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- 👮♂️ Las Vegas Sheriff Advocates for Red-Light and Speed Cameras Amid Rising Traffic Deaths
👮♂️ Las Vegas Sheriff Advocates for Red-Light and Speed Cameras Amid Rising Traffic Deaths
Issue #297 - September 29, 2024
John Wu
29 Sep
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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 Sheriff Advocates for Red-Light and Speed Cameras Amid Rising Traffic Deaths
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill is pushing for the installation of red-light and speed cameras across the Las Vegas Valley, citing a rising number of fatal crashes caused by reckless driving. The cameras, which have been in use in over 200 U.S. communities since they were first introduced in Arizona in 1987, have faced resistance in Nevada, but McMahill believes 2025 could be the right time to implement them.
McMahill, disheartened by the toll of seeing “broken and mangled” bodies due to traffic accidents, is in discussions with legislators about changing state laws to allow the use of traffic cameras for enforcement. Current law only allows traffic cameras if they are handheld or installed in police vehicles or facilities. The sheriff believes cameras could curb dangerous driving behaviors in ways that a larger police presence cannot.
Rising Traffic Fatalities
Nevada has seen an alarming rise in traffic-related deaths, with over 260 fatalities by the end of August 2024, according to data from Zero Fatalities, the state's traffic safety program. Contributing factors such as speeding and impaired driving have led to projections that 2024 could surpass last year’s already high death toll.
Advocates for traffic cameras, like UNLV's Road Equity Alliance Project Director Erin Breen, argue that these devices can save lives. Breen expressed frustration that Nevada hasn't yet embraced what she calls "safety cameras," noting that in other cities with traffic cameras, fatality rates have dropped. The Nevada Department of Public Safety also acknowledges that traffic cameras offer “proven benefits,” though they don’t have an official stance on their legalization.
Opposition and Concerns
Despite their potential benefits, traffic cameras are a contentious issue. The American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada (ACLU) is among the most vocal critics. Athar Haseebullah, executive director of the ACLU Nevada, cited concerns about outsourcing traffic camera operations to third-party companies, which often receive a commission on tickets, potentially incentivizing excessive ticketing.
Haseebullah also raised privacy concerns, saying that widespread camera use could increase surveillance on citizens. McMahill countered this by noting that most intersections already have surveillance cameras, suggesting there’s no expectation of privacy on public roads.
Another major concern, echoed by both Haseebullah and McMahill, is the potential for these cameras to disproportionately impact low-income and minority communities. Studies have shown that traffic cameras can place financial burdens on these groups, leading to higher rates of ticketing in already underserved areas. To address this, McMahill proposed starting with the 20 highest-collision intersections and then expanding to other areas, ensuring fairness in deployment.
Breaking Dangerous Habits
For law enforcement officials like Metro traffic bureau Sgt. Richard Rundell, traffic cameras represent a valuable tool in combating dangerous driving. While cameras won’t eliminate all fatal crashes, Rundell believes they can complement a stronger police presence to curb speeding, a leading cause of deadly accidents. “When we add speed to these collisions, that’s what’s killing people,” he said.
The problem of speeding escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic when empty roads led to riskier behavior behind the wheel. More than 4,000 speeding tickets were issued in 2020 to drivers exceeding 100 mph, and the trend hasn’t subsided. Rundell, Breen, and other experts agree that bad driving habits have persisted even after pandemic restrictions were lifted.
While traffic cameras may lead to more rear-end crashes at intersections, McMahill pointed out that such accidents tend to occur at lower speeds and are rarely fatal. His goal is to promote safer driving habits, even if it means a period of adjustment for drivers.
“We’ve got to get used to actually slowing down and saving lives,” McMahill said. “That’s the intent behind what I’m trying to do.”
By advocating for traffic cameras, McMahill hopes to reduce the number of preventable deaths on Las Vegas roads, ensuring that dangerous driving behaviors are met with consequences, and ultimately making the valley’s streets safer for everyone.
The Raiders, led by first-year head coach Antonio Pierce, find themselves at a critical juncture after a tough 36-22 loss to the Panthers on Sept. 22, dropping them to a 1-2 record. With several key players sidelined by injuries, including stars Maxx Crosby and Davante Adams, the team’s depth and resilience are being put to the test. As the Raiders prepare to host the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Pierce faces his biggest challenge yet in navigating his squad through this early-season adversity.
Pierce, known for his fiery leadership and motivational style, is focused on maintaining the right mindset. "When I say words to players, talking about character, for example, I’m talking about myself as well," Pierce said. "How do I handle adversity? How do I handle situations that you didn’t quite see (coming)?"
Injury Woes Mount
The Raiders are grappling with a wave of injuries. Defensive end Maxx Crosby is doubtful for Sunday’s game due to a high-ankle sprain, and wide receiver Davante Adams is ruled out after suffering a hamstring injury during Thursday's practice. Right tackle Thayer Munford Jr. is also doubtful with knee and ankle issues. Meanwhile, starting safety Marcus Epps and defensive end Malcolm Koonce are out for the season with knee injuries, further depleting the roster.
Despite these setbacks, Pierce is determined not to let the injuries become an excuse, emphasizing the importance of team effort. "The message to the team is that of team, and what our thought process is," Pierce said. "The mindset this week was character, being a pro, having another opportunity at home."
Learning From Defeat
The loss to the Panthers, who were previously winless, led to a series of honest and open discussions between Raiders players and coaches. These conversations allowed everyone—from players to coaches—to address what went wrong and how to improve.
“It wasn’t just about the players,” running back Zamir White said. “It was about everybody. The whole building. So, we really got personal. We talked about it, and we learned from it.”
Cornerback Nate Hobbs echoed similar sentiments, saying the team’s discussions "needed to happen." The candid conversations were a chance for players to clear the air, express frustrations, and recommit to the team’s goals.
Pierce’s Leadership Under the Spotlight
One of Pierce’s defining traits as a coach is his directness, never hesitating to call out a lack of effort when necessary. After the Panthers game, Pierce publicly questioned whether some of his players made "business decisions"—a reference to not giving maximum effort.
Though such statements could cause division in some locker rooms, Pierce's honesty is part of his leadership style. He fosters an environment of open communication, encouraging players to hold each other accountable and express themselves freely. This approach is appreciated by his players, who see his candidness as a way to improve.
“This is a grown man’s business,” said defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. “It’s professional football. That’s the only way you can improve.”
A Crucial Moment
For Pierce, this is the first major test of his tenure as Raiders head coach. Last year, he guided the team to a 5-4 finish as interim coach, but the Panthers loss marks the first time his players’ effort has been seriously questioned. How the Raiders respond this week against the Browns will provide insight into Pierce’s leadership and the team’s character.
“It’s my first time going through that situation as a head coach, right?” Pierce acknowledged. The players, however, are also accepting responsibility. “We’re the ones out there on the field,” wide receiver Tre Tucker said. “We’re the ones who have to make the catch, the pass, the tackle, whatever it may be.”
For the Raiders to get back on track, they will need a strong, player-led response. Davante Adams believes that ownership from the players is key: “The player-led teams are the ones that do the best, in my mind. And that’s how you sustain it.”
As the Raiders face the Browns, Pierce knows that this game could define the trajectory of their season. “My leadership, getting these guys going, getting them ready to play and (making) sure we put out a good product on the field,” Pierce said, will be crucial.
The stakes are high, and Sunday’s game will be a litmus test for Pierce and his wounded team. Whether they can rally from their injuries and poor performance last week will speak volumes about their potential to turn the season around.
🎶 Downtown Las Vegas Hosts Neon City Festival Amid Formula One Excitement
The Neon City Festival is set to make a splash in Downtown Las Vegas from November 22-24, featuring art and music installations, including a standout attraction previously seen at Burning Man. According to planning records filed with the city, a 60-foot-long art car named Titanic’s End, equipped with pyrotechnics and a DJ stage, will be one of the main features of the festival. This installation debuted at Burning Man in 2022 and will now find a new audience during Formula One Grand Prix weekend.
The festival, organized by local casino operators and tourism officials, aims to boost downtown visitation during the high-profile race weekend. Though not officially part of F1’s race week plans, the free, all-ages event is strategically designed to attract more visitors to the downtown area, where some operators reported lower-than-expected turnout during last year’s inaugural F1 event.
Neon Trees, Alison Wonderland, Russell Dickerson, and Seven Lions are set to headline the music festival, with rapper Macklemore initially included but dropped following controversial comments during a recent performance.
In addition to the art installations, a culinary area featuring 10 food trucks and five open-air food vendors is planned for the Downtown Event Center, with additional food trucks stationed around the Fremont Street Experience. Security checkpoints will be set up around Third Street Stage, and tentative road closures have been proposed for various streets in the downtown area from Nov. 22-24, to ensure smooth pedestrian and vehicle flow during the event.
Local casino operators, such as Circa owner Derek Stevens, see the festival as a way to make better use of downtown’s resources, such as hotel rooms and staff, after last year’s inaugural F1 race failed to deliver the anticipated visitation levels to the area. The festival is backed by a $1 million sponsorship from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and contributions from downtown resorts.
The event is expected to create an energetic downtown atmosphere, with art, music, food, and fun for locals and tourists alike, offering a lively alternative to the Formula One events happening elsewhere in the city.
😋 Lucino’s Pizzeria Returns Bigger and Better After Fire, Reopens on Tropicana
The beloved family-owned pizzeria, Lucino’s, known for its specialty pies, Philly cheesesteaks, and hearty hoagies, is making a triumphant return. After closing suddenly in April due to an exterior electrical fire that damaged its location on East Tropicana Avenue, Lucino’s is reopening its doors this Saturday at 11 a.m. in a new space, about half a mile west from its original site on Tropicana.
The new location offers a significant upgrade from the original. It boasts more than double the space, twice as many pizza ovens, and expanded seating capacity. Lucino’s is also introducing new menu items, while proudly displaying its iconic sign from the former location in a prominent place inside.
A Bigger and Better Lucino’s Experience
The original Lucino’s was a compact 1,200-square-foot space, limiting its ability to serve customers efficiently and offer a wider menu. The new pizzeria, located at 3035 E. Tropicana Ave., Suites E and F, spans 2,700 square feet and can seat 50 diners, transforming the experience from primarily takeout to a family-friendly dining destination.
Giuseppe “Joey” Scolaro, who runs the restaurant with his parents, expressed excitement about the expansion. “It’s an appealing dining room. This is a nice family place. You can come in on a Friday and Saturday night — we want to be that Vegas place,” Scolaro said. He expects a busy reopening day, noting, “I’m expecting Saturday to be crazy.”
Upgraded Pizza Production and New Menu Items
With four gas deck ovens, up from the original two, Lucino’s is poised to handle orders more efficiently while expanding its pizza offerings. Some of the new menu items include the Vodka Chicken Parm, featuring vodka sauce and breaded chicken breast slices, and the Bryce Harper pizza, named after the Philadelphia Phillies star, topped with ricotta and chopped broccoli.
Another new creation, the Brotherly Shove, features imported mortadella, pistachio, basil, and a drizzle of honey. The name is a playful nod to a football move by the Philadelphia Eagles, also known as the Tush Push, reflecting Scolaro’s love for his hometown team.
For pizza lovers, the new shop will also offer a $20 all-you-can-enjoy pizza special, featuring a variety of styles to satisfy different tastes.
Pasta and Hoagies Make Their Debut
The expanded kitchen also allows Lucino’s to add pasta dishes to the menu for the first time, including three named after members of the Scolaro family. These include:
Avanni alla Vodka: Marinated chicken with Pecorino-Romano.
Nonna’s Bolognese: Served with thin spaghetti.
Arianna’s Alfredo: A generous portion of fettuccine (over half a pound) topped with chicken.
Scolaro noted that customers had long requested Alfredo dishes, but the original space didn’t allow for their preparation. “We didn’t have the areas to cook a lot of those things,” he explained.
The hoagies and subs menu also features new options like the Carini, named for the Sicilian town where Scolaro’s father was born, and the Vinny Gambini, inspired by the character from My Cousin Vinny. Both sandwiches are made with imported Italian pancetta and mortadella, offering an authentic taste of Italy.
A Nod to the Past
Lucino’s may be in a new location, but it’s brought a piece of the original with it. The restaurant’s old sign, which once read “Lucino’s Pizza” with Lucino’s in white and Pizza in red, now hangs above the pizza ovens inside the dining room. “We took it and converted it so now it can show plain white or multiple colors,” Scolaro said, adding that on Eagles game days, the sign will shine in the team’s midnight green.
As Lucino’s reopens with more space, new menu offerings, and a continued commitment to quality, it’s set to reclaim its place as a go-to spot for pizza lovers in Las Vegas. Whether you’re stopping in for a slice, a hoagie, or a sit-down meal with the family, Lucino’s is ready to welcome you back.
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.