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February 2021
 Hello Neighbors!
I am optimistic that there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our Clark County Fire Department and Health District staff have been working tirelessly to ramp up vaccinations while also continuing testing, and with hospitalizations on the decline, businesses will be allowed to expand capacity over the coming months. Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay diligent.
As always, please feel free to contact me and my team by phone at (702) 455-3500 or by email at ccdistf@clarkcountynv.gov. You can also follow me @JustinJonesNV on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to keep up with the latest events in the District.
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 Team Jones is celebrating Black people, Black voices, and Black history while simultaneously acknowledging there’s still work to be done to achieve true equality. The lessons and stories from Black History Month teach us all year, every year how to build a country that works for everyone. From Black history has always been—and always will be—American history. Kiara Musik, a Las Vegas-based musician, kicked off the month with a performance during the Board of County Commissioners February 2nd meeting. Kiara was also a 2019 participant on NBC's The Voice, making it onto "Team Gwen".
How can you observe Black History Month? Here are a few ideas:
- Libraries and bookstores — not to mention online repositories and booksellers — are positively overflowing with amazing works of literature, history, and biography. Find a book about a piece of black history that you were previously unaware of and get educated.
- One of the best ways to get the ball rolling toward a better society is by contacting members of Congress. Ask them what they have planned for Black History Month and what specific legislative actions they plan to take to ensure that your community never backtracks in its pledge to provide opportunities for each and every person.
- History comes alive in our nation's museums, and many of these institutions have events, conferences and celebrations surrounding Black History Month. Virtually attend a museum and see first-hand our nation's collective historical treasures.
In December, 5 cyclists were tragically killed and others injured in a terrible accident south of Las Vegas. Shortly after the tragedy, Commissioner Jones, an avid cyclist, joined with the cycling community for a vigil to remember the riders and last month joined hundreds of cyclists and families of the victims to dedicate a “ghost bike.” A ghost bike is a bicycle that is painted white and placed in a public place to honor the victims of a cycling accident and to raise awareness for cycling safety. Commissioner Jones is working with the cycling community on cycling safety initiatives, including an enforcement event with law enforcement, expansion of bike lanes and paths, an ordinance clarifying the rights of cyclists on the roadways, and posting of signage notifying motorists that, in certain circumstances, bicyclists may use the full lane.
 
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With the start of a new term and the return to in-person public meetings, this is a perfect time to recognize the volunteers that serve on the Town Advisory Boards and Citizens Advisory Councils throughout District F. TABs and CACs were established by state law to provide input from the community to the Board of County Commissioners. They consist of 5 members appointed by the Commissioner for two year terms. They generously donate their time and energy to not only attend the actual meetings, but also to review plans, visit sites, and attend training. A huge thank you all of the Board and Council members for your important part in the public hearing process.
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Wednesday, February 24, 6 pm at the Clark County Commission Chambers
Wednesday, March 10, 6 pm at the Clark County Commission Chambers
Please Note: In an effort to support social distancing practices for the protection of District F residents, Enterprise Town Advisory Board meetings will be held in the Commission Chambers at the Clark County Government Center, 500 Grand Central Pkwy.
Tuesday, February 23, 6:30 pm at the Desert Breeze Community Center
Tuesday, March 9, 6:30 pm at the Desert Breeze Community Center
Tuesday, February 23, 7:30 pm at the Goodsprings Community Center
Wednesday, February 24, 7 pm at the Blue Diamond Rec Hall
Tuesday, March 9, 7:30 pm at the Sandy Valley Community Center
Wednesday, March 10, 6 pm at the Mountain Springs Fire Station
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The first of several designed parks in District F should begin construction in early summer. Southwest Ridge Park is adjacent to Robert L. Forbuss Elementary School at 8601 South Grand Canyon Drive. The 5 acre nature themed park will include 2 acres of open turf, covered pavilions with picnic tables, nature-play playground and a ½ mile trail loop that will serve as a gateway to the Southwest Ridge Recreation Area which encompasses thousands of public land acres to the west. It is anticipated the bid to begin construction will be awarded at the February 16, 2021 Board of County Commissioners meeting. When completed, the Southwest Ridge Park & Trailhead will provide unique outdoor recreation and education opportunities to students and families living near Forbuss Elementary School as well as large groups of bikers venturing into the Southwest Ridge Recreation Area. Click on the image below to see a bigger view of the park design and landscaping.
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Ft. Apache is a critical north/south route for many in the Southwest. Improvements to Ft. Apache will be occurring in three phases. Phase I will include widening where there are current bottlenecks and improvements to Ft. Apache from Tropicana to Warm Springs. These improvements are currently under way and are expected to be completed later this year. Phase II will be from Warm Springs to Huntington Cove. These will include widening and addition of bike lanes, allowing a safe route around the mountain outcropping. This project is completing the design phase and will be sent to bid in the next few months. Phase III will include widening and improvements from Huntington Cove to Blue Diamond/SR160. This will also incorporate a crossing for a planned multi-use trail along the Blue Diamond Wash which will run from Durango to Hualapai, where it will connect to the planned Red Rock Legacy Trail. This phase is in the design and acquisition of right-of-way process. We will provide additional updates on the multi-phase project as it progresses.
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 Thanks to Mountain Springs resident, Tanya Harrah, for this great picture of snow falling on one of the sculptures installed in Mountain Springs as a part of the recent improvements to State Hwy 160.
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Modern day celebrations of Valentine's Day include roses, chocolates, candlelit dinners, and cards filled with loving sentiments. Valentine's celebrations of the past, including here in Clark County, featured some very different ideas. We'll share just a few with you here. All of these come from the Las Vegas Age newspaper which can be found on-line in the UNLV Digital Archives.
The February 10, 1917 issue provided some menu ideas to help serve up a tasty Valentine's Day party. Some of the dishes suggested included creamed oysters and cold beef tongue. Definitely not what you expect to find on your plate today.
Apparently, in 1910, the ladies of Las Vegas were a hot commodity. Reportedly, "lads" from Pioche were using "daintily scented" Valentines to lure the ladies away. The story was printed in the February 19, 1910 issue of the paper and is included below.
The Ronzone's ad below is from the February 13, 1943 edition and suggests that War Bonds or a partially filled War Stamp Album were a surefire way to win over your sweetheart. They did suggest some more conventional gifts like jewelry and lingerie, too.
In 1936 the sentiments were a bit different than the ones we see today. Here are two that were published in the February 14, 1936 paper.
If I ate a peck of garlic and a ton of onions, too
I couldn't tell you even then how strong I am for you!
and
I'll sew on your buttons and mend your socks, I'll cook your meals and I'll wind the clocks
I'll not complain when you read the news, And once in awhile I'll shine your shoes
I'll try to be your pride and joy. But when you stay out - so will I, old Boy!
Whether you are serving toast hearts spread with "some potted relish" or just ordering a pizza - we hope you enjoy your Valentine's Day!
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