Billionaire proves even rich can wear out their welcomes

All roads lead to Las Vegas. As residents, we know this.

Surely someone forgot to tell pharma billionaire Stewart Rahr. Or, as likely, the man now known nationally as the mouthy guy who is banned from the ritzy Nobu restaurants just doesn't give a damn.

Rahr's public behavior has been New York tabloid fodder in recent weeks after his dust-up at Nobu, which probably doesn't keep you up nights but is a big deal for a rich guy with impeccable taste in sushi.

Closer to home, the New York Post first reported Rahr was involved in a minor incident in early November with Greice Santo, the wife of California high roller C.J. Cipriani, at a Wynn Las Vegas property.

Cipriani, or someone representing him, recently tried to generate anonymous heat for Rahr, who at the time was being portrayed as pouting about his Nobu ban. There was also a claim the celebrity-infatuated Rahr had been banned from Wynn properties.

But a Wynn spokesman reassured this skeptic that Rahr was indeed welcome any time. (I'm guessing the offer is valid as long as he brings his bankroll with him.)

The 64-year-old Rahr is worth a reported $1.3 billion.

With that kind of money, he can afford his own restaurant.

OKADA TROUBLE: Not that money guarantees happiness. For proof look no further than the increasingly troubling story of Japanese billionaire gaming tycoon Kazuo Okada, whose large stake in Wynn Resorts Ltd. is being tested in our courts. Now news reports have linked his business dealings with the possible bribery of a gaming official in the Philippines. Nevada gaming regulators are also investigating.

In an exclusive story, Reuters established what appears to be a $5 million money trail from an Okada-linked company to Rodolfo Soriano, who has connections to the former chairman of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., which regulates gambling there. Okada pushed to secure licensure for a casino resort in the Philippines.

Did he push too hard?

HOA Q&A: With the FBI and Department of Justice close to delivering the final indictments in the investigation into corruption inside homeowners associations and the construction defect business, the state ombudsman's office is set to hold a question-and- answer session at 8 a.m. today at the Sawyer Building, room No. 1400.

But something tells me there will be no answers relative to the federal corruption probe.

FRANK'S CAFÉ: These days downtown is experiencing a rejuvenation of business development, but longtime locals might recall when business was pretty good at Frank's Café on First Street more than a half century ago.

Alicia Lorence, who recently turned 89, recalls spending many hours there amid the smells of homemade American and Mexican food prepared by her father, Frank Rivero. She waited tables and helped do the dishes.

A lot has changed downtown, but the spirit of the small- business owner remains alive and well.

EXERCISE RIGHTS: County Public Communications Director Erik Pappa reminds me the workout equipment at the Clark County Government Center's exercise facility was paid for by employee user fees, not taxpayers. A recent column mentioning workout areas on government properties failed to make that distinction.

Personally, I think government exercise facilities are important for taxpayers.

Where else can they go and be guaranteed to see government workers break a sweat?

ON THE BOULEVARD: A memorial service for John Fredericks, the former Channel 3 weatherman and animal-rights advocate, is set for 10 a.m. Dec. 8 at Canyon Ridge Christian Church, 6200 W. Lone Mountain Road. The troubled fellow was 57. ...

Its tumultuous recent history aside, the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth raised $17,000 in gift cards during its Plastic Food Drive. Information: nphy.org.

Have an item for Bard of the Boulevard? Email comments and contributions to Smith@reviewjournal.com or call (702) 383-0295. He also blogs at lvrj.com/blogs/Smith