Fabulous Fourth

It’s Independence Day and time to celebrate.

Balcony’s décor should be extension of indoor spaces

As condo living increases, for many of us balconies have become our summer backyards. Tiny in comparison, with concrete instead of grass underfoot, it may at first feel like a poor swap. But there is much you can do with a little space, and the best way to enjoy it is to design the balcony as an extension of your indoor living space. If you are just starting out, there are alternatives in outdoor seating that will help you set the style, and you can hide the concrete floor and walls too.

Bookcases are not just for books

DEAR GAIL: We have a wall unit in our family room with a set of bookcases on each side of the TV armoire that’s just been junked up with books. We have a lot of books we’d like to keep but some can go. How do I go about decorating them so that they look nice? — Carolynn M.

NV Energy launches three-part ‘green’ strategy

NV Energy has embarked on a three-part strategy to meet Nevada’s growing energy needs. A member and platinum sponsor of Nevada Energy Star Partners, a statewide coalition of developers, utilities, manufacturers, retailers and consultants committed to promoting energy conservation, NV Energy is launching its initiative that includes expanding energy efficiency and conservation programs, expanding renewable energy resources and adding new, more-efficient generating power plants.

Sun City Mesquite to host event

The Sun City Mesquite community, located in Mesquite, will host a free Fourth of July celebration featuring activities today from 2:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Pardee Homes wins four awards for development and architecture

Pardee Homes has received four Awards of Merit in the 2009 Gold Nugget Awards, for green and sustainable development and for architectural excellence. The competition draws entries from throughout 14 Western States and internationally and is the nation’s oldest and largest program of its kind.

Meeting deadlines

There are many frustrating aspects associated with buying or selling a home today. One is that contract contingencies — such as inspections, financing or the sale of another property — often aren’t removed on time. It’s not uncommon for closings to be delayed, usually due to the buyer’s lender.

Fireworks will light the sky tonight

The public is invited to celebrate Independence Day today at the 15th annual Summerlin Council Patriotic Parade — the valley’s largest Fourth of July parade featuring more than 60 entries including traditional floats, Macy’s-style giant helium balloons, performing groups, bands and a variety of kids’ favorite storybook characters.

Local builder offers homes at Tuscan Cliffs

Those who have looked for a new home in Las Vegas over the past year have seen first-hand the changes in the real estate market. One local family-owned builder, Pacific Southwest Development, is adapting to the changing market with offers on a select number of homes at its Southern Highlands guard-gated collection.

How title is listed is important

The manner in which homeowners hold title to their properties has significant legal ramifications. Consequently, it’s not wise to leave this important decision to chance.

HORSE RACING

TODAY AT HOLLYWOOD PARK

ON TV/RADIO

BASEBALL

McCarter in complete control

Layla McCarter has been out of boxing for 11 months, but the way she competed Friday, it was as though she had been in the ring every week.

NASCAR says safety comes first

Jeremy Mayfield might have won the battle, but NASCAR chairman Brian France thinks his racing organization won the war — in doing what’s right for the safety of all Sprint Cup drivers and their fans.

IN BRIEF

BASKETBALL

Cancer, stroke mellow Reno manager

Surviving a stroke and two battles with cancer has given Reno Aces manager Brett Butler plenty of perspective on life and professional baseball.

Man arrested in sexual assault case

A 75-year-old self-proclaimed prophet was arrested Friday on charges including sexual assault and lewdness with a child under the age of 14, according to Las Vegas police.

Cities unite to get housing funds

As the foreclosure crisis drags on, four local governments are banding together to pursue $367 million in federal money to rid neighborhoods of empty houses.

Hundreds buy fireworks at tribal interstate plaza

Hundreds of people lined up to purchase all sorts of fireworks Friday at the Moapa Paiute Travel Plaza just off Interstate 15 at the Valley of Fire exit. Funny thing is, any type of fireworks that explode, twirl on the ground or fly into the air are illegal in Clark County — all of the county except the sovereign land of the Indian reservation. Every person the Review-Journal chatted with said none of the fireworks purchased will be used in an illegal manner.

Fourth of July events around the Las Vegas Valley:

Entertainment, Shows

Fireworks. Special events