It was the landmark ABC show a few years back.  And it clearly describes landlord lobbyist David Ortega’s quinquennial-like standing for Scottsdale Mayor. There are many reasons Ortega will never be Mayor of Scottsdale. But the latest may be our favorite and take the cake. Despite Ortega’s campaign resembling one Rip Van Winkle might have run, he actually did get … Read More

Many golf courses are closing across the country and Arizona, which can be perplexing for neighborhoods. This means that innovation, adaptability, and creativity can’t just be redevelopment buzzwords these days. They are requirements. Fortunately, these ideals appear to be the approach for creating a new community park and greenbelt at the closed down Club West Golf Course in Ahwatukee. If … Read More

By Recker McDowell — Being homeless in Phoenix is brutal in the summer with the relentless heat. The situation for the homeless and transients is even more dangerous now with COVID-19 and Arizona’s rise in cases. This makes the work of shelters, social services workers, and volunteers even more essential to our communities and our neighbors in need. They are … Read More

By Recker McDowell The arts are one of Scottsdale’s endearing and enduring brands. They help make the city a cool place to visit and hang out. So, when we see a skirmish between the city of Scottsdale and the Dilla Libre restaurant and its cool mural. We are siding with the restaurant and the cool art. The city of Scottsdale … Read More

It can be unusual in a multi-candidate race for one candidate to attack another.  Pox on both of their houses can be the result with other candidates benefitting. So, when Scottsdale City Council candidate Betty Janik “attacked” another, John Little, it was conspicuous.  We do not use “attack” pejoratively. Pointing out a fellow competitor’s record is fair game. But what … Read More

By Recker McDowell — Recent stories in the Arizona Republic by Elizabeth Montgomery outline the challenges faced by art galleries and how they are navigating COVID-19 and its impacts. The stories feature great local galleries, including the Art One Gallery in Scottsdale which showcases emerging artists. Art One has been helping local and young artists showcase their work for 27 … Read More

By Recker McDowell — Lisa Borowksy is running a spirited and upstart campaign for Mayor of Scottsdale. Her campaign signs are certainly noticeable as we head toward the August 4th primary. But we must also point out her campaign using pictures of downtown Phoenix skyline and South Mountain in an advertisement. Scottsdale has plenty of cool images which Borowsky and … Read More

By Recker McDowell — Maricopa County is launching a new $23 million program to help small businesses and nonprofits (including arts groups) impacted by COVID-19. The Small Business Grant Program will start accepting applications for the program on July 9th.  They will be accepted through July 31st. Grants can total up to $10,000. The funding is coming from the $2 … Read More

By Recker McDowell — Today (July 6th) is the deadline to register to vote in the August 4th primary elections. The primary election, of course, is not as much on the radar of voters and advocates focused on the November presidential race between Donald Trump and Joe Biden or the U.S. Senate race between Martha McSally and Mark Kelly. But … Read More

By Recker McDowell — The upcoming school year is still a big question mark with COVID-19 and all its impacts. But there is no question of the needs the pandemic has created with families. Health impacts and lost jobs are stressing plenty of households in Arizona and other states. Plenty of families need help with school supplies, whether kids go … Read More