Conservative activist Dane turns up heat on Edwards

At a time other subjects of a police investigation might be buttoning down, embattled conservative activist Tony Dane is doubling down on his criticism of Republican Assemblyman Chris Edwards.

Edwards accuses Dane of attempting to strong-arm his vote for a favored Assembly speaker candidate. Dane accuses Edwards of shopping his vote for monetary consideration. Metro detectives are trying to sort it out.

Dane, who owns an autodialing “robo-call” company that specializes in conservative issues and candidates, this past week fired up another mass message in Edwards’ Assembly District 19. Subject: a possible recall.

Edwards reported Dane’s robo-call to Metro. Metro notified Dane’s lawyer David Otto of the communication. Otto, I’m told, reminded police of his client’s First Amendment rights.

“I was contacted by my constituents about a robo-call conducted by Tony Dane,” Edwards said in a statement. “They felt it was deceitful, untrue and they did not appreciate it. They are annoyed by his ongoing deceptions and wished he would cease his antics. My constituents would like to know who is funding Tony Dane. They do not believe he is doing this alone.”

Obviously, Dane is still finding ways to get under Edwards’ skin.

At a hearing scheduled March 5 in District Court, Dane and his attorney will attempt to have returned the personal phone and computer equipment seized during the service of a Metro search warrant Feb. 5 at the notorious political trickster’s Virginia home.

JONES SENTENCE: Former Family Court Judge Steven Jones was finally sentenced Wednesday to 26 months in prison for his role in a fraud scheme that took advantage of friends and strangers alike. Jones was the dominant force at Family Court for two decades and influenced not just his own courtroom, but also held sway over several marshals.

No word yet on whether Family Court officials will now see fit to return the space Jones used for a weight room to a more traditional use.

BALD GUYS &GALS: The L’Oracle Gym was transformed Sunday into a bustling beehive of baldness for the Children’s Specialty Center of Nevada’s Friends and Family Shave Day to benefit St. Baldrick’s Childhood Cancer Foundation.

It was the first of a series of events to help St. Baldrick’s generate research dollars to treat and cure childhood cancer. The charity is the largest funder of children’s cancer research outside the U.S. government.

Although the main St. Baldrick’s event is still scheduled for March 7 at McMullan’s Irish Pub and other valley locations, including Nine Fine Irishmen at New York New York, Vinyl at the Hard Rock, Ri Ra, and Khourys Fine Wine &Spirits, there was something almost magical and unquestionably poignant about the L’Oracle event.

Although I usually wait until the McMullan’s event to shave, I got caught up in the action at L’Oracle and went hair-free for the cause.

Among the medical specialists losing their locks: physicians Jonathan Bernstein, Alan Ikeda and Alexandra Walsh.

REBUILDIN’ REBS: Put 9-1-1 on speed dial. UNLV’s football team has scheduled a game at USC for 2019. That leaves the Rebels plenty of time to roll bandages and reserve ambulances.

ON THE BOULEVARD: Speaking of opinion polls, one is in the field in Republican Assembly Speaker John Hambrick’s District 2. A resident who heard more than a dozen questions reports they focused on Hambrick and the performance of Gov. Brian Sandoval, his tax increase, and the relative favorables of Rep. Joe Heck and U.S. Sen. Dean Heller. ... Just out: “Unconditional Honor: Wounded Warriors and their Dogs” by Las Vegas writer Cathy Scott and Clay Myers. ... Heard about the big bonuses Macau casino employees are receiving despite the greatly diminished profits at the tables? You’ll hear more soon. ... UNLV basketball fans will get a final chance to cheer for late UNLV coach Jerry Tarkanian on Sunday at the Thomas &Mack Center — where else? Doors open at 1 p.m., and the tribute begins at 2 p.m. No ticket required.

Have an item for the Bard of the Boulevard? Email comments and contributions to Smith@reviewjournal.com or call 702-383-0295. Follow him on Twitter @jlnevadasmith.