April-May 2013
Martin J. Toledo
President
702-757-8229
[email protected]
M e m b e r ’s B u l l e t i n
Message from the LVCEA President:
Henry Lujan
Vice President
702-807-5357
[email protected]
Julie Shelton
Secretary
702-556-0064
[email protected]
Dear LVCEA Members,
It is with deep regret and after intense contemplation that I have come
to the decision that I must step down from my position as President of
the LVCEA, effective as of May 30, 2013, due to a serious medical
condition requiring my attention.
I will be returning to my previous position as supervisor in Parks,
Recreation and Neighborhood Services.
I feel a duty to explain to the membership the basis of my decision.
As some of you may know from working with me over the years and
some may know from my distant past updates on the city intranet, I am
a cancer survivor. I have been extremely blessed to have survived Non
-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Burkitt’s Type, High Grade Aggressive (a
blood cell cancer) three times and basil cell skin cancer, once. I would
imagine we all know someone who has joined the “cancer club”
through no choice of our own or known someone affected or lost someone to this disease. I absolutely despise this disease.
My journey into what I call my “Dance with the Dragon” (cancer journey) began on April 25, 2002. Please keep this foregoing date in mind.
Initially, I went through chemotherapy in 2002 and relapsed in April
2003. In July 2003, I had to undergo an autologous stem cell transplant
(utilizing my own stem cells) in order to attempt to get rid of the cancer. The autologous stem cell transplant failed and I relapsed in April
2004. As you can see, April is my favorite month. I then had to undergo an allogeneic stem cell transplant where I would receive the stem
cells from a preferably related donor or a match unrelated donor. I’m
sure you now understand why this form of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma,
Burkitt’s type is called “High Grade Aggressive.”
Continued on Page 2
Sherry Bonnett
Treasurer
702-787-8136
[email protected]
Peter Jackson
Trustee
702-806-4650
[email protected]
Theresa Caruso
Trustee
702-533-4175
[email protected]
Shani Coleman
Trustee
702-561-5495
[email protected]
Jeffrey F. Allen
General Counsel
702-595-1127
[email protected]
Bernie Luces
Senior Office Assistant
[email protected]
Jennifer Luther
Office Assistant
[email protected]
LVCEA Hours of Operations:
Monday to Thursday
7:00AM-5:30PM
OPEN during Lunch Hours
Closed on Friday-Sunday and Holidays
Tel. 702-649-6606 * Fax 702-649-2135
Email: [email protected]
[email protected]
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M e mb e r ’ s L V C E A B u l l e t i n
Continued from Page 1
Message from the LVCEA President:
By the grace of the heavens above, my brother Tom was my exact match for the allogeneic stem
cell transplant. I received his stem cells on August 13, 2004 (my cancer-versary). In essence, I
now have an immune system created by my brother Tom as my own immune system. As a result
of the stem cell transplant(s), I experience what is known as Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD),
where my existing stem cells (specifically, immune system) constantly try to reject the stem cells of
my brother. An analogy would be that of a kidney transplant where the donor kidney is under siege
by the host body.
GVHD is a systemic disease where the body is under attack of all major systems of the
body - skin, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, cardiac, renal, nervous system, etc.
If you recall, I asked that you keep in mind the April 25, 2002, date as I have to point out to you
all the most unexplainable irony of all, that being my scheduled six month checkup date with my
oncologist scheduled for April 25, 2013. I basically live my life in increments of 180 days from
CAT scan to CAT scan. I feel fortunate to be at six month intervals when at a point in time I was
at 30 day increments. And I am sure we all have at some time lived in seconds, minutes, hours
and days through varying situations, both pleasant and unpleasant.
The results of the appointment revealed that due to the steep increase in the GVHD activity and
the increase in certain markers, I have to undergo a treatment regimen that will address the
GVHD and markers thus decreasing the opportunity for a full blown relapse to occur. I have a
six month window until October 2013 in an attempt to resolve these issues.
I cannot, I will not, continue to undertake the responsibilities of the LVCEA Presidency if I am
unable to properly devote 100 percent of my time to this position. It is unfair to the membership,
unfair to the LVCEA Board and a miscarriage of my commitment to the membership to do less
than what is required of me in this capacity.
I realize this is yet another transition of leadership for the LVCEA. For this, I apologize.
I am very humbled, honored and privileged to have served at the LVCEA. I feel very fortunate
to have met so many outstanding City of Las Vegas employees.
It is critically important that all LVCEA members stand united in support of our association as
we move forward in our dealings with the City of Las Vegas.
My most sincere appreciation and thanks.
Martin (Marty) Toledo
LVCEA President
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M e mb e r ’ s L V C E A B u l l e t i n
Legal Corner by: Jeffrey F. Allen, Esq.
MAKE SURE YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY IS TREATING YOU FAIRLY- AND WHAT TO DO IF THEY ARE
NOT
Some of you may have heard that our new insurance provider, Health Plan of Nevada (“HPN”), was just
successfully sued in connection with the fiasco that occurred at the Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada.
Specifically, three plaintiffs- one of whom contracted Hepatitis C as a result of the negligent and potentially criminal
actions of Dr. Dipak Desai- recovered 24 million dollars in compensatory damages from HPN. The basis for their civil
action was that HPN acted in bad faith by including Dr. Desai and his clinic on the list of HPN’s network providers.
Having recovered these compensatory damages, the plaintiffs and their attorney then obtained punitive damages of
five hundred million dollars from HPN. This lawsuit illustrates a few things. First, juries don’t like insurance
companies, which are viewed as heartless entities who place corporate profits ahead of the individuals that they insure.
Second, because insurance companies are in a position of trust and power relative to the individuals that they insure,
they are deemed to owe a special duty of care to insured's that is similar to a fiduciary duty. In legal terms, insurance
companies owe a duty of good faith and fair dealing to their insured's.
That is important for you because it is a fact that you can use to your advantage in the event that HPN fails to
act in good faith towards you. For example, if HPN improperly denies coverage on a claim for benefits, you ultimately
have the option of initiating a legal action against HPN. Your primary claim would be for breach of contract. Make no
mistake about it, you and HPN are parties to a contract in which HPN provides you with medical insurance in exchange
for a monthly premium (of which the City pays a portion). If you prevail on your primary claim of breach of contract,
you would be entitled to recover whatever out-of-pocket losses you sustained as a result of HPN’s breach. Thus, if you
obtained medical treatment that should have been covered under the insurance policy, but HPN failed to extend
coverage thereby causing the doctor’s office to look to you for payment, you would be entitled to recover the cost of
the doctor’s bill from HPN. Your secondary claim is for “breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair
dealing.” Trust me when I tell you that just the threat of this claim will prompt HPN (or any insurance company) to
adhere to their contractual obligations with vigor and they will likely give you the benefit of the doubt as to any grey
areas. This is because, like the plaintiffs discussed above, if you succeed on your claim for breach of the implied
covenant of good faith and fair dealing, you could recover not just out-of-pocket costs, but pain and suffering and even
punitive damages as well.
To be clear, I am not suggesting that you can say the magic words “breach of duty of good faith” and HPN
will acquiesce to your every demand. You would have no gripe if HPN is faithfully following the insurance contract.
So the question then becomes, how do you know whether HPN is fulfilling its contractual obligations? The answer is
that you need to review your insurance contract and be knowledgeable as to your health benefits, your reporting
requirements, your appeals rights, etc. This information is compiled in a voluminous document created by HPN
which is entitled “Evidence of Coverage.” This document should have been mailed to you along with your insurance
card. If you still have questions after reviewing this document or if HPN has treated you unfairly in your estimation,
you can always call the LVCEA and we will help.
Ultimately, I know a lot of you are upset that your insurance benefits were changed (in many respects for the
worse). Unfortunately, the City had the ability to make these changes because of the permissive language on medical
insurance that is contained in your governing Collective Bargaining Agreement- language that was first put in place
nearly a decade ago. Because you are stuck with this insurance, you need to do everything you can to maximize the
benefits that you can realize from it. Again, the way to do that is to know your rights. Get pre-authorization for
foreseeable medical events, go through your primary care physician whenever practical to do so,
use preferred prescriptions and, in general, follow the rules as best you can. If you do so and
HPN treats you unfairly, you absolutely do have legal options.
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M e mb e r ’ s L V C E A B u l l e t i n
Voting Locations
June 11th (Tues)
June 12th (Wed)
June 13th (Thurs)
5:30a.m. – 8:00a.m.
West Service Center
Location: Garage
5:30a.m. – 8:00a.m.
East Service Center
Location: Parks/Traffic Room
7:30a.m. – 10:00a.m.
City Hall
Location: Café Now
9:00a.m. – 1:00p.m.
City Hall
Location: Lobby
10:00a.m. – 1:00p.m.
Regional Justice Center
Location: Rm2153
Small Admin Conf Room
11:00a.m. – 1:00p.m.
DSC
Location: 2nd Floor
2:30p.m. – 4:30p.m.
DSC
Location: 2nd Floor
2:00p.m. – 4:00p.m.
WPCF
Location: Meeting Room
2:00p.m. – 4:00p.m.
Regional Justice Center
Location: Rm2153
Small Admin Conf Room
Early Voting at the LVCEA Office:
Begins on May 29, 2013 and Ends on June 6, 2013
(Mon-Thurs from 8:00am-5:00pm)
Final day of Voting is June 13, 2013 from 7:30a.m. - 4:00p.m.
at City Hall, DSC and RJC
All voting ends at 4:00pm, counting of votes will commence at
5:00pm at the LVCEA Office
At conclusion, all candidates who can be contacted will be notified of the results on
June 17th, 2013 (Monday)
Results will be published to the Membership via email and posting on the LVCEA Web Site
ID MUST be presented at the voting station before you are able to vote!
Frank (Franco) Rodriguez, Election Chair
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M e mb e r ’ s L V C E A B u l l e t i n
Don’t Forget the 2013 LVCEA Election Day
Early Voting May 29– June6, 2013
Here are your Candidates:
Vice President Position:
Henry Lujan
Cynthia (Cyndi) Leavitt
Treasurer Position:
Sherry Bonnett
Val Sharp
Trustee Position:
Mark Avis
John Balodis
Rodney Lister
John Meier
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M e mb e r ’ s L V C E A B u l l e t i n
Recaps for the Month of April:
April has come and gone by and I would like to take this opportunity to recap what has happened during
the month of April. April was indeed a busy month for the LVCEA Board and Staff.
The month began with the LVCEA Board becoming aware of the City attempting to change
the Deferred Compensation Providers from two providers at present, International City
Manager’s Association (ICMA) and Hartford/Mass Mutual to a single provider namely, ICMA.
We entered into discussions with the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) City of
Las Vegas Fire Union President, Scott Johnson and his first Vice President, John Kelly as
well as keeping the Las Vegas Peace Officers Association (LVPOA) President Mark Bunnell in
the loop and began the information gathering process with Hartford/Mass Mutual to understand the process the City was going about to change the Deferred Compensation Providers.
Through the collective efforts between LVCEA and City IAFF, we began meeting with City
Manager Betsy Fretwell and Chief Financial Officer Mark Vincent to express our position
that it was not appropriate, in our opinion, to make a unilateral business decision for our
employees without a reasonable degree of input from City Fire represented employees/
participants and more importantly, LVCEA represented employees/participants in the
Deferred Compensation Plan.
LVCEA represented employees are the largest group of participants in the Deferred Compensation Plan. Retirees are also a fairly sizeable group. It is entirely logical that we ought to
have a say in the investment choices of our hard earned money.
The LVCEA and City of Las Vegas IAFF began meeting with members of the City Council and
shared our displeasure at the process utilized in changing the Deferred Compensation Provider and gained an agreement with the City Manager to pull this item from the April 17,
2013 City Council Agenda.
This item was again placed on the May 15, 2013 City Council Agenda so that Hartford/Mass
Mutual could present their protest over the process used to arrive at a single Deferred Compensation Provider. The Protest was held in abeyance until the June 5, 2013 Council Meeting
so the City can offer a series of informational meetings to employees explaining the reasons to
reduce down to a single provider, ICMA.
By the actions of LVCEA employees, Retirees, IAFF employees in email campaigns, phone
contact, joint venture of the City of Las Vegas Employee Unions, you all made your voice
heard to the City Council and put them on notice to allow us the choice of which company we
wish to invest our hard earned dollars.
Additionally in April, the Human Resources Department released both the Office Specialist
Series and Business Specialist Series which are Segal Study holdovers from nearly two years
ago. The LVCEA will be going before the Civil Service Board on May 22, 2013, to oppose the
consolidation of both of these series.
M e mb e r ’ s L V C E A B u l l e t i n
Page 7
Continued from Page 6
The LVCEA has also make good faith attempts in trying to resolve the Skilled Trades
Alignment Series with the City to no avail. Our counterproposal was met with a City
counteroffer including information that we disagree with as a basis to discuss pay grades. We
will stand firm in our position of not harming employees in the Skilled Trades with a City
proposal that is less than beneficial to our employees.
The LVCEA has opposed the pay grades for the new Traffic Enforcement Field Operations
(TEFO) Technician Series as we believe the City is not willing to recognize nor pay our
employees for the advanced certifications, licenses, or journeyman cards required of these new
positions.
We also held our General Membership Meeting April 24, 2013 in the City Council Chambers
and addressed Bylaw changes and accepted nominations for the upcoming election for the
Office of Vice President, Treasurer and Trustee position.
There are a multitude of other issues we covered during the month of April dealing with
assisting our employees with various matters, meeting with Human Resources on Labor
related items and continual support and representation of LVCEA employees.
Thank you for your continued support.
Martin J. Toledo,
LVCEA President
Welcome New LVCEA Members!
Kowan Connolly
Jessica Tirado
Jesus Montanez
Luz Delgado
Howard Shaffer
Penny Peterson
Lisa Gargano
Nicole Eddowes
Grant Strong
Gary Friedland
M e mb e r ’ s L V C E A B u l l e t i n
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April Birthdays
Michael Ahlert
Robert Bell
Dawn Boyer
Danny Bradshaw
Bruce Breed
Dorothy Caridine
Angelo Coleman
Dianne Collins
Christopher Dizon
Scott Dycus
Donald Ernst
Christopher Favazza
William Federson
Joy Fickel
Rochelle Fischer
Richard Fitzpatrick
Camille Franklin
Tina Gdowski
Beverly Golston
Rodney Hall
Jeffery Hall
Kristina Hayes
Steven Horlock
Angie Horn
Lee Jaszkowski
Robert Jeannotte
Jamelle Johnson
Justin Krueger
Nora Lares
Kevin Larosee
William Logan
Peter Lowenstein
Louise Lucci
Deborah Massey
Crista Missick
Cindy Mori
Horace Mullinax
Barney Sue Perkins
Mark Potokar
Peter Priest
Peter Priest
Jennifer Rabanes
Charles Reichold
Aletta Rowry
Phyllis Sargent
Bradley Schirmer
Lauren Storla
Fred Thomas
Maria Vigil
David Walker
Janet White
Rebecca Whitlock
Tommy Wilson
Mike Worthington
May Birthdays
Summer Abrego
Scott Auyong
Edward Ballard
Eric Bordenave
Todd Braunstein
Katherine
Burkhardt
Paul Burkin
Lee Ann Burton
Michael Campbell
Gabriel Caraveo
Darnell Conway
Jon Cook
Rosa Cortez
Nick Davis
Luz Delgado
Daniel Delgado
Jason Emmenegger
Ingrid Friedland
Todd Friley
Monique Fuller
Jerry Gonzales
Linda Goodrie
Katherine Gore
Wanda Harmon
Stacy Huddleston
Brandi Jacks
Macon Jackson
Jacqueline Jackson
Diane Johnson
Mary Lawrence
Henry Lujan
James Marshall
Richard Marston
Joshua Nelson
Lisa Oatley
Vicki Ozuna
Robert Phebus
Julie Quisenberry
Alfredo Ramos
Mark Rex
Daniel Rivers
Darren Ruesch
Vincent Salomone
Geoffrey Sauter
Marlene Siska
Daniel Sosa
James Spencer
Jerry Taylor
Hayley Taylor
Monica Tejeda
Wet Thomas
Connie Thorpe
Gina Marie
Venglass
Michael Vlaovich
Cathy Watson
Ryan Westrup
Patricia Williams
Steven Wright
Susan Yang
Timothy Zora
M e mb e r ’ s L V C E A B u l l e t i n
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LVCEA Representatives
Names
Work #
E-mail
Reps at Large
Jason Lupiani
229-2168
[email protected]
Gary Myers
229-0699
[email protected]
Val Sharp
229-5250
[email protected]
LVCEA Reps
Mark Avis
229-1821
[email protected]
Jordan Bridges
229-8103
[email protected]
DeAndre Caruthers
**
[email protected]
Sherie King
229-6531
[email protected]
Latosha James
229-6872
[email protected]
Cyndi Leavitt
229-6480
[email protected]
Erica Ragland
229-1885
[email protected]
Daniel Rivers
229-6075
[email protected]
Murray Smith
229-1515
[email protected]
Site/Info Reps
Nikki Adams
229-4616
[email protected]
Roger Bailey
229-2196
[email protected]
David Beske
**
[email protected]
Gheorghe Botosanu
229-6780
[email protected]
Larry Carlson (Swing Shift)
229-6075
[email protected]
Monique Fuller
229-5942
[email protected]
Paul Smith
**
[email protected]
Board's Assigned Departments
Julie Shelton
D&E, Finance, backup to O&M, backup to PRNS
Sherry Bonnett
Muni Court, PRNS, OCA
Peter Jackson
O&M, Planning, B&S
Theresa Caruso
Communications, City Hall, City Clerks, IT
Shani Coleman
Public Works, Fire, EUD
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M e mb e r ’ s L V C E A B u l l e t i n
M e mb e r ’ s L V C E A B u l l e t i n
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Movie Tickets:
SeaWorld:
$6.50 (each)
No Expiration Date
$58.00Adult/Child (Single Day)
These are available at LVCEA Office or
http://seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-sandiego
Knott’s Berry Farm:
$31.00 Adult
$21.00 Junior/Senior
These are available on LVCEA website only
Knott’s Soak City:
$23.00 Adult
$20.00 Junior/Senior
These are available on LVCEA website only
Legoland: Hopper
$ 66.00 Adult/Child same price
(3 day Hopper)
These are available on LVCEA Website only
Universal Studios:
$10.00 off the Price Adult/Child
These are available on LVCEA website only
http://www.universalfanclub.com/specials/
Six Flags Magic Mountain and Hurricane
These are available on LVCEA website only
For all other Discounts please call our Office and inquire within
Main Office: 702-649-6606
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M e mb e r ’ s L V C E A B u l l e t i n
M e mb e r ’ s L V C E A B u l l e t i n
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LVCEA Members’ Discounts
Get $75 back on DISH Network Service
CALL 888-515-5919 or click here to order DISH Network
http://www.connectyourhome.com/edp/index.php?promo=0840701
use promo code: 0840701
Receive a $75 Prepaid Visa card in addition to the current DISH Network promotion when you order your new service through this offer! Order today as a new customer and you also get:
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Packages starting at just $19.99/mo
30 premium movie channels FREE for 3 months
FREE BLOCKBUSTER for 3 Months
FREE Standard Installation
HD FREE for Life
FREE HD DVR
*$75 Prepaid Visa card is provided by Connect Your Home, and only valid to customers that purchase through this offer. Prices are subject to
change without notice. Click or call for complete details and restrictions.
Protect Your Home – Authorized ADT Dealer Discount Offer
CALL 888-515-5919 or click here to order ADT
http://www.connectyourhome.com/edp/index.php?promo=0840703
use promo code: 0840703
Receive a $100 Prepaid Visa card and a FREE ADT Monitored Security System* valued at $850
for no activation or equipment costs, and only $99 to completely install. Order today as a new customer through this offer and you also get:
 Free keychain remote valued at $120
 Front and Back Door protection
 Infrared Interior Motion Detector
Interior Siren
* $100 VISA Gift Card fulfilled by Protect Your Home through third-party provider, Connect Your Home, upon installation of a security system and
requires a 36- Month Monitoring Agreement required at $35.99 per month ($1,295.64). Offer valid only for new customers. Click or call for complete details and restrictions.
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M e mb e r ’ s L V C E A B u l l e t i n
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT
Our Invitation:
To the Employees & Family members of: LVCEA
We offer you the following Automotive Services & Discounts!
We are a Complete One Stop Auto Repair facility, with the latest Diagnostic & Repair Equipment. From scheduled
maintenance, oil changes, to tune-ups, to engine repairs & wheel alignments. Updated Auto is also a State of the Art
Auto Collision – Body & Paint Repair Shop. Using the newest Techniques and latest Equipment in the Auto Body
Repair industry to make your automobile just like new, with the most qualified Factory Trained Technicians, and also
including the Friendliest, most Efficient, Courteous and Professional Staff, with over 30 year’s expert experience to
serve you. Our Reputation has been Built on Integrity . . . Trust . . . Knowledge in our industry and complete Customer
Satisfaction.
We are pleased to offer the following Automotive Discounts:
1. Get To Know Us Special Offer - FREE 25 Point Safety Check, Just stop by!
2. Mechanical Repairs & Scheduled Maintenance - 10% Discount on Labor.
3. Collision - Body & Paint Repairs - Discounts from $25 to $200 dollars in credit on invoice
repairs from $300 and up, Plus - and including a FREE Complete Auto Detail with your repair.
(A $350 dollar Value) (Please see attached for details).
Free Estimates & Lifetime Warranties on Repairs and Services
Just show your company ID at the time of your Free Estimate for Discounts
Please call (702) 735-7351 and or Visit us @ www.updatedautobody.com
We service and repair all Foreign and Domestic Vehicles, all makes and models
Voted # 1 Auto Repair Shop in Las Vegas the last 5 years
We are located at 3095 S. Highland Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89109. Exit Sahara Ave east, from I-15 freeway
turn right then right on Highland Dr. and go 3 blocks, between Sahara and Desert Inn.
BODY & PAINT
Complete Collision—Body & Paint - Paint Touch Up – Complete Auto Detailing – Auto Glass
We are preferred by Insurance Companies & we accept all Insurance Repair Claims
ALIGNMENT SERVICES
2 & 4 Wheel Alignment (All Makes & Models) – Wheel Balancing – Wheels & Tires
AUTO REPAIR
Complete Diagnostics – Factory Recommend Maintenance – Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Tune Ups – Engine Svc/Repair – Engine Performance Enhancement – Timing Belt Service
Auto Electric Repairs – Fuel Injection –Brakes – Air Conditioning –Transmission Service & Repair
Starter & Alternator – Air Conditioning–Water Pump, Hoses & Radiator Repairs – Shocks & Struts
Battery & Charging System Test– Batteries – Car Rental Arrangements & Towing Services
Rated # 1 Auto Body-Paint & Collision Repair Shop in Las Vegas since 2005
Updated Auto Repair, Body & Paint
3095 S. Highland Dr., Las Vegas, NV, 89109
Ph: (702) 735-7351 * Fax: (702) 735-7358
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M e mb e r ’ s L V C E A B u l l e t i n
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https://www.knotts.com
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M e mb e r ’ s L V C E A B u l l e t i n
LVCEA
857 N. Eastern Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89101
Tel. 702-649-6606 * Fax 702-649-2135
Articles Contributors:
Deadline to submit your articles is:
LVCEA Board
The 2nd week of each month.
LVCEA Members
Submit To: [email protected].
Martin J. Toledo
All articles, photos will be screened for taste
and discretion.
Jeffrey F Allen
Bernie Luces
If you need a membership badge,
Contact Jennifer at the LVCEA office.