Have a complaint about your HOA? You’re not alone

If you think the ongoing federal investigation into local homeowners associations is forcing an ethical enlightenment inside the community governments, guess again - again.

I continue to hear complaints from homeowners in associations across the valley. They're pleading for relief from what they describe as tyrannical and even criminal HOA boards that commonly practice intimidation and vote sleight-of-hand.

What is unclear is whether criminal investigators are taking on new cases while in the middle of their lengthy look into corruption and election fixing inside HOAs and the local construction defect litigation business. Don't bet on it.

Although it's no secret Nevada regulators get overwhelmed by complaints, the State Ombudsman's office was created to assist homeowners with association governments. The ombudsman is at 2501 E. Sahara Ave., Suite 202. The phone number is 486-4480.

DOWNTOWN BLAZES: Fremont Street movie theaters have struggled for decades, but that hasn't stopped the characters at Fifth Street Gaming from practicing the cinema arts. Today they're bringing "Blazing Saddles" to the big screen.

(Hey, if you want one of those snooty foreign films with subtitles, you'll have to go elsewhere.)

The Mel Brooks classic, presented free by Hogs & Heifers, is set for 8 p.m. today on Downtown3rd's outdoor screen at Stewart Avenue and Third Street. An 11 p.m. screening of "Tron" will follow.

REALLY BIG SHOE: In an area taken by storm by Zappos, it was only a matter of time before someone decided to pay homage to the shoe. That someone is Rohit Joshi, who is opening the ShoeZeum at
3 p.m. Aug. 30 at Neonopolis.

The joint will feature the world's largest Nike collection outside LeBron James' closet. Let's just hope the foot odor's not too intense.

Mayor Carolyn Goodman will cut the ribbon for the grand opening. But, frankly, wouldn't untying a gigantic shoelace be more appropriate?

CURIOUS FEDS: Retired federal law enforcement agents, including members of IRS Criminal Investigation, are now regularly being sighted at the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement.

Meanwhile, I'm still soliciting the opinions of local Black Book members who have dropped by the museum to see images of some of their old friends. Gentlemen, I'll even spring for the tickets.

'GOD LIVES': And children interpret the deity in many ways. Local performers will stage the musical, "God Lives in Glass" to benefit Family Promise of Las Vegas and the Nevada Conservatory Theatre. Performances are set for 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Judy Bayley Theatre on the UNLV campus. (For information on the $25 tickets, call 895-2787.)

Entertainers from "Jersey Boys," "Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular," "Love," "Vegas! The Show," "O" and many others are scheduled to appear.

Family Promise helps homeless and low-income families transition into independence. The Nevada Conservatory Theatre is a long-running program that not only entertains audiences but also develops local actors.

WILDCAT SIGHTING: Las Vegas High has a storied history, and its alumni association's annual gatherings continue to generate scholarships for the current generation of graduates.

The Wildcats also throw a heckuva party. This year's celebration is set for 5 p.m. Sept. 15 at The Orleans and is expected to draw more than 800. (Information: LVOWL@aol.com.)

ON THE BOULEVARD: Former Gov. Bob Miller noticed that the torrential rain that fell on President Barack Obama's Wednesday visit to Las Vegas ceased entirely in time for Democratic Party legend Harriet Trudell's 80th birthday celebration at the Springs Preserve. That's what I call real political juice. ... The Nevada GOP was wise to honor Nevada's first congresswoman, 91-year-old Barbara Vucanovich, at a recent dinner in Reno. The tough conservative and friend of President Ronald Reagan served 14 years in the House.

Have an item for the Bard of the Boulevard? Email comments and contributions to Smith@reviewjournal.com or call 702-383-0295. He also blogs at lvrj.com/blogs/smith. Follow him on Twitter @jlnevadasmith.