Charitable giving from Pet-a-Palooza proceeds discontinued

Some longtime fans of Pet-a-Palooza are howling that this year's event won't include donations to animal charities from sponsor Mix 94.1.

The popular event, in its 15th year, brings together pet lovers and groups from across the valley. This year's gathering is set for April 21 at Star Nursery Field at Sam Boyd Stadium.

Until this year, the radio station cut checks to nonprofit pet charities from a portion of the event's proceeds. There will be no checks this time around, and tongues are wagging.

Jerry McKenna, senior vice president and general manager of CBS Las Vegas, blames the policy change on low attendance because of inclement weather last year and rising production costs. But, he adds, local groups will still receive plenty of benefits, including booth space valued at $200 and donations from ticket-buyers who bring in canned food.

"It's not like we've totally eliminated it," he says. "We've just had to pare it back a little bit."

In a letter to past nonprofit participants, McKenna wrote, "Should we experience better weather, abundant attendance and enough sponsors to help cover costs, we will be thrilled to continue making donations to your organization in future years."

ADELSON ACTION: Billionaire casino mogul Sheldon Adelson continues to make media waves from here to Macau with his business success and whopping Republican presidential super PAC donations. Count Rolling Stone's Rick Perlstein as less than impressed.

In a piece titled "Why GOP Mega-Donor Sheldon Adelson is Mad, Bad and a Danger to the Republic," Perlstein excoriates the Las Vegas Sands boss for his heavy hand in the GOP presidential primary, longtime anti-labor efforts, numerous litigations and Macau casino intrigue that has made Adelson one of the world's richest men.

Inquires Perlstein, "And here's the thing: What does it suggest when a man under three federal investigations can plan on spending up to $100 million dollars to elect the man with authority over the agencies conducting those investigations?"

Ouch.

Read it at rollingstone.com.

SUICIDAL TENDENCIES: The local legal community is still reacting to the multiple apparent suicides of four persons, including two lawyers, involved in the ongoing investigation of corruption inside Southern Nevada homeowners associations.

Veteran criminal defense attorney Dominic Gentile offers an interesting perspective. He wonders whether it was guilt associated with the betrayal of friends that led to David Amesbury's death.

Read Gentile's comment on my blog at lvrj.com.

SENSATIONAL SOUSA: After listening to the "Sousa in the 21st Century" concert Wednesday at The Smith Center, I reached a couple conclusions.

First, that John Philip Sousa never had the blues. His compositions were so upbeat, I nearly left my car in the parking lot and marched home.

Second, the composition of the remarkable ensemble under conductor Dr. Rick McEnaney did the whole valley proud with its musicianship and membership. Players ranged from junior high to professionals with the heart of the assemblage provided by Clark County School District music teachers. Presented by The Smith Center, the district and the Public Education Foundation, proceeds benefited school arts education programs.

ON THE BOULEVARD: Penn & Teller will once again get some exercise Sunday at UNLV as the grand marshals of the 22nd annual AIDS Walk Las Vegas. Information: afanlv.org. ... Tickets are still available for the Evening of Hope to benefit Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada. With 15 local restaurants donating their gourmet treats, it's set for 6 p.m. April 27 inside the Keep Memory Alive Event Center at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health downtown. Information: candlelightersnv.org.

BOULEVARD II: The Bureau of Land Management did a wise thing delaying the roundup on federal land of Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy's cattle. The battling parties are hard-headed, but isn't there room on that big range for compromise?

Have an item for the 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.