Manteris explains basis for lawsuit
Former news anchor Sue Manteris, breaking her silence on the federal discrimination lawsuit she filed against KSNV-TV, Channel 3, said it was "a fight I could not run away from."
She made the comments in a statement released over the weekend. Her 22-year stay at the station ended Thursday. Her contract was not renewed.
"This is not a fight that I sought, but unfortunately it was not a fight I could run away from either," she said in the release. "But, I have been touched and encouraged by the support and well wishes I've received over the past few weeks and months. This case as I see it is about 'Principles, Ethics, and the Law of our Land.' I think that my viewers and friends know that this case is not just about me."
She concluded, "Cost-cutting measures cannot target all minority workers in a department, and women over 40 only; not in this millennium, not in this country. Unfortunately, some businesses still need to learn that."
In the lawsuit, filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, she alleges racial, age and gender discrimination in response to KSNV's decision not to renew her contract.
Named in the lawsuit: Valley Broadcasting Co., owner of KSNV, formerly KVBC; news director Bob Stoldal; general manager Lisa Howfield; company attorney Douglas Roman Hill and others.
FAMILY TIES
A case of food poisoning didn't stop Laura Lombardo from competing in the sixth annual talent show at the Stirling Club at Turnberry Place.
Her show-must-go-on spirit paid off Friday with a win after her powerful rendition of Sam Cook's "A Change is Gonna Come."
Her grandfather would have been proud of both her talent, moxie and modesty. Lombardo, 25, didn't mention that she was Guy Lombardo's granddaughter until the next day during a phone conversation with talent show host Kelly Clinton Holmes.
Guy Lombardo and his band The Royal Canadians, which included three of his brothers, sold more than a million records between 1927 and 1954.
THE SCENE AND HEARD
NBC's "Today" show weatherman and anchor Al Roker will be stopping Tuesday in Las Vegas for his "Lend a Hand Today" campaign for small charities. He'll be joined by Rio headliners Penn & Teller and star chef Todd English. Roker's good will tour stop is sponsored by The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and Zappos. Las Vegas is one of five cities where a charity will be honored with a live report.
Retired Sheriff Ralph Lamb meant to say the Sahara, not the Hilton, was the site of a "fracas" involving The Beatles and some dealers. The Beatles were staying at the Sahara during their 1964 tour stop at the Convention Center. The International, now the Las Vegas Hilton, opened in 1969. My colleague, Corey Levitan, emailed to say a Sahara employee confirmed that The Beatles rehearsed in the Conga Room before their concert.
SIGHTINGS
Ron Artest of the Los Angeles Lakers, hosting the Baller's Ball at Tao (The Venetian) on Saturday in celebration of his new extended play single "Go Loco." "Superbad" actor Christopher Mintz-Plasse, who was celebrating his 22nd birthday, and former NBA pro Wally Szczerbiak were spotted in separate groups. ... Paris and Nicky Hilton, in a cabana at Marquee Dayclub (Cosmopolitan) on Saturday before heading to Marquee Nightclub to celebrate their friend Allison Melnick's 40th birthday. They were joined by actors Lukas Haas and Pauly Shore. Also at Marquee: Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah with friends from Chicago. At Marquee on Friday: Paris Hilton, with friends; Luol Deng of the Chicago Bulls, by the pool with friends. ... John Travolta and Kelly Preston, getting a tour of the Cleveland Clinic and Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health with Larry Ruvo. Las Vegas chef Carla Pellegrino, spotted house-hunting in the tony Tomiyasu neighborhood over the weekend.
THE PUNCH LINE
"Many of Anthony Weiner's Democratic colleagues are calling for him to resign to preserve his dignity, but that ship sailed a long time ago." -- Jimmy Kimmel
Norm Clarke can be reached at (702) 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com. Follow Norm on Twitter @Norm_Clarke.
