LAS VEGAS -- It's legal in Pahrump and other rural areas, so why would anyone worry about illegal prostitutes?

Well, it's not legal in Las Vegas and Carson City, and rather than swarm out to the Chicken Ranch or Mabel's or the Shady Lady, many urban clients make their arrangements with girls who are operating strictly outside the law.

Illegal prostitution over the hump in Las Vegas is purportedly a multi-billion-dollar industry.

"This criminal enterprise taints the community, continues to flourish and has managed over the years to elude attempts to reduce, regulate or control it," said Bob Fisher, who has taken the helm as the director of communications of the new Regulated Management LLC.

Fisher will conduct a press conference today at the Sahara Hotel and Casino to discuss the group and its reason for being brought into existence.

On hand alongside Fisher will be Kenneth R. Green, founder of Regulated Management and owner of the Chicken Ranch brothel of Pahrump, Loretta Holt, executive director of the Sin City Chamber of Commerce, and "Alexis," one of the working girls at the Chicken Ranch or, in Fisher's words, "a legal, licensed courtesan."

Fisher said he expects others representing various segments of the Las Vegas community may wish to speak as well.

"The state has a legal form of prostitution in many rural counties which operates successfully, efficiently, and generates fees, tax revenue and provides employment to the local municipalities," Fisher said. "In Clark and Washoe counties, the two most populous, illegal prostitution has flourished, evading regulation and taxes while incurring a financial and image burden that is unacceptable."

The mission of the new group will be to launch a campaign of public awareness and education to address the problem of illegal prostitution and the crime associated with it.

Green and "Alexis" have recently lobbied on behalf of a state Senate bill that would call for imposition of a $5 tax per sex act in brothels. No taxes are paid on activities in the brothels, and legislators have indicated little eagerness to even recognize the businesses, much less consider taxing them.

The group is designed to provide a forum for public discussion and a way to demand that "politicians find solutions to unacceptable situations."

Fisher, in a prepared statement, outlined specific problems created by illegal prostitution that affect every facet of the community in Las Vegas, including crimes of violence, health problems, community image, appearance and morale, and economic and public safety problems.

"Illegal prostitution is a problem most people recognize but don't have a venue to express their concerns," said Fisher.

He said public officials have to a great extent avoided the problem and "violated their oath and responsibility for protecting the public's health, safety and welfare."

Special Catholic Mass

Most Reverend Joseph A. Pepe, Bishop of Las Vegas, will celebrate mass at 10:30 a.m., April 26 at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 781 E. Gamebird Road.

Ten young people will receive sacrament of confirmation.

There will only be one mass.

Call 727-4044 for more information.

RCMS 6th grade orientation

Fifth grade students will attend a 6th grade orientation for the 2009-2010 school year 9-11:30 a.m., through April 24.

Wednesday, J.G. Johnson Elementary; Thursday, Manse Elementary and Friday, Hafen Elementary.

Parents and guardians are welcome to attend but must stop by the front office to sign in no later than 8:50 a.m.

A second parent and student orientation will be sat 6 p.m. April 20 for parents unable to attend the earlier sessions.

Spring fling

Windrock Ranch and Pahrump Western Fellowship will hold church, a barbecue and a day of learning with your horse beginning at 10 a.m. April 26 at Windrock Ranch, 4779 W. Bell Vista Avenue.

There will be music by karaoke host Jimmy D and those attending church will receive a free ticket for a gift drawing.

There is a suggested donation of $5 for the barbecue, kids under 10 years old eat free.

Call Michael Taggart, 702-688-1682 for more information and to reserve space.

The event is limited to 60 persons.