Oral history interview with Eric Calvillo conducted by Monserrath Hernández and Laurents Bañuelos-Benitez on June 18, 2019 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Calvillo discusses his early life in San Jose, California before eventually moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 2005. He talks about completing a culinary internship at the Picasso restaurant in the Bellagio Hotel and Casino and how he has always been interested in the arts. Calvillo then describes his career in art as a painter, his Día de los Muertos inspired art, and showcasing his art pieces at First Friday in the Las Vegas Arts District. Later, Calvillo talks about making art more accessible, commissioned art pieces he has made, and explains the time it takes him to finish a piece. Lastly, Calvillo discusses his thoughts on the term Latinx, the art scene in Las Vegas, and his future plans as an artist.
Oral history interview with Mauricia Baca conducted by Elsa Lopez on December 16, 2019 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Baca discusses her upbringing in New York City, New York where she was raised by a Jewish mother and Mexican immigrant father. She goes on to describe the discrimination she faced as a Latina, and her education at Vassar College and the City University of New York Law School. Baca moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 2006, and she talks about her work as the Executive Director of Get Outdoors Nevada and how she promotes public access and use of urban outdoor spaces, such as the Healing Garden in the Las Vegas Arts District.
Oral history interviews with Irma Varela conducted by Barbara Tabach on December 04, 2018 and March 05, 2019 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In these interviews, Varela talks about her upbringing in Zacatecas, Mexico, her move to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1989, and how religion has affected her life. She also describes her work as the Cultural Program Supervisor at Winchester Community Center, and her career in preserving Hispanic cultural traditions in Las Vegas. Varela talks about being an active leader in local Las Vegas organizations and events such as the Mexico Vivo Dancing Company, Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations, and the International Food and Folklife Festival.
ral history interview with Guadalupe Meza Redmond conducted by Rodrigo Vazquez on December 07, 2018 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Redmond discusses her upbringing in Guanajuato, Mexico and her family's move to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1982, where her older brothers were already living. She describes obtaining work as a guest room attendant at the Sundance Hotel (later known as Fitzgeralds) even though she spoke no English at the time. Redmond reflects on the various housekeeping positions she held at several hotels on and off the Las Vegas Strip. She discusses how she and her mother became involved in the Culinary Workers Union Local 226 as a union organizer, and being arrested for the cause of labor rights.
Oral history interview with Ashley “Ms. Aye Vee” Vargas conducted by Laurents Bañuelos-Benitez on October 30, 2018 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Vargas discusses her experiences growing up on the east side of Las Vegas, Nevada. She describes experiences with racial boundaries, the issue of colorism in the Latinx community, and dealing with Puerto Rican stereotypes. Vargas then talks about her involvement with Student Organization of Latinos (SOL), the Puerto Rican community in Las Vegas, and elaborates on how Puerto Rican culture has been influenced by American culture. Lastly, Vargas discusses the meaning behind her poems, raising awareness about certain issues in the Latinx community, and how Las Vegas is going through an artistic renaissance.
Oral history interview with Harry Fagel conducted by Barbara Tabach on April 15, 2016 and January 13, 2017 for the Southern Nevada Jewish Heritage Project. Fagel discusses being raised in the Jewish community of Las Vegas, Nevada and how the city has changed over the decades. He also talks about his career as a police lieutenant and a published poet.
Oral history interview with Rabbi Bradley Tecktiel conducted by Barbara Tabach on April 19, 2016 for the Southern Nevada Jewish Heritage Project. Tecktiel discusses being a rabbi of Midbar Kodesh Temple since 2008, his involvement with the Board of Rabbis, and Las Vegas, Nevada Jewish Federation's Community Relations.
Oral history interviews with Emilie Wanderer conducted by Joanne L. Goodwin throughout February 2000 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN) Las Vegas Women Oral History Project. Wanderer begins her interview with a thorough discussion of her family history and her parent's influence on her life. Next Wanderer discusses attending law school and her first job at the U.S Attorney's office in New York state. Then Wanderer talks about opening her law firm in Las Vegas, Nevada and eventually becoming the first mother and son law team in the state. Wanderer also discusses her appointment by the American Bar Association and National Association of Women Lawyers to assess the state of family court in Nevada.
Oral history interview with Larry Canarelli conducted by Claytee D. White on May 01, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. Canarelli discusses growing up in an Oregon logging town living in a tent, and how that fueled his passion of providing homes for underdeveloped areas. He relates stories of Las Vegas, Nevada's early home development and how the real estate industry has changed throughout the decades.