Remembering Polly Gonzalez today.   It has been 2 years since her death.  She was an anchor her at Channel 8 for years.

Polly was killed when her SUV went off the road and flipped on the road to Death Valley.  She was with her two daughters, but they were not badly hurt.  They are doing great.

I didn’t know Polly very long.  But, she instantly became my friend.  She was a co-worker and a friend.  She always made me feel welcome when I started at Channel 8.  I started as a Helicopter Reporter after years of Reporting and Anchoring in other markets.  The Helicopter reporting was a challenge for me at first… but Polly always encouraged me and supported me through the learning process.  One day she told me I was doing great…. I said, "I don’t know, I still feel like I’m not up to par yet and I am getting frustrated."  Polly whipped her head back, and looked at me, she said, "you are doing great, being in that helicopter is very challenging and it takes a while to get used to, hang in there, and don’t give up." 

Every day Polly checked in with me.  She stopped at my desk in the afternoon.  After working together for a short time… we starting doing more and more stuff together.  She was always inviting.  I was always amazed how much she got done in ONE day!  I think of that every day… and it inspires me! 

Polly and I once had a converstation about car accidents.  I was talking to her about how emotional it was sometimes to fly over accidents in the helicopter and see people hurt or even dead.  She said, "I know, it can happen to anyone, it could happen to me or you."  Unfortunately, a few weeks later it did happen to her.  And I still cannot believe it. 

I don’t want to go on and on.  I just want Polly and the community to know I remember her everyday and I think of her today.  Believe it or not… she is the reason I try to make the MOST of every day.  She is the reason I don’t try to rush the weeks along. 

We all miss you Polly!  You truly were…. one of a kind. 

Posted by Dayna Roselli

I have just returned from a 5 day vacation to Maui, Hawaii.  It was great.  I went for a combination of a few things…. a friend’s wedding, the beach, relaxation, and to see the island that I’ve heard so much about.

I have attached some pictures that my husband and I took.

A few things really struck me while I was there. 

The beauty of the island, of course.  The lush greens and flowers…. the cliffs, mountains, and ocean sparkling in the sun… and the "under development" which gives you a chance to really enjoy nature’s beauty.

The humidity.  I realized I do not miss it… and I love the dry heat.  The bugs.  I realized I do not like them and that I in fact "hate them" and "fear them!"  I also do appreciate the lack of bugs I encounter here in Las Vegas.

Then the big one……. the TRAFFIC.  Ahhhhh…. the drivers are so nice in Maui!  Everyone is definitley going at a slower pace.  The drivers stop at the cross walks, even if someone is just beginning to walk into one.  They also wave people through.  Yup, if you want to pull out from a store, no big deal…. someone will wave you through!  I know it’s hard to believe.  In Las Vegas, we are so caught up on rush rush rush… that some of us get pretty nasty when it comes to driving.   Maui is a whole new world when it comes to driving.   The speed limit was 20 mph on this road that lined the beach in Kihei… we drove it often to go to the beach or get something to eat… and YES, people actually drove 20 MPH and followed the signs.  It truly was a change of "pace."

Posted by Dayna Roselli

What should we do if an ambulance or any emergency vehicle comes near us on the road with lights and sirens turned on?

I’m pretty sure we all know the basics.   But here’s a better explanation.  We interviewed Sgt. Steve Wholey on Wednesday morning about this issue.  He’s a traffic Sargeant with Metro Police.  He says we should SLOW DOWN and PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD.  Then, when it passes…. make sure you are clear to pull out and start driving again.   Yes, it can be frustrating… sometimes there are many lanes of traffic and there’s nowhere to go.  But, if everyone pulls over slightly, to at least make one lane free… then it should work out. 

Also… the burning question.  WHAT IF YOU ARE TRAVELLING EASTBOUND… AND AN EMERGENCY VEHICLE IS DRIVING WESTBOUND WITH LIGHTS AND SIRENS?  Do we PULL over?  Do we HAVE to?  Sgt. Wholey says YES.  But only if there is not a wide median between the lanes.  If there is a concrete median dividing the highway, you can keep driving (probably just slow down a little) … but if the road does not have a wide median divider, YOU MUST SLOW DOWN and PULL OVER TOO!

A local EMT wrote in after the segment, and I told him I would share his comments on my blog. 

Something to keep in mind:

I currently work for a 911 ambulance. When I drive lights and sires I’m always aware of other diver’s and how they might react to me. Mostly because alot of people that try and race us, just not pull over at all until they hit a red light or will pull to the left and block the only empy lane for us to pass. Another one of my favorites are those that will pass us on the street. So the next time you see a emergency vehicle pull over to the right. For all you know they may be going to your or your familys house. After all it only takes 4 to 6 minutes with no oxeygen before someone becomes brain dead.

If you have questions about specific rules of the road…. or laws…. you can email me at traffic8@klastv.com – we interview Sgt. Wholey every Wednesday morning and ask your questions.

Posted by Dayna Roselli