Oral history interview with Heidi Sarno Straus conducted by David Schwartz on October 03, 2008 for the Remembering Jay Sarno Oral History Interview. In this interview, Straus discusses her upbringing in Las Vegas, Nevada and her experience as the daughter of Jay Sarno. She remembers living at the Circus Circus Hotel and Casino, Tanya the Elephant performances, and the Flying Cavarettas trapeze acts. Straus describes her father’s relationship with Steve Wynn and Oscar Goodman, and his vision for the future of Las Vegas hotel and casinos.
R. Ian Ross talks about his family moving to Las Vegas, Nevada from Los Angeles, California and working at the Sands Hotel and Casino as a busboy. He then discusses starting a law firm with Jerry Snyder and Oscar Goodman, starting his own law firm, serving as an assemblyman, investing in real estate, and serving as president of the North Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce. Irmalee discusses her family moving to Las Vegas from Reno, Nevada, being an active member of various social organizations, and working as a teacher.
Oral history interview with Eloiza B. Martinez conducted by Maribel Estrada Calderón on October 10, 2018 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. Martinez discusses the career preparedness she took while working for Commercial Credit Corporation and studying with Mayor Oscar Goodman. She then describes her first impressions of Las Vegas, Nevada and about her community involvement. Martinez then discusses her work at Wells Fargo as loan officer and assistant vice president, and talks about discrimination in the workplace and in the neighborhood where she grew up.
Oral history interview with Elizabeth N. “Betsy” Fretwell conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee D. White on August 30, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. Fretwell discusses her Clark County internship in 1991, and lobbying for the County's interest. She also discusses the pros and cons of City-County consolidation, Oscar Goodman and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Medical School, and the Smith Center for the Performing Arts. She lastly discusses Downtown Las Vegas regeneration, restaurants, the Fremont Street Experience, and new residential units to increase downtown population.
Oral history interview with Abbi Silver conducted by Barbara Tabach on January 10, 2017 and February 07, 2017 for the Southern Nevada Jewish Heritage Project. Silver recalls being a law clerk for Honorable Earle White, Jr., joining the Clark County District Attorney’s Office, and being assigned as the Chief Deputy District Attorney for the Special Victims Unit where she tried more than one hundred jury trials. She mentions other attorneys who she encountered, from Stewart Bell to Oscar Goodman to her mentor, Judge Nancy Oesterle.
Oscar Goodman was born June 26, 1939 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He earned his undergraduate degree from Haverford College in 1961 and his law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1964. That same year, he moved to Las Vegas, Nevada and in 1965 he was admitted to the Nevada State Bar. He served as Clark County’s chief deputy public defender from 1966 to 1967.
The front of a poster for the mock trial "The People Vs. Abraham" put on by Temple Beth Sholom in Las Vegas, Nevada. The advertising text reads: "Temple Beth Sholom proudly presents "The People Vs. Abraham." One time only. Sunday, March 21st. Opens at 9am. Tickets call 702-804-1333. Be there as masterful attorneys Oscar Goodman and Michael Cherry go before hard nosed Judge Joseph Wapner. A trial with roots at the foundation of Jewish heritage. Hear extraordinary details of passionate father nearly sacrificing his son. Then you, the jury, cast the deciding vote." The signatures of Michael Cherry, Oscar Goodman, and Joseph Wapner are included on the poster as well.