Reputed mob soldier’s new gig at the O.G. might keep him out of trouble

For heaven's sake: It's O.C. at the O.G.

Cool cat that he is, reputed mob soldier Vinny Faraci has once again landed on his feet. These days he can be found working the swing shift at the Olympic Garden topless cabaret now known as the O.G., a club official confirms.

Faraci, the former Crazy Horse Too employee who surfaced briefly at Rick's Cabaret recently, is considered by law enforcement to be a made member of the Bonanno crime family. He's also a veteran of the topless racket.

Apparently, Faraci's expertise remains in demand despite his colorful portfolio that includes a short fall in the criminal investigation of Crazy Horse Too owner Rick Rizzolo.

When Faraci's presence at Rick's Cabaret made print, he was quietly let go in what had the signs of a lame lay-down by club management.

This time, I say let the guy earn a living. It's probably wishful thinking, but it might keep him out of trouble.

BOGGS' DEAL: With former Clark County Commissioner Lynette Boggs set to take an Alford plea to a gross misdemeanor charge of filing a false statement concerning a residency, some readers are crying out for jail time for the former public official. Under her agreement, she will receive no jail time.

I'd argue that the arrangement is the right amount of punishment.

"We felt that it was a relatively compelling case," District Attorney David Roger says. "The unknown factor was whether a jury would have some sympathy for her."

From the look of the reader response to this week's column on Boggs' deal, Roger's concern about a sympathetic jury may have been overblown.

MLK PARADE: The 27th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade is set for 10 a.m. Monday downtown. Mayor Oscar Goodman will be among the parade participants.

It's safe to presume the parade route doesn't travel down F Street.

SHERIFF'S POSSE: Blogospheric rumors to the contrary, Sheriff Doug Gillespie will definitely run for re-election, his top political adviser Kent Oram says in an e-mail meant to douse the gossip.

"It's amazing how rumors get started and keep on moving through certain grapevines," Oram writes. "I'll be doing this race, and the good news is ... I'm not asking for any contributions. OK, not for a long while, anyway!"

We'll see how long that promise lasts.

Gillespie is expected to face minimal opposition.

SCHOOL CLOSURE? Residents of Kyle Canyon (I am one) turned out Tuesday night to show their support for keeping tiny Lundy Elementary School open despite Clark County School District claims that its closure would help solve the state's enormous fiscal crisis.

Citizens countered that they contribute $583,000 in property taxes that directly benefit the CCSD -- far more than double the district's estimated costs to operate the school.

Will closing the school really save a substantial sum?

What wasn't clear is whether officials present were actually listening. They became most animated when reminding those present that the meeting was scheduled for just one hour.

COSMO'S WORLD: Longtime Las Vegans will remember Tony Cosmo as the talented restaurateur whose Cosmo's Underground downtown was one of the most popular spots in town. Now he's back with Cosmo's Café Ristorante inside the Royal Resort at 99 Convention Center Drive.

It's Italian home cooking -- if your mama was really good in the kitchen. This out-of-the way restaurant is sure to remind locals of the best of old Las Vegas.

MOVING UP: Bill Falkner helped pulp "The Juice." Now he's moving up.

District Attorney David Roger has chosen Falkner to replace Michael Karstedt as investigative supervisor, sources have confirmed. Karstedt has retired after playing a major role in many of the biggest cases locally prosecuted in the past 20 years.

Among Falkner's other high-profile cases are the investigation of the death of Baby Jane Cordova Doe as well as the state's successful murder prosecution of former bodybuilders Craig Titus and Kelly Ryan.

ON THE BOULEVARD: Remember Morris Shenker? How about the Dome of the Sea restaurant? If you do, you'll want to join Pegg Wallace and her pals for the 16th annual reunion of Dunes employees. It's set for 5 p.m. Jan. 21 at the New York City Bar & Grill at 6168 W. Spring Mountain Road.

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