CCSD Wants Community Input on School Budget Cuts

Wednesday, March 17th, 2010, 8:14pm

LAS VEGAS -- Parents, students, teachers, and other community members are now weighing in on the tough issue of school budget cuts. An online survey will gauge where everyone feels the cuts should or should not be made.

The 16 question survey only takes a few minutes to fill out. The questions deal with critical issues such as campus security, school transportation, teacher layoffs, and even closing schools.

Strong opinions are pouring in. Some of the questions come as little surprise and garner a mixed reaction. For example, should sports and extra-curricular activities be eliminated to save a combined $11 million dollars?

"Let the kids be kids; let them have their sports," said one parent.

"Out of everything, maybe it is sports I would cut," said another person.

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Wednesday, March 17th, 2010, 6:45pm

LAS VEGAS -- The Metro Police SWAT Team charged into the clubhouse of the Las Vegas Hells Angels Wednesday morning. They were looking for furniture, household goods, vehicles and firearms embezzled while members of the motorcycle club were employed at the Salvation Army.

SWAT charged through the gates of the clubhouse on Bonanza and 15th Street armed not only with an armored car, but also a search warrant.

Police say people donating guns and vehicles to the Salvation Army will be surprised to learn they went right into the hands of Hells Angels members hired by the charity.

"If between 2007 and 2009 you donated either vehicles or firearms to the Salvation Army and you feel possibly they fell into the wrong hands, we'd like to talk to you," said Metro Officer Bill Cassell.

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Wednesday, March 17th, 2010, 6:27pm

LAS VEGAS -- The shocking revelation about Hells Angels stealing from Salvation Army raises serious questions about how vulnerable non-profits are when it comes to crime. From employees and volunteers to those in need, thousands of people have access to charities.

A high-tech security system is probably not what comes to mind when one thinks of Catholic Charities but Residential Services Director Phillip Hollon says big brother is everywhere.

"I truly believe that the video surveillance is a deterrent and individuals know that it is caught on camera and that it will be used against them," said Hollon.

More than 100 cameras sit on the property. They are not to scare clients or employees but rather to protect them. From the keypad locked entrances to guards, security is tight. Catholic Charities also makes sure their employees are on the up and up.

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Wednesday, March 17th, 2010, 5:55pm

LAS VEGAS -- The Clark County Commission has given final approval for UMC and the Nevada Cancer Institute to create a new outpatient oncology clinic that will open in the fall.

The new clinic was made possible by a $3 million grant from the Lincy Foundation. The clinic will be a satellite location for the Nevada Cancer Institute and give patients access to various services and specialized doctors. UMC was forced to cut its oncology services in 2008 due to budget cuts.

"The winners today are those afflicted by cancer, and their families, who will benefit immeasurably from these expanded services and cost-efficient operation," said Kathy Silver, CEO of UMC.

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Wednesday, March 17th, 2010, 4:45pm

LAS VEGAS, Nv -- Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman says he and his wife, Carolyn Goodman, are switching their political party affiliations to nonpartisan.

Goodman said Tuesday that he hasn't decided yet whether he'll run for Nevada governor in 2010. But he says changing his party registration from Democrat keeps his options open.

Recent polls show Goodman would be a contender for governor against several Republicans, including incumbent Gov. Jim Gibbons. Goodman is 70. If he ran as a Democrat, he would face Clark County Commissioner Rory Reid. He's the son of U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

Goodman is term limited and cannot seek a fourth term as mayor in 2011. He has said he would like Carolyn Goodman to succeed him in office.

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Wednesday, March 17th, 2010, 4:45pm

LAS VEGAS -- Clark County Commissioner Rory Reid says a public-private partnership will transform University Medical Center from a public hospital into a teaching hospital.

"UMC's business model is not sustainable and it must change," he said.

UMC costs the county $145 million a year to operate. So Reid wants private companies and the medical school to share the burden to make the hospital profitable.

In a news release, Reid said, "former higher education chancellor Jim Rogers will spearhead the effort, examining successful models from across the country and bringing partners to the table from education, the medical community and the private sector.

"As we look forward we need to see where we intend to be 10 or 15 years from now," Rogers said.

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Wednesday, March 17th, 2010, 4:45pm

LAS VEGAS -- The Clark County coroner is scheduling an inquest into the Jan. 4 shooting that left a shotgun-wielding assailant and a court security officer dead, and a U.S. marshal wounded at a federal courthouse in downtown Las Vegas.

Assistant Coroner John Fudenberg said Wednesday the coroner is required by county law to hold a fact-finding proceeding any time someone dies at the hands of law enforcement.

Fudenberg says several witnesses are scheduled for the Feb. 19 inquest, and it's expected to take most of the day. A seven-person jury will decide whether the use of lethal force in the slaying of 66-year-old gunman Johnny Lee Wicks was justified, excusable or criminal.

Authorities say Wicks fired five times, and seven guards and marshals returned 81 shots before Wicks was killed.

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