Indian Voices - Current Issue

Sycuan Hot Shots
Fighting Fires Before They Start

Two members of Sycuan’s Golden Eagles Hot Shots crew inspect the
landscape as they clear a large canyon in the Golden Hill area of San Diego.

Fire season is here. And unbeknownst to residents of San Diego County, the Sycuan Golden Eagles Hot Shots have been on the fire lines, even when the flames have been no where in sight.

“Just because you don’t see the planes flying, the smoke or flames, it doesn’t mean our guys aren’t working to protect San Diegans,” said
Hank Murphy, Fire Chief of the Sycuan Fire Department.

The Hot Shots make up a unit within the Sycuan Fire Department. Its crews have been performing back-breaking work on a daily basis; they’ve been putting in long hours every day to prevent another fire storm in San Diego.

They use chain saws, weed whackers and other tools to clear debris and dead vegetation from hillsides, ravines and canyons. It’s a simple arrangement, the city of San Diego puts up the money, and the Hot
Shots provide the man power to get the job done.

It’s not easy work, cutting down this “fire fuel” is strenuous, exhausting and tedious work; it must be done by hand to obtain the best results.

Hot Shot crews pay attention to the native vegetation to make sure
they’re not cutting down precious plants.

“We’re happy to do it, and we get the job done while taking care of the landscape, so we don’t create an erosion problem down the road,” said Jose Deza, Captain with the Sycuan Hot Shots.

The crews pay extra attention to the native vegetation to make sure they’re not cutting down precious plants, and they don’t just cut everything in sight. “We only cut down the dead, dried materials from trees, hedges and bushes,” said Deza.

Thanks to Captain Deza and the other Sycuan Hot Shots, communities such as Scripps Ranch, Tierrasanta, Poway, Golden Hill and many others are now safer thanks to this on-going brush clearing operation.

It’s impressive to witness the dedication of these selfless firefighters, as they perform a very difficult job as they fight fires before they start.

Residents can do this same type of work on their own properties. Captain Deza recommends doing it in the morning when it’s cool, having a shovel close by to put dirt on a fire, should a spark ignite the brush. He also suggests having a cell phone to call someone immediately,
if a fire gets going while clearing brush from your home.

WASHINGTON, DC – Late last night, the House of Representatives unanimously
passed legislation introduced by Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto), and supported by the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) and 184 federally recognized tribes, to designate the Friday after Thanksgiving as Native American Heritage Day. The Native American Heritage Day Bill, H.J. Res. 62, designates Friday, November 28, 2008, as a day to pay tribute to Native Americans for their many contributions
to the United States.

“Native Americans have enriched American culture throughout their proud history,” said Rep. Baca. “It is critical we recognize these contributions and ensure all Americans are properly educated on the heritage and achievements of Native Americans.”

The Native American Heritage Day Bill encourages Americans of all backgrounds to observe Friday, November 28, as Native American Heritage Day, through appropriate ceremonies and activities.

It also encourages public elementary and secondary schools to enhance student
understanding of Native Americans by providing classroom instruction focusing on
their history, achievements, and contributions. As a state Assemblyman, Rep. Baca introduced the legislation that established the fourth Friday of September as Native American Day in California – which became state law in 1998.

We have many community members Indian and non-Indian that brings their heart and skill for the benefit of our Indian children. Juan Castellanos, IHRC Executive Director, set up the sound system with Dwight Lomayesva's help. Dwight, Executive
Director of the American Indian Recruitment, AIR program, came in to announce that the services are in place and the program is started at SDSU and USD.

There is a great response to the excellent description of the pow wow protocol
and tradition by our Master of Ceremony, Randy Edmonds, SCAIR Senior Advisor. Richard Parker volunteered to be the Arena Director for the mock pow wow. Chuck Caddote and Tina Morales encouraged the dancers and showed them by example. Eileen George and Vera Tucker stepped in to guide the dancers in the grand entry. It
was the real deal for the first time for many of our young dancers.

American Indian Warriors member Joaquin Sandoval brought in the American flag in representation of the Honor Guard. Randy Edmonds provided the blessing and called on the San Diego Inter-Tribal Singers: Richard Decrane, Frank Gastelum, Ben Nance and Roy Cook, SCAIR contract writer, to sing the appropriate Flag song and Victory song. All volunteers, unpaid but greatly appreciated, for the Indian children – our
future.

For the children, think about that and what can be accomplished and what might happen if someone is irresponsible. We are touching the life of each child that is attending the Soaring Eagles Dance and Regalia classes. This is a wonderful opportunity. There is also an emergent sense of Indian community. There are aspects of tribalism, Indian culture, song, laughter and, in the mix, critics too. More parents need to be respectfully watchful of all the children. Some are too timid and fearful of what someone might say if we correct another persons’ child. Some, I am sorry to say, seem to just not care to monitor or mentor until something dramatic occurs and
then everyone wants to know who to blame. We are all responsible to keep our children safe.

Real good eats too! Debbie Razo prepared and set out the pot luck offerings: Spaghetti, tossed salad, macaroni salad, fresh green beans in a yummy sauce, chilaquilas, punch and hot coffee mmm, Later there is a birthday cake for Melissa
Aleman and another cake brought in by El Bisarra, from the AI Health clinic, in appreciation of the Soaring Eagles participation at the Student Wellness Conference a while back.

We sang a bunch of good songs and the dancers, most of them, gave it their
all and danced to the best of their abilities. We ended the evening with the very
popular snake and buffalo dances, Again, thanks to all the great volunteers that make the big difference for the, SCAIR sponsored, Soaring Eagles Dance night.

All are invited to attend and PARTICIPATE.
Normal Heights Community Center
at 4649 Hawley Blvd. San Diego
CA 619-281-5964. Free to the public
but it is a POT LUCK so bring something
good to share

Chuey’s Restaurant, the decades-old restaurant in Barrio Logan familiar to
countless satisfied San Diego diners has been sold for $2.6 million to the San
Diego Community College District as the site for the new Cesar Chavez campus of the district’s Continuing Education Program.

The college district was the successful bidder for the property at a Trustee Sale
held on October 10, 2008. The property is located at 1901-1911 Main Street
in San Diego. The rectangular site is approximately 39,315 square feet on
which the 18,048 square-foot Chuey’s Restaurant building and a 556 squarefoot garage are located.

Frank De La Rosa, the past owner of Chuey’s Restaurant said of the purchase
by the college district, “We are glad that the community will benefit from the
educational programs that will be offered at the new campus.”

District Chancellor Constance Carroll noted, “The acquisition of this property
is important for our district for two reasons. We will be able to build a major
continuing education campus for local residents named after Cesar Chavez. And, we will be able to include some of the Aztec Brewery artifacts in this facility as well as other celebrations of the area’s rich culture.”

The new campus, including the acquisition cost of the land, is projected to be approximately $42 million with construction planned to begin in 2010. The first students should be able to attend classes at the new campus in mid-2012. The new campus will consolidate the programs currently offered at the nearby smaller Cesar Chavez campus and the Center City campus. It is funded by the San Diego taxpayer supported Proposition S.

The new Cesar Chavez campus will be a Campus of Excellence for Allied
Health occupations. It will also offer English as a Second Language (ESL)
classes, Adult Basic Education (ABE), Business Information Technology (BIT),
Parent Education, and Older Adult Education. A Small Business Incubator
Center will be established. In addition, there will be a Multi-Purpose room and
Administrative Offices.

According to Board of Trustees Executive Vice President Rich Grosch,
“This is an opportunity to build, with local citizen input, a high quality educational facility that will enhance the community and enrich the lives of its residents.”

Board of Trustee member Maria Nieto Senour added , "'Chuey's' is a name that
has long been associated with the many positive attributes of Barrio Logan. We
are pleased that the location of the new Cesar Chavez Continuing Education
Campus will add to positive legacy that began with Chuey's."

World's Largest Food Fishery in
Danger of Collapse
Dwindling Food Supply Puts Endangered Steller
Sea Lions, Fishing Jobs in Jeopardy

WASHINGTON - A new survey conducted by the National Marine Fisheries
Service reveals that populations of Alaska pollock, the world's largest food fishery, have dropped 50 percent since last year. Pollock is America's most ubiquitous
seafood product, found in McDonald's fish sandwiches, frozen fish sticks, fish and chips, and imitation crabmeat. The assessment revealed that Bering Sea pollock stocks have declined to their lowest level on record-a startling development for a fishery NMFS' chief scientist recently called "one of the most successfully managed species in the world" and that has earned a Marine Stewardship Council certification.

In December, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council will set the new
pollock catch limits for 2009. Scientists and conservationists have warned that
unless the Council reduces fishing pressure on pollock, a vital forage species for
fur seals, whales, and endangered Steller sea lions, the entire Bering Sea ecosystem
could be in jeopardy of collapse. This would prove devastating for the state's commercial fishermen and traditional coastal communities that depend on a healthy ocean for their livelihoods.

"Economic pressures to keep on fishing at such high levels have overwhelmed
common sense," said Dr. Jeremy Jackson, Director of the Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. "With the huge uncertainties inherent in fisheries models, a far more precautionary, ecosystem-based approach is required. Otherwise, fisheries managers are gambling with the health of our oceans and coastal communities.

"Over the past several years, the pollock fishery has experienced poor juvenile survival rates and dwindling populations, forcing the council to reduce harvests in the past two fishing seasons. But experts say these actions have been inadequate, failing to prevent further declines. In order to restore the fishery's health, the allowable catch must be cut in half, fishing on spawning populations suspended, and marine reserves established to protect critical habitats.

"We are on the cusp of one of the largest fishery collapses in history," said John Hocevar, Greenpeace Oceans Campaign Director. "It may still be possible to prevent disaster, but the North Pacific Fishery Management Council must take swift and decisive action when they meet in December." For background on the pollock fishery, see our report at: www.greenpeace.org/usa/rethinking

Fact or fiction? “Fig Tree John” is listed on the Internet by several writers expressed interest in the myth or fact of “Fig Tree John” as he was named because he was credited with planting the first fig tree in the Coachella Valley.

Yes, for us Indians “Fig Tree John” was a real person. His real name was John
Razon and he was a tribal member of the Torres Martinez Band of Cahuilla Indians. He was also the Tribal Spokesman for the Torres Martinez Tribal Council during the 1920’s. He was also a member of the Mission Indian Federation. He was listed on the government records as one of the Fifty-seven (57) Federation leaders arrested and charged with "conspiracy against
the government" in 1923 a year before citizenship was granted to the American Indians.

Little is known about Mr. Razon because the Mission Indian Federation went underground after the mass arrest and subsequent release when the charges
were dropped for lack of any evidence. However, the Government through the
Bureau of Indian Affairs continued to harass and undermine the effort of the
Federation.

What is interesting is that many of the descendants of the early Tribal Leaders that were members of Mission Indian Federations continue to lead their tribes today. However, this article is dedicated to the ancestors of John “Fig Tree John” Razon.

John “Fig Tree John” Razon had two children a boy, John Razon Jr. and a girl,
Minnie Mack Razon. Not much is know about their early childhood or where they went to school.

Both siblings married and moved to the San Jacinto Valley. John Jr. married
Clemencia “Clementine” Silvas a member of the Soboba Band of Mission Indians (Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians as the name was changed a few year back). Ms. Clemencia Silvas also had a brother, Leandro “Lee” Silvis. Minne Mack married a gentleman from the Pechanga Band of Mission Indians, William “Bill” Miranda.

The Razon family made their home on the Soboba Reservation while the
Miranda family live in the city of San Jacinto on Santa Fe St. near the cross St.
of Esplanade, just three miles west of the Soboba Indian Reservation. Both had large families that attended the San Jacinto schools.

Ms. Clemencia Razon was active in the Soboba politics and also served on the
Tribal Council, as did her twin daughters Martina and Lupe. Lupe married Dee
Boniface who was also a member of the Soboba tribe. Sandy “Boniface” Arres, Lupe and Dee’s daughter served on the Soboba Tribal Council.

Martina “Tina” married Lester Lopez from Torres Martinez. Their eldest son
Arthur Lopez was enrolled at Torres Martinez and served as the Tribal Chairman. Carl and Darrel Lopez were enrolled at Soboba and both served on
the Soboba Tribal Council, Carl as the Tribal Spokesman and Darrel on the
Tribal Council. Another daughter of John and “Clementine” May married a non-Indian and their daughter; Maxine Resvaloso was enrolled at Torres Martinez and is currently serving on the Tribal Council.

Another grandson of John Jr. and Calmencia Razon, Gordon Placencia was
recently elected to the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians Tribal Council and is the son of Irene “Razon” Placencia. Leroy “Lukas McCain” Miranda is the
eldest son of Minnie Mack and William “Bill” Miranda. He married a lady from
the Pala Indian reservation, Donna Lavado. Their son Leroy Miranda Jr. is
currently the Vice-Chairman for the Pala and of Mission Indians as well as the
leader of the cultural resurgence of the tribe. (The nickname “Lukas McCain” is another story for another time.)

John “Fig Tree John” Razon may not only have planted the first fig tree in the
Coachella Valley his legacy continues to have a direct positive impact on at least three southern California Indian Reservations, Soboba, Torres Martinez
and Pala. Like Sonny & Cher's song "The Beat Goes On".

Indian Medical Health Director to
Discuss Experiences of a Tribal Doctor at UCSD Native American Celebration

Pathways to Life: Experiences of a Tribal Doctor will be addressed when Dan Calac, M.D., medical director of the Indian Health Council, Inc., (IHC) speaks Nov. 7 at the University of California, San Diego.

Part of UC San Diego’s 2008 California Native American Day Celebration, the event will be from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Comunidad Room of the Cross-Cultural Center. It is free and open to the public.

Born and raised on the Pauma Indian Reservation, since 2003 Calac has
served as medical director of IHC, a consortium of nine tribes dedicated to the continual betterment of Indian health, wholeness, and well-being. IHC has a main facility adjacent to the Rincon reservation in Pauma Valley and the Santa Ysabel Community Health Center located on the Santa Ysabel Reservation.

Under Calac’s direction, IHC provides on-site and outreach services and programs to the North San Diego County reservations of Inaja-Cosmit, La Jolla, Los Coyotes, Mesa Grande, Pala, Pauma, Rincon, San Pasqual, and Santa Ysabel.

These services range from prenatal to geriatric; from child and adult fitness and diabetes clinics to substance abuse prevention and domestic violence programs, and from mammograms and eye clinics to outreach health fairs and environmental health services.

Calac began his quest to a pathway in medicine as a tribal doctor with a
degree in biology from San Diego State University. He went on to receive his medical degree from Harvard Medical School and did both internship and residency in combined internal medicine and pediatrics at UCLA.

Calac is a member of the American Medical Society and a member and
scholar of the Massachusetts Medical Society. He was an Arthur Ashe
Foundation Fellow at Harvard AIDS Institute, and has received an Indian
Health Service scholarship and a Community Service Award. He served as a co-principle investigator for the Preventing Underage Drinking by
Southwest Indians Program sponsored by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

C urrently, he is a principle investigator with the California Native American Research Centers for Health (NARCH) whose goals are to increase the quantity and quality of research on the health of Native Americans in California and to increase the number of Native American
students and faculty in California universities.

Calac lives in Escondido with his wife and three children. For further information on the Calac talk, e-mail cfierro@ucsd.edu. For more
information on the California Native American Day Celebration visit the
website: http://blink.ucsd.edu/go/nativeamerican

EL CAJON, CA (October 21, 2008) – Anita Bye has been promoted to Director
of Community Development for Sycuan. “Anita has raised the Tribe’s and the
Casino’s charitable giving and community awareness to unprecedented heights.
Her professionalism and dedication to these efforts are exemplary,” said Michael Tabor, Director of Marketing for Sycuan Casino.

For the past three and a half years, Bye had served as Manager of Community Development, becoming an integral part of Sycuan’s gift-giving efforts. She was also responsible for assembling and mobilizing Sycuan’s volunteer programs in the community.

Bye has become a recognized figure throughout the San Diego region and is
known as Sycuan’s ambassador. Bye is very generous with her own time as well. Throughout the year, she participates in a large number of charitable
endeavors and events. Bye is also a Board Director with the East County Chamber of Commerce, the Boys and Girls Clubs of East County, and is a
Symphony Star member with the San Diego Symphony.

Open 24/7 and just 30 minutes from downtown San Diego, Sycuan Casino
offers an array of exciting gaming activities, entertainment and delicious food. In addition to our 2,000-plus slots, we have a total of 63 table games, including
blackjack, pai gow, and mini baccarat in addition to a 24-table non-smoking
poker room. The 1,250-seat Bingo Palace provides traditional and video bingo.
Sycuan’s Showcase Theatre features great shows and concerts in an intimate, upclose-and-personal venue. And customers have a choice of dining in our
international buffet, Wachena Falls Café, Sunset Deli or Bingo Snack Bar.

The Sycuan Tribal Government operates the region's premier Indian gaming
and resort facilities, the Sycuan Casino and Sycuan Resort. Sycuan demonstrates its strong commitment to the San Diego region through its support of civic and charitable organizations. The Tribe also seeks to reinvest back into the San Diego community with a progressive business development effort. The Tribe also owns and operates Sycuan Ringside Promotions; the country’s first tribally owned boxing promotion company. Sycuan Funds is a publicly traded and professionally managed mutual fund. Combined, these enterprises now employ nearly 4,000 San Diegans.

The San Diego Tonkawas group really knows how to have a good time while keeping the Kumeyaay and Native culture alive. The community came out in force to enjoy a beautiful San Diego Saturday at Mission Bay. Family and friends socialized and enjoyed the beautiful San Diego Saturday Oct, 4th. The kids recalled antiquity playing a rough and tumble game of stickball.
The watermelon eating contest, food and fun was enjoyed by all.

The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) was scrutinized by different points of view to the Grave Injustice: UCSD Repatriation
Teach-In Oct. 13 in the Student Services Center at the University of California, San Diego.

NAGPRA is a federal law passed in 1990 defining a “process for museums and Federal agencies to return certain Native American cultural items and human remains to the tribe of origin.

The event, part of U C San Diego’s Native American Day Celebration, was sometimes heated when the issue of museum inventory accountability was raised.

Pony has been developing cutting edge Media content and continues to find new and innovative ways to push media distribution into the Global Awareness sphere since the breakout of IT technology in the Silicon Valley Glory Years…

Having an extended knowledge in IT and this being merged with a true gift of being able to understand the ever-changing global needs of becoming more and more earth conscious, has made it possible for Pony to develop several protocols and mediums to get Innovative Indigenous art to the masses…

Pony continues to draw from an innate need stemming from his tribal / native roots to move forward usually ahead of the regular thinking patterns of today’s technology. On this very journey emerged Pony Pictures, Dream TV, DJ Tribe, Native Soul and the latest addition to Pony’s inventions of global conscious mediums
Gaiapod.

Pony’s wonderful expertise, vision and talent were available and noted in the following projects, which will give you an overall but yet limited idea of Pony’s capabilities:

Pony worked with Deep Light, in Beverly Hills, CA as a Producer and Introducing the 3d monitors and camera, for Native American Gaming (no glasses needed), he was also the Executive Producer & Designer of Wild Card the 3D Blackjack game.

Pony was part of Midnight Movies, in Culver City, CA – as 1st AD and served” The Undead 3D" Assistant to Director and Line Producer.

Pony continued to remain self-employed, in Santa Monica, CA – creating and offering Film and web production as a Content provider and also serving as the co-creator of a local production company.

Those including events such as Earth Dance in Los Angeles where Pony served as the Network Producer. The event promoted 3 million people in 200 cities world wide producing networking a global synchronization for a 5-minute world peace meditation.

Pony is also part still today of Native Soul Productions, a Company that brings forth the acoustical tribal sounds that echo thru the rhythms’ of the earth, working also with the likes of Yaya
Lakshmi. He is the producer of engineering, production and recording and additionally sings, chants and gives life with a
truly amazing voice that breaks into ones spirit. Within this Pony is responsible for managing the stage and recording studios.

In “Discover Navajo”, in Salt Lake City, UT – Pony served as the Executive Co- Producer .Pony was directly involved and responsible for the tribal relations at the 2002 Winter Olympic
Games which he assisted with Multimedia Cultural production, he was part of the Maui Rose Research Communications program, in Lahaina, HI - as the Technical Director, where he implemented
Administration and research for web and data based browsers.

One of Pony’s biggest accomplishments that he himself finds to be one of the most gratifying experiences of his life was being an active part of "World Song". In which he worked to build the largest children's choir in the world.

Pony built several models for self sustainability in rural communities, he was part of the Familiarization Tours, in NM – and served as a Director and Associate Producer.

At "Indian Market" Santa Fe/ he served as the Associate producer, FAM (familiarization Tours) New Mexico Film Commission.

The Native Shopping Network, in Cut Bank, MT – Pony served as the Executive Producer & Director, he produced the shopping network for Satellite television, build the Set Building & it’s Design.

Pony worked with Sony Pictures on "Geronimo", in Moab, UT – and served as the Talent and Documentary Director.

As an actor Pony too is seasoned as he worked as a rider & stuntman (Geronimo) within several Native American casted productions.

Pony’s extensive vision for peace, global awareness and unity has exposed him to almost any facet of Media Production within these, he also was responsible for the coordination of the Sacred Run International between the US and Canada – as the Executive
Producer & Advanced Coordinator, he coordinated 65 to 150 runners for earth & cultural preservation. Introduced the
Internet to Indian tribes, and worked on Digital Media, in Santa Cruz, CA – which he was part of the 3D Game Research & Development

Pony created Virtual Reality 3d world applications, integrating avatars and multi media for motion pictures. Such as
“Lawn Mower Man”

Within all of these very impressive accomplishments, is Pony, still today involved as a seasoned web designer, earth activist, musician, actor, producer and director, his goal remaining to bring about a global change by shifting the interest to doing away, with harming the earths environments, bringing about a change to give Indigenous People specifically Native American youth and artists a means to creatively give birth to their talents, he produces, directs, and ongoing invents different out of the box thought patterns, that will continue to push forward in the fight, for harmony, peace and earth consciousness!

For more information, about Pony’s
work or to contact Pony directly please
visit; http://www.gaiapod.com/

R.J. Joseph, of Cree heritage, grew up in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. As the
youngest of eleven children, he spent his childhood surrounded by multiple generations of extended family. The kitchen became a teaching circle, where parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles instilled lessons of culture as well as traditional and spiritual values.

It is upon this foundation that R.J. built Moccasin Path Productions as a
way to protect the richness of his Native American roots.

R.J. continued the education begun in his mother’s kitchen, by listening to the
wisdoms of gifted Storytellers. These Elders instilled belief, pride and a personal understanding of his place in the world, as well as the importance for all people to know their background.

R.J.’s passion for history and his sensitivity to this endangered oral art form
now have an outlet – film. R.J.’s career began fifteen years ago in front of the
camera as a Native American Actor and Stuntman, featured in well-known pieces such as Thunderheart with Val Kilmer, Iron Will and Desperado among others.

He became intrigued with directing, working with legends of the industry
like Woody Allen, Charles Haid, Michael Apted and Sam Sheppard. By marrying his vast experience in the film industry with his extensive knowledge
of Native American history, R.J. has taken his filmmaking career into a new
realm as a historian and preservationist of indigenous culture.

R.J. has the rare gift of uncovering the essence of a person or an issue and capturing their spirit on film. And as is tradition, the torch has now passed. It is his turn to share the richness and beauty of his culture. R.J. is a modern-day Storyteller.

R.J now is a renowned film producer, director, writer and photographer, with
an ongoing drive to share his passion, vision and gifts, to bring about the much needed changes pertaining to Indian Country, issues and his people.

You can contact me for assistance with your local & overall programming and event line-up with Native American artists, actors and performers Nationwide.

Cherrie Richardson Collazo - Gaia Global Marketing
An Evolution in Freelance Marketing & PR Consulting
crichardson66(at)comcast.net

JOIN THE CARAVAN OF SUPPORT TO BIG MOUNTAIN RESISTANCE COMMUNITIES OF BLACK MESA, AZ.
November 22-29, 2008

We are currently putting together efforts to bring a caravan of work crews that
will be converging from across the country to support residents of the Big
Mountain regions of Black Mesa who, on behalf of their peoples, their sacred
ancestral lands, and future generations, continue to carry out their staunch
resistance to the efforts of the US Government, which is acting in the
interests of the Peabody Coal Company to devastate whole communities &
ecosystems, and greatly de-stabilize our planet's climate for the profit of an elite few.

At this moment the decision makers in Washington D.C. are planning ways to
expand their occupation of tribal lands to extract mineral & other resources.
The coal companies have a long history of and continue to fund both the Republican and Democratic parties because they have huge interests at stake. Peabody Coal, the world's largest coal company, is currently pushing through plans to massively expand dirty coal strip-mining operations which has destroyed land and water aquifers, completely dug up burials, sacred areas, and shrines designated specifically for offerings, preventing religious practices.

By assisting with direct, on-land projects with these Sovereign communities,
you are helping families resist an illegal occupation and to stay on their lands,
who serve as the very blockade to coal mining! "The Big Mountain matriarchal
leaders always believed that resisting forced relocation will eventually benefit
all ecological systems, including the human race." Bahe Keediniihii, Dineh
organizer and translator states.

"Continued residency by families throughout the Big Mountain region has
a significant role in the intervention of Peabody's future plan for Black Mesa
coal to be the major source of unsustainable energy, the growing dependency on
fossil fuel, and escalating green house gas emissions. We will continue to fight
to defend our homelands."

With the guidance of Black Mesa residents, the aim of this caravan is to bring
support to their communities before the approaching cold winter months. Please
visit www.blackmesais.org for an in-depth guide on how to prepare for your stay and what supplies are needed for work projects.

Host or attend regional organizational meetings in your area! The Caravans’
coordinators are located in Prescott, Phoenix, Flagstaff, Tuba City, Colorado,
Portland, Ohio, New York, and San Francisco’s Bay Area. The meeting locations
and dates are being posted at www.blackmesais.org as coordinators set them
up. You can download a registration form off of our website.

I write to you from Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). I write living in the midst of the greatest violence and despair and the greatest possibility. I think if we learn anything in the work we do it is that being able to stand in the center of opposites is what eventually makes us free and compassionate. The DRC reminds me of this everyday.

On September 12th and 19th, we had the V-Day/ UNICEF “BREAKNG THE
SILENCE” events in Goma and Bukavu in alliance with local groups and activists. We had a great victory. Throughout the two days there were
probably between 800-1000 people who attended the event including Senior
Congolese government officials, key Ambassadors to the DRC, senior UN officials, civil society, survivors of sexual violence, and campaign activists.

There were theater performances and school choirs, and excellent singers. This was an historic event. Women survivors publicly told their stories of sexual violence. Each one took the stage with such grace, such confidence, such heart and such courage. The testimonies went on for several hours. The emotion in the audience was so powerful. Activists offered boxes of Kleenex. Many men were crying.

In Goma I sat and held a man who was a pastor who openly wept. Afterwards, there were some speeches. But my favorite moment was a when the women were honored at the end with pink scarves (made in Paris) with the words "I am a Survivor. I can do anything” written in French. As they were given their scarves, I saw a sea of pink liberation. Every single survivor reported that after the experience she felt free.

So many people came together in the communities. Just about every grassroots NGO group participated in this events (psychosocial, legal, medical). Women ForWomen made a wonderful meal and displayed their beautiful crafts. Many reported never knowing about the horrific stories and we could see in the reaction of Government officials, (one even wrote a poem) that they were moved, hopefully to action. The activist and survivor community were empowered. There were all kinds of international press, the BBC and local African media. Stories are out on the wires.

And, holding the opposite, our hospital, the Panzi Hospital, was attacked by a
mob, shattering windows, cars and spirits. It goes like that here, but we move
forward. We move back, we move forward. But what’s important is that we are
in this together for the long haul, for the people, for the women of the DRC and
for all women across this planet who are being undermined and violated in the
global epidemic of femicide. After the attack, as I marched in protest with VDay
staff members and the members of Panzi Hospital, I felt their anger at the
insecurity of the hospital but what I also felt was the depth of their dedication to
the women, to protecting them and healing them and transforming them and
their country. As I marched, I also felt all of you with me. The VDay
movement is alive here, in the DRC.

Our campaign, STOP RAPING OUR GREATEST RESOURCE: POWER TO THE WOMEN AND GIRLS OF THE DRC has already had serious impact throughout the country. 90 forums, run by our partner UNICEF in cooperation with local grassroots groups, have energized people across the countryside in North Kivu, educating many activists who are now bringing the message of ending sexual violence to schools, churches, tribal leaders and religious leaders. In some places, they are even beginning to see a lessening of violence. At the same time the catastrophic war in DRC continues—over 3500 women were raped between January and June of this year in North Kivu alone.

As I write to you, I quote one survivor, Janet, who was raped so violently
that the rapist pulled the leg out of her socket (she will be permanently handicapped), who, when I asked her if she was afraid to tell her story, said “I've always been courageous. Always will be courageous. If the military want to kill me for telling my story, I am ready to die.” These words have moved me to be braver, to be more outspoken, to be more strategic, to include more people
in making the DRC safe and free for women. For making the world safe and
free for women in every corner of this planet.

I urge you to read everything you can about the DRC (please see our resources page). I urge you to fight with all your heart and to find your connection to the women of the DRC as you have found your connection to the women of New Orleans and Iraq and Juarez and Afghanistan, and the other places V-Day brings us. It is in our connection and solidarity that we will find our freedom and power. The Congo is the heart of Africa and Africa is, in many ways, the heart of the world. What happens to the women here affects the flow of life throughout the planet. When we find the way (and we will) to end the violence here we will have created a template and a vision that can be transferred and used everywhere.

I encourage you to break the silence as the women in Goma and Bukavu have
done. Remember that the shame of being raped is not ours, but that of the perpetrators. Remember that when we speak the truth, we free everyone to do the same.

KENA ADAMS
Citizen Journalist...
shaping the future
of community news and information.

Pet Tip of the Month

…go adopt an animal in need of a loving home. So many animals are thrown away as if they have no feelings at all. Yes people, animals aremammals too, so I’m sure they feel just as we do. Pictured above is a lovely brown tiger Domestic Shorthair about 5 months old. For more information on this beautiful feline please contact The Animal Foundation at 702-384-3333. Tiger’s id is A329127.

October 10th, 11th and 12th the South Point Events Center hosted the 33rd Annual Indian Nationals Rodeo (INFR). The event fulfilled a cowboys dream with barrel racing, bull riding, calf roping, bareback and steer wrestling. There was a multitude of vendors selling everything from authentic Indian Jewelry to hand made saddles and tack. Sunday The Eagle River Dance Group, a local Las Vegas dance team, wowed the spectators with traditional dress and dance. I asked the Seminole Junior Rodeo Queen Asthon Baxley from Florida how she liked it here in Sin City? “It’s been a great experience; I’ve enjoyed myself and wish all the contestants good luck.” She informed me that
the Senior Queen was away at college and sends her greetings.

There were a multitude of Tribes in attendance from all over the United States and Canada; Seminole, Blackfoot, Navajo, Creed, Ogallala Lakota and the Ute Tribe just to name a few. Chelsea Tuni from Nevada, world champion Colleen Crawler and Carter Yellowbird both from Canada and Doug Lawrence from South Dakota traveled many miles to spotlight their rodeo skills to the Las Vegas community.

Thirty years ago 5 people united several regional Indian Rodeo Associations from the United States and Canada to form INFR. This year they teamed up with Indian Learning Company (ILC) and awarded college scholarships to seven INFR members whom are attending college this year. The INFR feels that higher education is an important aspect to a person’s life.

Friends and Family members here to support their
nephew Carter Yellowbird all the way from Canada

For the official results and information on the next INFR event held in Arizona please visit the INFR website @ http://www.infr.org Next years event is scheduled at the South Point on November 12-15, 2009. Hope to see you there.

The PEST (Prevent Employers from Seizing Tips) Committee was created in
2007 in response to a radical policy change by Steve Wynn, president of
Wynn-Las Vegas that mandated the confiscation of a substantial portion of casino dealer’s tips and the subsequent redistribution of them to the resort’s supervisory personnel. Our task force was named the Committee to Prevent Employers from Seizing Tips, now known as the PEST Committee to signify our goal.

Our group and other tip earner groups presented the problem to the legislature and asked that they uphold the original intent of the law by making it more explicit and thereby putting an end to this abuse. They refused and followed the dictates of the Wynn special interest lobby. Next we addressed the problem to the Labor Commission and the courts. In all cases we were stopped by the influence of Mr. Wynn’s special interest lobbies.

The only path left open to us was the citizen’s guaranteed right to present an initiative petition to the voters. Again, Wynn’s group used ever tactic possible to thwart our efforts to get the question before the people. But in spite of the power and the money used against us, we continue to fight. That is the reason we are opening the PEST Office in the Commercial Center. We intend to continue our fight until justice triumphs.

Word on the street is that our illustrious city is flat broke. Yes Las Vegas, gaming
capitol of the United States is BROKE. Considering the financial crisis I’m not
surprised, but am surprised that the city plans to cut our budget by 20 million this
fiscal year. October 6th City Council held an all day meeting discussing this issue
and plans to cut an additional 30 million in the next fiscal year and over 150 million in the next 5 years. With unemployment at its highest rate in 23 years topping
out at 7.3 percent Las Vegas is preparing to be in a world of hurt, so brace yourself people and let your heart guide you not the love of money because Las Vegas doesn’t have any.

Stephens Media President Sherman Frederick, a former Review-Journal reporter, editor and publisher, was honored by his college alma mater Saturday Oct 25th with the Dwight Patterson Alumnus of the Year award from Northern Arizona University.

He worked at the student newspaper The LumberJack befor graduating in 1977 with a bachelor's degree in journalism. During his time as editor, the paper won several regional and national awards, and Frederick "distinguished himself as one of the most dedicated and committed editors" in the paper's history, according to a school news release.

Former Northern Arizona University journalism professor David Bennett said
Frederick was one of the best students he ever taught, "yet he was humble and
unpretentious,".

After graduating magna cum laude from the Flagstaff, Ariz., campus, Frederick was hired as a reporter at the Review-Journal. He was promoted to city editor before being named the editor at the Hawaii Tribune-Herald in Hilo, then publisher at The Daily News in Alamogordo, N.M.

He returned to Las Vegas in 1988 as editor of the Review-Journal. Four years later he was named publisher, a position he held until becoming president of Stephens Media Group in 1999.

Stephens Media Group is now Stephens Media, which owns the Review-Journal and other newspapers in nine states.

Frederick is a past president of the Nevada Press Association and a member of the organization's Hall of Fame.

Las Vegas, is playing host to The Bill Pickett Invitational Finals
Rodeo. This rodeo is composed of African American cowboys and
cowgirls who have qualified for our finals rodeo and will
compete for the largest purse in Black Rodeo history! It's a Rodeo,
African American Style! South Point Hotel & Casino Las Vegas
Saturday, November 22, 2008 1:30 pm (A Praise Rodeo)
and 7:30 pm

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Office Space for Lease located in Commercial Center Shopping Center.
Prices slashed as low as 50 cents per square foot. Management team onsite.
Contact Judy at 702.598.0200 or e-mail her at DrJudy@thepropertyshoppe.com.
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ATTENTION LADIES: Come network with other women who enjoy motorcycling. We are a diverse group of riders and all are welcome. Come have some fun and enjoy real freedom, motorcycling! For more information call 702.787.6365 or email kena89104@yahoo.com.
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F Street is closed and the Historic Westside Community is seeking citizen support. The city closed the street without the knowledge of the residents. For more information or support contact Beatrice Turner at 702.648.1783.
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Pubic Announcement or events always welcome. Please submit any announcement by the 20th of the month to indianvoices@gmail.com or call 702-787-6365.

I saw some of the school boys run over to the dog, ganged up on him and they started kicking him until he was crying from fear and pain. I ran over to the dog and shielded him with my body as the boys continued to kick the dog and me. I screamed for the teacher and the viciousness finally ceased. I whispered in the dogs’ ear that someday when I grew up I would create a place to rescue animals and I would be a voice for him.

I moved to Colorado on February 25, 1993. I started doing some volunteer work at the Divide, Colorado animal shelter when it was a “kill shelter”. My job as a volunteer was to take dogs down to PetSmart for adoption. The animals that I worked with were ones that had one day left to live.

I gathered 4 dogs, put them in my Pathfinder and was ready to head down
the mountain pass when I decided to get a water bowl. I opened the door to the isolation room where supplies were kept and to my right in one of the kennels was this beautiful silver gray female wolf dog by the name of Chinook.

According to her informational sheet that was hanging on the door she was only two years old, no prior convictions just guilty of her breed. Not being aware that wolf dogs (aka wolf hybrids) were not available for
adoption, I got her leash and decided to take her with me for adoption. At
that moment, the animal control officer advised me that she could not go
and that she was scheduled for euthanasia.

My heart sank and I could not see this animal being put to death so I
asked him if I could adopt her as a special favor to me? He told me to go to PetSmart with the dogs and when I got back to shelter if she was still there then I could have her.

When I returned, the animal control officer looked down at his watch and
told me that if I wanted this animal I would need to take her at that moment which I did. I felt lucky for him to surrender her to me so I was sure not to offer any information as to where I lived such as a 1-room studio cabin that I was renting, had two dogs already and if the landlord were to catch me with this wolf, he would give me less than two weeks to find a home for her or to face eviction.

To make a very long story shorter, I found a place in Lake George,
Colorado with 8.5 acres. My husband at the time helped me to fence in 5
acres and I decided that I was going to be a “rescue center”. I placed a
large sign in my front yard that said; ‘WOLF HYBRID RESCUE CENTER”.

I tell people to NEVER say the word “rescue” unless you are prepared to
do just that. My first week, I rescued 17 animals and was overwhelmed. I lived at that location for 10 years until 2002 when we endured the Hayman fire which burned over 137,000 acres and forced us to evacuate in 3 hours. We moved to a ranch in Florissant, CO. and lived in a horse barn with wolves for several weeks until the new Center was constructed. The lease was supposed to be indefinite however, conditions with the landlord made it impossible to live there and after only 3.5 years of rebuilding, we had to move.

All of the money and hard work was gone and I was uncertain of where to go and how to survive. I was on my own, but when I would look in the eyes of those babies I knew I had to find a way no matter what. Chinook was my inspiration before and now she was again. I, by a miracle found a bank president through a sister friend of mine who believed in me and gave me a loan just on my track record for this property. Now the fun started sort of speak. I guess three times is a charm. I signed the papers on the deed in January 2006.

This is our final and permanent home. This Center, all of the animal residents, and the education would not be possible without the love of so many volunteers and a beautiful and special wolf by the name of Chinook.

We currently have 16 wolves, 2 coyotes, 4 red fox and 5 swift fox living at the Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center, and survive solely on donations. We give educational tours 4 times a day, by reservation only.... It’s truly an experience of a lifetime.

A long-time mainstay in Las Vegas, Mac King continues to make “Best” categories awards. He recently had a carnival party after his show for kids of all ages, including me, and we enjoyed a wonderful afternoon with this captivating comedian magician. Mac King, was named “Best Magician” for 2007 and “Best Bargain Show” for 2007 and 2008 by the Las Vegas Review-Journal Best of Las Vegas readers’ poll. King has also been named the “Funniest Act in Magic Today” by the April 2008 issue of Magic Magazine and Magician of the Year by The Magic Castle. King takes the stage at HARRAH’s twice daily, Tuesday through Saturday at 1 and 3 p.m. Tickets are $24.95.

Emmy award-winning comedian and one of the most versatile men in show business. Wayne Brady, has now become a staple of Las Vegas entertainment. Celebrating his first anniversary as a Strip headliner at the VENETIAN, with more than 200 performances, Brady is only getting started and will continue to entertain audiences until August 2009. An anniversary cake was presented at the end of his show on his anniversary performance. His one-of-a-kind show, “Making It Up,” is hysterically funny. It is a variety show style that incorporates improv, singing, dancing and amazing audience participation. In a Tina Turner costume, this guy has legs that any woman would want. He does Celebrity Idol improv with lyrics from titles from audience members that he makes up as he goes along (title ie: Wipe My Butt). His excellent talent, a fabulous sidekick, band, dancers and interactive audience participation make this show a side-splitting evening of entertainment.

Brady will soon celebrate the release of his first studio album, On September 16, Brady’s debut album, “A Long Time Coming” will be released, further expanding the scope of Brady’s incomparable talent. Media and other guests had an opportunity to greet Wayne Brady at an anniversary celebration at the PALAZZO’s now defunct 40/40 Club after the show. Congratulations to Wayne and his wonderful cast.
Little Anthony and The Imperials will perform at the TROPICANA Sept. 27 at 8 p.m. Little Anthony and The Imperials are the only vocal group originating in the 1950s that still perform with all of the original members. Best known for favorites such as “Tears On My Pillow,” “Shimmy, Shimmy Ko-Ko-Bop,” “I'm On the Outside Looking In,” “Going Out of My Head” and “Hurt So Bad,” they offer a unique blend of doo-wop, soul, and rhythm and blues.

Pop music icon Janet Jackson returns to the touring circuit for the first time in seven years. The tour will land at the MANDALAY BAY Events Center Friday, Sept. 19 at 8 p.m .and will feature the hit songs and innovative dance routines that have made Jackson one of the most celebrated artists in history. Jackson has left an indelible mark on pop music as a female artist, having reached the No. 1 spot on Billboard Magazine’s Top 200 Album Chart six times. She is one of only three female musicians who have achieved this accomplishment.
Paul Rodriguez, referred to as the “Richard Pryor and George Carlin of original comedy” within the Hispanic community, will perform with the “Latin Kings of Comedy” inside the Treasure Island Theatre September 12 at 9 p.m. This one-night only engagement marks Rodriguez’s first performance at TI (TREASURE ISLAND).

The infamous rocker with the bad ass attitude Grammy award-nominated Kid Rock returns to The PALM’s Pearl Concert Theatre on Saturday, September 20 at 8:00 p.m. In 2003, Rock released a self-titled album followed by a tribute album to Bob Seger entitled Live Tucker (2006) and another album Pickin’ On Kid Rock: A Badass Bluegrass Tribute (2007) to show his down home bluegrass side with guitars, banjos, mandolins and harmonica sounds

MORTON's THE STEAKHOUSE in Las Vegas celebrated the grand opening of Bar 12-21 with guest of honor and self-proclaimed "martini aficionado" Las Vegas Mayor Oscar B. Goodman. The event showcased Bar 12-21 -- named after the opening of the first MORTONS's STEAKHOUSE in Chicago on December 21, 1978. In honor of the grand opening, hiz honor, Mayor Oscar Goodman was presented with the "Oscartini" that will be a permanent fixture on MORTON's Las Vegas signature cocktail menu. Mayor Goodman also received a wine locker with his name engraved on a gold nameplate. The restaurant's 56 wine lockers are located in the entryway next to photos of the many celebrities who have dined at the steakhouse.

KIWANIS, Las Vegas chapter, in cooperation with nine affiliated KIWANIS clubs throughout Southern Nevada, will conduct “DISCOVER CHINATOWN,” a fundraising and awareness building “get acquainted” tour and theatre performance at the CHINATOWN PLAZA on Spring Mountain at Arville, Saturday, September 13, from 5:00 pm until 9:00 p.m.

The CHINATOWN PLAZ A consists of a performance theatre and approximately 45 restaurants and businesses catering to Chinese and Asian-Pacific cultures. Entertainment will include a 90-minute performances by the LOHAN SCHOOL of SHAOLIN, a non-profit martial arts training school, dedicated to teaching the arts of ancient China both martially and spiritually. Their emphasis is to encourage youth to adopt Chinese-founded arts of dance, song and martial arts in order to instill positive values to enrich body and mind through the teaching of mental and physical discipline.

The LOHAN SCHOOL operates an “Anti-Gang Task Force” to direct youth away from gang influence and into behavior respecting positive life values. The 6:00 p.m. event will highlight the famous Chinese dance ritual Lion Dance and will include performances of martial arts, kung fu, Chinese folk dancing and more.

Prior to the 6:00 p.m. performance and afterwards, at tendees are encouraged to visit all the merchants and restaurants at the CHINATOWN PLAZA and familiarize themselves with Chinese and Asian Pacific culture and arts. Tickets are $12.00. Attendance is limited to the first 400 people who buy tickets. A commemorative “Discover Chinatown Program Book”, a full-color publication which features information on KIWANIS and the LOHAN SCHOOL, will be given out to participants. Tickets are available from Joe Gereghty, Kiwanis Las Vegas President, 839-9509. KIWANIS is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time.

You might have seen or heard of HITZVILLE -THE SHOW when it had its successful run at the HILTON. The Producers took it on the road throughout the country and now HITZVILLE is back in Las Vegas Wednesday through Sunday at the HARMON Theater next to the Planet Hollywood. HITZVILLE – THE SHOW is a journey through time with the music that made MOTOWN come alive. The revue features a cast of talented, performers that include a trio of women, a quartet of men and a four piece band. The performers remarkably become Tina Turner, The Drifters, Gladys Knight, The Supremes, The Four Tops and more as they perform their hits. Jennifer “Jin-Jin” Reeves stars, but she is quick to give credit to her band. Jin Jin raves, “the guitar player comes from Stevie Wonder and the Musical Director from Gladys Knight, and of course the drummer from church!” In addition to the spectacular performances, you receive an authentic Soul Food Buffet that includes: Fried Chicken, Barbeque Ribs, Collard Green and Sweet Potato Pie. HITZVILLE – THE SHOW performs at 7 p.m. nightly, with buffet seating at 6:30. Tickets are $54.95 or $64.95 for VIP seating.

The week before I saw this great show I was at the BMA - BLACK MUSIC AWARDS Awards show where Jin Jin Reeves received awards for best Image and Best Show.

One of the most influential Latin singers, Marco Antonio Solís, will perform at PALM’s Pearl Theater on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 8 p.m. Hailing from Michoacán, Mexico, Solís became fascinated with music at a young age and formed his first band when he was only 12. In the mid-1970s, Solís formed the group Los Bukis. He spent nearly two decades as t he lead singer and principal songwriter for the group before deciding to embark on a solo career.

The SPRINGS PRESERVE announced that it has achieved LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certification on all seven of its buildings. The result of nearly a decade of designing, planning and constructing, the SPRINGS PRESERVE is the greenest attraction in Las Vegas and serves as a model and hands-on educational resource for green buildings and sustainability within the Southwest. Not only a resource for those who are building new, the public can learn how to retrofit existing dwellings or gain valuable tips to lower their utility bills. Total square footage of Platinum LEED building space at the Preserve is 149,560.

The Springs Preserve, in keeping with its ongoing mission to provide environmental leadership to the Las Vegas community, will host a Bicycles-As-Transportation event on Thursday, September 25 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event will be hosted by actor/environmentalist Ed Begley, Jr. Beginning at 5 p.m. and continuing until dusk, everyone in attendance will have the opportunity to ride one of several IZIP hybrid electric bicycles from Currie Technologies. In addition, Mr. Begley and special guests will speak on the importance of bicycles as transportation. Ed Begley Jr. and I knew each other years ago when I was acting and we met again recently.

BINIONS’s GAMBLING HALL has unveiled a new version of the famed $1 Million Display that, over the last five decades, has brought millions of visitors for a chance to pose with $1 Million. The $1Million Dollar Display is a major component of Binion’s legacy and a piece of Las Vegas history. Binion’s new $1 Million Display holds exactly one million dollars and is structured in a pyramid design of acrylic glass boxes filled with cash denominat ions ranging from ones to one hundred dollar bills. The display is set up on a poker table, evoking the nostalgia of the BINION’s poker heritage and the days when Benny Binion would present stacks of cash to poker tournament winners. The $1 Million Display is located in the BINION’s casino near the CLUB BINION Booth

Guests of Mint Monday pool party events at the TROPICANA can enjoy live entertainment, a variety of food and drink, swimming, dancing and gaming through Sept. 22. Mint Monday events are from noon to 11 p.m. They are free of charge, open to the public and offer half price drinks from 5-7 p.m. on Monday evenings. Upcoming entertainment includes: 9/8 Bonafide Reggae 7 p.m., 9/15 Yellow Brick Road 7:30 p.m. and 9/22 Zowie Bowie 7 p.m.

The Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas will host its 7th annual scholarship fundraiser gala at MANDALAY BAY BEACH on Friday, Oct. 3, featuring world-class cuisine, fine wines20and spectacular entertainment. UNLV Men’s Basketball Head Coach Lon Kruger will be honored by the Foundation that will also include a special performance by singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles. The casual beachside setting will feature food prepared by the finest chefs and restaurants in Las Vegas along with a fantastic collection of wines and spirits. Some of the participating restaurants include BOA Steakhouse, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, BLT Burger, SEABLUE and more. Proceeds from the event will go toward the Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas’ scholarship program that supports Las Vegas area students in their pursuit of a career in the hospitality field. For information on purchasing tickets, contact the Foundation at (702) 932-5098 or via email at info@ecflv.org.

Las Vegas staple, JERRY’s Famous Coffee Shop inside JERRY’s NUGGET CASINO, offers an incredible $11.99 lobster dinner special 24/7. The succulent lobster comes with a wide array of side dishes as diners can choose the homemade soup or Jerry’s famous signature salad, a whipped or baked potato or rice, and garlic or French bread. If foodies want to sweeten the deal, a marinated, grilled-to-perfection New York Steak can be added for $2.00 more.

Voter registration is important because every vote counts and you must be registered in order to vote. With this in mind, a VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE will be held every Tuesday from now through October at JERRY’s NUGGET. Saturday, October 4 is the last day to register to vote during the General Election on November 4.

What a fun time can be had at the SPRING MOUNTAIN SUMMER THEATRE. This theatre that brings superb live affordable shows under the stars has been around since 1976 and is getting better and better. I recently saw a great production of Elton John and Tim Rice’s AIDA while enjoying a picnic dinner we brought along. Prior to AIDA, the SPRING MOUNTAIN SUMMER THEATRE presented ‘BEAUTY and the BEAST’ and ‘1776.’ Following ‘AIDA’ will be perfomances of CONTEMPORARY DANCE THEATRE on Sept. 5 and 6 and JAZZ FEST September 12 and 13.

Oldies but goodies are here in Las Vegas as three of the best ol’ time perfo rmers show off their talents at THE GRAND COURT on September 24 at 5p.m. Renee Lee, Ann McCormack and Greta Lorworth are mature (senior) professional entertainers who have been performing all their lives and still going strong. Audiences love them. (Annie is 87).

TERRIBLE’s PRIMM VALLEY CASINO RESORTS is giving an entertainment stimulus by offering 500 free tickets to every show until the end of the year. If interested, go to www.primmconcerts.com

New York based fashion designer, Jason Wu unveiled his new line of fashion dolls at TREVI Italian Restaurant in CAESARS PALACE Forum Shops. Jason Wu is a designer for celebrities and began his career in fashion design at the age of 14. He is the creator of the AvantGuard dolls that were dressed in designer outfits shown at the TREVI reception. The dolls are geared to collectors and girls 14 and up and are at FAO Schwartz and Integrity toys Websites. David Buttry of Integrity toys walked around holding the dolls for the attendees to see close up. The event also featured TREVI's own AvantGuardtini martini and AvantGuard desserts.

For the second consecutive month, Hash House A Go Go is partnering with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) to raise money for the organization and its Walk to Cure Diabetes on Saturday, Oct. 11. Created by 15-year-old, type-1 diabetic Jordan Exber and named for her walk team, For the Love of Jordan, Hash House A Go Go’s special pancake is loaded with macadamia nuts and white chocolate. For the entire month of September, the restaurant is donating $2 from the sale of every For the Love of Jordan to the organization.

Olympia Weekend, the most prestigious event in the world of bodybuilding, returns to the ORLEANS Arena, September 25 through 28. Mr. Olympia is a bodybuilding competition held annually by the International Federation of BodyBuilders (IFBB). Winning this event is considered to be the highest accolade in the professional bodybuilding field. Las Vegas resident, Jay Cutler, is competing to defend his Mr. Olympia title for the third consecutive year. Other national and international competitors include Melvin Anthony, Gustavo Badell, Phil Heath, Dexter Jackson and Dennis Wolf.

Fitness enthusiasts from around the world will take part in Mr. Olympia, Ms. Olympia, and Fitness and Figure Olympia Championships. The parallel contest, Ms. Olympia, is specifically for female bodybuilders. Fitness Olympia and Figure Olympia are held for fitness and figure competitors, respectively.

The Hard Rock has created a decadent atmosphere in mind to attract the world’s top poker players, as well as high-end bachelor parties, and private events, with Las Vegas’ first Poker Lounge. A private bar, bottle service, certified masseuses, music, plush couches, and video poker machines…sounds more like a nightclub than a traditional poker room. The $30 million designed space features 18 poker20tables including five private, high limit tables that have already turned the heads of some of the biggest names in the poker world, as well as Hollywood and professional athletes.