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- ⚡ Nevadans Protest Rising Utility Bills, Call for Renewable Energy at PUCN Meeting
⚡ Nevadans Protest Rising Utility Bills, Call for Renewable Energy at PUCN Meeting
Issue #298 - September 30, 2024
John Wu
30 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
⚡ Nevadans Protest Rising Utility Bills, Call for Renewable Energy at PUCN Meeting
Dozens of community members gathered to protest rising utility costs ahead of Wednesday’s Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) consumer session. The protest reflected growing frustration among Nevada residents, many of whom have seen significant increases in their utility bills, with some reporting hikes of hundreds of dollars over the past few years.
During the PUCN session, several individuals voiced concerns about the steep rise in rates, specifically targeting NV Energy for its high costs. They argued that the financial burden of increased utility bills is pushing many families to make difficult choices, such as cutting back on essentials like groceries and medications just to keep their lights on.
Kristee Watson, executive director of the Nevada Conservation League, highlighted the growing economic strain, stating, “In Nevada, we have extremely high rates, which means Nevadans are paying, in many cases, over 10 percent of their annual income on utilities. That is just a burden that is too high.” Watson emphasized the need for the state to consider renewable energy sources, which she argued could be both cleaner and more affordable, helping reduce long-term utility costs for Nevada residents.
Many protesters echoed Watson’s call, urging the PUCN to prioritize renewable energy investments as a way to address the dual challenges of climate change and the financial pressure on households. They argued that transitioning to solar energy and battery storage could create more stable and predictable energy prices, offering relief from the volatile costs associated with traditional energy sources.
In response to the criticism, NV Energy issued a statement, asserting its commitment to providing reliable and affordable energy. The utility company stated that by the end of 2024, bills in Southern Nevada would be lower than they were in 2023. NV Energy also emphasized its efforts to keep bills affordable, mentioning its 2024 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which includes proposals for more than 1,000 new megawatts of solar energy and 1,000 megawatts of battery storage.
The company acknowledged the concerns raised by customers but reassured them that the costs associated with new renewable energy projects would not impact rates or bills until those projects were fully operational. “We’ve heard from our customers, and we always work to keep bills affordable,” the statement read. NV Energy also expressed eagerness to hear from customers directly during the consumer session, reiterating its goal of advancing Nevada’s energy infrastructure in a way that balances reliability, affordability, and sustainability.
The PUCN will now review NV Energy's proposal as the debate over how to address rising utility costs and transition to cleaner energy sources continues. The outcome of the session will be crucial in determining how Nevada moves forward in meeting the energy needs of its residents while addressing environmental and economic concerns.
Defensive end Charles Snowden made two game-changing plays to seal the Raiders' 20-16 win over the Browns at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, earning himself a new nickname in the process. Snowden's teammates dubbed him "Mr. Closer" in the locker room after he helped stop Cleveland’s final drive. With the Browns threatening to score, Snowden deflected a pass on second-and-16, followed by his first solo NFL sack on fourth down, securing the victory.
“Before this, they’ve been calling me ‘Blizzard,’” Snowden said, referring to a nickname given by special teams coach Tom McMahon, who thought "Snow" didn’t sound tough enough. But after his performance, it looks like “Mr. Closer” could stick.
The game was a major moment for Snowden, who had only played six defensive snaps in his career before this season. Going undrafted in 2021, he bounced between practice squads and had stints with the Bears and Buccaneers. Injuries to Maxx Crosby and Malcolm Koonce gave him the chance to shine. Snowden has now appeared in all four of the Raiders' games this season, sharing a sack last week and delivering a standout performance on Sunday.
“It’s interesting how certain guys’ careers work,” Raiders coach Antonio Pierce said. “Here is a guy that goes undrafted, practice squad. Injuries happen, and he gets pulled up. That last play, full-blown, we needed it. Fourth-and-3, game on the line, and he did everything he could.”
Snowden expressed his emotions after the game, saying, “The ups and downs of the NFL aren’t easy, but on a day like today, it makes it all worth it.”
‘Business Decision’
Cornerback Jack Jones didn’t play in the first quarter, a decision Pierce called his own without elaborating on specifics. This came a week after Pierce had criticized some players for making "business decisions" following the team's 36-22 loss to the Panthers. The Browns scored on both drives Jones missed, taking a 10-0 lead before failing to score on offense for the rest of the game.
Offensive Variety
The Raiders got creative on offense, with seven different players logging rushing attempts, including wide receivers Tre Tucker and DJ Turner, who each scored touchdowns. Tight end Brock Bowers also had a 12-yard run. Tucker said the team is focused on getting all of its playmakers involved: “We have a plethora of playmakers, and I think we’re going to continue to try to get everyone involved throughout the season.”
Tucker had full confidence in his 3-yard touchdown run, saying, “In my head, it’s a touchdown already because nobody is running me down. It’s three yards. I’ll bet my life savings I can get three yards down there.”
Ground Game Finds Rhythm
After struggling with the run game early in the season, the Raiders finally found success, racking up 152 rushing yards on Sunday, nearly matching their total from the first three games combined. Rookie left guard Jackson Powers-Johnson said once the team started to find success on the ground, the momentum kept building: “It’s just about gaining confidence. You just need that one play where pads are popping and you feel that roar of the crowd, and it’s like, ‘OK, there it is. Let’s go.’”
Fellow rookie DJ Glaze, who started at right tackle, added, “You push a defensive lineman down the field, see the back go by, and then you can chase the ball and celebrate with your guys. That’s pretty fun.”
🏫 Area15 Announces Major Expansion with New Hotel, Housing, and Horror Attraction
Area15, the immersive art and entertainment destination in Las Vegas, is preparing for a significant expansion as it celebrates its fourth anniversary. The attraction will grow by more than 35 acres, adding a hotel, housing units, and a major themed attraction from Universal Destinations and Experiences, called Horror Unleashed, set to open by 2025.
The Las Vegas City Council is expected to formally establish a tourism improvement district to support the project, which will upgrade water and sewer infrastructure in the area. This district will allow sales tax revenue from the project to fund infrastructure improvements. Area15 CEO Winston Fisher expressed excitement about the expansion, saying, “Las Vegas is one of the most creative towns in the world… we take creativity and storytelling really seriously.”
Horror Unleashed
Horror Unleashed will be a year-round, immersive horror attraction — the first standalone horror-themed experience built by Universal. It will feature interactive experiences and rides, capitalizing on the popularity of horror films. The attraction is expected to open in time for Halloween 2025.
Expansion Plans
The project will involve building new infrastructure to support higher-density development. Area15’s expansion includes:
A 100,000-square-foot immersive horror experience
418,000 square feet of retail space
320,000 square feet of office space
A 200-room nongaming hotel
585 multifamily housing units
This expansion, detailed in a report by Johnson Consulting Group, is expected to boost Las Vegas tourism. By 2037, the project could bring in 6.9 million annual visitors and generate $796 million in on-site spending. The report also indicated that the expansion would create over 4,000 jobs and raise $15.8 million in sales tax revenue, with the majority of spending coming from out-of-state visitors.
Las Vegas City Council Approval
The proposal received unanimous approval from both the Las Vegas City Council and the Nevada Commission on Tourism, including support from Lt. Gov. Stavros Anthony, a former City Councilman. The council is expected to introduce an ordinance formally establishing the tourism improvement district in October.
Area15's Growing Influence
Since opening four years ago, Area15 has gained a reputation for appealing to younger visitors, particularly those aged 18 to 34. According to a recent study by Drive Research, 69% of Area15’s visitors fall within this age group, significantly higher than Las Vegas’s overall visitor demographics.
With a variety of immersive experiences such as Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart, Illuminarium, and more, Area15 has become a hub for interactive entertainment. New attractions, including iFLY Indoor Skydiving, Lionsgate’s John Wick Experience, and Superplastic, will further enhance its appeal.
Fisher believes the expansion will help drive even greater numbers of visitors to Las Vegas, stating, “Let’s not shoot for 42 to 45 million visitors, let’s shoot for 60 million.”
Although the goal is to complete the expansion as quickly as possible, the pace of development for the hotel and housing units will depend on regional economics and the success of current and future attractions.
🎰 Tropicana Set for Explosive Farewell with Oct. 9 Implosion and Drone Show
New details about the upcoming Tropicana hotel and casino implosion were unveiled Wednesday morning by Bally’s Entertainment, setting the stage for a significant moment in Las Vegas history. The iconic 1950s-era property, which has been a staple of the Strip for decades, will be demolished on Oct. 9 at 2:30 p.m. to clear the way for a new, state-of-the-art ballpark for the Oakland Athletics.
As part of the grand farewell, a 555-drone and fireworks show engineered by Fireworks by Grucci will light up the sky, bidding farewell to the Tropicana before both of its 23-story towers are brought down. The elaborate drone and fireworks display will serve as a tribute to the Tropicana’s long-standing history and its place in Las Vegas culture before the site transitions to its next chapter.
The implosion will be carried out by Controlled Demolition, Inc. (CDI), a company known for handling some of the largest and most complex demolitions worldwide. According to CDI, the demolition will begin with the Paradise Tower, a steel-framed structure that will be prepped with 490 pounds of explosives spread across 220 cut-point locations. This intricate setup is designed to ensure the tower falls efficiently and safely.
Following the Paradise Tower’s collapse, attention will turn to the Club Tower, which is framed with concrete. The demolition of the Club Tower will involve 1,130 boreholes drilled throughout the structure, which will be packed with 1,700 pounds of explosives. The precision and power of these explosives are critical to ensuring the tower’s safe and controlled fall.
In total, the demolition process will involve 22,000 linear feet of detonating cord, designed to sequentially ignite and bring down the structures. The implosion sequence will begin immediately after the fireworks and drone display, with both towers expected to collapse within approximately 22 seconds after the detonation button is pressed.
This dramatic implosion marks the end of an era for the Tropicana, one of the last remaining properties from the early days of the Strip, and makes way for the $1.5 billion ballpark for the Oakland A's. The project will anchor Bally’s Entertainment’s vision for the area, which also includes plans to build a new resort around the stadium, further transforming the corner of Tropicana Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard into a modern entertainment hub.
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.