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To stay updated on coming events for District D – visit Commissioner Weekly’s events calendar.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. – Theta Omicron Zeta from left: Asha Jones, Latoya Lewis, Sparkle French
100 Black Men, Las Vegas Chapter
Business Owners
Royal Byron- Nevada Barber College
Angie Flowers – Sight & Sound Music Center
Educators
Shirley Barber, former Clark County School District School Board Trustee (not pictured)
Dr. Andre Denson (not pictured)
Trail Blazers
Mother Stella Parson
Former City of Las Vegas Fire Chief Dave Washington
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Melvin Ennis with Senate Majority Leader Sen. Steven Horsford
The Clark County Parks and Recreation Services Gang Intervention team was recently awarded the Nevada Hall of Fame Award in Carson City.
The Gang Intervention team, through its “Back on Track” program, reaches out to Cambridge community youth and provides mentoring and case management to young men age 14 to 24.
Back on Track engages participants to change behaviors and values through access to academics, employment and social opportunities and encourages them to make positive changes to their lives. They also provide services to the community by cleaning graffiti and assisting with community events.
The Nevada Hall of Fame was created in 2003 to honor and pay tribute to exceptional individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions and have positively impacted Nevada through lasting contributions to public education.
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Congratulations to the Gang Intervention Team. From left: Kevin Niday, Melvin Ennis, Alex Bernal, LeRoy Gambrell
Book Drive Success, 3,000-plus Books Collected
Human Resources Director Jesse Hoskins and Brenda Jacobs stand with trophy given to the department for donating the most books.
Generous residents and county employees donated more than 3,000 books through the commissioner’s Literacy Awareness Month Book Drive earlier this year.
The books were collected at various departments in the Clark County Government Center and then distributed to nearby elementary and middle schools.
“Literacy is critical for every child’s success,” Commissioner Weekly said. “This book drive put many, many new books into the hands of teachers and children who don’t see new books as often as they should.”
Commissioner, Students Come Together for Leadership Conference
Approximately 225 high school students from District D attended the Seventh Annual African-American Leadership Conference at the West Las Vegas Library earlier this year.
The conference featured workshops on a variety of topics including money management and banking, leadership and social responsibility, and conflict resolution.
“This program gave these students an opportunity to learn critical skills and lessons that will serve them well as they grow from teenagers to adults,” Commissioner Weekly said.
The commissioner invited students from the Advanced Technologies, Andre Agassi College Preparatory and Las Vegas academies, as well as Cheyenne, Western, Rancho, and Canyon Springs high schools. The participating students were selected by their school principals.
Below are two articles from Canyon Springs High School students who attended the conference.
By Ta Jane’ Perry
The African-American Leadership Conference was certainly a learning experience.
We were met with a breakfast and fresh air. Conversation and fellowship rang from the students of various high schools across the valley. Next step, split into groups and attend workshops.
The most amazing workshop I attended was that of Igniting the Fire Within. In this course we learned the magnificence of the power of the mind while reaching new levels of self sufficiency and “growing” our hands. Moods and emotions, as taught by learned professionals, play a huge role in the way that one’s life progresses and the emergence of the obstacles that occur. If you have a positive mindset, difficult circumstances become easier to handle, making life’s tragedies mere happenings.
The rest of the day’s activities included a course in financial planning and a slew of activities meant to reinforce the importance of the value of teamwork and the importance of leading to follow.
Concluding this conference was music from local musicians, Mosaic, and a satisfying lunch. Overall, the conference was a rewarding experience that helped the young African Americans of the valley learn not only the power of the mind but how to use that mind in order to get what they want out of life.
By Shavariette Hawkins
My experience at the African American Leadership conference was great. It gave me the opportunity to meet other leaders and discuss some of the qualities we, as teenagers, have. I also believe that this gave me other ways to prove that I am a leader. In this experience it takes a person who wants to be a leader and shows them how many different ways to be a leader. The leadership conference took African American students and let them show that they have the ability to be leaders.
I would personally like to thank County Commissioner Weekly for inviting our school because it helped me become a better leader and I learned how to manage my money. This opportunity to me was something that I could not pass up and I hope in the years to come that our African American students will appreciate this experience as much as I did. Not only appreciate it but use the information that is given because I know that I will not take the information that was taught to me lightly and I will take it as far as it can go. I am so glad that I was allowed to be a leader to represent Canyon Springs and once again thank you Commissioner Weekly and staff.
Residents and Commissioner Weekly walk on May 8, 2009 during the “Walking with Weekly” fitness walk and health fair held at the Dr. William U. Pearson Community Center.
Summer Safety: Around the Pool and in the Heat
Summer vacation is here as is the heat, and so now is a good time to remember a few tips that will keep us all safe this season.
During the few seconds it can take to grab a towel, answer the phone or answer the door a child can get into the pool.
It is also important to make sure there are barriers between children and pools when they are not being used. According to the Southern Nevada Pool Code, pools, spas and hot tubs must be completely enclosed by fences that are at least 5-feet-tall, and gates must be self-closing and self-latching.
The Clark County Fire and Development Services departments are co-sponsors with the Southern Nevada Health District of the “ABC&D's of Drowning Prevention” campaign, which emphasizes the need for adult supervision and barriers around pools to prevent drownings. For more information visit the Fire Department Web page by clicking here.
Remember:
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Always have a designated child watcher when children are near any pool or body of water.
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Close and lock all doors, windows and gates leading to pools when not in use.
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Keep a phone near the pool to ensure children are not left unattended if the phone rings.
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Never swim when thunder or lightening are present.
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Never dive into unfamiliar or shallow bodies of water.
Also, there are many vacant homes with swimming pools. If there is a vacant home in your neighborhood with a pool, and the backyard is not secure, please contact Clark County Code Enforcement at (702) 455-4191 or my office immediately at (702) 455-3501.
This is considered an immediate public safety hazard and we will work with the Southern Nevada Health District to get the site secured and the pool drained if possible.
It is also important to be mindful of the heat.
Exposure to excessive heat can cause heat exhaustion and more serious health problems for anyone, especially children, the elderly and people with heart disease, poor circulation and weight problems.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps and dizziness. Prevention is the key to dealing with this danger, and the best prevention is to drink plenty of fluids.
Some other reminders to keep you safe during the hot summer months include:
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Drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty.
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Limit your intake of alcoholic beverages, which contribute to dehydration.
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Always carry plenty of water with you and a mobile phone. You never know what might happen during the day that could keep you outdoors longer than anticipated.
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Dress for summer with clothes that are loose, lightweight and light-colors.
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Use sunscreen with a high SPF to protect against sunburn and skin cancer.
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Look in on friends and family, especially the elderly who may need help adjusting to the heat.
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Limit errands and outdoor activities to before noon or in the evening to avoid being out during the hottest part of the day.
Flash flood season is July through September, but floods can happen any time of the year so it is important to be prepared and to know what to do if you get caught in a flash flood.
The National Weather Service will declare flood watches or warnings if necessary. A Flash Flood Watch means that a flood is possible in your area. A Flash Flood Warning means that a flood is already occurring or will occur very soon.
If you are caught in a sudden, major storm, which may cause flooding, it is usually safer for you to stay where you are and wait out the storm rather than trying to drive through it.
So if you are driving when a major storm hits, think about finding some ground higher than the street to pull onto until the storm passes.
Remember never drive through a flooded road or around barricades. It can be difficult to determine how deep floodwaters are and floodwaters can rise dramatically in minutes.
If you do get stuck in a stalled car, remember that it might be safer to stay with your vehicle. Fast moving water, even only a few inches deep can quickly sweep you off your feet.
Never let children or pets play in or near floodwaters, which are fast moving and can contain dangerous debris and chemicals.
For more information, please check the Regional Flood Control District’s Web site at www.regionalflood.org.
Foster Families Needed, Especially in Six Key Zip Codes
Clark County wants you to consider becoming a foster parent, especially if you live in one of six zip codes in our community.
Clark County has more than 2,000 children in its foster care system. The top six zip codes from which the foster care children originate are 89101, 89115, 89030, 89108, 89121 and 89110. While more foster families are needed throughout the valley, the County is stepping up its foster care recruitment efforts in these zip codes to ease transitions for children.
"A child's world in many cases is as small as a few square miles," said Vickie Wilson, who recruits foster families for Clark County's Family Services Department. "Within that world are the familiar touchstones of life such as school, playgrounds, neighbors, and friends. Keeping foster children in their neighborhoods makes it easier for the foster family to work with the biological family for the good of the child."
Foster care professionals consider several factors when identifying foster care placements, including proximity to parents and siblings, the child's school, activities, and social network. Considerations also include the child's academic performance, existing friendships, and the chances of reunification with the natural parents for a safe return home.
Clark County hopes to increase the number of foster parents through new initiatives that target specific communities and demographic groups. This will include offering orientations and trainings, as well as targeted outreach in areas of high need.
The department is also always looking for prospective adoptive parents to enroll in the Adoption Program, which is designed to match families with a waiting child or children who need a permanent home. This process involves education, training and an adoption home study, which assists the review team to find the best possible match for your home.
Anyone 21 or older who meets the licensing and other minimum requirements can become a foster or adoptive parent.
Our Needs:
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Those able to foster/adopt sibling groups
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Those able to foster/adopt infants/toddlers
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Those able to foster/adopt newborns
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Those able to foster/adopt drug and alcohol exposed infants
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Those able to foster/adopt children with special health care needs and developmental needs
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Those able to foster/adopt teen moms and their children
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Those able to provide short-term care to provide relief for other foster families as respite providers
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Those able to accept immediate placements- 24 Hours a day
Minimum Requirements
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Telephone
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Transportation
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Housing (can be a rental)
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Financial Stability (we do not run credit checks)
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Home and Car Insurance
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Lifestyle free from drug/alcohol or law enforcement difficulties
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Flexibility
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Strong Support System
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Commitment
Licensing Requirements
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Complete approximately 30 hours or less training
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Approved fingerprinting
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Approved background check
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TB Testing
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CPR/First Aid Training
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Completed DFS Foster & Adoption Program Application
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A physical is required for an approved adoption home study
For information about the Clark County Foster and Adoption Program, please call 702-455-0181 or send an e-mail to fosterclarkcounty@co.clark.nv.us.
Iconic Welcome Sign Listed in National Register of Historic Places
The “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places, a significant milestone in the sign’s 50-year history, county and state officials announced.
Nevada Historic Preservation Officer Ron James, whose office forwarded the county’s application to the National Park Service for consideration, said the Register is the nation’s official list of cultural resources worthy of recognition and preservation.
“This sign is one of the most recognizable images associated with Nevada and its tourism industry,” James said. “This national honor underscores the historic value of the sign.”
The Welcome sign is located on the median of Las Vegas Boulevard in unincorporated Clark County, just south of the Russell Road exit on Interstate 15. It reads, “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada” on the front and “Drive Carefully” and “Come Back Soon” on the back.
The sign is owned by Young Electric Sign Company (YESCO) and leased to Clark County. "As owner of the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, YESCO is proud to be the stewards of this important cultural resource which has done so much to promote a positive, vibrant image for Las Vegas and Clark County for the past 50 years," said John Williams, the company’s vice president and general manager.
The sign was designed by Betty Whitehead Willis of Western Neon, at the time one of a few women in the nation working as sign designers. In 1959, a group of Strip hotel owners asked the Clark County Commission to fund the design and construction of a sign to welcome visitors to Las Vegas. The winning bid, from Western Neon, was for $4,000. Later, YESCO bought out Western Neon and became the sign’s owner.
The Welcome sign was placed on the old U.S. Highway 91, which was the main route from Southern California. The closest hotel was the Hacienda, located where Mandalay Bay is today. Clark County Commission meeting minutes in May 1959 note that the sign was to be located just north of the old McCarran airport. It is still at that location, although the main route for travelers is now I-15, and the old McCarran airport is now Signature Executive Terminal.
In the 1990s, another group of hotel owners, thinking the sign had outlived its day, commissioned a study to determine whether a new structure should be built. A public outcry followed and the sign remained. Although YESCO owns the trademark, the image of the Welcome sign was never copyrighted, so it has been used freely for commercial and non-commercial purposes for decades. As a result, it is recognizable internationally and the Welcome sign’s popularity as a tourist destination and photo opportunity continues to grow.
In January, Clark County completed work on a parking lot in the median just south of the sign to enable individuals and groups to safely take pictures of the sign without having to park on the side of the road and run across three lanes of traffic to get there. The new lot also provides access to the sign for the disabled for the first time. Access to the sign had been somewhat limited since its creation in 1959. The new lot features 12 parking spots, including two for the disabled, plus space for two buses.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the installation of the Welcome sign, which has marked the southern approach to the Strip since 1959.
The county, in its application for placement in the Register, argued that the sign meets National Park Service criteria for being historically significant in these ways:
“…For its association with the post-World War II entertainment, tourism and advertising industries. The 1950s saw an explosion of casino construction on the Las Vegas Strip, and the 1959 Welcome sign represented the optimism and boosterism of Las Vegas casino owners and civic leaders. The fifties also saw the development of national advertising into a fine art, which made Las Vegas a most desired tourist destination and indeed, a household word across the country and around the world.”
“Designer Betty Whitehead Willis was a Las Vegas native and daughter of a pioneer southern Nevada family. She attended art school in Los Angeles and had a career as a graphic designer before becoming a sign designer in the early fifties. Willis also designed, among others, the locally treasured Blue Angel Motel sign, and the 1955 Moulin Rouge Hotel and Casino sign.”
“…As an excellent example of Exaggerated Modern/Googie architecture (1940s-1960s). The sign utilizes a stretched diamond shape with curved sides, set against an angular double column, outlined with light bulbs to accentuate the unusual shape, which are characteristics of Exaggerated Modern/Googie. The sign has become a cultural icon, known and loved around the world, not just because of its historical value and association with Las Vegas, but also because it is one of the dwindling examples of Exaggerated Modern in the southwest and especially in Las Vegas.”
The National Register provides recognition for properties regarded as historically or architecturally significant. For a current list of properties in the National Register of Historic Places and Nevada State Register of Historic Places, visit the State Historic Preservation Office’s Web site at www.NevadaCulture.org (click on SHPO). For more information, call Ron James at (775) 684-3440.
The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) recently unveiled its 40-foot long grease-powered bus. The environmentally friendly bus will bare sustainability-themed artwork on its sides.
The artists who will have their artwork displayed on the bus are students Rolf Pangilman of Becker Middle School and Kiana Spengler of Mojave High School.
The grease bus will be used as a training vehicle and will travel throughout the valley. The oil in the bus will be strained and then directly mixed with diesel, requiring less processing than biodiesel fuel. It will run on recycled grease from the kitchen of N9NE Steakhouse, co-owned by Jenna Morton.
Federal Government Targets Mortgage Scam Companies
Unscrupulous mortgage companies are targeting unsuspecting and often struggling homeowners by promising to refinance their home using money from the Obama administration.
Frauds often involve companies with official-sounding names. The Federal Trade Commission has warned 71 companies and filed complaints against the Federal Loan Modification Law Center, based in Northridge, Ca; Bailout.hud-gov.us of Newport Beach, Ca; and Home Assure LLC, based out of Clearwater, Fla.
There are currently 2,100 mortgage fraud cases under investigation by the FBI, an increase of about 400 from five years ago.
Homeowners can locate free housing counselors at http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov or by calling (888) 995-HOPE.
Looking for something to do? View the list of the events going on in Clark County parks this week.
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