Community briefs for March 27, 2001

Tuesday, March 27, 2001 | 9 a.m.

Mulberry pollen reaches high mark

Mulberry tree pollen is at very high levels across the Las Vegas Valley, the Clark County Health District reported Monday.

The highest level -- 59,884 grains per cubic yard of air -- came in a sample taken Thursday at Baskin Park on West Oakey Boulevard between Valley View Boulevard and Rancho Drive.

The highest level ever of mulberry tree pollen recorded was 64,000 grains per cubic yard of air in 1998.

Other tree pollen adding to allergy sufferers' miseries include ash and pine.

Spring comes to demonstration gardens

Las Vegas residents can catch a glimpse of early spring at the Desert Demonstration Gardens at 3701 W. Alta Drive east of Valley View Boulevard.

The site contains 11 theme gardens and more than 1,000 species of plants that thrive in Southern Nevada.

Blooming plants include irises, verbenas, desert marigolds, fruit trees and other water-efficient plants.

The gardens allow people to take self-guided tours, as well as 215 free classes and lectures on desert landscaping. A master gardener is available to answer questions Thursdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The gardens are open every day, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District

has invited Laura Efurd, former Clinton administration deputy director for the White House Office, to speak on women's issues 7 p.m. Wednesday at Sahara West Library. This will conclude the library's celebration of Women's History Month.

The Jewish Federation of Las Vegas

Business and Professional Division is hosting a luncheon on Jewish humor, featuring David Brenner, Tony Curtis and Carol Siskind and moderated by Ira David Sternberg, 11:45 a.m. Friday at Paris Las Vegas' Versailles Ballroom. Lunch is $30, and reservations can be made by calling the Jewish Federation, 732-0556.