Nevada's Online State News Journal
 
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A Note from the Publisher:  To help readers find individual issues in our growing archive, we've highlighted those published on the 15th of each month with a different colored background.

June 15, 2005
Breaking News
June 15, 2005

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From The US Congress
Senate Appropriations Committee Report Recommends $64 Million Less Than President Requested For Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Disposal Project; No Money For Interim Nuclear Storage
Press Release
Rep. Porter's Subcommittee To Subpoena USGS Employee Named In Fraudulent Document Scandal
House Panel to Subpoena Yucca Mtn. Worker (Article from The Guardian [UK])

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A Tale Of Two Cities
Latest In San Diego-Las Vegas Political Corruption Case
San Diego Union-Tribune Coverage

"I gave him an envelope with $10,000 cash," Galardi said. "I told him to hand it out to the councilmen."

Strip club owner told lobbyist to give cash to three S.D. councilmen

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From The Office Of The Governor
Gov. Guinn Vetoes Legislative Bill Prohibiting "Customer Steering" Payoffs To Taxicab Drivers By Strip Clubs, Others

"Taxicab drivers contribute greatly to the economy of this state. I cannot support Section 133 of AB 505 because it singles out and hurts the financial well-being of taxicab drivers."

Press Release

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Governor Appoints Michael Wixom To University System Board Of Regents
Press Release

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From The US Securities & Exchange Commission
Details Of The Harrah's-Caesar's Merger Released
SEC Documents On Harrah's Entertainment, Inc.
SEC Documents On Caesar's Entertainment, Inc.

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From The US Department Of Agriculture
Secretary Of Agriculture Addresses Western Governors' Conference
Transcript of Address

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DOA Announces $16.3 Million In Business Development Fund For Rural America Grants
Press Release

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June 16, 2005

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Latest On Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project
Officials, Corporate Interests Meet To Plan Caliente & Yucca Mountain High Volume Radioactive Waste Railroad Line
Yucca officials meet in Pahrump for railroad talk (Pahrump Valley Times article)

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From The US Congress
Sen. Reid Announces $45 Million In Department Of Energy Funds Allocated For Renewable Energy Projects In Nevada
Press Release
The Benefited Projects:
  • National Center on Energy Management and Building Technologies $5,000,000
  • Solar production of hydrogen (UNLV) $4,000,000
  • Hydrogen fuel cell R & D (UNLV) $4,000,000
  • Geothermal and Renewable Energy Laboratory of Nevada (UNR) $1,300,000
  • Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Energy Project $500,000
  • Southwest photovoltaic experiment stations $1,000,000
  • NREL-West (Nevada renewable competition funding) $4,000,000
  • Biofuels development (UNLV) $4,000,000
  • Hydrogen fuel cell bus project (Washoe RTC) $3,000,000
  • Southern Nevada Alternative Fuels Demonstration Project (Las Vegas) $500,000
  • Renewable hydrogen refueling station system (UNLV) $4,000,000
  • Photoelectric chemical production of hydrogen (UNLV) $3,000,000
  • Photoelectrochemical production of hydrogen (UNR) $5,000,000
  • Photonics research for hybrid solar lighting (UNLV) $3,000,000
  • PowerJet Wind Turbine project (PowerJet) $250,000
  • Gerlach Green Energy Project $500,000

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A Tale Of Two Cities
Latest In San Diego-Las Vegas Political Corruption Case
San Diego Union-Tribune Coverage
Defense questions strip club owner in City corruption trial
Defense tries to discredit Galardi: Questioning targets club owner's wealth
Strip club owner says cash given directly to councilmen

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From Clark County
Don't Hold Your Breath
In Wake Of Gov. Guinn's AB 505 Veto, County Postpones Enforcement Of Ordinances Prohibiting Strip Club Payoffs To Taxicab Drivers
Commission To Wait Until Taxicab Authority Coordinates Comprehensive Policy For Local Governments
Press Release

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County Officials To Re-Prioritize Spending On Homeless -- Regional Plan Expected In Autumn
Press Release

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From Nye County
County Commissioners, Town Board Declare State Of Emergency In Pahrump Valley Due To Fire Danger
State of Emergency (Pahrump Valley Times article)
Town Board Also Declares Emergency (Pahrump Valley Times article)

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From Washoe County
Incline Village Water Quality Improvement Gets American Public Works Association "Project Of The Year" Award
Press Release

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Commission Approves $607,000 In Homeless Relief Spending
 Press Release

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From Las Vegas
Las Vegas Sun Eclipsed In 35 Year Operating Agreement With Las Vegas Review-Journal
Las Vegas Sun to rise with morning R-J: Sinking circulation for afternoon paper drives publications to change operating agreement (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

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From The Attorney General's Office
Nevada’s State Extradition Coordinator Receives Award From National Association of Extradition Officials
Press Release

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June 17, 2005

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From California
San Francisco Board Of Supervisors Pass Resolution Opposing Proposed Gerlach Coal-Burning Power Plant
 California PUC Ruling, Gov. Schwarzenegger's Call For Reduction In Carbon Dioxide Pollution Levels Leaves Future Of Project In Doubt
Plan for more coal energy in Nevada runs into Calif. opposition (San Francisco Chronicle article)

"Thousands of San Franciscans understand the beauty of Black Rock desert, and it's our responsibility to voice our opposition to the plant."

SF supervisors oppose Nevada coal plant (San Francisco Chronicle article)

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From The Black Rock Desert
Wake Up And Smell The Alkali -- Burning Man To Turn 20; Volunteers Already At Work Preparing The Playascape
BURNING MAN AT 20:  WORKING FOR THE MAN -- 'Desert rats' transform desolate playa into festival city -- then back from wild land to badlands without a trace (San Francisco Chronicle article)

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From The National Highway Traffic Safety Association
Speed Kills
Nevada No. 10 In Speed-Related Highway Fatalities, According To New Study
Analysis of Speeding-Related Fatal Motor Vehicle Traffic Crashes (See pages 29-33)
National Highway Traffic Safety Association National Center For Statistics And Analysis

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From The US Congress
Sen. Reid Announces Hearing to Defend Nevada Military Installations -- Attempt To Save Hawthorne Army Depot And Reduce Cutbacks In Nevada Air National Guard
Press Release

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A Tale Of Two Cities
Latest In San Diego-Las Vegas Political Corruption Case
San Diego Union-Tribune Coverage

"'I'm going to get these (councilmen) to do what I want and I'm going to get something done.'"
Strip club owner recalls sending cash to San Diego councilmen

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From Douglas County
Land Developers Who Sought To Triple Housing Density On Proposed Clear Creek Project Praise State Agencies For Their Assistance; Ask For More Time
Clear Creek developer seeks delay (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

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From Lyon County
Polluted, Abandoned Anaconda Copper Mine Worries Yerington Residents
Mine security among local residents’ top concerns (Mason Valley News article)

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From The Attorney General's Office
Attorney General Gives Recognition To Fathers Who Meet Their Parental Obligations And Duties
Press Release

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June 18, 2005

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Nevada And The War In  Iraq
State Grieves Over Deaths Of Nevadans In Iraq Insurgency -- 3 Killed In Less Than A Week
Statement of Sen. Ensign
Statement of Rep. Gibbons
Statement of Gov. Guinn
Statement of Gov. Guinn
Statement of Gov. Guinn

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Sen. Ensign Attacks Fellow US Senator For Remarks About Treatment Of Detained Prisoners At Guantanamo Bay
Press Release

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From The US Congress

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Senate Appropriations Committee Recommends FY 2006 Water & Power Legislation With $338 Million To Be Spent In Nevada -- Up From $220 Million This Year
Press Release
Overview Of Appropriations For Nevada
  • US Army Corps of Engineers Projects $67.2 Million
  • US Bureau of Reclamation Projects $48.3 Million
  • Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Projects $47.5 Million
  • Office of Science Projects $8.5 Million
  • Nuclear Energy Research & Development Projects $14.7 Million
  • Nuclear Waste Disposal Projects $12.5 Million
  • Weapons Activities and Improvements at Nevada Test Site $106.7 Million
  • Defense Nuclear Non-Proliferation Projects $2.5 Million
  • Other Defense Activity Projects $5 Million
  • Environmental Management Projects $21 Million

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Reps. Gibbons, Berkley, And Porter Call On Military Base Closings Commission to Visit Hawthorne: Visit To Show Reasons To Keep Depot Open
Press Release

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Lawmakers Draw Attention to Real World Costs Associated with Federal Lands -- Loss Of Local Tax Revenues A Big Problem
Press Release

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Rep. Gibbons Boosts Funding to Help Keep Nevadans Safe: Law Enforcement funding will support COPS Program; Fight methamphetamine abuse
Press Release

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From The Office Of The Governor
Silver State Leads The Nation In Job Growth - Gov. Guinn Hails Nevada's Employment and Unemployment Rates
Press Release

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A Tale Of Two Cities
Latest In San Diego-Las Vegas Political Corruption Case
San Diego Union-Tribune Coverage
Galardi answers questions about memory lapses
Galardi questioned on memory lapses; club owner admits he didn't see money handed off

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June 19, 2005

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The State Press Looks At The Late Legislature
Nevadans Still Assessing The Damage
Plans For White Pine's New Courthouse Fall Through In State Legislature -- Assembly Ways & Means Committee Wouldn't Even Schedule Hearing
Legislative effort to fund White Pine Courthouse fails (Ely Times article)

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Legislature Did Spend Money For New Ely Youth Jail, Though -- Other Legislative Hits, Misses For White Pine Communities Reviewed
Juvenile center funding passes (Ely Times article)

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Nye County Columnist Takes Plain View Of Problem
Surplus is a fancy word for gouging the taxpayers (Pahrump Valley Times article)

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Carson Columnist Reviews Lawmakers' Wildlife Bills (No, Not That Kind)
Here's the status of some selected wildlife bills from the 2005 Legislature (Nevada Appeal article)

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From Douglas County
Pitiful
Nevada's Oldest Settlement Won't Power Its Own Heritage: Enforcing Bureaucratic Deadline Paramount Priority For Benighted Genoa Town Board
 Town denies museum funding (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
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Successful Teaching Helps Students Shine
Douglas students outscore nation (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

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From Elko County
Wrecked Bridges Isolate Rural Community; Commissioners Argue About Whether To Work With US Forest Service To Rebuild Access
Bridging the Gap: Forest Service speeds up Jarbidge plan (Elko News article)

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From White Pine County
Steptoe Valley Flyer Steams Out Amidst Music, Art, Poetry And Song -- Ride On Ghost Train To Haunt Memories Of Tourists, Locals
Long Steel Rails Festival at NNRy (Ely Times article)

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June 20, 2005

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From Clark County
"It's Not That We Don't Trust You"
Clark County, Cities Of Henderson, Las Vegas, And North Las Vegas Installing GPS Devices On Government Vehicles
High-Tech Tracking of Vehicles Grows (Las Vegas Business Press article)

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From South And Central Nevada
Six Counties Consider Forming Central Nevada Regional Water Authority -- SNWA's Massive Applications For Pumping Permits In Lincoln, Nye and White Pine Seen As "600-Lb. Gorilla In Living Room"
White Pine to join five rural counties in new water authority (Ely Times article)

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From Douglas County
Dragonflies And Flowers Abound In Natural Denitrification System
Manufactured wetlands use plants to remove nitrates (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

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Returns On Property Tax Verification Cards In Douglas County About 75%
Response to property tax verification cards good (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

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From Elko County
Access To Old Mining Camp May Be Restored By October
Jarbidge to get two-lane bridge (Elko Free Press article)

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From Nye County
Local Officials Don't Get A Cut Of Skin Revenue
Brothel ban repeal goes down in flames (Pahrump Valley Times article)

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Many Nye County Residents Still Haven't Gotten Property Tax Verification Cards
Assessor: Don't panic over cards (Pahrump Valley Times article)

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From White Pine County
McGill Power Plant Plans To Sell Electricity Primarily To Nevadans
California crackdown on coal-fired energy won't effect proposed White Pine power plant (Ely Times article)

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Looking Back On The Late Legislature
Sagging, Cracking State Building Ignored In Legislative Spending Spree
Kinkead Building worst building state ever built: Last-minute legislation canceled replacement (Nevada Appeal article)

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Heavy Growth Of Taxes And Spending
Nevada must learn to control its purse (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza column; Part 2)
Feeding at the taxpayer trough (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza column; Part 1)

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Refusal To Reform Systemic Abuse

"You know, my evaluation is that there was a lot of rhetoric and not a lot of substance," he said. "I think we have a good ethics law that's pretty clear. I think there were a lot of things proposed that were not necessary."

Ethics reform effort falls flat (Pahrump Valley Times column)

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Credit Where Credit Is Due
Legislature reveals Raggio remains in charge: After contentious 2003 session, senator recovers to guide GOP agenda (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

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Survey Of The Best And Worst Performances
GRADING THE LEGISLATORS: Buckley, Raggio top rankings; Angle, Tiffany voted worst members of Assembly, Senate (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

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June 21, 2005

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From The State Legislature
Nevada's Brand New Laws
Bills Signed By The Governor

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From Clark County
County Holds Southern Nevada Gang Seminar For Public Awareness, Action
Southern Nevada Gangs Under Spotlight Monday, Tuesday at Symposium

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From Las Vegas
Interesting Concept
The Las Vegas Citizens' Leadership Academy -- Where Government Chooses The Citizens' Leadership
City Of Las Vegas Announces The 2005 Citizen’s Academy: A Behind The Scenes Look At Government Services

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From North Las Vegas
2005-2006 City Budget Now Available Online
City Government Adopted Budget

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Capital Improvement Plan For FY 2005-2010 Also Available
City Government Capital Improvement Plan FY 2005-2010

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City Government Advice To Citizens On Police Stops

"What to Do If Stopped by the Police: Your Informational Guide Rights and Responsibilities" Brochure

¿Qué Haogo Si Me Para La Policía?

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From The Truckee Meadows Water Authority
After Legislature Orders Audit And Investigation Of Rates, TMWA Opens Web Page To Present Its Case To The Public
"Setting The Record Straight"

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From The US Congress
Senate Appropriations Committee Approves $4 Million In Funding For Hazmat Emergency Response Operations and Information Center (HEROIC) In Southern Nevada
Press Release

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June 22, 2005

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From The US Department Of Defense
Nevada Home To Nation's Newest Air Force Base
Gibbons Celebrates Creech Air Force Base, Hails $85 Million Funding for Predator Program and Troops
Creech Air Force Base
General Wilbur L. "Bill" Creech

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Latest On Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project
Nevada's Latest Move In Ongoing Federal Appeals Court Battle -- Challenges DOE's Yucca Mountain Transportation And Rail Corridor Decision
State of Nevada Reply Brief

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From The US Congress
Witness Testifies To Difficulties Tracking Smuggled Nuclear Materials
Testimony of Gene Aloise -- Combating Nuclear Smuggling: Efforts to Deploy Radiation Detection Equipment in the United States and in Other Countries

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Senate Appropriations Committee Approves More Money For Nevada Law Enforcement
Sens. Reid, Ensign Announce More Than $1 Million For Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program

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A Tale Of Two Cities
Latest In San Diego-Las Vegas Political Corruption Case
San Diego Union-Tribune Coverage
Councilmen's trial: Inzunza pressed to bring up 'no-touch' changes
Witnesses' credibility, tapes may make case: Strip club owner's testimony was crucial, legal experts say

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From North Las Vegas
Yeah, It Looks Wrong To Have Created That Government Job For Her -- But It's Not Improper
Chief defends hiring NLV councilwoman's daughter: Intern's mom has control over police budget (Las Vegas Sun article)
NLV hires Buck's daughter as intern: Officials say hiring of councilwoman's relative not improper (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
All in the family (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

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From The Sierra Nevada Alliance
New Report Says Development Boom In Mountain Communities Will Bring Problems
Planning for the Future: A Sierra Nevada Land Use Index
Sierra Nevada Alliance

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From The US Department Of Agriculture
USDA Program For $14.3 Million National Identification System For Animals
Press Release

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From The US Department Of The Interior
Environmental Study Supports Wind Energy Development on Public Lands -- Including Nevada
Press Release
Wind Energy Development Programmatic EIS Information Center

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From The US Bureau Of Land Management
BLM Publishes Final Environmental Impact Study on Changes to Grazing Regulations
Notice And Study

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From The US Bureau Of Reclamation
Reclamation Seeks Public Comment on Development of Management Strategies for Lake Powell and Lake Mead
Announcement And Details

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From The Federal Elections Commission
Feds Seek To Regulate Campaign Practices On The Net
Public Hearing on Internet Communications/Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

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June 23, 2005

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On Nevada's Nuclear Future
From The President Of The United States
 President Discusses Energy Policy, Economic Security

 "Nuclear power is one of America's safest sources of energy. People out here practice a lot of safety, they're good at it. You've got nuclear engineers and experts that spend a lot of time maintaining a safe environment. Just ask the people that work here. You wouldn't be coming here if it wasn't safe, I suspect. (Laughter.)"

 Transcript of the President's Remarks

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Question For TNO Readers:  Why Don't Clean Alternative Energy Sources Get The Same Kind Of Government Subsidies As The Nuclear Power Industry?

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From The Union Of Concerned Scientists
Group Expresses Concern Over Proposed Energy Bill
Provision in Energy Bill Would Weaken Controls on Nuclear Bomb Material

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From The State Of Utah
Utah Fears Skull Valley Nuclear Waste Temporary Storage Will Become Permanent; NRC Rejects State's Argument
NRC rejects another state argument against nukes (Provo Herald article)

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From The Office Of The Governor
 New Figures On The Monthly Tax Haul
Nevada Sales Up 10.6 Percent; Sales Tax Revenues Up 14.68 Percent For April 2005 Over Last Year
Press Release

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A Tale Of Two Cities
Latest In San Diego-Las Vegas Political Corruption Case
San Diego Union-Tribune Coverage
Vice detective who posed as corrupt cop testifies at councilmen's trial
Prosecutors may rest scandal case today: Strip club manager won't testify at this time

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From The Office Of The Attorney General
Man Sentenced To 8 Years In Prison For Insurance Fraud
Press Release

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From The State Press
Why Coddle Business Thieves? -- An Excellent Column
White collar; blue future (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

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From The US Ninth Circuit Court Of Appeals
Court Allows Defendants To Challenge Government Claims Of Necessity For Wiretaps
United States v. Gonzales

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From Washoe County
New Public Defender Selected To Represent The Indigent Accused
 Press Release

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County Adopts New Equal Employment Opportunity Plan To Diversify Work Force
Press Release

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Washoe County Manager Elected Head Of National Government Managers Group
Press Release (Washoe County)
Press Release (The Innovation Groups)

"a continuing vision and quest to provide governmental excellence to citizens"

The Innovation Groups
How About This "Innovation": Join The Ranks Of Responsible Nevada Local Governments And Publish The Washoe County Budget

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June 24, 2005

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From The US Supreme Court
Court: Government Can Take Private Property For "Public Use" And "Public Use" Includes Private Interests
Connecticut Residents' Homes Seized; To Be Bulldozed For Corporate Office Development Project Which Would Pay More Taxes
Home Not Your "Castle" Anymore

". . . nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation." -- US Constitution, Fifth Amendment

"This 'Court long ago rejected any literal requirement that condemned property be put into use for the general public.'" -- (See p. 10 of decision)

Kelso v. City of New London
Rep. Gibbons Joins with Western Leaders in Denouncing Supreme Court Decision Undercutting Property Rights

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From The Education Trust
Public Interest Report Scores Nevada, Other States For Playing Games With Education Statistics
From The Report::
Nevada's Graduation Rate Goals Appear To Be Set Artificially Low, For Easy Achievement
  • Nevada's Graduation Rate Goals Are Set Lower Than The Reported Graduation Rate For 2002-2003
Double-Digit Discrepancies Between Nevada Figures And Cumulative Promotion Index (CPI) Rankings
No Nevada Statistics For Graduation Rates Of:
  •      Low-Income Students
  •      Disabled Students
  •      Students With Limited-English Language Skills
Report Says Nevada Education Officials Failed To Respond To Inquiries About Their Statistics
The Education Trust Press Release
Getting Honest About Grad Rates: How States Play the Numbers and Students Lose (See charts on pages 3, 5, 7, 11, 13-15)
The Education Trust

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From The Federal Bureau Of Investigation
A Statement To The Public
 CRACKING DOWN ON PUBLIC CORRUPTION: Why We Take It So Seriously...and Why It Matters To You

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A Tale Of Two Cities
Latest In San Diego-Las Vegas Political Corruption Case
San Diego Union-Tribune Coverage
Prosecution rests in corruption trial of two San Diego councilmen
Prosecution is expected to conclude its case today: Defense attorneys say their turn will take about 2 weeks

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From The US Ninth Circuit Court Of Appeals
Appeals Court Reinstates Whistleblower's Federal Lawsuit Alleging Abusive Practices In Washoe County District Attorney's Office
Botello v. Gammick, et al.

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From The US Congress
Sen. Ensign Introduces Bill To Break Up US Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
Press Release

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From The Neon Empire
Be Afraid.  Be Very Afraid.
Treasure Island Management's "Carnie" Mentality Costs Casino Worker His Job

The Hotel-Casino has "a long-standing policy in our company and our industry to fiercely protect the privacy of our guests and customers and to not release any information whether that information is real or imagined." -- Except, Of Course, For Federal Authorities

Pit boss who reported he saw runaway bride fired (Las Vegas Sun article)

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You Win Some And You Lose Some
From The US Department Of The Interior
State And Local Governments To Get More Under Federal Payments In Lieu Of Taxes (PILT) Program -- $13.7 Million For Nevada
Press Release

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From The US Fish & Wildlife Service
$18 Million In Wetlands Funding; Nothing For Nevada
Norton Announces Funding for Wetlands Projects, Additions to National Wildlife Refuges

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Our Water -- You Can Taste the Refinement
From The US Geological Survey
 Parking-Lot Sealcoat: A Major Source of PAHs in Urban and Suburban Environments

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From The US General Accountability Office
Can't Afford Bottled Water? -- In Southern Nevada, Get A Boost From Tincture Of Rocket Fuel
USGAO Report -- Perchlorate: A System To Track Sampling And Cleanup Results Is Needed
Highlights
Full Report

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From The US Census Bureau
New Reports: The Hidden Economy -- Non-Cash Benefits And The Invisible Poor
Alternative Income Estimates In The United States: 2003
Alternative Poverty Estimates In The United States: 2003

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June 25, 2005

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From The National Education Association
Teachers' Salaries Stagnant; Nevada Salaries Rank 26th In Nation, Says New Report
NEA Study Reveals Teacher Salaries Stagnant for Last Decade: Schools Struggle To Find and Keep Well-Qualified Teachers
Rankings & Estimates: Rankings of the States 2004 and Estimates of School Statistics 2005
National Education Association

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Nevada Leaders Ask BRAC Commission To Reconsider Hawthorne Ammunition Depot Closing, Reno Air Guard Realignment
Statement of Sen. John Ensign
Statement of Rep. Jim Gibbons
Statement of Gov. Kenny Guinn

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From The US Congress

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Sen. Reid Works To Get New Buses For Rural Nevada Schools
Press Release

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Sen. Ensign Request For Improved Handicapped Access Granted
Press Release

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Nevada To Get $13.7 Million In PILT Funds (Payments In Lieu Of Taxes); Rep. Gibbons Reiterates Need For Feds To Fully Fund  Program  
Press Release
Rep. Gibbons Votes Against Cutting Education Funding
Press Release

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From The Nevada Supreme Court
Statements Made To Police Are Protected By Qualified Privilege -- Must Be Made In Good Faith
Pope v. Motel 6
Citizens Can Challenge Commission Findings;  Nevada Ethics Statutes Don't Apply To Advisory Committees
Hantges v. City of Henderson
False Imprisonment Charge Requires Factual Basis Independent Of Other Charged Crimes
Garcia v. State
Child Pornography Statute Did Not Authorize Multiple Convictions For A Single Act
Wilson v. State
Two Different Methods Exist For Enforcing Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Problems: Due Process Hearing And Complaint Review Procedure
Gumm v. State Department Of Education

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A Tale Of Two Cities
Latest In San Diego-Las Vegas Political Corruption Case
San Diego Union-Tribune Coverage
Defense to start calling its witnesses: Judge expected to rule on motion for acquittal

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June 26, 2005

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From Churchill County
Churchill County Gets A New School Superintendent
School board selects Ross as superintendent  (Lahontan Valley News article)
School board makes changes in contract (Lahontan Valley News article)

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Paiute-Shoshone Community Alarmed At Increasing Drug Use
Fallon tribe plans meth task force following educational forum (Lahontan Valley News article)

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From Elko County
Utility Rates Increase
Carlin: City Raises Utility Rates (Elko Free Press article)

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From Lyon County
County Commission's Last Written Evaluation Of County Managers Was In 1990

“We need to develop a process.”

Lyon Board says no manager evaluation process exists (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

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 Commissioners Decide To Skip Business Impact Statement On New Residential Construction Tax
Lyon says construction tax doesn’t require (Mason Valley News article)

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Planning Commission Requires Owner To Add Improvements Costing More Than The Property Was Worth

"requirements appear to create a fully improved roadway in the middle of a dirt road system."

Lyon PlanCom urged to follow established codes (Mason Valley News article)

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Brain Fever Potential On Walker River
St. Louis encephalitis found in Wilson Canyon mosquito (Mason Valley News article)

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From Mineral County
State Senator Thinks Presentation Against Closing Ammunition Depot Went Well
BRAC officials may hold hearing in Hawthorne (Lahontan Valley News article)

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From White Pine County
County Financial Crisis Continues
State may take over county finances (Ely Times article)

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No Helping Hand From Las Vegas
Las Vegas reneges on free trucks for EVFD (Ely Times article)

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Memories Of Better Times
At the Throttle - More Good Old Days on the NNRy line (Ely Times article)

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More On The Acts Of The Late Legislature
The Millennium Scholarship Program
Investment in the future or birth of an entitlement? (Fallon Star Press column)

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A Tale Of Two Cities
Latest In San Diego-Las Vegas Political Corruption Case
San Diego Union-Tribune Coverage
Lewis' widow says she didn't see him take cash: She disputes strip club owner's claims as defense opens its case

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June 27, 2005

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Recent News From Nevada's $kindustry

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Flesh And Fantasy
The Life: Inside the brothel, days and nights are an unusual mix of strict rules, camaraderie, and sex for money (Las Vegas Weekly article)

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What's In A Name?
Brothel won’t open under Mustang name (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Nevada Brothel Girls News Articles
More Mustang Ranch Name News From The Nevada Brothel Girls Forum
Gilman Duped By Government (Nevada Brothel Girls Forum Thread)

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 Proposed Investigation Of Bill To Prohibit Strip Club Payoffs To Taxi Drivers Passed Off To Attorney General's Office By Gov. Guinn
The Only "Backroom Deal" For Which An Investigation Was Requested; Other Allegations Apparently Regarded As Legislative Prerogative
Anyone For Golf?
Guinn says AG will handle cabbies' request for an investigation (Las Vegas Sun article)

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City Of Henderson's Revocation Of Business License Of Massage Parlor, Cited For Prostitution, Ruled Unconstitutional By Clark County District Judge

City Folds; Withdraws Proposed Ordinance

HENDERSON: Two massage parlors get OK to reopen: City Council revoked business licenses after both were cited for illegal sexual activity (Las Vegas Review-Journal Article)
Massage studio closed for alleged prostitution allowed to reopen (Las Vegas Sun article)
For addition details, check the 8th Judicial District Court search engine for Cases 05-A-504379-W (Hong-Chen A. Yan v. City of Henderson), 05-A-504256-J (Henderson Oriental Massage v. City of Henderson), and 04-A-478794-W (Sunset Massage LLC v. Henderson City Council): click on "Calendar" in left-hand column; then click on "Yes" to see court minutes (Sorry; no functioning hyperlink available for TNO readers)

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Suspects In Plot To Murder Man Who "Badmouthed" Strip Club To Face A Jury Of Twelve
Murder-plot suspects with ties to club will stand trial (Las Vegas Sun article)

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More On The Late Legislature
Openness suffers: Legislators wanting to crack down on terrorism ended up cracking down on Nevadans (Reno News & Review article)
Nevada gamblers could face cover charges (Las Vegas Business Press article)
Wind power plan saved by legislation (Las Vegas City Life article)

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From The Office Of The Governor
From Anointment To Apologia
CAPITOL INTERVIEW: Guinn defends 2003 tax increase (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

See articles under heading "The 2003 Tax Override" in right-hand column for background on this unfortunate scheme

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Does Our Jury System Need Reform?
Local legal experts debate jury selection system (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

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Do Our Jurists Need Reform?
Activist judges? Look around your own state (Pahrump Valley Times editorial)

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From Nye County
Entitlement Fantasy: Pahrump Developers Want To Sell Subdivision Built In A Wash And Have Government Pay For Flood Protection

"It seems like the developers are in the driver's seat," said Town Board member Paul Willis. "They're not doing us a big favor coming here. The citizens of the town are going to bear this [$6.8 Million] expense."

Developers, officials battle over impacts (Pahrump Valley Times article)

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More "Developing" News
Town focuses on development agreements (Pahrump Valley Times article)

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E Pluribus Unum

"Water goes where the water is needed," [SNWA] authority spokesman Vince Alberta said. "The water is a resource for all the citizens of Nevada and it is not dictated by county lines."

Nye one of six rurals to join new water authority (Pahrump Valley Times article)

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From The City Of Favors
Let Me Call You Sweetheart -- Popular Las Vegas Slogan Sold By LVCVA To R&R Advertising For One Dollar

"This became a phenomenon beyond our expectations and dreams, and we have had to step up the formality of our game."

Jeff German: R & R is sure to get bang for its buck (Las Vegas Sun column)

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 From The Second Or Third Biggest Little City In Nevada
 Reno's First One Was A Multi-Million Dollar Loser, So Why Not Have Two?

New Opportunity For More Bowling Stadiums, Imported Chinese Paving Stones, Inflated Government Salaries And Consulting Contracts

Redevelopment district plans concern many (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

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An Interesting Question
Why is life in Nevada so lousy? (Reno News & Review article)

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June 28, 2005

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From The US Supreme Court
The Talking Wires
FCC Internet Ruling Upheld: Broadband Cable Modem Companies Exempt From Mandatory Common-Carrier Regulation
National Cable & Telecommunications Ass'n v. Brand X Internet Services

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Internet File Swapping Services Liable For Third-Party Copyright Infringements
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, Inc. v. Grokster, Ltd.

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Man And God And Law
Constitutionality Of Government Display Of Ten Commandments  Depends On The Underlying Purpose
McCreary County v. ACLU of Kentucky

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Display Of Ten Commandments On Fraternal Monolith Within State Property Is Constitutional
Van Orden v. Perry

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From The State Capitol
Our Brand New Laws
First Legislative Tsunami To Sweep Nevada July 1 --Three More Waves Of Latest Legislative Changes To Follow
The New Laws, Arranged By Effective Dates
Laws Of The 73rd Session
July 1, 2005
October 1, 2005
January 1, 2006
July 1, 2006
Laws Of The 22nd Special Session
July 1, 2005
October 1, 2005
July 1, 2006

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From Southern Nevada
Sierra Club, Transportation Officials Settle US Hwy 95 Federal Lawsuit
Press Release (USDOT)
Press Release (Sen. Ensign)
Press Release (Gov. Guinn)

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From The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA)
FEMA Funds Authorized To Fight Goodprings Fire West Of Las Vegas
Press Release (FEMA)

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A Tale Of Two Cities
Latest In San Diego-Las Vegas Political Corruption Case
San Diego Union-Tribune Coverage

"You have considerable evidence in this case, from wiretaps, from the government's informants, and you need to rebut that in some way," said David Steinberg, a professor at Thomas Jefferson School of Law. "And the only people who can say 'We weren't asking for money' are the councilmen."

Deciding if defendants will testify is a gamble: Choice can pay off, be risky, some area attorneys believe

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June 29, 2005

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Latest State Opinion Poll Shows Rep. Gibbons With Strong Lead Over Rivals For 2006 Gubernatorial Election
John L. Smith: Poll affirms Gibbons' inside track to governorship; Perkins stuck at gate (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

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From Las Vegas
"What happens here, stays here"
 Convention Authority Paid Advertising Firm To Develop Slogan In Multi-Million Dollar Ad Campaign, Then Sold It Back For One Dollar
More Details Emerge In Questionable Transaction Between Las Vegas Convention Authority And R&R Advertising

"[LVCVA President Rossi] Ralenkotter says he believes he had authority to make the agreement himself without bringing it to the attention of the LVCVA's 13-member board of elected and civic leaders."

Jeff German: Slogan deal boggles the mind (Las Vegas Sun column)

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"The ink was barely dry on the secret eight-page agreement Nov. 9 when R & R lawyers express-mailed a package to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office with an application for a trademark to market "souvenirs and clothing" under the "what happens here, stays here" name."

Jeff German: Slogan sale may have skirted law (Las Vegas Sun column)

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"There's no question they're giving up ownership of a trademark and getting very little in return," she said. "They're giving away valuable rights."

Questions surround LVCVA's slogan deal (Las Vegas Sun article)

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Statutes Governing The Operations Of The LVCVA
NRS 244A.603 to NRS 244A.633
LVCVA Website

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R&R Partners
Website

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A Tale Of Two Cities
Latest In San Diego-Las Vegas Political Corruption Case
San Diego Union-Tribune Coverage
Judge denies motion to toss counts against councilmen

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Prosecutors preview closing arguments against councilmen: Government says extortion is proved

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From The US Congress
BRAC Commissioner To Visit Nevada Military Bases Slated For Closure Or Realignment
Press Release (Sen. Reid)

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Sen. Reid's Statement On Sierra Club-US 95 Settlement

"The compromise was reached after Reid and Sen. John Ensign (R-NV) insisted all parties work out their differences."

Press Release

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Sens. Reid, Ensign Insert Protective Clause For Sierra Pacific In Energy Bill Passed By Senate

"Sierra Pacific and Nevada Power entered into contracts in good faith and now face the prospect of being on the hook for $300 million in power our state never received."

Press Release (Sen. Ensign)

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Sen. Ensign Moves To Block US Forest Service Destruction Of Lake Tahoe's Dreyfus Estate

"This decision was made by the Forest Supervisor when she was literally walking out the door to take another job in Colorado."

Press Release (Sen. Ensign)

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Senator Works To Save Planned Las Vegas Veterans' Hospital
Press Release (Sen. Ensign)

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June 30, 2005

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From Las Vegas
"What happens here, stays here"
More Questions About Sale Of Las Vegas City Slogan To Politically Influential Advertising Firm For $1

"Gibson, who was [LVCVA] board chairman during the November meeting, said Tuesday that he did not believe the board understood that it was paving the way for the transfer of the "What happens here" slogan when it approved a list of 24 responsibilities for Ralenkotter to handle. The responsibility for assigning intellectual property was 23rd on the list."

Gibson: Slogan deal caught board off guard: 'What happens here, stays here' transfer happened on same day Ralenkotter given OK to handle trademarks (Las Vegas Sun article)

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"Billy Vassiliadis, CEO of R & R, said the company doesn't have any intention to profit from the trademark. But if that is the case, why did R & R, on the day after the LVCVA assigned it the rights to the slogan, file an application with the Commissioner of Trademarks in Arlington, Va., saying that it 'has a bona fide intention to use the mark in commerce on or in connection to goods and services'? The application specifically mentions that the slogan would be used for 'souvenirs and clothing.'"

Exposing a secret deal (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

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"[W]hat Ralenkotter and Vassiliadis don't like to talk about are the flaws in the agreement -- the biggest of which is that it appears to legally turn over all rights to profit from the trademark, which some experts say could be worth millions of dollars to R & R."

Jeff German: Slogan deal approved quickly and under radar (Las Vegas Sun column)

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LVCVA Minutes Mention Success Of "What Happens Here" Advertising Campaign, But Nothing About The Sale Of The Slogan Later That Day
Minutes of LVCVA Meeting Novembe