Rebecca Clifford-Cruz

Story Archive

Photography is as much a bond as it is a business
Monday, April 24, 2017
Jaqueline Andrea moved to Las Vegas knowing no one and dreaming of breaking into a business where reputation is everything — at the start of the Great Recession, no less. Still, the mother of two persevered and learned to love mundane business tasks so she could earn a living by sharing her passion.
Restaurateur dove in, then learned to swim (figuratively, at least)
Monday, April 17, 2017
The owner of Guamanian restaurant Red Rice shares her experience opening a business with little experience, talks about teachers being devalued by society and explains why she doesn’t eat sushi.
Beauty on a budget: Spa aims to put a day of pampering in everyone’s reach
Monday, April 17, 2017
Whoever said the rich are the only ones who can afford to pamper themselves never met Doug Grant and Audrey Davis, whose business targets cost-conscious customers for spa treatments that won’t break their budgets.
Ballroom dance star: ‘It’s about helping people be healthier and happier’
Monday, April 10, 2017
Maks Chmerkovskiy, Val Chmerkovskiy and Tony Dovolani have helped popularize ballroom dancing in the United States through “Dancing With the Stars,” and are capitalizing on that success by opening dance studios, including one in Las Vegas.
Museum CEO: 'We will never see another city built like this'
Monday, April 10, 2017
The CEO of the Neon Museum discusses what’s next for the keeper of Las Vegas sign history, shares some simple but wise business advice, and talks about how the ...
GM’s goal is for water park to never get stagnant
Monday, April 3, 2017
The general manager of Cowabunga Bay talks about his lifelong fascination with theme parks, his admiration for Walt Disney, the importance of being a team player, even when you’re the boss, and one especially fun perk of his job.
Hospitality group: Never lose focus on the guest’s experience
Monday, April 3, 2017
Andre’s Bar & Bistro is the brand’s first foray into the locals dining scene in Las Vegas, after decades as a staple on the resort corridor. But regardless of the location, the company’s focus on guest experience never changes.
Attorney has her hands in city’s sports, arts scenes
Monday, March 27, 2017
A commercial real estate attorney with Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck talks about being assertive and ambitious professionally, her appreciation for Las Vegas beyond its entertainment scene, and her sense of pride in watching the success of the Smith Center.
CRE firm's message: ‘Approach each transaction based upon logic, not emotion’
Monday, March 27, 2017
CEO Brendan Keating founded the firm with Sean Margulis, Jason Otter, Chris Richardson, Agus Alamsjah and Adam Malan, and their deep ties to the region have helped them put a stamp on Southern Nevada.
California transplants driven to spread happiness and give back to community
Monday, March 20, 2017
The KEV, or Kona Entertainment Vehicle, is a party on wheels. It blasts tropical music and dispenses 10 flavors of shaved ice. It serves up to 500 people in an hour and can be booked for school fundraisers, sports events or even corporate events.
Event consultant's plea: Embrace your community and get involved
Monday, March 13, 2017
The CEO of Event Consultants talks about the importance of listening, community involvement and the work done by the nonprofit organization Aid for AIDS of Nevada, for which he serves as president of the board of trustees.
In business, ‘you are as good as your people are’
Monday, March 13, 2017
Brothers-in-law and partners since 1985, founder Mike Meskell and company president Greg Goodwin recently expanded their California-based tuxedo retailer into Southern Nevada, to capitalize on the wedding industry here.
Plastic surgeon: 'Raising the community standards and expectations for quality medicine is a must in a fast-growing city’
Monday, March 6, 2017
The facial plastic surgeon and medical director of the Lanfranchi Center talks about the unifying effect a big league sports team has on a city, his admiration for those willing to take risks and follow their dreams, and the need for improved health care in Southern Nevada.
Cancer patients inspire creation of natural deodorant
Monday, March 6, 2017
For Ira Kaganovsky, deodorant is just the first step. Inspired by friends who were diagnosed with cancer, she wanted to create natural alternatives to “toxin-filled products that line the shelves of every store.”
California wine country still has surprises
Sunday, Sept. 6, 2015
California wine country can still surprise you. Livermore Valley is not as well known as Napa Valley, but it is home to some of the state’s oldest wine regions, and offers the opportunity for a relaxing visit and superb chardonnay tasting.
The billionaires club is full of possible medical school donors
Sunday, March 22, 2015
UNLV officials are looking for wealthy donors to help support the medical school. Good thing Las Vegas isn't lacking billionaires ...
Carrot Top’s top priority for 2015: ‘Becoming a member of the Nevada Legislature’
Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014
With the close of 2014, here is the last in our series of candid Q&As with 14 prominent Nevada personalities, who were asked to answer 14 questions in 14 or fewer words.
HCC President Scott Muelrath: ‘Treat others as you would want to be treated’
Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2014
With the close of 2014, here is the next in our series of candid Q&As with 14 prominent Nevada personalities, who were asked to answer 14 questions in 14 or fewer words.
Mercedes Martinez conquered global travel: ‘It’s scary at first, but so rewarding and amazing’
Monday, Dec. 29, 2014
With the close of 2014, here is the next in our series of candid Q&As with 14 prominent Nevada personalities, who were asked to answer 14 questions in 14 or fewer words.
Commissioner Sisolak says he defuses stress by working harder
Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014
What do cell phones, Pope Francis and "The Big Bang Theory" have in common? They are among Clark County Commissioner Steve Sisolak's answers to the next in our series of candid Q+As with 14 prominent Nevada personalities who were asked to answer 14 questions in 14 or fewer words ...
United Way exec advocates for more students to graduate from high school
Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014
The vice president of community development says the most important topic for the Nevada legislature to address during the 2015 session is the funding formula for K-12 education ...
Giada De Laurentiis talks career and happiness
Friday, Dec. 26, 2014
Celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis says her biggest accomplishment of 2014 was opening her restaurant Giada at the Cromwell in Las Vegas. And the modern-day invention she cannot live without? The iPhone.
Q+A: Art collector Patrick Duffy, philanthropist and president of Las Vegas Art Museum Board
Thursday, Dec. 25, 2014
With the close of 2014, here is the next in our series of candid Q&As with 14 prominent Nevada personalities, who were asked to answer 14 questions in 14 or fewer words ...
Rep. Dina Titus: Funding education should top Legislature’s agenda
Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014
With the close of 2014, here is the next in our series of candid Q&As with 14 prominent Nevada personalities, who were asked to answer 14 questions in 14 or fewer words.
South Point owner Michael Gaughan: Work ethic, honesty, integrity are essential for successful career
Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2014
With the close of 2014, here is the next in our series of Q&As with 14 prominent Nevada personalities, who were asked to answer 14 questions in 14 or fewer words. Michael Gaughan, owner, South Point ...
Chef Kim Canteenwalla: May have had too many tall double shot soy cappuccinos
Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014
With the close of 2014, here is the next in our series of Q&As with 14 prominent Nevada personalities, who were asked to answer 14 questions in 14 or fewer words: Chef Kim Canteenwalla.
UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey: Definition of happiness ‘the absence of wants’
Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014
With the close of 2014, here is the next in our series of interviews with 14 prominent Nevada personalities who were asked to answer 14 questions in 14 or fewer words: UFC women's bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey.
Sen. Dean Heller: Can’t live without FaceTime, puts family first
Friday, Dec. 19, 2014
With the close of 2014, here is the next in our series of Q&As with 14 prominent Nevada personalities, who were asked to answer 14 questions in 14 or fewer words: Sen. Dean Heller.
Executive VP Alan Feldman: ‘Las Vegas is the least hypocritical place in the universe’
Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014
Fourteen days. Fourteen personalities. Fourteen questions. As 2014 draws to a close, here is how some notable people in Nevada answered a list of fun questions.
Chef Kerry Simon: ‘Keep it simple’
Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013
With the close of 2013, here is the next in our series of Q&As with 13 prominent Nevada personalities, who were asked to answer 13 questions in 13 or fewer words: Chef Kerry Simon.
Mark Shunock: Plans for 2014 include taking on film, a sitcom
Monday, Dec. 30, 2013
With the close of 2013, here is the next in our series of Q&As with 13 prominent Nevada personalities, who were asked to answer 13 questions in 13 or fewer words: Entertainer Mark Shunock.
Sen. Tick Segerblom: Big regret of 2013 is failing to pass corporate income tax
Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013
Nevada Sen. Tick Segerblom knows that prominence is a double-edged sword.
Larry Ruvo: 'Las Vegans haven’t comprehended the importance of a medical school in Southern Nevada'
Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013
With the close of 2013, here is the next in our series of Q&As with 13 prominent Nevada personalities, who were asked to answer 13 questions in 13 or fewer words: Larry Ruvo.
Dave Rice: Top priority in 2014 is making UNLV basketball nationally significant
Friday, Dec. 27, 2013
With the close of 2013, here is the next in our series of Q&As with 13 prominent Nevada personalities, who were asked to answer 13 questions in 13 or fewer words: Dave Rice, head coach, UNLV Runnin' Rebels
Frankie Moreno: Loves Mozart and making music, wants more time with his boys
Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013
With the close of 2013, here is the next in our series of Q&As with 13 prominent Nevada personalities, who were asked to answer 13 questions in 13 or fewer words.
Ross Miller: If you tell a joke, don't forget the punchline
Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2013
With the close of 2013, here is the next in our series of Q&As with 13 prominent Nevada personalities, who were asked to answer 13 questions in 13 or fewer words.
Tony Hsieh: Appreciates Nevada for its 'endless possibilities'
Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2013
With the close of 2013, here is the next in our series of Q&As with 13 prominent Nevada personalities, who were asked to answer 13 questions in 13 or fewer words.
UFC fighter Forrest Griffin: He's got some regrets, but time for accomplishments yet in '13
Monday, Dec. 23, 2013
Thirteen days. Thirteen personalities. Thirteen questions. As 2013 draws to a close, here is how some notable people in Nevada answered a list of fun questions.
Professor Michael Green: Grading papers and eating chocolate — 'decent!'
Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013
With the close of 2013, here is the next in our series of Q&As with 13 prominent Nevada personalities, who were asked to answer 13 questions in 13 or fewer words.
Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman: Loves home, family; limelight not so much
Saturday, Dec. 21, 2013
With the close of 2013, here is the next in our series of Q&As with 13 prominent Nevada personalities, who were asked to answer 13 questions in 13 or fewer words.
Restaurateur Elizabeth Blau: Winning awards, loving rich desserts
Friday, Dec. 20, 2013
With the close of 2013, here is the next in our series of Q&As with 13 prominent Nevada personalities, who were asked to answer 13 questions in 13 or fewer words.
Artist Robert Beckmann: 'It's beginning to work!'
Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013
Thirteen days. Thirteen personalities. Thirteen questions. As 2013 draws to a close, here is how some notable people in Nevada answered a list of fun questions.
Rolling the dice: A look at some of the most famous — and infamous — weddings in Las Vegas history
Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013
After their May 1967 wedding at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas, Elvis and Priscilla Presley spent only six years as a married couple before divorcing in 1973.
Strip closures rare for special events
Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012
Closures on the Strip are approved to accommodate special events, such as Sunday afternoon and evening’s Zappos.com Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon & 1/2 Marathon. Here are other times when parts of the Strip have been closed to vehicles.
Suite accommodations in Henderson fit for a president
Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012
President Barack Obama is no stranger to overnight stays in Las Vegas and its surrounding suburbs. While rumor has it Obama’s three-night stay will be a repeat at Lake Las Vegas, we take a look at some of the other finer accommodations available in Henderson.
A sad litany of accidents at bus stops
Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012
Most severe tragedies involving motorists and bus stops in Las Vegas from 2002 to March 2015 ...
Stranded? Vehicle under water? Swift-water rescuers are on the way!
Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2012
As record rainfall poured in the Las Vegas Valley on Tuesday, local firefighters and rescue teams assisted stranded motorists and responded to dozens of swift-water rescue calls. We take a look back at some of the notable swift-water rescues during the past two decades:
The pests most likely to bug you in Las Vegas
Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012
Las Vegas is internationally known as the home of gamblers, showgirls and every variety of Elvis one can imagine. But it’s also home to some serious pests (and no, we’re not talking about the smut peddlers on the Strip). Scorpions, spiders, ants and mice all thrive here, thanks to Las Vegas’ hot summers, dry winters and rainy springs.


Nevada’s worst fires seasons this millennium
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Nevada experienced its worst fire season on record in 1999 when more than 2 million acres burned across the state.
Sun's list of shuttered family-friendly Vegas attractions
Thursday, Feb. 23, 2012
Las Vegas has always billed itself as a playground, but its emphasis on being one for both kids and adults appears to be dwindling.