About two-and-a-half years ago I had a conversation—well, more than one conversation, really, more like a series of streaming e-mail and lunchtime discussions—with then-Editor Scott Dickensheets about the content he was planning for Las Vegas Weekly. As I understood it, Dickensheets had a dogged desire to bring his magazine sensibility to the pages of the Weekly; to focus on being a smart, fun read and to provide well-told features as well as the occasional bit of fiction and plenty of interesting marginalia.
In the course of the two years since then, and as a result of that vision, the Weekly has grown in both content and circulation. Unquestionably, the publication has benefited greatly from Dickensheets' work. But his success in the role of editor didn't clip his desire to write, so I wasn't tremendously surprised when he announced his decision to move on to full-time writing last month. While the Weekly will benefit from his writing—Dickensheets will have a column (starting in May) as well as write short items and features—it left us editor-less.
I could imagine no better time and place to take on such responsibilities for a stint. The Weekly staff is talented and hardworking; the publication offers a distinct take on a city I've grown to love; and there's a great opportunity for more bright, thoughtful and fun work.
This week's edition carries on with a delicious mix of very Vegas stories. Richard Abowitz writes a remarkable tale from behind the scenes as Robin Leach tries to launch a Vegas-based TV network. T.R. Witcher takes a look at a small, but explosive, dispute in the often off-kilter wedding chapel industry. Damon Hodge examines the day-labor controversy and David McKee makes property taxes amazingly digestible. Dickensheets talks to New York Times journalist Judith Miller about growing up here and Martin Stein checks in with the mother of all Pussycat Dolls before the opening of their act. Josh Bell, Steve Bornfeld, Greg Blake Miller and others fill out a full slate of arts and entertainment coverage.
And as always, Art Director Benjamen Purvis and Designer Wesley Gatbonton knit the whole package together with a superb visual style that gives the Weekly its distinctive mark in the industry.
So enjoy. Thanks for reading. We're happy that you do.
Stacy J. Willis can be reached at
[email protected]