Stories published May 16, 2003Las Vegas Sun

Fresh Cent: Rapper's sales, popularity eclipsing established stars: Spencer Patterson; That might not sound unusual for a new release. But those are brisk sales considering the ultra-popular rapper's first disc, "Get Rich or Die Tryin'," has been available for more than three months.

'Peter Pan' production flies at Judy Bayley Theatre: Marilyn LaRocque; What: Nevada Ballet Theatre's "Peter Pan."

CCSN wins opener, nears berth in Series: Chris Gabel; CHANDLER, Ariz. -- Backed by enough pitching and offense to overcome its defensive errors, the CCSN baseball team put itself one step closer to the NJCAA Division I World Series Thursday with a 10-7 victory against host Chandler-Gilbert Community College.

Tamburitzans celebrate music, dance: Decked in colorful ethnic costumes that reflect the towns and cities of eastern and southeastern Europe, the Tamburitzans will sing in several languages and dialects while presenting European folk footwork.

Cracker's Lowery accustomed to odd collaborations: Spencer Patterson; Who: Cracker.

Peter's principle: Longevity: Kirk Baird; What: Peter Max "Pop to Patriotism" exhibit.

LV looking for momentum: Adam Candee; They all but gave away a division title and first-round home game by losing four of their past five games, and instead face a likely trip to a summer vacation hotspot like Grand Rapids or Detroit to open the playoffs.

Rimes, nearing 21, looks back on rich recording career: Who: LeAnn Rimes.

Museums are free on Sunday: Nevada has seven state museums. Southern Nevada museums include the Lost City Museum and the Nevada State Museum and Historical Society.

Goldstein: Venetian committing to large-scale shows: Venetian President Robert G. Goldstein says all of that is about to change.

Funny Cide ready to take next step: Ralph Siraco; They finally drew entries for Saturday's Preakness Stakes on Wednesday. Finally ending all the anticipation of who's in, who's out and if the Kentucky Derby winner is really going for the Triple Crown heading into the middle jewel of the hardest trophy to win in sports.

Datebook for May 16, 2003: Clark County Parks and Community Services will hold its annual "Rhythm & Ribs" Festival from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Sunset Park, 2601 E. Sunset Road. Tickets are $10 advance and $15 the day of the event. 474-4000.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Guests appeased at annual Alzheimer's benefit: "One Cool Night," the theme for the annual Alzheimer's event at Postrio at The Venetian on May 7 benefitting "Keep Memory Alive," The Lou Ruvo Alzheimer's Center, Dr. Leon Thal and the Neurosciences Education and Research Foundation and The Las Vegas Alzheimer's Association, raised $2.5 million.

North Las Vegas hoping to start new tradition: Dan Kulin; WEEKEND EDITION: May 17, 2003

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: Director is no doubting Thomas: WEEKEND EDITION: May 18, 2003

Performing Arts: Concert

Columnist Jerry Fink: Quartet offers whole Spectrum of Motown sound: Las Vegas lounges don't suffer from a lack of impersonators, tribute artists who focus on legends from the pages of musical history.

Lawmakers hold key to children's future: With the 2003 Legislature scheduled to end June 2, the best-case scenario is that there will be only marginal improvement when it comes to children's issues.

Columnist Jeff German: Feds exposing strip club operators: WEEKEND EDITION: May 18, 2003

Passage of bill could open floodgates: A controversial water company is poised to make Nevada's ground water "an instrument of profit," and the bill that would allow it could cause a fundamental change in the way Nevada doles out rights to the state's most important natural resource.

On Display for May 16, 2003: Las Vegas artist Brad Blakely will display and sell his original works at a "Meet the Artist" event from 5-8 p.m. today at Wine Art Gallery, 4305 S. Industrial Road, #115. 368-1940.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Fostering a cruel trade: WEEKEND EDITION: May 18, 2003

Letter: Bush to blame for nation's chaos: I would like to respond to Dave Wilson's May 13 letter and his hilarious criticism of Ruth DiMaggio's May 9 letter. Yes, Mr. Wilson, President Bush did steal the election with the help of his brother, Jeb Bush, his good friend Katherine Harris and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Ponderous 'Miss Saigon' takes the long route: What: "Miss Saigon."

Editorial: Rush to judgment would be grievous: Last week, as part of a political corruption probe, the FBI raided properties owned by Jack Galardi and his son Michael, including three strip clubs, two in Las Vegas and one in San Diego. The agents were looking for any information that illegal payments may have been made to local politicians, including Las Vegas Councilman Michael McDonald, County Commissioner Mary Kincaid-Chauncey and former County Commissioners Dario Herrera and Erin Kenny.

Columnist Jon Ralston: More tax folly from amateurs: WEEKEND EDITION: May 18, 2003

Editorial: Children can't wait anymore: The Sun's seven-part series, "Children Left Behind," has shown that Nevada has failed to adequately fund services for children. One result of the paucity of spending is an educational system that isn't adequately preparing children for college and the workplace. In addition, for those children who come from low-income families, our welfare assistance is so low that children too often go hungry and, in the worst cases, find themselves homeless with their families. Needy families frequently lack health insurance, which means their children can go without vital medical care. It's shameful, in a state as prosperous as ours, that we ...

Carson's city: Timothy McDarrah; WEEKEND EDITION: May 18, 2003

Columnist Benjamin Grove: Nevada officer honored in memorial: Benjamin Grove; RENO MOTORCYCLE cop Michael Scofield loved his job.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Journalist's fate reveals deep problem: WEEKEND EDITION: May 18, 2003

Columnist Erin Neff: Buckley stages small Democratic rebellion of her own: Erin Neff; WEEKEND EDITION: May 18, 2003

Contest aims to help homeless canines: WEEKEND EDITION: May 17, 2003

Columnist Mike O'Callaghan: President's carrier landing drew flak: WEEKEND EDITION: May 17, 2003

Columnist Lisa Ferguson: Joseph finds old-school laughs a tough sell: Lisa Ferguson; It's ironic that during the late 1980s John Joseph warmed up audiences for comedy legend Rodney Dangerfield.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Addressing some minor developments: Let's start at the bottom and work our way down.

Columnist Spencer Patterson: Band not feeling Trapt by time constraints: Spencer Patterson; As one of 10 bands on the bill for Saturday's "Our Big Concert 6" at Sam Boyd Stadium, Trapt will get to play only about half of its typical set.

Letter: Breathable air is evaporating as priority for GOP: Three decades ago a bipartisan group of U.S. senators, led by Edmund S. Muskie, guided the landmark Clean Air Act to the president's desk. That law was truly unique. Not only did Congress tell the auto industry to clean up pollution from cars by a certain date, but Congress also said the American people were entitled to healthy, breathable air. Moreover, they said where air is clean, it should be kept clean and that sources of pollution ought to meet rigorous pollution requirements.

Jaguars' builders 'pressured' inspectors: Clark County and Las Vegas building inspection chiefs said Thursday they had not been contacted by the FBI, even though federal authorities are investigating whether payoffs were made to building inspectors in connection with a probe of the Galardi family strip club empire.

Panel approves ballot question on malpractice: Erin Neff; CARSON CITY -- An Assembly panel decided this morning to give voters two choices next year on medical malpractice.

Committee cuts $100 million from Guinn plan: CARSON CITY -- The Senate Finance Committee has slashed nearly $100 million from Gov. Kenny Guinn's recommended budget package for the coming two years.

Goodman met with reputed mobster at City Hall: Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman is now saying that he did have a City Hall meeting with a reputed mobster who is banned from casinos in Nevada.

Raid a blow to McDonald campaign: Judy Odierna; Being linked to an FBI political corruption investigation was the last thing Councilman Michael McDonald needed two days before the start of early voting.

Woman's dream realized with UNLV graduation: Jennifer Knight; The Chapa family can trace its hope for a better life back several generations.

Experts want county in charge of foster care: Public officials and child advocates agree that there would be vast improvement in local child protective services if Clark County could gain control of foster care from the state.

Reno wants to take title to North: Adam Candee; Reno baseball coach Pete Savage declared this week that the days of great Southern Nevada title runs are gone.

Obituaries for May 16, 2003: Mel Berkowitz, 79, of Henderson died Thursday in a local hospice. He was born April 18, 1924, in the Bronx, N.Y. A resident for 22 years, he owned and operated a uniform company and was a World War II Army veteran.

Blunder could cost NHP $1 billion in fines: CARSON CITY -- A major foul-up in building a communications system for the Nevada Highway Patrol has left the state police operating without proper federal licenses for three years, the chief of the highway patrol said Thursday.

Jackson denies giving code to football players: Steve Guiremand; UNLV assistant head football coach John Jackson confirmed Thursday that it was his telephone PIN that is the focal point of a campus police investigation into the unauthorized billing of more than $10,000 in long distance calls by athletes and students.

Horne praised, but bill is killed: Erin Neff; CARSON CITY -- As expected, a Senate panel killed an eminent domain bill Thursday, but the Republicans did it so softly, their comments sounded like a re-election commercial for the freshman Democrat who brought the bill.

Investors pick up stock tips at Money Show: Kevin Rademacher; Amid a tough economy and a prolonged stock market slump, investors still want a good stock tip.

In light of raids, officials recall Operation Yobo: The strip club raids this week that appear to be tied to an investigation of possible public corruption have conjured memories of Operation Yobo of the early 1980s.

Probe sparks speculation at county government center: Employees at the Clark County Government Center are buzzing over who might have done what to justify inclusion in warrants executed in a federal corruption probe Wednesday.

Letter: Bush's numbers are inaccurate: He also said: "The minute I got sworn in we were in a recession and this is why I went to Congress for a tax package."

UNLV assistant coach Kendall Burnham appears in pro baseball game: The former Kendall Richards is teaming with her husband Jake, the starting third baseman for the Colts. They are the first husband-wife duo to play professional baseball.

Political notebook: Williams on the beach as taxing issues debated: Erin Neff; CARSON CITY -- Speaker Pro Tem Wendell Williams' absence last Friday was noted when Barbara Buckley took his place.

Prep results, schedule: Boys' Volleyball

Money, chips a concern after fires in casinos: Ken Ritter; As a rookie firefighter in 1962, Anthony Capucci remembers hauling hoses into the burning Golden Hotel in Reno and finding an odd scene.

Local stargazers enjoy lunar eclipse: Moon gazers ranging from a physics researcher to a Girl Scout watched in awe as a total lunar eclipse unfolded in the southeast night sky Thursday over an hour's time.

Vestin Group posts loss, notes economic slowdown: Kevin Rademacher; Vestin Group Inc., a big Las Vegas commercial lender, on Thursday announced a first-quarter loss of $1.1 million, or 25 cents per share.

This week in motor sports: Site: Harrisburg, N.C.

Business briefs for May 16, 2003: WASHINGTON -- The government touted dozens of its most important Internet investigations during 2003 in an attempt to demonstrate that the FBI and other agencies are tackling cybercrime seriously despite the ongoing war on terrorism.

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

Editorial: We can't leave these kids behind: The Sun reports today, as part of the seven-part series "Children Left Behind," that Nevada ranks relatively high in the percentage of reported cases of abuse or neglect involving children up to age 3 -- 16th in the nation. Some experts point to the transient nature of Las Vegas as one possible reason why the state doesn't fare well. Many parents and their children who move here leave behind a family support system that can sometimes head off abuse by individuals who can become overwhelmed by the demands of parenting. Las Vegas' 24-hour economy also makes it very difficult for ...

Gaming supplier reports first-quarter loss: The manufacturer of table game equipment reported a loss of $601,000, or 8 cents a share, on revenue of $7.8 million for the quarter ended March 31 compared with net income of $106,000, or 3 cents a share, on revenue of $4.9 million for the same period a year ago.

Lake Mead water will cost more: The Southern Nevada Water Authority will be charging regional distributors a bit more for water next year.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races at Hollywood Park: 3rd Race -- MAJOR IDEA -- Nakatani on Drysdale trainee for owner Thoroughbred Corporation, draws well for Grade III turf stakes, Major win is the Idea here. RUTTERS RENEGADE -- Irish-bred draws good inner post for mile sod feature, Solis scales young Mandella trainee, fits this added-money race well. Value Play -- MAKEUP ARTIST

10 percent turnout predicted at polls: The Las Vegas ballot features incumbent City Councilman Michael McDonald against Janet Moncrief in the War 1 contest, two Municipal Court races and the $50.6 million Las Vegas Clark County Library District Bond Question. Voters in Las Vegas may vote only at Las Vegas City Hall, the Meadows mall or at a mobile site that changes daily, Lomax said.

Public hearings to be held on county, cities' budgets: 10 a.m. Monday, County Government Center.

Shift in contol of foster care sought: Public officials and child advocates agree that there would be vast improvement in local child protective services if Clark County could gain control of foster care from the state.

Math test moratorium advances: By Emily Richmond; The Assembly Ways and Means Committee voted Thursday to put a two-year moratorium on requiring high school students to pass the mathematics proficiency exam as a condition for graduation.

More than 62 percent of CCSN graduates are women: Jennifer Knight; When Debra Blicharz, 43, graduates from the Community College of Southern Nevada today, she will be like the majority of her classmates in at least one way: She's female.

Lady Rebels sign five: They are: Latosha Pace, a 5-10 guard from Martin Luther King High in Detroit; Shana Coleman, a 5-9 guard from Western Nebraska Community College; Kisha Lee, a 5-foot-11 forward from Carver High in Chicago; and two players from Lynwood, Calif., Tiffani Burries, a 6-4 center, and Kameca Simmons, a 5-9 guard.

Rundle's broken arm focus of trial: Erica D. Johnson; Prosecutors believe a broken arm for which William Rundle sought medical attention while a fugitive contradicts his claim that his wife attacked him.

Malone still missing; FBI mum on ex-commissioner's involvement: Jace Radke; Former Clark County Commissioner Lance Malone, a link between Las Vegas strip club owners and politicians who are the focus of an FBI public corruption investigation, has yet to surface, and the FBI's refusal to answer questions about his whereabouts is fueling speculation that he is working with investigators.

Berkley concerned nuclear study may face conflicts of interest: At issue is an $850,000 study overseen by the academy paid for, in part, by the Department of Energy, which manages the Yucca project, and the Electric Power Research Institute, a research arm of the utility industry, including the nuclear power industry. The study is also sponsored by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Department of Transportation and the National Cooperative Highway Research Program.

Panel passes $730 mil. in taxes: Erin Neff; CARSON CITY -- A Senate panel moved a part of the tax debate into the open Thursday by approving a hodgepodge plan to raise more than $700 million in new tax revenue even as several lawmakers are working in private on a broad-based business tax.

51s snapshot: Las Vegas plays in Tucson, where it was 3-5 a year ago, Monday through Thursday. Starting pitcher Lindsay Gulin lost twice in Tucson last season, and the Sidewinders beat him Tuesday at Cashman. Tucson has two of the league's top four hitters, in Alex Cintron (.393, 2nd) and Chad Trady (.356, 4th). By Rob Miech

Warning system for floods may be delayed: The project is one of several suggested for cuts or delays as part of an effort by the park service to save about $4.6 million, according to report released Thursday by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility.

Wynn's alleged stalker found guilty in extortion case: Erica D. Johnson; Donald Phillips claimed he was insane when he sent threatening letters to casino mogul Steve Wynn demanding millions of dollars, but a jury didn't buy his story.

Construction defect talks break down: Erin Neff; CARSON CITY -- Two years of work on construction defect issues ended this morning much like the end of the last Legislative session -- with neither side happy.

Struggling to protect our young: By Steve Kanigher; The system that is supposed to protect Nevada's children is overwhelmed, experts say, and statistics back them up.

Sound problems at pavilion might be over: Dan Kulin; Nearly eight months after the $12 million Henderson Pavilion opened, lingering sound problems there might be coming to an end, city officials said Thursday.

Tribe shifting jobs to casino: MASHANTUCKET, Conn. -- The Mashantucket Pequot tribal government will lay off 30 employees and transfer 225 people to Foxwoods Resort Casino in a move to streamline operations.

Local news briefs for May 16, 2003: The Regional Transportation Commission board approved a new budget Thursday that includes a 93 percent increase, reflecting expected new revenue and new capital investment to be approved in Carson City this month.

Manley gets six life sentences: Erica D. Johnson; A 17-year-old charged in a crime spree that left two men dead and a Nevada Highway Patrol trooper injured tried unsuccessfully to back out of his plea deal on Thursday, moments before he was sentenced to life in prison.

Rebels defeat Utah for win No. 40: Junior shortstop Peter White went 3-for-5 with two home runs. He hit a grand slam in the fourth and a solo shot in the seventh. He drove in five runs and scored three times. Fernando Valenzuela hit his team-leading 13th home run of the season. UNLV (40-14, 23-5 in MWC) and Utah (22-29, 9-19) continue the three-game series today at 6:30 p.m.

McGowan keeps Wooster rolling into 4A semifinals: Nick Christensen; In what may be a shocking revelation to anyone who saw Wooster's 2-0 softball win against Palo Verde on Thursday, Colts pitcher Brianne McGowan doesn't think she had a good game to open the 4A State softball tournament.

Mother wins meth lab battle: Erin Neff; CARSON CITY -- A small red mark on her baby's finger almost went unnoticed by Las Vegas resident Judy Cruden in 2002.

Columnist Barb Henderson: Hunters should attend county wildlife meetings: Barb Henderson; Nevada hunters who have applied for big-game hunting tags, will be notified of their results by June 20 after a random computerized tag draw.

Leadership struggle threatens tribe's income: Todd Dvorak; TAMA, Iowa -- Jerry Young Bear is in the middle of a political struggle he didn't ask for, but one that could take a big bite out of his monthly income and squelch his dreams of starting a horse farm.

Legislative briefs for May 16, 2003: A bill to bring Nevada into compliance with a massive federal law to upgrade public schools was approved by the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday.

51s' player purge for good of Dodgers: John Shoemaker is well aware of the events that took place last season that stripped the 51s of some of their muscle just when they needed it most.

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: Sides seething over Charo's Sevilla split: Nothing like some high-profile entertainment folks zinging insults at one another.

Correction for May 16, 2003: The Sun corrects its errors. If you find a mistake, call 385-3111 to report it.

Ensign on short side of 95-3 vote on bill for Nevada aid: Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., was one of only three senators who voted against a popular measure that included an extra $78 million in federal aid for Nevada.

Bankruptcy filings up in nation, Las Vegas: The record-setting pace of new personal bankruptcies has continued this year, rising 7.4 percent in the 12 months ended March 31, according to data released Thursday.

Las Vegas area fishing report: Overton Arm producing fish: Fishing continues to be good in the Overton Arm of Lake Mead with boaters and shore anglers catching largemouth and striped bass and channel catfish.

Guinn signs prescription measure: CARSON CITY -- Gov. Kenny Guinn Thursday signed a bill to restrict prescription drugs from foreign countries being sold over the Internet to Nevadans.

LV City Council to hear plan for downtown performing arts center: Mary Manning and Judy Odierna; Though two organizations have been trying to secure land to build two separate performing arts centers, the Las Vegas Performing Arts Foundation, which wants to bring such a facility downtown, has taken the lead.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: UNLV 'phonegate' leaves public hanging: I speak, of course, of "Phonegate," or whatever you want to call the ongoing investigation of UNLV athletes and students making unauthorized phone calls with a PIN obtained from assistant football coach John Jackson.

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: Heading the wrong way: ARE YOU SURE this is the road you would like to take?

Columnist Jeff German: Wiretaps likely part of probe: If this week's FBI raid at Cheetahs and Jaguars didn't put the fear of God into Southern Nevada's politicians, talk of wiretaps in the case may cause some of them to get religion in a hurry.

Community news briefs for May 16, 2003: Clark County School District Police will sponsor the third annual Stop the Violence Campaign from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Freedom Park Pavilion area.

Letter: Children suffer while legislators weigh more cuts: Last year the state Legislature cut funding to health care and social services by $8.1 million. Since I work with children and seniors every day, I know what it's like for them when they can no longer afford the health care or medications they need.