on its way to becoming one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the U.S.
In the long term, this project could serve as a model for other high-speed rail initiatives across the country, connecting densely populated regions and providing an alternative to air and automobile travel.
🎰 Las Vegas Strip Sees Gaming Decline in August, But Visitation Remains Strong
For the second consecutive month, Nevada's gaming revenue saw a decline, with August reporting a 3.8 percent drop in total gaming win. According to the Nevada Gaming Control Board, the primary factor behind this decline was bad timing—specifically, the end of August falling on a Saturday, which affected the timing of slot machine collections. Additionally, casinos held a lower percentage of money on table games, particularly baccarat, where players were luckier than usual. Despite the decline, Las Vegas visitation numbers were up for the month, indicating continued demand in the region's tourism sector.
Gaming Revenue Decline
In August, Nevada’s gaming win totaled $1.16 billion, down from the same month last year. Clark County, which encompasses the Las Vegas Strip and other key gaming areas, saw a 4.4 percent decrease in gaming win, with a total of $980.9 million. The Las Vegas Strip specifically posted a 3.5 percent decline, generating $643.7 million in gaming revenue. Downtown Las Vegas experienced an 8.8 percent drop, earning $58.4 million.
The Boulder Strip, however, took the hardest hit, with a steep 21.8 percent decrease, amounting to just $64.8 million. Michael Lawton, senior economic analyst for the Nevada Gaming Control Board, attributed much of this volatility in the Boulder Strip and Downtown Las Vegas to the month ending on a Saturday, causing slot collections to spill over into September, thereby impacting August's revenue figures. These delayed collections will be reflected in the September revenue reports.
"The Strip was negatively impacted by a low baccarat hold," Lawton explained, adding that "total win excluding baccarat increased by 2.8 percent or $15.5 million." Slot revenue timing also played a part in the Strip's underperformance.
Mesquite Defies Trends
While most of Southern Nevada's gaming markets struggled in August, Mesquite stood out with a 10.2 percent increase in gaming win, generating $14.4 million. Lawton noted that Mesquite benefited from having more weekend days compared to last year, coupled with stronger promotional efforts.
Impact of Lower Table Game Holds
A significant factor contributing to the overall decline in gaming revenue was a lower-than-average hold percentage for table games, especially baccarat. According to gaming analyst Joe Greff of J.P. Morgan, the hold percentage for table games on the Las Vegas Strip in August was 14.1 percent, down from 16.5 percent in the same month last year. For baccarat, the hold was just 10.5 percent, a sharp drop from 17.8 percent in August 2022.
Greff pointed out that while the timing of slot collections and hold percentages made the numbers appear worse, these are common quirks in Nevada’s gaming reporting system. Despite these dips, there’s no immediate cause for alarm, especially given the overall health of Las Vegas’ tourism industry.
Tourism and Visitation Increase
Despite the gaming win decline, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) reported a 2.4 percent increase in visitation, with 3.4 million people visiting Las Vegas in August. Although convention attendance was down 1.4 percent, with 638,300 attendees, the city’s occupancy rates rose to 81.2 percent, a 0.9 percent increase from the previous year. The average daily room rate (ADR) also saw a significant boost, rising 11.7 percent to $175.44.
Kevin Bagger, head of research for the LVCVA, credited the presence of the Def Con convention and the Labor Day weekend, which straddled August and September this year, for the increased weekend occupancy, which hit 90.2 percent.
In addition to higher room rates, Las Vegas experienced a 12.9 percent year-over-year increase in revenue per available room (RevPAR), reflecting stronger demand for hotel stays despite fewer major events or conventions compared to previous months.
Air Travel Continues to Climb
Harry Reid International Airport also saw continued growth, with a 5.1 percent increase in passengers in August, totaling 4.8 million arrivals and departures. This keeps the airport on pace for a record-breaking year in 2024. The top five domestic carriers all saw increases in passenger counts, with Spirit Airlines posting a notable 19.4 percent rise, handling 762,701 passengers. Southwest Airlines, the airport's top carrier, increased its traffic by 1.9 percent to 1.8 million passengers.
Outlook for September
Although August's gaming win numbers were lower than expected, analysts expect some recovery in September as the delayed slot collections are accounted for. Nevada’s gaming industry remains robust, supported by strong tourism numbers, increasing room rates, and growing air travel.
With visitation on the rise and significant promotional events planned for the rest of the year, Las Vegas remains a key destination for both domestic and international travelers. As Nevada prepares for major upcoming events like the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix in November and the Super Bowl in February 2024, the city's entertainment, hospitality, and gaming sectors are expected to see further growth.
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: September 27, 2024
Courtesy of The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
📌 🏠 Summerlin South - August 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.