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Sandra Peña oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Sandra Peña conducted by Lada Mead and Stefani Evans on March 27, 2017 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. Peña recalls the family move to Porterville, California, and her work with Parson’s Dillingham, a contractor for the Metrolink rail system. She then discusses the link between the Los Angeles, California and Las Vegas, Nevada construction communities. Peña also discusses her ability to gain employment in Las Vegas at Parson’s and her move to Richardson Construction.

Bruce Isaacson oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Bruce Isaacson conducted by Barbara Tabach on March 24, 2017 for the Southern Nevada Jewish Heritage Project. Isaacson talks about growing up in Oakland, California, being the son of a secular Jewish father and Pentecostal mother. He also discusses his career in finance, real estate, and as a published poet in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Donald L. "Pat" Shalmy oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Donald L. Shalmy conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee White on March 10, 2017 and March 14, 2017 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. Shalmy discusses the benefits of regional planning and team approach to the quality of service and efficiency in county governments relative to growth, including transportation, water, flood control, air quality, tourism, and policing.

Jacque Dvorak oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Jacque Dvorak conducted by Barbara Tabach on March 9, 2017 for the Southern Nevada Jewish Heritage Project. In this interview, Dvorak discusses being a member of Jewish youth organizations at Temple Beth Sholom, early episodes of antisemitism, the opening of MGM Grand, and raising Jewish children in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Roger Pettersson oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Roger Pettersson conducted by David G. Schwartz on February 24, 2017 for the Slot Operations Oral History Project. Petterson discusses his background and his experiences in multiple positions for slot management. Pettersson also discusses the various slot operations in casinos such as the Bellagio Hotel and Casino, and the Mirage Hotel and Casino. He then describes what makes a good slot manager, what customers are looking for in slot machines, and how the slot industry has changed over the years, particularly with the use of free play.

Sharon and Henry Hwang oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Sharon and Henry Hwang conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee White on February 21, 2017 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. The Hwangs discuss moving to Las Vegas, Nevada, their Taiwanese influences, creating the Chinatown Plaza, and bringing Pan-Asian culture to a city that didn’t have authentic Asian shops and restaurants for the tourists.

Don Ross oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Don Ross conducted by Barbara Tabach on February 15, 2017 for the Southern Nevada Jewish Heritage Project. Ross talks about his Jewish upbringing, and education in Brewster, New York. He also discusses how his interest in hotel catering, conventions and events, has led him to working in the hospitality industry for nearly three decades in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Patricia "Pat" Marchese and Lamar Marchese oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Patricia "Pat" Marchese and Lamar Marchese conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee D. White on February 7, 2017 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. Lamar discusses coming to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1972 from Kentucky as a new hire at the Clark County Library District. He then recalls the founding and early years of KNPR Public Radio station and remembers serving on the Las Vegas Clark County Library District (LVCCLD) board in 1990s when employees voted to unionize.

James Ralph "Jim" Olson oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with James Ralph “Jim” Olson conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee White on February 02, 2017 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. Olson discusses his firm, Cromer, Barker, and Michaelson; representing Las Vegas, Nevada properties such as the MGM Grand Hotel and the Las Vegas Hilton. He also talks about litigation between Hank Greenspun, Howard Hughes, and Hughes Tool Company.

Jay Duarte oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Jay Duarte conducted by David Schwartz on January 27, 2017 for the Slot Operations Oral History Project. Duarte gives a description of the various positions and roles he has held in Station Casinos and other properties on the Las Vegas, Nevada Strip. Duarte then explains how the slot department works with other casino departments, and later describes the qualities that make both good and bad slot managers.

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