Death Valley Dark Sky Festival 2024

A Weekend Journey into the Stars

If you're a stargazing enthusiast or simply curious about the wonders beyond our world, Death Valley National Park beckons with its annual spring Dark Sky Festival. Renowned for offering some of the best stargazing experiences in America, Death Valley holds the prestigious Gold Tier Dark Sky Park designation from the International Dark-Sky Association.


This unique event, a collaborative effort between Death Valley National Park, the Death Valley Natural History Association, NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Ames Research Center, SETI Institute, and California Institute of Technology, promises a weekend filled with celestial wonders, insightful presentations, and hands-on activities.


Friday

The festival kicks off on Friday with a series of engaging presentations at the Furnace Creek Auditorium. Learn the art of astrophotography in a "How-to" session with Kayla McCraren from the National Park Service (NPS), followed by a captivating keynote talk by Bethany Ehlman from Caltech on the upcoming Lunar Trailblazer mission.


As the night descends, head to the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes for an Astrophotography Meet-up, guided by Kayla McCraren. Capture the brilliance of the stars in one of the darkest locations in the country with assistance from astrophotography volunteers and rangers. Alternatively, join the Furnace Creek Star Party at the Furnace Creek Airport for telescope exploration of the night sky and ranger-guided constellation tours.


End the evening at the Badwater Saloon with Caltech's Astronomy on Tap event. Enjoy space-themed pub trivia and insightful talks by Caltech scientists on cosmic mysteries.


Saturday

Saturday begins with more presentations at the Furnace Creek Auditorium. Dominic Benford from the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope unfolds NASA's next flagship observatory's mission, followed by talks on the future of space exploration by Cameron Hummels (Caltech) and Doug Ellison (JPL) on photographing Mars.


As the day progresses, embark on fascinating journeys around the park. Explore Mars-like landscapes at Ubehebe Crater, delve into the microbial world of Badwater Basin, and uncover the secrets of dunes on Earth, Mars, and Titan.


The evening brings more celestial delights with the Furnace Creek Star Party and Caltech's Astronomy on Tap at the Wildrose Tavern. Capture the stars in a dedicated Astrophotography Meet-up at Harmony Borax Works.


Sunday

On the final day, indulge in talks about astrobiology, a Q&A session with astrophysicists from Caltech, and insights into the next total solar eclipse with Andrea Jones from Goddard.


Take part in engaging activities like building a Mars Lander with NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and explore the Exploration Fair at Furnace Creek Visitor Center Courtyard.


The weekend concludes with an evening walk at Zabriskie Point, where Leslie Heid from JPL's Deep Space Network discusses the infinite rainbow that fills our cosmos.


Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the mysteries of the universe at Death Valley's Dark Sky Festival. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer, a curious explorer, or a family looking for educational fun, this weekend promises an unforgettable cosmic experience. Secure your free tickets for keynote talks and get ready to gaze into the vastness of the night sky in one of America's darkest corners.

Why Las Vegas HOA Fees May Be More Affordable Than You Think

September 15, 2025
What Do HOAs Do and Why They Matter Homeowners associations (HOAs) manage common areas, enforce neighborhood rules, and provide amenities like pools, clubhouses, and security. While they require monthly fees, benefits often include better-maintained neighborhoods, enhanced amenities, and stronger property values. In Las Vegas, HOA coverage is common and rising. According to Realtor.com® - by early 2025, 77.1% of listings had HOA fees , with a median of $118 , making Las Vegas one of the cities with the highest prevalence of HOA-managed homes—but still relatively affordable compared to places like Edwards, CO ($525) or North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL ($310). This places Las Vegas seventh nationally for the prevalence of HOA-controlled listings. While the city has a high rate of HOA-managed properties, the $118 median monthly fee is comparatively low. HOA fees vary based on: Location & Amenities Home Type: Condos typically cost more than single-family homes. Rising Costs: Inflation and underfunded reserves can lead to sudden increases. Bottom Line: Understanding HOA fees in Las Vegas helps homebuyers budget effectively and avoid surprises. Despite the high prevalence of HOA-managed properties, Las Vegas remains more affordable than many other metro areas!  Source: Realtor.com, Homeowners Associations 2024

Las Vegas Ranked #9 for Diverse Food Scenes in the U.S.

September 8, 2025
When people think of food diversity in America, their minds usually go straight to New York City. But according to a recent study highlighted by the esteemed culinary school, Escoffier, the Big Apple doesn’t take the top spot. Instead, San Francisco claimed first place — praised for its bustling variety of cuisines and holding the title for the highest density of restaurants per capita among major U.S. cities. What’s even more exciting for us locals? Las Vegas earned the #9 spot on the list of the most diverse food cities in the country. Why Vegas Stands Out Las Vegas may be known worldwide for its neon lights and entertainment, but the dining scene is what keeps both tourists and residents hungry for more. From celebrity chef–driven restaurants on the Strip to hidden neighborhood gems serving authentic global flavors, Vegas has transformed into a true culinary destination. While seven of the top 10 cities named in the study were coastal (a trend Escoffier notes is tied to cultural diversity and a robust restaurant scene), Las Vegas proves that you don’t have to sit on the coast to experience world-class variety. Our city thrives on international influence — with dining options that range from Korean barbecue and Italian trattorias to Thai street food, upscale steakhouses, and plant-based fine dining. A Foodie Destination on the Rise Being ranked in the top 10 isn’t just a nod to the Strip’s luxury restaurants, but also to the everyday spots that locals love. With new eateries opening regularly, the Vegas dining scene continues to evolve and surprise. So, whether you’re a longtime resident or just visiting, Las Vegas offers something for every craving — proving once again that this city is more than just an entertainment capital. It’s a place where cultures, flavors, and creativity come together to make the dining experience as dynamic as the city itself.

The Power of Gratitude in Building Strong Business Relationships

September 3, 2025
In business, one truth always stands out: no one succeeds alone. Whether you’re running a small business or managing a large organization, your success is built on the connections you make. And one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to strengthen those relationships is through gratitude. At McKenna Property Management, we’ve made gratitude a core part of our culture from the very beginning. Our owner and broker, Jenni McKenna, personally hand-delivers gifts to some of our VIP agents every single month . While it may sound like a small gesture, it makes a big difference. These thoughtful touches show our VIP Agents how much we value their trust in us, collaboration, and hard work. But it’s not just about the gifts. Gratitude comes in many forms—thank-you cards, handwritten notes, or even a quick phone call to say “we appreciate you.” What matters most is the consistency and authenticity behind the gesture. Over the years, these small acts of appreciation have helped us build trust, loyalty, and long-lasting relationships that go beyond a simple business transaction. By showing genuine appreciation, we’ve created strong bonds with clients and agents alike, and those connections have allowed McKenna Property Management to grow into what it is today. If you’re a business owner or professional, here’s our tip: make gratitude part of your business strategy. It doesn’t have to be extravagant—even the simplest “thank you” can strengthen relationships and open the door to new opportunities. At the end of the day, business isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people. And people remember how you make them feel. 💙