Proposition 208, the significant tax increase narrowly approved by voters in 2020, is now on the ropes due to a recent decision by the Arizona Supreme Court. In a 6-1 vote, the court declared that if the funds raised by the new tax exceed the amount to be spent on education in a given year as per constitutional dictate, the … Read More
Big Win for Scottsdale: Pac-12 Baseball Tournament Coming to Town
In a significant win for Scottsdale, the Pac-12 collegiate conference announced that it would form a baseball tournament to decide the conference winner, and it will host this new tournament in Scottsdale. The first tournament will take place in May 2022, featuring the top 8 teams of the conference at Scottsdale Stadium, spring training home of the San Francisco Giants. … Read More
Guest Editorial: Let’s make downtown Scottsdale great again!
By James Derouin Mayor Ortega wraps himself in virtue when speaking about Scottsdale’s downtown. His motives, interests and alliances, however, need to be understood. Read more here –> https://www.yourvalley.net/stories/derouin-lets-make-downtown-scottsdale-great-again,254664
The Genius of Van Gogh Coming to Scottsdale
A frequent knock on the Valley is that its cultural scene is much like its climate: a desert. In another example of how this dated cliche is showing its age once again, Scottsdalians will be privy to a rare treat starting August 26th: a fully immersive exhibit of post-impressionist legend Vincent Van Gogh. This exhibit will attempt to draw you … Read More
COVID in Scottsdale: SUSD Implements Mask Mandate
Last week we spoke about a Covid crisis underway at Scottsdale Unified; the district governing board got the message and took quick and decisive action last week and implemented a mask mandate last week. The decisive 4-1 vote sets up another potential showdown with Governor Ducey; last week he announced that he would withhold federal funds from schools that implemented … Read More
Phoenix’s Foul Ball: Hurting Camelback Mountain, Hikers & Undeserving Neighbors
The Arizona Diamondbacks have not treated their fans to much of a season this year. But neither has the team’s host city as it relates to its custodianship of Camelback Mountain, devoted hikers and an unsuspecting neighborhood. It’s a combination of circumstances that’s just wrong, but also helpful for explaining why environmentalism and neighborhood activism can get so passionate. The … Read More
Guest Editorial: First 6 Months of Mayor Ortega – How Do They Rate?
By Ronald Sampson Following last year’s surprise victory for current Scottsdale Mayor Dave Ortega, there were plenty of legitimate questions as to the future of Scottsdale. Since he hadn’t been a member of city council in 16 years, there wasn’t much evidence tipping us off as to the direction he would take the city other than campaign promises. So how … Read More
More Questions Than Answers at the County Attorney’s Office
Last week we spoke about the DOJ investigating the Phoenix Police Department regarding potential malfeasance in the office, which resulted in a one-day suspension of Police Chief Jeri Williams. However one office that had a very significant role in many of the actions being investigated yet has mostly flown under the radar is Allister Adel and the Maricopa County Attorney’s … Read More
Guest Editorial: Is Matt Salmon Arizona’s Own Jeb Bush?
By Ronald Sampson “Please clap.” Rarely in modern history have a career’s worth of hopes and dreams been dashed by two syllables. In fact, only one other example comes to mind, in the form of Howard Dean’s “HEEEEE-AHHHHH” screech after getting destroyed in a Presidential primary in ‘04. Two syllables made Jeb Bush a sad meme, a man with all … Read More
Guest Editorial: Could Katie Hobbs Actually Become Governor?
By Alexander Lomax The 9th Floor has become a cozy, safe space for Republicans ever since the Janet Napolitano days. Before that, Democrats often had to be rather centrist and pragmatic in order to win the office. So does Katie Hobbs, former Senate Minority Leader from the progressive stronghold of central Phoenix, actually have a chance to win? In order … Read More