Area Briefing

TRAFFIC CAMERAS TO STREAM LIVE FOOTAGE OF VALLEY ROADWAYS
Public input is sought regarding 240 cameras being tested on the valley’s highways and major arterials to stream live traffic footage.
The 30-day test period was announced Jan. 25 by the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada and the Nevada Department of Transportation. The agencies are collaborating on the project, being funded by the DOT.
The aim is to allow commuters to check traffic conditions before leaving their homes or workplaces. Residents can view the footage at rtcsnv.com/fast-cam-test and post their feedback on the website.
In addition to the cameras throughout the valley, streaming video is available along Interstate 15 between Jean and Primm, benefiting motorists driving to and from Southern California.
Technicians will gauge the number of viewers who use the system and determine whether the cameras should be relocated to areas with higher traffic volumes. Once the test period ends and appropriate adjustments are made, the cameras will become a permanent fixture, with footage available on the RTC’s and NDOT’s websites.
For more information, visit rtcnv.com or nevadadot.com.

SIDEWALK RAMPS TO BE INSTALLED IN CITY OF LAS VEGAS NEIGHBORHOODS
The city of Las Vegas has implemented a program to construct sidewalk ramps in residential areas to help increase the safety and livability of the neighborhoods.
The program will seek to improve pedestrian routes and the aesthetic appearance of the city’s residential areas and provide for compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.
In-house construction staff members will complete sidewalk ramps in selected areas. Funding for the project will be provided by the city of Las Vegas.
Roughly 150 sidewalk ramps will be constructed, along with upgrades to 25 existing ramps. Workers will also address damaged sidewalk panels.
Work has started in the first two improvement areas, which are the residential neighborhood bounded by Decatur Boulevard, Meadows Lane and Valley View and Charleston boulevards; and the residential area bounded by Marion Street, Charleston Boulevard, Stewart Avenue and the Las Vegas Wash. Work is expected to continue for five months, and minimal traffic and pedestrian impacts are expected during construction, city officials said.
The program is one of several projects the city has undertaken in the last year to help improve older neighborhoods. The city recently constructed sidewalks and other pedestrian improvements in wards 3 and 5 to improve the walkability and quality of life for residents in the downtown Las Vegas and West Las Vegas project areas.

COUNTY SEEKS TO HIRE LIFEGUARDS, OTHER WATER-SAFETY POSITIONS
The Clark County Parks and Recreation Department is seeking applicants to fill cashier, lifeguard, water-safety instructor and management positions for the 2013 pool season.
Jobs are available for those 15 or older, with hourly pay ranging from $9 to $15, based on experience and certifications.
Those who hold American Red Cross lifeguard certification or are interested in cashier positions can fill out an application at clarkcountynv.gov/parks.
Those who wish to apply for a lifeguard or other water-related position must complete the training course at the Hollywood Aquatics Center, 1550 S. Hollywood Blvd., or the Desert Breeze Aquatic Facility, 8275 Spring Mountain Road.
The training course costs a reduced rate of $70 if participants sign an employment contract with the county. Otherwise, the cost is $140. The course includes lifesaving skills, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, automated external defibrillator and emergency first aid. The five-day course is held multiple times until the last one, set to start May 2.
Pre-requisite skills include the ability to complete a 300-yard continuous swim and retrieve a weighted object from 7 to 10 feet of water. Applicants with no pre-requisite skills can attend a lifeguard preparation course at the Hollywood Aquatics Center for $10. The class is set for 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 15 and March 4 and 5 to 6 p.m. March 29 and April 12.
For more information, visit clarkcountynv.gov/parks or call 702-455-8508.

CRIME STOPPERS OF NEVADA GETS NEW CHAIRWOMAN
A new chairwoman recently was named for Crime Stoppers of Nevada, a nonprofit program that provides a way for people to anonymously submit information about crimes. 
Caroline Ciocca, community relations director of CashAmerica/SuperPawn, was named to the post.
Ciocca, a member of Crime Stoppers’ board since 2008, has worked closely with the Metropolitan Police Department on a number of crime prevention initiatives and serves on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas College of Business Advisory Board. 
Since 1979, Crime Stoppers has worked closely with law enforcement to keep the community safe and has helped apprehend more than 10,000 suspects. The organization receives no state or local funding and relies on private sponsors.
Anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers can be made by calling the organization’s bilingual hot line at 702-385-5555. Tips also can be submitted at crimestoppersofnv.com. Crime Stoppers offers reward money for information leading to a felony arrest or indictment.

RADON PRESENTATIONS AROUND TOWN TO INCLUDE FREE TEST KITS
The University of Nevada Cooperative Extension plans to offer free radon test kits in February during several planned presentations.
The sessions are set for:
---11 a.m. Saturday at the Enterprise Library, 25 E. Shelbourne Ave.
---5 p.m. Feb. 13 at the Summerlin Library, 1771 Inner Circle Drive.
---11 a.m. Feb. 23 at the Centennial Hills Library, 6711 N. Buffalo Drive.
---5 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Sahara West Library, 9600 W. Sahara Ave.
Radon, a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas, is the leading cause of lung cancer for nonsmokers, according to the Cooperative Extension. It comes from the natural decay of uranium in soil and enters homes through foundation cracks, openings and some of the porous materials used to construct foundations and floors of homes. It can reach harmful levels when trapped indoors, according to the Cooperative Extension.
For more information, contact Southern Area radon program coordinator Laura Au-Yeung at 702-257-5550 or au-yeungl@unce.unr.edu or visit radonnv.com.

STATE TRAFFIC DEATHS RISE IN 2012
State officials remind motorists to drive safely after Nevada traffic deaths rose slightly in 2012 over the previous year.
Preliminary numbers show that 258 traffic fatalities occurred on Nevada roads in 2012, an increase of 12 deaths compared to the previous year, according to the Nevada departments of Public Safety and Transportation.
Though the numbers rose in 2012, annual Nevada traffic fatalities have trended down after reaching an all-time high of 432 in 2006.
Serious traffic injuries were down in 2012, with a preliminary number of more than 725 in 2012 compared to 1,222 in 2011.
The Nevada Strategic Highway Safety Plan, with participation from Nevada traffic and safety advocates, seeks to implement enforcement, engineering, emergency medical and educational strategies to cut the yearly traffic fatality average in half by 2030, with the ultimate goal of zero on Nevada roads.
State officials said motorists should follow these safe driving tips:
---Buckle up — Roughly 50 percent of fatal crashes that Nevada law enforcement agencies investigate involve unbuckled vehicle occupants.
---Don’t drive impaired — On average, more than 50 people are arrested for driving under the influence every day in Nevada. A first DUI arrest is  likely to result in a 90-day loss of driving privileges, an impounded vehicle, legal and court fees, two days in jail and attendance at a victim impact panel, with harsher penalties for subsequent offenses.
---Be pedestrian-safe — In 2012, there were 58 pedestrian deaths on Nevada roads, compared to 46 in 2011. In Clark County, pedestrian deaths rose from 30 in 2011 to 42 in 2012. Pedestrians should cross safely, making eye contact with drivers, and drivers should always look for and yield to pedestrians.
---Focus on the road — Distracted and/or sleepy driving can lead motorists to unintentionally leave their lane. Also, handheld cellphone use is illegal while driving in Nevada.
---Stop on red — In a recent five-year span, 467 people died in Nevada intersection crashes. Whether at a traffic signal or stop sign, motorists should always stop on red.
For more information on Nevada traffic safety, visit zerofatalitiesnv.com.

EPA APPROVES COUNTY’S AIR-QUALITY PLAN FOR OZONE
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved Clark County’s plans for maintaining the agency’s air- quality standard for ozone.
The county met five criteria to receive the OK, including improvement in air quality due to permanent and enforceable reductions in emissions and having an approved ozone maintenance plan.
The EPA approval is set to remain in effect through 2022. While county officials said it is significant, even stricter ground-level ozone standards are being proposed. In 2008, the EPA adopted a more stringent standard for ozone of 75 parts per billion. Air-quality officials said the county meets the new standard.
Officials determined that improvement in air quality was the result of various factors, including cleaner fuel, federal requirements for low-emission vehicles, local improvements in public transportation and road construction and greater understanding about the public’s role in fighting ground-level ozone.
Unhealthy doses of ground-level ozone can reduce lung function and worsen respiratory illnesses, such as asthma or bronchitis. Exposure to ozone also can induce coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath, even in healthy people.
To help reduce ground-level ozone:
---Fill up your gas tank after sunset.
---Plan errands so they can be done in one trip.
---Try not to spill gasoline when filling up gas tanks, and don’t top them off.
---Keep your car well-maintained.
---Use mass transit or carpool.
---Don’t idle your car engine unnecessarily.
---Walk or ride your bike whenever practical and safe.
---Turn off lights and electronics when not in use.
---Consider low-maintenance landscaping that uses less water and doesn’t require gas-powered lawn tools.
Residents can sign up for free text and email advisories and air-quality forecasts through the EnviroFlash service at enviroflash.org.