Featured

Getaways and Gateways: J.W. Marriott Resort and Spa in Las Vegas, NV

Published

6 years ago

February 19, 2018

The 20 minute drive from McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas to the palatial J.W. Marriott Resort and Spa on Rampart went by quickly. The freeway lined with painted murals of wild life, and mega metal art framed the ride with artistic flair.

Rolling up to the front entrance, one is met by and estate that resembles a Hollywood set or celebrity neighborhood in Beverly Hills. A friendly bellman eagerly walks my bags and full length mink, it’s a whopping 45 degrees, into a mission styled lobby equipped with a central chandelier, leather-oversized lounge chairs and a fireplace. A welcome end-of- the week getaway of business and pleasure.

After a brief one-person wait in line the front desk personnel provides a beverage, preferred room, a map and lovely chatter as I rushed to the early morning conference session.

At the NNPA (National Newspaper Publishers Association) convention, I had a blast. It was wonderful to not only be surrounded by my peers and trailblazers in the industry but in an atmosphere of luxury at the JW Marriott.

Dining during the convention, the breakfast buffet was delicious as were the salmon with mashed potatoes, sandwiches, brownies and chocolate mousse cake. A sushi restaurant and amazing Angus burgers were irresistible.

With a suite in Tower 1 on the 5^th floor, I looked down at the oh! so blue swimming pool area, and up at a burnt orange sunrise or sunset each day. A spacious room complete with a refrigerator, more than enough towels and bottled water was perfect for a mid day check in. The double vanity bathroom, complete with a lit magnification mirror was the perfect touch for prepping makeup or noticing all the facial details you miss before run of the mill mirrors. A full length mirror ensured outfits were in place head to toe, especially for the closing black tie gala. The whirlpools tub and his and her robes were an added touch for relaxation.

The Cascade space comfortably fit a few hundred for dinner and entertainment by the Bay Area’s own Lenny Williams. Williams did not disappoint singing his signature songs as a member of Tower of Power and as a solo artist. Williams ventured into the audience and two lucky ladies were serenaded as Williams slow danced with them. Williams sang “Cause I Love You,” “I Didn’t Know It Was Your Mama,” and others as audience members sang along. NNPA Chairman Dorothy Leavell dressed in a beaded black and white dress was swooped off her feet and twirled by Williams as they danced until the songs end.

With late night adrenaline, a comedy club, round bar and live entertainment lounge are all options at the J.W. Marriott. A walk through the Rampart Casino and a few coins in the Wheel of Fortune slots took up about 20 minutes. Rampart Casino offers 24 table games, a 300 seat bingo room and over 1,450 of the latest slot, video poker and keno machines and penny machines. With TV screens galore, the Race & Sports Book lounge offers multiple betting options; horse, auto racing, basketball, football, hockey, baseball and boxing. If you head to “The Strip,” a complimentary shuttle is at your service.

Late night room service keeps a solo traveler happy until the sandman meets you halfway in the bubbly jacuzzi bath followed by a sliding touch down into the fluffiest bedding and down feather pillows. It was like falling into 5 stories of feathers. A most restful sleep after reflecting on the day, moments with the Bible and some “What’s in Vegas” TV.

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Activism

Oakland Post: Week of April 24 – 30, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of April 24 – 30, 2024

Published

1 week ago

April 26, 2024

Oakland Post

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Alameda County

DA Pamela Price Stands by Mom Who Lost Son to Gun Violence in Oakland

Last week, The Post published a photo showing Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price with Carol Jones, whose son, Patrick DeMarco Scott, was gunned down by an unknown assailant in 2018.

Published

2 weeks ago

April 22, 2024

Oakland Post

District Attorney Pamela Price with Carol Jones

Publisher’s note: Last week, The Post published a photo showing Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price with Carol Jones, whose son, Patrick DeMarco Scott, was gunned down by an unknown assailant in 2018. The photo was too small for readers to see where the women were and what they were doing. Here we show Price and Jones as they complete a walk in memory of Scott. For more information and to contribute, please contact Carol Jones at 510-978-5517 at morefoundation.help@gmail.com. Courtesy photo.

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City Government

Vallejo Welcomes Interim City Manager Beverli Marshall

At Tuesday night’s Council meeting, the Vallejo City Council appointed Beverli Marshall as the interim city manager. Her tenure in the City Manager’s Office began today, Wednesday, April 10. Mayor Robert McConnell praised Marshall’s extensive background, noting her “wide breadth of experience in many areas that will assist the City and its citizens in understanding the complexity of the many issues that must be solved” in Vallejo.

Published

2 weeks ago

April 22, 2024

Oakland Post

Beverli Marshall began her first day with the City on April 10. ICMA image.

Special to The Post

At Tuesday night’s Council meeting, the Vallejo City Council appointed Beverli Marshall as the interim city manager. Her tenure in the City Manager’s Office began today, Wednesday, April 10.

Mayor Robert McConnell praised Marshall’s extensive background, noting her “wide breadth of experience in many areas that will assist the City and its citizens in understanding the complexity of the many issues that must be solved” in Vallejo.

Current City Manager Michael Malone, whose official departure is slated for April 18, expressed his well wishes. “I wish the City of Vallejo and Interim City Manager Marshall all the best in moving forward on the progress we’ve made to improve service to residents.” Malone expressed his hope that the staff and Council will work closely with ICM Marshall to “ensure success and prosperity for the City.”

According to the Vallejo Sun, Malone stepped into the role of interim city manager in 2021 and became permanent in 2022. Previously, Malone served as the city’s water director and decided to retire from city service e at the end of his contract which is April 18.

“I hope the excellent work of City staff will continue for years to come in Vallejo,” he said. “However, recent developments have led me to this decision to announce my retirement.”

When Malone was appointed, Vallejo was awash in scandals involving the housing division and the police department. A third of the city’s jobs went unfilled during most of his tenure, making for a rocky road for getting things done, the Vallejo Sun reported.

At last night’s council meeting, McConnell explained the selection process, highlighting the council’s confidence in achieving positive outcomes through a collaborative effort, and said this afternoon, “The Council is confident that by working closely together, positive results will be obtained.”

While the search for a permanent city manager is ongoing, an announcement is expected in the coming months.

On behalf of the City Council, Mayor McConnell extended gratitude to the staff, citizen groups, and recruitment firm.

“The Council wishes to thank the staff, the citizens’ group, and the recruitment firm for their diligent work and careful consideration for the selection of what is possibly the most important decision a Council can make on behalf of the betterment of our City,” McConnell said.

The Vallejo Sun contributed to this report.