2020-11-19 - Las Vegas Weekly by Greenspun Media Group

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GOLDEN KNIGHTS’ SHEA THEODORE HELPS CREATE CANCER FUND Just over a year ago, Shea Theodore stood in the locker room at City National Arena and stressed the importance of early cancer screening. The Golden Knights defenseman had been diagnosed months prior with testicular cancer and said catching it early allowed him to get a handle on it before it turned more serious. On November 12, Theodore turned those words into action. Along with Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada, he announced the creation of Kay’s Power Play, a fund to pay for preventive cancer care for women without insurance. The fund is named after Theodore’s late grandmother Kay Darlington, who was a breast cancer patient at Comprehensive before dying in June. Darlington dropped the ceremonial puck with Theodore at her side for the November 21, 2019, Hockey Fights Cancer game at T-Mobile Arena. Theodore and Comprehensive contributed $50,000 to the fund, which will be part of Susan G. Komen Nevada. The fund will be available to the uninsured, underinsured, patients under 40 and those whose mammograms are not covered by insurance. According to Comprehensive, Nevada’s rate of mammography is 5% below the national average of 72%. It expects about 2,300 new cases of breast cancer to be diagnosed in Nevada this year. The fund will also help create a “Mammo Cup” after next year’s Stanley Cup Final, in which Southern Nevada women will be encouraged to get a mammogram and spread the word to other women. –Justin Emerson

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL CLOSES ‘ZUMANITY’ PERMANENTLY

SISOLAK IN GOOD SPIRITS AFTER POSITIVE TEST FOR COVID-19

Residents climb over piles of debris washed in floodwaters from Typhoon Vamco in Marikina, Philippines, on November 16. Vamco left dozens of people dead as it swelled rivers and flooded low-lying areas while it passed over the capital and storm-battered northeast Philippines, where rescuers were deployed last week to help residents flee the rising waters. (Aaron Favila/Associated Press)

GREAT EXPECTATIONS FOR VIRGIN’S OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX

Gov. Steve Sisolak said he was in good spirits after a positive COVID-19 diagnosis November 13, and as of November 16 had experienced only mild head congestion. A rapid test found Sisolak positive, and a more accurate diagnostic test confirmed the result, officials said. “I appreciate the outpouring of support and well wishes from Nevadans and those across the country who have taken time to check in on me,” Sisolak said in a statement. Sisolak is isolating in his Carson City home and receiving daily monitoring from the local health authority. “My focus remains on addressing the record surge the state is currently experiencing, and my administration continues to work around the clock to serve Nevadans through this ongoing pandemic,” Sisolak said. –John Sadler

Set to open January 15 at the site of the former Hard Rock Hotel just east of the Strip, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic resort renovation projects in the history of the city. Almost every inch of the property has undergone a complete renovation, and one of the best examples of these major changes is Virgin’s five-acre outdoor pool and entertainment complex, dubbed the backyard. “Bars have been moved, sightlines are different, our ecosystems and the way you can move around the property have changed,” said Richard Bosworth, president and CEO of JC Hospitality, owner of Virgin Las Vegas. “Out on our pool deck, where the Rehab pool party was, there’s no pool. It’s our event lawn and it has fire pits, birdcage seating, shrubbery and block walls, and it’s an area where you can have entertainment such as a concert in a Hollywood Bowl-type of experience, or you can put up a tent and have a wedding and get married there.” A separate two-story dayclub, set to open in April, will also be a significant part of the outdoor complex and is expected to compete with the major pool party facilities along the Strip. Two separate pool spaces from the Hard Rock layout have been bridged to create a club environment, with upper and lower pools where DJs playing dance music will only be the start of the entertainment programming. –Brock Radke

THINGS THAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK

STATES LOCKED DOWN The governors of Oregon and New Mexico ordered near-lockdowns November 13 in an aggressive response to the latest wave of coronavirus infections shattering records across the country. The stay-at-home orders will last for two weeks.

Cirque du Soleil’s innovative, mischievous and joyful Zumanity, the resident headlining production at New York-New York for nearly 17 years, will not reopen. Cirque informed the cast and crew and made the announcement November 16, ending the long run of one of the most beautifully diverse adults-only shows on the Strip. Zumanity was performed more than 7,700 times in its 1,260-seat cabaret-style theater, with its final curtain call March 14 before the Strip was shut down to fight the spread of the coronavirus. This is the second closure of a largescale Las Vegas show since the pandemic struck. Wynn Las Vegas shuttered Le Rêve in August. Cirque officials said the company intends to return its other Vegas shows to live performances as soon as possible, depending on safety first and then profitability, noting that contract extensions have been signed for O at Bellagio, The Beatles Love at the Mirage, KÁ at MGM Grand, Michael Jackson One at Mandalay Bay and Mystère at Treasure Island. –Brock Radke

2 ANOTHER VACCINE SHOWS PROMISE

Moderna Inc. said November 16 that its experimental COVID-19 vaccine appears to be 94.5% effective, according to preliminary data from an ongoing study. A week prior, Pfizer Inc. said its vaccine looked 90% effective.

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L A S V E G A S W E E K LY

IN THIS ISSUE

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Cover story: Shop local with our online gifting guide 5-Minute Expert: Learn to make memorable coffee The Strip: Holiday entertainment on the Boulevard Print: A stack of new Nevada-related books Food & Drink: Leave the Thanksgiving cooking to someone else Sports: Nick Kwiatkoski is emerging as a Raiders force Vegas Inc: Our 2020 Top Tech Award winners

ELECTION PRESSURE Brad Raffensperger, the Republican secretary of state in Georgia, told The Washington Post on November 16 that members of his own party, including Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, had pressured him to throw out legally cast absentee ballots in his state. The presidential race in Georgia, which has begun a hand recount of all ballots cast—about 5 million in total— had Joe Biden leading President Donald Trump by just over 14,000 votes at press time, with 99% of precincts having reported. Without Georgia, Biden leads Trump 290232 in overall electors, and so has already crossed the threshold necessary to be named president-elect.

3 BOY SCOUTS SEX ABUSE Close to 90,000 sexual abuse claims were filed against the Boy Scouts of America as the November 16 deadline arrived for submitting claims in the organization’s bankruptcy case. Eventually, the proceedings will lead to a compensation fund to pay survivors whose claims are upheld.

WEEK IN REVIEW WEEK AHEAD EV E N TS T O F O L L OW A N D N EWS YO U M I SS E D

The Golden Knights on November 16 unveiled a red uniform with a sword-and-star crest on the front to be worn at times during the 202021 season. It’s modeled after the uniforms of the Las Vegas Thunder and Las Vegas Wranglers, two minor-league teams that played in the Valley in the decades before the NHL arrived. The red color is for the Wranglers, who played in the ECHL from 2003 to 2014. The striping on the uniform is an ode to the Thunder, which played in the IHL from 1993 to 1999. (Courtesy)

4 ON SECOND THOUGHT … President Donald Trump’s campaign withdrew a central part of its lawsuit seeking to stop the certification of the election results in Pennsylvania. The lawsuit, filed November 15, dropped the allegation that 682,479 ballots were illegally processed without its representatives watching.

5 VIDEO GAMES CAN HELP MENTAL HEALTH Researchers at Oxford University released a study November 16 showing that playing video games can be good for mental health. They said the level of enjoyment that players get from a game could be more important than length of playing time.

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GOOD HAIR DAYS Learn to care for your tresses in cold weather

LESLIE VENTURA | PHOTOS BY STEVE MARCUS

iving in the desert means being accustomed to extreme temperatures, and that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean just in the summer. Las Vegas gets pretty chilly during winter, and just as the heat can damage your hair, dry, cold weather can wreak havoc, too. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cooling down in Vegas, and an itchy scalp, dry ends and weak or brittle hair can be a sign that your mane needs some extra TLC. Keep reading to find out how to give your hair the love and attention it needs, especially during the chilly season.

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“Wintertime is harsher on our hair than summertime,” explains Danielle Green, owner of Radically Curly salon. “We spend more time indoors or in our cars with the heater on, which dries out our hair even more in the dry climate. A good remedy for winter hair care is to create a weekly regimen, which includes deep-conditioning or overnight hair masks to offset the dryness.” Another winter woe? Dandruff and an itchy scalp. “We see many more cases of flaky, itchy scalps in winter than any other season,” hair specialist Anabel Kingsley told digital magazine Bustle in 2019. “A flaky scalp can cause extra hair fall, so it is important to address any scalp irritation ASAP.” Ingredients that can soothe a dry

Owner Danielle Green, standing, with Tiara Wolf at Radically Curly Salon inside Sola Salons

scalp include zinc pyrithione (the magic ingredient in Head & Shoulders), salicylic acid, piroctone olamine, climbazole, coal tar, tea tree, myrtle, neem, apple cider vinegar and dandelion, some of which can be found in products like Davines’ Naturaltech purifying shampoo, Oribe’s Serene Scalp anti-dandruff shampoo and Sachajuan’s Scalp shampoo and conditioner. Another way to treat dandruff is to use an exfoliating scalp treatment or a dandruff-targeted mask, like the Kristen Ess scalp detoxifying bubble mask or Klorane’s Scalp SOS Serum with peony. Healthy, moisturized hair starts at the scalp, so if you’re noticing irritation, consider ditching products with heavy fragrance, parabens and sulfates. If your scalp isn’t responding to targeted products, it might be time to pay a visit to the dermatologist to determine if there’s a larger issue at hand, like psoriasis or eczema. Static is another nasty issue during the winter, and while an anti-frizz serum can help, you might be better off investing in a humidifier for your bedroom, which adds moisture into the air (and, inevitably, your hair) while you sleep. If you prefer to go the homeopathic route, an apple cider vinegar rinse can help with hair buildup, while a DIY mask of egg, mayonnaise and olive oil can help to lock in shine when hair is looking particularly dull. Prefer to spend the extra dollar on a name brand? Olaplex’s Holiday Hair Fix kit is a cost-effective way to try a cult-favorite line of hair care products, and the IGK Offline 3-Minute Hydration Hair Mask is routinely recommended among beauty bloggers and hair enthusiasts alike. Of course, one way to keep hair in tiptop shape during the winter months is to get it cut regularly, depending on your hair type. Green says, “Curly hair holds its shape very well when cut properly,” and that based on the desired length, curly styles can usually wait anywhere between two to six months for a return visit, whereas naturally straight hair might need a maintenance trim sooner.

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Curl up

Textured hair requires some special care According to Danielle Green, owner of Radically Curly salon, cosmetology has been historically segregated, “causing a gap in education” that leads to a division in the beauty and hair industry, especially in regard to race and people with various hair textures. For that reason, Green created a Change.org petition (chng.it/sMKWfMrG) to create an all-encompassing curriculum that would include curly and textured hair in all cosmetology schools. For the past decade, Green has made it her life’s work to change the narrative about textured hair, and to “unite the industry, our schools, manufacturers and distributors to provide more textured and curly hair education with diversity, inclusion and representation.” We spoke to Green about how to maintain curly and textured style, no matter the time of year. ■ Stay hydrated. Yes, it’s cooler out, but the desert is the desert. Your body and hair will thank you, even in the winter. ■ Create a weekly hair care regimen. Deep-condition or use an overnight hair mask one to two times a week, or book a consultation with a stylist to start a regimen that’s right for your hair type and hair concerns. ■ Keep heat styling to a minimum. If your hair is curly, consider having it professionally straightened rather than doing it at home. ■ Prolong the length of your hairstyle. Cover straightened hair with a silk head wrap overnight to keep the style longer. If a retouch is needed, spot-treat sections on low heat and always use a heat protectant. ■ Trim it! Have your hair trimmed, shaped or cut every two to six months for the healthiest results. ■ Be picky about your oils. Coconut oil can weigh down hair. Instead, opt for almond, amla, argan or sunflower seed oils, which can be used as an overnight treatment. Just don’t forget to cleanse and condition the following morning. –Leslie Ventura

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SHOP

(Wade Vandervort/Staff)

LOCAL from home

THESE MAKE

VEGAS

D I STA N C E D

BUSINESSES

H O L I DAY

GIFTING

EASY

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FOOD & COOKING

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The Joy Pop Co.

Canna Cake Babe

Paws off the Table CANNA CAKE BABE Cannacakebabe.com This vegan bakery serves up both delectable marijuana-infused edibles and non-infused sweet treats. Its holiday menu includes all sorts of tempting goodies, from cherry berry miniature pies ($25) and a half-dozen pralines and cream donuts ($34 infused/$18 noninfused) to a half-dozen peppermint mocha cupcakes ($34 infused/$18 noninfused) and more. ETHEL M CHOCOLATES Ethelm.com Ethel M has been sweetening our lives for 40 years now, offering a variety of fudges, truffles, brittles and more in boxes and tins that greet us at kiosks at McCarran Airport or at the flagship store in Henderson. This holiday season, you can’t go wrong with the Merry & Bright collection ($50)—24 little treasures you can customize for yourself or a loved one.

JEAN-MARIE AUBOINE CHOCOLATIER Jmauboinechocolates.com The handcrafted premium chocolates from Jean-Marie Auboine is a twofold pleasure: First, it’s a treat for the eyes—they’re so beautiful that you hesitate to eat them for a minute. And when you finally do, your taste buds will simply explode with joy. Pass the love around and give someone a box of assorted delights (from $12). THE JOY POP CO. Thejoypopco.com/shop No matter the temperature, a handcrafted ice pop made with farm-fresh fruit and organic dairy is a treat. The seasonal flavors—autumn brings pumpkin cheesecake, maple bourbon pecan and spiced apple cider—are affordable at $4 a pop and delivered to your door for a $5 local delivery fee.

KHOURY’S FINE WINE & SPIRITS Shop.khourysfinewine.com This southeast Valley outpost features a finely curated stock of beer, wine and liquor, and the website—broken into distinct categories like “Syrah/ Shiraz” and “Sour/Gose/ Farmhouse”—helps gifting go down smoothly. For staff recommendations or further assistance before you buy, call 702-435-9463. LEE’S DISCOUNT LIQUOR Leesliquorlv.com/store Who over the age of 21 doesn’t love a bottle in their stocking? Nevada’s largest liquor store chain makes distance shopping easy, offering both delivery and curbside pickup. Choose from a vast selection of spirits, wines, craft beers and more … and maybe grab something for yourself while you’re at it. It’s been a rough year.

PAWS OFF THE TABLE Pawsoffthetable.com What could be better than homemade dog treats? These treats, cakes and cookies feature high-quality ingredients so that humans can eat them, too! Try some pumpkin-flavored “Pup-kin” treats ($12). Or go all-out for a batch of birthday cookies ($28) or the Monthly Munchies ($29) subscription boxes. SHEFFIELD SPICE & TEA CO. Sheffieldspices.com For stressful times, unwind with a cuppa from Sheffield Spice & Tea Co., a lovely little shop that carries an impressive variety of teas, spices, oils and gifts. Try Peaceful Sundown ($6.75 for 1.5 oz.), a tea blend of spearmint, lavender, chamomile and rose petals, which owner Cheryl Sheffield says is a customer favorite.

TEA & WHISK Teaandwhisk.com Take tea time to the next level with one-of-a-kind accessories. Tea & Whisk carries some of the most beautiful teaware you’ll find anywhere, like Jianzhan teacups and teapots (from $25). If you’re a matcha fan, you’ll find everything you need here, including bowls and whisks—even a complete ceremonial set ($80). VESTA COFFEE ROASTERS Vestacoffee.com The popular Arts District coffee purveyor sells its various roasts online ($15-$20), by the individual bag or by weekly/monthly subscription. We haven’t yet sampled the Sugar Plum holiday blend, but we’re intrigued by its notes of sweet plum, cordial cherry and “hugs.” The site also offers reusable glass KeepCups ($26), coffee-themed enamel pins ($8-$10) and embroidered Carhartt hoodies ($58).

(Canna Cake Babe by Wade Vandervort/Staff; The Joy Pop Co. and Paws off the Table/Courtesy)

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Health & Wellness

Herbally Grounded

Niyama Sol

DIRTIE LIL HIPPIE Dirtielilhippie.com Tap into your physical and spiritual well-being with this local holistic apothecary. Elderberry syrup ($20) provides immune support, the Cleopatra milk bath ($6-$21) with coconut milk and chamomile relaxes, and the handcrafted wildflower oil heals and hydrates ($18-$24). HERBALLY GROUNDED Herballygrounded.com The family-owned natural store, with locations in Las Vegas and Henderson, offers its healthy resources to those who’d rather shop from home. Try the popular proprietary vitamin-packed booster called Amazing Greens ($30), along with other herbal blends, supplements and remedies. NIYAMA SOL Niyamasol.com Yoga is good for the body and mind, and Niyama Sol’s yogawear is also good for the planet. The local company, a favorite of J.Lo’s, uses fabric from recycled plastic. For the holidays, bring some festive vibes to your mat with the velour leggings ($88) and long-sleeve crop sports top ($68), which the website describes as “disco meets yoga.”

THE SHASTA SHOP Theshastashop.com Handmade provisions, herbs and medicinal extracts make the Shasta Shop a must during cold and flu season (and, of course, the pandemic). Organic chaga, lion’s mane, maitake and reishi are just a few of the mushroom powders on offer ($15), along with organic pine pollen ($10), maca ($15-$20) and more. ZEETA BODY Zeetabody.com The practice of mindfulness starts with thinking about the products you put on your skin. Zeeta Body, founded by yoga instructor Christine Frazzitta, offers sustainable skin care products for the face and body. For an instant mood boost, try the aromatherapy sprays ($14), which come in scents like lavender and citrus.

(Herbally Grounded by Wade Vandervort/Staff; The Shasta Shop and Niyama Sol/Courtesy)

The Shasta Shop

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SHOP

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One Forty Three

LOCAL

Home Decor & Accessories

AFRICA LOVE STORE Africalovestore.com With travel restrictions in place, the best we can do right now is gaze at the world through a screen. But we can still shop, and at Africa Love, you’ll find the most unique apparel, clothing and decor from different parts of the continent. Bring a splash of color to your home with hand-woven baskets ($125), or while away these socially distanced hours learning how to play drums (from $40). ALL FOR OUR COUNTRY Allforourcountry.com Appreciate the beauty of the Desert Southwest by shopping small, independent brands, which shine at this home and lifestyle boutique. We love the All Ya’ll Bandana ($32), the Badlands Weaving ($250) wall hanging and the variety of whimsical greeting cards ($5). FRANKIE’S TIKI ROOM Frankiestikiroom.com/ merch-hut For much of 2020, Charleston Boulevard’s classic tiki bar was closed due to the pandemic. Make up for lost time by purchasing T-shirts ($20-$24); original tiki mugs by artists such as Dirk Vermin and Big Toe ($25); the bar’s Liquid Vacation recipe book ($30); or even gift certificates ($25-$100).

All for Our Country

MARKET IN THE ALLEY Marketinthealley.com Pre-pandemic, Downtown’s Market in the Alley was a community gathering place featuring a plethora of local vendors selling home goods, art, food, apothecary items, clothing and more. Now, it’s a shop at Fergusons and an online store. Check out the handmade masks ($8-$25) and Downtown merch, like the alpaca, tiny house and Big Rig Jig pins ($10). ONE FORTY THREE Onefortythree.com The Nevada-grown artisans who founded this local shop took its name from the street address of a cabin they renovated, for which they built custom furniture and fixtures. In that spirit, One Forty Three specializes in modern lighting and furniture, from eclectic pieces like the Ogden swing lamp ($190) to the Roxy rocking chair with Pendleton fabric ($715). PUR HOME Pur-home.com Nontoxic, eco-friendly laundry detergent and household cleaners abound at Pur Home, a local natural products company by CEO Angela Richardson. Hand sanitizers, bathroom cleaners, disinfectants and more are available to keep your household safe and squeakyclean. ($4-$43). THIS IS BRENNAN Thisisbrennan.com Flowers, herbs and avocado pits comprise the natural dyes used in these eco-conscious textiles. Shop for silk scarves ($110-$210), colorful scrunchies ($16) and an adorable stuffed llama doll ($45) in “onion skin yellow.” Or DIY it with a natural dye kit ($24).

Photographs Courtesy

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Jewelry & Apparel ALT REBEL Alt-rebel.shoplightspeed.com Whether it’s vintage Prada sandals ($90), a UNIF studded bomber jacket ($70) or a slick vintage tee, Alt Rebel in Downtown Las Vegas has you covered. The shop sells most of its wares online, so you can browse all the thrifted threads from the comfort of your own home.

LINEN AND LACE Linenandlacestyle.com Las Vegas-based sculptor Ashley Zabarte makes clay jewelry by hand. Her unique geometric creations are quick to sell out, so don’t miss her art deco-themed dangly earrings ($37$53). Or, if you want to get in the fun, do some DIY with her 3D-printed clay cutters ($25).

BURNT BOUTIQUE Burntboutique.com If you’re lucky, you’ll find “Burnt Babes” Nicole Camacho and Reina Hohener slinging their new, vintage and handcrafted wares from a Downtown pop-up shop. If not, you must go online. We adore their fearless style—think corduroy overalls ($55), acrylic bangles and copper cuffs ($13-$27), along with funky accessories: carved pipes ($23), crystal balls ($6 and up) and genie boxes ($13).

NEON CACTUS VINTAGE Etsy.com/shop/NeonCactusVintage Fresh off an expansion of its Fergusons storefront, this vintage shop— owned by queer women of color—is back, and better than ever. Choose from cute jewelry ($45-$125), brightly colored retro threads or handmade stained glass suncatchers and business card holders ($40-$200).

EL REY STUDIO Elreystudio.com The wearable art created by a design-focused husband-and-wife team for this new web shop showcases a personal relationship with an authentic Las Vegas—fun tees with themes of the desert, neon and a self-deprecating sense of humor about local culture. There’s a timeliness to these comfy styles, too, from the positive vibes of the “Zen your sh*t” shirt ($25) to an overall appreciation of soothing plants. THE GOOD WOLF LIFESTYLE CO. Thegoodwolflv.com Part of Commerce Street’s burgeoning “Boutique Row,” this Arts District boutique just celebrated the first anniversary of its Las Vegas store. Scour the website for fashion-forward vintage and new clothing, home goods and accessories. The “Mysterio’s Future Predicting Infant Tee” ($16) is super cute, as are the felt hats ($84).

OBSTACLE ILLUSION Obstacleclothing.com Founders Melissa Ching and Claudia Flores created Obstacle Illusion to remind us that no hurdle is too large to overcome. Honing that ethos into streetwear, the designers create hoodies ($50), masks ($8) and T-shirts ($20) with empowering messages like “Compete only with yourself” and “Love whoever the f*ck you want.”

Linen and Lace

Neon Cactus Vintage

THIRD & ARROW Third-arrow.com This female-owned boutique wants shopping to feel like you’re raiding your best friend’s closet. Judging by the edgy styles—like the “Ask Me…I Might” T-shirt ($32), viper venom pants ($45) and leopard-print face masks ($12)—we assume that you have badass besties. TOFU TEES Tofutees.weebly.com Twelve-year old Kumei Norwood founded Tofu Tees when she was just 8. Since then, she’s turned her creative outlet into an online webstore, with pop-up shops held at markets around Las Vegas. From “equality” T-shirts ($18-$22) and merch with the slogan “Racism Is Trash” ($14-$20), Tofu Tees makes progressive fashion statements for all ages.

Third & Arrow

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Las Vegas Cyclery

LOCAL

Essence Cannabis Dispensary

Lifestyle Gifts ALTERNATE REALITY COMICS Alternaterealitycomics.net The coronavirus might have scared the superheroes, antiheroes and monsters out of movie theaters, but you can still find them at the robust online shop of this venerable UNLV-district comics dealer. Browse through Marvel and DC graphic novels ($10 and up), manga titles ($10 and up) and indie collections such as the 40th anniversary boxed set of Art Spiegelman’s Maus ($32).

B&C CAMERA Bandccamera.com The Valley’s premier camera shop almost seems bigger online than it does in physical form, with a vast assortment of DSLRs ($500 and up), tripods ($15 and up), camera bags ($20 and up) and much more, from lenses to microphones to studio lighting. And the store’s knowledgeable staff is happy to answer any questions about the merchandise by phone (702-871-1100).

THE ARMORY Shop.nhl.com/vegas-golden-knights If you’ve got a Vegas Golden Knights fanatic on your holiday list—and statistically speaking, you probably do—you can find their every heart’s desire at the online version of the team store, from vertical banners ($43) and branded cornhole layouts ($150-$320) to rocks glassware sets ($30). And it probably goes without saying that they’ve got team jerseys ($120 and up) in assorted variants.

CURALEAF Curaleaf.com The selection of cannabis products offered online by this national dispensary chain—from pre-rolls to flowers to edibles and beyond—is decidedly vast. And it offers weekly discounts for medical patients (15% off, Mondays), veterans (15% off, Wednesdays), food industry workers (10% off, Sundays) and anyone with a valid Nevada ID (10% off, Tuesdays).

ESSENCE CANNABIS DISPENSARY Essencevegas.com The products available for delivery from this locally owned (and grown) recreational and medical marijuana shop vary by its five Valley locations, but there’s one thing common to all—a generous selection of flower, edibles, vapes, extracts and tinctures, plus the gear you need to enjoy it. You can opt for home delivery or curbside pickup, both done safely sans handto-hand transactions. LAS VEGAS CYCLERY Lasvegascyclery.com Las Vegas is fast becoming a more bike-friendly town, with a steadily increasing number of winding trails and dedicated street lanes. This Summerlin cycle shop meets that challenge with a robust online selection that includes children’s bikes ($175 and up), stylish city bikes ($650 and up), top-notch road bikes ($875 and up) and everything you could want or need to go with them, from locks to apparel.

THE RAIDER IMAGE Raiderimage.com Even though Las Vegas remains in the process of reimagining the Raiders in its own image (will it truly seem real until we’re able to watch the games in person?), you can still shop their silver-and-black online store for cold-weather knit caps ($23-$32), team jerseys ($150 and up) and even branded face coverings ($25) to cover protective masks and express fan unity. STORE 702 Store702.com You won’t see the words “Golden Knights” or “Raiders” on this Vegas sports gear, but you’ll find plenty of cool wearable gifts for the fan(s) in your life, like a “Peace Love Hockey” women’s tee ($24), the “Super 75” unisex tee ($24)—featuring Ryan Reeves’ number inside a Superman logo—and “Las Vegas Inaugural Football” sugar skull tees and hoodies ($24-$34).

(Photographs Courtesy)

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SHOP LOCAL

Battle Born Pins

ASHLEY MARIE MYERS Ashleymariemyers.com/ prints-las-vegas-2020 When she’s not shooting brands or weddings, this local photographer turns her lens to some classic Vegas imagery. Her stark and rainbow-hued shots of neon signs and casinos present these old subjects in an entirely new way. Prints range from $20 for a 5-by-7 to $110 for a 24-by-36.

Local Arts

BATTLE BORN PINS Battleborn.shop If you love Nevada and/ or Old Vegas, you’re going to find it hard to resist buying every single pin designed by local artist Holly Vaughn. We’re suckers for her El Cortez carpet pin ($12), the Dunes Hotel magnet ($3.50), the Siegfried & Roy T-shirt ($25) and the bristlecone pine pin ($10).

CULT 33 Cult33.blog The culture-jamming art collective of Dan45, SNIPT, There She Is Art and You Killed Me First sells all manner of bizarre goodies online at great prices. There She Is offers her bathtub-bound “suicidal robot” as a Kawaii charm ($3); prints of Dan45’s playful Star Wars/hip-hop mashups are $30 (“A Tribe Called Twi’lek”); and YKMF’s striking David Bowie “Starman” collage costs just $10. KAT KERR MADE THIS Etsy.com/shop/ katkerrmadethis From heart-shaped cockroach sticker sets ($3) to skull-shaped seed bombs (75 cents) to handmade tentacle greeting cards, the creations of Las Vegan Kat Kerr are equal parts cute and quirky. She also sells art prints ($8), stickers ($3) and handmade paper gift tags ($1.50).

KENT CALDWELL Myminifactory.com/users/ VoidRealmMinis Only in Vegas can you find a Cirque du Soleil acrobat turned sculptor. The multitalented Kent Caldwell designs “cosmic horror” monster miniatures in virtual reality and sells the files for customers to 3D-print at home. Of all his otherworldly creations, we most fear the “Celestial Sphinx” ($2) and the “Snail Woman” ($4). Follow him at patreon. com/voidrealmminis. OH HEY SIFF Ohheysiff.com Self-taught Las Vegas artist Tia Sifford makes adorable illustrations, which you can buy as cards ($5), prints ($10), stickers ($3) and badges ($5). She even does custom illustrated portraits ($40-$45) in her signature friendly style.

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Toys & Games KAPPA TOYS Kappatoys.com If you can’t make it to Kappa Toys’ Fashion Show Mall location, they’ll happily bring their selection of whimsical and classic toys, puzzles and gifts directly to you. (And all orders within the continental U.S. ship free.) Here you’ll find everything from a Tokidoki Snap Watch ($26) to a “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign slide puzzle, along with surprises you can’t imagine.

Cult 33

LITTLE SHOP OF MAGIC Bonanza.com/booths/lsomagic Since 1994, this board game and collectibles store has been helping Las Vegans geek out on fun. With more than 4,300 items in its online shop—from tabletop game miniatures ($5) to Catan expansion packs ($27-$90), shoppers have no reason to be bored. ROGUE TOYS Roguetoys.com Rogue Toys’ three Valley locations are compact shrines to geek culture, but online, they’re a full-on temple. A whole galaxy of Kenner Star Wars action figures resides here. Funko Pop vinyl figures ($8 and up) are available in flavors ranging from pro wrestling to Twin Peaks. And if you ask about their collectible Barbies, Lego sets and lunchboxes, we’ll be here all day. THE WRITER’S BLOCK Thewritersblock.org During the pandemic, the beloved Downtown bookshop beefed up its website for online shopping. While the physical store has reopened, you can still benefit from easy online shopping for books, games and more. Don’t miss the punny notecards (Tuba Toothpaste, $3) designed by the Writer’s Block. Or tackle the epic 9,000-piece “Garden of Earthly Delights” ($133) puzzle featuring the art of Hieronymus Bosch.

Ashley Marie Myers Photographs Courtesy

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PERFECT JAVA FOREVER There’s more than one way to make great coffee at home, but you’ll need a bit of practice BY GEOFF CARTER

ifficult as it might be to believe, there was a time before Starbucks. Coffee was something you drank from drip coffeemakers, and the coffee that went into those machines was pre-roasted, pre-ground, freeze-dried. To get “real” coffee, you needed to go to small African, European and South American-inspired coffeehouses, or to Africa, Europe or South America. If you knew anyone who ground their own beans, you put them at the center of a neighborhood whisper campaign: “They grind beans for coffee.” But those days are, thankfully, gone forever. Freeze-dried, pre-ground coffee remains in markets, but it sits next to coffee beans roasted by Starbucks, Peet’s and Dunkin’. Las Vegas itself has a number of local roasters, including Vesta, Mothership, Desert Wind, Yaw Farm, Sambalatte and more. Plus, the tools you need to make these locally roasted beans into amazing coffee are available most everywhere coffee is sold. (And beans should always be freshly ground, to preserve as much of their aroma as possible. It all ends up in the cup.) It’s frankly impossible to list all the tools and techniques you’ll need to make your ideal java. That’ll take research, a bit of math and lots of trial and error. But if you’d like to experience a world beyond drip coffee and Keurig, read on.

(Shutterstock/Photo Illustrations)

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WHAT’S WRONG WITH DRIP OR KEURIG? If you’re satisfied with the coffee you’re getting from “convenience machines” like Keurig, that’s fine; you do you, boo. “Good coffee is subjective,” food writer Lani Kingston writes in her helpfully titled 2015 book How to Make Coffee. But those machines don’t know your palate, and at present, they can’t match “the aroma,

Techniques

Here are some quick-and-dirty definitions of a few coffeemaking methods. French press: “For people who are just getting into coffee, I always recommend getting a French press,” says Michelle Watts, who created the coffee program at the Writer’s Block and recently launched a boutique roasting operation, Zephyr (Instagram @zephyrcoffeeroasters). It’s easy on its face: Mix the grounds and hot water in the carafe, let it brew for a bit and push the plunger down. See “Advice from a Barista” for Watts’ tips on a good French press brew. Pour-over: If you’ve been to Makers & Finders or other local cafés, you’ve probably seen baristas delicately pouring hot water through cone-shaped filters into cups or small carafes. “A really well-made filter coffee, like a pour-over—that’s definitely my favorite way to enjoy it,” Watts says. She uses a Japanese-made Hario V60 pour-over set (as does this writer), which she appreciates for its “light-bodied” brew: “The Japanese love their coffee super tea-like,” she says. Cold brew: There are inexpensive specialty carafes for making this concentrated brew, but really, all you need is a Mason jar and some cheesecloth. Mix coffee and water in the jar at a 1:4 ratio, let it sit 12 to 18 hours, strain out the grounds using the cheesecloth or French press, then toss it in the fridge. When you drink it, add a 1:1 mix of water or milk. Cowboy coffee: A dirt-simple way to make a muddy cup: Boil your grounds and water together in the same pot, preferably over a campfire, pardner. Then let it sit undisturbed long enough for the grounds to settle to the bottom. Pour slowly to minimize sludge. There are many more methods beyond these, including Aeropress, siphon/vacuum, Turkish, percolator, macchinetta (made with those funky silver “moka” pots you sometimes see in thrift stores) and machine espresso. All of them require special gear— or, in the case of machine espresso, learning and lots of practice.

5-MINUTE EXPERT

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mouthfeel and flavor” that comes from “old-fashioned brewing methods,” Kingston explains. And as for drip machines, anyone who has poured a cup from the office coffeemaker probably agrees with Kingston’s assessment that it’s “not known for making superior coffee.”

SOME TOOLS YOU’LL NEED

A thermometer. The temperature of your water is key; you want to hit a sweet spot between 196 and 205 degrees. Water at the boiling point can make the coffee bitter; go too cool and you risk a flavorless cup.

A grinder. There are two types: blade and burr. Blade grinders basically chop the beans into pieces, and they often produce uneven grinds; for some varieties of coffee that rely on an even grind, like espresso, that’s a nonstarter. Burr grinders are more expensive, and for good reason; they pulverize the beans into consistently sized grounds.

A digital scale. It’s best to measure beans by weight instead of by volume, because not all beans are the same size, and those slight differences can affect the taste. “One of the best things that you can do for your coffee is to buy a scale,” Watts says. Be sure to get one with a “tare” function; that way, you can subtract the weight of the container the beans are in when you weigh them.

ADVICE FROM A BARISTA

Michelle Watts (Frankie Mojarro/Courtesy)

Again, Michelle Watts recommends a French press for newbies. “It’s easy to clean; it’s easy to use to make both hot coffee and cold brew,” she says. “And you don’t really need much with it, except for ground coffee and the ability to make hot water.” Watts likes her coffee strong, so she uses one part coffee to 14 parts water. (That ratio works for cold brew, too, she says; just use cold water and let the press sit for a day.) For a lighter cup, she recommends a 1:16 ratio. “Just use the measuring cup you’ve got in your house,” she says. And make sure your water is at a soft boil: “You don’t want it to be actively bubbling.” Watts further suggests that you “bloom” your coffee first: Pour one part of that hot water into the grounds first, and mix it up until it looks a bit like cake batter. “You want it to get it frothy, whip it up, pour the rest of [the water] and then stir it again,” she says. “That process will take about a minute, maybe less, 45 seconds or so. And then you just leave it to steep, to sit before pressing for maybe five to six minutes, depending on your personal preference. For me, the whole process from beginning to end takes about six and a half minutes. But I’m a nerd. I have it all scientific-like.”

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INSIDE NO. 9 Every episode of this British anthology show tells its story inside a different place with a No. 9 address—and the goings-on under that particular roof run the gamut from hilarious to horrifying. Occcasionally, the show rings both of those bells. HBO Max.

BINGE THIS WEEK PODCAST

SHOW

AURALCHEOLOGY

THE QUEEN’S GAMBIT

EXTRAVAGANZA

Ever wish you had a really knowledgeable music-loving friend with a vast and rare record collection? The two of you could hang out as that friend played songs from the span of recorded music, regaling you with context, background and fun facts. Well, you don’t need social skills to go on this musical journey through the past 100-odd years. You just need to tune in to Mike Michalik’s podcast Auralcheology, available on Spotify. The show specializes in talented artists forgotten by time, like crooner Gene Austin, harmonizing singers The Cats & the Fiddle and bluesman Papa Lightfoot. Auralcheology.com. –C. Moon Reed

One mark of a good television show is the way it makes us miss living in the world it created after it’s all over. Seven-part “limited series” The Queen’s Gambit certainly does that, thanks largely to its two main ingredients: lead actress Anya Taylor-Joy, who inhabits her role so fully, it’s tough to imagine any other human doing it justice; and the game of chess, which transforms from a hobby for eggheads into a spellbinding pursuit championed by compelling characters in 1960s America and beyond. Checkmate indeed. Netflix. –Spencer Patterson

A glamorous return to classic Las Vegas productions complete with a cast of fabulous showgirls, Extravaganza performed its one and only show on the Strip on March 14, days before all entertainment and casinos were shut down on Las Vegas Boulevard to fight the spread of COVID-19. The encore performance is now set for November 23, when Extravaganza returns to the stage at the Jubilee Theater inside Bally’s. It’ll continue with two shows a night, six nights a week, packed with acrobats, dancers, aerialists, skaters, the Globe of Death motorcycle act and more. 6:30 p.m., extravaganza-vegas.com. –Brock Radke

OUR PICKS FOR THE WEEK AHEAD

Tayl orAnya

VERY PRESIDENTIAL In this Spotify podcast, co-host of Crime Junkie Ashley Flowers stares down the American Presidency. If everything you know about George Washington stops at cherry trees and wooden teeth, prepare to have your own gaze hardened. Spotify.

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BLACK MOUNTAIN RADIO

COFFEEHOUSE KNITS

The Beverly Rogers, Carol C. Harter Black Mountain Institute at UNLV, producers of The Believer magazine and its eponymous yearly literary festival (fingers crossed for 2021), now invites you on the proverbial journey into sound. Black Mountain Radio, a locally focused conversation and storytelling program airing on KUNV and widely available on podcast services, combines interviews, aural histories, poetry and prose into a word portrait that reveals itself in considered, expressive brushstrokes. The pilot episode, featuring Fawn Douglas, Jimmy Santiago Baca, Toni Jensen and others, makes for a compelling listen. Blackmountainradio.org. –Geoff Carter

Like sourdough baking, there has been an uptick in knitting interest during the pandemic. Understandably so: Studies have shown that the craft elicits a sense of calm and brings about that magical state of flow. Kerry Bogert’s Coffeehouse Knits features essays on the intersection of knitting and café culture, with sumptuous patterns, from hats and socks to sweaters you can spend days in, that appeal to knitters of all skill levels. Quit the doomscrolling and make this book your constant companion for the cooler, quieter days ahead. Amazon. –Genevie Durano

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E Charly Verde (Benedetta Ristori/Courtesy)

TENSION MOUVEMENT Tensionmouvement.bandcamp.com Instagram.com/tensionmouvement

READY TO RAVE

Electronic project Tension Mouvement builds toward the gatherings ahead

BY LESLIE VENTURA

egas music fans might recognize Charly Verde as the bassist of Chameleon Queen, a local psychedelic band known for taking its listeners on mystical sonic journeys. But 23-year-old Verde has embarked on another adventure—a solo synth project called Tension Mouvement that should provide an ideal soundtrack to the darker, chillier days ahead. Originally from Italy, Verde began playing guitar at age 12 before taking up the bass and then, eventually, synthesizers. From there, Verde dove into European electronic music, especially from the ’90s rave and ’80s acid house scenes. “I started learning about the culture of that music, and I was like, ‘Why aren’t we doing this now? Somebody needs to bring this back.” Verde was up to the challenge and began tinkering with synthesizers more and more. Eventually, the

bedroom project grew into Tension Mouvement’s debut record, Animator, which was released on Halloween. “I just want people to dance,” Verde tells the Weekly. And while the pandemic hasn’t allowed humans to congregate in big dancehalls and warehouses as they once did, Verde hopes the sounds of Animator will eventually bring folks together again. “I think it was the togetherness of the scene and the people that the music brought together, because it’s instrumental, just kind of primal beats,” Verde says. “I feel like it brings out sensations of people just wanting to move their bodies, and that’s what drew me.” Specifically influenced by Berlin-based techno duo Schwefelgelb, the sounds of Animator are dark, sinister and hypnotizing, with BDSM-tipped titles

like “Erotic Humiliation.” Tension Mouvement skillfully transports listeners to a different environment, full of industrial beats and haunting, atmospheric walls of sound. Tension Mouvement can serve as a gateway into cyberpunk subculture, drawing the unfamiliar to films like Hackers to Blade Runner—and their respective soundtracks. “Once people start experiencing it, they’ll be more drawn to it,” Verde says of the genre. Since Animator’s release, Verde has been working on production and lighting effects, for the day when warehouse and house shows will be fair game again. “I feel like people are kind of distant from each other [now],” Verde says. “I hope [this music] brings more togetherness and really benefits the community.”

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HOLIDAY CHEER The Venetianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new This Is Christmas! leads a parade of wintertime fun

BEN STONE JASMINE TRIAS

LAURA SUZANNE WRIGHT

LOU GAZZARA

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BY BROCK RADKE

RANDAL KEITH

ERIC JORDAN YOUNG

JACLYN MCSPADDEN

Portraits (Courtesy); The Venetian (Shutterstock/Photo Illustration)

he holiday-themed ice-skating rink at the Cosmopolitan’s rooftop pool opened this week, and Christmas décor is beginning to return to casino resorts. Despite the coronavirus-caused struggles across the Strip’s live entertainment landscape, the time-honored tradition of special holiday shows is coming back to life as well, at least at the Venetian. An original, family-friendly musical titled This Is Christmas! is set to open November 27 at the Venetian Theatre, featuring a cast that includes American Idol competitors Lou Gazzara, Jasmine Trias and Laura Suzanne Wright, and veteran Vegas performers Randal Keith, Jaclyn McSpadden, Ben Stone and Eric Jordan Young. The show is set for 3 and 7 p.m. performances Fridays through Sundays through December 27, and tickets ranging from $70 to $100 are on sale now at venetian.com or through Ticketmaster. The normally 1,800-capacity theater will be reconfigured for a maximum audience of 250, and the events will go beyond state safety guidelines under the extensive Venetian Clean operational protocols. While some resorts have relaunched production shows throughout October, Venetian and Palazzo have only reinstalled minimal live music offerings. This Is Christmas! came about when longtime local producer and musical director Pat Caddick reached out to the resorts’ Executive Director of Entertainment Neil Miller. “It came to the point where my family and I thought we needed to do something to help get things off the ground again,” says Caddick, who has worked on music for Baz, Vegas! The Show and Zombie Burlesque and headlining productions from Siegfried & Roy, Danny

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Gans and Wayne Newton. “All this time has been really harsh for the performance community. If we can put some people back to work—and this is a cast of nine, a band of six, a crew of 10 and probably 20 people at the hotel helping out—we’ll get it done in time, and it will all sound really great.” Caddick has built shows from scratch before, but this is different, thanks to a tight timeline and COVID-19 conditions. But the goal is also different: It’s about creating a fun, festive and safe performance, not a financially sustainable production. “Some of it will be audience singalongs, some more jazz or classical-infused. It will be all over the spectrum, but it all pays homage to Christmas,” he says. “And this is a cast of superheroes. They all have special powers and strengths in different areas, so it’s been fun to be able to make use of those talents.” Here are a few more Vegas-based live shows and livestreams celebrating the holiday season: Commercial Center supper club the Vegas Room is presenting 20 performances of A Vegas Room Christmas December 2-27, staged by Benjamin Tucker and directed by Keith Thompson, with a rotating cast including Vegas singers Anne Martinez, Amanda King, Michelle Johnson, Janien Valentine and more. Tickets cost $109, and reservations can be made at thevegasroom.com. Jersey Boys Tony winner John Lloyd Young brings his Vegas Holiday show— a blend of seasonal classics, rock, Motown and doo-wop—to the Space for two performances on December 4. The pay-per-view price is $30, or $70 to add the VIP afterparty, with more info available at thespacelv.com. Italian-born singer and Las Vegas resident Giada Valenti (PBS’ From Venice With Love) will perform payper-view livestream concert Love Under the Christmas Tree December 12 at 5 p.m., presenting holiday hits in new arrangements with some storytelling mixed in. She’ll be singing from a villa in the Spanish Trails neighborhood, and tickets are on sale for $25 at giadavalenti.com.

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NONFICTION

■ The Battle to Stay in America: Immigration’s Hidden Front Line by Michael Kagan (University of Nevada Press, $28). As the director of UNLV’s Immigration Clinic, legal scholar and writer Michael Kagan has an intimate view of how immigration policy affects lives. He tells the stories of immigrants and activists in Las Vegas while also explaining the all-too-human consequences of the current laws.

STAY HOME AND READ

■ Dark Days, Bright Nights: Surviving the Las Vegas Storm Drains by Matthew O’Brien (Central Recovery Press, $19). With his 2007 book Beneath the Neon: Life and Death in the Tunnels of Las Vegas, the journalist told the story of an oft-overlooked and unfortunate population. In his latest book, O’Brien tells the stories of 36 people who lived in the storm drains and attempted to build a better life for themselves. Though some don’t succeed, O’Brien offers many uplifting tales of recovery in this oral history.

These new Nevada books should keep you busy through the surge BY C. MOON REED

evada Gov. Steve Sisolak recently issued a request that Nevadans stay home and read books. OK, he really just asked us all to stay home to combat the surging coronavirus. But we might as well make the best of it by reading some great new books. Here’s the latest batch of Nevada-related selection, ready to carry you through the lockdown. What else were you gonna do, make sourdough bread?

FICTION

■ Comanche by Brett Riley (Imbrifex Books, $25). The debut novel by CSN English professor Brett Riley is a ghostly Western mystery that Booklist calls a “deliciously twisted tale.” Riley is an award-winning screenwriter, so you know he knows how to spin a yarn.

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FOR YOUNG READERS

POETRY

■ Of Bone, of Ash, of Ordinary Saints: A Nevada Gospel by Gailmarie Pahmeier (WSC Press, $16). Reno’s inaugural poet laureate—and a Nevada Writers Hall of Famer—Pahmeier delivers the love letter to Nevada we all need right now. David Lee, the former Utah poet laureate, says the book is “delight-laden and unforgettable.”

■ Snowshoe Thompson: Sierra Mailman and Sarah Winnemucca: A Princess for the People by John L. Smith (Keystone Canyon Press, $7). The veteran Las Vegas journalist and author turns his pen toward Nevada history with his first two entries in the Fields of Silver and Gold series. In these books, Smith introduces young readers to Northern Paiute advocate, writer and speaker Sara Winnemucca along with outdoor adventurer Snowshoe Thompson, who trekked through the wilderness in order to deliver the mail from back East.

LAS VEGAS WRITES PROJECT

■ A Valley of Light and Shadow: Las Vegas Writers on Good and Evil by various authors (Huntington Press, $14). In its 11th year, the Las Vegas Writes anthology gets a new editor: author and teacher Jarret Keene. This anthology brings together 14 Las Vegas writers as they grapple with the unique bounds of morality in a place called “Sin City.” Contributors include New York Times contributors Brittany Bronson and Krista Diamond; artist Fawn Douglas; poet Elizabeth Quiñones-Zaldaña; West Las Vegas’ Poets’ Corner founder Keith A. Brantley; UNLV literature professor Beth C. Rosenberg; nudist Tim Chizmar; journalist Glenn Puit and more.

ALSO ■ Blurring the Lines of Race and Freedom: Mulattoes and Mixed Bloods in English Colonial America by UNLV professor Dr. A.B. Wilkinson (University of North Carolina Press, $35). ■ Prayers From the Far Quarter by Southern Nevada librarian Roger DeBlanck (Blue Cliffs Books, $14). ■ Jumping the Broom: The Surprising Multicultural Origins of a Black Wedding Ritual by UNLV professor Dr. Tyler D. Parry (University of North Carolina Press, $28).

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THANKSGIVING EXPRESS

Skip the kitchen and head straight for the food this year BY GENEVIE DURANO

he year 2020 will go down in history as one of the most challenging in our lifetime. And even though we’ve been doing it for months now, social distancing will never get easier. We’re meant to be with the people we love. This year’s Thanksgiving will undoubtedly be a smaller affair for most of us, so it’s a good time to give ourselves a break in the kitchen. Luckily, plenty of restaurants around town are offering Thanksgiving feasts to go. Here are a few to consider.

HONEY SALT The locals favorite, which specializes in farm-to-table food, is as close to homemade as you can get. Order the whole dinner, good for eight-plus guests—and you’ll have leftovers for days. ■ Menu: Red Bird organic oven-roasted turkey (16 pounds, choice of whole or carved) served with Todd’s gravy and cranberry sauce; Parker House rolls with honey butter; roasted yams with maple and brown sugar; Yukon Gold mashed potatoes; brioche stuffing with fresh herbs, apples and caramelized onions; roasted Brus-

sels sprouts with applewood smoked bacon; pumpkin pie with vanilla bourbon whipped cream. Need more? Lobster Mac & Cheese ($32), Fall Harvest salad ($26) and apple pie ($19) are also available, along with beverage packages. ■ Details: $349, order through November 20, pickup Thanksgiving Day, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., honeysalt.com. EL CORTEZ It’s always been about family at the longest-running casino-hotel in town, and this year’s Thanksgiving is

no different. Siegel’s 1941 is offering a special menu that can be eaten at the restaurant or taken to-go. ■ Menu: A three-course meal with a choice of tossed green salad or butternut squash soup; roasted Tom turkey with giblet gravy, sage dressing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and green beans amandine, or Smithfield ham with brandy-pineapple sauce, sweet potatoes and green beans amandine; apple, pumpkin or pecan pie. ■ Details: $27 ($22 with players card), Thanksgiving Day, 11 a.m.9 p.m., elcortezhotelcasino.com.

Yardbird (Courtesy)

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BIG JERK CARIBBEAN There are many ways to prepare a turkey, but leave the smoked jerk version to the pros at Big Jerk, who specialize in the kicked-up flavors of the Caribbean. ■ Menu: Pick the turkey size—from 14 to 24 pounds—that works for you and your family. Add on family-style sides like plantains, sweet potato mash, mac and cheese, curry rice, festival and more and you’ve got yourself a Thanksgiving feast for the ages. ■ Details: Turkeys are $5 a pound, and family-style sides start at $30. Order by November 24 at 5 p.m. for a Thanksgiving-morning pickup. bigjerkcaribbean.com. Bazaar Meat (Courtesy)

YARDBIRD SOUTHERN TABLE & BAR If Southern-style Thanksgiving is more to your liking, Yardbird Southern Table & Bar at Grand Canal Shoppes has all the fixings available à la carte, with a seasonal cocktail of Wild Turkey 81 bourbon and spiced cranberry puree perfect for the occasion. ■ Menu: Appetizers include a pear, pomegranate and arugula salad ($16) and Charleston crab soup ($16); for the entrée, an herb-roasted Yardbird turkey dinner with Mama’s mash, green bean casserole, cranberry compote and giblet gravy ($36); shareable dishes include lobster mac and cheese (market price), leek potato gratin ($24), Brussels sprouts ($10), Mama’s biscuit stuffing ($10) and green bean casserole ($10); dessert choices include pecan pie, pumpkin pie and strawberry peach cobbler ($10-$25). ■ Details: Place orders by November 18, runchickenrun.com/holidays.

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BAZAAR MEAT If you want to break tradition this year and skip the bird altogether, José Andrés’ Sahara outpost has a takeaway menu, good for two to three people, that highlights meat-centric specialties and includes a main entrée, five starters, two sides and dessert. Certain entrées are cooked at home, with instructions and all the spices you need. ■ Menu: Entrée choices include Rosewood Texas Ribeye, Secreto Iberico pork, Double R-Ranch Angus strip loin, slow-roasted Wagyu brisket and more; starters include olives (liquid and stuffed), gazpacho with pipirahna, Caprese salad, a platter of sliced jamon and salami, paella-style pasta with Morcilla and pork belly; sides include buttered potato purée and grilled vegetables, and flan caps the meal. ■ Details: $100-$170. Ordering starts November 21, with 24-hour advance notice for Thanksgiving Day pickup from noon-5 p.m., bit.ly/2ICOcEf.

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NORTHERN EXPANSION Greek jewel Elia moves into a bigger space in the Lakes

Lamb chops (Yasmina Chavez/Staff)

BY BROCK RADKE

hen local Italian favorhave at the other location, like a bar ite Chef Marc’s Trattoria and a beautiful patio, which helps a recently relocated to the lot now with COVID,” he says. Ahern Hotel just off the Fans of the old Elia will also Strip, it left a long-popular restauappreciate the indoor restrooms. rant space in the Lakes neighborThe previous, tiny space didn’t have hood temporarily empty. room, so diners had to ELIA Another local treasure, walk outside and reenter 8615 W. Sahara Ave., Elia, seized the opportuthe lone restroom facility. 702-284-5599. Sunday, Tuesdaynity—and the patio. More importantly, the new Thursday, 4-10 p.m.; Owner Savvas GeorElia has a bigger kitchen, Friday & Saturday, giadis says more space which means there are new 4-11 p.m. (2,500 square feet) was dishes to sample. Among the biggest factor in the fresh flavors are lamb Elia’s move from its original South tartare ($16) with sun-dried tomaDurango spot, where it has been toes, shallots, mint, tzatziki, lemon serving some of the Valley’s best and dill oil, and a filet mignon ($32) Greek fare for three and half years, with roasted veggies and red wineto the recently renovated restaurant sour cherry reduction. at Durango and Sahara. It opened in The classics are still available, its new digs in September. too. Grilled octopus ($16) with red “It has some amenities we didn’t wine vinegar and rich olive oil;

pan-fried zucchini chips called kolokythakia ($15) with creamy tzatziki; and feta psiti ($12), with feta cheese, fresh chilies and tomatoes, oregano and olive oil, are among the most beloved shareable dishes. And there are many more of those, perfect on that patio with a bottle of

wine and your very best friends. Elia has also expanded its wine list substantially. “We used to carry only Greek wines. Now we have a lot more, something for all tastes and budgets,” Georgiadis says. And lunchtime service is coming soon, possibly before the holiday season. Grilled octopus (Yasmina Chavez/Staff)

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Keto-friendly baked treats at Starburst Parlor (Wade Vandervort/Staff)

CHANGING COURSE Jill Shlesinger brings her new passion for baking to Starburst Parlor BY LESLIE VENTURA

F Jill Shlesinger (Clay Heximer/Courtesy)

or 11 years, Jill Shlesinger worked as the general manager of a Strip coffee shop, but that changed during the pandemic. Shlesinger thought she’d eventually head back to work, but the company sold seemingly overnight. Without any notice or severance pay, she says, she found herself completely and unexpectedly unemployed. What happened next is even more unexpected. “The last thing I thought would happen is that I wouldn’t return to my career,” she explains.

The vintage-lifestyle enthusiast immediately turned to baking—specifically, learning how to bake treats she could eat while on a ketogenic diet. “I’ve been cooking and was passionate about making people happy through my food for a long time,” Shlesinger says. When she couldn’t find anything in the store to satisfy her sweet tooth, she began experimenting in her own kitchen and giving away care packages full of her desserts. With the support of one of her friends, Shlesinger decided to start her own bakery, Starburst Parlor, which specializes in keto-friendly foods. “I didn’t want anyone’s pity or to feel bad for me,” Shlesinger says about her work situation. “Everyone was going through something similar.” It wasn’t until Shlesinger told her friend what happened that she found the motivation to open her own shop. “When I left her house that day, I was like, OK, this is what you’re going to do.” Shlesinger signed a lease for a building off Charleston and Rancho in August, and the build-out should be completed by March, she says. In the meantime, she bakes her keto treats—bagels, cookies, cheesecakes and more—in a commissary kitchen and takes orders on her website, starburstparlor.com. An assortment of her desserts are also available at all Mothership Coffee locations and at Sunrise Coffee on Sunset Road. As for the menu, it’s continuously growing and evolving. “I’m always looking for something new and exciting,” Shlesinger says. “Most of my creations are client-inspired, and that’s the most exciting thing for me—that I could make something they’ve been missing in their life.”

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THE BIG KWIATKOSKI The Raiders’ middle linebacker comes into his own as a playmaker and leader BY CASE KEEFER

he Raiders’ 37-12 victory against the Denver Broncos on November 15 started with middle linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski stuffing a run play near the line of scrimmage. It ended with Kwiatkoski leaping and pulling down an interception with one hand. In between, most of the big plays in arguably the Raiders’ best defensive game since Jon Gruden returned as coach three seasons ago also had Kwiatkoski involved in some capacity. “His leadership, his playmaking, his intensity— those are things we feed off of,” Gruden has said. Las Vegas’ defense still rates in the bottom third of the NFL and has a long way to go, but after years of struggles, the unit might finally be headed in the right direction. That’s largely because the Raiders appear to have uncovered and crafted a captain out of the 27-yearold Kwiatkoski. In an era when franchises are hesitant to dole out big contracts to defenders who aren’t either edge rushers or lockdown coverage players, the Raiders went against the grain this past offseason, signing two high-priced linebackers in free agency. Las Vegas committed more than $56 million over the next three seasons to Kwiatkoski and Cory Littleton. After four seasons with the Los Angeles Rams peaking with a 2018 Pro Bowl berth, Littleton was considered the sure thing. Kwiatkoski was more of a gamble after playing sparsely—though impressively—in limit-

ed reps during four seasons with the Chicago Bears. It has turned out exactly the opposite. Littleton, who missed the Broncos game after being added to the COVID-19 list, has yet to fully adjust to his new team, while Kwiatkoski has thrived. Kwiatkoski, a fourth-round pick out of West Virginia in 2016, longed to be an every-down player but never got the opportunity behind one of the NFL’s deepest linebacker corps in Chicago, except when injury thrust him into action. That happened at the end of last season, when his close friend Danny Trevathan went down. Kwiatkoski took over with a two-month stretch of play that had both scouts and advanced statistics bullish about his long-term potential. He’s been determined to prove that forecasting correct since signing with Las Vegas, despite unprecedented hurdles faced by free agents going to new teams during the 2020 offseason.

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Nick Kwiatkoski (AP/Photo Illustration)

Due to the pandemic, players weren’t allowed at team facilities until the start of training camp in late July, leaving those like Kwiatkoski and Littleton to learn new schemes virtually, without hands-on training. The coaching staff has referenced that learning curve as part of the reason why Littleton has gotten off to a slow start, but Kwiatkoski hasn’t needed any excuses. Zoom calls weren’t an ideal basis for his transition, but Kwiatkoski made the most out of them. “It was just communicating, taking the things we learned from the offseason Zooms and just applying them on the field as soon as possible,” Kwiatkoski said. “It’s definitely a process that’s still growing for everyone, but I feel like we’ve come a long way.” In-person communication might actually be more difficult for Kwiatkoski. He’s naturally quiet, but the Raiders challenged him to become more of a vocal leader from the moment he stepped into their Henderson headquarters over the summer. “I’ve never been a rah-rah guy,” Kwiatkoski said, “but it’s definitely something you need from a Mike [middle] linebacker.” Kwiatkoski is the quarterback of the defense, the Raiders’ designated “green dot” player who can communicate with the coaching staff via in-helmet digital radio while on the field. That means it’s ultimately up to him to get teammates into the right pre-snap positions and pass along any adjustments. Timidity cannot be tolerated. “He has to be the guy to lead our group— make all the checks, make all the calls,” defensive coordinator Paul Guenther said. “He’s got to be the guy we all look up to. Like I say to him all the time, ‘Sunday is players’ day.’ Wednesday through Friday are coaches’ days; we try to put them in position. But when Sunday rolls around, he’s got to be the leader of the band.” By his own admission, Kwiatkoski still has room to improve in that regard, but he says he’s getting more comfortable and eliciting feedback from teammates. Gruden and Guenther push him in practice to take more ownership of the overall unit. They couldn’t ask for much more as far as his own play on the field. It’s been even better than advertised. “The more reps I get, the more comfortable I feel,” Kwiatkoski said. “It’s still a long way to go but I just continue to build on that.”

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Las Vegas safety Jeff Heath, right, intercepts a pass against Denver, November 15 at Allegiant Stadium. (AP/Photo Illustration)

■ LAST WEEK: RAIDERS 37, BRONCOS 12 Las Vegas smoked rival Denver to get through the first set of three games against AFC West divisional opponents unscathed. The Raiders had five takeaways, including a pair of interceptions by backup safety Jeff Heath. On offense, running backs Josh Jacobs and Devontae Booker led the way. Jacobs had 21 carries for 121 yards and the team’s first two touchdowns before stepping aside to let Booker finish the job. Booker gained 81 yards and scored two touchdowns on 16 carries against his former team.

RAIDERS

Report

■ THIS WEEK: CHIEFS (8-1) AT RAIDERS (6-3) When: Sunday, November 22, 5:20 p.m. Where: Allegiant Stadium TV: NBC (channel 3) Radio: 920-AM & 92.3-FM Betting line: Chiefs -6.5, over/under 56.5 Opponent: The traditional cliché of “take a night to enjoy this one” didn’t apply to the Raiders’ win over the Broncos. They immediately said they needed to start getting ready for the defending Super Bowl champions. Las Vegas is the only team to beat Kansas City in the past year—a 40-32 win on the road October 11—but the presumption is it will be even harder to pull it off a second time. The Chiefs are coming off of a bye week and have won their four games since losing to the Raiders by an average of 16 points. Injuries: Most of Raiders’ concern is along the offensive line. Left tackle Kolton Miller missed his second straight game against the Broncos, and there’s no guarantee he’ll be recovered from an ankle injury in time to face the Chiefs. Fellow starters Trent Brown (right tackle) and Richie Incognito (right guard) aren’t expected back from lengthy bouts with COVID-19 and an Achilles injury, respectively. Las Vegas’ top backup tackle, Sam Young, played against the Broncos but is also hobbled by ankle and knee injuries. –Case Keefer

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We congratulate all nominees and winners of the 10th Anniversary of the Top Tech Awards! For your business telecommunications needs, contact us at 702-939-1146 or visit coxbusiness.com

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FROM THE PRESENTING SPONSOR

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Dear Friends: In partnership with Vegas Inc, Cox Business is honored to serve as the presenting sponsor of the 10th anniversary of the Top Tech Awards. Over the past decade, our community has experienced many evolutions of change that have been driven by explosive population and tourism growth, business expansion, which includes professional sports, and the growth of small- and middle-sized businesses as part of an expanding ecosystem—all with a diverse set of requirements. There are many thought leaders in Nevada who serve across myriad public, private and governmental sectors that are embracing these new opportunities and shaping our sustained journey to successfully grow our economy and demonstrate that Southern Nevada is a great place to live and raise a family. We are honored to highlight and recognize the outstanding technology thought leaders in our community whose body of work are helping us navigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the rapidly evolving needs of our community. This pandemic has created downward pressure on our economic growth, a health crisis and illuminated the inequities in our underserved population that will be felt in our community for some time. Adversity, however, is not new to us in Las Vegas. We are a resilient community, one that has demonstrated an innate ability to address and overcome challenges. Our community is extremely optimistic as we adapt to new normals and reimagine getting back to business in a safe, holistic and meaningful way. As we address technology requirements in 2020, we are reminded of the intersection between community and servant leadership that is part of the fabric of Southern Nevada. We have the most remarkable technology leaders pushing through and moving the needle to keep our great community at the forefront of technology. With a record-breaking 90 nominations submitted by their peers in our community, it’s evident that the leadership, vision and innovation of these professionals are the heartbeat driving the technology industry and continued economic growth in our region. Cox Business and Hospitality Network work closely with local and nationwide business clients to provide customized technology solutions, including cloud and managed services, Wi-Fi solutions, connectivity, smart communities and cybersecurity. Our focus is to support customers in achieving their business objectives with end-to-end technological service excellence. We are thrilled to host the event this year virtually from Allegiant Stadium, the most technologically advanced stadium in the country. From smart communities to cybersecurity, gaming experiences and sporting events, our entire Southern Nevada landscape has changed thanks in part to those honored with this award. Please join me in congratulating all of our nominees and winners.

Derrick R. Hill Vice President Cox Business–Las Vegas

2020 TOP TECH JUDGES Judges Chair

Judges Co-Chair

Wonda Riner Executive Director of Information Technology, Interim Director of Marketing & Communication, UNLV School of Medicine

Snehal Bhakta Career and Technical Education Administrator, Clark County School District

Debbie Banko CEO and Founder, Link Technologies

Jonathan Baktari, MD, Founder and CEO, e7 Health

Christopher Crescitelli Founder, Dreamland LLC

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2020 TOP TECH NOMINEES Noah Allison Three Lock Box Art Andreas ClickIt Social Wil Barker OptumCare Mike Bement FanCo

Kevin Debiparshad, MD The LimbplastX Institute

P. Lloyd Hildebrand, MD, FACS New Eyes Las Vegas

Richard DePaso Aardvark Video

Ronald Hillock, MD Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center

Joseph DiGiorgio Nice Guys Technology

Joshua Benedetti Card Z3N, LLC

Leslie Estrada Tech Impact

Leo Bletnitsky Healthy Technology Solutions

Richard Ethington Blue Ape Painting

Brett Burbidge Unique Communication Solutions Ryan Carlson Dick’s Last Resort Harvin Chavez Vegas Golden Knights Harvey "Kip" Chiles Caesars Entertainment Larry Christman Aargon Collection Agency Sean Connery Orbis Solutions Chris Crowell Budget Car Rental Kris Cuaresma-Primm Homie Vince Cybulski Nevada Restaurant Services Inc

Earle Keizer Business Continuity Technologies

Rod Rodriguez Credit One Bank

Stephen Murphy Brady Industries

Lawrence Roney Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority

Margaret Novack Foothill High School - Clark County School District Anna Olin Hotel Cloé

Mark Ruber Las Vegas Paiute Tribe David Ruckdaschel UnitedHealthcare

Kuldurshan Padda Harvard MedTech

Jim Kimball MGM Resorts International

JC Pomerleau Déjà Vu Services, Inc.

Shannon Sacks Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Las Vegas

Brian Kip SKC Group

Andrew Pascal PLAYSTUDIOS

Jeff Saling StartUpNV

Kyle Konold The Delta Academy

Matthew Pasco Las Vegas Raiders

Mike Schmitt Clairvoyix

Jamey Felsing Cure 4 The Kids Foundation

Joshua Leavitt IONnovate, LLC

Roland Pascua Bonotel Exclusive Travel

Mike Schoentag G&L Communications

Brooke Fiumara OPTX

Tom Lisciandra TSK Architects

Michael Scofield Ei Companies

Terris Foley The Culinary Academy of Las Vegas

Scott Lobenberg JobFairX

Robbie Pearce Cheyenne High School - Clark County School District Daniel Piec Allegiant Travel Company

Malcolm Shaw Advertising & Marketing Solutions, Inc.

Patricia Farley Serving Our Kids Foundation Leo Farnsworth AIS-Now

Jason Frame Southern Nevada Health District Michael Gagnon HealtHIE Nevada

James MacDougall Roberts Communications Network, LLC Chris McAlary Coin Cloud

Don Shackley Athena Technologies

Kevin Ragsdale Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Michael Skolnik Teachers Health Trust

Joyce Goedeke Vegas Chamber

Alfredo Melesio, Jr. City of North Las Vegas

Michael Rainey Beasley Media Group

Derrick Gyamfi The Culinary Academy of Las Vegas

Ida Meseba Tix Corporation/ Tix4Tonight

Robert Rivas Silver State Schools Credit Union

Nadia Hansen Clark County

Dennis Moriarity City of North Las Vegas

Alyssa Rodriguez City of Henderson

Arthur D'Antonio III LVGameDev

Rachel Papka Chief Health Informatics Officer, Steinberg Diagnostic Medical Imaging

Brian Hyde HYdTECH

Leia Morrison Pro Group Networks

Garrett Pattiani Co-Founder, Charity Gurus

Maria Sexton Chief Information Officer, University Medical Center of Southern Nevada

VEGAS INC BUSINESS

Kris Smith Goodwill of Southern Nevada Denise Snow Southwest Career and Technical Academy - Clark County School District

Robert Speciale Indian Springs High School - Clark County School District Rex Sprankle Golden Entertainment William Steck, II University Medical Center of Southern Nevada Mike Stilwagner Ahern Rentals, Inc. Anant Subramanian Credit One Bank Brad Swan Primecare Benefits/Nevada Dental Benefits Cae Swanger HCA Healthcare Anita Thompson Clark County School District Bart Watts Computer Repair Specialists Andy Waymire Equity Title of Nevada Jaime Weller-Lafavor Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada Austin Whitley GenTeks Alan Woratschek Valley Health System Missy Young Switch

Daniel Shaked Founder and CEO, Home 365

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Russ White Co-Founder, Charity Gurus

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LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

CAE L. SWANGER, ECO, MBA-HM

n Under Cae Swanger’s strategic direction, HCA Healthcare’s Pacific Region technology team supports large hospitals, behavioral health services and emergency, surgery and urgent care centers throughout Las Vegas, California, Utah, Alaska and Idaho—all known for outstanding patient care, innovative technology and pioneering new medical procedures. From a substantial increase in sepsis survival rates through groundbreaking software development, to the deployment of computerized mobile solutions empowering and connecting entire patient care teams, Swanger’s tenacity, knowledge and passion drives preeminent support for more than 12,000 physicians, 17,000 nurses and caregivers, and almost 500 graduate residents that serve the patients that trust HCA Healthcare for their care. A three-decade IT executive and currently serving as a chief information officer for HCA, Swanger was recently named in a US Patent issued for TimeWatch, a tool developed to automate the collection of data and information from a variety of HCA Healthcare platforms and marry algorithms to correlate data elements to redisplay as connected information. TimeWatch has armed HCA leaders with meaningful information in near real-time to make data-driven and elective operational decisions to ensure the highest level of quality patient care. Over $10 million in savings was documented in the first year of its use. Swanger has worked with teams to deploy smart technology to track and control tools, equipment and supplies during surgical procedures—effectively optimizing surgical workflows while achieving patient safety and clinician satisfaction. Her team has also implemented real-time mobile telemetry alerts to enhance patient care response time, resulting in a 10% decrease in non-ICU code blues. In the community, Swanger is actively involved with the Susan G. Komen organization, Habitat for Humanity and the HCA Healthcare Women in IT Group. She also serves as an adjunct professor at UNLV’s School of Public Health where she teaches how various technologies contribute to the delivery of quality patient care.

Photograph by Wade Vandervort

Chief Information Officer HCA Healthcare | Far West Division & Mountain Division

Congratulations Kevin Ragsdale Nominee for

Congratulations

Dr. Ronald Hillock

virginhotelslv.com

COMMUNITY E X E M P L A R Y AWA R D HONOREE

Congratulations Chris Crowell for being nominated for Vegas Incâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Top Tech Awards 2020 BudgetLasVegas.com

Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center 7455 W. WASHINGTON AVE. STE 160 LAS VEGAS, NV 89128

For more information on Osseointegration contact 702-258-5567 Ron_Hillock@me.com WWW.NEVADAORTHOPEDIC.COM

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COMMUNITY EXEMPLARY AWARD

RONALD HILLOCK, MD

Years of TOP TECH

Orthopedic Surgeon Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center

n Imagine being one of only eight surgeons in the world using an advanced technology to change people’s lives. For Ronald Hillock, MD, this is a reality. Hillock is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement, orthopedic oncology and osseointegration. His work is focused on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disease and adult joint reconstruction surgery. Hillock was instrumental in the design and development of a novel orthopedic implant used in the treatment of amputated limbs, the longitude system. The longitude implant is a truly custom prosthesis engineered to match the patient’s native bone with precision. Starting with a computerized tomographic three-dimensional image of the amputated limb to be treated, the images are then processed using specialized software and the inner dimensions of the bone

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are mapped and measured in 3D. These measurements are used to design an implant to perfectly match the space available within the medullary canal of the bone. Hillock was integral in the design and the manufacturing process. He also created the surgical technique and rehabilitation protocol to prepare the native bone and insertion of the implant for the best outcome for the patient. This system provides amputees with greater mobility, comfort and quality of life. Hillock’s career path began when he enlisted in the U.S. Army. During his 17 years of service, he saw many amputations and casualties of war. These men and women who lost limbs inspired him to pursue a way to give those soldiers a better way of life. He is committed to doing what he can to give our veterans the best treatment and care they need to resume their daily lives.

“Being one of the first females at technology boardroom tables, I have the opportunity to share another perspective and use cases guys may not consider. When I won the award, I had just released my first software. I didn't realize how my use of technology, combined with my design experience, helped increase tourism by more than 25% to Las Vegas. Technology allows us to make real-time changes to keep people working and out of the unemployment lines.”

Photograph by Wade Vandervort

Christi Tasker, CEO, PuTTin’ OuT 2014 Top Tech Community Exemplary Honoree

“What I enjoy most about working with technology is providing the opportunity for youth to explore the possibilities of what they can create. Winning the Top Tech Award validated that our small business is making a difference. I was honored to be recognized along with all the other nominees that are doing such amazing work and making an impact on people's lives.” Eric Mendelsohn, Co-Founder/ Director, Code Central 2017 Top Tech Community Exemplary Honoree

Congratulations to the Raiders Technology Team, led by Matt Pasco, on their top tech award.

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Photograph by Christopher DeVargas

Years of TOP TECH

“While not perfect or complete solutions, educational technologies can connect people with content and each other in ways that didn't previously exist. Can you imagine how remote learning would have looked had the pandemic occurred at the millennium? I am grateful for our constantly evolving technologies, the entrepreneurs who innovate them and the educators who employ them in creative ways to grow this generation of youth.” Camille McCue, Ph.D., Upper School Principal, Adelson Educational Campus 2016 Top Tech Lifetime Achievement Honoree

COX INNOVATION AWARD

MATTHEW PASCO

Vice President, Information Technology Las Vegas Raiders n Matthew Pasco was presented with a challenge when the Oakland Raiders filed with the NFL to move to Las Vegas in early 2017. From that filing forward, Pasco was involved with every piece of technology necessary during the move and the construction of Allegiant Stadium, team headquarters and practice facility. In three short years, Pasco assembled his team, implemented the most innovative technologies available, facilitated new partnerships and more. In preparation of the Las Vegas Raiders’ inaugural season, Pasco sought to find the highest-quality connectivity devices and technology for the new stadium. He spent time touring NFL stadiums in other states, took notes from T-Mobile Arena and scoured the Consumer Electronics Show for fresh ideas. The technology that was ultimately incorporated into the stadium is unrivaled and incomparable. With almost 1,800 access points, 360 IP Centrex phone lines, 60 channels of IP video, support for over 2,200 screens using Cisco Vision and more—Allegiant Stadium is the most technologically advanced football stadium in the country. The Raiders headquarters is just as connected, equipped with high-speed and versatile technology to ensure the most efficient environment for the team’s needs. After two years of negotiation, a year of implementation and countless hours dedicated to the technological capabilities, Allegiant Stadium successfully opened on Sept. 21, 2020. Welcoming the Las Vegas Raiders and building Allegiant Stadium are two of the most influential projects the Valley has seen in years—and Pasco and his team were integral to making it possible.

CONGRATULATIONS

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2020

TOP TECH AWARDS NOMINATION

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D O C U WA R E

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Years of TOP TECH

ANDREW PASCAL

ALAN WORATSCHEK

n A veteran entrepreneur and celebrated hospitality executive, Andrew Pascal has taken a unique approach to loyalty marketing by emphasizing engagement with consumers on the one item they can’t live without: their smartphones. Pascal founded PLAYSTUDIOS in 2011 with a group of fellow entrepreneurs with a goal to develop casual, free-to-play games for social platforms. Starting in a shared office space on the outskirts of Las Vegas, PLAYSTUDIOS has since grown into a global gaming studio with offices on three continents, a collection of award-winning titles, a network of world-class business partners and a passionate community of loyal players. In late 2019, PLAYSTUDIOS released its revamped playAWARDS platform, a groundbreaking suite of B2B tools that gives partners advanced performance metrics and unprecedented insight into today’s mobile and social gamers, while offering an unrivaled suite of real-world rewards to its players. At its core, Pascal conceived playAWARDS to connect the world’s leading entertainment, retail, technology, travel, leisure and gaming companies with a valuable, highly engaged audience. And it’s working. Some of the biggest beneficiaries of Pascal’s work are local Las Vegas businesses. Through the online recreation of some of Las Vegas’ incredible experiences and giving players a chance to enjoy those experiences as real-world rewards in multiple destinations globally, PLAYSTUDIOS is able to offer something truly unique. playAWARDS converts entertaining digital impressions into real-world brand engagement—proving itself to be an essential tool for partners looking to reach mass audiences of potential customers worldwide.

n Since 2011, Alan Woratschek has been leading technology needs for Valley Health System—an integrated health care system serving more than 2 million people living in Southern Nevada and its surrounding communities. In this role, he has been responsible for the opening of several hospitals, freestanding emergency departments and physician clinics throughout the Valley and ensuring the network, internet and voice services are fully operational at each location. Woratschek’s efforts have led to the establishment of a redundant network to all hospitals and two central business offices using high availability features such as a virtual switching system. This expansive network enables Valley Health System to provide fast and reliable applications including electronic medical records, radiology PACS system, telemedicine and remote fetal heart monitoring to all health care providers. In addition, Woratschek leads a team of network engineers, clinical analysts and technicians to improve the physician and employee experience. Several applications have been installed to enhance the education experience of the residency programs, the implementation of integrated nurse communications, capacity management solutions and dietary meal management. Woratschek’s experience and knowledge in the health care technology space has kept medical professionals at the forefront of patient care and has improved the patient experience, safety and quality of care received.

Founder & CEO PLAYSTUDIOS

Director of Information Technology Valley Health System

“Technology is constantly evolving. The advantages in technology has allowed our company to expand innovation in construction. Not only does it help us increases our chances to win more work, but it improves our productivity, strengthens our communication and enhances our quality.” Clifton Cole, Director of Virtual Design and Construction, The PENTA Building Group 2016 Top Tech Private Business Honoree

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PUBLIC BUSINESS

KRIS CUARESMA-PRIMM

MICHAEL RAINEY

n Kris Cuaresma-Primm has made a name for himself at tech startups. Formerly at Uber, then Lyft and now as the general manager at Homie, Cuaresma-Primm knows what it takes to get a project off the ground and create staying power in the market. Homie is a tech company that is disrupting the real estate industry by allowing customers to buy and sell their homes on a unique online platform, supported by a full-service agency that’s unlike any other service out there. Homie’s model eliminates many of the fees and high commissions associated with traditional real estate transactions—creating an experience that is convenient, cost-efficient and responsive to the modern consumer. Using groundbreaking technology and an affinity for customer service, Homie’s goal is to make homeownership accessible to all. This goal aligns well with Cuaresma-Primm’s ability to improve peoples’ lives using smart technology. Proprietary software, innovative marketing and operational implementation are all well within his wheelhouse. With a dedication to using technology and leveraging partnerships to improve the community, Cuaresma-Primm is able to successfully execute important initiatives. He’s using this community-minded approach at Homie to launch the Home Is Possible Coalition, with a mission to end the racial homeownership gap in the Valley. HIP Coalition’s goal is to help 5,000 Black families buy a home in Southern Nevada by contributing financial literacy, credit repair and down payment assistance.

n Beasley Media Group, a subsidiary of Beasley Broadcast Group, owns and operates 69 AM and FM stations in markets across the country—including five stations located in Las Vegas. With such a high output, including millions of on-air listeners and online brand engagement, having exceptional technology is important—which is where Michael Rainey comes in. Rainey helps to support a 24/7 broadcast as well as the production and sales side of the business. Working in broadcasting, Rainey is often tasked with time-sensitive problem solving and the implementation of rapidly changing technology. As a broadcast engineer, Rainey has to quickly diagnose and troubleshoot audio issues, perform extensive testing prior to recording or transmission, and solve any on-air issues that may occur once broadcasting begins. He is also responsible for identifying and incorporating broadcast solutions and equipment updates, enhancements and modifications. An integral player in recent tower upgrades to keep radio signal strong in Southern Nevada, Rainey’s skill set is multifaceted and far-reaching. Working on the operational side of the business, he is responsible for implementing all companywide IT initiatives, technologically supporting the sales and production staff, and generally keeping everything running smoothly.

Photographs by Christopher DeVargas

Years of TOP TECH

"Technology has proven a vital tool for connecting people in these challenging times and providing opportunities for students to continue to learn. I am grateful for the recognition that the Top Tech Awards gives to educators who have and continue to further the use of technology as a vehicle of learning and connecting with students." Ellen Noto, Chemistry Honors Teacher, Coronado High School 2018 Top Tech Education Honoree

General Manager, Homie

Corporate Regional IT Manager/Corporate Messaging Team Beasley Media Group

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Congratulations to all of the honorees for a tremendous job well done!

Q&A WITH SCOTT A. ARKILLS Q: HOW DOES SILVER STATE SCHOOLS CREDIT UNION PROVIDE VALUE TO YOUR MEMBERS?

SCOTT A. ARKILLS PRESIDENT / CEO

A: Silver State Schools Credit Union (SSSCU) is a full-service financial institution serving the Las Vegas valley with 10 branch locations. As a member-owned financial institution, we “Prioritize People Over Profit” by providing financial solutions that allow our members to have a financial partner for life. We offer a full suite of banking products by offering lower loan rates and higher dividend rates.

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Q: WHAT DOES 2021 HOLD FOR SILVER STATE SCHOOLS CREDIT UNION? We are very excited and looking forward to a great 2021. On January 2, 1951, seven educators invested $5 to create our Credit Union with a vision to deliver “Excellent Member Service” to its members. On January 2, 2021, Silver State Schools Credit Union will be celebrating its 70th Anniversary of providing “Excellent Member Service and Financial Solutions - For Life!” We look forward to continuing to “Prioritize People Over Profit” in 2021 and beyond while exceeding the financial and service expectations of our members and future members. CONGRATULATIONS ROBERT RIVAS, SSSCU’S AVP OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, ON HIS NOMINATION FOR THE TOP TECH AWARD. PRIORITIZING PEOPLE OVER PROFIT 800.357.9654 | silverstatecu.com

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n For more than 15 years, Robbie Pearce has been dedicated to teaching Clark County students about computer science and cybersecurity. She is particularly passionate about introducing these technology-driven and typically male-dominated fields to women and minorities. Pearce believes that the only difference between women and men, when it comes to access and representation in STEM-related fields, lies in their confidence and level of exposure. She is determined to change this misdirected perception. Pearce’s efforts to encourage the young women in her school to participate in AP computer science principles class resulted in an enrollment increase from 23% to 50%. She also set out to increase recruitment efforts for her three robotics teams. When Pearce started, her teams only consisted of about 10% women. This number jumped to 50% during the 2019-2020 school year. Pearce is CompTIA certified and a member of the Computer Science Teachers Association. Her reach extends far beyond the doors of Cheyenne High School as a participate in several online technology programs, virtual learning environments and global platforms, including Cisco Networking Academy, Edhesive.com, Amazon Future Engineer Program and Cyber Sleuth Lab—each offering Pearce the opportunity to share her love for technology with an evergrowing cohort of students. As a perpetual and persistent educator, Pearce serves as a role model to empower students and expose them to their fullest potential—and ability to succeed in STEM fields, regardless of who they are.

n Three Lock Box was created in response to the administrative difficulties Noah Allison observed as an attorney handling some of the largest construction disputes in Nevada history. With an unparalleled level of experience and expertise, Allison sought to streamline the construction control process and offer a digital solution for construction professionals. Three Lock Box uses a proprietary system to provide a secure, web-based service where construction participants—including owners, lenders, landowners, architects, engineers, general contractors, suppliers and more—are able to fund, monitor, apply for, substantiate, review, approve and disburse payments in a construction escrow account. The platform produces auto-generated, electronically signed releases and legal documents, and is designed to perform the duties of a construction control escrow company in compliance with Nevada law. The multifaceted platform is designed for modular use and customization to ensure all projects adhere to their specific requirements. Three Lock Box archives the plans, permits, contracts and other significant documents allowing for a transparent digital archive. With these capabilities, this revolutionary system also produces a complete audit trail. A visionary and practical leader, Allison has used his institutional knowledge to produce a reliable platform-based solution for the construction industry while encouraging all project collaborators to work together in creating the best possible product. Allison is a board member and former board president of GPJ Towers, a nonprofit providing low-income housing to seniors and is a founding board member of ACE Mentors of Southern Nevada, a nonprofit that provides educational opportunities and scholarships to high school students interested in careers in architecture, construction and engineering.

Computer Science & Cybersecurity Teacher Clark County School District — Cheyenne High School

CEO, Three Lock Box

Photographs by Christopher DeVargas

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JAIME WELLER-LAFAVOR

JASON FRAME

n When you meet Jaime Weller-Lafavor, you will want to help her achieve her goals. Her compassion for others and her dedication to making a difference is palpable. As the chief administrative officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada, she has been the major driving force in helping achieve their current technology space for the children that use their services. The programs offered at Boys & Girls Clubs teaches members basic computer skills, introduces them to digital movie making, music composition, photography, graphic design and web development, and provides homework help and educational software. At Boys & Girls Clubs, it is their mission to inspire and enable all young people to realize their full potential, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances. Access to technology is a large part of achieving this goal. Weller-Lafavor has committed to providing all children that pass through the doors of Boys & Girls Clubs with that access, even if they do not have it at home. She has worked to upgrade the bandwidth to provide efficient internet access and load at each club, so while members are there, they can utilize the available technology in whatever way needed. She has also added new ventures for children in the gaming and computer space with a focus on STEM. Weller-Lafavor’s drive to help the community never slows. As an effective public speaker and motivator, and with a background as a certified grant professional, she often taps into her unique skill set to encourage community support, donations and funding to grow the resources needed for the Boys & Girls Clubs to continue to provide for those that need them the most.

n Technology leaders across the country faced unique challenges as a result of COVID-19, and Jason Frame, CIO of the Southern Nevada Health District, is intimately familiar with those challenges. At the onset of the pandemic, Frame quickly transitioned his staff to work remotely, rolled out applications to keep the public informed and provided SNHD’s disease surveillance team with contact tracing and monitoring assistance. As one the largest local public health organizations in the country, SNHD serves more than 2.2 million residents and is responsible for safeguarding the public health of more than 42 million visitors annually. Because of Frame’s work, SNHD was able to help manage and distribute vital information to residents of Southern Nevada during the global health crisis. Frame’s team at SNHD rolled out three applications during this time. The first mobile app allows people who have been exposed to COVID-19 to record and submit their temperature and symptoms. The second app facilitates contact tracing by allowing the disease surveillance team to send out mass messages notifying contacts who have tested positive. The third app automates the contact tracing process by notifying people who have tested positive and the people who have been in contact with them. In the first six weeks, 17,250 positive patients were automatically notified, and they provided more than 35,000 contacts who were automatically messaged about the potential exposure. This immediate information network may have prevented countless cases. This innovative technology is only one example of Frame’s unwavering leadership, particularly during a time of crisis. He has also helped with other COVID response projects, including the implementation of the eClinicalWorks telehealth module.

Photographs by Christopher DeVargas

Years of TOP TECH

“Technology turns ideas and the progression of business performance into reality. Technology has always been imperative, yet always sheltered by its own ability to operate seamlessly, and in order to serve day to day operations. To me, the year 2020, marks a landmark in history when it comes to technology serving humanity to benefit the very movement in today's business world and health orientation.” Mark L. Ruber, Chief Executive Officer, MTSolutions Group LLC, Forbes Technology Council 2013 Top Tech Community Exemplary Honoree

Chief Administrative Officer Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada

Chief Information Officer Southern Nevada Health District

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WEEK OF NOVEMBER 19 BY ROB BREZSNY

ARIES (March 21-April 19): In 1974, the poets Allen Ginsberg and Anne Waldman created the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics. The goal of teachers and students was to avoid safe and predictable work so as to commune with wild spiritual powers, “keep the energies dancing” and court eternal surprise. That would be a healthy approach for you to consider. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Any legal actions you take are more likely to be successful if you initiate them between now and the solstice. The same is true for any contracts you sign or agreements you make, along with efforts to cultivate synergy and symbiosis; attempts to turn power struggles into more cooperative ventures; and ethical moves to benefit from other people’s resources. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Never follow an expert off a precipice. Nor a teacher. Nor an attractive invitation. In fact, never follow anything off a precipice, no matter how authoritative or sexy or appealing it might be. But if any of those influences are headed in the direction of a bridge that can enable you to get to the other side of a precipice, consider following. Be on the alert for such lucky opportunities. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Malidoma Patrice Somé was born into the Dagara tribe of Burkina Faso. After being initiated into the tribe’s spiritual mysteries, he emigrated to the U.S. He says there is an indigenous person within each of us that longs to cultivate the awareness and understanding enjoyed by indigenous people. Enhance your ability to commune with and nurture your inner indigenous person. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Psychologists have identified a quality they call NFD: “need for drama.” Studiously and diligently avoid fostering NFD in the coming weeks. You will have a blessed series of interesting experiences if and only if you shed any attraction you might have to histrionic craziness. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): If you go chasing phantom hopes, longing for absolute certainty and iron confidence, you’ll waste your energy. But if you identify what is most genuine and true and essential about you, and you rely on it to guide you, you can’t possibly fail.

2020 KING FEATURES SYNDICATE ACROSS 1 Acquire a wintry glaze 6 Ending for Rock 10 Dollars and cents 14 Woodard with four Emmys 19 Many a Jamaican believer, informally 20 Canine pain 22 “Yes, —!” (“Definitely!”) 23 1936 film sequel with William Powell and Myrna Loy 25 Utter words 26 — Boys (hit rap trio) 27 Lenore poet 28 Suffered 29 Abbr. on a naval vessel 30 A wide physical variety 37 Stretch (out) 38 Oscar winner Jared 39 Seattle baseball team 40 Possible reply to “Who’s there?” 43 Debater’s platform 44 Model Klum 46 While lead-in 47 1997 James Bond film 51 — trial basis 52 Mess up morally 53 Locale of Ali’s “Rumble in the Jungle” 54 Immune response trigger 59 Mess up 61 Canine coat 63 Scarf site 65 “Yay, me!” 66 Question about a weak effort

72 Woman on the throne 73 Designer Cassini 74 Father 75 LA-to-IN dir. 76 Apply via an aerosol 79 Rockabilly singer Chris 82 “Send help!” 84 Epoch 86 Influential Brian Eno album of 1975 90 Peter of Columbo 94 Dark beer 95 Rock guitarist Lofgren 96 No-brainer class 97 Cut across 99 Le Roi d’Ys composer Édouard — 100Sun. church oration 101 Fifteen minutes of fame 105 Triceps’ place 108 Quick snacks 109 Intense anger 110 Electrical resistance measures 112 Shrink back 113 Novel and film whose last line is formed by six key words in this puzzle 118 — Is Born 119 Came to an end 120 Finnish architect Alvar — 121 Comes to an end 122 Je ne — quoi 123 Bullets, e.g. 124 Hair lock DOWN 1 Ex-Yankee Hideki — 2 Snug eateries 3 “Cómo —?” 4 Rugged trucks, briefly

5 Ones sharing in meals, e.g. 6 Jazz singer Waters 7 “Little piggy” 8 Young child 9 Verb suffix in the Bible 10 Olympic craft 11 Top points 12 “— Na Na” 13 She cackles 14 Home of St. Francis 15 Contour of one’s kisser 16 Coldest refrigerator part 17 Bookworms 18 “Oh no, mice!” 21 River giant, informally 24 Floor square 28 Actor Brody 31 Deli side dish 32 Ketchup brand 33 Befuddled 34 Surrounded by 35 Gymnast Comaneci 36 JFK jet, once 37 Angsty music genre 40 Skater Midori 41 Gets rid of some flab 42 More brainy 43 Dunkable treat 44 “— mud in your eye!” 45 Put up 48 Rock fissure 49 Pickling liquid 50 Clic — (Bic brand) 55 Persia, now 56 Artillery unit members 57 Aged 58 Prefix with classical 60 Actress Perlman 62 Pi follower

64 Early English dramatist Thomas 66 Mental figs. 67 Novelist Seton 68 Peace Nobelist Root 69 Surrounded (by) 70 Springs in deserts 71 Japanese wheat noodle 77 Beginnings 78 Tally mark 80 Strain at — (fuss over trivialities) 81 Shrimplike crustacean 83 Sugary delicacy, old-style 85 Org. for periodontists 87 Carry along 88 Race in The Time Machine 89 Rowing tool 90 Bouquet-bringing co. 91 Middle East studier 92 Let have it 93 Ski mask, e.g. 98 Villains’ looks 99 Lerner’s partner in musicals 100 “Quiet down” 102 Moses’ mount 103 Hunts quarry 104 Reached 105 Moving spryly 106 Fees for flats 107 Old PC platform 111 Wage — of words 112 Used to exist 113 Motorist’s navig. aid 114 Ending for Rock 115 Boise is its cap. 116 Actor Hanks 117 Fan sound

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): “A little bad taste is like a nice splash of paprika,” fashion writer Diana Vreeland said. “We all need a splash of bad taste. It’s hearty, it’s healthy, it’s physical. I think we could use more of it. Having no taste is what I’m against.” Whatever’s lacking in your world can be cured by a dash of good, funky earthiness. Dare to be a bit messy and unruly. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Consider the words of author Iris Murdoch: “One of the secrets of a happy life is continuous small treats, and if some of these can be inexpensive and quickly procured, so much the better.” Also, Helen Keller: “I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble.” SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Winston Churchill said he was always ready to learn—even though there were times when he didn’t enjoy being taught. That might be a useful motto for you to adopt in the coming months, as 2021 could turn out to bring a rather spectacular learning spurt—and a key boost to your lifelong education. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “Go a little bit out of your depth,” counseled singer-songwriter David Bowie. “And when you don’t feel that your feet are quite touching the bottom, you’re just about in the right place to do something exciting.” Take measures to expand your sense of wonder during the next six weeks. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Most of us aren’t brilliant virtuosos like, say, Leonardo da Vinci or Nobel Prize-winning scientist Marie Curie. On the other hand, every one of us has a singular amalgam of potentials that is unique in the history of the world—an exceptional flair or an idiosyncratic mastery or a distinctive blend of talents. You will have unprecedented opportunities to develop and ripen this golden and glorious aspect of yourself in 2021. And now is a good time to begin making plans. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In 1969, humans flew a spaceship to the moon and landed on it for the first time. In 1970, the state of Alabama finally made it legal for interracial couples to get married. That’s a dramatic example of how humans can be mature and strong in some ways even as we remain backward and undeveloped in others. The coming months will be a highly favorable time for the immature and unseasoned parts of you to ripen. Get started!

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