Oral history interview with David and Heidi Straus conducted by Barbara Tabach on November 06, 2015 for the Southern Nevada Jewish Heritage Project. The Straus family talks about growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Rancho Nevada Estates neighborhood, and changes in the city since the 1960s. David and Heidi talk about their parents and their careers as a lawyer and business owner, respectively.
David and Heidi Straus pose in the "House of Straus," at 409 Rosemary Lane in Las Vegas. David's mother, Joyce Straus, was a prominent Las Vegas artist, whose eclectic style and commitment to art education made her home/art studio a local feature. Heidi's father Jay Sarno, founded Caesars Palace and Circus Circus. The couple are hoping to continue Joyce's legacy through the Joyce Straus Foundation.
David and Heidi Straus pose in the "House of Straus," at 409 Rosemary Lane in Las Vegas. David's mother, Joyce Straus, was a prominent Las Vegas artist, whose eclectic style and commitment to art education made her home/art studio a local feature. Heidi's father Jay Sarno, founded Caesars Palace and Circus Circus. The couple are hoping to continue Joyce's legacy through the Joyce Straus Foundation.
In this interview, the Straus? discuss the joys of growing up in Las Vegas during the 1960s and 1970s, and the changes within the community over time, especially in educational opportunities. Both talk about Joyce Straus? career as artist and art educator, and the influence she had on their lives. They also remember Heidi?s father, Jay Sarno, and the impact he had on the local gaming industry. There is also discussion of the founding of Congregation Ner Tamid, the role of Jewish women?s philanthropy within the community, as well as the establishment of The Meadows School.
Heidi Straus was born in 1966 in Las Vegas, Nevada to Jay and Joyce Sarno, and spent much of her childhood in the gaming establishments founded by her father: Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino and Circus Circus Hotel and Casino. Early in her career, Straus followed in her father’s footsteps into hotel management. However, she soon switched gears, first owning and operating Las Vegas Flowers, and later becoming a gemologist, her current profession. Straus and her husband, David, have two children named Jaye and Sander.
David Straus was born November 11, 1964 in Las Vegas, Nevada to Joyce Straus, an artist, and Neil Straus, a doctor. After graduating from Clark High School, he attended the University of Arizona and then Whittier Law School. Straus built a successful legal career focused on estate planning, asset protection and charitable planning.