Area Briefing, June 12-18

CONTRACTORS BOARD PLANS EDUCATIONAL SEMINAR

The Nevada State Contractors Board plans a free educational seminar from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 25 at the Clark County Building Department, 4701 W. Russell Road.

The seminar is set to include six sessions on topics of interest to Nevada contractors. The event will be led by local and regional experts, and lunch will be provided. Topics were determined through feedback from attendees at last year’s seminar.

Space is limited to 100 participants. To RSVP, contact Scott Smith, contractors board public information specialist, at ssmith@nscb.state.nv.us or 702-486-1165. Provide the company’s name and attendees’ names.

TRANSPORTATION FAIR HIGHLIGHTS UPCOMING FLAMINGO ROAD PROJECTS

A transportation fair took place May 29 at the West Flamingo Senior Center, 6255 W. Flamingo Road, to share information and gather input from residents and businesses regarding transportation projects surrounding Flamingo Road between Interstate 15 and Hualapai Way.

The event included the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, local elected officials, the Nevada Department of Transportation and Clark County.

Improvements along Flamingo Road, including repaving portions of roadway, adding dedicated transit lanes and new transit shelters, upgrading traffic signals and improving pedestrian crossings, are scheduled to begin this fall.

Enhancements are expected to benefit all modes of travel, including for drivers, bicyclists, pedestrians and transit passengers.

LAW SEMINAR SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 18

The West Charleston Library, 6301 W. Charleston Blvd., plans a law seminar regarding debt collection from 5 to 6 p.m. June 18.

The event is set to cover improper debt collection practices, debtors’ rights and debt collector limitations. Reservations are required.

For more information, call 702-507-3964.

RESIDENTS CAN INVITE POLICE TO NATIONAL NIGHT OUT EVENTS

National Night Out is set for Aug. 5, when neighbors gather to raise drug prevention awareness, strengthen police and community relationships and send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are working together to prevent crime.

Neighborhoods and apartment/condo communities can hold events such as barbecues, potlucks, community park movie nights, block parties and child-related activities. Typically, most events take place between 4 and 9 p.m.

To request participation from the Metropolitan Police Department, contact crime prevention specialist Kathy Perkins at k2482p@lvmpd.com or 702-828-4305.

For more information about National Night Out, visit nationalnightout.org.

CAR CLUBS, POLICE KICK OFF SUMMERTIME

Eight local car clubs teamed up with Metropolitan Police Department officers May 30 to jump-start summertime with the Northeast Area Command.

The summer kickoff, which included a classic car show and information booths, took place at Desert Pines High School, 3800 E. Harris Ave., and was part of the partnership between the Northeast Area Command and community members from the Northeast Hispanic Coalition.

The goal was to establish new and lasting relationships with residents to reduce crime and improve neighborhood quality of life.

PORTION OF MICHAEL WAY CLOSED DURING CONSTRUCTION

Michael Way is scheduled to be closed at the north side of the Vegas Drive intersection through 3 p.m. June 27 to allow for the installation of new water line, a high pressure gas line and roadway paving, according to the city of Las Vegas.

Michael Way is set to remain open on the south side of the intersection. Traffic will be able to access all businesses and residences on Michael Way up to the north side of the Vegas Drive intersection, the city said. Detours are slated to be in place to direct Michael Way through traffic to Jones Boulevard.

The city of Las Vegas began work on the $15 million Vegas Drive Improvement Project in January 2013. It is scheduled for completion in August. Motorists can continue to expect traffic delays in the area while the work is being done.

The work consists of constructing an underground storm drainage system on Vegas Drive from Michael Way to Rancho Drive to alleviate heavy storm water that has traditionally flowed down Vegas Drive. The work also will include an upgrade to the sanitary sewer main line from Saylor Way to Valley Drive and along Shadow Mountain Place on the north side of Vegas Drive.

Contri Construction Co. is the contractor, and the city is managing the project. URS Corporation is the construction manager. Funding is provided by the Clark County Regional Flood Control District, the city and the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada.

HENDERSON ROLLS OUT BICYCLE PATROL

The city of Henderson recently launched an 18-member bicycle unit to better serve the community’s growing population of bicyclists.

The unit, which includes 15 patrol officers and three sergeants, will serve an educational role in support of Henderson’s recent designation as a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists.

The unit also will provide law enforcement on trails, parks and events. It can also quickly deploy to incidents in high-density residential areas.

Police officials expect that officers in the unit will be more approachable than those in vehicles. Members will work in part-time shifts during their regular patrol hours.

A $45,627 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice paid for bicycles, uniforms, helmets and bicycle racks for patrol cars.

TRAFFIC SAFETY MEASURES PLANNED NEAR MIDDLE SCHOOL

Clark County and state leaders were recently joined by faculty members and students from Faiss Middle School, 9525 W. Maule Ave., to highlight upcoming traffic safety improvements.

New traffic signals are set to be installed at the intersections of Fort Apache Road and Maule Avenue and at Fort Apache and Warm Springs Road.

The new traffic signal at Fort Apache and Maule is expected to be turned on in mid-July, while the one at Fort Apache and Warm Springs is set to be activated by mid-August.

The new signals are meant to enhance safety for drivers and pedestrians in the area, which includes the school and Wet ’n’ Wild Las Vegas, 7055 S. Fort Apache Road.

For more information, visit rtcsnv.com/fri.

EXECUTIVE HONORED FOR DROWNING PREVENTION EFFORTS

The National Drowning Prevention Alliance recently recognized Joseph M. Vassallo, president of Paragon Pools, with the 2014 Lifesaver Award for his years of promoting water safety.

Vassallo was honored for his signature Float Like A Duck program, an annual public awareness campaign that educates the public on the importance of safety around water.

The award honors exceptional work regarding drowning prevention at the community level.

For more information, visit ndpa.org.

SITE OFFERS WAYS TO STEER CLEAR OF TROUBLE DURING SUMMER PARTIES

The Rape Crisis Center encourages residents to visit partysmartinlv.com for tips on staying safe during summertime parties.

The site reminds residents that sex without consent is sexual assault. Visitors can learn ways to avoid unwanted sexual situations and watch videos from Strip performers Carrot Top and Criss Angel. Statistics about sexual assault also are included on the site. Tips include:

— Get your own drinks, and never leave them unattended.

— If you start to feel sick or overly intoxicated when you have had little or no alcohol, get to a safe place immediately and call someone for help.

— Always be aware of your surroundings and location, and be aware of security personnel, using them as a resource if necessary.

— If you see something, say something. Be a responsible bystander.

— Make sure your cellphone is charged.

— Watch for red-flag behavior, such as if someone keeps encouraging you to drink or doesn’t take no for an answer when asking you to talk or dance with him.

Site visitors also can download the Rape Crisis Center app Circle of 6, which can alert friends when someone is in an uncomfortable situation.

The center launched the website last year in cooperation with the Metropolitan Police Department and funding support from TAO Cares.

POLICE OFFICER WINS LATINA OF THE YEAR AWARD

The National Latino Peace Officers Association recently named Sgt. Cindy Rodriguez of the Metropolitan Police Department as a recipient of the national Latina of the Year Award.

Rodriguez was honored May 24 during the 41st annual National Latino Peace Officers Association awards and installation banquet at the Tropicana, 3801 Las Vegas Blvd. South.

Rodriguez was selected for taking her personal time to mentor and train other men and women. In the past year, she conducted several leadership classes that have prepared numerous officers for promotion.

Recommendations for Latina of the Year are received from throughout the United States. The criteria include commitment to excellence, exceptional leadership skills and exemplary behavior on the job or in the community.

GRADUATES TO SERVE AS MENTORS FOR HOPE FOR PRISONERS PROGRAM

Ninety-three people graduated May 24 from a HOPE for Prisoners training program to become certified reentry mentors.

The graduates included police officers, community leaders, pastors, students and teachers who have made a commitment to enter into a mentoring relationship with participants enrolled in the HOPE for Prisoners Reentry Program.

The program assists adults and youths with re-entering society after exiting the judicial system.

Clark County Judge Cheryl Moss led the new mentors in an oath of commitment to strengthen, encourage and build up those being released into the community.

BRIDGE OPENS FOR PEDESTRIANS AND BICYCLISTS

The new Far Hills Bridge for pedestrians and bicyclists opened May 28 at Far Hills Avenue and the 215 Beltway, allowing for safe and convenient access and use of area trails.

Officials from the city of Las Vegas and The Howard Hughes Corp. led a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the bridge’s opening.

The bridge is part of a loop trail and part of plans to create an interlocking trail system across the valley.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS ADDED AT STATE PARKS

Additional fire restrictions were implemented May 15 at Big Bend, the Valley of Fire and Spring Mountain Ranch State Park because of the high potential for wildfires, according to the Nevada Division of State Parks and the Nevada Division of Forestry.

The following acts are prohibited in the designated areas:

— Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or in an area that is barren or cleared of flammable vegetation.

— Operating vehicles or motorized equipment off of paved, gravel or dirt roads.

— Operating vehicles or other motorized equipment in wildland areas without an ax, shovel and at least 1 gallon of water.

— Igniting fireworks.

— Operating a welding torch or any other device that may cause a fire.

— Building or using a fire or stove outside an established fireplace in a picnic area or campground or places of habitation. Portable stoves using jelled petroleum or pressured liquid fuel are an exception. Charcoal grills are allowed in designated areas but will be restricted on windy or critical fire days. Restrictions will be implemented as indicated by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Agency and the National Weather Service. Daily information is available at wrh.noaa.gov.

Violations are considered misdemeanors and are punishable by fines of up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to six months or both.

RTC UNVEILS NEW SOUTHERN NEVADA BICYCLE MAP

The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada recently unveiled a new Southern Nevada bicycle route map in celebration of National Bike Month in May.

The map includes new and updated bicycle routes, lanes and shared-used paths for beginners and experienced bicyclists.

The map is available at rtcsnv.com/cycling and is set to be distributed to area bicycle shops and at community events throughout the valley. Some of the more popular, family-friendly bicycle rides include:

For more information, visit rtcsnv.com.

CROSSING GUARDS SOUGHT BY NORTH LAS VEGAS POLICE DEPARTMENT

The North Las Vegas Police Department is seeking crossing guards to work near elementary schools for the upcoming academic year.

Crossing guards are responsible for assisting young students across busy intersections on their way to and from school.

The part-time position pays $9 hourly, and shifts are usually from 6:30 to 9:15 a.m. and from 1:30 to 4 p.m. when school is in session.

Applicants must possess a high school diploma or GED; pass a police background check and a drug test; and possess a valid Nevada driver’s license. Being bilingual is a plus but not required.

Residents can apply by visiting cityofnorthlasvegas.com and clicking on “employment.”

For more information, call the crossing guard supervisor at 702-633-1017, ext. 6671.

APPLICANTS SOUGHT FOR HENDERSON LEAD PAINT REMOVAL

The remediation of lead paint from a downtown Henderson home was recently completed, marking the first major project under the city’s Neighborhood Services Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes Program.

The home is owned by expectant parents Eddie and Barbara Whitney, who opted for the program to make their home safer for their unborn child. Work on the home’s exterior lasted about 45 days at a cost of about $15,000. Inside the home, the doors and door frames were replaced, along with mold removal at a cost of about $6,500.

The program is free to Henderson residents who own or rent their homes. To be eligible, homes must have been built before 1978, house a child 5 or younger, house an expectant mother or be frequently visited by a child 5 or younger. The family income must be less than 80 percent of the area median income, which is $49,200 for a family of four.

The city was awarded $2.3 million in grants through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control to reduce lead-based paint hazards in homes with children or pregnant women.

The adverse health effects of lead exposure in children include intellectual and behavioral deficits, according the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The city aims to address lead hazards in 80 homes over the next three years and is seeking applicants.

For more information, visit cityofhenderson.com/lead or call the city of Henderson Neighborhood Services Division at 702-267-2000.

SAFE SUMMER NIGHTS TO FEATURE MUSIC, ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATION

Residents are invited to enjoy free entertainment, refreshments, health services and a resource fair while getting to know each other during upcoming Safe Summer Nights events put on by the city of Las Vegas.

Music, children’s games and face painting are planned, and free hot dogs and water will be available while supplies last. Attendees also can learn about community resources, including summer activities for youths, health services, community safety, money management programs and adult education opportunities.

The events are set for 5:30-7:30 p.m. June 25 at the Stupak Community Center, 251 W. Boston Ave., and 6-8 p.m. July 18 at the East Las Vegas Community Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave.

For more information, contact Lisa Campbell at 702-229-5406 or lcampbell@lasvegasnevada.gov.