More rain is in the forecast for Las Vegas this weekend. If you live in the tunnels or washes, or know someone who does, please help spread the word.
Flood follow-up
As forecasted by the National Weather Service, Las Vegas got bombed by rain this week – but as far as I know, no one in the tunnels was killed or seriously hurt. However, a lot of people lost their camps (beds, blankets, clothing, toiletries, photos of loved ones, etc.). They’ve been calling and texting me and Rich of HELP of Southern Nevada for assistance. Last I heard, HELP had placed two people in housing and was in process of assisting others.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Jan. 22 coverage of the flooding included some info about the outreach and the people living in the underground channels:
http://www.lvrj.com/news/las-vegas-valley-gets-record-rainfall-82352547.html
A hard rain’s a-gonna fall
Just got this National Weather Service statement, which I’ve edited, from the Clark County Regional Flood Control District:
“Several storm systems will affect the area next week. While the exact timing of these systems is still uncertain, it appears that at least four and possibly as many as five different systems will cross the area next week. The first system will affect the area as early as Sunday night and continue into Monday, before exiting on Tuesday morning.
“Although exact amounts from each system are uncertain at this time, rainfall totals in the Mojave Desert valleys are expected to be at least 1 to 2 inches, with some areas seeing at least 3 inches. It would not be out of the question for many areas to see a significant portion of their normal yearly rainfall within next week.
“The potentially high totals of precipitation could result in flooding, especially if too much rain falls too quickly. At this time, it is way too early to specify what areas could see flooding. However, the potential for flooding or other hydrological impacts will increase as the week progresses, once precipitation starts to fall and totals increase.”
So, if you live in the tunnels or washes, be prepared. Also, if you know someone who lives in the tunnels or washes, give them a heads-up.
These storms sound scary!
Associated Press piece
The Associated Press produced a story, slideshow and video essay about the tunnels, which have been picked up by a lot of media outlets across the world. Here the Yahoo! News version (including the story, slideshow and essay):
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100104/ap_on_re_us/us_tunnel_living_vegas
Christmas in the tunnels: Part III
The gift-giving in the tunnels went well. On Christmas Eve day, Rich from HELP of Southern Nevada and I went into three drains and ran into about 15 people. They seemed in good spirits and appreciative of the bags we handed out, which contained blankets, jackets, sweaters, knit caps, bottled water, disposable razors and other items. Later that day, Rick, who lives in a tunnel in south central Vegas, was wearing one of the sweaters, so I know some of the stuff was put to use.
Thanks to everyone who contributed: Andy, Kristyne, Sam, Mark and Tia. Special thanks to Tia’s mom Cyndi, aunt Penny and cousin Alex, who supplied the bags and many of the goods – some of them handmade.
L.A. Times’ take on the tunnels
This poetic and inspirational story about escaping the tunnels ran on the front page of the L.A. Times a few days ago. It’s accompanied by an audio slide show, in which I make an un-introduced appearance:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nation-and-world/la-na-tunnel22-2009dec22,0,204722.story
Christmas in the tunnels follow-up
Still could use more bottled water, canned goods, disposable razors, knit caps, winter coats, flashlights and batteries to take into the tunnels. If you live in Las Vegas and can spare any of these things, please let me know. I plan to go into the tunnels later this week.
Christmas in the tunnels
Looks like I’m going to be in Las Vegas for Christmas, so I’m planning to play Santa Claus in the underground flood channels. I’d like to go down there with an assortment of “gifts” – new or used: winter clothes, socks, shoes, canned goods, bottled water, books, flashlights, batteries, etc. I need mostly clothing for men, but also some women’s clothing.
If you have anything you’d like to donate to the cause, please let me know in the next week and a half.
Out of the dark
Steve and Kathryn, the couple featured in some of the media coverage of the tunnels, have been housed. Two weeks ago, I helped them move some of their stuff from the side tunnel they lived in for a few years to a group home in central Vegas. Just talked to them yesterday and they seem to be doing well.
They’re in the capable hands of Louis Lacey, one of HELP of Southern Nevada’s most respected case managers. Lacey, Rich Penksa and many other HELP staffers have visited the side tunnel – located about a half-mile into a storm drain – regularly over the past seven or eight months. Their determination and bravery have resulted in several people leaving that tunnel and being housed. They’re changing lives – and it’s incredible to see.
I’ll try to keep you all updated on Steve and Kathryn and the 15 or so other people the Shine a Light crew has helped lead from the darkness.
Third printing
The third printing of Beneath the Neon is back from the printer. It looks a lot like the second printing, but with some media mentions and blurbs on the first page.
Thanks to everyone who bought a copy of the book. And if you haven’t bought one and want to, visit http://shoplva.myshopify.com/products/beneath-the-neon or your local bookstore. (Last I checked, the Borders at Town Square had several signed copies.)
Or let me know and I can hook you up with a deal out of the trunk of my car.