Crime and safety news from around the valley, Oct. 22-28, 2015

Small claims class: Nevada Legal Services plans to offer the free sessions at 10 a.m. Oct. 23 and Nov. 13 at 530 S. Sixth St. Topics are to include reclaiming security deposits, appealing small claims decisions and preparing for court. The event is set to include a question-and-answer segment. Call 702-386-0404 or visit nlslaw.net.

Free legal assistance and education clinics for seniors: Clinics for free legal assistance and free legal education are planned for seniors in the coming months. A legal assistance clinic is set from 1-3 p.m. Dec. 16 at the Green Valley Library, 2797 N. Green Valley Parkway, addressing estate planning basics. A legal education clinic is planned from 5-6 p.m. Oct. 28 at the West Charleston Library, 6301 W. Charleston Blvd., dealing with sealing criminal records. Contact Carmela Reed at Nevada Legal Services at 702-386-0404, ext. 140, or creed@nlslaw.net.

Fighting fraud: Houldsworth, Russo & Company plans a breakfast briefing titled How to Protect Your Organization from Fraud at 7:30 a.m. Nov. 5 at 8675 S. Eastern Ave. The discussion is scheduled to cover fraud schemes, recognizing vulnerabilities and strengthening internal controls to mitigate risk. The event is free for clients and $35 for others. Register at trusthrc.com.

Workshop to help neighbors resolve disputes: A free workshop offered by the city of Henderson is set to provide neighbors with tools to communicate peacefully and resolve disputes. The session is slated from 6 to 7 p.m. Nov. 5 at the Henderson Multigenerational Center, 250 S. Green Valley Parkway. Participants can learn tips on how to approach a neighbor about an issue and resolve it without conflict. Information about the city's free mediation program will also be available to help resolve neighborhood disputes, such as those involving barking dogs, overhanging landscaping and noise concerns. Visit cityofhenderson.com. Call 702-267-2000.

New school zone law: A new state law recently went into effect banning drivers from making U-turns in school zones or active school crossing areas for pedestrians, according to UNLV's Vulnerable Road Users Project. The law also forbids drivers from passing other motorists in those areas. The law aims to keep pedestrians safe, particularly children. Visit zerofatalitiesnv.com.

ADA transportation feedback: The Nevada Department of Transportation is seeking public feedback on its Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility plans for Nevada roadways and transportation infrastructure. The goal is to address the roads and facilities built decades ago that may not meet current accessibility standards. The department is prioritizing a list of potential future projects to enhance accessibility, such as by improving sidewalk ramps and moving utility poles from sidewalks. Residents can review the plan and provide feedback through Oct. 31 by visiting nevadadot.com/ada. Concerns, complaints or questions can also be submitted at nevadadot.com, via email at adaprogram@dot.state.nv.us or by calling 775-888-7193.

Rape Crisis Center expansion: The nonprofit expanded its office space at 801 S. Rancho Drive, Suite B-2, to accommodate growing demand for services and to bolster education and prevention initiatives. The center said it saw significant year-over-year increases in hotline calls and the numbers of victims assisted through the first six months of 2015. With the larger office, the center plans to offer more counseling hours, new support groups and more space for youth volunteers involved in education and prevention initiatives. Visit rcclv.org.

Kids cellphone safety: A free course on children's cellphone safety is planned Tuesdays and Saturdays in November at Thompson Taekwondo, 9030 W. Flamingo Road. Call 702-469-7700.

Free class to address sealing criminal records: The Clark County Law Library and community partners plan to offer a free class Nov. 4 classes at the Clark County Law Library, 309 S. Third St., Suite 400, on how to seal criminal records in Clark County. Topics are to include requirements for sealing records and how to receive free help. Qualified participants may apply for a pro bono attorney after attending class. The session is being offered by UNLV's William S. Boyd School of Law, the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, Nevada Legal Services and the American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada. Visit clarkcountynv.gov/lawlibrary, call 702-455-4696 or email askinfo@clarkcountynv.gov.