Sensi Magazine - Las Vegas (January 2019)

LAS VEGAS

THE NEW NORMAL

1.2019

SEAMLESS FUTURE OLD SCHOOL COLLIDES WITH NEW EXPECTATIONS

SPEAK UP

Your Voice Demands to be Heard

SIMPLE POSSESSION CHARGE

Legal Impasse Plagues The Industry Today

YOUR DOG AND A TENT

Bonding Under the Stars

{plus}

A NEW PLANET ARRIVES Dispensary Mingles Art, Attractions

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4 JANUARY 2019 Las Vegas

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6 JANUARY 2019 Las Vegas

ISSUE 1 // VOLUME 2 // 1.2019

FEATURES

PUPPY LOVE Savor the outdoors together.

S P EC I A L RE P O RT

36 Forgive and Forget?

28

More and more Americans can obtain cannabis legally. What happens to those incarcerated or with criminal records for possessing something that is lawful today?

42 Digital Gypsy

Setting yourself up for the freedom of life on the road is a journey in itself.

every issue 09 Editor’s Note 10 The Buzz 14 Newsfeed

10 NERD WORLD Geeks Now Rule.

CANNABIS GOOD FOR ECONOMY

16 CrossRoads

COMING ATTRACTIONS

20 TasteBuds

RAPIDO Y SABROSO

24 LifeStyle SERENITY

28 TravelWell

CANINE CAMPING

32 HighProfile

MOXIE MAVEN

48 The Scene

PLANET 13 GRAND OPENING

50 HereWeGo

C’EST MAGNIFIQUE

Sensi magazine is published monthly by Sensi Media Group LLC. © 2018 SENSI MEDIA GROUP LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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sensi magazine ISSUE 1 VOLUME 2 1.2019

EXECUTIVE FOLLOW US

Ron Kolb ron@sensimag.com CEO, SENSI MEDIA GROUP

Tae Darnell tae@sensimag.com PRESIDENT, SENSI MEDIA GROUP

Alex Martinez alex@sensimag.com CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

sensimediagroup

EDITORIAL Stephanie Wilson stephanie@sensimag.com EDITOR IN CHIEF

Debbie Hall debbie.hall@sensimag.com MANAGING EDITOR, SENSI LAS VEGAS

Leland Rucker leland.rucker@sensimag.com SENIOR EDITOR

Robyn Griggs Lawrence CONTRIBUTING EDITOR sensimagazine

Ricardo Baca Dr. Angie McCartney askangie@sensimag.com COLUMNISTS

Tim Fox, Susie Frazier, Kema Ogden CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

A RT & D E S I G N Jamie Ezra Mark jamie@akersmediagroup.com sensimag

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Rheya Tanner, Wendy Mak, Josh Clark, Deb Matlock akers@sensimag.com DESIGN & LAYOUT

BUSINESS & A D M I N I S T R AT I V E Susan Lugo susan.lugo@sensimag.com PUBLISHER

Daniel Asarch daniel.asarch@sensimag.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Amber Orvik amber.orvik@sensimag.com CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR

Andre Velez andre.velez@sensimag.com MARKETING DIRECTOR

Hector Irizarry distribution@sensimag.com DISTRIBUTION

M E D I A PA RT N E R S Marijuana Business Daily Minority Cannabis Business Association National Cannabis Industry Association Students for Sensible Drug Policy 8 JANUARY 2019 Las Vegas

ORIGINALITY ADVISORY BOARD American Cannabis Company // CONSULTING CannaPunch // INFUSED CANDIES AND JUICES Cohen Medical Centers // MEDICAL CENTERS Crooked Cactus CBD // CBD TINCTURES DigiPath Labs // CANNABIS TESTING Emerald Harvest // NUTRIENTS Evergreen Organix // PREMIUM BAKED GOODS GreenHouse Payment Solutions // PAYMENT PROCESSING

Hot Mess Kushmetics // CBD TOPICALS Ideal Business Partners // CORPORATE LAW & FINANCE

Libra Wellness // INFUSED GOURMET CHOCOLATES Nevada Powders //

POWDER PROCESSING SERVICES FOR EDIBLES

NLVO // LAS VEGAS LUXURY CANNABIS Red Rock Fertility //

FERTILITY DOCTOR

Strip Side Solutions // MARKETING Toast // MINDFUL CONSUMPTION Undoo // OVERCONSUMPTION RELIEF

IN 2019

editor’s

NOTE

The New Year is here, and the usual refrain is that

January is a time for new beginnings, starting over, and looking forward. I see 2019 offering something entirely different, however.

I perceive the coming year as a continuation of innovation, advancement, and setting new precedents in all areas of life.

I started with Sensi in January 2018, and our first Las Vegas issue printed that March. What a year it has been for both the magazine and me. Since cannabis for adult-use recreation was legalized in Nevada in 2017, after medicinal cannabis had been legal for years, I have witnessed a change in the culture as well as awareness. I sense hope in a rebounding economy as almost $1 billion was generated by sales of cannabis and related products, as reported by the Nevada Dispensary Association. The people I meet, the parties I attend, and the conversations I engage in with others demonstrate the acceptance of the new normal. Happily, one of the biggest supporters of legalized cannabis was reelected. I envision this year with more changes as new ideas are transformed into reality.

Of course, this is Vegas, with its always expanding glittering landscape of nightlife, dining, entertainment, and fun. Entrepreneurs from around the globe are coming to Sin City to capture the attention of both locals and tourists featuring the newest and latest things to try. The uptick in the economy opens doors to those willing to take a risk, whether financially or professionally.

New is exciting and refreshing after a time of fear and caution.

What’s next is more than the opening of the next restaurant or debut of a show. The word new encompasses a feeling, attitude, and desire for original and fresh. Tradition is good, but there is always a time to create something novel. We are excited to be part of this explosive time in history and anxious to see what the coming months and years bring to our world.

Thank you for making us a part of your journey. As we make you laugh, think, share, and explore, Sensi magazine embraces the newness of the year as we explore originality, accomplishment, and creation of a different sensibility.

Yours in the new normal,

Debbie Hall

M ANAG I NG E D I TO R SENSI LAS VEGAS

sensimag.com JANUARY 2019 9

Robotics, AI, And Virtual Reality CES brings the future to Vegas now.

January 8 - 11 / CESWEB.ORG

CES, the biggest geek convention, returns to Vegas to showcase breakthrough technologies and innovations.

The international audience, along with celebrities, will descend on Sin City during a week of tech heaven.

The convention’s over-the-top presence will explode in several convention centers and resorts. Drones will fly through the air, cars will operate without a driver, and music will blast from a refrigerator as the newest gadgets grab everyone’s attention. The show might be larger than life, but it is also a glimpse into the future in the present moment.

According to US Consumer Technology Sales and Forecasts, consumers ordered over 75 million streaming devices in 2018. The new frontier of how people view movies, enjoy shows, and listen to music will be

Travel well rested with a NapAnywhere pillow.

Anyone who travels knows that dozing off while sitting up is not relaxing. You wake up with a sore neck or, worse, some stranger glaring at you because you’ve been resting on their shoulder. “Sleeping” this way does not refresh and can be a buzzkill for red-eye flights or all-night drives. NapAnywere, a portable head-support pillow, transforms travel time to bedtime.

Ravi Shamaiengar, MD, developed the head-support pillow using a combination of architecture, engineering, origami, and his knowledge of anatomy. The unique minimalist solution has no bulky cushions, making it compact enough to carry anywhere in its own case, and a comfortable strap keeps it in place while sleeping.

The thin disc is comprised of a strong, flexible endoskeleton covered with foam padding and wrapped in high-quality fabric. The device is reversible, with one side warm to the touch and the other side cool.

Travel can be stressful, but a good night’s sleep, even sitting up, can help relieve some of the tension and make the trip a little more enjoyable. –DH 10 JANUARY 2019 Las Vegas

NAPANYWHERE.NET

The demand affects everyone with a device as speeds expand to 5G and higher. The issue of net neutrality rules, appealed by the US Federal Communications Commission in 2017, will be addressed as tech becomes almost as necessary as breathing.

3D printers change the landscape of building prototypes for the medical, engineering, aerospace, and automotive industries. In fact, scientists at Newcastle University have developed a process to 3D print corneas using human cells combined with alginate and collagen.

Welcome to 2019!

–Debbie Hall

PHOTO OF VR GOGGLE BY SAMUEL ZELLER

SLEEP Sitting Up

explored. The impact on advertising is mind-boggling.

Guarding Against GERMS One coat of Microshield 360 protects for a year.

Germs, those disgusting microorganisms, creep ev-

does not include poisons, is an electrostatic application.

erybody out! While disinfectants and other products

The colorless, odorless, nontoxic, and hypoallergenic

can keep surfaces clean, MicroShield 360 introduces a

treatment dries in minutes as it kills and then prevents

new technology for cleanliness.

microorganisms from living on the treated surface for

MicroShield 360 Antimicrobial is now EPA/FDA-approved for surfaces used for food. The technology, which

up to a year.

President and CEO Phillip Kupec, who operates a national commercial cleaning business, researched and discovered this process when his clients asked about preventative measures. “We were asked about sickness in the building, flu viruses, and ways to sanitize.

We found a company that was developing this method, and after four years, we can now offer it,” he says.

The process is sustainable, and exposed surfaces can be cleaned using a microfiber towel and water. Even bleach will not affect its effectiveness.

Those disgusting, minuscule microorganisms invade everyone’s space, but this latest tool battles and stops germs for healthier living.

–DH

MICROSHIELD360.COM

Locate Consumption Mood Greenery Map finds the perfect strain or edible in one click.

Now you can search for cannabis products on a device or website with Greenery Map, the cannabis search engine that easily and quickly finds cannabis for whatever mood, medicinal use, or consumption method. Your search now is customized for your needs.

Searching for cannabis is a lot like standing in front of the refrigerator trying to figure out what to eat. The choices are overwhelming. Greenery Map helps consumers search, select, and map out prices in seconds. This is good news for novices, amateurs, and connoisseurs alike.

The mobile app and website allow consumers to search and shop for strains, oils, butters, balms, edibles, topicals, and CBD products. Looking to relax or sleep better?

The right selection will pop up. Medicinal uses to alleviate symptoms such as insomnia, nausea, and headaches can easily be found. Strains are ranked on a 100 percent scale from most relevant to the least. Helpful information and news are also included.

–DH Let’s go shopping (online).

GREENERYMAP.COM sensimag.com JANUARY 2019 11

Baby Love

Parents and babies do it with Zalamoon style.

The joys of parenthood now embrace chic wear. Whether enjoying a day at the beach, flying on a plane, picnicking in the park, or just taking the baby for a walk, moms, dads, and kids are doing it in style with Zalamoon.

No more hiding behind plants to breastfeed. The Infinity Shawl, splendid in eight colors, is an elegant, timeless piece made with a rayon and spandex blend. For expectant mothers or those nursing a baby, its camouflage is a fashion statement.

Choices include sportswear, evening wear, professional attire, and casual wear.

The Baby Bootcamp bag makes gaudy diaper bags passé. It doubles as a backpack so you can carry all your baby’s needs in addition to electronics, a yoga mat, snacks, and anything else for organized chaos (just talk to any parent).

Luxe Pockets with a Velcro fastener securely attaches your baby’s favorite toy and pacifier in a couture security blanket. The high-end luxury bella 100 percent polyester fabric is top of the line for a fluffy, snuggly feel.

Surround children in the Boho Bliss Rug Slip Cover Play Mat, a vintage-inspired statement piece. Geometric shapes and soft hues mix perfectly for the nursery, bedroom, playroom, or outdoor event.

–DH Chic becomes everyone, especially families.

ZALAMOON.COM

Soft To The Touch

A good massage can work out those kinks, including tightness, tenderness, and stiffness. Add THC and/or CBD, and the great feeling becomes indescribable. Mohave Massage and Wellness specializes in the right touch with added cannabis benefits for in-home massages.

Owner and massage therapist Lena Kaddoura researched how creams, oils, and balms with and without additional ingredients interact with the body.

“I work with my clients to learn what is best for their well-being. I have discovered that a combination of THC and CBD is the most effective, but it is up to the person,” Kaddoura says. “I use between a 1:4 to a 1:10 ratio, and that makes a big difference. THC opens up the system when combined with CBD.” Kaddoura relates to her clients because she has struggled with anxiety and depression since she was 18. She switched between using prescribed medication and cannabis until she made the decision to go off her meds in 2006. As a healthy alternative, massage combined with THC and CBD has helped many of her clients. –DH 12 JANUARY 2019 Las Vegas

Mohave Massage and Wellness is licensed for in-home massages as well as business events offering their special touch. Phone: (678) 471-8100.

PHOTO BY TOA HEFTIBA

Mohave Massage and Wellness adds individual component.

Get in touch: sales@ellementa.com | 303.918.8404 | ellementa.com

sensimag.com JANUARY 2019 13

{newsfeed }

by K E M A O G D E N

NEVADA CANNABIS INDUSTRY GOOD FOR ECONOMY Almost $530 million in revenue for Nevada reported from the legal cannabis industry.

Cannabis industry leaders recently gathered at a lunch hosted by the Nevada Dispensary Association (NDA) to review the current economic impact study. The results were glowing. The 33-page report compiled by RGC Economics

million for schools and about $42.5 million for a state “rainy day” contingency fund.

The industry has done—and continues to do—more to benefit Nevada communities.

was made public just weeks after state officials reported

I’m a dispensary co-owner, an entrepreneur, and a

first-year taxable cannabis sales totaled almost $530 mil-

philanthropist; I run two nonprofit organizations in South-

lion, exceeding expectations. Nevada received around $70

ern Nevada. I have long been a firm believer in corporate

million in tax revenues on that number, including $27.5

social responsibility as a way to strengthen communities.

14 JANUARY 2019 Las Vegas

The economic report commissioned by the NDA showed 64 retail dispensaries are now open statewide, with more

the holiday season, and we’ve helped approximately 400 families over the last four years.

than half in Las Vegas. According to the survey, 40 busi-

During the industry luncheon, according to the Asso-

nesses that participated in the study employed about

ciated Press, NDA president Andrew Jolley told the lun-

1,300 people. The report projected the industry will create

cheon audience, “Marijuana-friendly policies, strict seed-

more than 8,000 jobs over the next six years.

to-sale regulations, and the prospect of doing business

The report apparently did not look at the contributions

with some of the 45 million tourists who visit Las Vegas

these companies are making in the communities they

and Reno each year could make Nevada one of the na-

serve. These businesses hosted holiday clothing drives

tion’s largest marijuana marketplaces.”

and turkey giveaways and many charitable endeavors aimed at helping the underserved in our community.

For example, a half dozen or so Las Vegas area dispensaries offered discounts to survivors of the October 1st shooting who are struggling with post traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD).

Top Notch The Health Center, the Las Vegas dispensary I co-own, sponsored an adopt-a-family event and toy drive for underserved families in Southern Nevada during

Indeed, the future is as bright as the Nevada sun. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, hopefully so too will public perception about the impact the industry is making on the economy, the schools, and the community.

KEMA OGDEN, co-owner of Top Notch THC and Global Harmony, is the first female minority owner of a cannabis dispensary and cultivation business in Nevada. Ogden is a board member of the national nonprofit Doctors for Cannabis Regulation and a business entrepreneur, philanthropist, and executive director of a Southern Nevada nonprofit, The Ogden Foundation. Her husband is Jonathan Ogden, a retired NFL player and professional football Hall of Famer who played offensive tackle with the Baltimore Ravens.

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{crossroads }

by RICARDO BACA

16 JANUARY 2019 Las Vegas

COMING ATTRACTIONS Predicting the future of consumption habits.

My friends who partook in the ’60s and ’70s have long waxed poetic about how things were back in the day—the awkward Pineapple Express-like encounters with dealers, the wildly varying levels of cannabis quality, the everyday objects repurposed as smoking apparati (apples, soda cans, foil-covered toilet paper tubes), the ritual sifting of seeds and stems, and the stressful searches for a safe place to burn one.

No doubt, today’s post-prohibition reality seems like the future my friends thought they would never know. But if this is our modern reality in 2019—where legal marijuana is increasingly becoming the law of the land—what unpredictable cannabis future awaits us in 2025 or 2030?

Here are a few fantasies in my crystal ball: PREDICTION 1

Legitimate, peer-reviewed cannabis research

matter of time before someone figures out that they can be individually tailored for private, on-the-go toking.

PREDICTION 3

Add-ons at the juice bar.

You want 10 milligrams of CBD in that PB Chocolate Love smoothie? No problem. How about a shot of limonene? That’s a boost we can get behind. In the Jamba Juice experience awaiting us around the corner, we see a whole roster of mind-altering options—in addition to the straightforward additions that are just as healing as the collagen, probiotics, and zinc currently on the menu.

We will have prerolls in the hotel minibar.

Sure, the mark-ups will be astronomical, but how sweet will it be to settle into your hotel room after a long flight and light up (on your room’s patio) without having to

In areas such as medicine, massage therapy, fitness, and

WeedMaps the nearest dispensary? Very. In our ideal vi-

other health-oriented realms, the lack of concrete studies

sion, booking sites would already be offering pot-smoking

on cannabis’s effects continues to stymie real progress. In

rooms as an option, so it would be a given that the goods

the fitness scene of the future, the performance-enhanc-

would be waiting for you, conveniently next to the salted

ing effects of cannabis will be well established, resulting in

almonds and Snickers bar.

customized concoctions that have been dialed in to each athlete’s needs, available right next to the water and the protein bars. Meanwhile, a day at the spa would include consultations on the specific CBD oil or THC-infused lotion that could target sore muscles or arthritic joints.

PREDICTION 2

Modular car services that serve weed

PREDICTION 4

Restaurants that cater to cannabis consumers The connection between THC (and other cannabinoids) and our taste buds is well documented; it’s all about the release of hunger hormone ghrelin and the stop-I’m-satisfied hormone leptin, combined with the lighting up of the brain’s olfactory bulb and the increase in dopamine. And so it’s not

We’ll book the modular car of the future the same way

all that far-fetched to fantasize about actual restaurants

we call a Lyft or Uber now, but there will be an option to

offering fine-tuned food-and-weed pairing menus. And

choose a 420-friendly self-driving ride, with the pod arriv-

yes, we know these experiences exist in LA pop-ups and

ing well stocked with prerolls, edibles, and other goodies,

Boulder farm-to-table one-offs, but let’s normalize this

offering yet another welcome place for legal imbibing. With

already and allow existing restaurants the ability to legally

modular cars already in testing and production, it’s only a

incorporate cannabis into their food and drink programs. sensimag.com JANUARY 2019 17

PREDICTION 5

Vineyard-like tasting rooms Just as we can now swing by our favorite winery’s tasting room and pull up a stool at the counter to sample a few flights and nosh on a cheese board, cannabis farms one day will feature strain samples and snacks in the comfort and conviviality of their on-site smoking spaces. Oh, and check out the view: fields fleshed out with rotund indica shrubs and towering sativa trees as far as the eye can see.

PREDICTION 6

Marijuana-specific lounges in American airports In the same way a pre-flight drink is often a good idea, who wouldn’t appreciate the sedating effects of a solid indica-based edible taken just before a 14-hour flight, or a quick smoke to take the edge off before spending five hours cross-country with a screaming baby? Because we’re dreaming big: These would be dedicated spaces separate from cigarette lounges and bars, with state-of-the-art air filters, entertainment, and snacks. Imagine how much bet-

18 JANUARY 2019 Las Vegas

As fast as we can picture it, cannabis entrepreneurs are looking for ways to make it happen.

ter those long layovers would suddenly be, too, especially

strains for specific medical conditions, the ideal AI-en-

augmented by video game consoles, constantly streaming

hanced cannabis experience would involve smartphone

movies, and other fun distractions, along with Coaster Call-

software that accesses the same information you already

type pagers pre-set for your flight’s boarding time.

input on your phone’s health app—age, gender, height,

PREDICTION 7

Expanded experiential entertainment Escape rooms are a regular go-to for folks looking to challenge their cannabis-enhanced (or -addled) brains, but that’s just the beginning. Picture adult play-places packed with interactive amusements, from comfy couches sporting virtual-reality stations to sensory-enhancing rooms à

weight. The AI’s biometrics would read your fingerprint and also your current state (high heart rate indicating anxiety, low metabolic rate) and then make recommendations for the cannabis experience that would best address your current physical and headspace. The app would also interact with your vaporizer, auto-dosing to ensure an exact and intentional serving size.

la Narnia—just open a door and prepare to be blown away

Of course this is just a taste of what we’re dreaming

by the augmented-reality activities, similar to Pokémon

about. As fast as we can picture it, cannabis entrepreneurs

Go, but with pot and a safe spot in which to wander.

are looking for ways to make it happen. So here’s to a time

PREDICTION 8

AI devoted to cannabis products While some progress has been made in machine-rolled joints and computer programs that suss out the best

where our high hopes meet the real weed world.

RICARDO BACA is a veteran journalist, thought leader, and founder of The Cannabist. His content agency Grasslands works primarily with businesses and individuals in the cannabis and hemp industries on thought leadership, publicity, and marketing projects via thoughtful, personalized marketing campaigns.

sensimag.com JANUARY 2019 19

{tastebuds }

by D E B B I E H A L L

20 JANUARY 2019 Las Vegas

RAPIDO

ySABROSO

Sharky’s Modern Mexican Kitchen revolutionizes the casual dining landscape.

vegan, vegetarian, low-carb, and gluten-free options.

Sharky’s contemporary approach to Mexican cuisine features roasting, braising, and grilling. The flavors appeal to diverse tastes and lifestyles with many different regional cooking styles. Menu highlights include hand-crafted burritos filled with organic beans and rice with a choice of all-natural grilled chicken or steak, vegan roasted cauliflower and mushroom tacos, chipotle-braised chicken tinga tacos, and guajillo-braised pork

Fast food, including what passes for Mexican cuisine, has proliferated throughout the decades. Today, a new influx of consumers is demanding fresh as well as fast. Sharky’s Modern Mexican Kitchen (SHARKYS.COM) answers the call for flavor, nutrition, and an extensive menu in a relaxed atmosphere that fits everyone’s schedule.

Sharky’s is all about food with a purpose.

Founder and CEO Steve Paperno’s passion for healthy living sparked his idea to develop a different kind of Mexican casual dining place. He traveled to the various regions of Mexico to learn about distinctive flavors and recipes he could introduce to the US market.

Paperno originally used the name Sharky’s for a branding character in a business he eventually sold. “I took a trip to Hawaii, saw a shark, and that became the name of the restaurant,” he explains.

While the name is catchy, it is the menu that makes Sharky’s stand out from other taco places. The quality is evident in fresh, natural, and organic ingredients with

tacos. Seasonal salads include roasted pear and apple salad made with organic greens, quinoa, Bosc pears, Fuji apples, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, queso fresco, and tomatoes served with cilantro buttermilk dressing.

Top sellers include Baja fish tacos made with wild fried Alaska pollock, topped with a chipotle crema and jalapeno tartar sauce, and served on a bed of green cabbage and Brussel sprouts.

Sharky’s uses all-natural chicken breast that contains no added preservatives, hormones or phosphates and all-natural, antibiotic-free Angus steak with no added hormones. Wild-caught Alaska salmon and other sustainable wild-caught fish selections are Marine Stewardship Council-certified to maintain healthy oceans.

Non-GMO corn chips are fried in non-GMO canola oil, and organic black and pinto beans are made without lard.

Other organic menu items include whole grain brown rice, long grain white rice, baby spinach, baby kale, yams, and non-GMO tofu. Dairy products (including cheese and sour cream) do not contain the rBGH hormone.

Ingredients are regionally sourced from farms in Arizona, northern Mexico, and California, especially eastern San Diego County in the winter months. Guests can also enjoy beers

sensimag.com JANUARY 2019 21

“All of our restaurants are community based, and it is about the lifestyle brand,” says Paperno.

“We do offer special dishes throughout the year keeping the location in mind.”

As dining trends change, with some restaurants reinventing themselves and other new ones opening, Sharky’s is part of the tech world of food. Guests can order online, and there are delivery options

“All of our restaurants are community based, and it is about the lifestyle brand.”

— STEVE PAPERNO from Southern Nevada breweries.

Sharky’s offers a happy hour daily with beer, wine, and sangria drink specials as well as tacos, nachos, flatbreads, and quesadillas. It’s Taco Tuesday all day with $5 taco specials.

All of this delish nourishment is part of a bigger plan to create a nationwide chain, but the current Vegas locations are miles from the Strip

including DoorDash.

“Our responsibility is to make certain the food is delivered so that our guests have the best dining experience, even if it is at home or in the office,” states COO David Goldstein.

“The dining community has learned to ask what our guests want,” adds Paperno. People respond to menu changes and other issues using social media, which Sharky’s monitors as an essential tool for communication and gauging trends.

“Lifestyle is important to us. Understanding how people get and remain healthy becomes our goal. We use clean ingredients and make everything from scratch,” says Goldstein.

Sharky’s Modern Mexican Kitchen presents a new paradigm in fast casual dining incorporating a healthy way of life.

with an eye for connecting with locals. Paterno hopes to develop national recognition first and then perhaps open in tourist-centric areas such as the Strip

22 JANUARY 2019 Las Vegas

5070 Blue Diamond Rd. / (702) 778-0811 8975 W. Charleston Blvd. / (702) 255-5605

i am

VITALITY

( n .) T h e s t a t e o f being.

JANUARY 2019 23 t: 1.833.ARTEMIS www.iamARTEMIS.comsensimag.com ig: @iamARTEMISca

{lifestyle }

by S U S I E F R A Z I E R

SERENITY 5 Design Tips For Creating A Peaceful Home.

After the sparkling displays and nostalgic jingles are

mantra to build something new out of something broken,

put away, I still have a sense of uneasiness. Don’t get me

even if it goes against the grain of the status quo. That’s

wrong. It’s not that I don’t enjoy the season’s feel-good

why my new book, Designing For Wellness, encourages ev-

vibes. I love giving gifts, and you probably won’t find a

eryone to be active curators of their lives as a way to cul-

more extroverted introvert on the planet than me. But

tivate a new state of calm. The easiest place to start is in

the truth is, our society has been operating on over-stim-

our personal spaces. So here are my top five practices that

ulated autopilot for years, allowing the cultural norms of

anyone can implement for creating a more serene home in

the holidays to spin out of control. Whether it’s hosting

the new year.

family gatherings, preparing for school functions, participating in gift exchanges, or mapping out shopping lists, the pressure to be high performing that time of year can stir up anxiety.

EMBRACE THE IMPERFECTIONS Living by impossible ideals is a habit that keeps us from wellness. Spotless spaces and impeccable decorations

Living with an atypical creative mind has taught me that

make anyone feel like he or she can’t be himself or herself,

most of life’s challenges can be overcome simply by craft-

which leads to unnecessary tension in our bodies and ulti-

ing different choices for myself. After all, it’s the maker’s

mately our relationships. If we truly care about creating a

24 JANUARY 2019 Las Vegas

PHOTO CREDITS (LEFT TO RIGHT): RHEMA KALLIANPUR // NICOLA FIORAVANTI // ANGELIQUE EMONET

sense of ease and well-being, our settings need to feature the flaws rather than eliminate them tastefully. Try showcasing tables with distressed markings along with serving

If we truly care about creating a sense of ease and wellbeing, our settings need to feature the flaws rather than eliminate them tastefully.

ware with less bling and more humility. The metaphorical message this design decision sends is that authenticity is valued over opulence.

BRING THE OUTSIDE INSIDE Choosing natural materials to surround us is a vital step toward calming the racing thoughts within us. Current research in wellness architecture consistently states that when human beings have direct contact with elements of the natural world, even within built environments, anxiety levels are actually reduced. One of the simplest ways to do this at home is by gathering organic discards from the landscapes nearby and staging them as decorative elements. Whether it’s tumbled driftwood from the lake, rugged branches from your backyard, or unusual rocks collected from a recent walk, nature-based materials can be assembled into Zen-like centerpieces and innately relieve tension for anyone who walks by them. sensimag.com JANUARY 2019 25

ferent kind of tablescape. Starting with a steel napkin ring, place a magnetic intention block (engraved with a thoughtful word) on top and position at every place setting. Once everyone has started their dinner, ask your guests to share one thing for which they’re thankful as it relates to the word they were provided. It’s a fun tradition that often leads to humorous and even tearful moments.

More importantly, it gives young people in the family an opportunity to practice speaking to a room full of adults.

When the night is over, you can offer the magnetic intention block as a token gift of the meaningful evening everyone shared.

DISCONNECT FROM THE NOISE Every day, we’re subjected to an onslaught of sounds, whether it’s scanners at retail stores or commercials at posed to anything but silence. Consider this the next time you’re at a doctor’s office or a restaurant listening to blaring music and rowdy TV shows. Sometimes we need brain rest from unsolicited noise, especially when it continues to exist in our own homes. If you plan on hosting dinners and parties throughout the year, try removing the TV from view, offering soft, ambient music, and asking guests to leave their devices in a designated charging zone equipped with cords and outlets. You’ll be surprised at how such mindful design decisions like this can create new opportunities for meaningful conversations to take place.

OFFER SOMETHING INTERACTIVE Provide people with opportunities to personalize their experience, and you’ll witness inspiring moments of personal growth. Try initiating self-reflection through a dif26 JANUARY 2019 Las Vegas

CURATE POSITIVITY Everything in our world embodies energy with different degrees of receiving and radiating. Even the accents placed in our homes carry a vibration that can affect anyone who enters. Once we awaken to the impact our collectibles have on others and ourselves, we can learn to harness the power of our possessions to enhance well being. Once we look inward, away from pushy trends, we can determine what we actually stand for in our world.

Much like the people we meet in our lives, if a decorative element doesn’t generate a positive feeling, it doesn’t belong in our homes.

SUSIE FRAZIER (SUSIEFRAZIER.COM ) is an acclaimed artist and product designer who lives with generalized anxiety and ADHD. She is the author of Designing For Wellness, a guide for creating calm through decorative choices made at home.

PHOTO CREDITS (LEFT TO RIGHT): SHARON MCCUTCHEON // EDUARD MILITARU

the gas pump. It seems like everywhere we turn, we’re ex-

sensimag.com JANUARY 2019 27

{travelwell }

by T I M F OX

CANINE CAMPING 9 expert tips for enjoying the great outdoors with your dog.

nature with your best companion. The Instagrammable mo-

Know Your Dog’s Tolerance Level.

Camping is an adventure, and it is certainly different

ments will be amazing, and you will join a special group of people

than living in the city, the ‘burbs, or even the country. Be-

who share your love of pets and the outdoors. However, your pet

fore you camp with your dog, it is important to understand

needs some special care to enjoy the camping experience.

your pet’s tolerating power. If your dog is an outdoor en-

Here are nine expert tips to make your camping exciting, adventurous, and safe for you and your pooch.

28 JANUARY 2019 Las Vegas

thusiast, then both of you will enjoy camping. If not, there are parks with more modern conveniences available.

PHOTO BY PATRICK HENDRY

Camping with a dog is a real adventure and a chance to explore

Bring Enough Water And Dog Food.

Hydration is the first requirement. Both you and your dog will need water to stay hydrated in a climate that might be elevated or dry. Pack enough water to prevent your dog from drinking standing or salt water. Also, make sure you have enough pet food to meet your camping needs. Keep in mind stores are a luxury when camping, especially if your dog has special dietary needs.

Use A Leash.

This bears repeating. Even if the law does not require it, you should leash your dog while camping. It’s vital to prevent disturbing other campers and protects your pet from wildlife and other unpredictable dangers.

Get A Tent With Enough Space.

While camping with a dog, you will need shelter with vestibules and double entries.

Small tents are not favorable because there is less space and most dogs want to stretch out. A large tent adds to

RT BOTTOM PHOTO BY BONNIE KETTLE RT TOP PHOTO BY DOMINIK LANGE

the enjoyment with protection from cold and wildlife.

Learn The Regulations About Camping With Your Dog. Your state might have some restriction on camping with dogs. It might require leashing your dog to avoid troubles with other campers. It is your responsibility to know the law and comply with it.

sensimag.com JANUARY 2019 29

Bring A Pet First Aid Kit. You should always take a pet first aid kit. Incidents can happen during camping, and a first aid box can help treat and protect minor wounds, burns, and other issues. Add a tick remover, iodine, liquid bandages, wax paw protector, and whatever else you find helpful for your pet.

Find A Vet Who Is Available 24/7.

Before choosing a camping spot, it is essential to inquire about the availability of a vet.

You might not expect an emergency visit, but a rattletention. You should always prepare for the worst to stay safe in adverse conditions.

Bring Special Doggie Items.

If you want to go hiking with your dog, plan on hiking

Do Pup Check.

You should always check your dog to find cuts, burrs, burns, and ticks before the trip and monitor frequently during the trip. If you see a cut or burn, treat it or seek immediate medical attention.

gear. You’ll also want a camping pillow, dog toys, and treats. Be forewarned that bringing a dog’s favorite toy

Camping with a dog is a rewarding experience and will

might not be a good idea because if it is lost, it could be

promote bonding with your best friend. However, you need

impossible to find.

to be responsible for everything, including the camping spot, your dog’s unique needs, and the demands of the situation to make it the best experience possible. Happy camping!

TIM FOX shares his camping and hiking experiences at OUTDOORWITHJ.COM.

30 JANUARY 2019 Las Vegas

TOP PHOTO BY JORGE FLORES MIDDLE PHOTO BY MATT JONES

snake bite or similar condition would need immediate at-

sensimag.com JANUARY 2019 31

MOXIE {highprofile }

by D E B B I E H A L L

MAVEN Alexia Vernon dares YOU to step out of your comfort zone.

32 JANUARY 2019 Las Vegas

E

N

Alexia Vernon (ALEXIAVERNON.COM ) delivers the message that now is the time to learn to assert yourself confidently through leadership, influence, and visibility. Branded a “Moxie Maven” by President Barack Obama’s White House Office of Public Engagement, Vernon teaches (especially by example) a new way of approaching life, both professionally and personally.

A public speaker and executive coach, Vernon is the creator of Step Into Your Moxie, an empowerment platform that included a book of the same title. In 2018, she released Step into Your Moxie: Amplify Your Voice, Visibility, and Influence in the World with strategies for navigating the current fractured environment’s political potholes, animated movements (such as #MeToo), and emotional private landscapes.

“Releasing the new book at this moment has been a histori-

“When we develop the capacity to stand before an audience and allow ourselves to be truly seen, our relationship to our inner and outer voice fundamentally shifts for the better.”

– ALEXIA VERNON

cal moment with everything going on in the world,” Vernon explains. “When we develop the capacity to stand before an audience and allow ourselves to be truly seen, our relationship to our inner and outer voice fundamentally shifts for the better.”

She has also experienced a new paradigm within her industry. “Never at any time in my personal history has there been more conversation that now is the time for women to speak up for themselves on issues that matter to them,” she says.

“What I have discovered, and what my research has shown, is that it is one thing to show up to a march or protest, or broadcast views in an angry or inspired social media post. It is totally different for a woman to believe she possesses the power and ability to advocate for herself, particularly in an environment that is conflicted and wants to maintain the status quo.”

Vernon’s journey began in Southern California and Seattle as several life-changing (some traumatic) events led to her calling as an advocate. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in women’s studies from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Her next step was attending the New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study, where she created and completed a Master of Arts degree focusing on gender studies, theater for social change, and leadership development. Along the way, as a college freshman, she won the Miss Junior America competition.

In her 20s, Vernon had an epiphany that “people could have a career as speakers,

coaches, and trainers.” She completed the Core Essentials and Advanced Coaching program through Coach U and launched her own communication and leadership development consulting business.

Vernon’s public speaking career was re-ignited when she witnessed how engaged university students became when she shared TED Talks in classes she was teaching. Vernon has given transformational keynotes and conducted corporate training for Fortune 500 companies, college campuses, professional associations, and the United Nations. She even delivered her own TEDx talk on the future of feminism and has been featured on CNN, NBC, CBS, and ABC as well as the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Women’s Health.

Vernon’s Spotlight speaking community supports thousands of speakers through online training, live events, the Spotlight Speaker Accelerator coaching program, and her mastermind, the Spotlight Speakers Collective.

Men and women speak and develop leadership skills differently, she explains. Men often want to learn how to give a speech and include effective keywords rather than navigating through inner conflict. Women address mindsets and behaviors, finding it beneficial to role-play in a real-world situation. Women are more likely to practice speaking, while men might go with their first idea and improvise.

Women express themselves ineffectively in two ways, sensimag.com JANUARY 2019 33

ALEXIA’S TIPS

on speaking to loved ones about the issues and causes that matter most to you.

When you know your opinion(s) could be controversial, get people to agree on how you will speak with one another and how you will know when it’s time to move on. You might say, “Before we talk about [insert name of subject], can we each agree not to raise our voices, make anyone feel small for how she or he feels, and when we aren’t contributing any new ideas, bring the conversation to a close?” It’s much easier to moderate a discussion when the rules for engagement are set

up too much space,” she remains silent so she can stay “small.” Excessive apologies make her unnecessarily humble when not necessary or expected. Overcontextualizing with phrases such as “I think,” “I believe,” and “I feel” diminishes the power of the idea.

The flip side is what Vernon calls “dragon behavior,” when someone displays either through word or action that “I am puffing up, I am performing, and I want to be seen.” This is not a real conversation or engaging discourse, but rather a way to hide vulnerability, she says.

About a decade ago, Vernon realized that she was involved in an on-again, off-again relationship with her own voice, even as she built a career as a communication and leadership consultant. Vernon admits she wanted to be liked, give the right answers, and not be called out for speaking up in uncomfortable situations. However, there were many moments when she did speak up because she knew her ideas could make a positive impact. Vernon knew she wanted to share her strategies and techniques to help others.

Along with her life experience, Vernon’s biggest inspirations include her partner in business and life, Stephen, and their precocious daughter, along with her tribe of powerful leaders who step into their own moxie.

34 JANUARY 2019 Las Vegas

from the start.

If your end goal is seeing everyone with a big grin, sometimes you may decide to stay mum. However, if you’d rather risk some short-term discomfort to speak your truth, get clear on your end goal for speaking up (having a family member see a controversial topic from someone else’s vantage point).

Then, choose your words (and questions) accordingly.

Rather than lead with what you think, feel, or believe, get curious about where someone else is coming from by asking provocative, open-ended questions. If someone says something that makes your skin crawl, before you call him or her an idiot (or something more colorful), ask: “Can you share how you came to that conclusion?” You can also push someone to see something from an alternative point of view by saying: “I see why you would feel X way given your experience. Now, what if Y had happened to you? I realize it didn’t, but if it did, how might your view shift?”

When the conversation feels complete or comes to an impasse, let it be done. Once you find you, or anyone else, circling and saying the same thing, the opportunity for critical thinking and discovery is over.

Respectfully, remind folks of the agreements you set at the start, and enjoy the rest of your time together.

PHOTOS: CLEM ONOJEGHUO; ; KYLE GLENN

Vernon says. First when a woman does not want to “take

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More and more Americans can obtain cannabis legally.

What about those incarcerated or with criminal records for possessing something that is lawful today?

by L E L A N D R U C K E R

36 JANUARY 2019 Las Vegas

Michael Diego-Rivera was 19 years old and out with friends WHEN HE WAS STOPPED BY POLICE IN COLORADO SPRINGS. “THEY PULLED US OVER WITH GUNS DRAWN AND ASKED US WHAT WE WERE DOING,” HE SAYS. AFTER HE REFUSED TO ALLOW A SEARCH OF THE CAR, A WARRANT WAS OBTAINED, AND OFFICERS FOUND THREE BAGS, EACH WITH LESS THAN AN OUNCE OF CANNABIS. Those three bags led to a felony distribution charge, and

through public-interest groups like Cage-Free Cannabis,

Diego-Rivera, a citizen of Puerto Rican descent, wound up

California Cannabis Advocates, and Smart Pharm Research

taking a plea bargain that reduced the charge from distri-

Group to raise awareness and provide support by offering

bution to possession. Because he had a job, he wound up

employment opportunities, online resources, and health

serving seven months on a work-release program with three

screenings. The goal is to shine a light on the problems peo-

years probation and restitution. When he tried to get his con-

ple face after they think they have paid their debt to soci-

viction expunged from his record, he found that can’t hap-

ety. “Once you’re arrested, it’s difficult to get a job, get a loan,

pen until 2023, because he had a reckless driving charge in

get housing,” says Dan Gilmore of the Massachusetts Rec-

2013, and you have to go 10 years without any kind of offense.

reational Consumer Council, another Expungement Week

“I can’t work in the cannabis industry, which was auto-

sponsor. “They just want to continue with their lives.”

matically interesting to me, because of the marijuana felony,”

As more states decriminalize, it would seem that the

Diego-Rivera says. “It’s an opportunity I would like to pursue.

number of people arrested for cannabis infractions, espe-

But they wouldn’t let me do something I was doing anyway.”

cially for possession, would go down. That was the trend

Erving Jean Jacques was arrested in Boston more than

until 2017, when the number of arrests actually rose from

10 years ago on a firearms possession charge and served

the year before. FBI data indicate 660,000 people were

a mandatory prison sentence of a year and a half. Though

arrested in 2017 for cannabis violations, and 600,000 of

he wants to work in the cannabis industry, especially the

those, or 90 percent, were for possession.

medical side, the felony charge follows him around and prevents him from doing that in Massachusetts.

Though African-Americans and Latinos make up 31.5 percent of the population, they account for a dispropor-

He found employers hesitant to hire him once they saw his

tionate 46 percent of those arrests. While some of the ar-

record, and he had no idea how to break the cycle. “Whatever

rests reflect the continuing black market, it also means

mistake I made in my 20s, society just won’t let that go. It’s a

police are still arresting citizens for doing what people

scarlet letter, basically,” he says. “I get it that I did something

can do legally on the other side of a state line.

bad. But what about after? No one cares about that.”

Expungement is a way to acknowledge and address the

Those are just two of the many untold stories of people who,

government’s past, says Shaleen Title of the Massachu-

because of mistakes made when they were young—much of

setts Cannabis Control Division “The ability to expunge a

the time simple possession of marijuana—can’t seem to shake

record allows people to live their lives and pursue oppor-

once they’re back out on the street. Arrest records are for life.

tunities without the failed War on Drugs following them

Marijuana convictions rarely involve long prison terms,

around and obstructing them in a way that perpetuates

but any blemish can make life more difficult once you’re out.

the discrimination built into the criminal justice system.”

There are 77 million Americans with convictions on their records, many of them for cannabis and other nonviolent,

A Patchwork of Approaches

drug-related offenses. What do you do with those who are im-

Let’s face it, the best time to tackle expungement is

prisoned or have paid their debt for possessing a substance

right now, as legalization takes hold. Canada once fined

like cannabis that today they wouldn’t be arrested for?

people up to $1,000 and gave them six months in jail for

The best way, of course, would be to allow individuals in

possession. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who cam-

those situations to have their records expunged or at least

paigned on cannabis reform, has announced the country

sealed from public viewing. (To expunge is to complete-

will initiate a program that would allow people convict-

ly eliminate a criminal record. Records can also be sealed,

ed of pot possession before it was legal to fill out a form,

meaning they can only be opened under certain conditions.)

much as it has for people convicted of same-sex partner-

Getting the word out is most important. Jacques told

ships, to get their records removed or sealed.

his story during National Expungement Week in Boston,

Oh, that it could be that easy here in the United States. “It

a weeklong event in cities around the country organized

just can’t move forward until federal law catches up,” says sensimag.com JANUARY 2019 37

Julie Saltman of Buddle, whose practice in Boulder, Colorado, is devoted to helping people understand and navigate complex cannabis laws. “There’s just this sort of roadblock in terms of what’s been created by the federal law.”

There are bills pending in the US Congress that address various aspects of legalization. Sen. Cory Booker’s bill for legalization includes expungement of records for cannabis crimes, but it might be the least likely to get any movement forward. “You know, we sit here and we say, ‘Oh, it’s so crazy that you wouldn’t want to clear the record of people for this thing that we’re all now agreeing is legal,’ ” Saltman says. “But so many people in the government writing the laws don’t think that way. They think, ‘Well, it was illegal when you did this. So…’ ” Events like National Expungement Week are a good start for raising awareness, but there’s plenty of work to be done to get this issue on the radar for the majority of people who can’t comprehend the problems those who have served time face in getting their lives back together.

In November 2018, legislators in New Jersey, who are now considering legalizing cannabis, proposed a plan that includes fast-tracking the procedure. “By streamlining the expungement process, the state can help ensure that people with criminal records for marijuana-related offenses get a clean slate,” Kate Bell, counsel for the Marijuana Policy Project, said in a statement. “Nobody should be branded a criminal simply for using a substance that is less harmful than alcohol.”

In September 2018, all seven judges of the Seattle Munici-

If you have a cannabis conviction on your record or know somebody who does, online resources can help you through the process of getting rid of it. “Part of the battle is using software to automate the process of filling out a petition,” says Julie Saltman of Buddle. “We’re trying to make it so that the user can generate that from our software and just make it as simple as possible.” Find out more at BUDDLELAW.COM .

The National Expungement Week site (OFFTHERECORD.US ) also includes a wealth of information about getting rid of criminal records. Its expungement toolkit is at NATIONALEXPUNGEMENTWEEK.SQUARESPACE.COM/TOOLKIT

“How to Seal or Expunge Decriminalized Cannabis Cases,” a booklet from Greater Boston Legal Services, is another great resource: MASSLEGALHELP.ORG/CORI/SEALING-EXPUNGINGDECRIMINALIZED-MARIJUANA-CHARGES-BOOKLET7.PDF

pal Court signed an order to create a process to vacate cannabis offenses that were illegal then but legal now. More than 500 people could be affected, dating from 1996, when municipal courts began handling these cases, to 2010, when the city completely stopped prosecuting low-level cannabis offenses.

days later, the city of Denver said it would begin proac-

In Michigan, where voters just passed an initiative to le-

tively helping citizens get their records expunged. “This

galize adult-use cannabis, new Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says

is really a program based on fundamental fairness,” As-

her administration will take action to free anyone in prison

sistant District Attorney Ken Kupfner told newspapers. “It

and expunge criminal records for cannabis crimes that will

just seems like the right thing to do in these circumstanc-

become legal under the state’s recreational cannabis law.

es is to vacate and seal those convictions.”

Colorado allows juvenile records to be expunged, but

When Colorado passed Amendment 64 to legalize canna-

adults can seal their criminal convictions. It’s a process

bis for adult use in 2012, expungement of criminal records

that involves obtaining your criminal record and history,

wasn’t part of the conversation. “Back then when Colorado

filling out forms and filing a petition, which is then re-

legalized, nobody was thinking about this,” says Buddle’s

viewed by the court for approval.

Sarah Gerston. “And I think what states like Massachusetts

That could change. On December 1, the Boulder Coun-

and California are trying to do is make sure that that indus-

ty District Attorney’s Office announced that as part of a

try is accessible, particularly for those people who were

“Moving on from Marijuana” program, it would vacate

harmed by criminalizing cannabis.”

and seal the records of people arrested for possession of

Massachusetts, which opened recreational stores in

less than 2 ounces and all paraphernalia charges—which

November, passed a criminal justice reform bill last year

could affect 4,000 people arrested since 2008. Just a few

that would allow people to get their records expunged or

38 JANUARY 2019 Las Vegas

Ingrid Archie, after being imprisoned twice in California, is now the Prop 47 specialist for New Way of Life, helping others get their records expunged or sealed.

sealed. The Massachusetts Rec Council’s Gilmore says it took intense lobbying to get it into the current plan. “It’s restrictive, with no teeth, and it’s not helping the people it should help,” he says. But, he adds, it’s a start.

In 2014, California passed Prop 47, which allows many nonviolent offenses, such as drug and property offenses and shoplifting, to be changed from felonies to misdemeanors. Gov. Jerry Brown last fall signed Assembly Bill 1793, which requires the Department of Justice, before July 2019, to review hundreds of thousands of cannabis cases in the state’s database and identify convictions that should be dismissed, vacated, or reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor. And the city of San Francisco is working with a nonprofit organization that would allow cannabis convictions to be vacated within its jurisdiction.

sensimag.com JANUARY 2019 39

Simplifying the Process The key to making this work is to simplify the expungement process. Kathleen Bryson, a lawyer in Humboldt Coun-

ed again after a gang friend stashed his cannabis at her place and did a three-year sentence in state prison.

ty, California, says people should seek out clinics at cannabis

After she was released, things didn’t get any easier.

events and public defender offices that offer aid to people.

In 2009, she was laid off by a telecommunications com-

She helps clients and former clients with expungement pro-

pany that had just hired her after it found her record. In

cedures and problems, which vary from county to county.

2013 she was arrested again and served three more years.

“Each county has a different character with different local

While there, she found out about Prop 47. She educated

rules and policies,” she says. “Humboldt County is generally

herself, used the statute to get her sentence reduced, took

known as a more progressive county than any of its neigh-

back custody of her two children, and today works as the

boring counties. In particular, Mendocino and Trinity, the oth-

Prop 47 specialist for New Way of Life, an organization

er two counties in the Emerald Triangle, have vastly different

devoted to helping others break the cycle.

courtroom cultures from Humboldt and from each other.”

Archie uses her story to give others the courage to do

That leads us to Ingrid Archie. She had a troubled child-

what she did. “It kind of helps give people hope because

hood, grew up in foster care in California and fell in with a

the laws were passed to make our community better, but

bad crowd while staying in group homes. At age 18, about

they don’t understand how to do it,” Archie says. “When

the time her first daughter was born, she was arrested

they see the impact that it has on my life, and to know it

for selling drugs and put on probation. She was arrest-

has worked, they want to take advantage of it.”

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Gypsy Digital

Setting yourself up for the freedom of life on the road is a journey in itself.

by R O BY N G R I G G S L AW R E N C E

42 JANUARY 2019 Las Vegas

I’m about to hit the road and live in my Airstream. I HAVE A PLAN (THOUGH NOT AS MUCH OF ONE AS I’D LIKE) TO SPEND THE WINTER IN BAJA, THEN I DON’T KNOW WHERE I’LL END UP. I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS FOR MOST OF MY LIFE. I’M PETRIFIED. I’m joining the nearly half-million people in the United

Then Dennis will travel with me through Baja—just in

States who live full-time in their rigs, and I’ll be one of a re-

time to celebrate legal cannabis in Mexico, maybe?—before

cord-breaking 10 million RVers hitting the road as #vanlife

he goes back to Colorado and leaves me on my own. That’s

explodes, driven largely by experience-hungry millennials

where my plan ends, but the whole idea is to be OK with that.

and Instagrammers. The $19.7 billion RV industry has seen

It’s amazing how much planning and organization it’s

sales grow 200 percent over the past eight years, according to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, and RV shipments are at their highest level ever. Sales at Thor In-

taken to get here.

Freedom Isn’t Free

dustries (which owns Airstream) grew 57 percent to $2.02

The first thing I never considered was what I couldn’t do

billion in 2017, and Winnebago sales skyrocketed 75.1 per-

without a permanent address. I can’t vote, get health insur-

cent in the last quarter of that year to $476.4 billion.

ance, have a bank account, pay taxes, get a driver’s license, or

The industry is changing, responding to the needs and

register my vehicles, to start. And, of course, I can’t get mail.

desires of the new RVer, whose average age is 48—not the

Or I thought I wouldn’t be able to. Then I found professional

stereotypical snowbird traditionally associated with RV-

services that receive, sort, scan, forward, and shred mail like

ers (though plenty of boomers are still on the road). Ac-

Escapees Mail Forwarding from a big clearinghouse in Tex-

cording to CARHUB.COM , about one-third of new RVers are

as that helps people set up mailing addresses in that state.

under 35, and that makes RV resort hot tubs a lot more fun.

There are a lot of these services in Texas and South Dakota,

Before we head to Baja, Dennis and I have a spot reserved

the friendliest states for nomadic travelers to establish resi-

for a month at the Chula Vista RV Resort, a beautiful too-

dency, but I’m not ready for that yet. I’ve lived in Colorado as it

good-to-be-true park on San Diego Bay that shares space

has turned from red to blue, and I like having my vote count.

with a marina (and sailors are also pretty great for hot tub

I’ve already digitized most transactions that used to rely

fun) where I spent last winter. On February 1, everyone has

on snail mail, so my best option is to keep my Colorado

to clear out so the resort and marina can be bulldozed for

address and have any important mail that might trickle

a billion-dollar convention center and waterfront develop-

in forwarded to me wherever I’m staying. Who knew you

ment. A lot of folks have wintered in Chula Vista for de-

could get mail sent to you care of General Delivery to any

cades. It should be a hell of a month.

town and pick it up at the main post office?

sensimag.com JANUARY 2019 43

a large dog bowl and dog chain. No one ever messed with her.

Be wary of helpful people. “Generally speaking, people in RV places are fun, friendly, interesting, and very helpful,” Vogel says. But sometimes they can be a little too helpful, and it’s no fun getting frazzled when their directions make no sense to you. Vogel also found that people who tried to help her hook up threw monkey wrenches into her routine because they did things differently. It’s usually best to politely refuse their assistance.

I spent many long nights researching the RV lifestyle online, but nothing beats a real conversation with a real pro, and Jane Vogel is that. Vogel grew up traveling in her parents’ Airstreams; she and her sister took away their trailer when they turned 85 and were accused for 15 more years of stealing their lifestyle. When she retired in 2009, she bought a 26-foot Winnebago Aspect that she named Frieda Rome and spent the next two years wandering. A former president of the Winnie Singles Club, Vogel wrote a cookbook for RVers, Grill It or Skillet. She gave me the advice I couldn’t find online.

Stop driving before you get tired. “When you’re tired, you make mistakes and break stuff,” Vogel says.

Know where you’re ending up each day.

When she stopped for lunch, Vogel would call campgrounds to find her destination for the end of that day. She always asked if the website’s directions were accurate and if there was construction in the area.

Never rely on GPS. Vogel learned that the hard way when she ended up on a flooded gravel road while towing a Jeep. “GPS can really mess you up,” she says.

Wasp spray is a weapon. Vogel chose not to carry a gun. Instead, she kept wasp spray by

the front door to disable potential intruders.

Join a club. Moose and Elk Clubs and American Legions allow members to camp on their grounds, often with water and electric hookups, for as little as $15 a night, and annual memberships are cheap.

Women traveling alone: take precautions.

Vogel bought a Winnebago instead of an Airstream because she didn’t want to have to go outside from her vehicle to the trailer in the dark or when she didn’t feel safe.

She bought the largest pair of men’s boots she could find at a thrift store and put them next to the door along with two chairs, one with a beer can and a Tom Clancy novel, and

Go minimalist in the kitchen. Vogel carried basic spices—the most exotic was lemon pepper—in jars with their names written on the lid in a shoe box. The only electrical appliance she had was the skillet. She used an ice cream scoop as a masher and had a collapsible colander, flexible cutting board, and a chef’s knife with a sharpening sheathe. RVers don’t need place settings for six, she says. “You’re not going to be inviting two other couples over,” she says, “and if you do, it’ll be paper plate night. You’re not really running a house like you’re used to.”

Go minimalist in the closet. “You don’t need six pairs of blue jeans,” Vogel says.

“You only need one hoodie. You’re not seeing the same people every day, so you don’t need different clothes every day.”

Go minimalist in the shower. Thick, fluffy towels take forever to dry and are too heavy for the clotheslines in most RV showers.

Cheap, lightweight towels are more practical when paying for laundromat drying time.

Then there’s health insurance, a hellish mess even

and slow. (Internet connectivity consistently ranks as

when you’re staying in one place. The marketplace options

one of the worst things about full-time RV living.) I had

barely cover me when I’m out of network, which is where

to invest in a Jetpack and an unlimited data plan, and

I plan to spend the year. I made an appointment with Por-

I’ll still be data-starved because “unlimited” data slows

tia at RVERINSURANCE.COM to help me sort out my options.

down after I’ve used 15 gigs. I also had to buy a weBoost

I also learned about an app I wish I’d known about years

cell booster, which adds a bar or two in weak areas and

ago called GoodRx (GOODRX.COM ) that lets me download

could make the difference between a work day and a

coupons for super cheap prescriptions at pharmacies near

non-work day. I have nothing against non-work days,

me—wherever that may be.

but I’d rather plan them than have them forced on me.

And finally, there’s connectivity—that crucial element

It costs a lot, it seems, to be free. I’ve also spent a small

for working on the road that’s notoriously scarce in RV

fortune on gadgets for better Airstream living, every-

resorts, where the “Free Wi-Fi” is always painfully weak

thing from a sewer hose support to refrigerator orga-

44 JANUARY 2019 Las Vegas

PHOTO COURTESY OF AIRSTREAM INC.

Jane’s World

A good grill is an RVers best friend. Grill It or Skillet is about “putting good, honest food on the table without using pots and pans,” because she didn’t want to wash mixing bowls and pans in her tiny sink. She made every meal on a portable Weber grill or, in terrible weather, an electric skillet.

She even made eggs on the grill using grill mats and silicon egg rings.

nizer bins, a laundry backpack and bag with door hooks

three-outlet desktop charging station is for our sanity as

to a collapsible laundry basket for trash and recycling.

we both try to use all our devices while sharing one outlet.

I bought silicon molds for oversized ice cubes because

The two of us sharing an 8-by-27-foot space for four

they melt more slowly, and they’re great for freezing

months might be the craziest part of my non-plan. We get

stocks and juices—and cocktail hour’s a pretty big thing

along fabulously in his 3,500-square-foot house where I have

at RV resorts.

my own room and an Airstream, and we’ve done well on two-

Dennis was a little alarmed when the big Amazon box

and three-week excursions. We’re not married, and we have

full of these on-the-road necessities arrived, especially be-

our own cell phone plans, so we don’t have much to fight

cause he’s been watching me get rid of the trappings of my

about except closet space and clutter. My Amazon binge was

house life for a good two years. I explained that the non-

a lame attempt to wrest control through retail therapy.

slip glow-in-the-dark tape for the front steps and the mo-

I’ve never been here before, about to embark on a journey to

tion-sensor LED emergency flashlight that will be mount-

an unknown end, and I’ve worked my whole life to get here.

ed by the front door are for our safety and the three-USB,

I can be military-level meticulous and download every app

I’ve worked my whole life to embark on this

journey to an unknown end.

It’s amazing how much planning and organization it’s taken to get this far.

ICS

ET

M SH

KU

P: 262-893-2175 E: uneedarchangelstudios@gmail.com

F : @facbook/archangelstudio I : @instagram/archangelphoto T : @twitter/archangelphoto

PHOTOGRAPHY VIDEOGRAPHY PRODUC TS AERIAL WEDDINGS EVENTS COMMERCIAL FASHION

Available in dispensaries and online www.HotMessKushmetics.com

sensimag.com JANUARY 2019 45

Apps for RVers

available to help me navigate roads, campgrounds, and relationships, but I can’t control what’s about to happen. The funny part is that I ever thought I could.

Here’s to partying in Chula Vista like it’s 1999.

ROBYN GRIGGS LAWRENCE, author of the bestselling Cannabis Kitchen Cookbook, went to San Diego last winter to write Pot in Pans: A History of Eating Weed, which will be released by Rowman & Littlefield in May. The book would have been out for 4/20 if she’d had a little less fun in the hot tub.

Download these before you hit the road.

AllStays

(iOS only) has extensive filters that help you find campgrounds, RV parks, and related services and check GPS-based weather reports, road conditions, and state laws.

Coverage? lets you quickly find where the best cell coverage is along a route and compare carrier coverage maps.

GasBuddy finds the best gas prices on your route.

Hurdlr helps freelancers keep track of mileage, expenses, income, and tax deductions in real time. (And I didn’t have this one years ago because…?)

inRoute

(iOS only) lets you plan optimal routes based on weather, elevation, road curviness, and other factors. It navigates with voice-guided turn-by-turn directions with automatic severe weather alerts.

the Next EXIT gives a thorough, exit-by-exit service listing, including gas, food, lodging, camping, shopping, and more.

Rand McNally RVND, a standalone RV GPS device, offers navigation and routing, RV tools, points of interest, real-time traffic updates, and predictive traffic videos and photos.

State Lines tracks more than 55 pieces of travel-relevant

information for all 50 states, including cell phone and texting bans, gas and diesel taxes, towing and RV-specific laws, rest area overnight parking limits, and alcohol sales laws and taxes.

WeatherTAB provides forecasts as far as 18 months out.

Windy is for anyone who drives through blustery places like

New Mexico, offering precise hourly forecasts and a wind map.

46 JANUARY 2019 Las Vegas

sensimag.com JANUARY 2019 47

PHOTOGRAPHY BY IRA KUZMA/IRA KUZMA PHOTOS AND PLANET 13

PLANET 13’S GRAND OPENING

Lights filled the sky when Phase 1— a 40,000-square-foot new entertainment complex with 16,500 square feet of cannabis retail space—debuted close to the Strip with a celebratory VIP party. The next morning, with officials and dignitaries, the ribbon was cut and then a long line of customers entered the newest cannabis space.

48 JANUARY 2019 Las Vegas

Where: Planet 13 Superstore When: October 30, 2018

sensimag.com JANUARY 2019 49

{HereWeGo }

by D E B B I E H A L L

C’EST MAGNIFIQUE Joie de Vivre mural reinvents a downtown wall with a touch of France.

Las Vegas proudly displays progression with the Joie de

Originally from the French Indies, PWOZ moved

Vivre mural in the 18b Arts District on the corner of Colo-

to France and became a noted graffiti artist in the ear-

rado Avenue and Main Street. French graffiti artist PWOZ

ly ’90s. “I consider myself a contemporary Sumerian

created his first work in Vegas to celebrate being a Rasta-

searching for the perfect pictogram,” he says. “Caught in

man while expressing his deepest desires. His work depicts

a never-ending quest, I believe perfection exists in multi-

an inviting dance party jamming with a multicultural group,

plicity. To create and to do it again, to imagine endlessly

with vibrant colors symbolizing the color palette of humans.

until the result is achieved, such is the ultimate vocation

His attention to detail brings out passion and emotion.

of the human kind.”

50 JANUARY 2019 Las Vegas