Area Briefing
POLICE LAUNCH COLLABORATIVE EFFORT TO FIGHT GRAFFITI
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has partnered with area agencies to fight graffiti, considered one of the valley’s most costly property crimes.
The initiative aims to implement enforcement, abatement, prevention and education. The goal is to effectively unite public agencies with the community to fight graffiti and protect the valley from graffiti vandalism and any related crime it attracts.
The department has teamed with the city of Las Vegas, Crime Stoppers of Nevada, the Clark County School District and other Southern Nevada Graffiti Coalition partners for the initiative.
A kickoff for the effort, dubbed Graffiti-Free Las Vegas, took place June 26 at Martin Middle School, 200 N. 28th St.
For more information, call 828-3111 or visit lvmpd.com.
FIREWORKS BANNED ON BLM LAND
Fire restrictions are to remain in place during the Fourth of July on Bureau of Land Management property, including no fireworks.
The regulations cover all fireworks, including Safe and Sane.
Fire restrictions on BLM land also forbid:
Campfires, charcoal or wood barbecues, even in established picnic areas. Propane and gas barbecues are acceptable.
Steel-jacket ammunition and explosive targets.
Smoking outside an enclosed vehicle.
Welding or operating an acetylene torch with open flames, except by permit.
Use of any explosive, except by permit.
Violations can result in a fine of up to $10,000, a year in jail and costs associated with resource damage, suppression and injuries.
For more information, visit blm.gov/6jkd.
CYBER SECURITY EXERCISE ADDRESSES COMMUNITY RESPONSE STRATEGIES
Valley officials recently participated in a cyber security exercise to enhance awareness of the issue and collaboration throughout the community.
The full-day training, which took place June 21 at the Henderson Convention Center, 200 S. Water St., included about 100 participants from federal, state and local governments and the private sector.
The event was designed to enhance community leaders’ understanding of cyber security so organizations are better able to address any threats that may arise. Discussions dealt with cyber security threats, policies, procedures and incident responses to determine where collaboration can occur.
Valley participants included Clark County Assessor Michele Shafe and Clark County Recorder Debbie Conway.
The event was part of a 14-month Department of Homeland Security program in which Clark and Washoe counties were selected to participate.
The cyber security program is administered by the University of Texas’ Center for Infrastructure Assurance Security.
Nevada is one of only two states selected to receive the grant-funded training this year.
POLICE K-9 UNIT TO BE 1st TUESDAY TOPIC
The K-9 unit’s role in law enforcement is scheduled to be discussed during the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s 1st Tuesday program, slated for 7 to 8 p.m. today at the department’s area commands around the valley.
The 1st Tuesday program is a free open house-style event that takes place monthly on the first Tuesday. After speakers discuss assigned topics, residents can learn more about their neighborhoods and meet their local police officers.
For a list of area commands or other additional information, visit lvmpd.com or call 828-3111.
POLICE TO REWARD KIDS’ GOOD BEHAVIOR WITH SLURPEE COUPONS
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has begun Operation Chill, which rewards positive behavior with a cool treat for kids on summer vacation from school.
The department partners annually with 7-Eleven stores’ popular Operation Chill program. Patrol officers hit the streets during the first weeks of summer vacation armed with free coupons for a small Slurpee at participating 7-Eleven stores.
Law enforcement officers can "ticket" youngsters caught in the act of doing good with the beverage coupons. Appropriate "offenses" might include helping another person, deterring crime or participating in a positive activity in the community.
The program is aimed at encouraging youngsters to stay out of trouble during summer, when they have extra time on their hands.
Since the program’s inception in 1995, more than 12 million Operation Chill coupons have been distributed to hundreds of law enforcement agencies across the country in areas where 7-Eleven operates stores.
US FIREFIGHTER DEATHS CONTINUE DECLINE
Firefighter deaths hit a 35-year low in 2011, with 61 paid and volunteer department and agency members losing their lives while on duty, according to the National Fire Protection Association’s annual firefighter fatality report.
It was the lowest annual total of firefighter deaths for the second consecutive year and the lowest annual total in 35 years, the recently released report stated.
Firefighter deaths have sharply decreased over the past three years, dramatically declining from the 105 deaths in 2008, the NFPA said.
Of the 61 firefighters who died on duty in 2011, 35 were volunteer firefighters, 21 were career firefighters, three were employees of state land management agencies and two were employees of federal land management agencies.
The NFPA said it was hopeful that the downward trend would continue with the expanded use of codes and standards and other safety initiatives.
For more information, visit nfpa.org.
HENDERSON POLICE TO ENFORCE NEW LOCAL FIREWORKS ORDINANCE
The Henderson Police Department issued a reminder that fireworks that explode or shoot into the air are fire hazards and dangerous and could lead to being ticketed or arrested.
The Henderson City Council passed an ordinance in March making the sale, possession or use of dangerous fireworks illegal in the city. Dangerous fireworks are defined as ones that explode or shoot into the air. Previous local ordinances were not specific, and there were little or no repercussions for violators.
Anyone caught with illegal fireworks, such as bottle rockets, Roman candles or fireworks, will have them confiscated. Police can issue a citation in such instances or arrest the person for violating the fireworks ordinance, which is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
The Safe and Sane fireworks, sold at various booths throughout the area through Wednesday , remain legal, police said.
Illegal fireworks detonated in Henderson neighborhoods sparked a high number of calls for service last year, the department said. Henderson police dispatchers handled 336 disturbance calls July 3-5, 2011.
The Henderson Fire Department also saw an increase in nonmedical calls in the three-day span last year, fielding 41, compared to 17 from June 26-28 and 16 from July 10-12.
Residents are urged to exercise caution, even with Safe and Sane fireworks. Safety tips from the department included:
Always read the directions and use common sense.
Have an adult present.
Use the outdoors only – away from buildings, vehicles, dry grass and other flammable objects.
Light one firework at a time, then move quickly away.
Keep others at a safe distance.
Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
Never alter or dismantle fireworks.
Do not give fireworks to young children.
Never attempt to relight or fix malfunctioning fireworks.
Have a bucket of water handy for emergencies and for dousing misfired and spent fireworks.
Place all discharged fireworks in a bucket of water overnight to ensure that they do not reignite.
SHADOW LANE IMPROVEMENTS START BETWEEN ALTA AND CHARLESTON
Work began June 18 on the second and final phase of an infrastructure improvement project on Shadow Lane between Alta Drive and Charleston Boulevard.
Work is planned from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with the $1.2 million project expected to be completed by Aug. 31, according to the city of Las Vegas.
Construction will be accommodated by half-street road closures. Motorists are advised to use Rancho or Tonopah drives as alternate routes.
The project includes:
Removal and replacement of asphalt pavement.
Street widening between Kenyon Place and Alta Drive to provide a northbound-exclusive right-turn lane.
Completion of remaining Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades.
Traffic signal modifications at the Alta Drive/Shadow Lane intersection.
Replacement of 377 linear feet of sewer main pipe to upgrade sewer flow capacity.
Replacement of sewer manholes.
Restriping of the street to provide one lane in each direction, a center-turn lane and bike lanes.
Upgraded crosswalks with concrete islands designed for pedestrian safety.
The first phase of work was completed this year and entailed improvements to sidewalk areas to meet federal ADA requirements, the installation of an underground traffic signal conduit and construction of traffic signal poles and foundations to make a future signal at the intersection of Pinto and Shadow lanes possible without disturbing the new roadway.
Aggregate Industries Inc. is the contractor. City of Las Vegas department of operations and maintenance personnel are managing the project. Funding is provided by the city and the Clark County Regional Transportation Commission.
AARP PLANS DRIVER EDUCATION CLASS JULY 12
The AARP plans to sponsor a driver education class for those 55 or older from 4:15 to 8:15 p.m. July 12 at Fletcher Jones Imports, 7300 W. Sahara Ave.
The cost is $12 for AARP members and $14 for nonmembers. Current or former educators may attend the class for $5 as a July special.
Students who successfully complete the class may be eligible for discounts from their auto insurance companies.
For more information and to sign up, call 256-4717.
LIFEGUARD CAMP TO START MONDAY AT PAVILION CENTER POOL
A Junior Lifeguard Camp for children 12 to 15 is planned for Mondays through Fridays, Monday through July 13 and Aug. 6-10 at the Pavilion Center Pool, 101 S. Pavilion Center Drive.
Participants will receive American Red Cross adult CPR certification and learn essential pool lifesaving skills. The cost is $45 per week.
For more information, call 229-1488
LIFEGUARD EDUCATION PROGRAM PLANNED AT FIVE COUNTY WATER PARKS
Clark County is offering its new Lifeguard Education Awareness program, with classes scheduled at five of its water parks.
The eight-week LEAP program is for ages 11 to 18 and includes swimming instruction, lifeguard training, CPR certification, field trips, guest speakers and information about water-related careers.
The program is planned at Sunrise Neighborhood Pool, 2240 Linn Lane; Walnut Water Park, 3055 N. Walnut Road; Parkdale Water Park, 3200 Ferndale St.; Whitney Neighborhood Pool, 5712 E. Missouri Ave.; and Cambridge Water Park, 3930 Cambridge St.
Those who are interested must inquire with a school counselor or at a Clark County recreation center to receive a referral and fill out an application.
For more information, call 455-8508.
