Fall 2020 Digital Issue

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EDITOR IN CHIEF PRESTON P. REZAEE, ESQ.

ADVERTISING INFO@VEGASLEGALMAGAZINE.COM CALL 702-222-3476

PUBLISHER TYLER MORGAN, ESQ.

CONTRIBUTORS NEDDA GHANDI, ESQ. MARK FIERRO JEFF HANEY VALERIE MILLER GABRIELLA LOESSIN TYLER BRADY MARK MARTIAK DONOVAN THIESSEN, CPA MYRON MARTIN ANDREW CASH, M.D. DON LOGAY

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS JEFFRY COLLINS MARKETING DIANA COLLINS

Featured Candidates/Incumbents

TREVOR ATKIN ROB BARE JACQUELINE BLUTH BONNIE BULLA SHANNON CLOWERS CRYSTAL ELLER RHONDA FORSBERG

OZZIE FUMO DAN GILLIAM BEN NADIG MARY PERRY RICHARD SCOTTI DAWN THRONE

FALL 2020 CONTENTS

LAW

12 // COVID IMPACT ON FAMILIES 14 // COURT OF PUBLIC OPINION 18 // VEGAS ICON 20 // DR. STAN V. SMITH - ECONOMIC COMMENTARY 22 // COVER STORY

JUDICIAL CANDIDATE/INCUMBENT SPOTLIGHT

28 || TREVOR ATKIN - DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, DEPARTMENT 8 30 || ROB BARE - DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, DEPARTMENT 32 32 || JACQUELINE BLUTH - DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, DEPARTMENT 6 34 || BONNIE BULLA - NEVADA COURT OF APPEALS, DEPARTMENT 3 36 || SHANON CLOWERS-SANBORN - JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, DEPARTMENT 12 38 || CRYSTAL ELLER - DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, DEPARTMENT 19 40 || RHONDA FORSBERG - DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, FAMILY DIVISION DEPARTMENT G 42 || OZZIE FUMO - JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT SEAT D 44 || DAN GILLIAM - DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, DEPARTMENT 24 46 || BEN NADIG - DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, DEPARTMENT 22 48 || MARY PERRY - DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, FAMILY DIVISION DEPARTMENT P 50 || RICHARD SCOTTI - DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, DEPARTMENT 2 52 || DAWN THRONE - DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, FAMILY DIVISION DEPARTMENT U

BUSINESS

56 // VLM’S BLACK BOOK 58 // BUY OR SELL? 60 // LAS VEGAS REAL ESTATE BOOMING 63 // STATE OF THE MARKET 69 // COVID-19: PROVISIONS & TAXES 71 // 20 POPULAR BUSINESSES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA LEVERAGE 73 // LAND ROVER: EVOQUE

LIFESTYLE

76 // SMITH CENTER 78 // HEALTHY HABITS AND MINDFULNESS 82 // LAS VEGAS CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE 85 // LAS VEGAS THEN AND NOW 88 // MOTT 32 90 // HUMOR

LETTER FROM

THE EDITOR

It seems like the year 2020 has lasted a lifetime already. COVID-19, racial unrest, rioting and various natural di-

sasters have made many want to wave the white flag and beg for 2021 to get here! But, of course, the year isn’t over yet. We have what some are calling “the most important election of our lifetimes” coming up in just a few short weeks. The choice has probably never been more stark than between former Vice President Joe Biden and sitting President Donald J. Trump. The two candidates have very differing views on the United States and what America’s future should look like.

Nevada is a battleground state and could help decide the future of the country. This year, due to the Coronavirus, Silver State residents will have their choice of voting in person, or via mail. To use a Vegas-like cliche, this is a “high-stakes” election. So, here at Vegas Legal Magazine we urge you to educate yourself and then go vote. In these closing days before Election Day, seek out diverse sources of information. Don’t be afraid to learn about things that may challenge long-held belief systems, because what we decide to support as individuals will impact the lives of every American. So, choose wisely!

Preston Rezaee, Esq.

Vegas Legal Magazine Fall 2020 | Pg. 7

LETTER FROM

THE PUBLISHER

Voting, although one of the greatest individual rights of Americans, tends to be overlooked and considered overrated by many of us.

Unfortunately, many Americans don’t believe their vote matters and statistics show an alarming percentage of us who don’t vote. In the 2016 election, less than 60% of Americans aged 30-44 voted according to records published by the Census Bureau. Those numbers drop drastically in younger populations. Although there is no record of a single vote changing the outcome of an election there is still more to consider before relinquishing to the thought of your vote not making a difference.

Politicians thrive on generating large voter turnout and the policy stances they take are almost always based solely on what stance will drive more votes in each of their favor. With that said, statistics are held on each voter known as “voter files.” Now, although how you vote is kept confidential, many statistics organizations (think Pew Research & Brookings among others) spend countless hours figuring out why you turned out so that politicians can successfully position their future policy stances.

For example, let’s imagine a particular race is lopsided so much so that an incumbent is projected to win in a landslide. In this instance you may be correct in thinking your vote won’t make a significant difference. However, let’s assume the projections are correct and the result is in fact a landslide victory, but there happens to be a tremendous turnout in the polls. The statistical masterminds that be will want to know why there was such a large turnout and almost always it will be because there was a key issue at play that drove so much interest in people casting their votes. It could be that one of the candidates was a major proponent of a key social issue. It is exactly these types of instances that can reshape future political landscapes.

With this type of information pollsters will spend countless hours following up with voter files to find out what caused populations in different age, ethnicity and income groups to show up to the polls so that the issues that are most important to us appear in upcoming elections. So, when you think your vote doesn’t count just remember that your individual vote is a catalyst that helps to determine the key issues we will debate in the coming years.

Tyler Morgan, Esq.

Vegas Legal Magazine Fall 2020 | Pg. 9

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COVID IMPACT ON FAMILIES –By Nedda Ghandi, Esq. Practitioners in family law are probably noticing an increase in phone

calls. The number of couples planning to divorce has grown significantly since the outbreak of COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic and the associated impact of policies and orders associated therewith have been an emotional rollercoaster for many Americans. People have been forced to spend more time together than ever before. In many cases, people have decided they simply do not like each other as much as they once did, or as much as they thought they did. The pandemic is routinely turning nuptial fault lines into fissures because the enforced proximity of 24/7 lockdowns and continued social isolation which can remove outlets for lowering relationship pressure, such as sport, going to work, or having a drink with friends.

For those whose marriages had been on shaky ground beforehand, being quarantined together for months likely brought them closer to a decision– one way or the other. For some, the forced isolation may have caused them to stop and examine their priorities and work through their issues. For others, the physical confinement and fear of an uncertain future may have amplified their feelings of imprisonment in their failing marriage and confirmed their desire to get a divorce.

The stress of COVID is causing couples to seriously consider splitting - but the associated economic pressures mean they may be forced to cohabit. Lost jobs, financial distress, falling property values and social distancing make it more difficult to find alternative accommodations, which means many estranged couples are forced to continue living under the same roof. This may result in increased tension during divorce proceedings as spouses’ “dirty secrets” are more likely to be exposed and any disputes in the proceedings will be brought more significantly into the home. However, the most significant consideration that practitioners will likely need to navigate is the handling of a divorce in times of significant financial strain.

Many practitioners may consider that the answer to the financial strain experienced by their client is a personal bankruptcy. However, when

Vegas Legal Magazine Fall 2020 | Pg. 12

mixing community property laws with the bankruptcy code, the nonfiling spouse can find himself or herself in great jeopardy by design or accident. This is especially true when one spouse files bankruptcy during a pending divorce proceeding and prior to any family court determinations regarding the division of the separate and community property rights of the couple. Many family law practitioners do not realize that the non-filing spouse will lose all exemption rights upon the filing of a bankruptcy by the filing spouse. Given that in many divorces, the parties will need to continue interactions even after divorce, either in raising children or in managing post-divorce property divisions, it may be best that bankruptcy either be filed jointly before the division of assets in order to preserve as many of the community assets as possible. If the parties cannot file together prior to an asset division, then the parties and the assets will be more protected if they wait until after the property is divided by the family court.

In a Chapter 7, the debtor’s property, with some exceptions, becomes the bankruptcy estate. Section 541(a)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code provides that property of the estate includes all legal or equitable interests of the debtor in property as of the commencement of the case. Under section 541(a)(2), the estate includes “[a]ll interests of the debtor and the debtor’s spouse in community property as of the commencement of the case that is ... under the sole, equal or joint management and control of the debtor.”

(Emphasis added). Section 541(a)(2) applies regardless of whether one or both of the spouses file. However, only the filing spouse will get to assert exemptions as to the property.

This is one of the most damaging aspects of when divorce intersects with bankruptcy proceedings. Unless there is a nuptial agreement or other means of maintaining property separately, in Nevada, all property acquired during marriage is likely community property and property of the bankruptcy estate. If the community asset contains equity that the filing spouse does not claim exempt, a Chapter 7 trustee may attempt to liquidate assets that are community in character and there will be little the couple can do about it.

Let’s take a simple example: Most couples own or lease two or more cars. In this hypothetical, assume that the couple owns two vehicles with significant value outright, that is, without any loans secured on either vehicle. In most divorces, particularly those with children involved, the parties want each other to have a vehicle after they split. However, if one spouse files bankruptcy before a final division of assets in the family court, that filing spouse will likely only exempt one vehicle in that bankruptcy proceeding. The non-filing spouse will not have the ability to exert their exemption rights in the filing spouse’s bankruptcy. So, the non-filing spouse’s vehicle will be a non-exempt asset of the bankruptcy estate. The Chapter 7 trustee will likely take possession of the nonfiling spouse’s vehicle and sell it to satisfy community debts leaving the non-filing spouse with no car. Family law practitioners should tread cautiously in recommending bankruptcy to clients particularly where a continued long-term relationship with their future ex will be necessary.

Many bankruptcy practitioners have limited experience with family law and bankruptcy crossover issues. If your client is considering bankruptcy in the middle of a divorce, the client should be cautioned to questions that bankruptcy practitioner about how the bankruptcy will impact the non-filing spouse and the community assets.

The financial impact of COVID will continue to effect the valuation of marital assets at this time and in the coming years. In consulting clients during these times and in the coming years, it will be critical to have frank discussions about having realistic expectations as to the values of assets. Be mindful of the impact of the financial strain on the marital estate when negotiating assets and liabilities during a divorce as markets and valuations may fluctuate significantly. Also, remember that bankruptcy of one party may not be the best answer in the middle of a divorce. It may be in both parties’ interests to potentially allow the turmoil of the pandemic to settle so that informed decisions can be made when financial stability has returned.

Nedda Ghandi, Esq., is the founding partner of Ghandi Deeter Blackham Law Offices. A Nevada native, Ghandi is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas William S. Boyd School of Law and has practiced law in Las Vegas for 9 years. Ghandi has written numerous articles for publications concerning interesting developments in the law, and has been selected as a member of Nevada’s Legal Elite and as a Super Lawyer every year since 2013. Ghandi Deeter Blackham specializes in family law, bankruptcy, guardianship, and probate. Consultations may be scheduled by calling 702.878.1115 or visiting www.ghandilaw.com Nedda Ghandi, Esq., is the founding partner of Ghandi Deeter Blackham Law Offices. A Nevada native, Ghandi is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas William S. Boyd School of Law and has practiced law in Las Vegas for 9 years. Ghandi has written numerous articles for publications concerning interesting developments in the law, and has been selected as a member of Nevada’s Legal Elite and as a Super Lawyer every year since 2013. Ghandi Deeter Blackham specializes in family law, bankruptcy, guardianship, and probate. Consultations may be scheduled by calling 702.878.1115 or visiting www.ghandilaw.com

Court Of

Public Opinion T

–By Mark Fierro

he end of COVID-19 could very well be at hand. There are a lot of “ifs.”

Remember that at the outset none of us had the tools needed to fight against this virus. But the truth is we now have some powerful tools and if we turn on it and fight together, we can wipe COVID from our lives from sea to shining sea.

Let’s focus on our enemy, the virus, for a moment. Vile as it is, the coronavirus is extremely fragile. It needs us to be complicit. It needs help from humans to stay alive because if it can’t jump from body to body it can only stay alive for hours. If we’re smart, we’ll band together.

According to a Reuters report from July 14, Robert Redfield, the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said: “… I think if we can get everyone to wear masks right now, we can bring this under control within four, six, eight weeks.” Not months. Not years. Four to eight weeks. In other words, getting patriotic Americans to wear their masks would have the same direct impact as a full shutdown of the American economy. When we crush the virus everyone goes back to work. The problem is that COVID-19 has some good friends who insist they have the right not to wear a mask. You know, maybe they are right.

These are a few of the things that we know for certain about COVID-19. People who insist they have the right not to wear a mask have helped make the outbreak in the United States the most deadly in the world today. The second thing we know is that there are several countries that have all but completely reopened. They have a tiny fraction of the percentage of cases of the U.S. and an even smaller fraction of deaths.

You might ask yourself how one of the most advanced countries in the world comes to this terrible point. The answer is that some in the U.S. are not convinced that masks will work as well here as they have worked in Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and other locations. Our lives, our jobs, our economic stability, our standing in the world have suffered as a direct result. Want to know what happened to the 12.9 million jobs that the Bureau of Labor Statistics says have been lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic? Talk to those people who say they have the right not to wear a mask. You know what? Maybe they do have that right.

But the result is clear: Hong Kong had 4,525 COVID-19 cases and 70 deaths at last count (444 cases and 7 deaths per million population). South Korea had 15,761 cases and 306 deaths (309 cases and 6 deaths per million). Japan never really had a complete shutdown, yet due to mask use it has had only 55,717 cases and 1,112 deaths (447 cases and 9 deaths per million). By contrast, the U.S. had 5.47 million cases and 171,000 deaths (16,717 cases and 522 deaths per million) at last count.

Seven deaths per million. Six deaths per million. Nine deaths per million. 522 deaths per million. Something is very wrong.

Remarkably, nothing about our current situation is new. In the worst pandemic of modern times, the great influenza pandemic of 1918 and 1919, there were naysayers as well. They insisted that they had the right to not wear a mask and that their own rights were more important than others’ rights. As a matter of fact, one of the iconic stories of the era came from San Francisco, where a Mr. Frank Cocciniglia was sentenced to five days in jail for not wearing a mask. Mr. Cocciniglia told the judge: “That suits me. I won’t have to wear a mask there.”

I’m sure Mr. Cocciniglia thought it was a funny punchline. However, it wasn’t nearly as funny when it was determined that the 1918 pandemic ultimately led to 675,000 deaths in the U.S. alone. It brings to mind the legal term jointly and severally.

Everyone in the group may be held legally liable for full judgment. It feels like Mr. Cocciniglia, the comedian, may have had a role in every single one of those 675,000 American deaths and the suffering of surviving spouses, the children left orphaned.

It feels like that is the crossroads we are at today. Wearing masks not only saves lives and protects everyone’s health, but it also saves jobs. It saves businesses. It keeps people in their homes. It allows children to go to school. It allows us to continue with our lives as we knew them.

Vegas Legal Magazine Fall 2020 | Pg. 14

There is another development. My only fear is that because it is so readily available, it may not be seen as a potential breakthrough against the disease that a lot of very smart people think it is. It’s vitamin D, also known as ergocalciferol and cholecalciferol. Consult your doctor on proper dosage. It will not protect you from contracting COVID-19 or passing it on. But there are a lot of studies in place that point to vitamin D as being a breakthrough in our fight to kill the more lethal aspects of this pathogen. In a University of Chicago Medicine study, doctors found that patients who had untreated vitamin D deficiency were nearly twice as likely to test positive for COVID-19 than individuals who had sufficient levels of vitamin D. If there is one place that I may refer you, your friends, and your social media followers, it’s a podcast (yeah, I know, another podcast) from Radiolab, which is produced at the WNYC Studios, entitled “Invisible Allies” and dated July 30. Other than the information we have passed along so far, there are two quick stories from the podcast that tend to further prove the point.

Officials of a homeless shelter at the outset of the contagion “knew” that they would be bombarded with COVID cases. Homeless people can’t avail themselves of quality health care, nor do they have access to wash their hands more than 10 times a day, as is suggested by current health standards. Instead, at first it seemed that none of the homeless people at their shelter had contracted the illness. When testing finally arrived, it found that 40% of the homeless people at the shelter had indeed become infected with COVID. However, none of them became symptomatic, or ill, or even realized they had the disease. The simple answer was they live on the street, in the sunlight, and so their bodies were producing enough vitamin D. The second story from the podcast is that a large percentage of Indian national physicians who were practicing in London became ill and died from COVID-19.

When the physicians group suggested there may be a link to vitamin D deficiencies, they upped their vitamin D intake. Not only did they not lose any more physicians, but none of them became symptomatic after that. Here’s the issue: Dark skin protects us from the sun. But it also makes it very difficult for us to develop the necessary amount of vitamin D. There’s another box checked off. While there can be obvious differences in access to health care, adequate housing and a laundry list of other issues, people with dark skin often routinely suffer from vitamin D deficiencies.

So this is where we are. The coronavirus is as deadly as it ever was. But we now know that wearing a mask and washing your hands repeatedly can dramatically reduce your chances of contracting the virus. Taking vitamin D, it appears — and this is an early assumption that requires more study — regulates our body’s response, making the initial macrophage response stronger and averting a cytokine storm potentially leading to greater fatalities.

We all have rights. But if we could just keep in mind that our actions at this critical moment not only decide the health outcome that we’ll have, it also impacts the health outcomes of our fellow Americans, our jobs, our homes, and the quality of life that Americans enjoy. When I think back to Mr. Cocciniglia and his “humorous” quote from more than a century ago, I recall that it was shortly thereafter that the U.S. reported those 675,000 deaths. Arguably Mr. Cocciniglia was severally responsible for every single one of those deaths. I’m not too sure that those who are talking today about their rights while stopping the complete recovery of one of the greatest nations on earth won’t be judged by history to be guilty under that same premise.

Mark Fierro began his career as a reporter/anchor at KLAS-TV, the CBS television station in Las Vegas. He worked at the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. He served as communications consultant on IPO road shows on Wall Street. He provided litigation support for the Michael Jackson death trial. He is president of Fierro Communications, Inc., and author of several books including “Road Rage: The Senseless Murder of Tammy Meyers.” He has made numerous appearances on national TV news programs.

VEGAS ICON THE REAL JOE W. BROWN OF LAS VEGAS –By Mark Fierro and Jeff Haney

L

as Vegas has always been the melting pot of America. Everyone is from someplace else and perhaps no one made more of the opportunities in Southern Nevada than Joe W. Brown of Jolley Urga Woodbury & Holthus. Brown came up at a time of extraordinary opportunity in Southern Nevada. The ultimate people person gives this bit of advice to aspiring young attorneys: “This is such a unique state where the common man, the average guy, has access; that common guy can get a break here as much as any place in the world. Knowing how to play tennis didn’t hurt.”

Vegas Legal: Where did you go to law school?

Joe W. Brown: I went to law school at Washington and Lee in Lexington, Virginia, in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. I went to the University of Virginia undergraduate.

VL: How did you end up in Las Vegas?

JWB: A judge here named Al Wartman went to law school back there and he recruited me. He knew the dean’s secretary, and he called her and said, who in the graduating class is adventurous enough that I might be able to talk him into coming out here?

VL: How many people were in Las Vegas when you arrived?

JWB: About 160,000 in the county. That was in 1968.

VL: So you get to Las Vegas. It’s the high frontier. Decatur is the end of civilization.

JWB: Yes, it was dirt roads beyond that.

VL: It was “Here Be Dragons” after that. What kind of law did you practice?

JWB: Well, I was lucky. During my first year here as a law clerk, I met so many people who were warm and friendly, and had us to their homes for dinner. My wife and I were invited to dinner with the likes of Herb Jones, George Dickerson, Chuck Deaner, Harry Claiborne, Louis Wiener. They were all icons in those days. I met the governor, Paul Laxalt, shortly after arriving in the state, and within six weeks I was playing tennis with him!

He said, let’s play tennis. And next time I saw him, and that was six weeks later, I was playing tennis with the governor. Within two months of arriving in the state, I was playing tennis with the governor.

And I met Al Benedict, Kirk Kerkorian, Bob Maheu and all those people who could not have been nicer to two kids from Virginia, you know, in their 20s that had no relatives, no money, nothing. I was making $600 a month and my wife made $640 as a teacher.

VL: What time of year did you get here?

JWB: July 7th. It was 115 degrees the day we crossed the dam.

We lived in Boulder City. The judge lived in Boulder City and we lived in his garage for the months of July and August, and then moved into town when school started because Pam was teaching at Brinley Junior High. It was a brand new school and she taught eighth grade there.

VL: They say the smart man knows everything; the wise man knows everyone.

You knew everyone. How did that arc, that beginning, play into the rest of your career?

JWB: Oh, just because everyone was so friendly to us, and I’m a glad-hander anyway, you know, I really like people. So if I met someone, I remembered them and vice versa. And then Paul Laxalt took me under his wing and I went to work for the Laxalt law firm that had just opened up a Las Vegas office. And they invited me, and do you remember Eddie LeBaron, the former All-American, All-Pro quarterback for the Redskins and Cowboys? I worked with Eddie, who had been my hero when I was about 12 years old. The firm belonged to the Las Vegas Country Club, which was where was all the VIPs in town were members. I met them all and played tennis with them.

I played tennis with Kirk Kerkorian. He just happened to be at the court and was looking for a game and I played with him. So he and I became friends. Bob Maheu treated us like we were important. It was one person after another.

VL: How did you get the street in Las Vegas, Joe W. Brown Drive, named after you?

JWB: Well that’s not me. That’s a common misconception. It’s named after another Joe W. Brown, who was good friends with Benny Binion. This Joe Brown was a Texas oil man. He took over the Horseshoe for several years in the 1950s when Benny Binion went to prison for tax evasion. My dad and brother drove through Las Vegas in the summer of 1958, and they sent me a postcard from what was then Joe W. Brown’s Horseshoe Club.

My first couple of weeks here, Judge John Mowbray, who was then on the state Supreme Court, knew I was Catholic. He said, I understand you’re from Virginia and you’re a fine Catholic boy. Now, I want you to join the Knights of Columbus. I didn’t know what the Knights of Columbus was at the time. But he said the bailiff here, Charlie Horden, he belongs to the Knights. He said, I understand your ancestors fought in the Revolutionary War and I want to join the Sons of the American Revolution. I had never heard of that either.

So I went to the Knights of Columbus meeting about the second week I was in town.

And the bailiff introduced me to federal Judge Roger Foley. That was a huge deal for

me as a lawyer. I said, your honor, how are you? And he said, Joe W. Brown. Are you related to the Joe W. Brown? I said, no, sir. It’s just a coincidence, not related at all. And then another guy came up and the judge says, have you met Joe W. Jr. here? When the guy walked away, I said, your honor, you misunderstood me. I’m not related. He said, yeah, but it makes a great story. And he always, for as long as he lived, he always told people that I was Joe W. Jr. And then Jay Sarno started doing the same thing.

Now since I’ve been here so long, people think it’s me.

VL: Maybe they should officially rename the street for you, the new Joe W. Brown.

JWB: Ralph Lamb is another one who was wonderful when we arrived. Because I went to work with Tom Bell and Tom’s brother Lloyd was the undersheriff. So I met Ralph early on and I went in front of him a few times. If you remember back then the sheriff chaired the Liquor and Gaming Commission. That was the real power. I went in as a member of the Laxalt law firm representing Howard Hughes on putting in slot machines at the Hughes Terminal.

Ralph was just teasing with me, but I did not know that, and he said, Joe, are you really Howard Hughes in disguise?

I got all flustered. What do you mean? And then he said, I’m just kidding with you.

And then they approved it. Then the meeting was over. I was the last one who was in it, and he came over to me and said, I didn’t mean to embarrass you, son. I like you, kid. You ain’t full of BS like most lawyers.

He sent me some very good business. Even in his last days, when he’d see me he’d say, there’s my lawyer, Joe Brown.

VL: So out of this constellation of memorable names in Las Vegas, who was it who helped you the most?

JWB: Clearly Paul Laxalt. He got me the appointment in the Reagan administration in 1981 to the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission (FCSC) of the United States for two terms, and encouraged me to run for lieutenant governor in 1986. Those kind of things really kind of raised me up a few notches.

Eddie LeBaron was another one. Just loved being around him, and he was such a modest, neat guy.

Tom Wiesner was a great friend of mine, a close friend.

Undoubtedly right up there with Laxalt was Herb Jones. Herb was a lawyer’s lawyer.

He was a consummate gentleman. Totally honest, forthright in every way. He was such a great mentor to me throughout my career.

VL: Laxalt did a lot for a lot of people, didn’t he?

istrate in juvenile court. I read it and I came back the next day and I said, yeah, that’s right. He said, All right, I’m appointing you as a magistrate. So I had to arraign all the kids coming in, so there were guys like Joe Foley and Al Gunderson who would represent kids from wealthy families. Brian Buckley, that’s how I met him, he came down there on a traffic ticket. Bob Maheu’s daughter, Christine, and Joe Foley’s kids.

I met a lot of those people that way.

So I was a judge within my first month of being here! I also got to be friends with all of the juvie probation officers, and they were all Harry Reid’s best friends from Basic High School. Guys like Jerry Tarr, Larry Dehlin, Ray Slaughter, Donnie Wilson, and a lot of guys that you probably know over the years. Harry was running for Assembly for the first time in 1968.

VL: Having seen this great horizon of time in Las Vegas, there was a time when it felt like we were just a punching bag with the MGM fire, the Hilton fire, Pepcon, it just kept coming. Now we have COVID-19, a threat unlike anything we’ve seen before. What advice would you give?

JWB: Just keep the faith. This is such a unique state where the common man, the average guy, has access, that common guy can get a break here as much as any place in the world. People are generally treated very fair here. The biggest thing that I noticed here versus being in the East where I grew up is if you went for a job interview in Pittsburgh or Philadelphia or wherever, people would say, well, what are your credentials? What law school did you go to? What was your class standing? Who is your father? Who was your grandfather? Here, nobody asked me a damn thing like that. I was just so blown away. They said, can you do the job? That’s all they care about.

I think if you go around town and look at other very successful people in this town, like a Kenny Guinn, for instance, his parents were sharecroppers and they were just very, very poor people. They came here to this town and the sky’s the limit.

I’d put him at the top. He put me on the boxing commission, I loved that.

VL: How cool is that?

JWB: I’m the only one in Nevada history who has been appointed to all three of the top most sought-after commissions: Fish and Game (Wildlife Commission); Athletic Commission; and Gaming Commission. Gaming was 2009-2015. Gov. Gibbons appointed me and Brian Sandoval reappointed me.

VL: Kenny Guinn was a great governor. He managed to be bipartisan at a time when it was hard to do.

JWB: Kenny was bipartisan and one of the finest people I’ve ever known in my life.

Mike O’Callaghan was very partisan, but a man’s man, and his word was his bond.

He was somebody you had to respect. He liked that I had been in the Marine Corps.

And he was a tough son of a gun.

JWB: He did. He made lots of Las Vegans, he put them in positions in Washington, helped their careers.

VL: What would you tell a young man or woman coming out of law school to Las Vegas?

JWB: Despite the fact that it’s grown so damn much, it’s still just a down home friendly town, you know, even though it’s not quite like it was before. But it’s not hard to get known in this town. You know, if you want to join this club or that charity or whatever and get on the board, which is what I was asked to do, you can do it.

I went on the Catholic Community Services Board and through that I got to know Mary Cashman and Gov. Mike O’Callaghan and a lot of people like that. There was also the Boys and Girls clubs. I met a lot of the guys who were my contemporaries, the other younger guys in town who were the up-and-coming movers and shakers. Then people like Sig Rogich and Lyle Rivera introduced me into that circle of friends.

The judge I worked for at the time was the juvenile judge, too. There was a U.S. Supreme Court case that came down right about when I was getting out of law school called “In re Gault.” It applied all the Miranda warnings to juveniles. So if you were a juvenile and you got arrested, the police also had to read you Miranda warnings and you had a right to have counsel appointed. So the judge handed the decision to me my first day on the job and said, Read this. I think it means I have to appoint a mag-

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ECONOMIC EXPERT

QUARTERLY REPORT –By Stan V. Smith, Ph. D. with Kyle Lauterhahn

Assessing the partial loss when an injured plaintiff can still continue

to work in the future in “some reduced capacity” presents a complex challenge to plaintiff attorneys and to juries, a challenge that is often not well addressed in a litigation setting. However, there are high-quality statistics produced by the United States Census Bureau that few expert economists, and even fewer lawyers, are aware of that can greatly aid in the analysis of lost earnings capacity. These government statistics allow an economist to provide an opinion to a jury regarding the partial loss of earnings capacity due to disability to a reasonable degree of economic certainty, obviating the need in many instances for a formal vocational analysis.

When an injured person returns to work, the rate of pay and the hours worked can be very misleading as they are frequently not indicative of the long-run impacts. Even if an injured person is back to work at the same job and the same rate of pay, with a disability, there are definite wage losses due to disability in the long-term future that are not readily evident and that should not be ignored. Fortunately, these Census Bureau statistics address and remedy the problem.

The partial loss of earning capacity can arise not only from physical injuries, it can also arise in a myriad of situations such as defamation that has a future career impact. The loss may arise if someone’s career in medical school, for example, is prematurely terminated by wrongful dismissal. An economist can measure such loss. This article focuses on ways to help juries understand the long-term impact on earning capacity loss due to a physical or mental impairment, such as difficulty standing, or difficulty concentrating, where government statistics provide a highquality measure of the impact, both on employment probabilities and pay rates. This long-term impact is typically not evident shortly after the injury.

EXAMPLES OF PARTIAL LOSS CIRCUMSTANCES After an injury, an individual may have already returned to work fulltime, but he or she may be earning less than prior to their injury due to impairment. For example, a realtor who has difficulty walking or has back pain may work full-time after the injury but accomplish less per hour.

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They may show fewer homes in a given afternoon due to difficulty walking, driving, and going up and down stairs, and thus earn less in commissions.

In addition, they may also work fewer hours per week due to the disability, and earn even less per year than if they worked full-time. Furthermore, the degenerative impact of the injury on hours and earnings may increase over time.

A construction worker may continue to work full-time with some pain.

Even if the worker earns the same union wage per hour, he or she may work less overtime in the long run, and may be able to work only to age 53 for example, rather than perhaps age 62 or 65, or even later. The work life capacity prior to the disabling injury is forever impacted. Less overtime and fewer years of work in the future reduce the injured person’s earnings capacity.

An accountant may be forced to retire early, giving up the business that took decades to build. A call center worker may choose to work less overtime due to fatigue, and he or she may take frequent personal leave as a body pain may flare up from time to time. Pain can be very debilitating. A truck driver may find that upon their return to work, pain associated with longhaul driving may force them to also accept shorter, lower-paying routes, leading to a double penalty of reduction in earnings and time worked.

UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU DATA These long-term, future impacts of impairments are all but impossible to assess after the injury without the high-quality statistics that are available to measure them. Even if an individual has not yet returned to work, but is making medical progress and return to work is feasible, a jury will want to understand what the person can do in the future, and how their capacity may be reduced in the long run.

As shown in the examples above, the average person who has a disability due to injury also has a significantly reduced probability of employment, and perhaps a significantly reduced pay rate. This reduction in employment can mean fewer years worked in one’s career (i.e. retiring early) or fewer hours worked in each year (i.e. shorter work week, more time off, etc.). The reduction in pay rate can result from reduced hourly earnings, reduced

QUARTERLY REPORT overtime, or reduced opportunities for promotion and advancement, all of which lead to significant losses for an injured person. The reduction in employment and the reduction in pay rate can operate independently of one another.

We know that these losses exist anecdotally, such as in the examples above, but there are also reliable statistical databases for these work and pay reductions due to disabling injuries. The United States Census Bureau collects employment and pay data on Americans with disabilities as part of its regular surveys. Persons with disabling injuries may be compared to the total population in order to get a statistical comparison of the reduction in probability of employment or the median earnings of a disabled person, as compared to the average person in the workforce. This data indicates that people who have disabilities, unsurprisingly, have reduced likelihood of employment and reduced earnings (if they are employed) compared to the average American.

The Census Bureau has a breakdown of impact by disabling condition, which can be related to injured individuals to show what degree of future earning reduction is statistically expected. Independent measures of loss can be found for many types of disabilities including: difficulty seeing, hearing, concentrating, getting along with others, speaking, walking, lifting, grasping, standing, sitting, crouching, reaching, moving heavy objects, or coping with stress. Disability is also indicated by the use of wheelchair or a walker, and by limitations in the basic activities of daily living, such as homemaking, dressing or bathing, or by limitations of the more complex or instrumental activities of daily living such as managing finances and planning meals.

REAL NUMBERS For someone with difficulty sitting due to a spine injury, according to the Census Bureau statistics, the probability of employment is approximately 58.25 percent less than that of the total population. An assumed 58.25 percent reduction in future work can be applied to the expected normal future earnings of the person. If a long haul truck driver earning $70,000 per year would have worked for another 21.5 years but for their injury, their near 60 percent reduction in expected future years worked can mean 12.5 years of lost earnings, a loss of over a million dollars including benefits. This large loss is not otherwise evident to the jury if the driver has returned to work currently driving the same route and hours and at the same pay. But government statistics can allow an economist to opine as to this future loss with a reasonable degree of economic certainty.

For persons who are employed subsequent to an injury that results in a disability, the data from the Census Bureau shows that the rate of pay or earnings per hour work is also likely to be reduced. In the instance of the realtor discussed above, the average earnings for someone who works despite difficulty walking are 66 percent of the earnings of an average American. So if we assume that a realtor earning was capable of earning $60,000 per year prior to their injury, their long term post-injury earnings capacity may be expected to be only $40,000. At an annual reduction of $20,000 in earnings, a young realtor may lose over half a million dollars in the future over their career.

on an injured child can be also shown based on statistical reductions. If a child has been injured resulting in a mild traumatic brain injury and has difficulty concentrating, that child may yet graduate college, with very significant effort. But difficulty concentrating will impair career prospects and earnings; such disabled people earn only 43 percent of the average, non-injured population. This 57 percent impact can be applied to future earnings of the injured child. While the present value of a healthy child’s future earnings (assuming they graduate college) including benefits could approach $4 million, the child who has difficulty concentrating can expect a reduction in earnings that well exceeds $2 million.

In addition to the income capacity of a child being reduced, the prospective level of educational attainment of a child is likely to be reduced as well with a disability. We frequently assume several pre-injury educational outcomes, such as some college and college graduation. It may be that someone we thought had a great likelihood of completing college may now likely only complete some college, or may not even go to college at all. The jury can be shown all the possible combinations of equal and or lesser education due to the injury, with the post-injury wages and employment reduced by the Census Bureau employment statistics. So we can, for example, assume some college prior to injury and only high school after the injury. The post-injury high school earnings would be reduced based on the Census Bureau statistics.

Sometimes there is a vocational assessment of the reduced wages or employment. But these assessments are not based on, nor supported by, the U.S. Census Bureau statistics. An economist, however, can provide a strong statistical basis for the employment and pay impact on earnings capacity and career, and show the jury an evidence-based reduction in loss of future earnings and capacity.

CONCLUSION – A BETTER EDUCATED JURY Assessing the partial loss of earnings capacity due to a disability presents a complex court challenge for plaintiff attorneys and for the juries. Statistics produced by the Census Bureau can establish a solid and credible foundation for estimating those losses. An economist, can provide opinions regarding the partial disability to a reasonable degree of economic certainty. Without such testimony, there is a likelihood of a jury “guessing” which can lead to “unpredictable” jury verdicts, either much higher or much lower than might result through a betterinformed jury. This high variability can undermine the jury system which the Seventh Amendment established. With credible economic testimony based on Census Bureau statistics, the jury system is better supported. There may be more predictable jury verdicts (and, hence more settlements.) We are all well-served by these real number results.

In the instance of a child injury this data is particularly useful. While a child would not have yet established any career path, the impact of disability

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COVER STORY

WILL JOE BIDEN BE THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES? SOME IN VEGAS LIKE HIS ODDS —By Valerie Miller

As the first night of a virtual 2020 convention took shape in mid-

A Long, Hot Summer

Whether it was former First Lady Michelle Obama, or Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, or former Ohio Republican Gov. John Kasich, speaker after speaker used the word “decent” when praising former Vice President Joe Biden. During the Aug. 17-21 Democratic National Convention, the party pretty much ditched its original convention site of Milwaukee out of concern of the spreading Coronavirus.

The protests started out in Minneapolis in late May, and quickly turned into violence, arson and looting in Minneapolis — and many other cities -- in the wake of the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police. The protests have included ongoing riots (for various reasons) in places like Chicago, Portland, Ore. and Seattle.

The involvement of Antifa, in some cities’ unrest, has also arguably contributed to a whole summer of almost-nightly riots in Portland. As some cities spiraled out of control in late August, a Trump supporter was shot and killed in Portland by a protestor who publicly identified himself as a member of Antifa.

August, one word was being used over and over again by Democrats to describe Joe Biden – “decent.”

In a matchup some have dubbed “the most-important election of our lifetimes,” Biden, 77, will try to defeat President Donald Trump. The incumbent president has been challenged by the COVID-19 outbreak, and the economic shutdown that derailed an economy with some of the lowest unemployment rates since record-keeping began in the late 1960s.

And while the stock market has rebounded nicely, millions and millions of Americans are still jobless. Thousands of businesses will be forever shuttered due to the COVID-19 closures. Americans have been hurting. The crisis in the country was only exacerbated by months of social- justice protests, which have devolved in some cities into riots and near-anarchy.

In the week after the Democrats were forced to scrap their convention in Milwaukee, riots broke out in suburban Wisconsin city of Kenosha over the police shooting of a black man who had a knife. At the same time, the Republicans were in the midst of their Aug. 24-27 convention, which was a mix of virtual and live events.

Vice President Mike Pence, in his Aug. 26th nomination acceptance speech, warned that, “You won’t be safe in Joe Biden’s America.”

Pence, who accepted from Fort McHenry in Baltimore, noted that the violence in places like Kenosha, Portland, Seattle and Minneapolis had all taken place in Democrat-run cities.

Vegas Legal Magazine Fall 2020 | Pg. 23

COVER STORY The next night, Trump continued the “law and order” theme, sensing the American public was afraid in the wake of months of rising violence. In his Aug. 27th re-nomination acceptance speech from the White House south lawn, Trump warned, “make no mistake, if you give power to Joe Biden, the radical left will defund police departments all across America.” The president went on to say, “They will make every city look like Democrat-run Portland, Oregon. No one will be safe in Biden’s America.”

Biden has denied he would defund the police, but has said in interviews that he was in favor a re-allocating some police funding.

The battle of rhetoric continues as Biden announced his “Build Back Better” motto. Meanwhile, in President Trump’s nomination acceptance speech, he warned that Biden would be “The destroyer of American greatness.”

Biden has, more recently, come out publicly to denounce the ongoing violence and looting in American cities. Biden rebutted, that this is “Trump’s America.” Biden accused Trump of fanning the flames of unrest in American cities.

Vegas Legal Magazine Fall 2020 | Pg. 24

Supporters call Biden “Conventional,” “The Right Guy” Supporters of Joe Biden believe he can be the cure to what ails America.

They maintain that he can bring the country together.

“I think Joe Biden is the right guy, and will surround himself with all the right people,” says Dan Hart, a Las Vegas political consultant who has been involved in Democratic campaigns since the 1980 President Jimmy Carter vs. Ronald Reagan race.

“We will get back to some more-conventional federal government, and a more-conventional president,” Hart adds.

Hart’s support of Biden is motivated by more than business or politics, he says. “I have kids, teenagers, who are 16 and 18. I am concerned about what kind of jobs they will be able to get.”

As for the business end, Harts says he may very well also do work for the Biden campaign. Whether it is his supporters or opponents, people just feel like they know Joe Biden – and with good reason.

COVER STORY Biden has been a fixture in American politics for 47 years, first taking a seat in the United States Senate in 1973. Tragically, the then-Delaware senator-elect lost his first wife and young daughter in a car accident in 1972, prior to taking office. Joe Biden, who since remarried to nowwife Jill, raised sons Beau and Hunter, and younger daughter Ashley (with Jill) while representing Delaware.

Presidential ambitions are nothing new to Biden, who has run for president three times, including in 1988, 2008 and 2020. His other campaigns ended in disappointment, but his fortunes changed in 2008, when then-Illinois Senator Barrack Obama picked Biden to be his vice-presidential running mate.

Obama, of course, would go on to beat Arizona Senator John McCain, the Republican nominee, to become the first African-American president. In 2012, the Obama-Biden ticket was re-elected. In 2016, former Secretary of State – and First Lady – Hillary Rodham Clinton was nominated to take on Republican Donald Trump. Biden toyed with the idea of running for president in 2016, but ultimately opted not, citing the recent death of this son Beau. The younger Biden had cancer.

Trump, of course, would go on to beat Hillary Clinton and shock the world in November 2016.

Where Does Joe Biden Stand?

In a very crowded 2020 Democratic primary field, Joe Biden made a surprise comeback in the South Carolina contest. Propelled by African-American support, Biden ended up on top as almost every major candidate -- except for Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders -dropped out. Sanders, a progressive candidate who famously pushed for “Medicare for all” and “free college,” eventually suspended his campaign for president. Biden apparently struck a deal with Sanders to adopt parts of the Sanders’ agenda.

Sanders has urged his “Bernie bros” supporters to back Biden. The former rival praised Biden, saying he could become the “mostprogressive president.” Sanders has cited Biden’s own words as the basis for that prediction.

The backing of Bernie is critically important if Biden is going to win over the “progressive wing” of the Democratic Party. However, at the same time, President Trump has tried to tie Sanders’ progressive policies with Biden’s policies.

“Biden a just a Trojan horse for socialism,” Trump said during a campaign stop, at the same time the Democratic convention was going on. “He is a puppet of left-wing extremists.”

However, Kasich used his Democratic convention speaking-spot to try to urge independent and “Never Trump” Republican voters to support Biden. Kasich, in his convention address, sought to reassure leery Americans that they had nothing to fear about Biden becoming “too far-left” as critics have warned. “Joe is faithful… Nobody pushes Joe

around,” the former Ohio governor maintained.

“There will be a tightrope (Biden) will have to walk,” Hart concedes.

Is it “Biden’s Election to Take”?

Dan Hart is very bullish on Biden’s chances to become the next president of the United States: “I think it is Biden’s election to take, at this point,” he said. “This won’t be a repeat of 2016.”

If there is anything that Hart is concerned about it is that the Biden campaign hasn’t been very public in its targeting of the Hispanic vote.

“There is a lot of talk about the importance of the black vote, but there isn’t that much talk about getting out the Latino vote,” he said. “That especially matters in Florida – and in Nevada.”

“Biden needs to do Latino outreach,” Hart opines.

And while much ado is made about the Millennial vote, it is still the senior citizens who will make of the largest segment of voters this fall, Hart points out. He does not think the older generation will mind the social justice movements propelling today’s Democratic Party.

“Basically, seniors feel like, ‘As long as I have my Social Security and Medicare and I am protected, I don’t mind a social experiment,’ “Hart explained.

What will Kamala Harris bring to the Ticket?

When Joe Biden made the long-awaited vice-presidential announcement on Aug. 11th, few were surprised by the choice of the California senator and one-time Biden rival. Biden had long promised to pick a woman as vice president. And, later after the nationwide social unrest following the late-May death of George Floyd, Biden had been urged to pick a black woman as his running mate. Harris was on that short list.

Hart likes the VP choice. “The best thing about her is her sense of humor,” he says. “And I have been impressed with Biden’s campaign.”

But like everything Las Vegas itself is about, the presidential race is also a gamble.

For example, Hart worries about what would happen if the protests and social unrest took some shocking turn. So far, Biden has done an artful job of sidestepping the issue, the political consultant points out.

“But if something happens between now and the election, all bets are off,” Hart predicts. “(Biden) can’t just stay in the basement then. He will have to come out and say something.”

Valerie Miller is a Las Vegas area-based journalist. She can be reached at (702) 683-3986 or valeriemusicmagic@yahoo.com.

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Judicial Candidates

“Dissents speak to a future age. It’s not simply to say, ‘my colleagues are wrong and I would do it this way,’ but the greatest dissents do become court opinions.”

- Ruth Bader Ginsberg

MEET THE INCUMBENT - Trevor Atkin, Department 8

I’m your sitting District Court Judge in Department 8, having been appointed by our Governor after a four month vetting process by the Nevada Judicial Selection Committee which saw 16 very qualified attorneys apply. I’m currently assigned an all civil docket where I oversee and adjudicate all types of civil matters, including, bench trials, jury trials, petitions for judicial review of administrative decisions, appeals of lower court decisions, petitions for injunctive relief, worker compensation appeals, and probate matters.

TRUSTED LOCAL EXPERIENCE: I am a proud third-generation Las Vegan, having graduated from Bonanza High School in 1980 with a keen grasp of what matters to Las Vegans. Before my appointment to the bench I represented clients for over 30 years in a variety of practice areas right here in Las Vegas – the town where I grew up and raised a family of my own. As a local, I’m extremely proud to have also earned across the board endorsements from over 30 local organizations, including, veterans, police, fire, labor, and business.

HIGHEST QUALITY LEGAL EXPERIENCE: It was during my 30 years of professional practice that I earned from my peers and judges the highest (“Preeminent A/V”) legal and ethical rating from Martindale-Hubbell in 2003 – a rating and reputation which I have earned and maintained for the past 17 years.

I was one of the founding partners of Atkin Winner & Sherrod

in 2004 where I served as primary trial counsel and managing partner – overseeing the work of 17 attorneys. Between 2004 and 2019 I oversaw our firm grow from 8 employees to 48 full-time employees. I was nominated in 2011 and elected as a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates by my legal peers and judges in recognition of my courtroom advocacy on behalf of my clients.

GIVING BACK: Aside from my legal work, I served as an adjunct legal instructor with the University of Nevada system from 1994 to 1996. I served on the Nevada State Bar Fee Dispute panel from 2000-2003 and was an appointed trustee with the Nevada Law Foundation between 2010 and 2014, whose mission was to provide funding for the legally disadvantaged, to victims of domestic violence, and for the protection of children in need of protection by the juvenile court. I also served as a mentor in the State Bar Mentorship Program for young lawyers. I currently serve on the board of Project Marilyn, and before that, was a board member with the Variety Day Home.

I’m the most qualified judicial candidate in this race and hope to earn your vote this November. I’m also the only “Trevor” who will be appearing on your ballot!

Website: Trevor4judge.com Facebook: Retain Trevor Atkin for District Court Judge, Dept. 8 Email: Trevor@trevor4judge.com

MEET THE INCUMBENT - Rob Bare, Department 32

Judge Rob Bare is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University (highest distinction) and University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Bare has been a Judge in Eighth Judicial District Court since January 2011.

Bar Counsel for the State Bar of Nevada from August 1993 to December 2010. Rob Bare has also served as a Las Vegas Municipal Court Judge in Department 6, from January 3, 2007 through June 20, 2007.

Rob Bare has also served as Senior Defense Trial Lawyer, (Captain) U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps, Trial Defense Service, Fort Irwin, California (May 1991 to August 1993). Trial Defense Lawyer, U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps, Trial Defense Service, Fort Ord, California (October 1989 to May 1991).

What are the biggest changes you think we need to make to our justice system?

In Department 32, I sincerely feel there are not any significant changes that need to be made. Candidly, I often feel, often palpably, that justice is being had and you experience that feeling first-hand in the courtroom. Examples of my thought in this regard can be seen in the unsolicited feedback provided by members of the public whom have served as jurors on various trials throughout my nine years on the bench. Please visit JudgeRobBare.com to read several of these notes from jurors. I think you will see, from perhaps the best source of all, those who have sat and witnessed our court, that justice is being fairly and accurately delivered. In an overall sense, as to the entire court system, I do feel that justice is being fairly administered across the board.

In addition, and in light of the current pandemic and the Court’s efforts to adapt, the obvious, necessary emphasis upon the use of technology and the manner in which court will actually be Vegas Legal Magazine Fall 2020 | Pg. 30

conducted in the future presents a tremendous change to the future of our justice system. Citizens will be impacted as well as our legal community and it is our duty to seek best outcomes for all parties.

What is your philosophy on “judicial activism”, and what effect should judges have in setting or promoting public policy?

I am the opposite of a judicial activist. I believe that, philosophically, I use what can be characterized as “judicial restraint”. I believe a judge should follow the law as written by the legislature by restraining their own opinions, and respectfully, their own power, to follow established precedent from higher courts. With that said, there still are situations where there is no clear statutory guidance or precedent on a specific point. In those instances, a judge is called upon, by necessity, to decide these types of issues. When I am in that position, to the best of my ability, I still look for guidance in statutes and appellate court decisions to hopefully lead me to the correct conclusion.

Do you volunteer or are you involved in any charitable activities?

I am deeply focused on mental health issues facing our society.

This is an issue that concerns me personally as well as publicly. My wife’s sister has a serious mental illness condition that requires a great deal of time and assistance (physical and financial assistance), in which my wife and I provide. This has exposed me to the tremendous difficulties in providing for those amongst us who are the most vulnerable. These individuals are suffering from a disease, not different than other diseases, which is not the fault of their own nor within their control. I have sincere appreciation for those who work with this community day in and day out.

Please visit my website at JudgeRobBare.com or email me directly at RobBare32@gmail.com.

MEET THE INCUMBENT

- Jacqueline Bluth, Department 6

Judge Jacqueline M. Bluth was born and raised in Reno, Nevada.

She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Nevada, Reno. After graduating from UNR, Judge Bluth moved to Las Vegas to attend the William S. Boyd School of Law where, in her third year, she would become President of the Law School’s Student Bar Association.

After law school, Judge Bluth was hired as a District Attorney at the Clark County District Attorney’s Office. Judge Bluth fought for the most vulnerable individuals in our society, children. Judge Bluth was the second youngest female to ever be promoted to Special Victims Unit where her caseload focused primarily on the prosecution of cases involving physical and sexual abuse of children, 10 and under. In 2015, Judge Bluth was the youngest female to ever be promoted to the Homicide Division. While there, Judge Bluth prosecuted all types of homicides, but specialized in the homicides of children, 4 and under. In her career as a district attorney, Judge Bluth tried over fifty-five jury trials, almost all of which were for crimes of homicide and/or sexual assault.

Also during her tenure as Chief Deputy District Attorney, Judge Bluth worked very closely with doctors, social workers, and law enforcement personnel as a member of the Clark County Child Death Review (CDR) team. The purpose of this review board is prevention, education, and case analysis to determine needed policy protocol and statute changes in our community. CDR findings have influenced both policy changes and the direction for public awareness campaigns. Judge Bluth also served on a committee with local county commissioners that wrote policy to protect children involved in foster care.

As a prosecutor, Judge Bluth helped author several pieces of legislation, many of which were passed by the Nevada State Legislature. Judge Bluth testified in front of the Nevada Legislature on two different occasions in Carson City. Ultimately, this legislation allowed changes in the law in the fields of sexual abuse of men, women and children, as well as sex trafficking. Additionally, Judge Bluth provided training to officers throughout Las Vegas in identifying and combatting child abuse with the goal of lowering the rate of child homicide in our community. Judge Bluth also provided educational courses to members of the Department of Family Services, Child Protective Services.

Judge Bluth was appointed to the bench by Governor Steve Sisolak in April of 2019. Judge Bluth handles a split docket covering both civil and criminal matters. Recently, Judge Bluth was appointed to the Advisory Committee on the Administration of Justice. She works hard to ensure that all citizens who come before her are treated with kindness, dignity, and respect.

Giving back to her community is something that Judge Bluth takes seriously, both in her professional and personal life. As a career prosecutor she fought hard to help victims of violent crimes find justice. In her personal life, Judge Bluth works with different members in our community to make sure all community members’ needs are met.

Judge Bluth was previously the gospel doctrine teacher at her church. She is currently the president of the primary where she helps teach and mentor children from 18 months to age 10. She also works within a group at her church in providing various services to those in our community. The group regularly volunteers in community cleanup projects, provides clothing and necessities to several shelters, including but not limited to women and children shelters. They also regularly provide school supplies, coats, and backpacks to children in need. In August of 2018, they held a “Humanitarian Day.” For this project, they picked eight (8) different charities in our community to focus on and help.

The charities they worked with that specific year and donated to were Lullaby Connection, Project Linus, Ryan’s Case for Smiles, Womens Cancer Center, Lighthouse Charities, Spread the Word Nevada, Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation, and Sole Hope.

Recently, Judge Bluth was appointed to the Advisory Commission on the Administration of Justice where individuals from different backgrounds and professions work together to improve the criminal justice system.

Judge Bluth also volunteers her time to coaching her children’s basketball and baseball teams.

Website: bluth4judge.com Email: Jacqueline@Bluth4judge.com

MEET THE INCUMBENT - Bonnie Bulla

Nevada Court of Appeals, Department 3 Judge Bonnie Bulla was appointed to the Nevada Court of

Appeals in early 2019, becoming only the fourth person to serve on the Court since its creation in 2014. Judge Bulla previously served as Discovery Commissioner for the Eighth Judicial District Court—a position she held for 12 years before being appointed to the Court of Appeals.

This November, Judge Bonnie Bulla is running to retain her seat in Department 3 of the Court of Appeals, and complete the balance of her current term. She is endorsed in this state-wide election by more than 40 law enforcement, labor, firefighter, and community organizations.

Bonnie graduated Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa in 1984 from Arizona State University with a B.S. degree in Economics, and earned a J.D. from Arizona State University College of Law in 1987. She moved to Las Vegas from the Phoenix area after graduating from law school, took and passed the Nevada Bar, and began a 19-year legal career in private practice, primarily handling cases involving professional negligence.

Among her honors and achievements garnered over the course of her 33-year legal career, Judge Bulla has earned an “AV Preeminent” rating from Martindale-Hubbell; served as president of both the Howard D. McKibben Chapter of the American Inns of Court, and the Southern Nevada Association of Women Attorneys; and currently sits on the Board of the American Association of Jewish Lawyers and

Jurists—Nevada. Early in her career, Judge Bulla was elected to the offices of Clerk and Speaker of the American Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division. More recently she was a member of the Nevada Supreme Court Nevada Rules of Civil Procedure Committee, which in 2018 completed a major revision of the Nevada Rules of Civil Procedure.

In 2018, she received the Clark County Law Foundation’s Liberty Bell Award, which honors distinguished members of the community who uphold the rule of law, contribute to good government within the community, stimulate a sense of civic responsibility, and encourage respect for the law in the courts.

Bonnie and her husband enjoy golfing and skiing with their friends, and appreciate how fortunate they are to live in Nevada where they can participate in these and other outdoor sports for so much of the year. She is an avid reader of science-fiction, and has already published the first two in a planned seven-book series of teen-oriented fantasy/ adventure books she is writing.

You can find out more about Nevada Court of Appeals Judge Bonnie Bulla at judgebonniebulla.com, and on her Facebook page – Retain Judge Bonnie Bulla, Nevada Court of Appeals.

MEET THE CANDIDATE - Shanon Clowers-Sanborn Justice of the Peace, Department 12

Thank you for taking time to read this, I hope after this

brief insight you will feel confident about voting for me.

I was born and raised in Nevada by my grandparents. I was the first person in my family to graduate from college, University of Nevada, Reno, and in 2006 I graduated from UNLV’s Boyd School of Law. After which, I was a Judicial Law Clerk for the Honorable Joseph T. Bonaventure before joining the District Attorney’s Office. In my 15 years as a prosecutor, I have completed more than 45 jury trials, countless misdemeanor bench trials, grand juries, preliminary hearings, taught police academies, worked on Federal task forces, but nothing compares to the affect I have had on people’s lives. I have experienced the satisfaction of ensuring convictions for victims against violent offenders, but I have also felt the incredible gratification of giving opportunities of redemption to offenders and seeing them succeed.

Outside of work, I am proud to be married to LVMPD Homicide Detective Tate Sanborn and helping raise an independent, thoughtful, and caring nine-year-old, while managing two rescue dogs - Lincoln and Normandy. I am obsessed with baking and often donate bakes for good causes. Days before the pandemic hit, I auditioned for a very popular baking show in L.A.

I volunteer in our community and serve on the Board of Trustees for Help International, a non-profit organization focusing on empowering marginalized communities around

the world to fight poverty and its effects, including victims of sexual violence. Recently, the focus is on refugees from war torn countries who are displaced and living in refugee camps in Greece – many of which are unaccompanied minors. I have worked in Uganda, Nepal, and Peru.

I know the impact my decisions make on people’s lives. My life experiences growing up, working with Help International, as a prosecutor, and being married to a police officer allow me a unique perspective. I gather and balance as much knowledge possible before making any decision - knowing the challenges of adversity, the value of determination, and the impact the legal system has on all parties. I will carry this mindset to the bench. I will be fair and protect the rights of all parties, while holding people accountable and keeping this community safe.

I value accountability, hard-work, and self-resilience, but above all, I value knowledge. I have the knowledge and experience to be a Justice of the Peace, but I also have the determination to see Justice Court develop technologically, become efficient, advance access to the judicial system, and progress overall equality for all. Most importantly, I understand and respect the Judiciary’s limited role and I will apply the law, not create it.

MEET THE CANDIDATE - Crystal Eller, Department 19

I was born in Amarillo Texas in 1966 to Robert and Judy Eller. My family was what most would call “blue collar”.

My father was a Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force and my mother worked as a bookkeeper and real estate agent. They taught me the value of hard work and raised me under the philosophy “if you can’t afford to pay for it… you can’t have it”.

Neither of my parents graduated high school, and I knew early on I wanted to attend college. I was driven to rewrite my family history. My parents could not afford to contribute to my education so I worked full time as a waitress to support myself. Through discipline and determination I graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminology- completely debt free. After college, I received a scholarship to attend law school. In 1993 I graduated Cum Laude from John Marshall Law School in Chicago, IL at the top of my class.

I have been living and practicing Law in Clark County since my graduation from law school.

When I am not working or volunteering, you can find me at my family ranch in Las Vegas. I am a cowgirl at heart and embody the “Cowgirl Spirit.” I live each day with courage. I take pride in my work. I finish what I start. I am tough but fair. When I make a promise I keep it. I do what has to be done and know where to draw the line. I am the Judge that Department 19 needs!

Vegas Legal Magazine Fall 2020 | Pg. 38

MEET THE INCUMBENT - Rhonda Forsberg Family Court, Department G

In April 2019, Rhonda was honored to be selected by the

Governor of Nevada to serve as Judge of Family Court, Department G. Rhonda was selected from a field of 11 attorneys that went through the Judicial Selection Commission process.

Since taking the bench she has worked hard to ensure that all litigants are respected and have the opportunity to have their positions heard. She understands that people need their cases resolved so they can begin to heal and move on with their lives.

Judge Forsberg loves serving the residents of Clark County to assist them through some of the most difficult times in their lives.

Prior to being appointed as Judge of Department G, Judge Forsberg served as a pro tem judge for domestic violence/TPO and family discovery court. She has also served on several committees to improve the family court system; the Bench/Bar Committee, the Court Technology Committee, the Settlement Master’s Program, a judge for the Truancy Diversion Program, and was appointed as the chairperson for the Outsource Provider List Committee.

Rhonda believes in helping the community. During college she found time to volunteer with Salt Lake Rape Recovery Center.

Rhonda assisted victims of sexual assault. In addition, Rhonda has served on the Board of Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth, has devoted many hours of pro bono work assisting children in abuse and neglect cases, and the Ask A Lawyer program as well as other cases assigned by Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada.

The majority of family cases in Nevada are filed in proper person by parties who cannot afford counsel. Understanding that the majority of cases that would appear before her would be parties representing themselves, Rhonda accepted an appointment as court appointed counsel in juvenile dependency court, representing low income parents. Serving low income parties has broadened her knowledge and empathy which has been an asset as a judicial official.

Judge Forsberg has been endorsed by the International Association of Firefighters Local 1908, Nevada Law Enforcement Coalition, Southern Nevada Central Labor Council, Service She is the youngest of five children, and the first of her family to Employees International Union (SEIU) 1107, Clark County attend college. Rhonda was a non-traditional student. Rhonda Prosecutors Association, IBEW Local 357, International Alliance obtained a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Theatrical Stage Employees 720, Nevada Republican Club, of Utah in 1995, while working fulltime and raising a family. Southern Nevada Buildings Trades Union, Teamsters Local Rhonda was grateful that UNLV’s law school offered a night 631, Teamsters Local 986, Women’s Democratic Club, Culinary program that allowed her to complete her law degree while Workers Union Local 226, Bartenders & Beverage Dispensers working full time. She completed her law degree from UNLV’s Union Local 165, Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Local 88, and Nevada Veterans Association.

William S. Boyd School of Law in 2005.

Rhonda’s legal career began with working for Radford J. Smith, Chartered. Rhonda opened her own law firm in 2008. Rhonda handled all types of family cases including divorce, custody, child support, adoptions, guardianship, TPO’s, juvenile delinquency and juvenile dependency.

Though Judge Forsberg loves her legal career, her greatest achievement is raising two daughters that are successful, productive members of society and being the grandmother to two amazing grandsons.

MEET THE CANDIDATE - Ozzie Fumo

Justice of the Supreme Court, Seat D Assemblyman Ozzie Fumo has been a practicing trial

One of the few members of the community to sit as a attorney in Las Vegas for over two decades. Uniquely Hearing Master on Metro’s Public Fact-Finding Police qualified to serve on the Supreme Court, Ozzie has Use of Force Board, Ozzie has also served as a Judicial spent his career fighting for the rights of Nevadans from Referee in Las Vegas Justice Court. He has received the all walks of life. prestigious State Bar of Nevada Pro Bono Advocate of the Year Award for helping the indigent; is AV Rated A first-generation American, Ozzie grew up in Las by Martindale Hubble (their highest rating); has been Vegas and was first elected to the State Legislature in named the 2019 Defender of the Year by the Nevada 2016. As an Assemblyman, Ozzie’s two sessions in Attorneys for Criminal Justice (NACJ); and was named Carson City have been marked by significant legislative the 2019 Consumer Advocate of the Year by the Nevada success. In 2017, he sponsored Harvey’s Law and the Trial Lawyers Association. He is also a member of Super law that makes our jury pools more representative. In Lawyers.

2019, he helped guide Brooklynn’s Law into legislation and eventually into law.

Today, as he runs for our State Supreme Court, Ozzie is an adjunct professor at the UNLV Boyd School of Law. In private practice, he has stepped up to help seal the A husband, father, and grandfather, and he is proud to records of those who have paid their debt to society and call Las Vegas his home for over 40 years. simply want fresh start to their lives. He also has trial experience at the state, federal, and 9th Circuit level as well as trying death penalty cases.

MEET THE CANDIDATE

- Dan Gilliam, Department 24 Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and my candidacy!

My name is Dan Gilliam and I was born and raised in a small town in Ohio. After graduating from Port Clinton High School, I attended the Ohio State University where I got my Bachelor’s Degree in Education (1996), my Master’s Degree in Education (1997), and my Juris Doctorate Degree (2004).

I took four years between my graduate program and beginning law school and devoted my time to working with underprivileged youth at a residential treatment facility. I started out as line staff and worked my way up to Program Director before I decided to further my education.

Upon finishing my legal studies, I immediately moved to Las Vegas to begin my legal career. I started by working for the Clark County Public Defender’s office in 2005, where I represented thousands of individuals charged with crimes ranging from misdemeanors to felonies.

After leaving the Clark County Public Defender’s office in 2007, I practiced law for nearly eight years as an Assistant City Attorney in the City of Henderson. In that role, I prosecuted thousands of DUI and Domestic Violence charges, as well as other misdemeanors.

In addition to prosecuting, I helped train new Henderson Police

Department recruits by teaching them about our search and seizure laws, probable cause requirements and proper DUI arrest protocols.

In January of 2015, I left the City of Henderson and opened my own practice, the Gilliam Law Group. In 2018, my firm blended with Bighorn Law – a multi-jurisdictional law firm based in Nevada, Utah and Arizona. I handle the firm’s entire criminal defense caseload.

For the past three years, I’ve been involved with the Trial By Peers program, which was created to provide young teens the opportunity to participate in a very real legal setting to address common teen issues like truancy, marijuana use and minor weapons violations.

In October 2019, my wife and I decided that it was time for me to take the next step in my career and further represent Clark County by becoming the next judge in Clark County District Court Department 24. I believe that my fifteen years of extensive trial experience both defending and prosecuting cases makes me the perfect candidate for the bench.

In my spare time, I enjoy being at the gym, riding my Ducatis and Harley, and taking my ’74 Nova and track-ready ’17 Hellcat out for a spin, so if you see me around…feel free to say hello!

MEET THE CANDIDATE

- Ben Nadig, Department 22 Living and practicing in Las Vegas for well over a decade,

Ben Nadig is one of the few attorneys who has excelled in all areas of the law; plaintiff ’s civil, civil defense, criminal prosecution, and criminal defense. A former Deputy City Attorney for the City of Las Vegas, today Ben specializes in criminal defense and is running for judge in Department 22 to take the politics out of our courtrooms.

Growing up in Northern California, Ben began giving back at an early age, becoming mentor to underprivileged youth at the Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) and building houses for the homeless in Tijuana. In law school, Ben worked in the criminal justice clinic and on The Hastings Race and Poverty Law Journal.

Ben’s commitment to mentorship has extended beyond college, doing pro bono tutoring for individuals having problems passing the Nevada State Bar. He also spends at least ten percent of his year dedicated to pro bono clients.

As a speaker, Ben and has presented to high school students on the dangers of driving drunk and spoken at a convention regarding domestic violence prosecution in Southern Nevada.

Vegas Legal Magazine Fall 2020 | Pg. 46

In our courtrooms, Ben has shown a consistent commitment to fairness for all who come before our courts. Ben believes that the system only works when everyone, regardless of their position in life, is given a full defense of their rights under the law.

The race for Department 22 is defined by a few key differences between the candidates. In addition to Ben’s commitment to removing politics from the bench, one of the key differences in this race is that his opponent has said she believes that her role is to decide cases from an economic perspective as opposed to ruling on the merits of the people before her, irrespective of the economic or other considerations. The cases that come before our courts directly impact the lives of not only a defendant, but their family, and their community.

Reducing those who come before our courts to little more than a dollar sign simply isn’t right.

Ben is qualified and ready to excel on the bench, and he will do so in Department 22.

Ben and his family live in the southwest part of the Valley.

MEET THE CANDIDATE - Mary Perry

Family Court, Department P

Who is Mary Perry?

Mary Perry is a veteran of the United States Air Force, a 20-year experienced attorney at law, a businesswoman, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and a candidate for Family Court Judge in Department P of Nevada’s Eighth Judicial District Court.

Mary Perry was raised in the small town of Hardy, Arkansas. Growing up with the values of discipline and hard work, she joined the United States Air Force and served her country for eight and a half years, achieving the rank of E-5 staff sergeant during the Desert Storm era, and is a disabled veteran. ​ Having moved to Las Vegas after serving in the Air Force, she worked while attending college at UNLV, graduating in 1996, with a B.S. in Business Management.

Accepted as a member of the Charter Class of UNLV, William S. Boyd School of Law, she passed the Nevada Bar in October 2001. Mary is also licensed in Hawaii and Missouri. ​ Mary’s primary practice is Domestic and Family Law. She has also litigated in personal injury and criminal law.

While having a reputation for being a straight shooter and fighting for what is right, she sees all sides of a situation and seeks to resolve matters amicably. ​ Her compassion for other people has led many instances of appearing at the last minute, in court, for free. Mary thoroughly understands the tribulations of a family through the divorce process.

Mary is a wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. She is a survivor of domestic violence and breast cancer, with the outlook of always moving forward. ​ With her extensive knowledge, compassion, and application of the law, she will be an exemplary addition to the Family Court bench, serving with honor and integrity. http://maryperry4judge.com http://facebook.com/maryperry4judge

MEET THE INCUMBENT

- Richard Scotti, Department 2 Judge

Scotti presently serves as District Court Judge for Department 2 in Clark County, a position he has held since 2014.

He has 30 years of legal experience. He is a Life Member of “The Fellows of the American Bar Association,” - a global honorary society of the top 1% of attorneys and judges.

Judge Scotti presides over Civil and Criminal cases and has been honored by the Court with his appointment as the head of misdemeanor and summary eviction appeals. He has also presided over Veterans and DUI Courts, served on the medical malpractice and construction defect teams, and supervised the Court’s official Settlement Conference Program.

The Nevada Law Enforcement Coalition - representing nearly 100 law enforcement agencies in Nevada, wants Judge Scotti to be reelected, and has recently endorsed him.

Judge Scotti has an extensive history of service to the legal community. Lawyers elected him twice to serve as a Governor of the State Bar. The Nevada Supreme Court appointed him as Settlement Judge for Appeals for ten years, as well as Mediator for the Nevada Foreclosure Mediation Program. He wrote on “Contract Defenses” for The Communique. Further, he has volunteered time to “Project Real,” “Trial by Peers,” and moot court competitions.

Ethics in law has been significantly advanced by Judge Scotti. Twenty-five years ago he worked on the Clark County Professionalism Committee to market the “Lawyers’ Pledge of Professionalism.” He is most proud of his service as Chairman of the State Bar Civility Committee, which developed the mandatory Attorney “Oath of Civility.”

Judge Scotti graduated with high honors in the top 10% of his class from Hastings College of Law in 1988 - earning the coveted “Order of the Coif ” award. His peers officially rated him “AV Preeminent,”

meaning the “Highest Possible Rating in Both Legal Ability & Ethical Standards” - a distinction he has held for the past 7 years.

Prior to his last election, Judge Scotti excelled in the fields of complex civil and business litigation, construction, real estate law, and dispute resolution. He served as Prosecutor and Counsel for the Nevada State Contractors Board, protecting public safety, protecting homeowner rights, and protecting workers’ rights to fair wages for fair work. Further, he was author of early editions of the Nevada section of the “Design-Build Deskbook” of the American Bar Association.

Judge Scotti has dedicated his career to community service. Years back he worked closely with the Las Vegas Review-Journal as Editor for the “Ask-A-Lawyer” column. He served on the State Client Security Fund Committee, resolving complaints against lawyers. The State Bar promoted him to the positions of Arbitrator then Director of the Fee Dispute Arbitration Committee where he resolved hundreds of client billing disputes. For various community groups, he has lectured on “The History of the Jury Trial.” He has taken on cases for indigent persons. Further, he has spoken at schools regarding Civics and the Constitution.

Judge Scotti and his wife of 33 years are proud to have been Clark County residents since 1992, and to have raised their two children here.

Judge Scotti would be honored to continue his service to the people of Nevada.

ENDORSED BY NEARLY 100 LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES IN NEVADA. www.ReelectJudgeScotti.com Scotti@ReelectJudgeScotti.com

MEET THE CANDIDATE - Dawn Throne Family Court, Department U

Dawn Throne has spent the last 23 years representing clients in all areas

of Family Law – family law appeals, protective orders against domestic violence, divorce, custody, prenuptial agreements, post-divorce disputes, child support matters, guardianships of adults and minors, adoptions and probate. She is one of only 48 attorneys in the State of Nevada to be certified as a Family Law Specialists. She has argued before the Nevada Supreme Court. She regularly represents financially disadvantaged parties in Family Law matters on a pro bono basis. She loves the personal nature of family law cases, and works tirelessly to advocate for her clients’ best interests and help them achieve positive outcomes.

Dawn has worked to hone her skills as a Family Law attorney and is an active member of the State Bar of Nevada. In May 2001, Dawn completed the intensive American Bar Association’s Family Law Advocacy Institute in Houston. She has heard protective order cases as a Pro Tem Hearing Master. She has been a Fee Dispute Arbitrator for the State Bar of Nevada for the last 16 years. She is a member of the Southern Nevada Disciplinary Board. She currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the Nevada Child Support Guidelines Committee.

Dawn spent her first 9 years of practice working for two full-service law firms, which allowed her to gain valuable experience in many other areas of the law. She has experience in civil litigation, business and commercial litigation, bankruptcy, employment law, administrative law, probate, estate and trust litigation and medical malpractice defense. She also prosecuted misdemeanor criminal matters and defended a few clients in misdemeanor criminal matters.

Life experience has only furthered Dawn’s passion for Family Law. As a child, Dawn grew up in a home where domestic violence and alcoholism were present. She experienced poverty growing up in a single-parent home after her mother gained the confidence to leave her abusive husband. As an adult, she helped her husband fight to be an involved parent in his son’s life and then to gain custody of his son from a mother who struggled with mental illness. She helped raise teenage step-children and is a mother to her own teenager now. She has been through the heartbreak of divorce herself and has experience with co-parenting with an ex-spouse. She has experienced the joy of a child calling her grandma.

In her free time, Dawn enjoys spending time with her daughter, which includes a shared passion for watching the Pittsburgh Steelers play,

attending Church together, singing in the Church Choir, traveling to new places and learning. Dawn and her family have rescued three dogs – a Rottweiler named Elsa, a small mixed breed named Anna and a large mixed breed named Buster – which also keep them very busy.

As a result of these varied life experiences, in addition to 23 years of professional experience, she understands how parties in Family Court feel when they are forced to bring their very personal matters before a Family Court Judge to resolve. She understands how important it is to have the best Family Court Judges possible, who have the knowledge and experience to handle the complex issues parties bring before a Judge. Dawn has the knowledge and experience to make an excellent Family Court Judge.

What are the biggest changes you think we need to make to our justice system?

The biggest problem in our justice system today is the lack of mental health services. Not only do we not have enough mental health providers in Clark County, but there is still a significant stigma in our society to accessing mental health treatment. The litigants who take the most judicial resources are the ones with undiagnosed and/or untreated mental illness.

What is your philosophy on “judicial activism”, and what effect should judges have in setting or promoting public policy?

Our system of government in the United States and in Nevada depends on the proper separation of powers. Judges are not elected to create laws or set public policy. Judges swear to uphold and defend the Constitutions of the U.S. and Nevada and to me, that means observing the separation of powers and doing the job the voters elected you to do as a Judge.

Do you volunteer or are you involved in any charitable activities?

My volunteer work is through my Church and by serving the Nevada State Bar as a Fee Dispute Arbitrator for over 15 years, being a member of the Southern Nevada Disciplinary Board and as Vice-chair of the Nevada Committee to Review Child Support Guidelines.

Business Report

“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”

– Maya Angelou

TWO PART REAL ESTATE SPECIAL

BUY OR SELL? DISSECTING THE LAS VEGAS HOUSING MARKET AMID THE PANDEMIC –By Gabriella Loessin

Against all odds, Las Vegas’ housing market has seemed to somehow rise during this pandemic. With a shortage of inventory, pent up demand for homes, and record low interest rates, Vegas real estate is… on fire!

A low supply of inventory combined with a plethora of buyers has driven sales prices to record highs. Skky Archuleta, a local Realtor on Team Carver at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, says the main motivation for sellers is the ratio of buyers versus sellers in the market right now. “Our inventory is still low, there are more buyers than sellers. It’s supply and demand! Sellers are receiving top value for their homes and selling quickly,” says Archuleta.

According to the MLS, the average sales price for Clark County in July 2020 was $338,537.00. A year ago, that number was just $320,257.00. Meaning, if you bought your house a year ago or more, you are likely to have gained a good amount of home equity for yourself and that does not even take into consideration any upgrades or additions you may have undergone.

Buyers are flooding the market where inventory is slim. This is the definition of a seller’s market. Archuleta concurs, “we are continuing to see sellers receive multiple offers and showings in the first 7 days on the market.

If your home is priced well, it will sell quickly. COVID has forced all of us to take a look at our homes and realize it either works for us or doesn’t! In addition to the influx of people moving to Las Vegas from more populated cities like San Francisco or New York City, locals are upsizing, downsizing, and moving to a new home to better fit their situations.”

Low rates and accumulated home equity are making it much easier on people wanting to sell and move quickly. Timing and location are everything in real estate… don’t be late to the party.

Las Vegas saw a tremendous amount of people migrate here pre-pandemic, but will this trend continue? “I do see it continuing; the cost and quality of living in Las Vegas is of the top in the nation,” adds Archuleta.

It’s obvious the low cost of living, no state income tax, and addition of major sports teams, on top of everything else Vegas has to offer, are great reasons for people to settle here. But, more importantly, the current pandemic has encouraged major corporations in expensive metropolis cities to move their operations into fully remote settings allowing their employees to move wherever is more affordable. This trend alone, could cause a huge influx of people to migrate here from our neighboring states of California, Arizona, and beyond.

A major spark in the housing market has been the introduction of historically low interest rates. In today’s market, great credit and a sizeable down payment could get you an interest rate in the 2’s! Rates have never hit the 2% range. Until now, the record low was 3.31% in November of 2012.

There is no way of knowing how long rates will remain this low, but it’s not going to last forever. If you’re considering buying or refinancing, now is the time to pull the trigger. If you have been holding off on buying, it’s better to pony up and win the house now; values will continue to rise. As with refinancing, pushing it off will do more harm than good; think about the amount of money you’re potentially losing per month just by waiting for the “right time”.

Vegas Legal Magazine Fall 2020 | Pg. 58

Skyy Archuleta, Team Carver - Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Nevada Properties, Skyya@bhhsnv.com, 702-715-9802

TWO PART REAL ESTATE SPECIAL

LAS VEGAS REAL ESTATE BOOMING WILL THE REAL ESTATE MARKET SUSTAIN THIS MOMENTUM? –By Tyler Brady

Las Vegas is a location where people win big or lose big,

of the market, real estate sales started to climb and the luxury real estate market started to boom. Now, we have set a record in Las Vegas for the number of homes over a million dollars in contract at one time. During such unprecedented times, I kept working to improve my business and internal procedures and ultimately finalized merging my real estate brokerage, Brady As usual, the winter of 2019 and early spring of 2020 was Luxury Collection, with Luxury Homes of Las Vegas. slow in Las Vegas real estate. Usually the Spring starts to wake up the market for a strong summer break, as people Current inventory levels have dropped significantly, want to know where they are going to live, send their kids making this a very strong seller’s market. As interest rates to school, and spend their holidays. The COVID break hit record lows, home buyers are in full swing. Beyond that abruptly started in March 2020, bringing children all the uncertainties driven by the current pandemic, a home from classrooms and many workers home from primary reason we aren’t seeing more home sales right their places of employment, brought with it a sense of now in Las Vegas is because homeowners are afraid to uncertainty that put a halt to real estate activity. The sell for fear they won’t be able to find another home market was experiencing people canceling contracts to move into. With some predicting that a COVID and second guessing any movement. It seemed that for vaccine could come towards the end of 2020, early 2021, every three homes that went into contract, two homes this has the potential to cause a second flood of buyers would fall out. As a professional in real estate sales I entering our market. In the third quarter of 2020, we thought I saw the writing on the wall. The world felt have seen a large spike in real estate sales which could be like it was coming to an end and my career was about to contributed to a pent-up demand of people previously get difficult. What I didn’t realize is that this industry waiting to see what might happen with schools and was ready to get turned upside down, but not for the the economy. I anticipate the Las Vegas market reasons most people could foresee. maintaining this momentum for the foreseeable future.

This is especially true when new home construction is With many casino workers furloughed, when we felt dominated by locals and resale is dominated by out-ofthat most home buyers would be afraid or uncertain state buyers. This signifies that out of state buyers want but what does that mean for your home values? Back in the real estate crisis of 2008 Las Vegas was hit hard. Do we need to worry about repeating the same mistakes in 2020? To answer these questions, we need to come to the present and then talk about the past.

out, and they want out now. But is this sustainable? My answer is YES, at least for the next year, and hopefully many years after that. At Luxury Homes of Las Vegas, we work with business owners, executives, dot-comer’s, athletes, and other business professionals here in Las Vegas as well as those coming from outside the market.

With large companies moving towards increasingly remote workplace opportunities, and some large Silicon Valley companies announcing they will no longer hire at California wage rates, people are fleeing for a better standard of living and tax-friendly areas. Additionally, California is looking to charge a wealth tax, remove landlord rights, along with other potential decisions that may be perceived as making it an unhealthy place to run a business or invest; thus, many business owners are fleeing to a state that is more business friendly, with tax incentives, and bringing their businesses with them. Las Vegas is the place to be, with low cost of living and no state income tax. Don’t forget the Michelin Star restaurants, world-class entertainment, and a convenient international airport. Las Vegas is a great city in itself and with Zion and beaches a leap away it’s hard to find a better hub for both business and pleasure. What better state is there for your business?

As a proud, third-generation Las Vegas resident, I say none. Perhaps a silver-lining to the crisis that has been this pandemic, could be the break our city needed to round out the community and make it more resilient to economic changes.

To circle back: with home sales booming and prices rising do we see another real estate crisis coming? The 2008 home crises started with people buying as many homes as they could hoping to get rich quick. Their game plan was to buy and rent out homes for a good investment. Having worked for my brother’s residential property management company, Brady Realty Group, and studying and witnessing the effects of an oversaturation of investment properties and underqualified investors, there weren’t enough people to rent all of the homes being built. There were more homes available than renters to live in them. This lack of balance ended up causing rental prices to freefall as landlords needed to get homes rented or risk defaulting on their loans. This is much different from what I am seeing in today’s market. Today’s real estate landscape is heavily characterized by savvy businesspeople seeking refuge in a state that welcomes their business and desires safety for its people. Investors aren’t trying to get rich quick; they are looking for a place where owning a business is

appreciated and respected. Though some investors are buying investment properties, this is not flooding the market and so we are keeping a healthy rate of return.

Homeowners are being more responsible and not overleveraging their homes to buy the second and third home. One other key detail is that investors buying now are more qualified than before.

Though I have never taken a ride in the Back to the Future DeLorean, I believe the state of our real estate market is strong. It is a sellers’ market which means increasing prices and fast turnarounds. It’s not a bad time to call and get the value of your home.

Tyler Brady, Realtor, Luxury Homes of Las Vegas, Tel: 702-888-2352

Vegas Legal Magazine Fall 2020 | Pg. 61

State Of The Market –By Mark Martiak The presidential election is less than six weeks away and it carries with it increasing uncertainty of the global financial markets.

Election years have not had higher volatility than other years, but volatility does shift from October to November. I believe investors and corporates are reluctant to take strong directional views on stocks ahead of a major election. This likely pushes October volatility into November as investors delay implementing their views until after knowing the results of the election.

I believe high October volatility is more than just a coincidence. I believe it is a critical period for many investors and companies that manage performance to calendar year-end. Such pressures help boost trading volumes and volatility as investors observe earnings reports, analyst days and management gives guidance for the following year.

sees about 2% upside for the stock market in the election’s immediate aftermath” in this event. (1) During the Trump Administration, American taxpayers have experienced a drop in federal tax rates on both corporate and individual incomes, and on capital gains. This has led to a rise in stock buybacks, which is one of the factors driving the market today. If Trump wins a second term, we may expect to see another drop in federal taxes. The more probable outcome, given a Democratic house, may be an increase in corporate and personal income tax rates. The other 800-pound gorilla in the room -- should President Trump win re-election -- is that the stock market could experience increased volatility due to Trump’s trade policies with China. President Trump takes a “confrontational approach” on foreign trade with China and will probably resume his focus on tariffs. (2)

COVID-19 fueled the latest jobs recession and forced our economy into a recovery period. All eyes are watching the Fed and its actions on fiscal policy to reflate the economy. With the 10-year and 30-year Treasury yields falling to 0.54 percent and 0.99 percent, respectively, as of March 9, the shortest bear market in history, which began at the onset of the pandemic, has seen the flight of investors from the Fixed Income market to the stock market, helping to drive the recent highs of the Dow Jones Industrials, NASDAQ and S&P 500.

The current administration’s emphasis on deregulation has been great news for the energy and financial industries. If Trump remains in office, we should expect to see these sectors benefit.

Let us explore what may be expected from the policies of each administration:

If Republicans take the White House and Senate, I believe a “possible refocus on infrastructure legislation” which would favor leveraged credit for infrastructure companies. (3) Due to more spending on infrastructure, we may see an increase in issuance of municipal bonds.

Reelection of President Donald Trump/Mike Pence

President Trump aims to lower drug prices by attacking Big Pharma.

Therefore, be aware of the negative implications for corporate bonds on behalf of pharma issuers. On the other hand, a focus on drug prices may better position the corporate bond issuers of health care providers.

If the GOP maintains hold of the White House and Senate, we could expect a continuation of the current low tax rates but less stimulus from the government. “…Keith Parker, head of global equity strategy at UBS,

Vegas Legal Magazine Fall 2020 | Pg. 63

Election of Former Vice President Joe Biden and Senator Kamala Harris A Biden-Harris Administration is likely to bring forth higher taxes on capital gains, businesses, and higher incomes, with increased regulation, but there may be more short-term stimulus. Keeping these policies in mind, “…Parker, the UBS strategist, thinks that stocks could fall 2% to 5% after a Democratic sweep.” (1) A Democratic White House will focus its goal on reducing income inequality. Lower- and middle-income households may experience tax breaks. However, losses on corporate profits due to heavy taxation on corporations may lead to long-term inflation. Biden proposes a 7% increase on the top tax rate for corporations. He plans to tax capital gains as ordinary income, instead of the top rate of 20% they are taxed today. (2) Given this capital gains tax increase, I expect a reduction in buybacks, unlike what would be seen under a Trump administration.

However, one must also consider the increase in stimulus that may offset the effects of reduced buybacks in the stock market.

I can foresee an era of re-regulation if Biden takes office this November.

The oil and gas industries would suffer as Democrats urge for clean energy. Companies found in clean energy ETFs may benefit as the Biden Administration transitions towards a green economy.

Biden plans to restore the ACA and expand health care coverage. If successful, hospitals and health-care facility municipal bonds may reap the benefits of enhanced coverage. (3) If Biden extends Medicare eligibility to age 60 for the unemployed, people may postpone collecting their Social Security and still be able to retire earlier.

Like a Trump Administration, infrastructure spending may increase as well with Biden in office. However, spending will be centered on green infrastructure and an issuance of more municipal bonds may occur in this sector.

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Mr. Biden would also make an important structural change. Currently, when people die with unrealized capital gains, their heirs pay income taxes only on gains in value after the original owner’s death and only when they sell. Under Mr. Biden’s proposal, those unrealized gains would be taxed as capital gains at death. That would raise money and discourage people from holding on to assets for tax reasons.

Preparing Yourself for the Road Ahead The presidential election will play a crucial role in determining the future of America. Each candidate represents the differing ideologies present in our polarized country. The contrasting policy changes will inevitably affect our economy, and with it, your positions and investments. It is important to keep in mind that we are living amid a pandemic. As we race to find the vaccine, we can expect the state of the market to be turbulent. Plan and be disciplined about your asset allocation strategies. When you need to be defensive, cash is your friend.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Mark Martiak is a New York based Investment Adviser Representative and Accredited Investment Fiduciary ® for AGP/Alliance Global Partners. Mark is a regular Contributor for VEGAS LEGAL MAGAZINE who has appeared on CNBC’s CLOSING BELL, YAHOO! FINANCE MIDDAY MARKET MOVERS, FOX BUSINESS NETWORK and has been quoted in THE WALL STREET JOURNAL. Alexa Gounaris provided research assistance.

Such forward-looking statements are subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and actual results could be materially different. There are no guarantees associated with any forecast and the opinions stated here are subject to change at any time and are the opinion of the individual strategist. Data is taken from sources generally believed to be reliable, but no guarantee is given to its accuracy. Indexes are unmanaged, and investors are not able to invest directly into any index. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Sources: 1) BARRONS: Updated August 10, 2020, 3 Potential 2020 Election Outcomes – and What They Could Mean for Investors, Lisa Beilfuss 2) FIDELITY INVESTMENTS: August 31, 2020, Election 2020: What It Could Mean for Investors, Fidelity Viewpoints 3) LORD ABBETT: August 24, 2020, 2020 Election: A Brief Guide for Fixed-Income Investors

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COVID-19

Provisions & Taxes – By Donovan Thiessen, CPA

The amount of legislative relief for taxpayers that was enacted this year, as it

relates to retirement accounts, loans, income tax relief, is staggering. Our office spent several weeks pouring over the Payment Protection Program (PPP), the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and the various tax provisions that have been released, during a tax season that was extended by three months.

With no end in sight for the pandemic, it is my hope that this article provides you with broad knowledge and advice as it relates to recent legislative relief for your business and taxes.

Retirement Plan Distributions Under Internal Code Section 72, the general tax rules as they relate to IRAs and qualified retirement plans are as follows: • • •

Normal distributions are included as ordinary income in the year of distribution.

If you are under the age of 59 1/2, and an exception does not apply, your distribution is subject to a 10% early withdrawal penalty.

You have 60 days to “roll-over” balances without tax consequences.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was signed into law on March 27, 2020. As it relates to IRAs and qualified retirement plans, for “coronavirus-related distributions” (definition to follow) made on or after January 1, 2020 and before December 31, 2020, the following changes apply: • • •

Distributions from the plan are included in taxable income ratably over the three years beginning with the year of the distribution.

The 10% early withdrawal penalty does not apply.

You may recontribute any portion of the distribution during the threeyear period commencing the day after you receive the distribution, and treat it as a tax free rollover.

A coronavirus related distribution is any distribution from a qualified retirement plan, IRS Code Section 403(b) or 457(b) plans, and IRAs made to individuals diagnosed, or whose spouse or dependent is diagnosed with the virus. Additional to those who experience financial harm as of a result of being quarantined, furloughed or laid off, reduced work hours, unable to work due to lack of child care, closing or reducing hours of the business you own and other possible reasons reserved for future IRS guidance. Distributions covered by the CARES act are limited to $100,000.

Bonus Depreciation for Qualified Improvement Property Prior to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which became effective generally for tax years beginning 1/1/2018, qualified improvement property was considered a specified type of property eligible for bonus depreciation. It appeared as though Congress intended to treat this type of property as eligible for bonus depreciation but the TCJA eliminated this provision for property placed in service after December 31, 2017 as a qualifying bonus depreciation category for qualified leasehold improvement property, qualified restaurant property, and qualified retail improvement property. This property type typically has a 15-year life, and includes leasehold improvements made to spaces you lease.

The CARES Act has changed this rule so that qualified improvement property placed in service by the taxpayer after December 31, 2017 is 15-year property and thus is eligible for bonus depreciation. In layman terms, you would capitalize these costs as fixed assets and depreciate 100% of the costs in the year that you place them in service. You should consult your tax advisor if you made significant improvements to your leased property in 2018; an amended tax return could be beneficial.

Payroll Protection Program (PPP) This program has evolved since its announcement in March, with new updates generally in favor of the loan recipient. We saw many businesses apply and

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receive these funds. A full analysis would require a course several hours long; this will be necessarily concise for what you need to know today and explains rules as of August 8, 2020. It is possible that new rules could arrive before you read this article.

The PPP is a loan guaranteed by the Small Business Administration. If you use it to cover payroll, rent and utilities, the loan will be forgiven. Initially designed to cover an eight-week period, it is now expanded to cover twenty-four weeks. At the end of the qualifying period, you will complete the forgiveness application available from the SBA. Any amount not forgiven becomes a fixed rate loan payable over five years.

This window for applying for this loan expired on August 8, but that could change. There have been rumors that loans issued for less than $150,000 will be automatically forgiven. If you have one of these loans and you have not yet applied for forgiveness, given the current rules, you should apply before the twenty four week period ends, but should also wait until around the end of August to see if additional guidance is released. In the meantime, you should contact a CPA to discuss what workpapers you should keep in your files to support the qualified use of these funds for purpose of forgiveness.

The last notable item: at this time, the IRS is stating the forgiven expenses will essentially become taxable income. The AICPA is aggressively fighting this, and we are expecting for this to be confirmed or addressed soon.

Executive Order to defer payroll taxes This is an item that was recently signed by President Trump on August 9, 2020 in response to failed agreements on the fourth round of COVID-19 legislative relief. The spirit of this EO is to increase employee paychecks by 7.65% (6.2% social security and 1.45% Medicare expenses paid by the employee). It is a deferral, not a windfall, so eventually the tax will be due. How the IRS will eventually collect this, and the employer’s role for withholding the funds is not yet clear. We are expecting more guidance on this as the increase to monthly pay is approximately $300 for a person earning a $50,000 annual salary.

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Economic Impact Payments You have probably received your $1,200 per individual and $500 per dependent stimulus check by now. Most were received via direct deposit in April. This is a refundable credit that will be reconciled on the 2020 Individual income tax return, Form 1040. The forthcoming tax return will ask if you have received it, if you have, then the return will not need to adjust for it. However, if you did not receive it, you will be eligible to receive it then, assuming you meet the general eligibility requirements. These payments are not considered to be taxable income. It was rumored that the fourth round of COVID-19 relief includes a second stimulus payment. The best advice is to make sure you have filed your 2018 and 2019 income tax returns as a starting point for eligibility.

Other areas that were expanded as a result of COVID-19: Charitable contribution deductions in 2020, expanded eligibility for medical expenses that qualify to be paid with a health savings account, FSA and HRA, Net Operating Loss carrybacks, increased ability to deduct business interest expenses, no minimum distribution is required for calendar year 2020 from an IRA, debt relief for certain SBA loans (limited to six months).

I encourage you to seek a professional tax advisor to ensure that any item in this article is applicable for your specific situation. The information is necessarily concise and may not account for your scenario.

Donovan Thiessen, CPA is the founder and owner of The Accountant, LLC. Our mission is to help business owners make better decisions by providing timely and accurate financial and tax analysis. You may reach Donovan at donovan@theaccounantcpa. com and 702.389.2727.

20 Las Vegas Businesses WITH STRONG SOCIAL MEDIA

The success of your business can greatly depend on your social media and the number of followers you have. Why do you need a strong social media following? Social media for B2B and B2C is an underutilized but powerful strategy to generate new leads, raise awareness and drive website traffic. Businesses that leverage their social media see significant results in increased sales.

There are many effective strategies to build your site from choosing the right platform and analyze your competition to sharing awesome content to being consistent with your brand. Here are twenty popular Vegas based businesses who leverage their social media for brand recognition and growth.

1. Las Vegas Raiders This long awaited, former Oakland, CA NFL team has brought pro football to the Las Vegas community. Loyal fans and new fans frequently and excitedly visit the Raiders social media site for videos, articles and other information. https://www.facebook.com/raiders Facebook fans 3.1 Million & Twitter followers 1.6 Million 2. Zappos Founded in 1999 in Las Vegas, Zappos a service company that happens to sell shoes, clothes, and more. Zappos is recognized for having one of the strongest social media presence among Fortune 100 companies. www. zappos.com Facebook fans 2,342,034 & Twitter followers 2.4 Million 3. The Neon Museum Founded in 1996, The Neon Museum collects, preserves and exhibits iconic Las Vegas signs for educational, historic, arts and cultural enrichment.

Vegas history buffs enjoy the “neon boneyard” as well as the virtual tour offered on their site. https://www.neonmuseum.org Facebook fans 1,138,503 & Twitter followers 19.5K 4. Las Vegas blog The Las Vegas blog offers the latest news from hotels, shows, nightclubs, videos, photos and more by Vegas.com. The blog provides extensive information and tools to allow visitors to research and book their trip to Sin City. blog.vegas.com Facebook fans 939.9K & Twitter followers 260.5K 5. Fremont Street Experience Fremont Street Experience has been described as an incredible entertainment and gaming destination in Las Vegas. vegasexperience.com Facebook fans 690.9K & Twitter followers 33.1K

6. 52 Stories - Presented by The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas 52 Stories is the collective voice of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, a unique luxury resort and casino located in the heart of the world-famous Strip.

52stories.cosmopolitanlasveg Facebook fans 557.7K & Twitter followers 412.9K 7. Vegas Golden Knights Vegas Golden Knights, the NHL’s newest team, has gained a large following among local sports fans offline as well on their social media. www. vegasgoldenknights.com Facebook fans 376.1K & Twitter followers 473.8K 8. Wynn Las Vegas Vegas icon and real estate businessman Steve Wynn developed Wynn resorts that offer guests and visitors award-winning restaurants, entertainment and nightlife and luxury shopping. https://www.facebook.com/ wynnlasvegas Facebook fans 375.6K & Twitter followers 572.7K 9. The Las Vegas Review-Journal The Las Vegas Review-Journal is Nevada’s most trusted source for local news, Las Vegas sports, business news, gaming news, entertainment news and more. reviewjournal.com Facebook fans 209.5K & Twitter followers 253.2K 10. MGM Resorts Las Vegas MGM Resorts’ iconic destinations line the Las Vegas Strip from Mandalay Bay to The Mirage, each offering its own unique experiences. www.facebook.com/mgmresorts Facebook fans 163.1K & Twitter followers 381.9

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11. Las Vegas Sun Newspaper The Sun is Southern Nevada’s award-winning source for news, sports, politics, entertainment and opinion. lasvegassun.com Facebook fans 156.5K & Twitter followers 242.3K 12. Station Casinos Popular among Vegas locals, Station Casinos runs various resort casinos across the Las Vegas valley including Summerlin and Henderson. They promote ongoing offers and rewards on social media for new and loyal patrons. https://www.sclv.com Facebook fans 148.3K & Twitter followers 59.5K

16. Viva Las Vegas Weddings Chapel With more than 20 years of experience, the Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel is known for weddings and famous for their attention to detail. blog.vivalasvegasweddings.com Facebook fans 47.4K & Twitter followers 1.9K 17. Terrible Herbst With gas stations with mini-marts and car wash locations throughout the Las Vegas valley, Terrible’s has become popular among the locals as well as tourists. www.terribleherbst.com Facebook fans 39,887K & Twitter followers 29.7K

13. Las Vegas Blog - Everything Las Vegas | Caesars Entertainment About Blog Las Vegas Blog by Caesars Entertainment boasts to be the guide to Everything Las Vegas. blog.caesars.com/las-vegas Facebook fans 130.7K & Twitter followers 7.5K

18. Travel Vegas Travel Vegas offer the latest in Las Vegas discounts, news, entertainment, dining deals and hotel updates on their blog. travelvegas.com/blog Facebook fans 23.4K & Twitter followers 3.5K

14. The Mob Museum Since Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 2012, the Mob Museum has offered visitors an insider’s look at the characters and events of the ongoing battle between the Mob and the law. themobmuseum.org Facebook fans 106K & Twitter followers 19.5K

19. Pinkbox Donuts Roberto Armanino, prior owner of Pinkbox Doughnuts®, had a vision to open a small-town donut shop in the heart of Las Vegas. Some years later, Steve and Judi Siegel, who loved the concept, finally took ownership and have quickly grown their customer base through social media. www.pinkboxdoughnuts.com Facebook fans 16.639K & Twitter followers 1.6K

15. Las Vegas Monorail The Las Vegas Monorail show is one of the most fun, quick and convenient ways to travel on the Las Vegas Strip. lvmonorail.com/category/blog Facebook fans 72.9K & Twitter followers 4.3K

20. CJ’s Italian Ice And Custard CJ’s has been serving Las Vegas since 2012 with their Italian ices made in-house in small batches including their viral creation, their famous “BOBAlati.” https://www.cjsitalianice.com Facebook fans 14,029K & Twitter followers n/a

Evoque -AVehicle forAll Seasons –By Rick Nelson

I

f you could pick a vehicle that was equally pleasurable and convenient to own under any weather conditions thrown at it year after year, what would you choose?

The Range Rover Evoque, without a doubt. What would you do? Where would you go?

Truly a vehicle for all-seasons, there is no better vehicle to enjoy a Winter trip to Mount Charleston in sheer luxury, confidently driving the twisty roads on the way up. And after a day of enjoying the powder (and the hot chocolate at the lodge), the thrills continue down the mountain to your favorite local night spot for dinner in the evening.

For its convenient size, it has a demonstrably cavernous rear cargo area. Easily accommodating two golf bags, it is the preferred transporter to a picture-perfect Spring day of golf in Coyote Springs, colored in dazzling flowers less than an hour’s drive North of The Strip.

Summer brings a far different dynamic. With the Evoque’s incredibly efficient 4-cylinder turbo-charged power plant pulling off 26 MPG highway, your road trips can now be longer like the days. Quiet and smooth on the highway, the interior surrounds you in fine leather and optional real wooden finishes. This is the time

to enjoy your Apple Car play with your favorite Summer Road Trip playlist in the optional Meridian Sound System as the orange sun drops into the horizon.

In the fall when the leaves are changing color, it’s time to go “Antiquing” in Las Vegas. After finding that must-have matching set of Tiffany Lamps at the Summerlin Flea Market, you can be confident that moving more wares won’t be a problem, even if going to Costco afterwards is the next task at hand. And if more capacity is a necessity, you can tow nearly 4000 lbs.

The 2020 Range Rover Evoque is Land Rover’s segment-leading luxury SUV. In short, no other vehicle in its class can dominate the dirt and asphalt as confidently all year round, and for years to come.

Come test drive Range Rover Evoque and the entire line-up at Jaguar Land Rover Las Vegas, 6425 Roy Horn Way, Las Vegas by South Rainbow and the 215 freeway.

(702) 579-0400 or visit us online a www.jlrlv.com

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LIFESTYLE

“Dream as if you’ll live forever, live as if you’ll die today.”

– James Dean

SMITH CENTER –By Myron Martin It is always a pleasure to offer a column for Vegas Legal

Magazine. This edition is different as the COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on our community and our country. I was forced to furlough 75% of the Smith Center team and cut pay for everyone else while cutting operational costs dramatically. My experience is not that different from many others in Las Vegas. Businesses are closed, and some may not reopen. Casino employees and hospitality workers are largely standing on the sideline, and restauranteurs are hanging on in hopes that they can fully reopen in order to bring back their employees and their guests. Our city has been devastated.

The Smith Center was one of the first to close, and will no doubt be one of the very last to re-open. Having to postpone Hamilton and many other shows broke my heart. But we will wait until it is safe to fully open.

Theaters are not a good place for social distancing. Not only do we need approximately 90% occupancy to break even on most shows, but the magic of theater comes from being surrounded by people and having a shared experience. When you’re at the theater, you laugh and everyone around you laughs. You cry and realize you’re not alone. So, we will wait until we can give you a fully engaging theater experience.

We will stay dark until the experts tell us that it is safe, and our Governor tells us that we may reopen. In the meantime, we are working through and refining our

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plan (currently 52 pages) that will guide our reopening.

We have invested in electrostatic cleaners, plexiglass, touchless payment systems, sanitizer stations, and numerous other upgrades as a result of the Coronavirus.

The limited number of staff members who enter the doors of The Smith Center right now go through a protocol that includes taking of temperature, using sanitizers, and wearing masks. We will be forced to make tough decisions when we return. For example, we know that our regular patrons love their reusable cups (I call them adult sippy cups) that they can take home, wash and return to our bars for reuse. However, we are told that reusable cups will not be acceptable in terms of public health when we reopen. We will, of course, follow all direction from health authorities and at this point I fully expect that certain items like masks may still be required when we return. We have contingency plans for the bars, for ticket scanning, and for staggered entry if needed. The whole world is anxious to hear about vaccines and treatments, and I believe that our opening would certainly be helped by therapeutics and a vaccine.

Some theater professionals are even discussing the use of quick tests for staff and backstage folks, and maybe even audience members as well. I’m not sure that testing guests will be part of our reality, but it shows the level of detail that our industry is including in their evaluations and discussions. We will be ready when you are.

We continue to raise money every day. Even after all the cuts, we still have significant monthly expenses and

SMITH CENTER

we have no revenue coming in from ticket sales. As a non-profit organization, I am thankful for the number of Smith Center friends who have made financial contributions and have donated their unused tickets to our emergency fund. If you appreciate what The Smith Center has done for the community, I encourage you to contribute what you can. We will also continue to pursue legislative support. A number of Congressional Acts currently under consideration could help us greatly. I encourage you to show your support.

revenue hit during the COVID-19 pandemic. The RESTART Act intends to help smaller nonprofit businesses (less than 500 full time employees).

The Save Our Stages (SOS) Act, just introduced by Senators Cornyn (R-TX) and Klobuchar (D-MN), would create a $10 billion grant program for independent live venue operators. These grants offer at least six months of financial support, pay employees, and preserve this critical economic sector for our communities across the country. Our Congressional delegation is supportive, The RESTART ACT & SAVE OUR STAGES (SOS) and you can help by adding your name at www.

ACT are being considered as part of the next CARES Bill. SaveOurStages.com. It only takes a minute. All you do Both pieces of legislation have the potential of providing is type in your name and email address. The website significant financial support to the nonprofit arts & does the rest for you. cultural sector across our country.

Thank you all for your encouragement through the The RESTART Act, introduced by Senator Michael F. years. The Smith Center will return whenever it is Bennet (D-CO) and Senator Todd Young (R-IN) would deemed safe, and thanks to lessons learned during the create a new loan program, with some provisions around pandemic, I believe that we will be better than ever. loan forgiveness, that would provide funding to cover six months of payroll, benefits, and operating expenses Until we see you again in person, please stay safe. for organizations like ours that have taken a substantial

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HEALTHY HABITS AND MINDFULNESS IN THE TIME OF COVID-19 - BY ANDREW M CASH, M.D.

We have all seen the challenges our community has

faced these past several months. We have also heard stories from colleagues, family, and friends about depression, binging and other unhealthy habits.

Now, more than ever, might be time to reassess our lifestyle habits and explore the practice of mindfulness and meditation.

Eating in Moderation/Eat “Right” Eating “too little” might lead to low energy throughout your work and play in Vegas and in an extreme case malnutrition. Eating “too much” leads to post-meal lethargy, increased fat storage and wasted nutritional content. This cycle of increased weight, increased lethargy, decreased exercise and increased eating can potentially cascade out of control.

Protein, carbohydrates and fats should be involved in your diet. Many personal trainers and nutritionists that I have encountered indicate that a palm-sized portion of meat and a fist-sized portion of carbohydrates are reasonable. Decrease simple and complex sugars. Breads and processed grains notoriously wreak havoc on your nutritional system. Multiple meals throughout the day

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might be advantageous to the consumption of one large meal during the day. Keep in the mind the old adage that the most important meal of the day is breakfast. Energy consumption in the morning will provide energy output throughout the day.

Always check with your personal physician for recommendations and guidance before following any widely held beliefs about diet, any particular person’s specific recommendations, including this recommendation or fad diets.

Nutritional recommendations will be varied dependent on individuals and their medical composition.

Hydration Stay hydrated in Las Vegas, it is a desert after all! The World Health Organization outlines water consumption for hydration during activity and inactivity. Follow your physician’s guidelines prior to any abrupt changes in diet or hydration strategies.

You can always jazz up your “water” experience with lemon, ginger, peppermint, essential oils. There are lots of options out there for you to explore.

Fitness/The Great Outdoors Again, it is important to seek your personal physician’s recommendations prior to starting, adjusting or continuing your health routine. Activity increases overall energy, self-esteem, motivation and preferred phenotypic appearance.

Find a fitness routine that can be a healthy way of life and that you can maintain for the long run. Excessive exercise to rapidly modify weight, muscle mass or body composition could be medically dangerous.

There are so many options in our community! Cycling, yoga, weight training, kickboxing, circuit training, belly dancing -- you name it, Vegas has it. On top of that, we have the Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area and Mt. Charleston. There are world class rock climbing and hiking right in our own backyard. Consult alltrails.com for amazing adventures in Henderson, Boulder City and Lake Mead.

Remember that slow and steady wins the race.

Meditation/Mindfulness Last, but not the least, you might want to make room for meditation and mindfulness in your daily routine. It just takes a few minutes each morning to calm your mind, practice your breathing technique and disconnect from social media; OMG, disconnect from social media. If you start off with 5 minutes of meditation, try to repeat in the evening and incrementally increase it over time.

We are in this together, stay stronger than ever!!!

Andrew M Cash, MD is a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon who began practice in Las Vegas in 2006. Dr. Cash is the founder and director of the Desert Institute of Spine Care and the Minimally Invasive Center of Excellence (MICOE). He studied under Dr. Robert Watkins, a world-renowned spine surgeon who operated on countless professional, collegiate and Olympic athletes. Prior to his Spine Fellowship, Dr. Cash completed a five-year orthopedic surgery residency at the Atlanta Medical Center and received his medical degree from the prestigious University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

LAS VEGAS CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE

Field of Dream Cars Comes to Las Vegas – By Don Logay

By definition, Concours d’Elegance is a French term meaning a

“competition of Elegance” where prestigious vehicles are displayed and judged.

Today, there are 40 such annual Concours d’Elegance events in luxurious locations worldwide. The first of these takes place in Florida in February and March in Boca Raton and Amelia Island respectively. Then on to other prestigious cities and locations – all throughout North America and Europe, Australia and even Nairobi, Kenya – concluding at the Hilton Head Island Motoring Festival in South Carolina in November.

The latest addition to this prestigious line-up of worldwide concours events was the first inaugural Las Vegas Concours d’Elegance brought to this iconic venue last Fall in late October 2019.

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LAS VEGAS CONCOURS d’ELEGANCE The man behind it is Founder and Chairman, Stuart Sobek, an avid fan of vintage automotive excellence. “I’ve been attending the famous Pebble Beach concours for 32-years,” he notes, “and two years ago, while at the show, I thought ‘why don’t we have this in Vegas?’… We have ice hockey in the desert with the Golden Knights, the Raiders are coming to our new stadium, hmmm… and it began a two-year labor of love that I am proud to say is today’s reality.”

Sobek knew, in the automotive world, the Concours d’Elegance it is simply the crème de la crème of automobile shows that transcends basic motoring history and instead, elevates truly outstanding and amazing vehicles to a captivating art form. “So, I wanted to make ours equally good,” he adds, “and maybe even better.”

CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE A RICH HISTORY OF EXCELLENCE The first Concours d’Elegance came to America at the Pebble Beach Golf Links in Monterey, California in 1950 as part of a local road racing event. This very first Pebble Beach concours still continues to this day, as a prestigious $450 per person annual event considered the world’s premier celebration of automotive excellence.

Now celebrating its 70th year here in the United States, the true origins and rich history of these highly-anticipated annual events actually date back to Paris in the 17th century, where wealthy aristocrats paraded elegant carriages through city parks on weekends and holidays.

As carriages became horseless, and motorized vehicles gained in popularity, these gatherings became an impromptu showcase for the latest in automotive design, new technology and ultra-luxurious accoutrements.

The oldest of these early formalized events is the 1929 Concourso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Now in its 90th year, it still takes place annually on the shores of Lake Como in Italy.

THE CHALLENGE OF LEGACY Sobek and the Las Vegas concours team set out to ensure that their inaugural event would take its rightful place in the line-up of famed annual concours showings and competitions from around the world.

On Saturday, October 26, 2019 – a beautiful 80-degree signature Las Vegas day bathed in sunshine and under a clear blue sky – 2,500 people milled among the 130 automotive superstars displayed along the lush 18th fairway of the upscale DragonRidge Country Club.

The spectacular star of the show was the stunning black 1938 Phantom Corsair. A sleek futuristic and innovative one-of-a-kind prototype car designed by Rust Heinz. It boasted a powerful 125 hp V-8 engine on an 810 Cord chassis, seated six and could reach speeds up to 120 mph.

Other superstars were a 1935 Duesenberg JN once owned by famed tap dancer Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, a purple $12 million dollar 1938 Mercedes 540K Roadster, a red 1935 Auburn 851 Boat-Tail Speedster and Frank Sinatra’s 1961 Dual Ghia L.6.4 (adding a Vegas touch) to name but a few.

There was also an array of classic automotive works of art with names you never heard of... like the Steyer 220, the Isotta Fraschini BA SS and the sleek Talbot-Lago Grand Sport Coupe by Saoutchik – many of which are one-of-a-kind survivors.

“We had amazing cars from famous collections all over the world,” states Sobek. While spectacular cars, as always, were the stars of this first show...

Sobek and his team also added numerous personal touches that have become a hallmark of the Las Vegas Concours d’Elegance.

ART, BEAUTY AND INNOVATION One aspect was to create a memorable image to symbolize this event – and they began researching the history of automotive design. In doing so, they came across a unique woman named Helene Rother.

In 1943, Rother became the first female automotive designer at General Motors. Extremely talented and clearly ahead of her time, she designed upscale interiors for automobiles that set an industry standard for moderately-priced models that rivaled the best luxury cars of the day.

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CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE For many years, cars featuring her stylings boasted “interiors by Madame Helene Rother of Paris.”

The Sobek graphics team settled on Rother as the figurehead for the Las Vegas Concours d’Elegance. They first created a logo that captured her beauty and spirit and then extended her likeness to a beautiful gleaming “Helene Awards” statuette presented to winners of the LVCE Best-in-Show judging competitions.

An interesting result of Sobek’s creation of the Helene Awards for his show, is that it also brought Helene Rother into the spotlight within the automotive world. So much so, that this year she was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame – in Dearborn, Michigan – along with a small group of industry luminaries that included Jay Leno and the Chairman and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. Thanks to Sobek.

Another Sobek innovation that set the Las Vegas concours apart from all others, was the post-show parade of cars down the Las Vegas Boulevard Strip, on Sunday morning, October 27th. “No other city has such an iconic street to parade the cars,” he notes, “you won’t see that at any other venue in the world.”

A FIELD OF DREAM CARS The Second Annual Las Vegas Concours d’Elegance, scheduled for October of this year, was to be another ground-breaking event... starting with an exciting new venue.

Unlike decades of previous concours events worldwide, traditionally held on the lush green fairways of upscale golf courses, Sobek instead chose the new Las Vegas Ballpark in Summerlin for his second annual show. A daring choice destined to be another pace setting Sobek innovation.

However, like hundreds of other prestigious events scheduled for Las Vegas, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Second Annual Las Vegas Concours d’Elegance too has been rescheduled for next year – with a new date of October 22-24, 2021.

Still, Sobek and his team are already hard at work already lining up some of the most beautiful and rare automotive show-stoppers and signing up big name sponsors for next year’s event. As always, you can also expect an exciting array of special innovative touches that are now a hallmark of the new Las Vegas Concours d’Elegance.

“We’ll again have amazing cars... from famous collections all over the world... but that’s just the beginning,” states Sobek. “It will be the cultural event of 2021… to see and where to be seen... watch for it.”

For more information visit www.lasvegasconcours.com. __________________________________________________________ Don Logay is an award-winning journalist and former Editor-in-Chief of three national magazines. In addition to articles for numerous publications, he also writes tips for homeowners heard daily on hundreds of radio stations nationwide. Contact press@donlogay.com.

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LAS VEGAS THEN AND NOW THE BIG BOOMS OF TODAY’S VEGAS STRIP... IMPLOSIONS AND BUILDING

– By Don Logay

Vegas is a town pretty much like no other. It grew out of the scorching dry desert heat as a chance encounter by early explorer, John Charles Fremont, who was charting the wild West for the U.S. Government in the mid-1800’s. He camped one night by a spring the natives called Las Vegas (“The Meadows”) and he put it on his map of the area.

VEGAS THEN: THE 1960’s While other minor casinos, hotels and motels began to emerge in the shadow of El Rancho Vegas, it is the Flamingo Hotel and Casino in 1946 that is heralded as the real beginning of Vegas and the 4.2 miles of Las Vegas Boulevard’s neon-drenched Strip.

Sixty years later, it was a just a dusty water-stop for the San Pedro, Los Angeles and Salt Lake Railroad. Owner and East Coast financial tycoon, William Andrews Clark, keenly sensed opportunity and in 1905, subdivided the area around his train station into 1,200 lots, auctioned them off and officially founded Las Vegas as a city.

In the twenty years that followed, success as a mecca for gambling, entertainment and fine dining – with a salacious “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” reputation – saw many more flashy new casinos and resort hotels cropping up all along the fast emerging brightly-lit neon corridor.

In 1931, work began on Boulder Dam. Anticipating a potential windfall with thousands of workers coming into the area, the Nevada State Legislature, saw gambling as a “dam good idea” and legalized it.

In the mid-1960’s, standing in front of the now well-established Flamingo, one could look south and see a white structure off in the distance. It was the Tropicana (built in 1961), 1.5 miles away, anchoring the South end of the Strip – with little else in between.

While a number of early gaming pioneers gained fame and fortune in the 1930’s downtown, in 1938 – and again by chance – a littleknown event set in motion what is today’s world-famous Las Vegas Boulevard... also known as the “Strip.”

A businessman named Thomas E. Hull, was on his way to a meeting in downtown Las Vegas when his car broke down. Sitting on the side of the road on Highway 91, Hull noticed all the out-of-state license plates whizzing by. Sitting under a scorching sun, he thought, “this is a great location for a resort hotel and casino!”

In short order, Hull – who had built and managed a number of major hotels in Hollywood and throughout California – gathered some investors and purchased land at the southwest corner of what is now Las Vegas Boulevard and Sahara Avenue. In 1941, they built and opened the flashy El Rancho Vegas Hotel and Casino – the first (but not last) major resort on the Las Vegas Strip.

In the other direction, 2.7 miles to the North, the Sahara (built in 1952) anchored the other end of the Strip – located across the street from an empty lot where the original El Rancho Vegas once stood that burned down in 1960. The Sahara was also well-established, and together with the Flamingo, these two big early casino/hotels bookended – and paved the way – for rapid growth and dozens more iconic locations.

Driving down Strip in the late 1960’s, one passed famous names like the Desert Inn (built in 1950), Sands (1952), Dunes (1955), Riviera (1955), Hacienda (1956), Stardust (1958), Aladdin and Caesars Palace (both built in 1966) and Circus Circus (1968)... to name but a few.

But like the winds that continually reshape the desert landscape, the sands of time take their toll... and one by one, great change came to these iconic locations... and a new and even more exciting “Entertainment Capital of the World” began to emerge where these legendary names once stood.

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TWO BOOMS: IMPLOSIONS AND BUILDING In the decades that followed a number of Mega-High Rollers were drawn to Las Vegas.

While names like Benny Binion of Horseshoe Casino fame symbolized the growth and success of Downtown and Fremont Street, others came and focused on mining the riches to be found on Las Vegas Boulevard.

Howard Hughes came to Las Vegas in 1966 – and like a real life game of Monopoly – soon bought the Desert Inn, Castaways, New Frontier, the Landmark Hotel and the Sands. Other high rollers came as well... like Kirk Kerkorian, known as the “Father of Mega-Resorts” – who ushered in trend-setting lavish concepts like Caesars Palace and the MGM Grand – and a young newcomer from the East Coast, named Steve Wynn.

Wynn envisioned a new level of multi-million and billion-dollar world class super-resorts on the Strip. He began purchasing famous aging properties and was the first to introduce “implosions” as the latest form of entertainment on Las Vegas Boulevard.

By definition, implosions are the 180-degree opposite of “explosions” whereby charges are strategically placed so as to cause a structure to violently collapse inward.

On October 27, 1993, the famous Dunes Hotel and Casino was imploded with great fanfare. In its place, Wynn built the spectacular Bellagio. Its opening in 1998 alone cost a reported $88 million and Wynn’s centrally-located Strip-centric implosion of the iconic Dunes set in motion a trend of “out with the old and in with the new” that exists to this day.

Next to go was the Landmark Hotel and Casino located just one block off the Strip – on Paradise Road across from the Las Vegas Convention Center. Originally owned by Howard Hughes, and after changing hands numerous times, it was imploded in 1995 and today is the site of a vast expansion to host some of the largest trade shows in the world.

One year later, the Sands – once home of the famed Rat Pack – was imploded on November 26, 1996 to make way for the luxurious Venetian.

That same year, the Hacienda on the South end of the Strip – near the famed “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign – was imploded on New Years Eve 1977 to make way for today’s Mandalay Bay. Two years later, the original Aladdin – where Elvis got married – was imploded in April 1998. Two years later it reopened as a “bigger and better” new Aladdin that lingered until 2007, when it was renovated and reopened as Planet Hollywood.

In 2000, at the North end of the Strip, the old Thunderbird (later renamed El Rancho to honor the original El Rancho that burned down across the street) was imploded with fanfare and 700 pounds of explosives to make way for Turnberry Towers condominiums and the “never quite completed” Fontainebleau (now again under construction and slated to open next year as The Drew).

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STEVE WYNN STRIKES AGAIN In addition to building the twin Mirage and Treasure Island locations (1989 and 1993 respectively), Wynn purchased the aging Desert Inn across the street on its 50th anniversary for $275 million and later proceeded to implode it in two stages – 2001 and 2004 – for his new Wynn Las Vegas. The Encore was added next door in 2008.

In 2006, Bourbon Street was imploded for a Harrah’s property and further south on the Strip, the long-closed Boardwalk Casino was imploded on May 9th to prepare for the massive $7 billion MGM City Center hotels, condominiums and entertainment venues.

The next iconic hotel/casino slated for implosion was the famed Stardust. On March 13, 2007, the once heavily mob-operated location was wired with 428 pounds of dynamite and the 32-story structure was brought down to make way for the Echelon Place that never materialized. Today, it is the construction site of the massive Resorts World Mega-Hotel and Casino scheduled to open in 2021.

On November 13, 2007, the New Frontier (second built on the strip in 1941) was also reduced to rubble. While many plans for this location have come and gone over the years, the Trump International Hotel was built on a portion of this land in 2008 with the remainder currently owned by Wynn Resorts for possible future expansion.

In 2016, the most recent of the iconic resorts brought down with explosives, was the famed Riviera – in two separate implosions on June 14th and August 16th – to also make way for the huge Las Vegas Convention Center expansion.

VEGAS NOW: A WORK IN PROGRESS Driving today’s glittering Strip, we only see the amazing array of brilliant marquees and towering replicas of the famous wonders of the world. Only in Vegas can one find an Egyptian Pyramid, the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty and Eiffel Tower... all in one 4.2 mile stretch of neon-drenched wall-to-wall spectacular Hotels and Casinos.

And while we have all heard iconic names of the past... like the Sands, Dunes and Desert Inn... few know exactly where they were, when they disappeared and what is in their place today.

The next time you drive down Las Vegas Boulevard, cast an eye to the Bellagio, Venetian and Wynn, knowing they are the amazing recipients of incredible stories of days gone by... and the twelve spectacular implosions that brought multi-billion dollar mega-resorts to Las Vegas.

Next? __________________________________________________________ Don Logay is an award-winning journalist and former Editor-in-Chief of three national magazines. In addition to articles for numerous publications, he also writes tips for homeowners heard daily on hundreds of radio stations nationwide. Contact press@donlogay.com.

Las Vegas Redevelopment History Year Then Now 1993 Dunes Bellagio 1995 Landmark LVCC Expansion 1996 Sands Venetian 1997 Hacienda Mandalay Bay 1998 Aladdin Planet Hollywood 2000 Thunderbird Fontainebleau 2001 Desert Inn Wynn Las Vegas 2006 Bourbon Street Harrah’s Property 2006 Boardwalk MGM City Center 2007 Stardust Resorts World 2007 New Frontier Trump International 2016 Riviera LVCC Expansion

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Mott 32

Virtual Six HandsTasting Menu In celebration of International Chefs Day, Oct. 20, 2020, the Executive Chefs of three of Mott 32’s international destinations – Hong

Kong, Las Vegas and Singapore – will come together for a virtual “Six Hands Tasting Menu”. The menu will be available at each location for a limited time only from Oct 17 – 19.

This is the second iteration of a Mott 32 Global Six Hands dinner – with the first taking place at Mott 32 Las Vegas in 2019, where all three Executive Chefs prepared the meal together. The noticeable difference this time is that all three chefs will not physically be in the same kitchen, due to the limitations of international travel in 2020. Despite not being able to fly to one another, the three locations will still be unified to offer guests an international taste of Mott 32.

Chef Man Sing Lee (Group Executive Chef, Mott 32 Global/Hong Kong), Chef Alan Ji (Executive Chef, Mott 32 Las Vegas) and Chef Wai Keung Chan (Executive Chef, Mott 32 Singapore) have curated a set menu of complementary dishes, highlighting the best of each location. The menu is inspired by the international story of Mott 32 and the diversity of Chinese cuisine.

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“Six Hands Tasting Menu” includes: Signature Dim Sum Trio Scallop Siu Mai with Caviar, South Australian Lobster Har Gow, Yunnan Ham, Wild Mushroom, Vegetable Spring Roll Chef Wing Chin Fu (Head Dim Sum Chef, Mott 32 Global/Hong Kong) Wok Fried Black Cod, Crispy Garlic, Dried Chili Chef Man Sing Lee (Group Executive Chef, Mott 32 Global/Hong Kong) Braised Beef Short Ribs, Chinese Spices, Chinese Yellow Wine Chef Alan Ji (Executive Chef, Mott 32 Las Vegas Singapore Style Fried Rice Noodle, Cereal Prawn Chef Wai Keung Chan (Executive Chef, Mott 32 Singapore) Stir Fried Pea Sprout, Diced Preserved Pork Chef Man Sing Lee (Group Executive Chef, Mott 32 Global/Hong Kong) Almond Cream Soup, Egg White Marshmallow Lotus Seed Paste Puff, Red Bean Curd Chef Wing Chin Fu (Head Dim Sum Chef, Mott 32 Global/Hong Kong) The Mott 32 Global Six Hands Tasting Menu is $98 per person, and available from Oct. 17 – October 19, 2020.

Mott 32, located off the casino floor of The Palazzo tower of The Venetian Resort, is open Thursday – Monday from 5 – 10 p.m. daily and the bar and lounge at open at 4 p.m. For more information and to make reservations, visit mott32.com/lasvegas, email Reservations.LV@mott32.com, or call 702-607-3232.

HUMOR

HUMOR