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- 🚝 Brightline West’s High-Speed Rail Project Gains Federal Praise as California’s Central Valley Line Faces Scrutiny
🚝 Brightline West’s High-Speed Rail Project Gains Federal Praise as California’s Central Valley Line Faces Scrutiny
Issue #444 - February 23 2025
John Wu
23 Feb
Dear SummerSouth Insiders!
🚀Exciting News Ahead & We Need Your Support!🌟
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📌✅ Classifieds
❎ Elon Musk Orders Federal Workers to Justify Their Jobs, Triggering Confusion Across Government Agencies
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📆 Weekly Local Events for February 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
🚝 Brightline West’s High-Speed Rail Project Gains Federal Praise as California’s Central Valley Line Faces Scrutiny
The Brightline West high-speed rail project, which will connect Las Vegas to Southern California, received strong praise from U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy during a Thursday press conference at Union Station in Los Angeles. While Duffy commended the project’s progress and efficiency, he simultaneously announced a formal review of the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA), raising questions about the future of federal funding for the troubled Central Valley rail project.
Brightline West: A Model for High-Speed Rail Success
Duffy highlighted the success of Brightline West’s ambitious $12 billion project, which will span 218 miles between Las Vegas and Rancho Cucamonga, California. The rail line is being lauded for staying both on budget and on schedule, making it a standout example of efficient infrastructure development. According to Duffy, the project represents the kind of investment that taxpayers are willing to support, given its potential to ease traffic congestion and reduce reliance on air travel.
Brightline West previously secured a $3 billion grant from the Federal Railroad Administration in 2023, while the remaining $9 billion is expected to come from a mix of private equity contributions and debt financing. The company also holds $5.5 billion in private activity bond authority, which allows Brightline West to benefit from tax-exempt municipal bonds typically reserved for public projects.
On Thursday, Brightline West took a significant step toward funding completion by launching a bond sale worth $2.5 billion. The offering consists of:
$1.85 billion in bonds issued from California
$625 million from Nevada
Construction Timeline and Planned Stations
Construction is expected to begin in the coming months, with the Nevada Department of Transportation projecting a four-year timeline for completion. The work will be divided into nine segments, with multiple sections built simultaneously to shorten the overall construction period.
The railway will cover 34 miles in Nevada, following the Interstate 15 right-of-way. Four stations are planned:
Las Vegas Station – Located along Las Vegas Boulevard between Blue Diamond Road and Warm Springs Road
Rancho Cucamonga Station – Provides a connection to Metrolink, enabling passengers to travel into downtown Los Angeles
Two additional stations are planned at intermediate stops along the route
Travel time between Las Vegas and Rancho Cucamonga is expected to be around two hours, offering a faster alternative to driving or flying. Tickets are projected to cost $119 for standard class and $133 for premium seating.
California High-Speed Rail Project Under Federal Review
While praising Brightline West’s progress, Duffy took a critical stance on California’s long-delayed Central Valley high-speed rail project. Initially planned to connect San Francisco and Los Angeles with a projected budget of $33 billion, the project has faced repeated delays and cost overruns. A portion of the line between Merced and Bakersfield is now expected to exceed the original cost for the entire project, with updated estimates pushing the total price tag to over $106 billion.
Duffy ordered a formal review to assess whether the CHSRA has adhered to the terms required to receive billions of dollars in federal funding. The investigation will determine if the state has mismanaged resources or failed to meet project deadlines, which could result in reallocating funds to other infrastructure projects across the country.
A Tale of Two Rail Projects: Efficiency vs. Mismanagement
The contrasting fortunes of the two high-speed rail initiatives highlight the challenges and potential of major infrastructure projects in the U.S. While Brightline West has been praised for its clear timelines, financial management, and potential to ease traffic along one of the nation’s busiest travel corridors, the Central Valley project has become a cautionary tale of ballooning costs and bureaucratic inefficiencies.
With Brightline West breaking ground soon and promising to revolutionize travel between Las Vegas and Southern California, attention will now shift to whether California’s troubled high-speed rail project can overcome its setbacks—or if federal funding will be redirected to more efficient ventures like Brightline West.
🏒 Golden Knights Defeat Canucks 3-1, Extend Win Streak to Three Games
The Vegas Golden Knights returned from the 4 Nations Face-Off break with a strong defensive performance, securing their third consecutive win by defeating the Vancouver Canucks 3-1 on Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena. Despite two weeks off, the Knights showcased resilience and composure, especially in the third period, where fatigue often sets in during tightly contested games.
Strong Defensive Effort Leads to Victory
Coach Bruce Cassidy had anticipated signs of fatigue after the break but credited his team’s defensive discipline for helping them hold on to the lead late in the game. The Knights maintained their focus and structure, managing puck control effectively and limiting high-danger scoring chances for Vancouver.
Key Performances: Saad and Barbashev Lead the Way
Brandon Saad made an immediate impact in his first home game since signing a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Knights on January 31. He scored the go-ahead goal just 18 seconds into the third period, his second goal in five games with the team.
Ivan Barbashev ended a scoring drought dating back to December 14, tying the game in the second period with his first goal in 17 games. His rebound goal off a Kaedan Korczak point shot provided the momentum shift Vegas needed.
Adin Hill’s Stellar Goaltending
Goaltender Adin Hill delivered another impressive performance, stopping 33 shots and securing his second consecutive win. Despite allowing a lone goal early in the second period after misreading a puck from behind the net, Hill remained composed and stopped all 19 shots he faced in the third period.
The Canucks’ only goal came from Jake DeBrusk, who capitalized on Hill’s brief miscue. However, Hill’s steady presence in goal helped the Knights weather Vancouver’s late offensive push.
Power Play Struggles and Lankinen’s Strong Performance
The Knights had three power-play opportunities in the first period, including two penalties for too many men on the ice and a delay of game against Vancouver. However, they couldn’t find a way past Canucks goalie Kevin Lankinen, who recently signed a five-year, $22.5 million extension. Lankinen made 32 saves overall, including several key stops during penalty kills.
Late Goals Secure the Win
With just 31 seconds left, Tomas Hertl sealed the victory with an empty-net goal, extending the Knights’ lead to two and putting the game out of Vancouver’s reach. The goal capped off a disciplined defensive effort, highlighted by crucial blocked shots and desperation plays from several Knights players.
Three Key Takeaways from the Game
1. Korczak Steps Up in Theodore’s Absence
With Shea Theodore sidelined indefinitely due to an upper-body injury, Kaedan Korczak made the most of his opportunity. The 24-year-old defenseman recorded an assist and logged 14:44 of ice time in just his second game since December 6. He played alongside Brayden McNabb on the second defensive pairing and is expected to continue filling Theodore’s role in the coming weeks.
2. Two Canucks Goals Overturned
The Knights benefited from two critical overturned goals in the third period. First, Vancouver center Teddy Blueger was penalized for goaltender interference after falling on Hill in the crease. Later, on a Canucks power play, Hill froze the puck, but the whistle had already been blown before Vancouver attempted to push it past the line, negating the goal.
3. Injury Updates
While Theodore remains out indefinitely, there was positive news for two injured centers:
William Karlsson has resumed skating after missing action since January 20 due to a lower-body injury. He had to withdraw from the 4 Nations tournament due to the issue.
Cole Schwindt, who has been out since January 18, is also skating again. Schwindt has contributed seven assists in 38 games this season.
Looking Ahead
The Knights' victory improves their record to 34-17-6 as they continue their push toward the playoffs. With solid defensive play, effective goaltending, and key contributions from new additions like Saad, Vegas looks poised to maintain its momentum as the regular season resumes full swing.
😋 Wynn Las Vegas Unveils Pisces Bar and Seafare, a New Nautical Dining Experience
Just weeks after plans fell through for Michelin-starred chef Fabbio Trabocchi to open Fiola Mare at Wynn Las Vegas, the resort has charted a new course with a fresh concept for the former Lakeside restaurant space. The luxury property announced on Tuesday that its new venture, Pisces Bar and Seafare, will set sail this spring, bringing a sophisticated, ocean-inspired dining experience to the iconic Lake of Dreams.
A Return to Wynn’s Signature In-House Concepts
Unlike the abandoned Fiola Mare project, which was to be helmed by external culinary talent, Pisces marks a return to Wynn’s longstanding tradition of developing unique concepts in-house. Known for its innovative dining experiences, Wynn Las Vegas has consistently created restaurant offerings that reflect both luxury and originality, and Pisces is set to continue that legacy.
The Culinary Vision: Seafood with an Artistic Twist
Executive Chef Martin Heierling will lead the culinary team at Pisces. Heierling, whose résumé includes roles with the prestigious Noble 33 group—operators of popular venues like Toca Madera in Las Vegas, Casa Madera in West Hollywood, and Sparrow Italia in London and Miami—brings a wealth of global culinary expertise to this new venture.
The menu at Pisces is designed to reflect the elegance of the sea while highlighting fresh, high-quality ingredients. Guests can expect:
Caviar and crudo dishes
Seafood platters featuring the freshest catches
Dry-aged fish, a rarity in fine dining seafood restaurants
Fresh pasta made in-house
Decadent desserts crafted by Wynn’s renowned executive pastry chef Jennifer Yee
To complement the culinary offerings, Wynn’s master mixologist Mariena Mercer Boarini has created a cocktail menu inspired by the ocean, with drinks paying homage to coastal flavors and seaside aromas. A curated wine list will round out the restaurant’s sophisticated beverage program.
A Design Inspired by the Depths of the Ocean
The aesthetic vision for Pisces, overseen by Todd-Avery Lenahan, president and chief creative officer of Wynn Design & Development, promises to blend dramatic spectacle with refined subtlety.
Highlights of the restaurant’s design include:
An entry rotunda featuring embroidered velvet walls and rich ebony wood accents
A double-height dining room showcasing a fresh seafood display and a spacious bar
Over 400 Murano glass orbs, mimicking the delicate shimmer of underwater bubbles
Exposed chestnut beams and a Dijon suede ceiling, lending warmth and texture to the space
Mosaic floors, mirrored portholes, and ceramic siren vases that evoke the mystery of the deep sea
Panoramic views of Wynn’s iconic Lake of Dreams, providing a serene backdrop for diners
The space is designed to transport guests into an immersive, ocean-inspired atmosphere while maintaining the elegance and luxury synonymous with the Wynn brand.
A New Star on the Las Vegas Dining Scene
The opening of Pisces Bar and Seafare is expected to elevate Wynn’s already-impressive culinary portfolio. While more details about the restaurant’s grand opening and additional menu offerings are expected to be released in the coming weeks, early indications suggest that Pisces will become a must-visit dining destination for both locals and visitors.
For reservations and updates, guests can visit wynnlasvegas.com/dining.
❎ Elon Musk Orders Federal Workers to Justify Their Jobs, Triggering Confusion Across Government Agencies
In a move that has sparked widespread confusion and backlash, billionaire Elon Musk, serving as President Donald Trump’s cost-cutting chief, has ordered hundreds of thousands of federal employees to justify their roles by providing written accounts of their accomplishments over the past week. The directive, issued with little warning, is part of an aggressive effort to reduce the size of the federal workforce and eliminate what Musk and the administration describe as government inefficiency.
Sudden Directive Sparks Chaos Across Agencies
Musk first signaled the request on his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), stating that all federal employees would soon receive an email requiring them to list their recent achievements. The message implied that a failure to respond would be considered a resignation.
Shortly after the post, federal workers—including judges, court staff, and prison officials—received a brief email requesting five bullet points summarizing their accomplishments from the previous week, with a deadline set for Monday at 11:59 p.m. The instruction also required employees to copy their managers on the response.
However, confusion quickly spread across government agencies, as some departments, including the State Department and federal court system, informed their employees that they were not obligated to comply with the directive unless it came through official channels.
Pushback from Agencies and Unions
Several federal agencies worked through the weekend to verify the authenticity of the order. The National Weather Service and other agencies advised employees not to respond until the directive could be officially confirmed. In some cases, court officials outright dismissed the request, warning employees that the email had not originated from their internal systems.
Labor unions also condemned the move. Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), denounced the order as a blatant show of disrespect toward federal workers, particularly veterans who transitioned to civil service after their military careers. Kelley also warned that the union would pursue legal action against any unlawful terminations.
Layoffs and Workforce Reductions Already Underway
The demand for accountability follows a broader campaign by the Trump administration and Musk’s newly created Department of Government Efficiency to drastically reduce the size of the federal workforce. Since Trump’s second term began, hundreds of thousands of federal employees have been laid off, offered buyouts, or placed under review for dismissal.
The cuts have affected workers across multiple agencies, including:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Department of Defense
Health and Human Services
Internal Revenue Service
National Park Service
Many of these employees work outside of Washington, D.C., making the cuts feel even more widespread across the country.
Musk’s Push for “Efficiency” Draws Criticism
Musk has framed his efforts as a necessary purge of government waste. At a recent conservative event, he symbolically wielded a giant chainsaw, calling it the “chainsaw for bureaucracy” and arguing that inefficiencies are rampant across federal agencies.
However, critics argue that Musk’s approach threatens vital government functions and undermines the nonpartisan nature of public service. Many fear that these mass firings and sudden demands for accountability could damage agencies’ abilities to carry out their essential duties, from ensuring public safety to providing social services.
Uncertainty Over Enforcement and Next Steps
While the Office of Personnel Management confirmed that Musk’s directive was legitimate, spokesperson McLaurine Pinover stated that individual agencies would determine how to enforce the order. Questions remain about how the directive will affect employees who are on vacation, sick leave, or otherwise unable to respond before the deadline.
Federal judges and court staff, who received similar emails in late January, were also advised not to respond. Some, like U.S. District Judge Randolph Daniel Moss, dismissed the messages entirely after determining they were likely sent in error.
Growing Tensions Across Federal Agencies
As confusion continues to spread, the federal workforce faces mounting uncertainty. The National Weather Service acknowledged the situation’s complexity in a message to employees, urging caution and advising staff not to respond until the legitimacy of the emails could be confirmed.
For now, Musk’s directive adds yet another layer of instability to an already turbulent federal landscape, as employees, unions, and agency leaders prepare for what could be a prolonged battle over job security and the future of public service in the United States.
🃏 Palms Casino Breaks Industry Trend by Restoring Player-Friendly Blackjack Payouts
In a move that favors players and bucks a growing industry trend, the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas has reinstated the more favorable 3:2 payout on all its blackjack tables. This change, which went into effect on Valentine’s Day, applies across the casino floor and in high-limit areas, making Palms one of the few off-Strip properties to offer this player-friendly rule exclusively.
A Significant Win for Blackjack Players
The shift from a 6:5 payout back to the traditional 3:2 payout offers better returns for players hitting blackjack (an ace and a ten-value card dealt on the first two cards). In a 3:2 game, a player wins $15 on a $10 bet, compared to just $12 under the 6:5 payout rule. While the difference might seem small on a single hand, it becomes significant over extended play sessions and can greatly affect overall winnings.
This change makes Palms particularly appealing to serious blackjack players who are increasingly frustrated by the Strip’s shift toward games that favor the house.
Reversing a Post-Pandemic Industry Trend
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many casinos in Las Vegas have adopted rules that increase the house edge, including raising table minimums and introducing games like 6:5 blackjack and triple-zero roulette. These changes were aimed at boosting profits as casinos struggled to recover from the economic downturn.
However, industry observers believe there has been pushback from gamblers, especially locals and regular visitors, who have grown increasingly aware of how these changes reduce their chances of winning.
John Mehaffey, co-owner of VegasAdvantage.com and a known player advocate, suggested that casinos might be adjusting their offerings after realizing that some post-pandemic changes alienated budget-conscious players. With higher minimums and tighter odds driving players away, some casinos, like Palms, are now focusing on rebuilding goodwill by offering better value and more player-friendly games.
Commitment to Affordability and Value
In addition to improving the blackjack payout structure, Palms has pledged not to raise table minimums as a result of this policy change. The casino will continue offering:
$5 blackjack
$5 craps
Both games are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing an accessible and affordable gaming experience—especially attractive to locals and visitors seeking budget-friendly options in a city known for its high-stakes tables.
New Ownership, New Direction
The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, which purchased Palms from Station Casinos in 2021 for $650 million, appears committed to enhancing the player experience. The tribe’s ownership has marked a shift toward a more guest-focused approach, balancing profitability with customer satisfaction.
This strategy aligns with the tribe’s broader gaming philosophy, which has historically emphasized fair play and community engagement in their Southern California operations. By reintroducing the 3:2 payout rule across all blackjack tables, Palms is positioning itself as a player-friendly alternative to the higher-stakes, less favorable games commonly found on the Strip.
A Potential Game-Changer for Las Vegas Casinos
The Palms’ decision to restore better odds for players could influence other casinos in Las Vegas to follow suit. If successful, this shift could pressure Strip casinos to reconsider their policies and offer more competitive payouts in response to growing dissatisfaction among seasoned players.
For now, the Palms’ bold move serves as a welcome sign for gamblers looking for fairer odds and a more rewarding gaming experience—potentially setting a new standard for what off-Strip casinos can offer.
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 - January 2025
*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.