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- ⛰ Red Rock Canyon: From Land Swap to Nevada's First National Conservation Area
⛰ Red Rock Canyon: From Land Swap to Nevada's First National Conservation Area
Issue #412 - January 22 2025
John Wu
22 Jan
Dear SummerSouth Insiders!
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📆 Weekly Local Events for January 2025
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
⛰ Red Rock Canyon: From Land Swap to Nevada's First National Conservation Area
Red Rock Canyon, Nevada’s first National Conservation Area, owes much of its establishment to the development of the nearby master-planned community of Summerlin.
In 1952, Howard Hughes Jr. purchased a 30,000-acre parcel along the then-undeveloped western edge of the Las Vegas Valley for $3 an acre. While initially considered as a possible site for relocating his California-based business operations, Hughes decided against development, leaving the land untouched for decades. Today, a residential acre in that area is valued at $1.27 million, according to a 2022 report by the Howard Hughes Corporation.
Hughes also acquired Spring Mountain Ranch near the sandstone cliffs of Red Rock Canyon, a historic site once used by outlaws and cattle rustlers along the Old Spanish Trail. This ranch is now part of Nevada’s state park system.
In 1988, before Summerlin’s construction began, Red Rock Canyon was officially established through a land exchange between Hughes’ Summa Corporation (a predecessor of the Howard Hughes Corporation) and the federal government. The Nature Conservancy facilitated the swap, where 5,000 acres of environmentally sensitive land were handed over in exchange for 3,000 acres more suitable for development. This exchange marked a pivotal step in Red Rock Canyon’s preservation.
A National Conservation Area
Red Rock Canyon is centered around a 13-mile scenic drive that offers visitors access to hiking trails, plants, wildlife, unique geology, camping areas, and cultural resources. The area features 26 numbered hikes and trails listed on its official website, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Management of the canyon falls under the Southern Nevada Conservancy, a nonprofit organization working in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Originally founded in 1988 as the Red Rock Canyon Interpretive Association, the group has spent more than three decades enhancing visitors’ understanding of the area’s cultural and natural significance.
Special legislation in 1990, supported by Nevada’s congressional delegation, elevated the area from recreation lands to a National Conservation Area, the seventh of its kind in the United States. This designation brought funding to protect and improve the site, which now welcomes approximately three million visitors annually.
Red Rock’s Appeal
Red Rock Canyon offers a stark contrast to the entertainment-focused Las Vegas Strip. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including rock climbing, hiking, mountain and road biking, horseback riding, and nature observation. The visitor center provides indoor and outdoor exhibits, along with a bookstore to educate and engage guests.
With its stunning landscapes and rich history, Red Rock Canyon continues to serve as a natural oasis for locals and tourists alike, highlighting the importance of preserving and celebrating Nevada’s unique environment.
🏈 Raiders Expand GM Search with Commanders’ Lance Newmark
The Las Vegas Raiders added a new candidate to their general manager search Sunday, interviewing Washington Commanders assistant general manager Lance Newmark. Newmark, who joined Washington’s front office this season after 26 years with the Detroit Lions, brings extensive experience and connections to notable coaching candidates.
Newmark’s Credentials and Ties
While with Detroit, Newmark worked alongside offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, both of whom have interviewed for the Raiders’ head coaching vacancy. Johnson is reportedly the Raiders’ top coaching target, adding to Newmark’s appeal as a potential general manager hire.
During his first season with Washington, Newmark played a role in the team’s dramatic turnaround. The Commanders improved from a 4-13 record in 2023 to a 12-5 season in 2024, powered by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, and reached the NFC title game for the first time since 1991.
Key Figures in the Hiring Process
New Raiders minority owner Tom Brady was in Las Vegas on Sunday to participate in the hiring process. Brady, who recently called the Lions-Commanders divisional playoff game, joins owner Mark Davis and minority owners Tom Wagner, Egon Durban, and Michael Meldman on the search committee.
The Raiders plan to hold interviews Monday with Giants assistant general manager Brandon Brown and Chargers assistant general manager Chad Alexander. These interviews will satisfy the NFL’s Rooney Rule, which requires teams to interview at least two external minority candidates for general manager or head coaching positions.
Coaching and GM Searches Intertwined
The Raiders’ pursuit of Ben Johnson as their top coaching candidate includes offering him influence over the general manager hire, setting them apart from competitors like the Bears and Jaguars, who already have general managers in place.
Johnson, who has also interviewed with Chicago and Jacksonville, is now available for hire after the Lions’ playoff elimination. The Raiders have also completed their Rooney Rule obligations for the coaching search, clearing the way for a decision.
The Front-Runner
Despite Newmark’s strong qualifications, Buccaneers assistant general manager John Spytek is considered the favorite for the Raiders’ GM role. Spytek, a former college teammate of Brady at Michigan, worked with him during Brady’s three-year tenure in Tampa Bay. The duo helped guide the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl 55 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
What’s Next?
With the search committee wrapping up key interviews, the Raiders are positioned to make decisions on both their general manager and head coach. Newmark’s connections to top coaching candidates and his recent success with the Commanders make him an intriguing option, but Spytek’s history with Brady and championship experience may give him the edge.
The Raiders aim to finalize their leadership team soon as they look to build a competitive roster for the 2025 season.
President Donald Trump has called for an apology from the Episcopal bishop of Washington, the Right Rev. Mariann Budde, after she made an appeal during an inaugural prayer service urging compassion for marginalized groups, including the LGBTQ+ community and undocumented migrants.
The prayer service, held at the Washington National Cathedral, was part of the traditional events marking the beginning of Trump’s second term. Budde’s sermon focused on national unity and called for mercy toward vulnerable groups. She referenced Trump’s belief in divine providence protecting him, asking him to extend that mercy to others in the country.
Trump criticized Budde for her remarks, describing her tone as ungracious and politically charged. He further accused her of bringing politics into the church and claimed her words were unhelpful and uninspiring.
Focus on Unity Amid Controversy
The prayer service, which has been a tradition since 1933, featured more than a dozen religious leaders from diverse faiths, including Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and Hindu traditions. This year’s service was planned with an emphasis on the well-being of the nation rather than the incoming administration.
Budde’s sermon emphasized themes of compassion and unity, with scripture readings highlighting care for the needy and vulnerable. She stated that unity transcends partisanship and is essential for fostering community across divisions.
Despite the event’s inclusive approach, conservative evangelicals, who are among Trump’s strongest supporters, were notably absent from the speaking program. However, prominent evangelical figures like Robert Jeffress, Paula White-Cain, and Lorenzo Sewell attended and voiced their support for Trump.
Criticism and Reaction
Budde, who has previously criticized Trump’s rhetoric and actions, including his handling of the Jan. 6 Capitol attack and a controversial Bible-holding photo op in 2020, received mixed reactions for her sermon.
Supporters of Budde praised her for speaking truth to power, with some noting that Trump and Vice President JD Vance appeared visibly uncomfortable during her remarks. Others, including Jeffress, criticized her for what they perceived as an insult to Trump, arguing that her words were divisive rather than unifying.
Music and Personal Touches
The service included musical performances tailored to Trump’s preferences, with opera singer Christopher Macchio performing Trump’s favorite songs, such as “Ave Maria” and Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” Trump, along with the congregation, sang “America the Beautiful” toward the end of the service.
Trump’s Ongoing Agenda
The prayer service came as Trump’s administration began implementing key policies, including rolling back transgender rights and tightening immigration measures. Trump also revoked security clearances for several individuals he views as political adversaries.
As the service concluded, Trump thanked the clergy members who participated, except for Budde, whom he deliberately ignored. The incident underscored the tension surrounding the event and highlighted the divisions that continue to define Trump’s presidency.
🏡 Wall Street-Backed Investors Expand Footprint in Las Vegas Housing Market
In 2024, Starwood Property Trust, a Wall Street-backed real estate investment trust, acquired 151 homes across the Las Vegas Valley for $58.2 million, according to property records. The homes are spread throughout North Las Vegas, Henderson, and the southwest and northwest areas of the valley.
The move is part of a broader trend of institutional investors purchasing residential properties to turn them into rental homes. Starwood’s purchase follows its 2023 sale of 264 homes in the Las Vegas area to Invitation Homes for $98 million. Invitation Homes, which manages rental properties nationwide, will also oversee an unspecified number of Starwood’s recent acquisitions.
Rising Institutional Investment
Las Vegas has become a hotspot for institutional investor activity. In the third quarter of 2024, investor purchases accounted for 22.9% of all home sales in the metro area, representing over $1 billion in transactions. This marked a 27.6% year-over-year increase, the highest growth rate among major U.S. metros, surpassing Seattle and San Jose.
Companies like Starwood, Invitation Homes, and American Homes 4 Rent have accelerated the trend by purchasing and developing properties specifically for rentals. American Homes 4 Rent, for example, owns around 2,000 properties in Clark County, with a significant portion concentrated in North Las Vegas.
Impact on the Housing Market
The growing presence of institutional investors has drawn criticism for exacerbating housing affordability challenges. A study by UNLV’s Lied Center for Real Estate estimated that investors who have purchased five or more homes over the past decade now own 15% of all single-family homes in Clark County and up to 25% in North Las Vegas.
Experts warn that this concentration of ownership by corporate landlords limits the availability of homes for families to purchase, contributing to rising housing costs. A MetLife Investment Management study projects that institutional investors could control close to 40% of all U.S. housing stock by 2030.
Political Pushback
Nevada politicians are increasingly vocal about addressing the influence of institutional investors in the housing market. U.S. Rep. Dina Titus criticized the trend, noting that investment firms own more than 15% of homes in Clark County, making it harder for families to buy homes. Titus stated she is exploring legislative options to make housing more affordable for Southern Nevada families.
Similarly, U.S. Rep. Steven Horsford has called for transparency and accountability in the housing market. He cited concerns that institutional investors are driving up costs for renters and buyers while disproportionately impacting communities of color, single mothers, and retirees. Horsford has pledged to continue pushing his HOME Act, which aims to prevent price-gouging and protect consumers from predatory practices.
During the 2024 presidential election, Vice President JD Vance frequently highlighted the need to combat corporate influence in the housing market, suggesting potential bipartisan support for legislative reforms.
Uncertain Future Under Trump Administration
The Trump administration’s approach to housing policy remains unclear, though bipartisan bills addressing the growing influence of corporate investors are advancing in Congress. Meanwhile, local stakeholders are closely monitoring the market’s direction as Wall Street-backed firms continue to expand their presence in Southern Nevada.
As institutional investors reshape the housing landscape, concerns about affordability, market manipulation, and community impact are likely to remain central to the national and local housing debates.
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 South - December 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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