Famous and infamous attended Mob Museum opening

Paging the ghost of Salvador Dali: You could have painted a surrealistic masterpiece Wednesday night at the Mob Museum.

The mix of humanity at the grand opening cocktail party was at times eye-popping and always entertaining. Some folks attended in Prohibition-era garb. A few in the sporting crowd brought authentic mob credentials, either in their criminal records or family trees.

For me, the most surreal juxtaposition of the night was the sight of former Las Vegas FBI Special Agent in Charge Ellen Knowlton standing next to ex-Chicago Outfit hitman (turned federal witness) Frank Cullotta.

Among other retired wiseguys in attendance: Ex-Lucchese family associate Henry Hill, former Chicago Outfit friend Tony Montana and dapper former Gambino guy Andrew DiDonato.

Forget his eyesight issues and the fact he's in his 80s, retired Clark County Sheriff Ralph Lamb still looks capable of rounding up every one of them. Lamb was among the many former law enforcement officials to mix through the gathering of several hundred.

Relatives of the famous and infamous were also represented, including Suzanne Dalitz (daughter of Moe Dalitz) and Meyer Lansky II (grandson of Mr. "We're bigger than U.S. Steel.")

COUNCIL RACE: The sprint for Las Vegas City Council Ward 2 is about to get interesting. No, really. I mean it. Actually interesting.

The City Council voted 4-3 Wednesday to hold a special election March 20 to replace exiting Councilman Steve Wolfson, who was recently appointed Clark County district attorney.

Former state Sen. Bob Beers, a certified public accountant, confirmed Thursday he will file for the office. Longtime Metro veteran Bob Chinn has also expressed interest, as have community activist Donna Toussaint and Planning Commissioner Ric Truesdell.

F STREET CIRCUS: The City Council voted Wednesday to spend $8.5 million to help reopen F Street near Bonanza Road. Total cost of the project is $16.5 million, and at no time did I hear that anyone would be held accountable for the misguided decision to close the street in the first place.

DOWNTOWN BUZZ: You would almost think downtown was pulling out of the recession. In addition to the opening of the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement this week, the dedication of the new Las Vegas City Hall is set for March 5, with the Smith Center for the Performing Arts opening its doors later in the month.

Add to that the completion of the Neon Museum and Boneyard, and you can begin to feel the energy emanating from the vicinity of Fremont Street.

BALD IS BEAUTIFUL: Or, in my case, at least for a good cause.

The annual head-shaving marathon to benefit the St. Baldrick's Foundation for childhood cancer research and treatment is set for March 3 at several local Irish pubs. Although headquartered at McMullan's Irish Pub, this year's event also takes place at Nine Fine Irishmen inside New York-New York and at Ri Ra at Mandalay Bay.

Other events are set for local schools, and on March 18, some members of the Wranglers hockey team will lose their locks.

Once again, my cancer-fighting daughter, Amelia, will shave her dad's head. This year, we both have something to celebrate in the cancer-battling department.

To donate to Amelia's Team, or any of the many great local groups, click on stbaldricks.org or call me at the Review-Journal. And remember, St. Baldrick's is the biggest fundraiser for childhood cancer research outside the federal government.

ON THE BOULEVARD: Sure, gentleman City Councilman Bob Coffin seemed like a nice guy. But the doorman at the Mob Museum still wouldn't let him in without a VIP badge. Coffin took the rejection in good humor, then went and retrieved a badge.

Mixing with mobsters is one thing. It's those local politicians you have to watch like a hawk.

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.