“Recent events require a re-committed effort on my part to ensure the near-term survival and long-term health of the hospitality industry,” McDowell said on Feb. 19.
Obviously, the kiosks in Balboa Park with names of philanthropists starting with Richard C. and Rita Atkinson aren’t meant to be associated in the public mind with perpetuating the legacy of the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition — access to open space, gardens, celebration of our heritage, naval history, a reduced entry fee to the zoo for children in 2015 (as stressed in Ellen Browning Scripps’ behests) — or an enhanced Pacific Rim emporium generally.
It’s all about hoteliers wanting a 39-year tax regime who will sue a populist mayor to get it!
Whatever tourist industry groups there are in San Diego, they haven’t done a good job over the past five years. For the uninitiated, an important sports convention (one which could develop into the next Comic-Con) was held for three years in San Diego — followed by the last four years in Las Vegas.
George Maloof, chairman of Las Vegas Events, said he was pleased to greet those attending the USA Sevens Rugby Tournament and Fan Festival, held Feb. 8 to Feb. 10.
“The best players from around the world, representing 16 nations, will vie for the cup at UNLV Stadium,” Maloof said.
Now, about those jobs lost to Las Vegas when the USA Sevens Rugby Tournament and Fan Festival relocated.
“Here in America, rugby continues to gain popularity. Our rookie rugby programs have provided an entry point to the game for millions of youngsters ages 6 to 12 years as they take part in both in-school and after-school programs. Internationally, our top players are now moving to the full-time residency program at the Olympic Training Center just south of San Diego,” USA Rugby CEO Nigel Melville said.
“We are excited to have provided 10 hours of live courage … special thanks to our sponsors and our partner hotels,” President of Programming, NBC and NBC Sports Network Jon Miller said.
Carolyn G. Goodman, Mayor of Las Vegas, in her welcome found on page one of the USA Sevens Rugby Tournament and Fan Festival Official Program waxed poetic not only about the city’s entertainment venues, but about the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and the Charlie Parker, a new luxury boutique business hotel. Messrs. McDowell, Brown and Evans could move to Vegas and sue her.
— Richard Thompson
Alumnus ’83
