Downtown ZEN May 2014

MAY 2014

ReAl estAte CowboYs: Rally the white Hats

beer (and brat) Me! Free: It’s on Me

on Pg. 9

Feng sHuI YouR spACe

Letter From the EditorsApril showers bring May … gifts? Go to page 12, and get yours. It’s free: “It’s On Me.” There are some newly cultivated, budding flowers in our ZEN garden in this issue as well. We’ve acquired a feng shui expert, a local theater guru and a poet musician who all introduce themselves and what you can expect from their future columns. Because we like to be ZEN and balanced around here, our staples deliver; Descriptive and Fabulous talk railroad history, and Downtown Code illustrates

new tech inroads being made by teaching code downtown. We’d like to extend a special thanks to April Teixeira for helping us carry out our own teaching by illustrating the topic of land assemblage

on page 14 and for breaking new ground in our art repertoire for this month’s cover. Don’t be a wallflower, get out there downtown! And have a sunny day!

Thanks for your continued support!

- Downtown ZEN team

Editor-in-ChiefLoren Becker

Managing EditorsMichael Boley, Mandy Crispin

Contributing WritersBrian Paco Alvarez, Erik Amblad,Michael Boley, Temple Brathwaite,Mandy Crispin, Matthew Dunsmoor,Karina Giraldo, Peter Gaunt, Richard Grewar, Rockne Henriques, Sunshine Jowell,Amy Maier, Consy Malasoma, Joanna Mueller

Serial ArtistApril Teixeira

Calendar & EventsMikela Lee-Manaois

PhotographyMatt Wong, Peter Gaunt, Karina Giraldo,Ryan Reason, UNLV Special Collections, Downtown ZEN Team, Studio West Photography, Richard Grewar, Landry's, Inc.

Art DirectorRyan Brekke (BullFish Media)

Design and LayoutRyan Brekke (BullFish Media)

Web DesignMichael Boley

Cover:

ConceptMandy Crispin

Photographer Matt Wong

Artist April Teixeira

Typography Layout Nina Thomasian

Logo Design Fernando Cabestany

Printer:Jackpot Printing702.873.1902 | www.jackpotprintinglv.com

Contact Us:Email: [email protected] Like: facebook.com/ZapposDowntownHappeningsFollow: #dtzen

Downtown ZEN dtZEN.com MAY 2014 ISSUE 2603

Beers and Brats at Bier GartenA backyard beer garden with downtown style By Amy Maier

ISSUE 26 MAY 2014 dtZEN.com Downtown ZEN 04

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beer garden setting. Picnic tables provide outdoor seating for up to 160 people. Bier Garten also boasts downtown Las Vegas’ first and only living wall comprised of more than 900 plants on the façade of the Plaza.

Its casual backyard atmosphere offers a fun, urban-style retreat where customers can choose from two-dozen handcrafted beers on tap and numerous bottled microbrews. Bier Garten’s beer menu offers great variety from traditional IPAs, ales, lagers and stouts to flavored beers and ciders. It was important to the founders that Bier Garten offer a diverse selection that would appeal to men and women and their different flavor profiles.

The final selection of the 24 craft beers for Bier Garten’s draft menu, and nearly as many bottled microbrews, fell to Garcia, who “dutifully” taste-tested hundreds of beers in the months leading up to the restaurant’s opening. Bier Garten’s vast beer selection features a majority from American breweries alongside some unique imports. Garcia says that Bier Garten will feature various local brews too, such as Big Dogs Dirty Dog IPA currently on tap.

To complement the beer, Bier Garten’s chef has created several signature wursts, inspired by German favorites but crafted with a Las Vegas flair — such as the Golden Slipper with Andouille sausage, crispy bacon, cream cheese and fried egg; or the Stardust, comprised of German bratwurst, caramelized onions, sauerkraut and German sweet mustard. Sides include extra giant-sized German pretzels with mustard, hand cut fries and crispy onion strings.

Customers can also channel their inner wiener chef and create their own concoction, selecting from a variety of sausages and wursts with classic toppings like sauerkraut and roasted sweet peppers, and some not-so-classic toppings like cream cheese, Cajun blue cheese crumbles and fried egg.

Just like its beer menu, Bier Garten offers customers a diverse food selection to appeal to varying tastes and preferences. Vegetarians can enjoy The Naked City wurst made with a veggie Tofurky sausage, roasted sweet peppers, chopped raw onion, kosher relish, German sweet mustard and Sriracha ketchup. And for those looking for alternatives to sausages altogether, Bier Garten has a kitchen sink salad or pizza from Pop Up Pizza.

Staying true to its downtown Las Vegas roots, Bier Garten features the homegrown sensation, Sasapops, for dessert. Bier Garten offers three flavors — strawberry, coconut, and German chocolate cake — of these award-winning frozen dessert pops, handmade in Las Vegas by SasaSweets. And Bier Garten’s signature German pretzel gets a sweet makeover for dessert when it’s slathered with homemade icing, cinnamon and sugar.

While Bier Garten may be Las Vegas’ first outdoor beer garden, don’t expect the traditional Bavarian costumes and Oompah bands. Bier Garten pairs its relaxed backyard setting with a uniquely downtown style. It features art from Las Vegas artist Biscuit Street Preacher and entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights from local bands like Dante’s Inferno, a three piece band covering everything from blues to jazz as well as their own soulful originals.

Bier Garten is open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. For more information on Bier Garten, visit: www.biergartenlv.com or follow Bier Garten on Twitter @BierGartenLV and on Facebook,www.facebook.com/biergartenlv.

here is no denying that downtown Las Vegas offers something for everyone, but until recently, one thing that the area did not have was a backyard where people could gather to relax and escape the concrete jungle. Now it does — Bier Garten, Las Vegas’ first outdoor beer garden that doubles as downtown’s very own backyard getaway.

Downtown pioneers Sam Cherry and Grant Garcia, the team that opened Pop Up Pizza, wanted to offer downtown’s residents and visitors a place where they could feel as if they were in their own backyard, enjoying a cold pint of beer and great food with friends. Following their successful venture at the Plaza Hotel & Casino with Pop Up Pizza, the team saw the outdoor space next to the property’s iconic dome as the perfect location for creating the urban oasis they envisioned.

Bier Garten’s unique outdoor dining area features nearly 3,000 square feet of real grass and specially designed wooden trellises with winding vines to create a relaxed Bavarian


8000 B.C. Soft evidence shows hunter-gatherer tribes settled into agrarian civilizations based

around staple crops like wheat, rice, barley and maize, and may have also stumbled upon the fermentation process and started brewing beer. However, the first

known alcoholic beverage wasn’t created for another 1,000 years, a Chinese concoction made from rice, honey and fruit.

1800 B.C. “Hymn to Ninkasi”— an ode to the Sumerian goddess of beer — describes a recipe

for a beloved ancient brew made by female priestesses. These nutrient-rich suds were essential to the Sumerian diet, and were likely a safer alternative to drinking

contaminated fecal water from nearby rivers and canals.

13th CenturyAt this time, the key innovation to beer making was the introduction of hops, which

began in northern Germany. Known for its taste, hops sharply improved both the brewing process and the quality of beer. Other innovations from German lands

involved larger kettle sizes and more frequent brewing.

2900 B.C.Beer production and recipes were found in poems that dated back to the

Sumerians of ancient Mesopotamia. Five hundred years later, the same peoples invented the straw to drink beer without digesting leftover solids

from brewing.

510 B.C.-476 A.D.The rise of Greek and Roman empires brought about a “Dark Age of

Beer” in the Western World. Classical Greeks and Romans called beer a barbarian’s drink, while wine was considered ambrosia of the Gods. Beer

was only brewed in outlying areas by peasantry and non-assimilated cultures.

1810upon the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen on October 12, citizens of Munich were invited

to attend a horse racing festivity to celebrate the happy royal event. The decision to repeat the horse races in the subsequent year gave rise to the

tradition of Oktoberfest.

A Brief Historical Timeline of Beer Making & Its Adaptations


1910 Richard Spikes invents the beer keg tap, which was later purchased by Milwaukee

Brewing Company.

1950s Beer pong is invented at Dartmouth university. The original version resembled an

actual Ping-Pong game with a net and one or more cups of beer on each side of the table. A “paddle-less” version would evolve over the next 30 years.

1989 Originally created in Ireland by Guinness, plastic widget discs were later adapted and

put into canned beer to create and ensure smooth head when being poured.

*Information Sources: www.brewessentials.com www.wikipedia.org

1919-1933By order of the Eighteenth Amendment, prohibition outlawed the sale of

alcohol in the united States. Thus, bootlegging became widespread and organized crime took control of the distribution of alcohol, championed by

gangster Al Capone.

1973Dr. Joseph Owades adjusted analytical techniques and quality control

in beer making, thus developing the first low-calorie, “light” beer and the process for making it. Miller Lite would be the first brewery to use this recipe

with countless competitors to soon follow.

2010A 55% ABv (alcohol by volume) ale called “The End of History,” produced

by BrewDog in the united Kingdom, is claimed to be the strongest beer produced to date. However, the beer has since sold out and production has

been discontinued.

A Brief Historical Timeline of Beer Making & Its Adaptations

By Michael Boley


dtZEN.com

By Mandy Crispin

David Leibner

William Crozer

Rachel Wenman

Yoshi


David Leibner Stewart Christiansen

Briana Caran

Mason



Let’s play a game. Things you’ll need:

A scalpelFeetA mailboxYour phone

First, take the scalpel and carefully cut through the second-skin/webby-thingy you’ve developed, removing your phone from you hand. Next, take a trip to visit your mailbox. Look inside: fliers, sales papers … bill, a reminder from your dentist … bill, a birthday card from your insurance agent (they really appreciate your business) … ooh! Wait! … Awww. Nope. A craftily packaged sweepstakes pitch looked like your name was handwritten in colored pen, but no, it’s not from anyone special. Blah. Bleck! Back inside with you!

This was your attempt to get a breath of fresh air and a minute or two away from your phone, and now it’s dinging, again. You laboriously schlep over to the beckoning ringtone alerting you of a new message. “OK. I give,” you think, and you pick it up.

But wait! What is this? A surprise, from Michael. It says you just got gifted a beer at Commonwealth. That’s where your birthday party is tonight! Michael is sorry. He can’t make it, but he wanted to set you up anyway. But how did he do that?

It’s On Me is an app created by David Leibner. With this app people can buy their friends goods and services and give them as gifts — anytime. It’s not the kind of gift where one spends more on the wrapping paper or a ton of time on preparing and shipping; it’s not as impersonal as a gift card either though. It’s On Me is the perfect solution for those on the go or faraway friends who are “thinking of you” without the cheesy card that claims to say so. It simply says so. It’s On Me brings real-time results into the gifting realm with all the thought and your unique identity, just less the hassle and impersonality.

The It’s On Me app started 20 years ago when, in his neighborhood bar, David started noticing people were paying for drinks for their absent friends. The drinks were to be collected the next day, due to various reasons. David started a chalkboard to keep track these gifts. Three fields would be completed on the board: who it was “to,” who it was “from,” and what “it” was. To Bob, from Joe, a whisky and coke. Happy Birthday.

The benefit was two-fold, he says. People receiving drinks felt really special when they saw their name on the board as the recipient of a gift. People leaving a gift behind had the satisfaction that they left a little hidden surprise, anticipating the feeling their friends would have when they came in to see their names on the board.

Proud to be full-price. It’s about simple community economics:This is not Groupon, which has been criticized by small business owners recently. Groupon gives the sense of stealing, almost, if

the patrons don’t go back. Those businesses willingly operate at a loss to try to gain customers via the platform, when really they are only appealing to deal-seeking folks who, most of the time, won’t be coming back at regular, profitable pricing. Although It’s On Me offers several partnership giveaways, you’ll never get a “discount.” Why is this a good thing? Because you support your local economy when you give your gift. If you believe in the business, you will gift your friends an incredible experience that you advocate, at full price.

Another way It’s On Me supports local economies is by giving business to independently owned stores that would otherwise go to large chains. By way of gift cards, nationwide chains have the edge on gifting that ever-loved and always-welcome tribute of food and beverage. It’s On Me evens the score for local small businesses. They are planning to expand service to any goods and services at any brick and mortar soon.

coworker on the seventh floor totally just helped you out. You were in a serious jam. Want to show some love? Use It’s On Me, and she gets the message in real time: “Thank you SOOO much! I know you love pizza! Have a pie at Radio City Pizza. It’s On Me. :)”

A


Instead of sending your friend in San Francisco a gift certificate to their favorite franchise, that you purchased while standing under the bright and impersonal fluorescents at your grocery store, you can be the cool friend who knew about a boutique selling local brew like Anchor Steam and yummy conversation starters like lobster corn dogs at Michael Mina.

This way, your classy style and penchant for pizazz (Hey, let’s face it, that’s why your friends love you. You are the spice to life.) come through in your gift. Don’t order a fruit basket or poke your friends on Facebook. Give a gift that embodies you.

David Leibner stopped in Vegas for a three-week hiatus on his way to San Francisco, Calif. to begin a new life. He ended up buying a house downtown that he deemed “perfect” and never left. Now, the solution he implemented in New Orleans 20 years ago with a simple chalkboard has evolved into a full-blown downtown tech company and mobile solution that’s a win-win for customers and businesses in our community.

We want you to feel what it's like to receive a gift or give one so here you go!

Text "dtZEN" to 31996, and we are going to buy the first 500 of you a tasty beverage right here in our own backyard.

When you receive the gift feel free to go use it, or you can even re-gift it to find out what it feels like to send a gift to a friend.

{ }Give a gift that says, “Charlie, meet Artiface. Artiface, meet Charlie. I know you will love each other.” Be a connector in your community.


FOR CABANA RESERVATIONS PLEASE CALL 702.719.5170

Public access subject to availability. Downtown Grand Las Vegas reserves all rights.

An eclectic blend of food, fun & entertainment!

Come for the SUN. Stay for the PARTY!

POOL OPEN DAILY • 9AM TO 7PM

DOWNTOWNGRAND.COM | 702.719.5100 206 N. 3RD STREET, LAS VEGAS, NV 89101


Real estate associates Chakits Krulsawat and Richard Emanuele of Simply Vegas Real Estate are shooting up the real estate market on two fronts downtown: land assemblage for large developers and rehabbing individual dilapidated properties for the rental market. Chakits is the quiet self proclaimed, “good-looking one,” Richard is the energetic and jovial, “funny one,” and together their team is wearing white hats in the wild, Wild West of downtown. They call downtown the wild, Wild West because there are so many investors, and developers alike, in a race to stake their claim by acquiring as much land as they can for redevelopment.

The WildWild WesTa conversaTion abouT real esTaTe doWnToWn WiTh

TWo of iTs mosT animaTed characTers -By mandy crispin


Normally, when a buyer purchases a house, she purchases the house and the land it sits on, which has imaginary boundaries (including the yard) that make up her lot. We all know the old adage “good fences make good neighbors.”

Land Assemblage. What?unfamiliar with “land assemblage”? You’re not alone. Start with a house.

Two strips across from each other make up a street. Between two streets is a block.

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3

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Normally, when a buyer purchases a house, she purchases the house and the land it sits on, which has imaginary boundaries (including the yard) that make up her lot. We all know the old adage “good fences make good neighbors.”

Land assemblage is when an investor buys two or (preferably more) lots on any given block to make up a “set” of properties. The land, not the houses, combined together make a packaged deal for another investor (or the same) to do a project.

The set of property can be bought, bulldozed, tilled, and built on as a whole piece of land — minus the fences. Large projects require space. They require swathes of land to build upon.

Chakits and Richard have been working on creating opportunities for larger projects by doing the legwork of assembling such swaths of land.

A house sits on a “lot” (aka a plot of land). Several lots of land in a line make up a strip of properties. 2

5


Outside of land assemblage, the two have started to assemble friendly neighborhoods where ruin once plagued the landscape. They started purchasing individual properties downtown and renovating them in 2010. Now they own entire blocks.

During a whirlwind escort around downtown in Richard’s SUV, his finger jutted into the air flippantly on a rhythmic queue, “I own that one, that one, that.” Eeeeeeerk! A sudden stop was only warranted by, “That’s an original 1945 door on that home. It rents for $800 dollars a month; three bedrooms, two bathrooms.” On to the next. The only other interruptions were his yelling out the window, “Hey! How’s the day going?!” to his “tile guy.” A shrug from the tile guy and a wave added the final touch.

Although they have assembled entire blocks downtown in order to sell to larger developers and or investors, painstakingly nurturing deals in the millions of dollars, there is validity in the claim they make that they’re “not flippers.” They truly believe that they can help remodel downtown one home at a time.

They are on a mission to offer affordable housing to the community without skimping on the extras. Granite countertops, customized and upgraded cabinetry and new floors come without the sticker shock some of the high-rise living options do. But why?

Richard said, “When we do our individual purchasing I’m not looking to buy and flip. I’m not a flipper. I’m looking for the passive income. I take a dilapidated property, rehab it and put it back on the market as a rental. Because the problem with downtown is it’s growing so fast that there’s not enough available housing that’s adequate. We’re putting new roofs, new copper plumbing, new tile, granite countertops, new cabinets, new bathrooms.” The list goes on.

Richard is assembling his whole block — there are 10 houses; he owns seven. He revealed, “Most real estate agents don’t want to be involved with purchasing or selling $35,000 to $55,000 houses because there’s not enough commission.” He said,

“ We’re doing it because we’re passionate about downtown.”Beyond renovating the homes to higher standards than most would care to make the investment to produce, he’s put his money where his mouth is in another way. He lives on that same street where he also owns those six other properties. His house is on a cul de sac where the homes show the individual character lacking in sprawling suburbia, and when you rent one, it comes with a yard, and sometimes the quaint picket fence that used to pervade imaginings of Middle America. You’d never know you weren’t supposed to like this neighborhood.

He said, “It’s just nice to rehab properties and then offer them back to the community. I rent my properties for lower than market value to good families that need them, and I haven’t lost a tenant in years. It’s not about the money. It’s about the tenant and longevity. Especially because I live across the street,” he added with an implied Cheshire cat mischievousness that kind of says, “Well, if I gotta come over here in the middle of the night

with a baseball bat … now that’s going to be an inconvenience.” Then he laughed and said, “that was a joke. It’s not the extra $150 bucks a month that I should be collecting.” Punctuating this remark, he concluded,

“ It’s about good neighbors and a sense of community.”

Stating that this is a great street for families with children, he billowed, “I mean look at this! You’re on a cul de sac! Everybody is talking about building new high-rises.” This is not the answer, he claims, affordable housing and good neighborhoods are.

Continuing to whisk along on our tour of acquisitioned properties, Chakits sat quietly in the passenger seat, and Richard waxed poetic about our town. Despite his knack for a robust delivery (that could come off as bravado), Richard revealed himself to be a big softy under all that East Coast, animated, quick-witted humor, accelerating from zero to 35 in .5 seconds but never missing a noteworthy attraction. By the end of an hour, it was obvious he’s simply confident in his passions.

“I’ll tell you why I moved downtown. When my granpop passed in 2009 at the age of 91, he asked me to take care of my 94-year-old adopted grand mom. My grandma’s house is right behind this cul de sac. They have lived there since 1951."

“How does it feel to own an entire block?” I inquired. His expression thudded. “A lot of hard work.” Richard says they’re suits by day and sweatpants by night doing tiles or whatever other work needs to get moving. It’s not glamorous, he said, more of a passion project.

“You know what the nicest thing is? I think what we’re trying to start is a downtown coalition.” A solitary and surprising interjection broke from Chakits in my right ear: “Remember that word! Coalition!”

Dubbing downtown as the Wild West, in terms of late real estate market conditions, he made several astute observations interspersed with more waving to neighbors, speaking to them in Spanish (“Vios Con Dios!”) and having a reciprocated waving showdown with the mailman noting enthusiastically, “Look at this neighborhood! Mailman’s waving!” In the interest of keeping things neighborly, I won’t tell the mailman that Richard almost took out a couple mailboxes along the way. Buckle up peeps. Guy’s got a lead foot. As we began again to drive through the side parking lot where the closed Arby’s had stood for years, now soon to be a Church’s Chicken, Richard pointed out yet another hefty investment he’s made to spruce up the place: “See that block wall? As I close on the properties I’m building a wall instead of this [gesturing toward a remaining old broken-down chain-link and wood fence]. I love it. The only thing I want to see is a grocery store.” Join the club.

“I was coming here from New Jersey since I was a kid,” he reminisced, “I had my first roast beef sandwich in that Arby’s. There wasn’t even the Hilton, and when that was built I


remember it was called the International. So I’ve seen everything change. The Strip is all about gaming. Downtown is becoming all about the infrastructure. The courthouses, the new beautiful city hall, all the development in Symphony Park … the Smith Center for Performing Arts, outlet stores, World Market Center, Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, possibly the new $390 million plus stadium built by the Cordish Company, all the restaurants, the Molasky building and so much more …”

This statement gave me pause. Yeah. Hmmmm. Although outlying suburban areas pretty much have everything to provide the residents with what they need for daily life (grocery stores, schools, gas stations, eateries, small businesses and services, etc.), we can’t have a city without the services that are provided downtown. A lot of Las Vegas city business, that makes the rest of the city operate, takes place downtown. I pondered the absurdity of not having realized that before.

Richard continued, “You see where they’re putting in sidewalks and bike paths all around downtown. Thanks to City Councilman Bob Coffin and Downtown Project, hundreds of millions of dollars are being reinvested into the Mayfair Track and downtown areas. Cities don’t just do that unless they are expecting growth.”

“I love that we’re getting culture in here with the Smith Center and other small house theaters. I love that you can go down Fremont Street at night and see women pushing their baby carriages and couples holding hands. You didn’t used to see that. That’s more of a sense of community for me. Everybody wants to be a part of something.” He declared,

“ If you’re smart and passionate in life, you have opportunity in the world to become part of something downtown.”

“Look at all the workers working right now! Shucks and shovels and pickaxes and bulldozers and Bobcats! It’s amazing! You’re watching history being made right now! You are watching the rebirth of a city.”

It seemed interesting that Richard found beauty in the image of the workers despite the dust and, in my opinion, lack of aesthetic. Mortar, drab grey slabs of cement, stray rocks, ugly fences, and neon work vests.

“I find opportunity and beauty in everything. You show me a house for $35,000 that’s dilapidated, and I’ll show you a golden opportunity that, one, you can make money on, and two, you can pay back society with.”

I have to say the “white hats” are pretty inspiring characters for the filter they’re seeing downtown through. In his final exclamation I will recount for you here, he burst, “You’ll never see this anywhere!! This is an entire city being built with people already living in it!”


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perfect pairing


"He scribbled his address onto a piece of paper and presented it to me. I hesitantly retrieved it from his hand, slid it into my pocket, and got out of the car. I had a lot to think about before I would make a decision on whether or not to take him up on his offer."

It had been three sleepless nights since I stepped out of Edson's car, and I was still no closer to making a decision about whether or not to trust him. On one hand, my father obviously trusted him, and (while I found it all to be a little insane) his Egyptian society conspiracy theory actually made some sense. On the other hand, he had me kidnapped. Also, he knew about the symbol — a symbol that he himself told me should result in my distrust of the person knowing about it. The funny thing was none of this was the reason for my sleepless nights.

I didn't fear this man. I didn't fear his dour sidekick, either. To me, they were simply gnats swarming around my head, and if I wanted to swat them, I could at any time. No, the demon that haunted my dreams was much more frightening to me than they were. This monster took my friend, it invaded my home and shattered my sense of safety. It was the woman. The woman invaded my mind. She consumed my subconscious. I awoke from daydreams at work amid tasks I didn't remember beginning because my mind would fixate so intensely on that night in the alley. If there was even an outside chance that Edson could help me get to the bottom of this and find the woman, I had to take it.

At the end of work that third day, I reached into my rear pocket and pulled out the crumpled scrap

that had been passed to me a few days prior. I unfolded it and smoothed the paper in my hand, staring at the address. I needed to know what Edson knew, and something told me that he had much to confess.

I grabbed my phone and tapped the address into its map app. The courtesy of calling ahead was one that I decided not to afford Edson; after all, if he had nothing to hide then a surprise visit should be nothing to worry about, right? I climbed into the Shadow and sped down some uncomfortably familiar roads in route to what I hoped would be some peace of mind.

I knocked loudly on the door when I arrived, ensuring the old man could hear me regardless of the room of the house in which he lurked. I was met quickly by a bewildered, yet seemingly happy Edson in what I assume are standard issue silk pajamas for upper-middle-class men over 65. "Mr. Dean," he smiled. "Please come in."

He ushered me to my "favorite" couch and offered tea. I politely declined. "I think you know why I'm here," I blurted out, visibly catching Edson a bit off guard. "Sorry, I just figured that there was no sense in beating around the bush. I came for answers, and I don't intend on leaving until I get them."

The old man politely smiled and briefly stooped his head in acknowledgement. "I'm an open book, Mr. Dean. Ask whatever you like, and I will tell you all that I know."

"Alright. You clearly knew my father well, yet I never heard of you. Why is that?" I started.

"I would assume it's because your father and I were nothing more than acquaintances — colleagues at best, before the year of his passing. Right around the time I believe you two were going

TheLetterChapter 7By Matthew DunsmoorIllustrations by April Teixeira


through a bit of a 'communication dry spell.' I can't imagine that he'd have much reason to force his coresearcher into a conversation when you two likely had more important issues to address."

Though I felt a sharp stab of pain from his reminder of mine and my father's strained relationship near the end, he had a point. "Fair enough." I paused. "… Did you know my mother?" I'll never forget the surprise I saw on his face as the words left my mouth.

"Well … um," he stuttered, "is this really why you came over? To ask me about your parents? I feel like you should be the expert on that, not me."

"I have many questions. These just happen to be the first. So?"

"Come with me," he beckoned as he rose from his chair. I followed the small man down his hallway to the entry of a small room where a desk was stuffed in between overflowing bookshelves, filled with various assortments of texts. "I knew of your mother," he called over his shoulder as he entered. "I never met the woman. Your father kept a picture of her as a bookmark in his journal that he took with us on his research trips. He didn't seem to want to talk about her much, so I didn't pry."

He made his way to one of the flooded bookshelves behind the desk and began searching for something amongst the shelves. As he pulled one of the books out, a picture dropped to the floor, and I bent down to pick it up. As I examined the image, all of the blood drained from my fingertips. My body went numb, and my stomach went into a zero-gravity barrel roll. It was the woman — the demon that haunted my dreams.

Though I'd only caught glimpses of her in each of our encounters, I knew without a doubt this was her. Her long platinum hair and long neck gave it away. "Ah! I see you found it!" Edson smiled as he slid his book back into its place amongst the tangle of books.

"Where did you get this?!" I shrieked, sensing my own aggressive tone. "Who is this woman?!"

While I'd seen Edson startled before, I'd never truly seen him completely and utterly confounded until that moment. The sheer confusion on his face sent a chilling wave through me. "Hollace …," his voice lowered as he locked my gaze.

"Tell me! You wanted to know why I came? THIS is why I came. Her!" I shook my finger at the picture. "Now tell me!"

The confusion remained on his face, "Hollace … do you not recognize your own mother?"

All of the air escaped my body, and I struggled to breathe. It felt as if a prizefighter had just sucker punched me while I was somehow underwater. I stared at the picture. "… no … No!" I angrily snorted. "This looks noth — "

I stopped and stared closer at the picture. Was it really her? Did I really not recognize the woman

who raised me? Was I that far removed from her? The face definitely had similar features — the slender cheekbone structure, the slightest upturn at the end of the nose, and green eyes. The eyes seemed different, though. Mom had the most energetic, rich emerald green eyes. This woman's eyes were tired, and any life in them seemed to have turned from a true green into a grayish-green hue.

Her hair was also clearly different. Mom had uncontrollable fiery red hair kept at a short length that curled in every direction as she got closer and closer to the ocean. This woman's hair seemed to be just as listless as her eyes, and it was long.

"That's the bookmark photo your father used in his journal while we worked together," Edson volunteered.

It was all becoming too much. "Thanks," I said awkwardly as I shoved the picture into my pocket and hurried toward the door. I felt as if the walls were all reaching at me, and I needed to escape into the big nighttime world.

"Hollace, wait!" Edson called after me as I dashed down the hallway and into the living room.

I stopped and turned, "I really can't be here right now." He stopped in the hallway and looked at me. I could feel my core temperature rising, and

it felt as if the wave of heat was pushing up at my head. "It's just that this — it's a lot to take in."

"I understand," he said as if he were conceding in an argument. "But I just want to know why this picture scared you so much."

I looked up at him with a frightened look.

"Because I think my mother may be a murderer."


Thanks for stopping by, Tanya! WOW, that’s some tutu you’re wearing.I assume this is where the name came from ...

I attended a startup weekend to pitch my running company idea and wanted to stand out amongst all the “techies” (is that a word?), so I sported a bright BLUE tutu, and I have been Tutu Tanya ever since!

The inaugural Tutu Trot 5k is set for September 2014! Of course, leave it to me to plan a glittery 5k where everyone runs in their homemade tutus!

Running is not in most people’s DNA. When did you begin embracing the sport?

I started running at the age of 13 after being cut from the softball team two years in a row. I was the fastest girl in tryouts, but I was so afraid to catch pop flies! (I didn’t want the ball to bust out

my front teeth.) My coach told me about cross-country and track, and after discovering the sport of running, I have never turned back!

You’ve raced in the Boston, New York, and Chicago marathons.

Which was your favorite?Running in The BIG BOSTON MARATHON is every runner’s dream! It is the most prestigious race,

and you actually have to qualify in order to stand on that starting line! I was blessed and qualified with a marathon time of 3:14 back in

2006. Running the Boston Marathon was the best race of my entire life. I am heading back to the starting line in 2015, after earning a

qualifying time in the Chicago Marathon this past October!

How often do you purchase new running shoes?What brand/style is your go-to?

In order to stay injury free, I replace my running shoes every 300 miles. When I am in peak training, that would mean new shoes every month and a half to

two months! Asics Gel Cumulus are the only shoes you will ever see me running in! You can imagine my happiness when they finally came out with some bright,

flashy colors!

Your organization, Downtown Runners, intermingles fun and run with themed events.Tell us more!

Although I am a competitive runner, I was inspired to create a running company to reach the noncompetitive runners. There is so much competition in life, and I wanted to create something fun and unique that anyone could participate in. My events are for veterans that need to take a

day off from their rigorous routines and for the newbies that are just hoping to finish their first 5k!

The Sprinkler Sprint on June 7 is your next Downtown Runners 5k. What’s going down? An Epic Water War Race! Runners and walkers will traverse through misting tunnels, water

cannon blasters, Super Soaker zones, Slip ‘N Slides, and we have added a secret new water zone this year! Oh, and don’t forget about the refreshment stop on the course where participants can

take a break and enjoy a frosty treat!

You have a max of four words to end this interview. Go! Have you registered yet?

Serendipitous SpotlightQ&A w/Downtown Runners Founder “Tutu” Tanya Carrier

– Michael Boley


English Pea Risotto with Pea Tendrils

Serves

4 tablespoons butter, divided1/4 cup olive oil2 shallots, minced1/2 tablespoon regular garlic, minced1 cup risotto3/4 cup white wine4 cups hot vegetable stock1 cup English peas, cleaned1 sprig fresh mint1/2 cup puree of blanched fresh peas (see note)3 ounces Parmigiano-Reggiano1/2 cup pea tendrils, rough chop, optional (see note)Kosher salt and pepper to taste

8

In a large heavy bottomed stockpot, melt 2 tablespoons butter and olive oil over medium heat; do not let it turn brown. Add the shallots and garlic and cook until translucent. Add the risotto and stir to coat with the oil and butter; season with salt and pepper.

Add the wine and cook, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until liquid is absorbed. Add the hot stock a ladle at a time, stirring constantly, letting the liquid absorb before adding the next ladle. (It is important that the stock be kept hot throughout the process.)

When adding the last ladle of stock (the risotto should be cooked, but still have bite), add the peas and mint sprig. Cook until the liquid is absorbed, then remove from the heat and add remaining 2 tablespoons butter, pea puree, cheese and pea tendrils, and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon. Discard the mint sprig and serve. Risotto should be creamy, about the consistency of a good oatmeal, so that it can be eaten with a spoon.

Note: Make the pea puree ahead of time by blanching about 1/2 cup fresh peas in salted water, then pureeing peas in blender with a little of the cooking water. Can be done hours in advance and refrigerated.

Please post your photos to the Downtown3rd Farmers Market Facebook page and add the tag #dtZENwww.facebook.com/Downtown3rdFarmersMarket

Every Friday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.300 N. Casino Center Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89101


or many, many years Fremont Street was the gateway to Las Vegas, and for a while it was also the gateway to Boulder Dam (aka Hoover Dam). People far and wide would come to see the great wonder that was the largest dam in the world. They would arrive at the train depot that was located on the western end of Fremont Street. The depot defined downtown, and it was the focal point for the community. It was, after all, the place that drove the economy for almost three generations.

Built by the San Pedro-Los Angeles-Salt Lake Railroad, the first train depot was an old railroad car that was temporarily used when Las Vegas was founded in 1905. Shortly after the city's founding, a permanent building was built that lasted for over 30 years. In 1939, the original depot was demolished and replaced with an ultra “Moderne” depot that was reflective of a new era in America: an era that celebrated new advancements in technology, which lead to the evolution of diesel locomotives over the older and more cumbersome steam locomotives.

The "City of Las Vegas" diesel "Aerotrain" was the epitome of modern styling, comfort and speed. This locomotive would revolutionize train travel and bring thousands of people to Las Vegas. From 1905 to the late 1950s train travel would be a major transportation mode for people to visit Las Vegas. Eventually, by the late 1960s automobiles and airplanes would replace trains as the preferred mode of transportation in the United States. By 1969, the once mighty "Moderne" train depot would be demolished to make way for the Union Plaza Hotel & Casino. Though the casino sits on the site of the old railroad depot, there still is a tiny depot located behind the hotel that is emblazoned with the words “Las Vegas, Nevada.”

By Brain Paco Alvarez

Photo credit: UNLV Special Collections


It’s lunchtime, and after staying strong on your health kick in preparation for pool season, you wouldn’t dare opt for a burger and fries instead of a yummy salad. We know, we know … As if diets aren’t hard enough,

trying to eat right by bulking up on your greens intake can become yet another ordinary routine. So instead of dreaming of a juicy burger as you muscle down the umpteenth lettuce leaf, pack a powerful punch into your lunch

hour with salads from local downtown restaurants that combine healthy eating and delicious flair that will besiege your taste buds.

But why exactly are greens good for you? And aren’t salads just glorified rabbit food? Well, let’s just say mom was right in telling us to eat our veggies, and it’s still not too late in case you were one to sweep them off your plate. With many of the salads at various downtown eateries being made with mixed baby greens, romaine lettuce or red cabbage, here is the lowdown on why these options are so beneficial: Romaine lettuce offers less sugar and sodium with over four times the iron of iceberg lettuce and eight times the vitamin C (here’s to never being sick again!), and dark colored foods like red cabbage and mixed greens provide more than enough protein and calcium to keep your

body toned and tight. Did you even know that the stem on lettuce offers aid with insomnia to promote a more relaxing sleep? Take that greasy burger and over-salted fries! Additionally, research has found that the white fluid in lettuce leaves is called lactucarium and offers similar

properties to opium, without the harsh side effects.

While I can’t account for the complete calorie count of each of these salads (dependent on add-on and take-off ingredients), only two cups of mixed greens amounts to about 15 calories. … Fifteen calories! That’s less than a cookie, a bag of chips or even a

small order of fries from Mickey D’s. So what are you waiting for? Dine on one of these downtown specialty salads and you’ll come out a winner, leaving plenty of room to tighten your belt and even order a light dessert.

Fan Favorite:

Chopped Salad – Rachel’s Kitchen

While Rachel’s Kitchen offers a unique and varying salad spread,

fans can’t seem to get enough of the chopped salad. Made fresh to order,

this hearty meal is packed with nutrients from broccoli, tomatoes and red cabbage. Tossed in their

homemade balsamic basil vinaigrette, you walk away

full and maybe even a bit stronger.

“Steak” Your Claim:

Steak Salad– Park on Fremont

There is no secret at Park on Fremont that both customers and

workers alike crave a little protein on their plate. The steak salad, one of many popular menu items, ranks at the top of that favorites list. With citrus marinated steak and healthy fats like avocado and gorgonzola cheese, there is no regret

after dining on this delicious treat. Who said eating healthy had to

be tasteless? Indulge your taste in this filling bite

to eat.

Writer’s Pick:

Tuna Salad – Rachel’s Kitchen

Bursting with flavor, the tuna salad is a personal favorite. Fresh

mixed greens, mouth-watering cucumbers and the refreshing taste of homemade tuna salad, your fork

will be clean and your bowl will be, too. This salad easily takes

away the feeling of eating boring lettuce and offers you

satisfying taste, and oh, what a feeling!

Great "Eats":

Salad Special – eat.As unique is the vibe of this

modern eatery, so is the food that this little town favorite offers. Eat’s salad special is composed of

baby spinach, strawberries, feta and to top things off with a little sweetness, a

handful of sugared pecans. As if that mix of goodness is not tasty enough, Eat pairs this salad with homemade balsamic vinaigrette

that is sure to please your palate. With the option to add chicken or shrimp to

any salad, you've come to the right place for an interesting twist to

your standard mix of greens.

Salad BowlWhere the Grass is Always Greener


It’s lunchtime, and after staying strong on your health kick in preparation for pool season, you wouldn’t dare opt for a burger and fries instead of a yummy salad. We know, we know … As if diets aren’t hard enough,

trying to eat right by bulking up on your greens intake can become yet another ordinary routine. So instead of dreaming of a juicy burger as you muscle down the umpteenth lettuce leaf, pack a powerful punch into your lunch

hour with salads from local downtown restaurants that combine healthy eating and delicious flair that will besiege your taste buds.

But why exactly are greens good for you? And aren’t salads just glorified rabbit food? Well, let’s just say mom was right in telling us to eat our veggies, and it’s still not too late in case you were one to sweep them off your plate. With many of the salads at various downtown eateries being made with mixed baby greens, romaine lettuce or red cabbage, here is the lowdown on why these options are so beneficial: Romaine lettuce offers less sugar and sodium with over four times the iron of iceberg lettuce and eight times the vitamin C (here’s to never being sick again!), and dark colored foods like red cabbage and mixed greens provide more than enough protein and calcium to keep your

body toned and tight. Did you even know that the stem on lettuce offers aid with insomnia to promote a more relaxing sleep? Take that greasy burger and over-salted fries! Additionally, research has found that the white fluid in lettuce leaves is called lactucarium and offers similar

properties to opium, without the harsh side effects.

While I can’t account for the complete calorie count of each of these salads (dependent on add-on and take-off ingredients), only two cups of mixed greens amounts to about 15 calories. … Fifteen calories! That’s less than a cookie, a bag of chips or even a

small order of fries from Mickey D’s. So what are you waiting for? Dine on one of these downtown specialty salads and you’ll come out a winner, leaving plenty of room to tighten your belt and even order a light dessert.

Signature Moves:

Signature Salad– Rachel’s Kitchen

The signature salad here truly sets itself apart from the rest on this

restaurant’s staple. Rolling their own goat cheese into nuts before they are

placed on the salad ensures your meal is handled with much love

and care. Adding options such as tuna or chicken at a minimal cost, customers can tweak

this salad to their own personal taste.

Gold Medal

Material:Kale Mix Salad – Bronze Café

While you have the option to get a side of mixed greens with any

sandwich, this eatery definitely takes the gold medal with some of the salads they offer. Your standard Caesar salad stands up pretty well, but gluten-free

and vegetarian options like the beet or Mediterranean chopped salad surely

impress. If you're really up for it, Bronze Café is prepared to give you the

"Bizness," and based on reviews, this made-to-order kale mix

is worth all the press it gets.

Wild Card:

Quinoa Salad – WILDThere really is no way to go wrong

at this new addition to the downtown food gang. With everything from farm-

to-table options and gluten-free pizzas, WILD has gone all in with their healthy

options. And the good news? They didn't cut corners on delicious taste. With plenty

of different options like the kale or fig salad, the quinoa stands out as a surprising fan favorite. The fresh taste of ginger offers

your taste buds a pleasant surprise while kale and the authentic green

goddess dressing ties things up for the perfectly paired

package.

Salad BowlWhere the Grass is Always Greener

By Temple Brathwaite


HOUSINGGUIDE

B Y K A R I N A G I R A L D O

Juhl Lofts


Juhl, a luxury condominium project consisting of mid-rise and high-rise residences, is located within the “core” of downtown Las Vegas. This sprawling development expands almost an entire city block, situated on the corner of Bonneville Avenue and Fourth Street between the Arts District and the Fremont Street Experience. Offering 13 live/work units and three additional larger commercial spaces, Juhl’s amenities go hand-in-hand with downtown’s revitalization efforts, which are designed to create an atypical urban residence coupled with a high quality of life.

Juhl’s 341 unit lofts, ranging from 600 square feet up to 2,200 square feet, are divided into six individual buildings: a towering 15-story glass tower, a nine-story mid-rise, a seven-story townhouse, a seven-story flat home, a seven-story live/work building, and a six-story warehouse.

The majority of Juhls’ studios and one and two bedroom floor plans are comprised with floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies with stunning Strip, mountain, and downtown views. All units are designed with modern loft-style living in mind, including optional walls, exposed mechanicals and conduits, and finished kitchen and baths with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Residents at Juhl enjoy a two-story fitness center, a rooftop pool and viewing deck, hot tubs, and an outdoor mini movie theater. Covered, gated parking and 24-hour security is also provided. In addition to the on-site perks, Juhl residents have the benefit of the “#InTheKnow” card, a promotions card that offers special deals and discounts at some of the coolest places in Las Vegas. As for the rental market, Northcap is currently leasing units at:

In addition to unit lofts, at the base of Juhl there is +/- 20,000 square feet of retail space that will soon be on the market for lease. Amazing views, upscale finishings, and unmatched walkability to dining, entertainment, and shopping are premiere examples as to why Juhl is not your typical Las Vegas high-rise, once again proving why this should be your top choice for downtown living.

Bed/Bath2+22+2.5+DEN2+22+22+22+22+2

2+2.5

Unit #5491657315217155231002

746

Sq. Ft.1479158814711315123613271269

1532

Amenity ViewStrip ViewDog ParkStrip/MountainMountain WestMountain WestMountain WestNorth/Valley/MountainsPool/Townhome/East View

Interior Upgrade Stainless/CarpetStainless/CarpetStainless/CarpetStainless/Wood/PatioStainless/WoodStainless/WoodStainless/Wood

Stainless/Wood

Unit Specials $2,085.25$2,250.00$2,275.00$1,867.25$1,992.00$2,011.20$2,147.90

$2,411.10

[email protected]: 702.566.7222M: 702.480.9131F: 702.853.4470

Karina GiraldoResidential Specialist


Living ZenBy Consy Malasoma

I recently visited our new Downtown Container Park with out-of-town guests, and what struck me was the sense of community. When I picked up the Downtown ZEN magazine and read the articles on the changes downtown and the emerging art scene, I knew this was a stepping-stone to something greater in our community experience. It also reminded me of how we can integrate feng shui into our lives. Feng shui is a 5,000-year-old art and science that comes to us from China. There are many categories to feng shui such as: building site, building exterior, interior, occupants and cosmic energy. The purpose of feng shui is to balance the flow of energy or chi (pronounced chee) in our immediate environment to promote harmony, happiness and success. The Chinese believed that our lives are based first on destiny, second on luck, third on feng shui (placement), fourth on virtue, and fifth on education. This column will be the first of many to look at how feng shui here in Las Vegas can have an impact on your well-being.Whenever I have a consultation I look at the balance of yin and yang in the space I am working with. If there is any confusion between the characteristics of the two: compare Las Vegas to Seattle. Seattle represents the yin energy that is receptive, moist, overcast and a feminine energy. Las Vegas on the other hand is dry, hot, and at times windy, similar to masculine or yang energy.For the past eight years I have traveled between my homes in the Cascade Foothills outside of Seattle and the Las Vegas desert. I could not have chosen more contrasting locales. Las Vegans have many social venues and lots of outdoor events (yang) while Seattle is limited by the cold, snowy or rainy days (yin). I have noticed that the residents in Las Vegas are rushing around, driving faster and are very social, not to mention the day clubs and night life on the Strip! If you are at all familiar with Seattle, then you have experienced the forever-overcast days in the winter, the misty rains and how during the cold winter months everyone tends to stay indoors. Due to all the damp and coolness there is an inordinate amount of greenery everywhere (yin) compared to the neutral colored open spaces on our desert (yang).


Living ZenThe key to any conversation about feng shui is the connection to nature and the balance of elements. Yin and yang is only one aspect but worthy of discussion. When we as humans feel safe, and have equal parts of yin and yang in our home (or office) surroundings, we feel less stressed, less anxious and even more productive. The two polarities on our planet are that “as above, so below.” There is no hot without cold, no day without night, no wet without dry and so on. Take a moment in the early morning to meander down to our container park and see how you feel. It provides a space with many colored containers and a central playground for the children to explore. It has a pleasant feel to it like stepping into a small private space. After reading this column, take a good look at your home surroundings and see how much balance you have created. Are all your walls stark white (yang)? Or is your home dark with heavy shutters and little natural light coming in (yin)? To balance both, you could paint your walls or add colorful artwork. Do you have mostly leather furnishings (yang) or fabrics and tapestry patterns (yin). Try to balance your space with a little of both. Do you break up your shiny tile floors with chunky, textured area rugs (yin) or with no carpeting to speak of (yang)? Try to subdue the brightness of the white flooring by adding texture. Do you have bright overhead lighting (yang) or soft lighting (yin)? You can easily change lighting in a room using lower wattage or adding dimmer switches.A good indicator of how “balanced” your surroundings are is the barometer of how you feel in your space. Are you restless and forever getting up and down (yang)? Or are you relaxed and rejuvenated (yin)? Take a moment to edit your surroundings and the emotions that come up in your space. If you are feeling too lethargic then look around and add lighter accessories to a dark room, or brighten up the indoor lighting and open up your shutters to let in natural light. If you are feeling agitated or restless then break up the shiny countertops and flooring with earthy accessories or green plants to tone down the brightness. We all need a place to get away from the stress of everyday life and to create a sanctuary where we feel safe and comfortable. I will highlight other ways to bring balance into your life using feng shui in future articles.

About Consy MalasomaConsy received her feng shui practitioner certificate from the Western School of Feng Shui in San Diego, Calif. in 2001. She also studied Chinese astrology under Roger Green from Australia, Flying Star feng shui under Elliot Tanzer and has attended seminars by the world renown practitioner, Wm Spear. Consy uses her feng shui background to stage, redesign and color consult for residential and commercial properties. Her clients span from the Bay Area to Las Vegas and the Greater East Side of the Puget Sound. She is a member of the American Federation of Astrologers, a Red Ribbon professional of the International Feng Shui Guild, as well as a member in good standing of the local NW chapter of the Feng Shui Guild. Consy is a member of the Real Estate Staging Association. In addition, she holds her Washington real estate broker’s license with the referral group of John L. Scott Realty.She has given talks for Barnes and Noble in Las Vegas, Nev., Stonehouse Bookstore in Kirkland, Wash. and East West bookstore in Seattle, Wash., and she has been featured as a monthly columnist for several years at vegascommunityonline.com as the feng shui expert. Consy continues to contribute articles to the Spirit Journal paper, the IFSG e-zine and the online Conscious Design Magazine. Mayor Matt Larson appointed Consy to the Snoqualmie Arts Commission for a three-year term last year, and she has been serving on the Marketing Committee for IFSG and is on an HOA Board in Las Vegas. Consy enjoys giving seminars and strives to help bring harmony and balance into her clients’ lives. She is currently working on her first book about combining staging, astrology and feng shui to create sanctuary in our homes. For more information please refer to her website at: www.consymalasom.com.

DOWNTOWN CODE< >

Like most weekends, this particular Saturday afternoon at the Downtown Container Park was alive and hopping with the sounds of music, laughter and fun. But in a quiet corner on the second level, I found a sanctuary holding a roomful of families, computers and code.

In the midst of it all, I also found Amelia Pond, the education commissioner at Zappos TechU.

Come along, Pond …

“Today we are teaching the programs that show the fundamental pieces of logic about coding,” Amelia said. Basically, a way to learn “if statements” and “forward loops.” It was a program designed using Angry Birds, which meant you were able to enjoy it as a game while learning what code actually does.

I sat myself down at a table with a 13-year-old girl, her father and her grandmother. We all had a lot of fun using the program. Admittedly, the young girl was the main tutor in our group, since some of the adults — who will remain nameless — had a hard time grasping the concept of “forward loops” and the idea that right is vastly different from left. OK, that person may or may not have been me.

The main goal of “Hour of Code” that day was to give people in the community, who may have never experienced programming or code, the opportunity to see what it’s really like. “We can help the people who have passion for coding, the natural desire, and give them that exposure — to push them in the right direction,” said Amelia.

Zappos sponsored this particular event, but the material and the tutorials can be found on code.org. This is a great website and resource for anyone interested in computer science or just curious about how websites work and how code is utilized.

WITH AMELIA PONDBY SUNSHINE JOWELL


Overall, more than 150 people came out that Saturday to the container park to program little Angry Birds and Zombies into doing what they were told. Amelia was excited to see people of all ages come out and enjoy the event. “The goal of ‘Hour of Code’ is to break down that barrier of code being a black box,” she said. “I think those exercises do that really well. They get people to realize that this is just logic we’re dealing with here. It’s nothing that’s out-of-this-world difficult.”

For the most part, she felt that everyone walked away from the event feeling pretty surprised by what they experienced. Since a lot of people wanted to continue to learn more after the tutorials they experienced during the Hour, they were also given resource sheets with web addresses they can use to continue to practice and learn on their own. “A lot of the parents see the value for their kids, “ said Amelia.

Afterall, once you crawl into that box and start programming and coding on your own, things are much bigger on the inside …

Another program that Zappos is sponsoring for kids, to get them coding in the classroom, is a special “Hour of Code” program for 300 students at Howard Hollingsworth Elementary School in May.

“It’s very exciting,” said Amelia. “Just to get these kids going, and to get them some exposure to coding so early on is something to really look forward to.” They’re also going to look into any needs or gaps at the computer labs at Hollingsworth while they’re there.

Another event that Zappos TechU has opened up for the community is a “Lunch ‘n’ Learn” at Work in Progress with Rob High, the CTO of IBM Watson Group. Watson is the famous Jeopardy “contestant” that you can tell things to in plain English, and it can spit you out an answer.

Amelia said the applications of Watson are growing rapidly; “It can be another triage doctor in the room with you, for example. He can compute for you what your diagnoses is based on your symptoms.”

Yeah. It’s cool.

If you’re not able to attend this particular “Lunch ‘n’ Learn,” there will be more available for everyone in the community at later dates. And, a “Lunch ‘n’ Learn” is exactly what it sounds like: an hour of your time to learn and eat. For more information, please go to workinprogress.lv.

But code doesn’t stop at websites. Mobile applications are hot, and as more kids get into using them, they’re naturally more interested in building their own. Once again, Zappos has stepped in and partnered with STEM — the Science Tech Engineering Math Competition. This is Congress’ first-ever funding initiative for high school kids, and Zappos will be working with students in District One to build their own mobile apps.

“We’re partnering with Dina Titus and her office and Teach for America, and holding a workshop at the Zappos Campus,” said Amelia. These kids came in with varying degrees of knowledge about programming.

“We had about two hours with Zappos employees mentoring these kids and getting their ideas solidified,” she said. It’s one thing to have a great idea, but quite another to do the work and narrow the focus. The first go-around was learning a lot about lean methodologies. They then got pointed in the right direction for the tools they could use to build their apps.

“It sounds really intimidating and really hard,” she said. “But fortunately, the program works so that you don’t actually have to submit an app to be considered for the challenge. They just have to record and submit two different videos.”

The first video is about why they chose what they wanted to build — the reasoning behind it and their motivation. The other video walks through the app and how it would operate.

In the end, the students get to participate in an awards ceremony at the Learning Village with Dina Titus in May. Since they own the rights to their app, they also have the option later of trying to build their own business and maybe being the next Flappy Birds.

Code. It’s not that scary. It’s really not hard. Children can build it. Grandparents can build it. It’s just about having access to the resources, which is the goal of “Hour of Code” and many of the other programs that Amelia works with to bring coding to the community.

“For me personally,” she said, “it’s important to get people coding because I think people need an applicable creative outlet for themselves. I see a huge cultural need for people to express themselves in ways that this world understands, and that’s also meaningful. I think there are a lot of people that have untapped potential — in the innovative, engineering sense. The potential effects are enormous.”

Code: at your fingertips. All of it. For you.

Where do you want to start?


DescriptiveDowntown

By Shawn Zahnow


Special Collections, University of Libraries, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

DescriptiveDowntown

“ice house” As a settler back in the early 1900s no one would have thought that anyone could survive in the desert. Its dry conditions and overbearing heat, then its mild yet cold winters, made it hard to think of it as a place to live, grow crops or develop as a thriving community, but it took only a few men to realize that it was possible to “squeeze blood from a turnip.”

Part of making this new Western town was the Las Vegas ice plant; a manufacturer of ice for the railroads as well as for the locals who made the decision to make a life in this remote, desolate desert. The struggles that this place, referred to as the “ice house,” endured where catastrophic, but in the end it would be one of the most instrumental gateways for building a community in this baron, unforgiving land many thought was uninhabitable. The life of the ice house goes all the way back to 1906, and it operated until 1983.

In the early days, railroads were being built which offered work for hundreds of people. The railroad was a means for transporting perishable goods between California, Utah and Nevada. Before refrigerated railroad cars, the ice house provided a way of getting fresh produce from state to state and city to city without spoilage.

At first the railroad that had brought many jobs to the area suffered a downturn, and many jobs were lost. The ice house was destroyed by fire, and without investors it wasn’t likely that a community could thrive, but by 1917 the original railroad was sold to Union Pacific Railroads, and the ice house was built again.

Again the city was in need of workers for building this little isolated town. There were very few businesses and even fewer streets. Actually, the only paved road that was in Las Vegas was Fremont Street, a one-way street that was part of the state highway. There was Sears Roebuck and the Mesquite Grocery Store, which were the only two brick buildings that existed. The surrounding businesses were wooden structures including The First State Bank and the Boulder City Club as well as some shacks that offered beer, whiskey and clubs to play betting games. Despite this very small community’s growth of businesses, critics were still very skeptical that this town would be able to sustain itself or even become a major metropolitan area.

As workers were brought in to build and work the railroad they were often given a bunkhouse to live in. These tiny little shacks had nothing but beds: no running water, kitchens or bathrooms. Workers gathered at a tiny mess hall to eat. This building still stands today, located at Third and Commerce streets. As laborers learned of the new grandiose plans of the largest dam project (Hoover Dam), they felt as though this little dirt town would one day be a place to settle down and raise a family. The tiny bunkers that were once used for a place to sleep were now being purchased and turned into homes as men moved their families to town.

So now more than ever the ice house was an absolute necessity. It was one of the most high-tech manufacturing plants of its time. It provided jobs as well as a means for locals to preserve food, and it also generated electricity for the town. It made the land livable!

The ice house provided ice until 1983, and like many other abandoned buildings in the downtown Las Vegas area, this ice house, which was part of the National Register of Historic Places in Clark County, sat empty for a long period of time and was eventually taken over by vagrants and finally leveled due to safety issues.

So as you pass the railroad downtown, just remember that the dream of making this place livable was truly dependent on the railroads and the Hoover Dam aided by way of the innovative manufacturing of the ice house.



Old buildings could tell some of the best stories of the things they’d witnessed if they only had a voice, I think. That’s the reason why I like to photograph them so much; I can try to give them that voice and to tell that story of all the things that happened there over the decades. This structure, the gymnasium at Las Vegas Academy, struck me in particular because in our fair city finding an aged building is like scouring the desert for water. When I look at this building, I imagine students from times past to present walking up and down these steps during their most formative years. Maybe it’s the nostalgia for me that keeps the camera curious and always wanting to capture these moments caught in time, or just because I like old buildings. Either way, I hope you enjoy it, too.

–Peter Gaunt


D O W N T O W N

R E V I E W

Arts&Ents

By the end of this century, Las Vegas could be the most important city for theater in the country — if not the world. I catch a lot of flak for saying that. After all, who are we compared to New York or Chicago? Some people even laugh at me, “Do we even have a theater scene in Las Vegas?”

Believe me, I understand. Of the nearly 2 million people in this valley, I’d bet that maybe 2,000 of us actually actively think about theater. Not exactly the best recipe for a 100-year plan.

Then again, look at the people making theater in this town. If you’re committed to doing theater in Las Vegas where literally 99.9 percent of the people do not know you exist, you’ve gotta be a little crazy, right? That kind of crazy has to produce some interesting theater.

For those of us who were raised here, we had some strange influences. Siegfried and Roy were the standards, not Rodgers and Hammerstein. We didn’t have William Shakespeare growing up — we had Wayne Newton.

Then there are the people who actually moved here to make theater. People like Troy Heard, whose hit shows around town have names like “Theodora, the She-Bitch of Byzantium,” “Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson,” and “Death of a Salesman.” Why is he here? Troy likes to remind me: “Vegas is literally the Wild West: there are no rules!” No one in the audience has expectations, and no one on stage has limits on their imagination.

You will see a lot of bad theater here. But you will also see a lot that is great. Our pioneers of theater are making things more powerful and more intimate than anything you can see in IMAX 3D. Beyond the Smith Center stages, beyond the casino showrooms, the future is being shaped in small theaters around Las Vegas.

By just being in the audience here, we can write the new rules for American theater’s next 100 years. Together, we have the best seat in the house.

Erik Amblad is the new theater columnist for the Downtown ZEN. Born and raised in Las Vegas, he is an award-winning actor, director, and producer, whose work has been seen from Boston and New York City to Seattle. For the last 10 years, Erik has worked with nearly every theater company in Las Vegas, and most recently, Erik was the Artistic Director of Cockroach Theatre in Las Vegas.

A Modest Proposal By Erik Amblad


Looking for theater in Las Vegas, but don’t know where to start? The organizers behind the newly created Las Vegas Valley Theatre Awards (or Valley Awards, for short) have introduced what they think will be the ultimate guide to finding quality productions throughout the city. The Valley Awards honor the best of locally produced Las Vegas theater by recommending plays throughout the year. To earn the “Valley Recommended” label, a panel of judges attends opening night. Those judges must independently agree that multiple aspects of the show are excellent.

“We know there a lot of options in Las Vegas for what people want to do with their time,” said Jacob Coakley, organizer and cofounder of the Valley Awards. Coakley hopes this will give audiences a trusted resource for expanding their horizons. In founding the Awards, Coakley and his team aim “to celebrate and trumpet what is truly excellent in Las Vegas theater, because it’s there, and it deserves to be seen — and it deserves to be talked about.”

In theory, this new program will demystify the process of discovering entertaining, worthwhile theater. In practice, the judging system has only been in place for four months now, but nine local theater companies have embraced the process. To date, five shows have earned the “Valley Recommended” label since the Valley Theatre Awards began in January. Nearly every theater that serves downtown also participates in the program.

Plays that are deemed “Valley Recommended” receive an official graphic seal of approval. Interested theatergoers can view endorsed productions at www.lasvegasvalleys.com. Recommendation announcements are typically made the day after a show opens.

The list of participating theaters includes those who make their home in or near downtown (Cockroach Theatre at Art Square Theatre, Off Strip Productions at Onyx Theatre, Las Vegas Little Theatre) and those who produce all over the city (Table 8 Productions, Poor Richard’s Players, QuadraNine Productions, Asylum Theatre, and British National Theatre of America). At press time, Super Summer Theatre was added to the ranks. Las Vegas Shakespeare Company did not respond to requests for comment regarding their decision not to participate in the program.

For those theaters that do participate, the decision was easy. As Walter Niejadlik, president of Las Vegas Little Theatre, put it, “Anything (like this) that seeks to promote theater in our community has to be a good thing.”

Troy Heard, creative director at Table 8 Productions, thinks this is part of the community’s cultural evolution: “Seeing as Vegas just recently got its own performing arts facility in the Smith Center, the Valley Awards is another step toward presenting us as a unified city for the arts.”

Benjamin Loewy, artistic director of Poor Richard’s Players, said his sights are set even higher. “Pending this program's future success, it has the potential to […] one day contribute to national recognition of the blossoming arts culture here.”

As more shows are produced and more theaters participate in the program, organizers recognize that covering every opening night with qualified judges may be a challenge. Currently, “Qualified Adjudicators” are drawn from all walks of theater-going life, including local critics, theater professionals and volunteers, and avid audience members (this writer is also an adjudicator). Anyone interested can apply to be a judge by first visiting the Valley Awards website.

To date, no company has expressed a significant concern about the quality of judges. Nearly all echo the sentiment of Levi Fackrell, managing director of Cockroach Theatre: “From the Valley Recommended plays that I've seen, the judging system seems fair and accurate. I'd like to see more people from outside the theater community become interested in becoming judges. There's a real opportunity to engage the public at large.”

What’s next for the Valley Awards? Coakley is currently excited about the first ever Las Vegas Valley Theatre Awards Ceremony — the city’s version of the Tony Awards — coming in July of this year.

How can you find a Valley Recommended show? Here is your list of participating theaters:

Cockroach Theatre - Art Square Theatre1025 S. First Street, #110Las Vegas, NV 89101www.cockroachtheatre.com

Off Strip Productions - The Onyx Theatre953 E. Sahara Avenue, Bldg. 16Las Vegas, NV 89104www.onyxtheatre.com

Las Vegas Little Theatre3920 Schiff DriveLas Vegas, NV 89103www.lvlt.org

Super Summer Theatre - Spring Mountain Ranch State ParkHighway 159Blue Diamond, NVwww.supersummertheatre.org

Table 8 ProductionsProducing at venues throughout Las Vegaswww.facebook.com/table8productions

Poor Richard’s PlayersProducing at venues throughout Las Vegaswww.poorrichardsplayers.com

QuadraNine ProductionsProducing at venues throughout Las Vegaswww.facebook.com/QuadranineProductions

Asylum TheatreProducing at venues throughout Las Vegaswww.asylumtheatre.org

British National Theatre of AmericaProducing at venues throughout Las Vegaswww.bntofa.comVa

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Look for the Valley Recommended logo — the official seal of approval for plays recognized by the Valley Awards.

1) Poor Richard’s Players production of “Red” by John Logan 2) Table 8 Production’s world premiere of “Anton Chekhov’s Cherry Orchard of the Living Dead” by Troy Heard 3) Las Vegas Little Theatre’s production of “True West” by Sam Shepard. 4) Cockroach Theatre’s production of “Edmond” by David Mamet. All companies have new productions coming this May.

Through the beginning of April, four shows received a Valley Award Recommendation.

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Photo credit for Edmond photo:Ryan Reason


D O W N T O W N

R E V I E W

restaurant

Chart houseThere are few things more perfect than a spring night in Las Vegas (well, the Dodgers winning another world series in my lifetime would be insanely perfect, but that’s another story for another time). On a Friday night in March, the hubs and I decided to check out longtime Vegas staple Chart House.

Chart House is located inside the Golden Nugget. The hotel casino operation could have a write-up all on its own, what with the shark tank pool and water slide. I’ve written before about how much I love old-school Vegas, and the Golden Nugget is just that.

Chart House is located right at the main entrance of the hotel and casino. My husband made the reservation and specifically asked to be next to the aquarium. We are turning into my grandparents, and we’re eating dinner earlier and earlier these days; it’s great for the metabolism though. ;-)

Our reservation was for 6 p.m., and we were seated in a comfortable and roomy booth that was right across from their enormous aquarium. This aquarium is huge!!!! It’s 75,000 gallons, floor to ceiling and takes up the whole center of the restaurant. It was so nice to kick back, relax and watch the tropical fishies swim.

Our server was funny and attentive. I spent 13+ years in the restaurant industry, so service is important to me. Maybe I’m spoiled from working at Zappos, or maybe I’m biased from being in the business for as long as I was, maybe it’s a mix of both . . . whatever the case is, if I get bad service my dining experience is ruined no matter how good the food is. I was happy to have a lively and intuitive server.


Chart houseBy Joanna Mueller We started with shrimp cocktail (my search for

the best in town continues!). For anyone who has seen the movie Beetlejuice: remember the part when the ghosts of Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis become possessed at the table, and they all dance to that Harry Belafonte song, and the shrimp cocktail is possessed too . . . and it grabs their faces? So our shrimp cocktail looked like that. I mean, minus the super weird face grabby thing. It was so good!!! The shrimp comes in this icy bowl with dry ice coming out of it. The presentation is just spectacular!

I eat steak every time I go out to a fancy dinner; I’m trying to eat a little healthier these days, so I ended up going with the free range chicken. It was bone-in, which is usually another no-no for me, but the flavor was so good!!! The chicken was lightly fried and came drizzled with Marsala wine sauce and sat on a bed of Yukon Gold mashed potatoes. The meal was delightful. My husband had the lobster francese, which is a lightly breaded lobster tail served with angel hair pasta and tossed with spinach, mushrooms, asparagus and tomatoes.

Both of us were happy with our meals, and I was happy to go somewhat outside of my steak and potato comfort zone . . . Not that far out, mind you . . . but out, nonetheless. We finished our meal with a HUGE slice of strawberry cheesecake and black coffee. The bill was a little over $100 for the two of us, and we don’t drink alcohol, so keep that in mind when dining here.

We finished our meal and headed out to catch the Life Cube burn. What an exceptional and special evening. What can I say? Sometimes this city is just perfection!

Looking for that eclectic oasis in the downtown area? Maybe you’re looking for a tropical fix, anytime of the day? Well Frankie’s Tiki Room definitely has what you’re looking for! I chose this joint as my very first spot in the Downtown Zen, partly because my friends have said some pretty amazing things. Man, I’m glad I did!

Frankie’s is located west of the I-15 freeway on Charleston Boulevard. If you are travelling east and you’ve passed the gas station and Wendy’s, you’ve missed it. Bright pink neon lights line the old adobe-style building along with a half circle arch entrance. The archway is labeled with “Kahi Maluhia Loa I Ka Honua.” With all my years of Hawaiian 101 classes, my thought is that it translates to “Peace on Earth.” Hawaiian is super conceptual and can have many meanings, but the overall concept is to wish everyone good peace!

Once you enter the tiki-guarded doors, you are literally taken to the South Pacific islands. The place is filled with the Pacific island theme: wooden carvings, netting, fisherman’s glass balls, thatched hut awnings and of course, tikis! There’s a variety of bar tops, high tops, table seating and booths. Along with the intimate green, yellow and blue ceiling lights, the primary color is red. Glass candleholders on tables and red lights against the wall create a fiery lava look. All in all, this place offers a very on point theme!On my visit, the bartenders were Mike and Nate. When it came to the service, they were AH-MAZE-ING! Super nice, they introduced themselves to my guest and me. These guys were attentive, personable and really made my experience a great one. As my first visit, I enlisted them to choose some of their most popular drinks. Here’s what they recommended to me:Fink Bomb: A mellow blend of coconut rum, 160-proof rum floater, melon liqueur and pineapple juice. Man, this drink gives you a kick! Nate recommended mixing in the floater. The

160-proof rum is superstrong and brings a spunky life to this libation. Thank goodness for the sweetness of the coconut and pineapple combination!

Kahiki Kai: Coconut rum, banana liqueur and pineapple juice, garnished with a cherry and cut of pineapple. This drink is the tropical punch you’ve been waiting for. The pineapple juice offers a pleasant tart flavor, accompanied with coconut and hint of banana.

Malekula: Coconut rum, Tuaca, melon liqueur and pineapple juice. The coconut rum is super prominent in this drink. Accompanied with the melon liqueur, your sweet tooth with certainly thank you!

Bearded Clam: Light rum, simple syrup, mint leaves and passion fruit juice. This is your classic mojito with a tropical twist. First sip is a bit tart; however, the passion fruit really changes the flavor in the after taste. Super awesome!

As you’ve probably guessed, the spirit of choice is rum. Don’t get me wrong though, Frankie’s Tiki Room is a full service bar; the menu items, however, will primarily feature this sugarcane by-product based, alcoholic beverage. And even if rum may not be your drink of choice, I encourage you to give it a try. You will be pleasantly surprised.

At the end of the day, I had a wonderful time at this place. Minus the smoky atmosphere, you have great bartenders, a chill vibe and super awesome drinks. Here’s the kicker: All mixed libations are only $9! I don’t know why it’s taken me this long to try this place out, but I can tell you this: I will definitely be back! If you’re in the area, you need to check this place out!

DT’s Libation StationBy Rockne Henriques


D O W N T O W N

R E V I E W

bar

Demon Rhumba

Studio West Photography



D O W N T O W N

S C E N E / H E A R D

Music

The feeling you get …

As a singer-songwriter it’s a pretty common thing to be asked, “What comes first for you: the melody or the lyrics?” Not a journalistic triumph of a question; let’s be honest. It isn’t very often, however, to be posed, “What’s the first thing you look for in a song; in music?” My new dtZEN teammate — the one and only Mandy Crispin — uttered those words to me at the end of our very first meeting. It was refreshing to feel the need to stop and think about the makeup of my answer. Furthermore, what better way to introduce myself to you, the reader, as we start what is bound to be a love-hate relationship? Taste is wonderfully subjective after all.

What am I actually looking for? Melody? No, because even the artists that aren’t my cup-of-tea personally can carve out a sweet hook or two — insert Lady Gaga here. Lyrics? This pretty much falls into the same boat as the “melody” answer.

It turns out, I’m looking (and listening) to see how my body reacts to what my ears are digesting. Am I being transported back to a teenage memory long forgotten when the opening notes of Radiohead’s “Paranoid Android” kick in? Is the tantalizingly bittersweet smell of an ex-girlfriend’s perfume torturing my soul when Jeff Buckley sings, “Everybody Here Wants You”? Or better yet, do I gain the uncontrollable urge to throw my body into the heady groove of a song like “Sorry” by The Moth & The Flame, whilst flipping off the rest of the world with wells in my eyes, as the movement envelops me? Does it change my mood quickly — for better or worse? You bet it does.

It’s all of these things, and more. So much more. Music is the universally unexpected, it’s the ultimate cathartic freedom, the anguish and ecstasy of a moment, the never ending drive on a desert highway with nothing but miles and miles in front of you, clouds of dust behind you. Music is your first love. Your first loss. It’s the smell of rain in summer — no, music IS summer — it’s every season. It’s the one thing you can hold on to in times of despair and the object that elevates you in a split-second triumph.

Literary imagery aside — What about you? What are you looking for? What does music do to you?

As we step into this world together of a monthly bearing of musical opinions and experiences encapsulating the hearts, integrity, artistic creations and victories of my downtown musical counterparts (somehow into a 500 word article), I hope the song that’s currently playing in your head is one that has picked you up off your seat and transported you to a place, past or present, where the only emotion you’re feeling is excitement. Because that’s exactly what’s happening to me.

Scene / HeardBy Richard Grewar


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MAY 1 THuRSDAYCREATIv WEEKCreativ Week is produced and curated by CatalystCreativ, a small business funded by the Downtown Project the first week of every month. Creativ Week is a monthly celebration in downtown Vegas that showcases the most exciting arts, culture and entertainment in downtown.more info: CatalystCreativ.com

MAY 2 FRIDAY CREATIv WEEK

DOWNTOWN3RD FARMERS MARKET | 9AM-2PMThe Downtown3rd Farmers Market has become an integral part of downtown Las Vegas. The biggest indoor farmers market showcases local Las Vegas farmers as well as including lots of fresh produce from California. location: uS-95 & Casino Center Drivetime: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.more info: Downtown3rdFarmersMarket.com

FIRST FRIDAYFirst Friday is celebrated in the Arts District of downtown Las Vegas and celebrates young and established local artists. location: The Art’s Districttime: 6 p.m.-11 p.m. more info: FirstFridayLasvegas.com

MAY 3 SATuRDAYCREATIv WEEK

SuSAN KOMEN RACE FOR THE CuRESusan G. Komen Race for the Cure charity run/walk to raise funds for breast cancer. location: Downtown Las vegastime: 7 a.m.-11 a.m. more info: KomenSouthernNevada.org

LEI DAY LAS vEGASCultural festival with Hawaiian arts and crafts, music and dance, food and beverage.. location: 100 Stewart Ave.time: 9 a.m.-11:59 p.m. more info: Kealaikahiki.com

MAY 5 MONDAYCINCO DE MAYO

MAY 9 FRIDAYDOWNTOWN3RD FARMERS MARKET | 9AM-2PM

LvA uNPLuGGED: ALIvE FROM THE COPA/ITS MEMORABLE MuSIC AND LEGENDARY ENTERTAINERSLowden Theater of the Performing Arts hosts a pre‐concert lecture series by Dr. Michael Green and features the Grammy award‐winning Las Vegas

Academy Jazz Ensemble bands with guest vocalist, Marlena Shaw. A complimentary post‐concert reception will be hosted by the Junior League at its historic Morelli House. time: 5:30 p.m. lecture seriestime: 7 p.m. concert more info: jllv.org

MAY 10 SATuRDAYOHANA FESTIvAL AT SPRINGS PRESERvEThe Springs Preserve Ohana Festival is a family-friendly celebration of Hawaiian and Pacific Islander culture. time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. more info: SpringsPreserve.org

FAMILY GAME NIGHTCome play board games with us!location: The Learning villagetime: 3 p.m.-6 p.m.more info: DowntownFamilySeries.com

MAY 11 SuNDAYMOTHER’S DAY

MAY 13 TuESDAYDOWNTOWN TRIvIA AT THE BEAT | 7:30PMCome with a team or find one at The Beat. Every second Tuesday you can test your knowledge and flex your brain in a cerebral competition. There will be prizes and beer specials, and most likely a little more beer than brains.location: The Beattime: 7 p.m.

MAY 14 WEDNESDAYSTITCH FACTORY SPEAKER SERIESStitch Factory, in partnership with Downtown Project, presents Behind the Seams, a monthly speaker series designed to bring together passionate individuals to share ideas, network, and inspire. location: The Learning villagetime: 5:30 p.m.more info: StitchFactory.com

HELLDORADO DAYS RODEO 2014Five-day rodeo to include carnival, vendors, exhibitors and entertainment. Rodeo to take place in Symphony Park.location: Symphony Parktime: 7:30 p.m.-9 p.m.more info: ElksHelldorado.com

MAY 15 THuRSDAYSTITCH FACTORY SPEAKER SERIES | 5:30PM

HELLDORADO DAYS RODEO | 7:30 P.M.-10 P.M.



MAY 17 SATuRDAYFAMILY LEGO BuILD NIGHTCome build with us!location: The Learning villagetime: 3 p.m.-6 p.m.more info: DowntownFamilySeries.com


MAY 18 SuNDAYHELLDORADO DAYS RODEO | 7:30 P.M.-10 P.M.

MAY 20 TuESDAYKARAOKE AT THE KITCHENEvery third Tuesday, Rachel’s Kitchen will be holding a Karaoke contest. The winner will receive a prize and entered to win a grand prize on Sept. 16.location: Rachel’s Kitchen in the Ogdentime: 5 p.m.-7 p.m.


16TH ANNuAL PuNK ROCK BOWLING

DOWNTOWN LAS vEGAS AT THE CORNER OF SEvENTH AND STEWART AvENuESA three-day, all-ages event featuring dozens of punk rock bands including the Descendants and NOFX.more info: Single day and weekend passes available from $42 and up

MAY 24 SATuRDAY16TH ANNuAL PuNK ROCK BOWLING

ICE CREAM FESTIvAL AT SPRINGS PRESERvESweet treats and yummy eats will be on the menu as we host our annual all-you-can-eat Ice Cream Festival.time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.more info: SpringsPreserve.org

MAY 25 SuNDAY16TH ANNuAL PuNK ROCK BOWLING

MAY 26 MONDAYMEMORIAL DAY

16TH ANNuAL PuNK ROCK BOWLING


EVENTS CALENDAR

MAYMAY 31 SATURDAYBREWS AND BLUES FESTIVAL AT SPRINGS PRESERVEBrews and Blues offer up beers from numerous local, regional, domestic and international brewers at the Springs Preserve. time: 4 p.m.-8 p.m.more info: SpringsPreserve.org

JUNEJUNE 1 SUNDAYSUNDAY RESET PRoJECTDedicated to creating a healthier community in Las Vegas by resetting the mind, body and spirit. Join our signature event the Sunday Reset Project.location: Amanda Harris Gallerytime: 8 a.m.more info: TheResetProjectLV.com

JUNE 4 WEDNESDAYCREATIV WEEKCreativ Week is produced and curated by CatalystCreativ, a small business funded by the Downtown Project the first week of every month. Creativ Week is a monthly celebration in downtown Vegas that showcases the most exciting arts, culture and entertainment in downtown.more info: CatalystCreativ.com

JUNE 5 THURSDAYCREATIV WEEK

JUNE 6 FRIDAYCREATIV WEEK

DoWNToWN3RD FARMERS MARKET | 9AM-2PM

FIRST FRIDAYFirst Friday is celebrated in the Arts District of downtown Las Vegas and celebrates young and established local artists.location: The Art’s Districttime: 6 p.m.-11 p.m.more info: FirstFridayLasVegas.com

JUNE 6 FRIDAYCREATIV WEEK

SPRINKLER SPRINTThe Sprinkler Sprint is a Wild Water Party 5k where participants run/walk through multiple water zones throughout the entire 3.1 mile courselocation: Downtown Las Vegastime: 69 a.m.more info: DowntownRun.com

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HEALTH & WELLNESSDr. Azimi DDS820 S. Seventh St. 702.759.0005

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LEGAL SERVICES

Craig P. Kenny & Associates501 S. Eight St.702.380.2800www.cpklaw.com

1600

MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS

The Mob Museum300 Stewart Ave.702.229.2732

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Lied Discovery Children’sMuseum833 N. Las Vegas Blvd.702.382.3445

1503

Old Las Vegas Fort500 E. Washington Ave.702.486.3511

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Natural History Museum900 N. Las Vegas Blvd.702.384.3466

1504

ENTERTAINMENT

The Smith Center361 Symphony Park Ave.702.749.2000

1400

Art Square Theater1025 S. First [email protected]

1401

RE-OCURRING EVENTS

First Friday Main HubCasino Center BoulevardBetween Colorado Street &California Street

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Downtown 3rd Farmers Market300 Block of North Main StreetDirectly Next ToThe Mob Museum

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ART STUDIOS

Arts Factory107 E. Charleston Blvd.702.383.3133

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Amanda Harris Gallery900 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Suite #[email protected]

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Art Square1025 S. First St.Las Vegas, NV 89101www.artsquarelv.com

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Gainsburg Studio, Inc.1039 S. Main St.702.249.3200www.gainsburgstudio.com

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Open Air Printers1039 S. Main St., Suite #150702.870.9946www.goldwellmuseum.org

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Blackbird Studios1551 S. Commerce St., Suite #A702.782.0319www.blackbirdstudioslv.com

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Brett Wesley Gallery1112 S. Casino Center Blvd.702.433.4433

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Las Vegas Academy315 S. 7th St.800.585.3737

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/usr/lib (Tech Library)520 Fremont St.702.385.2328

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Work In Progress -6th Street Workspace317 S. Sixth St.702.534.3804www.workinprogress.lv

101

SYN SHOPThe Las Vegas HackerSpace117 N. Fourth St. www.synshop.org

102

G4Fremont East Studios221 N. Las Vegas Blvd.702.463.9029www.fremonteaststudios.com

103

G4Stitch Factory300 N. Las Vegas Blvd.Suite 120702.476.5552www.stitchfactory.com

104

HIGH-RISE LIVING

The Ogden150 N. Las Vegas Blvd.702.685.0300

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Soho Lofts900 S. Las Vegas Blvd.702.383.0979

1001

Juhl Lofts353 E. Bonneville Ave.702.754.6300www.juhlst.com

1002

Newport Lofts200 Hoover Ave.702.387.0093

1003

HUMAN SERVICES

Las Vegas City Hall495 S. Main St.702.229.6011

900

HOTEL & CASINOS

El Cortez600 Fremont St.800.634.6703

800

The D Las Vegas301 Fremont St. 702.388.2400www.thed.com

802

Golden Nugget129 Fremont St.702.385.7111www.goldennugget.com

803

Plaza Hotel & Casino1 S. Main St.800.634.6575www.plazahotelcasino.com

804

Downtown Grand Las Vegas206 N. Third St.855.384.7263www.downtowngrand.com

805

FITNESS

Real Results Gym1201 S. Commerce St.702.331.3172www.realresultsfitness.com

700

24hr Fitness100 City Pkwy., Suite #160 702.824.9614

701

GROCERY

Albertsons Grocery1760 E. Charleston Blvd.702.366.1550

600

Resnick’s Grocery900 S. Las Vegas Blvd.702.982.2999

601

Cake World Bakery220 N. Maryland Pkwy.702.471.7111

602

White Cross Market1700 S. Las Vegas Blvd.(702) 382.3382

603

COFFEE SPOTS

The Beat Coffeehouse520 Fremont St.702.385.2328

100

Starbucks300 S. Fourth St. #7702.759.3426

500

RETAIL SHOPS, BOUTIQUES & SALONS

Coterie515 Fremont St.702.685.7741www.facebook.com Search“Coterie Downtown”

400

Globe Salon900 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Suite #130702.938.4247www.globesalon.com

401

Patina Décor1211 S. Main St.702.776.6222www.patindecorlv.com

502

Vintage Vegas Antiques1411 S. Main St.702.539.0799

403

Vexed By Design1017 First St., Suite #185702.275.7141www.vexedlv.com

404

Sweet Spot Candy Shop616 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702.815.1277www.facebook.com/SweetSpotCandyShop

405

Josephine Skaught Hairdressing1025 S. First St. Suite [email protected]

406

Cowtown Guitars1009 S. Main St.702.866.2600www.cowtownguitars.com

407

ZAPPOS CAMPUSES

Zappos Stewart Campus400 Stewart Ave.

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Better Than New1216 S. Main St.702.471.6236

408

Creative Space1421 S. Commerce St. 702.439.3923

409

Electric Lemonade220 E. Charleston Blvd. 702.776.7766

410

Freddie Ramon1411 S. Main St.702.468.3232

411

Gaia Flowers6 E. Charleston Blvd. 702.997.0222

412

Happy Panda Toys107 E. Charleston Blvd., Suite #105A 702.516.3432

413

Hillary Salon107 E. Charleston Blvd., Suite #250702.525.1053

414

Inside Style1119 S. Main St.702.399.1100

415

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Nature’s Element817 S. Main St.702.521.0725

416D7

Photo Bang Bang224 E. Imperial Ave.702.518.7427

417C10

Skin City Body Painting1209 S. Main St. 702.431.7546

418C8

Williams Costume Co.1226 S. Third St. 702.384.1384

419D9

The Town Bike353 East Bonneville Ave. Suite 179702.600.4850www.thetownbike.com

420E6

Let Me Nail You514 Bonneville Ave.702.998.9490

421F7

Rogue Toys616 Las Vegas Blvd S.702.330.3945www.roguetoys.com

422E7

Don Vicente Cigars Intl.624 Las Vegas Blvd S.702.526.3922

423E7

Downtown Tattoo1106 Fremont St.702.541.8282www.Downtowntattoolasvegas.com

424E7

Zappos Carson Office302 E. Carson Ave.6th Floor702.943.7777 #8530

303

Zappos Stewart CampusParking260 N. Las Vegas Blvd.Located directly south of400 Stewart BuildingEnter via Fourth Street.

302

Carson OfficeParking Garage304 E. Carson Ave.Enter via Fourth Street

304

BARS, LOUNGES & NIGHTCLUBS

Bar+Bistro107 E. Charleston Blvd., Suite #155702.202.6060

105

Beauty Bar517 Fremont St., Suite #A702.598.1965www.thebeautybar.com/las_vegas

203

Dino’s Lounge1516 S. Las Vegas Blvd.702.382.3894

204

Drink & Drag450 Fremont St., Suite #250702.522.8488www.drinkanddrag.com

205

The Griffin511 Fremont St.702.382.0577

206

Hogs & Heifers Saloon201 N. 3rd St., Suite #130702.676.1457www.hogsandheifers.com

207

Insert Coin(s)512 Fremont St.702.447.2525www.insertcoinslv.com

208

Vanguard Lounge516 Fremont St.702.868.7800www.vanguardlv.com

209

Downtown Cocktail Room (DCR)111 S. Las Vegas Blvd.702.880.3696

200

Lady Silvia900 S. Las Vegas Blvd.www.theladysilvia.com

201

Artifice1025 S. First St.702.489.6339

202

Commonwealth525 Fremont St.702.798.7000www.commonwealthlv.com

210

Backstage Bar & Billiards601 Fremont St.702.382.2223www.backstagebarandbilliards.com

211

Bunkhouse124 S. 11th St.702.384.4536www.bunkhouselv.com

212

Don’t Tell Mama517 Fremont St.702.207.0788

213

Atomic Liquors917 Fremont St.702.349.2283www.atomiclasvegas.com

214

RESTAURANTS

The Beat Coffeehouse520 Fremont St.702.385.2328

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Le Thai523 Fremont St.702.778.0888

101

Triple George Grill201 N. Third St.702.384.2761

102

Tacos El Gordo1724 E. Charleston Blvd.702.251.8226

103

Chicago Joe’s820 S. Fourth St.702.382.5637www.chicagojoesrestaurant.com

104

Bar+Bistro107 E. Charleston Blvd., Suite #155702.202.6060

105

Mundo – A Culinary Haute Spot495 S. Grand Central Pkwy.702.270-4400

106

Courthouse Bar & Grill330 S. Third St.702.388-8222

107

City Centre Café375 Lewis Ave.702.383.4055

108

El Gaucho Luca’s Café & Deli231 S. Third St., Suite #110702.384.3115www.elgaucholucascafe.com

109

Viva Las Arepas1616 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Suite #120702.336.9696

110

Subway600 Fremont St.702.302.5020

111

Jason’s Deli100 City Pkwy.702.366.0130

113

The Verdicts Inn801 S. Las Vegas Blvd.702.837.3428

114

Luv It Frozen Custard505 E. Oakey Blvd.702.384.6452

115

Lola’s:A Louisiana Kitchen241 W. Charleston Blvd.#101702.227.5652

116

Casa Don Juan Restaurant1204 S. Main St.702.384.8070www.casadonjuanlv.com

117

eat.707 Carson Ave.702.534.1515www.eatdowntownlv.com

118

Du-Par’sRestaurant & Bakery1 Fremont St.(Inside Golden Gate)702.385.1906

119

Capriotti’s Sandwich ShopRegional Justice Center200 Lewis Ave.702.631.1112www.capriottis.com

120

F6City Center Quiznos365 Lewis Ave.702.380.0900www.quiznos.com

134

B9Pura Vida1236 Western Ave.702.722.0108www.puravidavegas.com

135

C10Tiffany'sCafé1700 S. Las Vegas Blvd702.444.4459www.tiffanyscafelv.com

136

H7Bronze Café inside The Center401 S Maryland Pkwy 702.202.3100

137

G4Wild150 N. Las Vegas Blvd. Suite 120702.527.7717www.eatdrinkwild.com

138

G5Nacho Daddy113 N. 4th St.702.778.7800www.nachodaddy.com

139

El Sombrero Café807 S. Main St.702.382.9234

121

Kabob Corner507 Fremont St.702.384.7722

122

Uncle Joe’s Pizza505 Fremont St.702.385.2162

123

Big Ern’s BBQ707 Fremont St. (Container Park)702.834.7845www.bigernsbbq.com

124

Pop Up Pizza1 Main St.702.366.0049www.popuppizzalv.com

125

Denny’s450 Fremont St. (Inside Neonopolis)702.471.0056www.dennys.com

126

Rachel’s Kitchen150 N. Las Vegas Blvd.(Inside Retail Space at Ogden)www.rachelskitchen.com

127

Radio City Pizza508 Fremont St.702.982.5055www.radiocitypizza.com

128

Park on Fremont506 Fremont St.702.798.7000www.parkonfremont.com

129

Anthony’s Pizza & Deli321 S. Casino Center Blvd., Suite #125702.896.0353

130

La Comida100 Sixth St.702.463.9900www.facebook.com/LaComidaLV

131

Doña Maria's Tamales 910 S. Las Vegas Blvd.702.382.6538

132

C8Mingo Kitchen and Lounge 1017 First St., Suite #180702.685.0328

133

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Velveteen Rabbit 1218 S. Main St. (702) 685-9645

215

Gold Spike217 N. Las Vegas Blvd.702.384.8444www.goldspike.com

216

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Veteran’s Village1150 S. Las Vegas Blvd.702.624.5792www.vvlv.org1

901D5

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FreeStyle CrossFit727 S. Main St.702.685.5070www.freestylecrossfit.com

702D6

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The Neon Museum770 N. Las Vegas Blvd.702.387.6366www.neonmuseum.org

1505H2

ANTIQUE ALLEY

Retro Vegas1131 S. Main St.702.384.2700

500

Patina Decor 1211 S. Main St. 702.776.6222

502

Corner Store Furniture Company 1201 S. Main St. 702.331.6009

501

Armstrong’s Emporium 1228 S. Main St. 702.366.1995

503

C8

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Medusa’s Antiques 1300 S. Main St., Suite #110 702.331.4660

504C9

Desert Buddha 1300 S. Main St., Suite #120 702.383.1008

505

JJC Clocks & Antiques 1310 S. Main St. 702.384.8463

507

One Man’s Trash 1300 S. Main St., Suite #140 702.7778.7988

506

The Funk House 1228 S. Casino Center Blvd. 702.678.6278

508

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Glam Factory Vintage 211 E. Colorado Ave. 702.443.0131

509D9

Gypsy Den 213 E. Colorado Ave. 702.684.1628

510

Gypsy Caravan 1214 S. Third St. 702.868.3302

512

Western Gypsy in the Kangaroo Court 1306 S. Third St. 702.868.3302

511

Rick’s Restorations 1112 S. Commerce St. 702.366.7030

513

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Vintage Vegas Antiques 1411 S. Main St. 702.539.0799

515C9

Alex Presley’s Unique Boutique 1304 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702.300.2476

516D9

Lost Vegas Antiques 625 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702.382-1882

517F7

Swag Antiques 630 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702.464.3299

518F7

Not Just Antiques 1422 Western Ave. 702.384.4922

519B9

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Sin City Pickers 10 W. Wyoming Ave.702.366.9166

514C10

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City of the World1229 S. Casino Center Blvd.702.409.7549

1209

Contemporary Art Center (CAC)107 E. Charleston Blvd., Suite #120702.382.3886

1210

Downtown Contemporary Galleryat artSquare1025 First St., Suite #145 702.358.7022

1211

Pinup Pointe Art Gallery4 E. Charleston Blvd.702.302.7878

1212

RTZ Vegas1017 S. First St., Suite #195702.592.2164

1213

Ryan Williams Art Gallery1025 S. First St. 321.258.9032

1214

Sin City Gallery107 E. Charleston Blvd., Suite #100702.608.2461

1215C8

Trifecta135 E. Charleston Blvd.702.366.7001

1216C8

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Theater 71406 S. Third St.702.568.9663

1402D9

DOWNTOWN LAS VEGAS, NV

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Downtown ZEN May 2014

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Transcript of Downtown ZEN May 2014