By Scottsdale Pinetop — Rideshare companies, such as Lyft and Uber, have exploded in popularity over the past several years. In fact, they’re a dime a dozen in big cities like Scottsdale or Phoenix, especially on the Friday or Saturday night. But in many rural small towns, rideshare services are almost nonexistent, leaving some residents without modes of transportation. So, … Read More
Community Spirit: On The Frontlines of COVID-19
By Recker McDowell — Natalie Lewis has seen immediate and great community needs rise out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lewis, who is assistant city manager for the city of Mesa, said her East Valley city had to move fast to address needs of residents in need of food, small businesses needing help with rent and vulnerable residents including seniors and … Read More
Miller & Norton: 5,000 Signatures Call for Guy Phillips to Resign
By Josh Miller and Mike Norton — In just 24 hours, over 4,500 people have signed two Petitions calling for Scottsdale City Council Member Guy Phillips removal from office. News of Phillips “I Can’t Breathe” moment has swept throughout the U.S. making headlines on nationwide morning news shows and dozens of national newspapers. In a joint statement, the two Petition … Read More
Guest Editorial: Calling Out ‘I Can’t Breathe’ Comments at COVID Mask Rally
By Recker McDowell — There were plenty of questions regarding Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane’s and the city’s response to the looting and property destruction at Scottsdale Fashion Square. But Lane was spot on today with his quick response to Scottsdale City Councilman Guy Phillips’ use of the phrase ‘I Can’t Breathe’ during today’s rally against COVID-19 mask mandates. ‘I Can’t … Read More
Guest Editorial: Opportunity, Action and What to Tune Out
By Recker McDowell — The country and our communities are filled with unrest, and uncertainty. COVID-19, the economy and jobs, race and policing are all sowing worry and divisions. But through all the economic and social angst and anarchy in some cities, there are great opportunities. We have a chance to build communities focused on inclusion and growth. We have … Read More
Community Spirit: Twin Sisters Create Art To Inspire Change
Squirrel’s Stories — These days 15-year-old Sierra and Sophia Smith share more than just a bond of being twin sisters. The Hamilton High School sophomores now share a piece of art called Hands of Freedom. Art, they hope inspires change. “Hands of Freedom originally started off with my sister just putting a bunch of hands on a canvas. A painting … Read More
Inspirational Story of the Day
By Recker McDowell — We need positive and uplifting stories these days. One of those is from Boston where Danielle Geathers has been elected student body president at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Geathers, who is from Miami, is the first African American woman to be elected student body president in MIT’s 159-year history. She is majoring in mechanical … Read More
Guest Editorial: RIP Metrocenter
By Recker McDowell — Metrocenter Mall is closing. The north Phoenix mall opened in 1973, once included an ice rink and was one of the film locations for Keanu Reeves’ Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure. Metrocenter will close later this month. It joins Fiesta Mall in Mesa on the list of zombie malls. There are and have been redevelopment plans … Read More
Community Heroes: Partners for Paiute Navigates COVID-19, Neighborhood Needs
By Recker McDowell — For Lynn Whitman and others involved with the Partners for Paiute community and nonprofit group in Scottsdale, COVID-19 and all its impacts have hit fundraising and prompted some quick pivots. “We canceled our annual fundraiser which basically is our most significant fundraiser,“ said Whitman, who is president of the Partners for Paiute board of directors. Partners … Read More
Disqualifying David Ortega For Mayor
The Scottsdale Charlatan Led The Opposition To The McDowell Sonoran Preserve In 2004. There aren’t many things nearly everyone in Scottsdale can agree on. Good weather. The Indian Bend Wash. And the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. The Preserve came about because of a courageous vision in the 1990s to increase the city sales tax to set aside the city’s most beautiful … Read More