The City of Las Vegas welcomes new representation for Ward 2 with the selection of Benito Pacheco, who was elected this past November after winning a four-way race and defeating incumbent Michael Montoya. While many residents may already be familiar with Mr. Pacheco, others may be learning about him for the first time. Below, Councilor Pacheco shares his background, what inspired his commitment to public service, and his vision for Ward 2 and the City of Las Vegas. Q: Please share a little about your background. A: “I was raised in Las Vegas, New Mexico, and I am proud to call this community home. I earned my MBA from New Mexico Highlands University and have spent my career working in public and nonprofit service, with a focus on operations, budgeting, strategic planning, and student and community success. My professional experience has required accountability, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making—skills I bring directly to public service.”   Q: What inspired you to get involved in public service? A: “I was inspired by the belief that local government works best when it reflects the voices and needs of everyday residents. Growing up here, I witnessed both the strengths of our community and the challenges it faces. Public service is a way to give back, protect our quality of life, and ensure decisions are made with transparency, fairness, and long-term impact in mind.” Q: What motivated you to run for city council? A: “I chose to run because I believe Las Vegas needs practical, engaged leadership that focuses on results. I aim to strengthen city operations, promote economic development, and ensure responsible use of public funds. Most importantly, I want residents to feel heard and confident that their city government is working for them.” Q: What local issues are you most passionate about addressing? A: “I am especially passionate about infrastructure, particularly water systems, public safety, housing quality, and community beautification. Addressing vacant and deteriorating properties, supporting safe neighborhoods, and planning responsibly for future growth are essential to maintaining a healthy and vibrant city.” Q: How do you plan to work with fellow council members and city staff? A: “I believe in collaboration grounded in mutual respect and clear expectations. My approach is to ask informed questions, review data carefully, and work constructively with city staff and fellow councilors. Effective governance requires teamwork, open communication, and a shared commitment to serving the public interest.” Q: What qualities do you bring to the city council? A: “I bring analytical thinking, fiscal responsibility, and a strong work ethic. I am comfortable reviewing budgets, policies, and performance metrics, and I value accountability. These qualities help ensure decisions are thoughtful, sustainable, and aligned with community priorities.” Q: Is there anything additional you would like residents to know? A: “I am approachable, responsive, and deeply invested in this community. Leadership starts with listening, and I am committed to being accessible to residents and transparent in my decision-making.” Q: How can constituents best support and collaborate with you? A: “Residents can stay engaged by attending council meetings, sharing concerns, offering ideas, and participating in local initiatives. Constructive dialogue and community involvement are critical to effective local government, and I welcome ongoing input from constituents.” Mayor David Romero welcomed Councilor Pacheco to the City Council and emphasized the importance of teamwork in city leadership. “I am excited to welcome Councilman Pacheco to the Council. His leadership and experience add an important voice that will strengthen our work and serve our community well,” Mayor Romero said. “The City Council and I look forward to working with him as we continue to strengthen city operations, invest in our infrastructure, and move Las Vegas forward together.”

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for Las Vegas and surrounding areas from Friday morning, January 23, through early Sunday morning, January 25. A winter storm watch is issued when there is the potential for significant winter weather, giving residents time to prepare for possible impacts. Heavy snow is possible, with 5 to 10 inches expected in many areas and up to 16 inches in higher elevations above 9,000 feet. Travel may become very difficult or impossible, especially along I-40 from Tijeras Canyon to the Texas border and portions of I-25. Bitterly cold temperatures will follow, with single-digit temperatures possible in eastern New Mexico and the risk of prolonged power outages.   Areas that could be affected include: Las Vegas and surrounding areas Central and eastern New Mexico Higher elevations above 9,000 feet   Impacts Travel may be very difficult or impossible Dangerously cold conditions Heavy snow could damage power lines, causing extended outages.   Take Action Limit travel, prepare for power outages, and keep updated with local weather sources and official alerts for the latest information.   Stay prepared. Stay safe. Stay informed with local news, radio, and social media sources. Updates will be provided as the situation evolves. Weather predictions are expected to change as forecasts become more detailed.

The City of Las Vegas Parks Division will be trimming trees at Plaza Park from January 21–23 and January 26–30, between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Sections of the park will be closed and caution-taped, and staff will direct visitors to alternate pathways. Portions of the roadway around the park may be temporarily closed in 15-minute intervals to remove tree limbs. Cones and signage will guide traffic safely. Please plan accordingly, expect delays, and consider alternate routes. This work is necessary to keep our parks safe and enjoyable. We appreciate your patience during these improvements.

The City of Las Vegas Community Development Department will host a public meeting on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, located at 1700 N. Grand Avenue, Las Vegas, NM 87701. The meeting will provide an overview of proposed Ordinance 25-09, which seeks to amend the City’s Municipal Code, Chapter 450 on Zoning. The amendment adds a new section addressing treatment facilities, halfway houses, and community residential program dwellings, including regulations and exemptions for these types of facilities. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and provide input on the proposed ordinance. The meeting agenda is available on the City’s website at www.lasvegasnm.gov under Meetings and Minutes. For additional information or questions, please contact the Community Development Department at 505-454-1401.

The City of Las Vegas is taking early steps toward a new workforce housing initiative aimed at helping middle-income residents who earn too much to qualify for low-income housing programs but still struggle to buy a home. City officials emphasize that the effort is very much in its infancy, but they view it as an important step toward addressing long-standing gaps in the community’s housing stock. The plan focuses on creating affordable homes for purchase rather than rentals, a deliberate choice intended to support neighborhood stability and help families build equity locally. Mayor David Romero, who has served on the North Central Economic Development Committee since his time as a city councilor, has been working closely with City Planner Scott Zunker and project coordinator Monica Abeita to shape the proposal. After several months of early planning, the concept was presented to the City Council in September and received full support. City staff initially researched multiple state and federal funding sources, but many programs were not a good fit for Las Vegas. Progress came when Abeita identified the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority’s 2020 Public Lands Housing Program as a viable option. She played a key role in securing the remaining MFA funds, which allowed the City to begin planning the first phase of housing. The City will also likely be eligible for zero- to low-interest loans through MFA, provided the homes meet certain requirements: they must range from approximately 850 to 1,500 square feet, with two or three-bedroom layouts and one or two bathrooms. Early cost estimates fall between $250,000 and $325,000, with the City advocating keeping prices at the lower end. Buyers would be required to sign a Land Use Restriction Agreement to prevent flipping outside of qualifying buyers and to ensure the homes remain available to workforce families’ long term. To identify suitable development sites, Abeita helped the City partner with Living Designs Group Architects of Taos, led by Douglas Patterson. After touring several city-owned vacant lots, the team selected two promising areas. One site on Sapello Street would require rezoning to R-2 and replatting to create 13 lots for seven three-bedroom homes and six two-bedroom homes. A second site on 2nd Street could be replatted to accommodate five homes—three with three bedrooms and two with two bedrooms. More information will be shared as the process continues, with the next steps involving land development approvals with the Planning & Zoning Commission and the City Council. Earlier this month, city officials also met with staff from the North Central Economic Development District to discuss broader housing challenges facing Las Vegas and San Miguel County. The conversation focused on expanding current housing strategies and updating city- and countywide housing plans. Local partners—including schools, colleges, and employers—have raised concerns about limited housing for staff and workforce members, noting difficulties in attracting qualified instructors and employees because available housing is scarce. The City is also participating in community-level discussions involving schools, housing projects, code enforcement, and support for New Mexico Highlands University on its planned housing development near the golf course. Workforce shortages in the construction industry remain a challenge, with contractors reporting they are short-handed and often unable to take on additional building projects. Leaders have also discussed the need for dormitories at Luna Community College, additional dormitories at New Mexico Highlands University, expanded public housing opportunities, and clearer alignment among fiscal partners, agencies, and governing bodies. As part of the effort to better understand the housing landscape, officials are considering an official audit to evaluate current needs and resources and to determine which homes and properties could be made ready for occupancy the fastest. Zunker noted that stronger planning and leadership are helping the City gain momentum. “We need the catch-up because a lot wasn’t done, and doing an audit of current potential vacant homes that could be converted to livable homes is underway. It has been a pleasure working with Mayor Romero on this initiative,” he said. Romero added that his role is to develop ideas while his team works to bring them to life. The priority is not simply to develop the most desirable locations, but to bring usable housing online as quickly as possible. A vacant property is currently in effect and will be ramping up on its efforts and intention come the new year, and the City hopes to begin contacting owners of livable but unused homes to explore potential opportunities. While the initiative is still in its earliest stages, city officials say it represents a significant attempt to support essential workers—teachers, healthcare providers, first responders, and service industry employees—whose ability to live in Las Vegas is critical to the community’s long-term stability. Mayor Romero said the project also sends a message to state partners. “This is a major step to show our state and federal partners  that we can do projects like these, which could open up new partnerships and opportunities for funding for additional housing projects to meet the gaps our community needs.” The City plans to continue developing the concept, refining designs, engaging with the public, and coordinating with regional and state partners as the broader housing strategy moves forward.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a quorum of the Governing Body of the City of Las Vegas may be present for a Water Treatment Plant walk through with school districts on November 25, 2025 at 10 a.m. at the City of Las Vegas Water Treatment Plant, at State Route 65, Montezuma, NM. They will not be making any decisions and will not be taking any action on city business. Sent via email to Las Vegas Optic Fax: KFUN-KLVF Radio and KNMX-KMDZ-KBQL Radio for PSA Available on City Website: www.lasvegasnm.gov

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a quorum of the Governing Body of the City of Las Vegas may be present for a City-wide training on December 18, 2025 at 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and on December 19, 2025 at 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Highlands Ballroom and the Lora Shields building, located at 800 & 806 National Avenue, Las Vegas, NM 87701. They will not be making any decisions and will not be taking any action on city business. Sent via email to Las Vegas Optic Fax: KFUN-KLVF Radio and KNMX-KMDZ-KBQL Radio for PSA Available on City Website: www.lasvegasnm.gov

DP-494, City of Las Vegas Sludge Disposal Facility DP-494, City of Las Vegas Sludge Disposal Facility: City of Las Vegas proposes to renew the Discharge Permit for the discharge of up to 15,900 gallons per day of aerobically digested sludge to 400 acres of rangeland. Potential contaminants from this type of discharge include nitrogen compounds. The facility is located approximately 6 miles northeast of Las Vegas near the City of Las Vegas Municipal Airport, in Section 32, Township 17 North, Range 17 East (projected), San Miguel County. Groundwater most likely to be affected is at a depth of approximately 23 feet and had a pre-discharge total dissolved solids concentration of 904 milligrams per liter. Provided the applicant has met applicable requirements, the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) will propose a Discharge Permit containing limitations, monitoring requirements, and other conditions intended to protect groundwater quality for present and potential future use. Information in this public notice was provided by the applicant and will be verified by NMED during the permit application review process. NMED will accept comments and statements of interest regarding the application and will create a facility specific mailing list for persons who wish to receive future notices. NMED is developing a Public Involvement Plan (PIP) to provide public participation opportunities and information that may be needed for the community to participate in the permitting process. The PIP will be posted online at https://www.env.nm.gov/public-notices/   and placed at the NMED field office nearest to the proposed permitted activity.   Questions, comments, statements of interest, or requests for non-English language assistance should be directed to: Andrew Romero, Ground Water Quality Bureau, DP-494 Telephone: (505) 660-8624 or (505) 827-2900, AndrewC.Romero@env.nm.gov   or  pps.general@env.nm.gov PO Box 5469, Santa Fe, NM 87502 Applicant: Robert Anaya, City Manager 1700 N. Grand Avenue Las Vegas, New Mexico 87701 If you are a non-English speaker, do not speak English well, or if you have a disability, you may contact the NMED Permit Contact to request assistance, an interpreter, or an auxiliary aid in order to learn more about a Discharge Permit or the permitting process, or to participate in activities associated with the permitting process. Requested interpretation services and accommodations or services for persons with disabilities will be arranged to the extent possible. Telephone conversation assistance is available through Relay New Mexico at no charge for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have difficulty speaking on the phone, by calling 1-800-659-1779; TTY users: 1-800-659-8331; Spanish: 1-800-327-1857. Telephone interpretation assistance for persons that are a non-English speaker or do not speak English well is available at no charge when calling NMED. NMED does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age or sex in the administration of its programs or activities, as required by applicable laws and regulations. NMED is responsible for coordination of compliance efforts and receipt of inquiries concerning non-discrimination requirements implemented by 40 C.F.R. Parts 5 and 7, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 13 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972. If you have any questions about this notice or any of NMED’s non- discrimination programs, policies or procedures, you may contact: Kate Cardenas, Non-Discrimination Coordinator, New Mexico Environment Department, 1190 St. Francis Dr., Suite N4050, P.O. Box 5469, Santa Fe, NM 87502, (505) 827-2855, nd.coordinator@env.nm.gov . If you believe that you have been discriminated against with respect to a NMED program or activity, you may contact the Non-Discrimination Coordinator identified above or visit our website at https://www.env.nm.gov/general/environmental-justice-in-new-mexico/   to learn how and where to file a complaint of discrimination.                       Aviso Público: Recibo de la Aplicación del Permiso de Descarga DP-494, Instalación de eliminación de lodos de la ciudad de Las Vegas DP-494, Instalación de eliminación de lodos de la ciudad de Las Vegas: La ciudad de Las Vegas propone renovar el permiso de descarga para verter hasta 15 900 galones diarios de residuos digeridos aeróbicamente en 400 acres de pastizal. Los posibles contaminantes de este tipo de vertido incluyen compuestos de nitrógeno. La instalación está situada aproximadamente a 6 millas al noreste de Las Vegas, cerca del aeropuerto municipal de la ciudad de Las Vegas, en la sección 32, municipio 17 norte, rango 17 este (proyectado), condado de San Miguel. Las aguas subterráneas más susceptibles de verse afectadas se encuentran a una profundidad de aproximadamente 23 pies y tenían una concentración total de sólidos disueltos antes de la descarga de 904 miligramos por litro. Siempre que el solicitante cumpla con los requisitos aplicables, el Departamento de Medio Ambiente de Nuevo México (NMED, por sus siglas en inglés) propondrá para su aprobación un Permiso de Descarga que contiene limitaciones, requisitos de monitoreo, y otras condiciones destinadas a proteger la calidad del agua subterránea para su uso actual y potencial uso en el futuro. La información en esta notificación pública fue provista por los solicitantes y será verificada por NMED durante el proceso de revisión de solicitudes de permiso. El NMED aceptará comentarios y declaraciones de interés con respecto a las solicitudes y creará listas de correo específicas de las instalaciones para las personas que deseen recibir avisos en el futuro. El NMED está desarrollando un Plan de Participación Pública (PIP, por sus siglas en inglés) para proporcionar oportunidades de participación pública e información que pueda ser necesaria para que la comunidad participe en el proceso de permisos. El PIP será publicado en línea en  https://www.env.nm.gov/public-notices/   y se colocará en la oficina de campo de NMED más cercana a la actividad autorizada propuesta.   Todas las preguntas, comentarios, declaraciones de interés o solicitudes de asistencia en otro idioma deben dirigirse a: Andrew Romero, La Oficina de Calidad de Aguas Subterráneas, DP-494 Teléfono: (505) 660-8624 o (505) 827-2900, AndrewC.Romero@env.nm.gov   o  pps.general@env.nm.gov PO Box 5469, Santa Fe, NM 87502 Solicitante: Robert Anaya, City Manager 1700 N. Grand Avenue Las Vegas, New Mexico 87701 Si usted no habla inglés, no habla bien inglés, o si tiene una discapacidad, puede comunicarse con el contacto de permisos de NMED para solicitar asistencia, un intérprete o un dispositivo auxiliar con el fin de aprender más sobre un Permiso de Descarga o el proceso de permisos, o para participar en actividades asociadas con el proceso de permisos. Los servicios de interpretación solicitados y las acomodaciones o servicios para personas con discapacidades serán organizados en la medida de lo posible. Hay disponible asistencia para conversaciones telefónicas a través de Relay New Mexico de forma gratuita para las personas sordas, con problemas de audición o con dificultades para hablar por teléfono llamando al 1-800-659-1779; los usuarios de TTY: 1-800-659-8331; español: 1-800-327-1857. Asistencia telefónica de interpretación para personas que no hablan inglés o no hablan bien el inglés está disponible de forma gratuita llamando a NMED. NMED no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, discapacidad, edad o sexo en la administración de sus programas o actividades, según lo exigido por las leyes y los reglamentos correspondientes. NMED es responsable de la coordinación de los esfuerzos de cumplimiento y la recepción de indagaciones relativas a los requisitos de no discriminación implementados por 40 C.F.R. Partes 5 y 7, incluido el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, según enmendada; Sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación de 1973; la Ley de Discriminación por Edad de 1975, Título IX de las Enmiendas de Educación de 1972 y la Sección 13 de las Enmiendas a la Ley Federal de Control de Contaminación del Agua de 1972. Si usted tiene preguntas sobre este aviso o sobre cualquier programa, política o procedimiento de no discriminación de NMED, usted puede comunicarse con la Coordinadora de No Discriminación: Kate Cardenas, Non-Discrimination Coordinator, New Mexico Environment Department, 1190 St. Francis Dr., Suite N4050, P.O. Box 5469, Santa Fe, NM 87502, (505) 827-2855, nd.coordinator@env.nm.gov . Si usted piensa que ha sido discriminado/a con respecto a un programa o actividad de NMED, usted puede comunicarse con la Coordinadora de No Discriminación antes indicada o visitar nuestro sitio web en https://www.env.nm.gov/general/environmental-justice-in-new-mexico/   para aprender cómo y dónde presentar una queja de discriminación.

The City of Las Vegas Water Division is currently repairing a water leak on the 1200 block of Pecos Street. AFFECTED AREA: Residents on the 1200 block of Pecos Street, 100 block of Custer Street and BTU Block and Concrete may experience low water pressure or outages. ROAD CLOSURE: The intersection of Pecos Street and Custer Street will be closed during the repair. Repairs will continue until completed, and traffic control will be in place for safety. For any questions, please call City of Las Vegas Utilities at 505-454-3832.

The Abe Montoya Recreation Center is now accepting registrations for an Adult Softball League, offering both men’s and women’s divisions. The league will run from April through July 2026 and is open to participants 18 years of age and older. The registration fee is $400.00 per team. Registration is currently ongoing, with a deadline of February 28, 2026. Teams may register in person at the Abe Montoya Recreation Center. Applications are also available online at www.lasvegasnm.gov . For more information, please contact Antonio Salazar at 575-218-4304 or the Abe Montoya Recreation Center at 505-454- 1401.

The City of Las Vegas is excited to share the plans and designs for the new Animal Care Center currently under way. Residents are invited to attend an informative session on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the City Council Chambers, 1700 N. Grand Avenue, Las Vegas, NM, to learn more about the project. At the session, you can: Learn about the potential design and layout of the new facility, including potential options for indoor and outdoor spaces and adoption areas Understand the services and programs the center will offer, from pet adoptions to community education and animal wellness programs Ask questions and provide feedback to City staff This is a great opportunity for residents to get an inside look at the project and be part of shaping a resource that benefits our community and our furry friends. For more information or questions, please contact the Animal Care Center at 505-426-3289.

Once again, the City of Las Vegas is graced with the generous gift of two beautiful Christmas trees for the holiday season—one standing in the former Safeway parking lot on Douglas Avenue and 7th Street, and the other shining proudly in historic Plaza Park. This cherished tradition has become part of the city’s heritage, made possible by local families who offer not only trees, but pieces of their history. This year, both gifts come from families whose roots run deep in the land and life of Las Vegas, NM. The Plaza Park Tree – A Living Legacy from Tony and Cathy Benavidez This year’s Plaza Park Christmas tree was donated by Tony and Cathy Benavidez of Montezuma, NM, just steps away from the old Montezuma Skating Pond—a beloved gathering place filled with childhood memories and community laughter. The Benavidez family is no stranger to generosity; in 2017, they donated the tree that brightened Douglas Avenue. Their giving spirit runs deep. Tony and Cathy, married for 55 years, still live in the same home where Tony grew up. Lifelong residents of Las Vegas and Montezuma, they built a life grounded in service and community. Tony retired from the New Mexico Department of Education, and Cathy from the New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute, where she dedicated her career to caring for others as a nurse. Before working in education, Tony ran the printer at the Las Vegas Optic. Largely self-taught, he produced the newspaper’s first full-color Christmas edition, featuring a cheerful Snoopy with his decorated doghouse. The issue now hangs framed in the Benavidez home—a reminder of Tony’s pride in meaningful work and quiet accomplishments. When Tony later transitioned into a role at the Department of Education, he returned to college for the credits needed to become a financial specialist. To celebrate his new beginning, his young grandchildren gifted him a bright SpongeBob backpack—complete with labels, drawings, and stickers—so he’d feel as excited as they did for school. It remains a treasured symbol of their admiration and encouragement. Community involvement has always been central to the Benavidez family. Tony and Cathy spent many winters skating at the Montezuma pond, and Cathy recently became a National Horseshoe Champion at the Senior Olympics. Tony has also served the community through long-term leadership with the Lower Gallinas Land Grant.   The tree they donated this year carries deep emotional significance. Thirty-five years ago, Tony’s older brother, Bobby Benavidez, brought home a small sapling in a bucket from his tree farm. The family jokingly called it their “Charlie Brown Christmas tree.” Tony planted it in the yard and cared for it faithfully over the decades. What began as a humble little tree grew into a classic evergreen—full, perfectly shaped, and deeply loved. Bobby, lovingly described as “a light bulb in a dark room,” passed away in 2019. The tree he once carried home is one of the last living reminders of him on the property. By donating it, Tony honors his brother’s memory and shares Bobby’s joy and generosity with the entire community—a gift rooted in love, legacy, and remembrance. The Douglas Avenue Tree – A Gift from Gregorio Jr. and Joann Loera The second tree—now standing at Douglas Avenue and 7th Street—comes from the home of Gregorio Jr. and Joann Loera, another family woven into the fabric of Las Vegas. Mr. Loera, born and raised here, served proudly in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. After returning home, he worked for Gambles and later Tempo in Santa Fe before taking over his father’s shoe-repair business when his father fell ill. Gregorio eventually moved Greg’s Shoe Shop to Las Vegas in 1975. For 45 years, the shop served generations of families—first on Bridge Street, then from his home—earning the trust of the community through craftsmanship and care. His daughter, Darlene Ulibarri, fondly remembers childhood moments helping her father shine shoes. At first, it was simple spit-shines at home; later, she and her siblings learned to use the same machines he used for customers. They competed for the chance to help, proud to watch their father head to work each day in his three-piece suit and tie—a reflection of his pride in his craft, his family, and his community. Mrs. Loera, also a Las Vegas native, is remembered warmly for her 29 years in the fabric department at Wal-Mart. A member of the store’s original team, she welcomed customers with the familiarity and kindness that made her a local favorite. Together, the Loeras raised four children, all of whom graduated from New Mexico Highlands University—a testament to the values of dedication, humility, and perseverance they instilled. In recent years, the couple enjoy quiet mornings together, sharing coffee and reflecting on the blessings the community has given them. That sense of gratitude inspired their decision to give back. Rather than wait for “someday,” they chose to donate a magnificent tree they planted 45 years ago from a sapling brought from their uncle’s land in Mora, NM.   The Loera family extended heartfelt thanks to Public Works Director Arnold Lopez and his crew for their expert handling of the tree’s removal and transport. “It was a major orchestrated event,” Darlene said. “They were amazing from beginning to end and followed every safety protocol. We couldn’t be more pleased or thankful.” A Night of Celebration Both the Benavidez and Loera Christmas trees were lit on Friday at 5:00 p.m. during the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Plaza Park. For the Loera family, the evening held extra meaning because it also marked their 65th wedding anniversary, a celebration of a lifetime of partnership, love, and community. The community gathered to honor these generous families and to take part in a tradition that reflects what makes Las Vegas so special. The people, the stories, and the deep-rooted love that grows from generation to generation were all on display as the trees illuminated the night.