Stories published November 7, 2003Las Vegas Sun

Guggenheim opens 'Renoir to Rothko': The exhibit, which opens today, begins with impressionism, then explores post-impressionism, modernism, surrealism, cubism and abstract expressionism.

Silence Broken: Pop legends Simon & Garfunkel give touring another whirl: Spencer Patterson; Whenever this weekend's Simon & Garfunkel concert comes up in conversation, Morris gets it from one of her co-workers: "You better hope they don't break up."

Columnist Susan Snyder: Our roads are fatally flawed: All three teenagers were struck by cars while crossing streets in crosswalks. And all were held accountable for the crashes -- at least, as accountable as one can hold dead teenagers.

Saturday's horse racing entries: OAK TREE MEETING

Nevada insurance rates cut: Nevada Insurance Commissioner Alice Molasky-Arman on Wednesday approved the decrease proposed by the National Council on Compensation Insurance. The council originally proposed a 16.4 percent decrease but made the adjustment based on uncertainties over projected losses.

Language costs team its season: SAN FRANCISCO -- The principal of Woodside (Calif.) High School, furious after some players on the school's football team chanted obscenities at their coach as he entered the locker room after yet another loss, has canceled the remainder of the school's season.

County to force Galardi to give up license: Clark County will force Michael Galardi to give up his license to operate Jaguars at a Nov. 25 hearing, County Manager Thom Reilly said Thursday evening.

Council members say allegations won't affect them: "All I can say is I feel sorry for those families," said Ward 3 Councilman Gary Reese. "When you're out there and you put your name on that line to file for public office you have to first tell your family be prepared for anything."

Other club owners say no harassment seen: The owner of the Spearmint Rhino -- a rival of Michael Galardi's Las Vegas strip clubs -- said Thursday night that he believes his club has always been treated fairly by the Clark County Commission.

Gibbons moves to divert more land money to schools: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., plans to introduce a bill next year that would divert more funds from public land sales in Southern Nevada to the state's schools.

Columnist Sal DeFilippo: Monday night home teams no wizards at winning: Sal DeFilippo; Brett Favre and his Green Bay teammates should leave the cleats in the locker room as they take on Philadelphia Monday night at (insert deep voice and enunciate slowly) Lambeau Field.

San Diego-Vegas cases vary in scope: Although the same strip club owner is at the center of parallel political corruption indictments in Las Vegas and San Diego, there are as many differences as similarities between the cases.

Regents' chairman says CCSN boss could lose job: Jennifer Knight; The chairman of the state Board of Regents said Wednesday that an ongoing investigation could end with the resignation or removal of the Community College of Southern Nevada president.

Columnist Adam Candee: Coronado girls rescue season with comeback: Adam Candee; The hope and promise of Coronado's finest season helplessly floated back to the Silverado side of the net, where two Skyhawks waited to pound down an errant pass and end the Cougars' title dreams Thursday at Coronado High School in the Sunrise Region semifinals.

Game can't be beat for Pagano brothers: Series -- Raiders lead, 21-13-2.

Defense to pay less for Yucca work: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- The Defense Department will pay almost $38 million less for next year's work on the Yucca Mountain Project than originally planned, forcing the project to take more from nuclear power users, according to terms in a defense authorization bill approved in the House today.

Resident: Wynn didn't tell neighbors of plans: Christina Littlefield and Heather Rawlyk; Casino developer Steve Wynn never told remaining residents of the Desert Inn Estates that he was going to block access to the new golf course he is building next to their homes, a resident testified this morning.

Lone Mountain residents wary of mine expansion: Heather Rawlyk; Public forum

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Kyle Busch set to try Cup qualifying at finale in Homestead: Las Vegas native Kyle Busch will attempt to qualify for his first NASCAR Winston Cup race next weekend in the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Hendrick Motorsports officials announced Thursday.

Changes needed before bioterrorism lab opens: Dan Kulin; Two months after a bioterrorism lab was supposed to open in Las Vegas, officials are still waiting for building renovations to wrap up so the analyzing equipment can be moved in and tested.

State rejects bid for money by medical school: CARSON CITY -- The state Board of Examiners on Wednesday turned down several requests for money, including a request from the University of Nevada School of Medicine and one from Lincoln County to cover wildfire expenses.

House approves veterans benefits bill: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- The agreement for retired veterans with a 50 percent disability rating to receive both retirement pay and disability checks is in the final version of the defense authorization bill approved by the House earlier today.

Columnist Barb Henderson: In memory of a very special retriever: Barb Henderson; For the most part, it is not unusual for me to write about retrievers. In today's column, I will be side-stepping a little from the great outdoors to give tribute to an exceptional Clark County dog.

Commission chairwoman, former officials indicted: Jace Radke; Clark County commissioners traded their votes for money, a sports utility vehicle and lap dances, according to a federal indictment released Thursday.

Study suggests juvenile centers in Las Vegas, Reno: CARSON CITY -- New state juvenile detention centers should be built in Las Vegas or Reno, rather then in rural counties, a national organization has recommended.

Before dying, girl said she shouldn't have left UMC: Accounts to help defray medical costs for Speas and Lauzon have been set up at local banks. Donations to the Tabatha Speas fund can be made at any branch of Bank of America. Donations to the Adriana Lauzon fund go can be made at any branch Bank of the West.

Builders hope land-sale failure sends message on high costs: Jennifer Shubinski; The Bureau of Land Management said it will have to do a re-evaluation of the 1,940 acres that no one bid on in Thursday's Las Vegas Valley land auction. Officials said they will have to look at when -- not if -- the land should be put up for sale again.

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: Hard Rock Hotel yearning for star power: Never exactly a slouch in the celebrity department, the Paradise Road property dipped a bit on the buzz meter after it lost Don Marrandino early this year. But now it is truly ramping up its game.

Gaming merger studied: By Liz Benston; The Federal Trade Commission has asked Harrah's Entertainment Inc. and Horseshoe Gaming Holding Corp. for more information about the pending $1.46 billion acquisition by Harrah's of Horseshoe Gaming, indicating the federal agency is investigating competition issues.

Sports briefs for November 7, 2003: McBride, ranked second on the PBR's season points list and a fomer member of the UNLV rodeo team, tallied 92.5 points on his bull, Moody Blues. He gained an extra 100 points and a $20,000 prize, not including bonus money, for winning the first round.

Can defendant be forced to take drugs?: CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Supreme Court on Thursday ordered a district court to reconsider whether the state can or should force a Las Vegas woman to take antipsychotic medication to help her become competent to stand trial.

County employees say commissioners didn't influence them: Like the politicians targeted in the federal corruption probe, Clark County staffers waited throughout the day Thursday for the indictments that they knew were coming.

Westin opens in Vegas: By Liz Benston; The newest hotel-casino to open in Las Vegas claimed several other firsts when it checked in its first guests Thursday afternoon.

Garcia seeking bright side of Yucca: By Emily Richmond; Clark County Schools Superintendent Carlos Garcia went on a field trip Wednesday to Yucca Mountain to find out whether the controversial planned nuclear waste repository could have a silver lining for the district.

Election-fraud charges called too complex: Both attorneys representing Garry and Pamela Horrocks in the county's first election fraud case since 1987 argued for dismissal of the indictments against their clients Thursday because, they claimed, the explanations for each of the 62 counts of voter fraud, conspiracy and burglary were duplicitous, too complex and made little sense.

Lobos a 'class act' even for must game: Steve Guiremand; Rocky Long and his New Mexico Lobos have thrown out all the cliches for tonight's nationally televised Mountain West Conference showdown with Colorado State on ESPN2.

Low-cost service sometimes uses U.S. mail: The world's largest shipping carrier said today that UPS Basic is its attempt to draw in new customers -- people who generally don't use its services to deliver 1- to 5-pound packages and are interested simply in a low price. UPS Basic will not include any of the extra services that the company generally offers, like tracking and a guaranteed delivery day.

Predator units to team up at Indian Springs: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- A new combination of state and federal military units will help add jobs and more training on certain military equipment in Southern Nevada, according to the National Guard.

Saturday's matchup: WHEN SAN DIEGO STATE HAS THE BALL

Talk about intensity: Adam Candee; As the competition kicks up a notch for local prep football teams, so too does the intensity here at Prep Picks Central, where we face an impossibly difficult slate of games to pick in the region quarterfinals.

In plea deals, Kenny and Galardi admit to bribes: Jace Radke; In plea agreements released today, former Clark County Commissioner Erin Kenny admits to taking between $25,000 and $30,000 in bribes, and strip club owner Michael Galardi admits to funneling money to Kenny and other politicians to gain influence.

Kincaid-Chauncey insists she's innocent: Clark County Commission Chairwoman Mary Kincaid-Chauncey, arguably the most powerful elected official in Southern Nevada, said Thursday night that she is innocent and that the charges against her will not affect her work on the commission.

Penalty kicks win for Chaparral again: Nick Christensen; It wasn't the World Cup final or Necaxa against Chivas at Mexico's Azteca Stadium, but the pressure was just as intense as Chaparral and Desert Pines went to penalty kicks tied at 2-2 in Thursday's Sunrise Region semifinal at the Bettye Wilson Soccer Complex.

Ralph Siraco's Santa Anita selections: 1st Race -- FADE TO BLUE -- Espinoza on Mullins trainee for owner Englander, draws well for first state-bred stakes on Cal-Cup Day, no Fade to Blue on green? ANZIYAN ROYALTY -- Draws well for turf marathon opener, Solis scales Dollace trainee, ships across town for this try. Value Play -- GOLDEN BONUS

Columnist Dean Juipe: Weight is Jones' first challenge: Dean Juipe; Roy Jones Jr. and Antonio Tarver not being on the best of terms, I wasn't real sure that Jones would show up for today's weigh-in at Mandalay Bay anything near the 175 pounds he's not supposed to exceed.

Correction: Correction

Alleged telephone conversations as stated in the indictment.: Galardi responds: "You've gotta tell her, somehow, that I'll, I'll tell ya, I'll give her five, somehow, over the phone, I don't know how you can do it."

MGM MIRAGE expansion into Britain proceeding: By Liz Benston; MGM MIRAGE executives today said the Las Vegas company expects to own or operate several large casinos in the United Kingdom should that government proceed with anticipated gambling industry deregulation and create favorable investment conditions.

Wranglers' hit show set to go: Nick Christensen; They're an expansion franchise off to a blazing 7-1-2 start after playing an eight-game homestand in a palacial arena, and racked up three league player of the month awards in October.

To QB or not to QB: Steve Guiremand; A year ago at this time, Shane Steichen was getting ready to help quarterback Oak Ridge High School near Sacramento, Calif., to a CIF football title.

Judge: Juror's letter doesn't hurt Gazlay case: Attorney James "Bucky" Buchanan argued that juror Ralph Smith had tainted the indictment against his client, who in this instance is charged with battery with use of a deadly weapon for burning another teen with a hot butter knife at a party July 21.

Hearing ordered on man's appeal: CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Supreme Court Thursday ordered a District Court hearing for convicted killer Anthony L. Bagley to determine whether he had valid reasons for filing his appeal one day late.

Guinn appoints Terry Crawforth new director for NDOW: CARSON CITY -- Gov. Kenny Guinn has announced the appointment of Terry Crawforth as Director of the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

New magazine debuts in LV: Maturity Today magazine is available at Vons, Terrible Herbst, CVS pharmacies, Border's Bookstores, the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Clark County's libraries, said owner Marguerite Mathis.

Woman sentenced for leaving newborn to die in hotel toilet: Kristine Sue Westin was unable to rescue her premature baby after giving birth in a toilet in the Lady Luck hotel because she had been abused for years, Westin's mother said after her daughter's sentencing Thursday.

UNLV falls in shootout: SALT LAKE CITY -- UNLV fell one match short of reaching the Mountain West Conference women's soccer championship game, losing a tiebreaking shootout 6-5 Thursday at top-seeded Utah at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Columnist Jeff German: Let's hope we see more indictments: How long will the Big Chill last?

Fishing report: Weather slowing the action: Walter DeMattos, Nevada Department of Wildlife Creel Census Clerk, said that because of the windy conditions, fishing pressure continued to be low in the upper basin.

Letter: Station is good corporate citizen: I've worked for Station Casinos for more than eight years and have been given the opportunity to grow, as have dozens of other team members throughout this company. It places emphasis on job security for all of its employees. I can remember after Sept. 11 when other hotel-casinos had to lay off a portion of their labor force. That was not the case for Station Casinos. I recall them transferring some team members to their other properties, mainly Green Valley Station, so that jobs would not be lost.

Catholic Charities in need of food: Individuals or organizations who would like to help feed the needy by donating canned food, non-perishables, bread, and baby food please deliver to 1511 Las Vegas Blvd. North. Call 383-0766.

All-ages show 'Ovation' debuts at Aladdin: Immediately following the 10 p.m. show he had to rush home and grade 250 papers by 95 students in his entertainment class at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Changes needed before LV bioterrism lab opens: Dan Kulin; Two months after a bioterrorism lab was supposed to open in Las Vegas, officials are still waiting for building renovations to wrap up so the analyzing equipment can be moved in and tested.

The list of allegations: The list of allegations

Obituaries for Nov. 7, 2003: Patricia Cabrera Aflague, 51, of Las Vegas died Sunday in a local hospital. She was born Nov. 9, 1951, in Guam. A resident for three years, she was a retired public school teacher.

Probe ends Galardi's low profile: Jean Norman; -- Las Vegas Sun

Letter: Many failed to heed early nuke power warning: We environmentalists, generally seen as radical flakes by many mainstreamers in the 1970s, tried desperately to point out the risks of nuclear power. One of our central messages was that nuclear waste disposal would be a huge problem with no good solution. We offered alternatives, many of which continue to be ignored today.

Editorial: Anti-terror funds must follow need: The funding feud appeared to be over, but Richard Mirgon, former chairman of the original committee that distributed the money and who is the 911 communications director for Douglas County, defended the appropriations -- not an auspicious start for the new commission. "We tried to look at the intent of the federal government in allocating these funds, and that wasn't based on population, but need," Mirgon said. "It's not based on a fair share or population, but on protecting lives when there is a need." Young, a member of the new commission, responded that population should be the driving factor.

Editorial: Waivers go bye-bye: In response, the county simply amended the ordinance to eliminate waivers. Now the county no longer has any discretion. The separation requirements remain and everyone will be treated equally. In our view, local governments have the right to regulate placement of billboards. They can be intrusive and unsightly when jammed together, whether in neighborhoods or along roads. The county's action is no guarantee against future lawsuits, but for now, neighborhoods and roadways are a little farther removed from the shadow of billboard clusters.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: California gets a winner: I was pleased when she joined Guinn three years ago, but thought she would return to Washington, D.C., in a year or two. Asked about it, she replied that she and her sister wanted to be close to their father, former Nevada Supreme Court Justice Cameron Batjer. It wasn't long before her friend Secretary of State Colin Powell and several others in the new Bush administration were tempting her to return. Batjer, an accomplished skier and outdoors enthusiast, was home where she wanted to be. I first remember her as a skier when she was attending Carson City High School.

Community briefs for Nov. 7, 2003: First lady Dema Guinn will co-host a luncheon Nov. 18 in Las Vegas to raise money to pay for the creation of a statue of Indian leader Sara Winnemucca to be placed in the U.S. Capitol's Statuary Hall.

Regent: CCSN's chief may be ousted: Jennifer Knight; Board of Regent Chairman Stavros Anthony said Wednesday that an ongoing university system investigation could end with the resignation or removal of the Community College of Southern Nevada president.

Columnist Spencer Patterson: Fahl brings eclectic style to Vegas on her dime: Spencer Patterson; Mary Fahl may be signed to a major label, but when the Sony Classical recording artist began plotting a West Coast tour she found herself footing the bill.

Letter: Iraq not really a 'global effort': According to the Periscope USNI Military Database, the following countries that were among those listed by Gibbons have "zero" troops on the ground in Iraq: Azerbaijan, Georgia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and the Ukraine.

Blood drives: Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Faith Lutheran Junior/Senior High School, 2015 Hualapai Way.

High court orders hearing on convicted killer's appeal: CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Supreme Court Thursday ordered a District Court hearing for convicted killer Anthony L. Bagley to determine whether he had valid reasons for filing his appeal one day past the deadline.

Indictments add to history of corruption probes: Nevada entered the union as a state in 1864 within the first five years had its first corruption scandal.

State getting grant to fight DUI: The U.S. Department of Transportation is sending the money to Nevada because the Legislature lowered the blood-alcohol limit to prove drunken driving from 0.10 to 0.08.

Man indicted on charge of interfering with flight crew: Salvador Gonzalez, 27, of Oceanside, Calif., was arrested after causing Southwest Airlines flight 2466 to be diverted back to Las Vegas from its scheduled flight to Ontario, Calif., an FBI spokesman said.

'Revolutions' heading to Luxor IMAX: "The Matrix Revolutions," the third and final film in the "Matrix" series, opened nationally Wednesday in thousands of standard-size theaters. The film will also play in 60 IMAX screens worldwide, including Las Vegas.

Some veterans soon to get twin benefits: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- The agreement for retired veterans with a 50 percent disability rating to receive both retirement pay and disability checks is in the final version of the defense authorization bill, set to be approved by the House today.

Judge's order helps utility move on Enron appeal: Kevin Rademacher; The immediate future of Nevada Power Co. and its sister company, Sierra Pacific Power Co. of Reno, got a little more stable on Thursday when a New York bankruptcy stayed the execution of a $336 million judgment against the companies.

Malone's work as commissioner was controversial: Jace Radke; -- Las Vegas Sun

News briefs for Nov. 7, 2003: A Las Vegas man who was shot to death shortly before midnight on Wednesday has been identified as Alvin Taylor, Jr., 33, the coroner's office said.

Rate hike hearings set: Two weeks of hearings on the matter are scheduled to begin Feb. 3, with a decision by the commission due by March 29. Prior to the hearings, the commission has requested four consumer sessions to hear concerns from the public. Those will likely be held on Jan. 13 and Jan. 20.

Gaming briefs for Nov. 7, 2003: ATLANTIC CITY -- Aztar Corp.'s Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City said it reopened the 600-room West Tower and a parking garage that was closed after an Oct. 30 construction accident.

Kincaid-Chauncey lone officeholder: Jace Radke; -- Las Vegas Sun

Allegations have plagued Herrera: Jace Radke; -- Las Vegas Sun

Kenny quiet after criminal charge filed: Jace Radke; -- Las Vegas Sun

Santana's fourth album a timeless masterpiece: Spencer Patterson; If you're already a fan of Santana's acclaimed first three studio albums, don't pick up the band's fourth disc expecting more of the same.

Columnist Jon Ralston: Cases look bad, but ending not written: Jon Ralston hosts the news discussion program Face to Face on Las Vegas ONE and publishes the Ralston Report. He can be reached at (702) 870-7997 or at ralston@vegas.com.

Datebook for Nov. 7, 2003: 'First Friday'

Performing Arts for Nov. 7, 2003: Nextet

Columnist Jerry Fink: Pianists Mark & Clark keeping Old Vegas alive: He was the only customer for several 3 p.m. performances by pianists Mark and Clark Seymour, twin brothers who have been a professional team for 40 years.

Columnist Lisa Ferguson: Nailz hammers away at structure of big business: Lisa Ferguson; Russ Stolnack understands their frustration. His job: Do whatever it takes to make burned-out laborers laugh again.

Columnist Jeff German: Government must be for the people: Jeff German's column appears Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays in the Sun. Reach him at german@lasvegassun.com or (702) 259-4067.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Flamingo's newest diverse and delicious: I was joining friends who regularly stay at the Flamingo ever since it opened. We always meet for dinner at the hotel when they come to town.

Tireless impressionist Jones deserves promotion: But his best impression is that of a hustling go-getter who tirelessly promotes his 5 p.m. show at the Fitzgeralds Events Center's 150-seat showroom, handing out cards wherever he sees a potential fan -- whether on Fremont Street or at a grocery store.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Still a hot war in Iraq: U.S. NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER Condoleezza Rice, the top gun for the Bush administration's Middle East policies, made known her displeasure with the Israeli security fence. We have yet to hear if the barbed wire fence coalition forces have put around the Tikrit suburb Al Auja has upset her. Al Auja is the birthplace of Saddam Hussein. Allow me to suggest that maybe the entire city of Tikrit should be fenced in until the guerrilla activity against our forces in that area cease.

Public confidence in government will suffer: WEEKEND EDITION Nov. 8 - 9, 2003

Letter: Big lies preceded invasion of Iraq: "The larger point is, and the fundamental question is: Did Saddam Hussein have a weapons program? And the answer is: absolutely. And we gave him a chance to allow the inspectors in, and he wouldn't let them in. And therefore, after a reasonable request, we decided to remove him from power."

Letter: Economy should be put in context: The writer should have been around looking for a job from 1947 until 1987, when the stock market was at 2000, interest rates were at 8 percent at their lowest and unemployment was 8 percent.

Letter: Clinton almost got bin Laden: He also stated that President Clinton was offered Osama bin Laden on several occasions, but "wouldn't even bring him in for questioning. In fact, the Clinton administration never received a credible offer to extradite Osama Bin Laden from the Sudan or any other country for that matter. Contrary to conservative propaganda, the Clinton administration doggedly pursued Osama bin Laden and his al-Qaida cohorts. They had deployed covert operatives inside Afghanistan and, at one point, came within 30 minutes of killing Osama bin Laden and his top lieutenants in a cruise-missile attack.

Letter: Demand more from Democrats: Sorry, Gov. Dean. Nevadans heard that same sorry story from George W. Bush.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Time to adopt a new attitude: Word that federal officials are studying whether to scrap the wild horse adoption program has spread like a brush fire.

Editorial: Education photo-op: On Monday U.S. Rep. Jim Gibbons is holding what he calls an "education summit." The Northern Nevada Republican says the gathering in Reno is to focus on achieving the goals of the federal No Child Left Behind Act. At first glance, the meeting looks impressive. It will be attended by two U.S. Education Department officials -- the director of teacher quality and the deputy assistant secretary in the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education. The state's 17 school district superintendents also have been invited.

Letter: No water for Station's tower: It makes me wonder, though. If there is not enough water to build lawns for kids, how is there enough water to support Station Casinos' plan for a new, 1,500-room hotel-casino tower (the proposed Red Rock Station) in the middle of Summerlin?

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: Mac is compatible with record: VegasBeat appears Sunday through Friday in the Las Vegas Sun. Timothy McDarrah can be reached at tim@lasvegassun.com or at (702) 259-4096.

Letter: Borders still not secure two years after attacks: The Iraqi Provisional Authority has asked for $150 million for Iraqi border control. "Without this investment," insisted the authority's request, "the nation will continue to be at tremendous risk of penetration by members of terrorist cells and other subversive organizations; smuggling will continue to bleed the revenues necessary for the Iraqi economy to stand on its own and Iraq will not be able to control its borders."

Saluting those who served: WEEKEND EDITION Nov. 8 - 9, 2003

Letter: Cost-of-living allowances short: I don't know what percentage the members of Congress gave themselves, but I would say it was more than 1.4 percent.

Editorial: Was the rise worth the fall?: Erin Kenny's name began appearing publicly in 1992, the year she was elected to the Legislature. She would go on to create a big name for herself as a two-term Clark County commissioner and Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor. Mention her name today, though, and what first comes to mind are her guilty pleas to federal charges of political corruption.