Charleston Underpass Mural
We held a dedication ceremony for the Charleston Underpass Mural that has been years in the making, but took the artist less than two months to complete. It’s one of the largest murals in Nevada at approximately 24,000 square feet of surface area. This is part of a commitment to more beautiful artwork in Ward 1, and is the first step of many in connecting the Las Vegas Medical District to the Las Vegas Arts District. We can’t thank the artist, Eric Vozzola, enough for his work and the impact it will have on the community.
Inaugural Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Expo
It was amazing that the Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce of Nevada invited me to speak and welcome everyone to the Inaugural Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Expo in partnership with the city of Las Vegas. This was a wonderful event and I’m looking forward to it growing in the many years to come.
Values Team Award
I had the honor of recognizing an incredible community team that made a huge difference in a Ward 1 neighborhood. This team tackled a blighted home that had become a chronic nuisance, bringing much-needed relief to the area.
Our multi-agency team, including staff from the city of Las Vegas' Code Enforcement Division, the Southern Nevada Health District, and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, worked tirelessly to address the health and safety issues affecting our community. Their proactive efforts have significantly improved the quality of life for our residents.
Thank you to everyone involved for your dedication and hard work. Together, we’re making Las Vegas a safer and better place for all.
Doc Romeo Skatepark Mural Dedication
We held another dedication ceremony, but it was for the murals at Doc Romeo Skatepark in our vibrant Ward 1 community. These newly dedicated murals are a powerful symbol of the creativity, diversity and energy that characterize our community. A heartfelt thank you goes out to Nico Roussin, Paints with Care, and the community painters for contributing another bright spot to Ward 1. These murals stand as a testament to their unique talents and voices, reminding us all that they are valued members of our community who deserve to be heard and celebrated.
Pit Stop for Literacy
I attended Pit Stop for Literacy recently at Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix. Thank you to Mrs. Nevada International 2024 Ali Everett for organizing such a wonderful event to benefit an outstanding initiative. With the help of the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District and Sahara West Library, I was able to donate two boxes of books to the Lead to Read Initiative. Ali is aiming to collect 1,000 new books and distribute them into the hands of students to help cultivate at-home libraries. She holds the strong belief that books are more than just stories — they’re gateways to expanding knowledge, creativity and opportunities for the next generation. By providing children with their own books, we’re providing them with the tools to improve their reading skills, expand their horizons and build confidence.
"Access City Council" - June 2024
I was back on "Access City Council" on the wonderful KCLV Channel 2, which is an is an award-winning government access channel that features original programming focused on the city of Las Vegas. The host, David Riggleman, and I covered an assortment of topics from the Las Vegas Medical District, Children’s Mental Health, and everything happening in our community of Ward 1.
Dignity Health Wellness Center - Sahara & Decatur
It was great to see everyone at the open house for Dignity Health Wellness Center, located at Decatur and Sahara. This is a great new resource for our community, made possible by a generous $1 million contribution from the city of Las Vegas. Free fitness, health, nutrition and wellness services are now available at the Dignity Health Wellness Center on the second floor of the building.
Wellness services offered include COPD resources, diabetes resources, Enhance Fitness, heart health programs, HIGH Fitness, Nevada Health Link – insurance exchange enrollment facilitators, weight management, yoga, children's activities (Zumbini), with more classes being added every month.
Micro-trenching construction site near Rancho High School.
My team and I recently visited a construction site on the east side of Las Vegas, where Tilson is engaged in micro-trenching operations. This project aims to facilitate super-fast, reliable, high-capacity fiber internet for both new and existing internet users. Micro-trenching involves creating narrow, shallow trenches in the pavement or roadways to lay fiber-optic cables. This method is minimally invasive compared to traditional trenching, as it reduces disruption to the surrounding area and infrastructure. Importantly, the fiber being laid will be open and available for other companies to use, eliminating the need for future digging to lay additional cables. Tilson is committed to completing the work in each area within 10 days.
Pinto Lane Improvement Continues Through Summer
Pinto Lane Roadway Restrictions From Rancho Drive To Shadow Lane
The city of Las Vegas began work on phase 2 of Pinto Lane complete street improvements from Rancho Drive to Shadow Lane last year. The $7.3 million project will enhance traffic and pedestrian flow throughout the corridor and take until the end of summer 2024 to complete. The project includes sewer, storm drain, water line and fiber-optic interconnect cable installation; new trees; new streetlights; Medical District branded bus shelters; new traffic signals at Tonopah Drive/Pinto Lane; replacement of curbs, gutters, sidewalks, curb ramps and asphalt roadway; as well as new signing and striping.
Only local traffic is allowed in the project area on Pinto Lane between Rancho Drive and Shadow Lane. Suggested east/west alternate routes are Alta Drive and Palomino Lane. Safety and maintaining public access at all times to the properties are high priorities during the work. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
The Pinto Lane Improvement Project is part of the city’s ongoing traffic and safety improvement plan for the Medical District. Wadley Construction is the contractor. The project is funded by the Las Vegas Valley Water District, the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada and the city of Las Vegas. Those with questions or concerns during the work should call 702.597.1010.
New Lane Restrictions On Rancho Drive July 8-Sept. 30
One Lane Each Direction Open On Rancho From Oakey Boulevard To Pinto Lane
The Charleston Boulevard–Rancho Drive to Martin L. King Jr. Boulevard and Rancho Drive Sewer Rehabilitation Project that began in March 2023 now requires that Rancho be restricted to one through lane both north- and southbound from Oakey Boulevard to Pinto Lane from July 8 through Sept. 30, 2024. The 24-hour lane restrictions will be in place until the work is completed. There will be a left-turn lane at Charleston Boulevard. (See map.)
During this time, the pavement and roadway base on the south side of Charleston, including the Rancho intersection, will be removed and replaced. The final roadway surface on Charleston from Rancho to Martin L. King Jr. Boulevard, and Rancho, from Sherman Place to 400 feet north of the intersection with Charleston, will be placed during this time, as well. Two through lanes on Charleston will be maintained in each direction during the work. Works hours are 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Drivers should expect delays and detours. Suggested alternate routes for north/south travel on Rancho include Martin L. King Jr. Boulevard, Campbell Drive or Valley View Boulevard. Alternate routes for east/west travel on Charleston include Alta Drive and Oakey Boulevard.
The entire project is expected to be completed by late fall 2024. The $38.5 million project budget is funded by the city of Las Vegas, the Regional Transportation Commission’s Fuel Revenue Index Fund and the city’s Sanitary Sewer Enterprise Fund. The contractor is Las Vegas Paving; the city of Las Vegas is managing the project. For questions or concerns during construction, call 702.591.6513.
Vegas Drive Roadwork Durango Drive To Rainbow Boulevard Continues Through Aug. 9
Lane Restrictions Remain 24 Hours/Day For Repaving Work
Vegas Drive will be impacted between Durango Drive and Rainbow Boulevard for repaving roadwork through Friday, Aug. 9, 2024. Traffic is generally restricted to one lane each east- and westbound for the remaining six weeks. Primary work activities include milling, installation of traffic signal loop detectors, paving, raising of utilities and installation of delineation. Work activities will take approximately 10 hours each day, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Milling and paving operations will be performed for approximately three weeks out of the period, subject to weather and equipment availability.
Motorists should expect delays. Alta Drive or Lake Mead Boulevard are recommended as alternate routes for east- and westbound traffic.
Preliminary work was completed, consisting of improvements to the sidewalk areas to meet federal requirements for the Americans with Disabilities Act, including the reconstruction of concrete cross gutter, curb and gutter.
Las Vegas Paving is the contractor. The city of Las Vegas is managing the project. The estimated cost of the work is $2.9 million, provided by the Federal Highway Administration and matched with Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax funds.
Join us for the next Brews with Brian Thursday, July 18, from 5 to 6 p.m. at Las Vegas Brewing Company, located at 3101 N. Tenaya Way. Please RSVP by sending an email to ward1@lasvegasnevada.gov. We look forward to seeing you!
You are invited to attend upcoming free informational presentations in Ward 1 at the West Charleston Library Wednesday, July 17, 1-2 p.m. and a week later at Rainbow Library, Wednesday, July 24, 1-2 p.m.
The Neighborhood Revitalization & Community Engagement division has partnered with the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District to offer sessions on city of Las Vegas Neighborhood Services programs and opportunities at library branches this summer, consisting of a combination presentation and community question-and-answer session.
The presentation will focus on topics like:
- Neighborhood Associations
- Keep Las Vegas Beautiful
- SHIFT
- Health and Wellness Services
- Homeless Services
Staff members from our SHIFT, Homeless Services, and Neighborhood Revitalization and Community Engagement teams will be on-site to answer resident questions. Both presentations will have the same content.
School Safekey Registration Opens July 23
The next school year starts Aug. 12, 2024, and the city of Las Vegas invites your children to enjoy another year of fun and engaging Safekey programming.
Safekey registration is online only and will open for the new school year Tuesday, July 23, at 9 a.m. New families may create an account and register by accessing the portal below.
Registration Portal (for New Customers)
Families who already have an account may log in to their online account and register by accessing the Connect Portal below. Families should click on the Registration tab in their online account and must select the specific school that their child will be attending. Remember to update your child's grade.
Family Portal (for Returning Customers and Safekey Payments)
For details on financial assistance, Safekey forms and resources, and ReInvent Schools after-school program, visit online to www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Safekey.
The survey, available now through Aug. 15, 2024, has a total of 36 questions and will take 5 to 10 minutes to complete. Please take the survey when you have a moment; your voice is important and needs to be heard!
This survey aims to assess the current health status of residents while identifying barriers to care and other relevant demographic and social issues. The survey will collect data for the CSA as part of the Community Health Assessment process, which provides an overview of health information and helps identify populations that may be at increased risk for poor health outcomes.
Meet Up & Eat Up: Free Summer Meals For Kids & Teens
The Library District has teamed up with Three Square to provide FREE meals for kids and teens (up to age 18) all summer long. Kids and teens can stay healthy throughout the summer with yummy, free meals at the Kids Cafe, located at several branches. Meals are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. Please visit the Library District Events Calendar for dates, times and locations.
The Rainbow Company Youth Theatre 2024 - 2025 Season
Start putting these amazing shows on your calendar now!
"The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time" Based on the novel by Mark Haddon
Adapted by Simon Stephens Directed by David Tovar
Fifteen-year-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain, excelling in mathematics but struggling with everyday life. Confined to familiar surroundings, he detests physical contact and harbors distrust for strangers. When he discovers his neighbor's dog murdered, Christopher embarks on a clandestine investigation that dramatically alters his understanding of the world.
- Auditions: Aug. 10, 2024. One hour audition slots for ages 8-18 available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sign up here to reserve your spot.
Sides will be available at the audition. No need to bring any prepared material. We recommend doing some research on the play to better understand the sides you will be asked to read. If called back, you will be asked to return at 4:30 p.m. and stay until approximately 6:30 p.m.
- Performances: Sept. 20-29, 2024
"Twelfth Night" Written by William Shakespeare Directed by Cassandra Krupp
"Twelfth Night" is a comedic play that explores themes of love, mistaken identity, and the folly of ambition. Set in the fictional kingdom of Illyria, it follows the romantic entanglements of characters like Viola, who disguises herself as a man, and Orsino, who is in love with a countess. The play's humorous and often bittersweet plot twists showcase Shakespeare's skill in blending comedy with deeper reflections on human nature.
Auditions: Oct. 5, 2024
Performances: Nov. 15-24, 2024
"The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical"
Music and Lyrics by Rob Rokicki
Book by Joe Tracz
Directed by Victoria Whitaker
The musical adaptation of Rick Riordan's bestseller, "The Lightning Thief," follows teenager Percy Jackson and his friends as they embark on a quest to find Zeus' missing lightning bolt and prevent a war among the gods. Percy, a newly discovered demigod, must grapple with his uncontrollable powers, unwanted destiny, and a slew of mythological monsters on his journey to clear his name and save the world.
Auditions: Dec. 7, 2024
Performances: March 1-9, 2025
Ensemble Showcase: A Play Festival
The Ensemble Showcase features a collection of short plays produced entirely by our talented Ensemble company students. Act One will present our annual senior-written and directed script, highlighting the creativity and leadership of our graduating students. Act Two will follow with a diverse array of short plays and one-act performances, also directed by our Ensemble, offering a range of genres and themes that celebrate our dedicated and talented students.
Performances: May 2-11, 2025
Need to report potholes, graffiti, streetlight outage, loose animals or other issues? The city of Las Vegas now has an easy tool for that, See Click Fix. Report any non-emergency, city-related issue to be followed up on at the link below!
Stay Connected!
For more information, call 702-229-2299.
lasvegasnevada.gov/ward1
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