Stories published May 2, 2003Las Vegas Sun

Postal carrier's bag should be heavier after leaving your house: WEEKEND EDITION: May 3, 2003

Math lesson is a change of pace: When Sig Rogich Middle School math teacher Rob Burgman gave his students the unusual assignment of looking for discarded pennies, he was trying to teach them about the value of money and missed opportunities.

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Columnist Erin Neff: Men still call the shots in state government: Erin Neff; On Thursday lawmakers were asked to recognize that women, particularly black women, don't earn the same as their male counterparts for the same jobs and the same level of expertise.

Editorial: No breaks for plans on canyon: Developer Jim Rhodes did the expected last week, filing plans for large-scale development of the gypsum mine overlooking Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. When he bought the mine's 2,400 acres in March, Rhodes triggered yet another controversy over protecting the canyon, whose spectacular scenery, trails, wildlife and quiet roads attract tourists and locals by the thousands each year. The most recent controversy was last summer, when John Laing Homes created a furor by seeking high-density zoning for the mine, so that it could sell 8,400 homes there. Laing withdrew its proposal in the face of intense citizen opposition and ...

Columnist Jon Ralston: No longer able to tune out taxes: The Gang of 63 has flipped back and forth from singing the blues to chanting a no-tax rap to listening to all that jazz from lobbyists. Now, with sine die four weeks from Monday, they may finally be ready to rock and roll.

Political notebook: Tax feud shows up in ad blitz: Erin Neff; CARSON CITY -- The hot dog vendor has already added plenty of mustard to the tax debate. Now the other side is rolling out a penny for your thoughts.

Editorial: Budget shows worthy conservation plan: The Las Vegas Valley Water District is setting a good example by prioritizing alternative energy and conservation in its 2003-2004 budget. The district is proposing a $2.5 million leak-detection system, which it says would pay for itself in two years. Just as importantly, the system would annually save 2.5 billion gallons of water, which are now being lost through leaks in the valley's distribution pipes. Additionally, the district is proposing to spend $5.4 million on two solar energy facilities. One would augment power at a pumping station and the other would help power district facilities at the Las Vegas Springs ...

Columnist Benjamin Grove: Con artists ply their trade on the Internet: Benjamin Grove; I found out it's not anyone who appreciates good old-fashioned American sarcasm.

Harassment allegations against Manendo being examined: Erin Neff; CARSON CITY -- Assembly Speaker Richard Perkins has asked the Legislative Counsel Bureau to investigate sexual harassment allegations against Assemblyman Mark Manendo.

Columnist Jeff German: More help needed for problem gamblers: Some might say Harmon, the board's former executive director, got off easy. She was placed on five years probation for stealing $760,000 (all but $90,000 of which was covered by insurance), ordered to serve 50 hours of community service and pay the $90,000 in restitution.

Letter: Unleashing U.S. culture on Iraqis: Also, corporate behemoths like Bechtel and Halliburton have won billion-dollar contracts to rebuild Iraq. Have any Nevada corporations gotten in on the gravy boat to build casinos in downtown Baghdad? What about gentlemen's clubs like the Crazy Camel Too? Why should we be left out of the spoils, when we have such urgent needs to boost our economy to balance our revenue-poor state budget?

Zoning change rule may get review in court: WEEKEND EDITION: May 4, 2003

Builders hammer away for changes in defect law: By Steve Kanigher; WEEKEND EDITION: May 4, 2003

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: Nicolas Cage can't leave Las Vegas: He is about to complete a deal to play legendary poker player Thomas Austin "Amarillo Slim" Preston in the big-screen version of Preston's memoir, "Amarillo Slim in a World Full of Fat People" (HarperCollins), which comes out this week.

Editorial: Nuke dump project gets needed rebuke: The Yucca Mountain project always has been driven by unrealistic deadlines. Despite legitimate, unanswered questions about safety involving the transportation and burial of nuclear waste, last year Congress rushed to approve President Bush's recommendation to go forward with plans to build a nuclear waste dump in Nevada.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: No smooth road to peace: Nevada's Rep. Shelley Berkley has expressed concern that Arafat has still too much power for Prime Minister Abu Mazen to be successful. In a press release she made clear her concerns when saying, "Despite the formation of a new cabinet, Yasser Arafat remains the head of the Palestinian Authority, and maintains power over the PA's finances, security, and negotiations. While Arafat continues to wield so much power, a breakthrough in the peace process is unlikely. Pro-Arafat forces dominate the new cabinet, while only a few ministers owe their loyalty to Abu Mazen. ..."

Letter: Iraqis should be grateful and help rebuild country: But I have been "awed" by the overwhelming change of attitude and now the ungratefulness of the citizens of Iraq.

Las Vegas man's research may lead to aging reversal: The use of tranquilizers in aging monkeys suggests that the drugs may sharpen the sight, hearing and cognitive skills in aging people, according to a paper published by a Las Vegas resident today in the journal Science.

Minorities can still rule local councils: WEEKEND EDITION: May 4, 2003

Mostly Sunny: Kirk Baird; WEEKEND EDITION: May 4, 2003

Columnist Susan Snyder: A Frank account of our history: What will we do without him?

Nevada, N. Dakota in race: Ryan Pearson; CARSON CITY -- Two proud symbols in the history of American Indian women -- Sacagawea and Sarah Winnemucca -- may soon enter a room full of white men frozen in marble and bronze: Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol.

Letter: Senators hope to save land from development: The Blue Diamond mine site that the Bureau of Land Management has resisted making an offer on for so long may finally be considered for purchase. After years of work getting Congress to pass legislation that created new wilderness areas, the new Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area and a disposal boundary that gives the Las Vegas Valley enormous areas for development, Sens. Harry Reid and John Ensign watched with the rest of us as Jim Rhodes tried to despoil Red Rock. They must have been as dismayed as I was.

Editorial: Let's not revert to pre-9/11: Clark County Sheriff Bill Young last month expressed concern that federal authorities in Detroit did not inform Southern Nevada police about the full extent of a possible terrorist attack on Las Vegas. Last summer members of an alleged terrorist sleeper cell were arrested in Detroit and a videotape showing scenes of Las Vegas was confiscated. The videotape was widely reported but Young says he didn't learn until a few weeks ago, after a trial of the alleged cell members began in Detroit, that a government witness would testify that the cell members planned to target sites here.

Aliante competing for planned-community, age-restricted buyers: Jennifer Shubinski; Home builders are reporting strong sales at the new master-planned community of Aliante even before the official grand opening this weekend.

Gun arrest made at school; pepper spray used at lunch: Three boys were arrested Wednesday at Cheyenne High School on charges of possessing weapons, and at least seven other students were sent home after an unrelated standoff between competing groups, school authorities said.

Shopping center sold: Among the center's tenants are Barnes & Noble, Macaroni Grill, Wild Oats, Pier 1, PetsMart and Old Navy.

County line may be moved for development: Officials from Clark and Lincoln counties are quietly considering moving their county line to put a controversial planned development in Lincoln County.

Supporting Rolls: Salvation Army donation in a class by itself: Amid the used prom dresses, old trunks and a Captain and Tennille album at the Salvation Army thrift store on Henderson's Stephanie Street is a high-ticket item not often seen in second-hand outlets.

Las Vegas 'likely' to experience water war: The Bush administration rolled out an initiative today to deal with "crisis and conflict" over water in the West, warning that battles over the resource are likely to affect Las Vegas and other Western cities.

Maestas siblings to make court appearance May 19: Erica D. Johnson; The Utah teens charged in the stabbing attack that left a toddler dead waived the right to a preliminary hearing this morning and will go directly to trial on murder charges in which they could face the death penalty.

Columnist Jeff German: Terrorism war suffers breakdown: Sheriff Bill Young and others on the front lines in the war against terrorism here have said they were caught off guard when a government witness testified in Detroit last month that four suspected terrorists talked about wanting to "destroy" Las Vegas.

Airport appeals cut in security: Jace Radke; Clark County Aviation Director Randy Walker and Nevada's congressional delegation want the federal government to take a second look at plans to reduce the number of checkpoint screeners at McCarran International Airport.

CCSN wins opener in 10: The two teams play again tonight at 6. The tournament winner advances to next weekend's best-of-three conference championship against Southern Idaho or Dixie.

New homes bring new image to 'Northtown': Dan Kulin; While raising a family in Las Vegas for more than 20 years, John Prescia never considered living in North Las Vegas, a city he associated with high crime and low- income housing.

Lakers ride Kobe into second round: Kobe Bryant was upset as he came out for the fourth quarter, annoyed by the way the Los Angeles Lakers finished the third period.

Small hike in economy expected: CARSON CITY -- There's a tiny bit of good news about the state's financial future but it's peanuts in the overall gloomy budget picture, officials said Thursday.

Las Vegas Area Fishing Report: Fishing at night brings success locally: Typical early spring fishing is being found with anglers having the better success by fishing in the Overton Arm of Lake Mead.

Mayor, depicted in new book, calls author a 'jerk': Mayor Oscar Goodman is furious about his portrayal in "Positively Fifth Street," a new book about poker and Las Vegas that's No. 9 on The New York Times best-seller list -- even though he said he hasn't read it yet.

Bank loses California licenses: But the decision Thursday by the California Department of Corporations won't affect the San Francisco-based company's ability to make and service home loans under authority given by federal regulators, bank spokeswoman Janis Smith said.

Columnist Barb Henderson: A look at six rattlesnakes found around Clark County: Barb Henderson; Six of Nevada's 26 species of snakes are rattlesnakes.

UNLV science building size cut: CARSON CITY -- UNLVs' $75 million Science, Engineering and Technology Building will be smaller than originally planned, but the cost won't be reduced, a Senate-Assembly budget committee was told today.

Ca. mortgage licenses revoked: But the decision Thursday by the California Department of Corporations won't affect the San Francisco-based company's ability to make and service home loans under authority given by federal regulators, bank spokeswoman Janis Smith said.

Man who drove through dam checkpoints goes to halfway house: Jace Radke; The 29-year-old Las Vegas man who drove through a security checkpoint at Hoover Dam Thursday and then led police on a 60-mile chase through Arizona has been ordered to a halfway house and placed under pre-trial services supervision.

Woman critically injured in crash: Kimberly Fruland was heading north on Southern Highlands about 1:45 a.m. when she crossed the median while going around a curve at a high rate of speed. The car sideswiped two light poles near Star Hills Avenue, severely damaging the car, police said.

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: Packed party whets appetites for Prana: She was still looking especially delicious when she was handed a fist-sized silver fortune cookie upon leaving the Prana restaurant opening party at Desert Passage at the Aladdin very early this morning.

In through the Outdoors: Spencer Patterson; As recently as the 1990s Southern Nevada was a regular stop along many major summer touring routes.

Lawmakers face looming tax deadline: Erin Neff; CARSON CITY -- As economic forecasters confirmed the state's looming deficit Thursday, legislative tax committees continued examining how to plug the $700 million hole.

Cops ask public to join in effort to curb car theft: Jen Lawson; Sgt. Al Bechyne of Metro Police's auto theft unit has equipped his personal 1998 GMC truck with a kill switch, an alarm system and the Club anti-theft device.

Police follow video trail of slain tourist: Jen Lawson; A tourist from Utah took a cab from the Bellagio to Binion's Horseshoe hours before she was found beaten to death in a downtown alley Monday morning, Metro Police said.

State public safety chief Kirkland retires: CARSON CITY -- Dick Kirkland, who generated controversy at times as state director of the Department of Public Safety, was spending his last day on the job today, ending 35 years in law enforcement.

Gaming bill running out of time: The once-hot idea is stalled in the House Special Committee on Ways and Means. Fairbanks Republican Rep. Jim Whitaker, the committee co-chairman handling the gambling bill, said he has no plans to bring it up again. He confirmed this week that the idea appears to be dead for this year.

News briefs for May 2, 2003: The 29-year-old Las Vegas man who drove through a security checkpoint at Hoover Dam Thursday and then led police on a 60-mile chase was held overnight at the Las Vegas jail at Mojave Road and Stewart Avenue.

Airline ups paper ticket charge: The cash-strapped airline will charge $50 for a paper ticket starting immediately, up from $25. Officials say the higher fee is designed to "increase the incentive" to use e-tickets.

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

Scene Selection -- Geoff Carter: 'Charlie' is no 'Charade': Jonathan Demme wants our forgiveness. From the opening words of his director's commentary track on the DVD of "The Truth About Charlie" (Universal, $26.98), he is playfully self-deprecating, introducing himself solely "on the tantalizing possibility that someone's hearing this." Aw, c'mere, ya big lug. As if we wouldn't hear you out ...

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Kyle Busch turns 18, steps up to big time: Kyle Busch, who turned 18 today and now is eligible to compete in NASCAR, no longer has older brother Kurt as a teammate to help him prepare for his Busch Series debut later this month.

Nevada delegation praises Bush's handling of war: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Nevada's congressional delegation generally applauded President Bush's speech Thursday and his handling of the war with Iraq.

Letter: Las Vegas unkind to the homeless: Instead there has been a steady onslaught against the homeless, which in essence has criminalized mental illness and addictions by selective enforcement of laws.

Ambitious project changes face of Churchill Downs: Bruce Schreiner; LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- For generations, it's been the signature moment in horse racing -- men in hard hats kicking up dust while racing for the finish line at Churchill Downs.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Scheckter takes a crash course at Indy: Back in the 1970s, they used to say that Jody Scheckter, the 1979 Formula One World Champion, was the only driver in the world who could rescue a car from the brink of disaster in one corner -- and put in right back on the brink of another disaster in the next corner.

Smothers staying with proven comic formula: Who: The Smothers Brothers.

Today, fans are the voice of Wayne Newton: By Jerry Fink; Wayne Newton is a phenomenon, a living icon -- of Las Vegas, of show business, of patriotism -- who continues to be a must-see for fans even though his singing voice has become troublesome.

Pier reopening delayed: The redevelopment of the Shops on Ocean One should begin this week, the newspaper said. Park Place wants to convert the pier into an $80 million themed retail attraction.

Federal action over anti-tax book draws many opponents: Jace Radke; The American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada has been joined by publishing groups and the American Library Association in protesting an order by a federal judge that restricts a local tax critic from selling one of his books.

Test Site monitors find no evidence of radiation: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- The Energy Department reported Thursday that no radiation from four decades of nuclear bomb testing at the Nevada Test Site was found in air or water at 24 monitoring stations around the border of the massive site.

Hendrick: Having a quiet impact: Asked recently about the impact he has had on the 51s, first-year hitting instructor and first base coach George Hendrick backed up a step or two, then pointed to a bunch of players working out at Cashman Field.

New social services chief to push for more workers: By Timothy Pratt; A new Henderson office, a push for funding to hire more personnel and revised training are some of the measures being pursued by the new person in charge of Clark County social services.

Florida company to handle Le Reve convention advertising: Orlando-based Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown & Russell specializes in travel, hospitality, lodging and themed entertainment and is one of the largest ad agencies in the country specializing in that niche.

Grease, propane fed casino blaze: Jennifer Knight; Tips for handling grease fires:

Mayfair casino sold to rival: Stanley Leisure, Britain's biggest casino owner, tried last year to buy London Clubs, but withdrew in January after the two failed to agree on terms. The Palm Beach Club is in central London's Mayfair district.

Obituaries for May 2, 2003: Clifford D. Arons, 83, of Las Vegas died Wednesday in a local hospital. He was born Jan. 10, 1920, in St. Paul, Minn. A resident for five years, he was a retired police officer and a World War II Army veteran.

Slot maker's profit to soar: Shares of Tokyo-based Aruze rose as much as 310 yen to 3,050 yen and changed hands at 3,000 yen, up 9.5 percent, as of the 11 a.m. close of the morning session on the Jasdaq market today. Aruze was the second-biggest gainer among companies with capitalization of more than 50 billion yen ($420 million) on Japanese markets.

Valley ROTC takes national honors: Valley finished first overall last weekend at the Golden Bear National Drill Team competition in Pomona, Calif. Competing in the event were 200 Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Junior ROTC units.

Pam Tillis says it's all relative: Pam Tillis doesn't stutter like her legendary father, Mel Tillis, but she did inherit his love of country music.

Outfitter mulls purchase of rival Eddie Bauer: The purchase of Bauer would double the sales of Freeport-based Bean and provide a huge boost to its efforts to make retail stores a more substantial part of a business that relies heavily on mail order.

Saturday's horse racing entries: Post Time 1:20 p.m.

Pennsylvania slots will aid Nevada firms, professor says: Martha Raffaele; HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Opponents of proposals to legalize slot machines at the state's horse racing tracks presented both moral and economic arguments to a Senate committee Wednesday, saying the social costs of gambling expansion would far outweigh the economic benefits.

51s complete four-game sweep of RedHawks: The 51s (21-7) scored three times in the eighth inning and added four more in the ninth.

Airmen face new challenge at home: Jace Radke; As airmen continue to return to Las Vegas after being deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the tarmac on the Nellis Air Force Base flight line has become a place where hugs and kisses between family members are as common as F-15s.

Kansas House to vote on slot bill: John L. Petterson; TOPEKA, Kan. -- A bill that would legalize slot machines in Kansas won tentative approval Thursday in the House, but not before members decorated the bill with an array of amendments.

Letter: Wright will truly be missed: Lurking behind the quotes about his work is something not explicitly said. Patrick Gaffey, program supervisor at Winchester Cultural Center, said "he's kind of a hero of mine." The reason so many admired and will miss Frank Wright had little to do with what he did but what he unquestionably was.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: No more coddling Syria: Unlike his father, Bashar doesn't have a strong and aggressive Soviet Union backing him up with diplomatic and military muscle. Outside of the Arab world, Syria's best friend is France and that isn't going to do either country much good with President George W. Bush. Both countries were very vocal in opposing the U.S. invasion of Iraq because they have been profiting from the illegal oil trade with Saddam Hussein. France also had larger contracts with Iraq for the future. We shouldn't forget that it was also France that was building the nuclear plant for Iraq which Israel, at great ...

Woman faces murder charge in 6-year-old case: Erica D. Johnson; A woman who evaded police for nearly six years after authorities said she delivered her baby in a toilet at the Lady Luck Hotel will face a murder charge in District Court, a Las Vegas Justice of the Peace ruled on Thursday.

Blood drives: Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Henderson City Hall, 200 Water St., Henderson; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Army Recruiting, 4539 N. Fifth St.

NCAA drops Seattle Bowl: Steve Guiremand; UNLV's chances of making a bowl game in 2003 may have shrunk by 25 percent Thursday.

Lobbyists realize dream as governor signs casino bill: Shannon Dininny; INDIANAPOLIS -- After logging hundreds of miles traveling to the Statehouse in the past decade to plead for a casino, citizen lobbyists from southern Indiana made their last trip Tuesday to watch the governor sign into law a bill authorizing a riverboat.

Datebook for May 2, 2003: The Clark County Parks and Community Services Department presents the documentary "Crumb" at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Winchester Community Center, 3130 S. McLeod Drive. Admission is $3. 455-7340.

Thursday's prep results: Baseball

Columnist Lisa Ferguson: Wedding bells take toll on Liebman: Lisa Ferguson; Wendy Liebman's recent trip down the aisle was a long time coming in more ways than one.

Columnist Spencer Patterson: 'Coachella' a festival for the masses: Spencer Patterson; "We must be in heaven, man."

51s snapshot: Outfielder Bubba Crosby continued to bruise opposing pitchers, belting two home runs, and Las Vegas won six of seven games to extend its record to 21-7.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Getting a read on new books: Remember Nancy Drew's mystery, "The Secret of the Old Clock?"

Las Vegan joins opticians board: Woodward, 34, presently employed at Costco, has lived in Nevada since 1990 and succeeds Jeanie D. Hall on the board.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Food, song merge in Italian-themed evening: On April 8, a glorious spring evening, members of the Las Vegas Chapter of the Chaine des Rotisseurs gathered for a reception in the lush Florentine Gardens of the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas. The grassy lawn and flower-filled garden was the ideal setting for an evening of fine food and opera.

UNLV in fourth at MWC tournament: The Rebels sit 11 strokes behind New Mexico for the team lead.

Arena League standings: AMERICAN CONFERENCE

Can Empire strike back?: Ralph Siraco; AT A GLANCE

Gladiators get a break, catch N.Y. Dragons short-handed: Adam Candee; Once this year's most vaunted offense in the Arena Football League, the New York Dragons will try to keep their playoff hopes alive without two of their stars this weekend against Las Vegas.

Preforming arts for May 2, 2003: Student musical

Columnist Jerry Fink: Big Apple duo maintain desire to entertain: When the two lead singers come onstage wearing stilts, top hats and silk coats and pants, you know this isn't going to be your typical lounge act.

Legislative briefs for May 2, 2003: A bill giving court-appointed defense attorneys more money to handle death penalty cases -- one of a package of bills to change Nevada's capital punishment laws -- has been approved by the state Senate.

'Roving Eye' film series scheduled: 'Roving Eye' film series scheduled

Philharmonic to conclude season: Marilyn LaRocque; Two monumentally different works -- a symphony representing the culmination of Viennese romantic music and a landmark Russian composition of the 20th century -- compose the grand finale of the fourth season of the Las Vegas Philharmonic.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Forget the favorite, root for a different horse: Dean Juipe; Somewhere between the paddock and the barn I must have missed something. A clue, a meeting of the minds, a sign from above ... something definitive like that.

On display for May 2, 2003: More than 100 artists from Nevada, California, Arizona and Utah will be featured in an arts and crafts festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Green Valley Town Center, 4500 E. Sunset Road. 245-6077.

Mel Tillis an old favorite in Vegas: Country music legend Mel Tillis is no stranger to Las Vegas. The Tampa, Fla., native has been performing here off and on for more than 30 years.