Stories published June 21, 2002Las Vegas Sun

Seastrand elected regents chairman: Jennifer Knight; Despite a crowded field of six candidates vying for chairman of the state Board of Regents, the 11-member board made a seamless and unanimous decision to elect Regent Doug Seastrand to the position Thursday.

News briefs for June 21, 2002: Summer officially arrived at 6:40 a.m. today, but instead of scorching temperatures the Las Vegas daytime high will be below normal, the National Weather Service forecast says.

Work on new apartments nears completion: Work on new apartments nears completion

Partnership working to help homeless teenagers: By Ed Koch; Herman Wilson ran away from home in Mississippi at age 14 after an older cousin put a gun to his head. He left when his grandparents, who were raising him, refused to believe him, he said.

Goodman criticizes use of anti-Yucca money: Diana Sahagun; Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman criticized the anti-Yucca Mountain advertising campaign on Thursday, saying that if the city's $150,000 contribution went toward television commercials, it could have been better spent.

Letter: Enough study, settle dump issue: The repository designs the DOE is looking at could withstand an earthquake with 1,000 times more energy than last Friday's and a regional earthquake with 30,000 times more energy than the one reported this morning.

Datebook for June 21, 2002: Las Vegas Department of Leisure Services will screen a G-rated movie from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at Clark Community School, 3074 Arville St. Admission is free. Call 365-9272.

One killed, two injured in shooting: Two men went to a home on Leonard Avenue near Owens Avenue and K Street, and an argument began with three other men inside the home. Several shots were fired and the three men inside the home were hit about 9:30 p.m., Metro Police said.

Reid hopes to cut Yucca budget again: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- As Nevada's senators try to derail a vote on Yucca Mountain, Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., is working behind the scenes to cut the nuclear waste dump project's annual budget.

'Whoops' revue more than just old jokes: What: "Whoops! Or How to Age Ungracefully."

Vegas sports on TV/Radio: Friday

Columnist Spencer Patterson: Durango hopes to bounce back in Legion play: Spencer Patterson; The 2002 high school baseball season hardly could have been a bigger disappointment for the Durango Trailblazers.

Letter to the sports editor: Soccer fan strikes back: To say that soccer's popularity has " ... nothing to do with the game" but rather because all that is needed is a ball and the ability to jog is blatantly wrong. Just because it's accessible does not make it the most popular game. Soccer requires tremendous skill, endurance and practice.

Community briefs for June 21, 2002: Barbara Greenspun WomensCare Center of Excellence, 100 N. Green Valley Parkway, Suite No. 330, will host a class on the causes and treatments of depression at 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Apex developers seek approval for community: Adrienne Packer; Apex Industrial Park developers were scheduled to submit conceptual designs today for a neighborhood they hope to construct in the area, which is designated to keep high-risk manufacturing plants away from homes.

On display for June 21, 2002: An exhibit by members of the Nevada Pastel Society is on display Thursday through Sept. 8 at Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Road.

Clarification: The Sun corrects its errors. If you find a mistake, call 385-3111 to report it.

Greek Isles' tribute to Rat Pack hits mark: Joe Delaney; Co-producers Dick Feeney and Sandy Hackett have succeeded in recapturing the essence and the ambience of the original Sands Rat Pack days with "The Tribute to Frank, Sammy, Joey and Dean," in the Greek Isles showroom. Buddy Hackett's offstage voice directs the foursome to return to Earth, this time at the Greek Isles, and "do it one more time."

Performing arts for June 21, 2002: Plays staged

Columnist Dean Juipe: There's value in siding with Morales: Dean Juipe; Revenge is a sufficiently motivating factor in settling any score and in the case of Marco Antonio Barrera vs. Erik Morales it not only can't be dismissed, it has to be accentuated.

Dennis fired by UNLV: Steve Guiremand; It was just two years ago that Karen Dennis was the head coach of the U.S. Olympic women's track and field team in Sydney, Australia.

Smile, taggers, you may be on the city's camera: Diana Sahagun; Taggers beware: If you plan to leave your mark on the city with spray paint, you might be on camera.

Mexican fans hyped for rematch: Timothy Pratt and Steve Addy; Francisco Alejandre can remember when a Saturday night dance was the biggest cultural event for Hispanics in Las Vegas.

Two 51s players picked for all-star game: In a vote of media members and team personnel, Thurston was elected as the PCL's starting second baseman. Allen was named to the team as a reserve.

Editorial: Execution ruling is thoughtful: The case prompting the ruling concerned a Virginia inmate who had kidnapped an Air Force enlisted man, robbed him for beer money, and then shot him to death. The killer's lawyers argued that his IQ of 59 -- when anything under 70 is considered retarded -- rendered him less culpable and therefore ineligible for the death penalty. The state of Virginia sentenced him to death anyway, arguing that he was just as culpable as murderers who are not retarded. This argument has been going on for years and now the Supreme Court's ruling has ended it. "Their deficiencies do not ...

Marsh fire just the beginning: After 50 acres of marshes east of Las Vegas burned Thursday morning, local firefighters said they are gearing up for the worst wildland fire season in memory.

Letter to the sports editor: Juipe over analyst Miller: At one point, Johnny Miller went off on an anti-Tiger tirade, attempting to make the viewership think he might blow his lead and the tournament. Boy, that's objective, unbiased reporting.

Medal of Honor awarded to five Metro Police officers: Sheriff Jerry Keller awarded the Medal of Honor to five gang detectives for their actions last June while confronting a murder suspect who was holding a gun on his girlfriend.

Editorial: 'Cause for Concern' is cause for alarm: We share his outrage when two men with video cameras wave a few bucks in front of homeless people and egg them on to violence, such as fighting and butting their heads into newsstands. Metro Police and the FBI, however, say no crime was committed in the making of the video.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races at Hollywood Park: Saturday's card

Columnist Susan Snyder: Rejoicing a purple reign: Looks like I can still pick a winner, in spite of that unfortunate turn of events in Election 2000.

Letter to the sports editor: Tiger needs more praise: Roger Maltbie and Johnny Miller, I suspect, have sold out to the network. They are duty-bound to try to provoke conflict, even to provoke Woods to anger and, perhaps, a rash sound bite. Among the long list of truly amazing aspects of Mr. Woods' professionalism is his composure when asked stupid questions by people like Maltbie.

Taking edge off danger: Driving class shows teens how to handle emergency situations: Stephen Curran; For more information on the Driver's Edge program, call 896-6482 or visit driversedge.org

Fight over mental evaluation to go to high court: The state Supreme Court will decide whether attorneys prosecuting a Las Vegas man accused of stabbing his estranged wife to death in front of their 6-year-old son will examine the man's psychological evaluations.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Don't reward terrorists: CONDOLEEZZA RICE, SECURITY ADVISER to President George W. Bush, put her finger on a major problem when appearing last week before the editorial board of The Mercury News, the newspaper published in San Jose, Calif.. "Frankly, the Palestinian Authority, which is corrupt and cavorts with terror ... is not the basis for a Palestine state moving forward," she told the newspaper. No truer words have ever been spoken.

Pet store owner pleads not guilty: Judy Palmieri, 54, faces seven counts of obtaining money under false pretenses when she goes to trial Oct. 28.

Brenner back at home in Vegas: Who: David Brenner and Kevin Pollak.

Letter to the sports editor: Dave Ross' biggest fans: We especially would like to say thanks to Ron Kantowski for the column on David titled "51s' catcher quiets hecklers" (May 28).

Review: Having a 'Ball' with Thornton and Berry: Geoff Carter; There are no monsters in "Monster's Ball" (Lion's Gate Home Entertainment, $24.99), unless you count Billy Bob Thornton. When the camera isn't rolling, he's a terror -- he makes all sorts of cringe-inducing scatological jokes offscreen in an effort to make his costars crack up. He comes close to breaking Halle Berry with a doozy about Larry Storch's bowels, and when Mos Def asks why he drove his kids away with a shotgun, Thornton replies "They were in my septic tank."

Vision comes to fruition for Rothermel, Neverett: Victoria Sun; At a glance

Saturday's horse racing entries: Post Time 1:15 p.m.

Political notebook: Candidate straddles Colorado River for two campaigns: Erin Neff; If a double-sided campaign sign were erected on the Laughlin side of the Colorado River, it could hype a candidate for public administrator on its face and the same guy for Congress on the rear.

Peter, Paul & Mary still part of folklore: Who: Peter, Paul & Mary.

Family film fest on tap: The eight-week festival begins Thursday and is free to children and adults.

Columnist Joe Delaney: Get your Phil of Brenner this weekend: Joe Delaney; When I think David Brenner, appearing with Kevin Pollak through Sunday at Paris Las Vegas Le Theatre Des Arts, I think of Philadelphia ... When I think of Philadelphia, I think Philly steaks, Philadelphia cream cheese, hoagies, scrapple, soft pretzels and mustard -- and David Brenner ... "Soft Pretzels and Mustard" is the title of one of Brenner's best-selling books. (For more about Brenner, see page 5E.)

Letter: Administration caters to rich: This situation explains why the Bush administration so blatantly favors the nation's very rich. It explains why it favors making permanent the death tax repeal, and the tax cut, which so heavily favors the country's wealthiest.

Letter: Rampant growth threat to all in the valley: Suppose it eases their conscience to lay the blame on us. And if we all conserve, then maybe they can justify stretching our limited resources even closer to the breaking point? When will they wake up and see that their own lack of backbone and leadership in growth control is the real threat to us all?

Stages of life: Kirk Baird; A press release claims the 16th annual "Ribbon of Life" will be "The largest production show ever staged in Las Vegas."

Columnist Jerry Fink: San Fernando Band is still on the run: The seven members of the San Fernando Band rehearsed in the Per's Video & Audio Studio in a Henderson industrial park this week, preparing for a rare gig. Jobs for musicians are tight in Las Vegas, some say because of the economic downturn following 9/11.

Obituaries for June 21, 2002: Alfred J. Anescheck, 74, of Las Vegas died June 14 in Las Vegas. He was born Nov. 25, 1927, in Pennsylvania. A resident for 20 years, he was an accountant and a Navy veteran.

Editorial: Monitor drug use of baseball players: After Sports Illustrated magazine's recent story about the extent of steroid use in baseball, it's time for Major League Baseball to ban steroids and institute random drug testing of its players. What's good for the International Olympic Committee, the National Football League, and the National Basketball Association would be good for baseball too. Commissioner Bud Selig favors it. The players union should also get on board. At stake is the behavior of millions of kids for whom baseball players are role models, not to mention the health of the professional athletes themselves and the integrity of the game.

PCL box: Las Vegas - Salt Lake: P--Jones. HBP--Ross (by Lackey).

Editorial: Betrayal just around the corner: Hmmm. Now why does the situation in California have such a familiar ring?

Matter-of-Fact Lee: Kirk Baird; WEEKEND EDITION: June 23, 2002

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: The other Gordon is hanging tough: It could be argued that Robby Gordon is having less success this season than in any of his previous attempts to make it in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series.

Columnist Jon Ralston: Yucca rhetoric reaches new low: Yet, here we are, 20 years after, perhaps literally on the eve of a vote that could be the last one ever on this issue as a process started in 1982 is consummated (can't avoid those damn coital metaphors even now) within days or weeks. And I find myself surprised, after having my senses dulled by rhetorical bludgeoning and hollow promises, actually feeling astounded by what went on last week in the U.S. Senate.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: More Saudi nose-thumbing: The testimony of Patricia M. Roush about the loss of her two daughters has been a living nightmare for all concerned during the past 16 years and it continues. The games played by our State Department with Saudi royalty is sickening. Just as disturbing, the State Department's use of U.S. Marines to usher the victims out of the embassy into the streets is almost unbelievable. That's not what some of America's finest are trained to do and that's not what they want to do. May I suggest that in Saudi Arabia the State Department hire some Saudi company to do ...

St. Rose Dominican highlights: Highlights in the history of St. Rose Dominican Hospital:

Henderson hospital keeps up with growth: There are very few constants in Southern Nevada -- change being the most prevalent and Hoover Dam the most enduring.

Columnist Erin Neff: Lawmakers can't ignore ads by gaming, mining firms: Erin Neff; The state's leading industries -- gaming and mining -- want you and me and the politicians to know that they are good citizens who pay taxes and shouldn't be burdened because a few newcomers are messing things up.

Straight-A student needs help for camp: She is a single mother caring for two children and says she doesn't have a lot of time to get her son into sports programs and other activities he wants to be involved in.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Defeat a chicken? Good cluck: It's not because Ginger the Chicken plays tic-tac-toe. It's amazing that some people think she -- it -- actually does.

Columnist Sandy Thompson: Duo aims high to care for foster children: Sandy Thompson; The women did. They formed Child Focus, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring siblings are kept together and that they only have one placement while in the system.

Letter: Powell would forsake our only ally in Mideast: Just like leaving Saddam Hussein in place after the Gulf War, Powell has a different future in mind for the Middle East. He is the closest thing the current administration has to a terrorist sympathizer when he would rather support and reward those committing the crimes than support and help defend those being terrorized.

Letter: Prudent tactic to kill plate design: Linda Smith, board member of the Nevada Test Site Historical Foundation, wrote in a letter last Sunday that it was "political correctness" that dictated the replacement of the mushroom cloud on the specialized Nevada license plate (proceeds from the plate will go to the Nevada Test Site Historical Foundation).

51s' schedule: The Las Vegas 51s' 2002 Pacific Coast League schedule. All times local:

Columnist Jeff German: Union looks to Boyd for some help: "The challenge is we have a situation where we've always had a bit of a different contract between downtown and the Strip," Culinary Secretary-Treasurer D. Taylor says. "We're trying to blend in the differences with the necessities of the health insurance."

Rally kicks off quest to save basketball: Spencer Patterson; Last year, Ted Boyack watched with great pride as his daughter, Brittney, played for the middle school basketball team at Lawrence Junior High School.

Medical malpractice: The costs of coverage: WEEKEND EDITION: June 23, 2002

Ultimate Fighting featured on free TV: Victoria Sun; The Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to Las Vegas on Saturday with a new wrinkle -- free TV.

Columnist Benjamin Grove: These anti-Yucca activists are driven: Benjamin Grove; Consider Indiana activist Chris Williams, who last week had been on the road for 11 days hauling a 20-foot, gray wooden mock version of the steel containers that would be used to haul nuclear waste to Yucca Mountain. Unwashed, unshaven and exhausted, the director of Indiana's Citizens Action Coalition was nevertheless in good spirits.

Local officials not lured to city manager post: Diana Sahagun; The chance to help lead the city of Las Vegas failed to generate interest from officials working in neighboring governments, except for the city manager of Boulder City.

Former banker acquitted of felony charges: A former bank executive known for his all-night rave parties was acquitted Thursday in Salt Lake City of charges he possessed methamphetamine and exposed his daughter to pornography. Both were third-degree felonies, punishable by up to five years in prison.

New trial ordered in presidential threats: CARSON CITY -- A Reno man convicted of threatening the life of President Clinton by distributing leaflets and letters suggesting Clinton should be killed, is going to get a new trial.

Murder trial ends as Turner decides to plead guilty: A North Las Vegas man accused of killing a young mother over a dispute with her husband pleaded guilty Thursday during a break in his trial.

Licensing for Ritz-Carlton approved: CARSON CITY -- An upscale hotel and casino at Lake Las Vegas in Henderson is scheduled to open next January, a week before the Super Bowl.

Review: 'Report' a snazzy superficiality by Spielberg: Geoff Carter; 'Minority Report'

State, UNLV dispute cost of building: By Cy Ryan; CARSON CITY -- A "turf war" is developing between the state Public Works Board and UNLV over construction of a $75 million science and engineering building on the Las Vegas campus.

Forum Shops owner in Vegas mall deal: Jennifer Robison; Chelsea Property Group said today that is partnering with Simon Property Group, owner and operator of the Forum Shops at Caesars, to build Chelsea's 430,000-square-foot, $90 million outlet mall in downtown Las Vegas.

Ruling next week on Parks vs. Parks: Erin Neff; A potential precedent-setting case that politicians are watching with great interest provided plenty of drama Thursday but no resolution about David Parks vs. David Parks.

Review: 'Lilo and Stitch' is fast relief: Geoff Carter; Grade: *** 1/2

Man says he overheard LV terrorist plot: Stephen Curran and Keith Paul; The FBI is investigating a Henderson man's claims that he accidentally intercepted a cell phone conversation between two men discussing a plot to allegedly "hit" Las Vegas "on the day of freedom."

Colorado River virus identified: Health officials have tentatively identified the cause of a gastrointestinal illness reported by rafters on the Colorado River as a common virus.

Regents slice budget almost in half: Jennifer Knight; The state's budget crunch had the Board of Regents worried enough to cut a list of proposed enhancements nearly in half Thursday so it would have a better chance of passing the governor's approval.

Sons of slain woman allowed to testify in stepfather's trial: The sons of a slain Las Vegas woman will be allowed to testify that a man caught on video sneaking into their mother's home the morning she was killed was their stepfather, District Judge Jeffrey D. Sobel said Thursday.

Nevada economy is still creating jobs: CARSON CITY -- Unemployment in May in Nevada held steady at 5.5 percent compared to the prior month -- but it was still higher than the 4.4 percent of a year ago.

Limits issued on new policies: The action is being taken to counter a net loss of $5 billion reported in 2001, when a series of natural disasters caused claims to increase dramatically, State Farm spokesman Phil Supple said Thursday.

Comer named CEO of NLV hospital: Jeff Comer, who recently served as CEO of Parkview Regional Health System in Mexia, Texas, near Waco, was selected to administer the 198-bed hospital. He replaces Bill Moore, who has become the executive director of Southwest Cancer Clinic and Nevada Radiation Oncology Clinics.

Vegas firm makes Fortune list: Companies are ranked based on a combination of revenue growth, earnings per share growth and stock returns.

Exec: Cooperation key to keeping tourism vibrant: The different sectors of the travel industry -- transportation, lodging and restaurants -- must work as partners to change public policy and revive tourism, an industry leader said in Las Vegas Thursday.

UMC reports more doctor defections: Steve Kanigher and Cy Ryan; Seventeen physicians plan to resign from University Medical Center, joining the ranks of health care providers who say they are fed up with Nevada's rising medical malpractice insurance costs, a top medical official said today.

Shareholders asked for lobbying help: "To the extent you have contacts with members of legislative bodies, I urge you to talk with them about alternative gaming," he said at the company's annual shareholders' meeting at Trackside.

Court upholds ban on casino donations: Chief Justice Pascal Calogero and two other judges said the court should have struck down the law, as it did a law against donations from anyone with a video poker license.

No one budging on Culinary talks: Contract talks between the Culinary Union and several downtown hotels ended Thursday without any movement on both sides.

City loses battle to keep money from overpaid parking fines: Cy Ryan and Ed Koch; The state of Nevada has won its fight with the city of Las Vegas over $400,000 to $500,000 in parking ticket fines that were overpaid.